The Best Face Serums for Men
Reviews by Thom Watson, qualified beauty therapist, testing men’s grooming since 2011. About Thom
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![SVR Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash Review](https://i0.wp.com/manface.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SVR-Ampoule-Flash-Sebiaclear-15-Azelaic-Acid-Niacinamide-and-Zinc.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSerumsSVRSVR Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash Review
I have bought this four times since February. That is the review, and everything below is really just me explaining why. SVR’s Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash is a £37 serum built around 15% azelaic acid, it smells faintly of something covering something else, and the dropper is the worst part of it. But it has…
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The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum: Calpol Pink Skincare
Embarking on a skincare journey after a year of medication that left my skin on the brink of constant irritation and sensitivity, I’ve become particularly discerning about the products I introduce to my routine. Enter The Ordinary’s Soothing & Barrier Support Serum, a concoction that caught my eye not just for its astonishingly vibrant pink…
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Dark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSerumsSVRSVR Ampoule Hydra B3 Serum Review
In the vast world of skincare, stumbling upon a product that genuinely works is always a win. That’s exactly what happened with the SVR Ampoule Hydra B3 Serum for me. I found it through Renude.co and have been using it for over two years now. It’s turned out to be a solid, reliable part of…
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Sesderma Azelac Moisturising Gel: Acne & Redness Treatment
Thanks to a fortuitous skincare consultation at Renude.co, about 2 years ago I was introduced to Sesderma’s Azelac Moisturising Gel – a gem of a skincare product. I’ve always had a bit of a red flush to my skin so I look for things to calm and repair, give moisture, but not layer it full…
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Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Colour Correcting Review: Does It Work?
Yes, the green-to-beige trick genuinely works. Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Colour Correcting Treatment goes on as a startling mint green, then blends within seconds to a soft beige that neutralises redness rather than just hiding it. It is one of the few colour-changing products that actually shade-matches instead of turning muddy or orange. The honest framing up…
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Surprising Formulation with Glamglow Youthpotion Rejuvenating Peptide Serum
I love Glamglow and make no bones about it and I’ve seen the Glamglow Youthpotion floating around for some time. But being a Glamglow mask purist, I was hesitant to try out this relatively new ancillary. At the time of writing this is half price from Look Fantastic, at £24 down from £48 so I’d…
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Natural Spot-Fighting with Immunocologie Vital Clay Spot Treatment
The Immunocologie Vital Clay Spot Treatment is a much more natural approach to blemish busting. A spot-on clay treatment with two different types of mineral rich clay, infused with salicylic acid. If you want to know more about why spots happen and how you can take care of acne-prone skin, read the acne, spots and…
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Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Serum: An Honest Review
Smart Clinical Repair is Clinique’s flagship anti-ageing serum and the replacement for the old Repairwear Laser Focus. Clinique call it their most advanced serum, and build it around three things: a peptide complex, a gentle retinoid, and hyaluronic acid. I’ve been using it on and off since launch. It’s good. It’s also a lesson in…
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Acne, spots & blemishesAveneFace ScrubsFace WashesMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSerumsAvène Cleanance Expert Skincare
A few years ago I attended an event with the french Pharmacy brand Avene for the launch of their Avene Cleanance Expert, a new hydrating acne treatment (similar in packaging and brand messaging to La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Plus). I’m always highly sceptical when it comes to acne treatments that are on the lower…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinEye CreamsNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPerricone MDPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsPerricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Serum and Eye Gel
When you’re working with so many products, it’s not often you get repeats. I had until now only two exceptions: Zelens Detox Cleanser (I swear by this) and Clinique All About Eyes Rich. However, before writing this review for Perricone MD Elemental Energy; I am already on my second and third bottle of each. I…
