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Thursday, December 11, 2008

Guerlain Super Aqua Serum (and a word or two about Orchidee Imperiale)


My quest for better skin and a perfect serum continues, and sadly, it doesn't look like Guerlain is the answer.

I managed to hoard enough samples of Guerlain's Super Aqua Serum for nearly eight weeks worth of daily use (that's how long it takes to see results with most serums). The stuff in the little blue tubes didn't look or feel very serum-like. It might be all in my head, but I like a thick, siliconey consistency, while Super Aqua was actually a thin lotion that was more difficult to trust. It felt fine and absorbed quickly, didn't seem to clash with my moisturizer and never irritated my skin.

It just didn't seem to make any difference, and I had the feeling my face which was used to more active products wasn't getting the best treatment possible. Vitamin C products seem to work better for me. Or maybe I just haven't found The One.

Speaking of which, long time readers might remember my devotion to Secret de Vie moisturizing cream from Lancome. It's still my number one product, but I've strayed a little and tested Guerlain's pride, Orchidee Imperiale. I only had one sample tube, not enough for serious testing and a full review, but I liked it quite a bit. It felt very similar to SdV in richness and in the general happy effect the cream gave my skin. It was fast to absorb, nourished the parts that needed it, calmed where required and adjusted to the changing weather. Just like Secret de Vie. The difference? While SdV costs $240 for 1 oz, Orchidee Imperiale is $400. At this price I expect to wake up and discover I have the face of Elizabeth Taylor at age 20, eye color included.

Guerlain Super Aqua Serum, $156, (and the entire range) can be found at every decent department store, from Bloomie's and up. My stash o'samples came as GWP from several local Guerlain counters.

Image: Golden Drop by Roberto Carnevali. www.photo.net

6 comments:

  1. I hear that is one of Madonna's favorite. It has definitely gotten my interest!

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  2. I've been using NARS EFA lately with good results. The stuff is superrich and heavy but surprisingly not that oily. I've only been using it for moisture, but it's marketed as anti-aging. You might have some luck with the serum.

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  3. Grayburn, it's indeed worth the trouble of getting a sample and trying.

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  4. Dain, thanks for reminding me about Nars skin care. I'll have to try it sooner or later (currently testing some Shiseido).

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  5. I have a sample of this that I'll have to try tonight. I hope I hate it, though!

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  6. I didn't find the Guerlain stuff to be miraculous either. I'll stick with Lancome Absolue.

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