IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ELIZABETH ARDEN
Read on for the real retinol review …
The word is out: we’re hearing great things about the Elizabeth Arden next-generation retinol skincare. Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum (from €56) is designed to visibly reduce wrinkles, dark spots and the appearance of pores, and improve skin’s firmness, clarity, texture and tone with ingredients such as ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid. Each capsule contains a precise single dose of retinol + HPR (which is ten times more potent than pure retinol), in an airtight capsule. Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Water Cream (€95) is a light-asair moisturiser in an air-less pump packed with anti-ageing ingredients. This powerhouse duo is suitable for even sensitive skin types, and gentle enough to use both day and night.
The clinical tests are impressive. And to see the results for ourselves, we asked members of THE GLOSS independent beauty reader panel to try out the Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum and Water Cream for one month, and report back. Here’s how they got on:
SARAH, 47: “Before starting my skin was a bit dull and uneven in skin tone, and super-sensitive. I have never used retinol before so I was a bit apprehensive that it might feel stingy or leaving my skin parched, but this was definitely not the case. The serum was extremely hydrating and I felt a slight tingle on application but it settled after a few uses. The serum works well with the water cream and my skin felt super-hydrated going to bed. Waking up in the morning my skin was plump and glowing. I noticed spot marks and small patches of pigmentation becoming less noticeable after week three. The glow and effect on my skin tone was unexpected. Both the serum and the water cream are lovely to apply to clean skin and my skin felt really hydrated and supple after application. After ten days, I noticed I had more glow and radiance in my skin. After three weeks, my pigmentation and acne marks were less visible; I felt that the lines on my forehead were less prominent, too. I have been terrified of retinols and put off trying them for years, but the Elizabeth Arden serum and moisturiser were so easy to use with no irritation, with fantastic results after four weeks. Have already ordered more product and can’t wait to see the results after sustained use.”
“My skin feels silky soft and looks plumper, with the fine lines around my eyes softened, in particular, and less noticeable.”
CLARE, 48: “I have been considering adding a retinol to my skincare routine for ages, but with so many options I wasn’t quite sure where to start! I started using the capsules and cream every other day, building up to daily usage as per the instructions on the informative Elizabeth Arden website, which also has techniques for application. I am delighted to say I have noticed a subtle but marked difference in the texture and overall appearance of my skin. My skin feels silky soft and looks plumper, with the fine lines around my eyes softened, in particular, and less noticeable. When I look in the mirror now it reminds me of when a soft filter is applied to a picture. I haven’t changed in a dramatic way, but in a soft subtle way that I certainly notice and am really pleased with. These products look and feel like luxury; I loved the texture of both the serum and the cream. My skin felt instantly nourished and looked healthier, especially after a couple of weeks using them.”
NEED TO KNOW Since they launched, both the Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Serum and the Retinol + HPR Water Cream have won more than 15 beauty awards from international editors. The Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR range is available now in store at Arnotts, and at www.arnotts.ie and www.brownthomas.com.