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REN Perfect Canvas Skin Enhancing Priming Serum
This is the new serum from Ren that gives all the treatment benefits of a lightweight serum, but the silicone-free benefits of a primer. I think this is a great one for guys as even if you get your skincare regime spot-on, by the middle of the day, we can all still get a bit…
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Argentum Apothecary Silver Infused Skincare
I’ve used and reviewed the Argentum skin cream before back in 2013 when the brand first launched with only the skin cream. The brand relies on two essential skincare componants: the first being Silver Hydrosol and then DNA HP Marine Extract. Argentum products feature almost 100% natural ingredients and are perfect for problem skin. I’ve…
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Dr Sebagh Hyaluronic Acid Repair Serum
A new brand on MANFACE with Dr Sebagh and not pronounced Sea-Bag in my flat-vowelled, Northern twang. I’m trying out the Dr Sebagh Hyaluronic Acid Repair Serum. This is definitely a more professionally formulated hyaluronic acid-based serum when compared to the likes of Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster etc. This serum is something I currently need as I’ve been…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinMALIN + GOETZNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsMalin+Goetz Recovery Treatment Oil
After looking at the Clarins Boosters yesterday, I wanted to cover this as a much better alternative to the Clarins Repair Booster. This contains, among others, 9 natural oils to help repair, protect and strengthen the moisture barrier. I love Malin+Goetz skincare anyway; I use the Vitamin E moisturiser most days, so for me this…
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Clarins Boosters Repair & Detox Finally Reviewed
The Clarins Boosters have remained un-reviewed and sat in my review pile forever and for no good reason. I’ve had some sort of mental block on them. I do also have the third Clarins Booster Energy, but I don’t feel it’s anything new; look at both Clinique Fresh Pressed (actually really similar packaging now I think…
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Acne, spots & blemishesCliniqueDark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinEye Bags & Dark CirclesNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSerumsThe Body ShopSeeing Double: Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster vs. The Body Shop Vitamin C 10 Day Glow Boosting Concentrate
As I mentioned in my previous article, the Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster is not a new innovation on the market. The Body Shop first release their version almost 10 years ago in the form of the Vitamin C 10 Day Glow Boosting Concentrate (formerly Vitamin C Facial Radiance Powder). The two product concepts are entirely…
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Bobbi Brown Skincare Remedies
Arriving on my door step a couple of weeks ago, these are the two latest additions to the excellent Bobbi Brown skincare collection – No. 93 Skin Fortifier and No.75 Skin Clarifier . The entire collection has 6 products in total also including No.91 Skin Reviver; No.86 Skin Moisture Solution; No.80 Calming Algae Complex and No.75…
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Avène TriAcnéal Expert Night Treatment Review
Over the last year, I’ve really fallen for Avene and their range of exceptional acne, blemish and spot treatments. I love their Avene Cleanance Expert and they recently sponosred me to trial their new Tolerance EXTREME for 3 weeks, a skincare line designed for sensitive skin. So when browsing Boots last week, I was more than…
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Acne, spots & blemishesAesopDry / Dehydrated SkinNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsAesop Lucent Facial Concentrate Review
This is definitely something a bit different from Aesop. I often associate them only with skincare that’s nourishing and filled mostly with luxurious but basic natural ingredients – some great, some I don’t like quite as much. The Lucent Facial Concentrate definitely falls into the former and is loaded with active ingredients. The serum, and that’s…
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It’s La Mer and don’t you forget it + NEW Moisturizing Soft Lotion
Finally. It’s been a long one coming but Creme de La Mer is finally gone. They’ve been trying to change the name for years and already has been except in France, the UK and Japan due to highly complicated licensing and trademark reasons. But finally ELC have won and it shall be known as La…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationEnlarged & Blocked PoresEye Bags & Dark CirclesMoisturisersPhotoageing & FirmnessRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSerumsSun ProtectionGet Smart. Clinique Smart Anti-Everything Skincare
