The perfect addition to my skincare arsenal.
Last month, I came to the conclusion that my skincare routine was too expensive to maintain. Like many other millennials, I had become caught up in the hype of the #shelfie. Stocked full of products from the cult, Instagram-worthy brands we all know and love, I had a skincare collection that was ready to rival any beauty influencer.
But then, as I was reading this month's Irish Tatler *cough* on shelf now *cough*, I came across a feature in which influencers, successful businesswomen and celebrity makeup artists totalled up the cost of their makeup bag. This inspired me to do the same, except with my skincare. I was shocked to discover that my routine came to over €250 – and that was just facial skincare. While some might see that and say, "Pfft, that's nothing!", it'll give others, including myself, heart palpations.
I thought that it was just the price I had to pay for great skin. But then the day I had always feared came: my beloved Hyaluronic Acid (more on that in a second) had run out and I was weeks away from payday. Sure, I could have just skipped this skincare step. Sure, I could have just used many of the other products in my skincare arsenal (which actually contain hyaluronic acid). But miraculously, I was sent a package from Catrice that amongst an eyeliner to die for, a CBD infused lip balm was a Hydro Plumping Serum. Crisis averted.
You've probably heard about hyaluronic acid, a.k.a. the syllable-heavy ingredient taking over skincare aisles everywhere. The molecule holds 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a crucial ingredient in maintaining skin's moisture barrier. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our skin, but unsurprisingly, it depletes with age—and that's where a Hyaluronic Acid serum comes in. In addition to keeping skin hydrated, it also plumps fine lines and wrinkles. So you can see why it is one step in my skincare routine I refuse to skip.
Right, back to the Hyrdo Plumping Serum from Catrice. First things first, packaging. It's pretty basic which is perfect for anyone whose #shelfie aesthetic is minimalist. What caught my attention the most was the dropper which is a rarity in most budget-friendly serums. It makes it extremely easy to portion out the serum which not only ensures not to overpower your face but the even distribution means the product will last longer.
However, the first thing I loved about the product was the texture. Initially, it glides on like an oil, but it dries smooth like a gel so it doesn’t leave any residue or tackiness on top of my face. I only need two drops for my entire face (which is a big one btw), and anything more would be too goopy. The product soaks into the skin quickly, so it’s perfect for applying after toner and before moisturiser. After using it for a week, the texture of my skin was definitely more noticeably plump, moisturised and baby-soft. I felt like it really made my skin healthier because even when I used it intermittently (read: nights I fell asleep on the couch watching Netflix), the hydrating effect still lasts. What's more, it's less than seven euro.
HYDRO PLUMPING SERUM, €6.80, CATRICE
The main ingredients of the Hydro-Plumping Serum are 1.5 per cent hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes the skin and plumps it visibly, as well as panthenol, which has a calming effect - ideal if your skin is feeling in any way aggravated. The bottle says to use it both in the morning and night, but if you have oily to combination skin, I'd recommend using it only once a day. My only complaint was that despite the hydration and the glow that comes with it, the dropper became slightly clogged after a couple of uses.
Will it replace my usual hyaluronic acid of choice? (which is ten times the price, BTW.)
I think so. Of course, I'll always be swayed by the boujée-r products, I'm only human but as I said at the start of this article, I've made the conscious decision to make my skincare routine affordable without compromising on quality and the Hydra Plumping Serum does just that. Hydrating, plumping and leaves the skin with a supermodel worthy glow for the mere price of €6.80. How could you say no?
The Hydro-Plumping Serum is available to buy in Penneys and pharmacies nationwide.
Main image by @imaanhammam
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