Sometimes it’s impossible to know where to start with your skincare. Black heads, blocked pores, blemishes, fine lines, dullness, oiliness? It can often feel line a total minefield out there with every blog, beauty counter and magazine proposing some miracle to cure this and that. I was a little sceptical of Clinique Smart when it…
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Review of Blemish Fighting Skincare from The Body Shop
The Body Shop’s Tea Tree range is one of the longest standing blemish fighting skincare ranges in existence. I had the face wash and oil when I was 12/13 and so had countless others before me and countless others after. So let’s welcome some new additions to this timeless family. All the Tea Tree oil in the range is Community Fair…
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Amanda Lacey Skincare
Not only am I very excited to be working with Amanda Lacey on a new project with her, it has been a delight to try out 3 pieces of her renowned skincare. If you’ve not heard of Amanda Lacey before, it’s because her skincare is not lining every boutique in the country with very select…
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The Anti-Blemish Serum I’ve been waiting for
This has surely been a long time coming from Clinique who’s anti-blemish skincare system is one of the most widely regarded and used out there. I have used it intermittently for almost 10 years as and when needed to deal with occasional (but severe) breakouts. The Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Blemish + Line Correcting Serum kills the…
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Dark Spots & PigmentationFace WashesMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSerumsSun ProtectionThe Body ShopThe Body Shop Drops of Light Review
I’m not going to bother starting with what a roll The Body Shop is on at the moment as it seems to be less of a blip and more of a way of things to come. You can read a couple more of my The Body Shop skin care reviews here: The Body Shop NEW Drops…
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AesopDry / Dehydrated SkinEye CreamsFace MasksFace ScrubsFace WashesMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinSerumsToners & EssencesAesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Skin Care
Not a review as such, more than a public service announcement! Aesop’s Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant skin care is a great all rounder regime for normal/dry skin that’s designed to hydrate, re-balance and protect against environmental and oxidation damage. I’ve reviewed a lot of the products in the range over the last year or so but as…
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Dry / Dehydrated SkinEye CreamsMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSensitive SkinSerumsTwelve BeautyReparative Skin Care by Twelve Beauty
When I first tried Twelve Beauty (2 years ago now) I wasn’t blown away by how it made my skin feel. Although the formulations are exquisite, at the time it was far too rich and more than my skin needed. Two birthdays and a boat-load of stress later, my skin needs more these days! I’m…
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LAB SERIES For Men: Do you even lift, bro?
I have a strange relationship with LAB SERIES products. Until now, after all this time, I’ve just not been able to get into the brand. A mixture of the fragrance they use in some of their products; their seemingly strange distribution/availability; odd naming conventions with “V MAXIMUM LS X TECH P PRO POWER ULTRA… lip balm”; and…
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The Renaissance of The Body Shop: Drops of Youth Cream and Essence Lotion
I never thought I’d be writing this in a million years but over the last 2 years, The Body Shop seems to be undergoing some kind of renaissance, hitting it out the park with almost every-single launch. Their skin care is becoming unrecognisable – in a very good way. For a historical introduction to some of this…
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Are you concentrating? Kiehl’s TOP 3 Skin Concentrates
Are you concentrating? If you’ve not yet experienced Kiehl’s skin care, you’re seriously missing out. Their formulas are the perfect balance of scientific efficacy and naturally sourced potency. In short: their products work. Kiehl’s concentrates are powerful serums that target specific skin concerns. It’s always difficult writing these articles as I can’t always tell what…
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Adam & Eve Skin Care for The 20-Something
I’m rarely happy when someone sends me a product range; particularly when it’s from an unknown brand. I’m a harsh judge with skin care generally. The percentage of products I get sent that make it onto MANFACE is teeny-tiny and believe me, those Jiffy bags come fast and furious (I was going to make an Anthrax joke,…
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Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum: The Best Serum for Men or Just a Load of Boswellox?
The Clinique Smart Serum (Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum) has interesting origins. Estée Lauder Companies has been sat on this for around 5 years. Why? Because it was created by accident whilst researching and developing Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector; but at the time Lauder was only looking for a pigmentation serum – the skin…
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LAB Series Pro LS All-In-One Face Treatment
I’ve always looked past LAB Series products and after much thought and consideration, I honestly don’t know why. I’ve always been very ‘anti’ specific men’s products with the exception of Clinique for Men, but after reading so much good press over the years, I thought it was time to take the dive. The LAB Series Pro LS…
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Exclusive: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
Launching exclusively in Boots stores from 28th February and nationwide from 21st March, this is the new oil-controlling, non-irritating, gently-exfoliating and blemish-controlling skin treatment from Clinique. I have spent a huge amount of my professional career working with people who are dealing with spots, acne and blemishes; the physical results are often unpleasant but the…
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Sampar Glamour Shot
You may not have heard of Sampar before and if you’re in the UK, you may be forgiven for not doing, but I can exclusively tell you that they’ll be launching here in the UK this spring. Sampar is France’s biggest selling skincare company, their products are truly innovative, equally as outstanding and despite not…
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Novexpert Express Anti-Ageing Care
The Novexpert Express Anti-Ageing Care range is suitable for anyone 20+ with ageing concerns or wanting to prevent premature skin ageing. The range has three parts: The Repulp Mask; The Repulp Cream and The Instant Lifting Serum and is available here, direct from Novexpert UK. Novexpert Express Anti-Ageing Care The Repulp Mask The product on…
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Caribbean Essentials Rejuvenating Facial Elixir
A delicious, moisture boosting facial oil that’s the perfect supplement for any skincare regime designed to target and treat dryness. Caribbean Essentials Rejuvenating Facial Elixir contains a delicious formulation of essential oils designed to balance skin tone; hydrate and balance the moisture barrier and leave skin feeling and looking soft and radiant. With camelia oil, an…
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Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel Review
This is weird, really weird and if you’re into skincare this is going to excite you; actually, even if you’re not into skincare this is still something really interesting. Aēsop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel is a kind of a mask, moisturiser, treatment and serum all in one. It’s designed to be used once or…
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NeoSTEM Serum for Dry Skin
The ultimate anti-ageing serum created by the same lab that researches treatments and a cure for progeria, the premature ageing condition. This serum delivers the same results as the original NeoSTEM Anti-Accelerated Ageing Serum (read the review here). So, NeoStem is a direct result of the bio-medical research into Progeria, a genetic mutation that causes rapid…
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Enlarged & Blocked PoresEye CreamsFace MasksFace WashesLip CareMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsTom FordToners & EssencesTom Ford For Men Grooming Collection Review
Fine grooming is the mark of a modern gentleman. It is the way a man presents the best version of himself to the world. The wise-words of Tom Ford and what an honour. I’m lucky enough to be one of, although I’m pretty certain the I’m actually the first blogger to get my hands on…
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Weleda Wild Rose Soothing Facial Capsules
I am very anti-naturals and anti-organic etc. My argument has always been that skin produces a highly balanced and ultra-complex cocktail of chemical compounds; therefore the day my skin starts pumping out lavender oil is the day I start applying it and its companions by the bucket load. Being the world’s biggest natural sceptic therefore,…
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KIKO Skin Trainer Youth-Generating Serum
Not so long ago, I was referred to by someone as Mr. KIKO and you know something, I can’t fault the implied observation. Since discovering the brand 3 years ago in Spain (there’s a boutique very close to where my parents live), I haven’t looked back. The products aren’t the most high end; the ingredients…
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Dry / Dehydrated SkinL’OccitaneMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsToners & EssencesL’Occitane Immortelle Divine Lotion
L’Occitane are at quite an exciting stage as a brand and over the last few years it has been incredible to watch them create hit, after hit, after hit. Since April, I’ve been using the freshly reformulated Immortelle Divine collection with the fabulous addition of the new Immortelle Divine Lotion – a post toner/pre-serum solution,…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRazor Burn & Shave RashSensitive SkinSerumsShavingSpecial CareDr. Jackson’s Natural Products
I’m in love. You all know by now that I’m not Mr. Natural, but you know something, I’ve been brought around by Dr. Jackson’s Natural Products, a fabulous new range being stocked over at Mankind, launching today with an armoury of great grooming goodies, all with potent, natural formulations. There’s no nasties, plenty of ethics,…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresL’OccitaneNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRedness & RosaceaSerumsL’Occitane Iris Angelica Sublime Essence Serum
L’Occitane Iris Angelica Sublime Essence is part of an additional refresh of products added to the L’Occitane Angelica range, utilising two, new, unique and powerful patents from the Angel flower family. Despite not appearing as the most masculine of products, it’s a perfect addition to your men’s grooming bag, designed to reduce shine, pore size,…
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Filorga Meso C Radiance Treatment
This isn’t just your regular daily use serum, oh no, it’s a powerful , 21 day, skin transforming treatment that unquestionably brightens dull and lifeless skin. Filorga are purveyors of very high-end cosmeceuticals and this is no exception. If you’re truly looking for something to boost your daily groomingn and beauty regime, then Filorga Meso…
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Darphin Skin Mat Balancing Serum
It’s not often you come across a treatment serum designed to treat the concern of oily skin. Normally serums are designed for ageing, brightness, pores etc but this is purely to combat excess oil and shine whilst helping to tighten those pores. The photo above, with the product on the back of my hand, isn’t…
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First Impressions: Clarins Double Serum
Unless you’ve been living in a box over the last few months, you will have undoubtedly seen posters and signage for the new Clarins Double Serum. But is it really worth it? There’s been a lot of hype surrounding this launch with an inordinate amount of PR, and I want to know if it makes…
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Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum Review
To give a little introduction, over the last few weeks I’ve been doing Clinique’s Great Skin challenge to see if in two weeks, I’ll have that famous Clinique skin glow. I’m now on week 3 and I’m incredibly impressed, not only is it glowing, it’s holding on to more moisture and my pores are noticeably…
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4711AromaticCliniqueFace ScrubsFace WashesLa MerL’OccitaneMen's FragranceMoisturisersPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsToners & EssencesMy Favourites for Spring 2013
Versace Eros You can read my full review for Versace Eros here, but this is definitely my favourite for spring. It’s light, sweet and fresh, but with a solid base that lets everyone know you mean business. My favourite notes are the Madagascan vanilla flower and deliciously fresh apple. Versace’s first men’s fragrance launch in…
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NeoSTEM Anti-Accelerated Ageing Serum
This is something rather special, with a wonderful research history that has gone on to become part of the incredible product selection over at M&S Beauty. Before I even tell you what it is or how it works, I will tell you that on the M&S website, it’s received 4.9/5 stars overall and 5/5 for…
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Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster
Pumped full of Hyaluronic Acid and Red Marine Algae, Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster is the go to product for anyone that needs extra skin hydration, which I will tell you is about 99% of us as even those who fight with oily skin are often massively dehydrated. This product has been a huge buzz…
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Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Dark Spot Corrector The Results
If you want to know more about the product itself, you can find my original Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Dark Spot Corrector article here, and the 2 week initial progress check is here. So, 2 months and a half months on, what have the results been? Below are 3 photos of my progress, starting before using…
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Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Dark Spot Corrector Week 2
As promised, this is my two week update with using Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Dark Spot Corrector. I’ve been using it religiously, twice a day coupled with a good, solid skin care regime. I’m using a La Roche–Posay three step – a facial wash, astringent and oil free moisturiser. Over the top I apply…
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Enlarged & Blocked PoresEye CreamsFace ScrubsMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRazor Burn & Shave RashSerumsShavingSpecial CareZirh Skin Care and Shaving
You may or may not have heard of Zirh before. They’re a brand that are relatively new to the scene here in the UK, but they’ve exploded with a bit of a bang and I have been informed that they’ve been around for 20 years or so in the US. I was sent the range…
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The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth
Over the last year The Body Shop seems to have come on leaps and bounds and whoever is now in charge of their marketing and R&D has finally dragged this ageing hippy screaming into the 21st century whilst still upholding those amazing core values that we all know and love. It definitely has evolved for…
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REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate
This is the brand new anti-ageing serum from REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate This serum is designed to smooth wrinkles as well as brighten the skin and does exactly this but without artificial retinols as REN derives their high tech formulas from nature. Often when you think of plant extracts, it can conjure up ideas of…
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Lab Series MAX LS Overnight Renewal Serum
Well, well, well. This is something different and a welcome addition to the Men’s skin care market. Tired, dehydrated skin and uneven skin tone, the Lab Series MAX LS Overnight Renewal Serum is something that can really start to kick in as the ageing process starts to take hold, and even though no extreme results…
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Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus
Over two years since it’s launch, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector has swept the beauty industry like a storm. Promising a 54% reduction in lines and wrinkles over a 12 week usage, through twice daily application, this is powerful stuff. You’ll get around 4 weeks from a 30ml bottle, but you…