Why the jellyfish, you ask? Well, Tina’s view is that the jellyfish is a versatile organism that has the ability to regenerate itself over and over again – and that this is what skin needs to do when it has a compromised moisture barrier.

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Packed with bioactive marine ingredients, Barrier Bioactive Treatment is an overnight mask. It works to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. If the moisture barrier is weak, it generally leaves the skin exposed to problems, which can range from dryness and dullness to increased sensitivity and breakouts. The clever formula renews and strengthens the skin barrier as you sleep, leaving you with a flawless glow by morning.

The product is also powered by the brand’s unique ‘IMMORTAL SIREN Capsule Technology’. In short, this is a technology that fascinatingly delivers ingredients to the parts of the skin, only where they’re needed. This advanced technology also acts on the stem cells in the skin and helps to promote skin cell turnover. This means dead skin cells are shed quicker and replaced by fresh, new glow-inducing cells instead! There are some impressive statistics that go with the product, too. The brand has revealed that in a study, 85% of 30 testers found that they had an increase in skin hydration levels after just 15 minutes, and 90% of the testers rated the product as the best overnight treatment that they had ever used.

My Thoughts on U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment

Needless to say, this product had a lot to live up to! I have been using this product three to four times per week for the past couple of months. After cleansing and exfoliating, I incorporate it at the very end of my skincare routine. Also, I have skipped serum when using this, purely to see whether this specific product is potent enough to create its own results. I have to say, I’m impressed. It’s a thick consistency, so not only does it feel super nourishing when I first apply it, but it feels good to leave it to sink in overnight. It doesn’t feel sticky (there’s nothing worse than having your face stuck to your pillow!), and I didn’t feel the need to follow it up with a moisturizer.

In the morning, my skin feels rejuvenated and refreshed. My skin feels stronger. It doesn’t become as sensitive to elements such as cold weather, wind or stronger acid-based products that I might try. Overall, I feel like my complexion seems much less dull. And I have even seen a slight improvement in fine lines and wrinkles. I think this has quickly become a must-have for my skincare routine!

The Super Hydrator, Resurfacing Compound, and the new Multimodal Defender are a few other favourites from the brand.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. Check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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I have suffered from skin hyperpigmentation for a while. It’s a skin concern that can appear due to sun damage, pregnancy, or for no reason at all! For me, hormonal changes caused my pigmentation to get worse over time, so I am always looking for a product that can help. Although you can have a professional treatment to combat pigmentation patches on the face, that’s not to say that an at-home remedy won't do the trick just as well.

This product aims to diminish the appearance of pigmentation with its host of potent ingredients. It contains 11% mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and peptides which all get to work on dark spots and enlarged pores. The clever formula also contains a number of antioxidants that help strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier. It also has hydrating properties, like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and fatty acids, and rosehip and tamanu oils, which help lock in moisture.

There is also a natural organic property in the formula, called bakuchiol. This ingredient is known to be a good alternative to retinol and works in the same way. It firms and plumps skin, and helps with skin cell turnover to banish any dead skin cells.

My Thoughts

I incorporated Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum into my evening skincare routine. Its ingredients are too powerful to apply to the skin during the day, but even so – always remember to apply SPF to any areas you have used this on the morning after. First, I do my normal cleanse, but will skip my usual chemical exfoliating treatment (as this contains bakuchiol, there is no need to exfoliate). I apply this product, which is a gloopy, watery consistency that feels super lightweight on the skin. This product seems to get sucked in by the skin quite quickly. But don’t let its lightweight feel fool you – you still only need to use a pea-sized amount. Overloading your skin with a potent product like this is not a good idea!

I replaced my usual retinol with this product and thought it worked really well. This formula is so potent that I didn’t feel comfortable with using it at the same time as a retinol product. It was impressive that a natural ingredient like bakuchiol could help so much with pigmentation issues. I definitely saw a decrease in pigmentation over time, and I also found that my skin became firmer and plumper. My skin can be quite dry and sensitive, particularly with the ever-changing weather, but my skin reacted well to this. It’s a great alternative for those who have found that their skin reacts badly to stronger retinol products. I would definitely recommend this for tackling both pigmentation and texture issues.

Another favourite from Allies of Skin is the 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum and Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster. I have seen a noticeable improvement in my skin with it.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. Check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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As a brief bit of background information, Estee Lauder (the brand) was officially launched by Estee and Joseph Lauder in 1946. The business started with four core products and has since grown into one of the most iconic beauty brands in the world. One of the most loved skincare staples from the brand is Advanced Night Repair, which was launched in 1982. The formula, technology and ingredients were ground-breaking – making it an industry first in the world of skincare.

So what about this ‘little brown bottle’ that is so special? Well, it has been reformulated many times over the years – each time, seeing the formula improved dramatically. And the current version, the Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, is the most advanced one yet. Packed with skin-loving technology, such as the brand’s patented ‘Chronolux Power Signal Technology’, it works overnight to kick-start the skin’s natural repair process.

The product is also packed with hyaluronic acid, which keeps the skin well-hydrated. Another great thing about Advanced Night Repair is that it continues to work overnight and into the following day after application. It provides a high level of protection from free-radical damage, like the effects of pollution and blue light.

The texture of the product is a thick liquid. It’s not watery so it won’t slide off of skin or hands. It’s just the perfect consistency to cling to and soak into the skin. 

How I Use Advanced Night Repair

The serum is pretty straightforward to use. I simply slather it onto cleansed, slightly damp skin. I leave skin slightly damp because the hyaluronic ingredient will pack in any moisture left on the skin for an extra shot of glow. Moreover, I used the product every night during my trial period to reap the best benefits. I always followed it with a light night cream. Most night creams tend to be quite heavy. But because this product is quite thick in itself, I don’t think it would work well with a super heavy-duty product. Using a thicker night cream on top also runs the risk of overloading the skin. And that can lead to breakouts and an overproduction of sebum (the stuff that makes your skin oily!).

So, did it live up to my expectations? ­I tried Advanced Night Repair for the recommended three weeks. And I must admit I did see a difference in that time. The area that looks most improved is my undereye area. Although I didn’t apply the product specifically to my eye area, it disperses once it’s on the skin, to nourish the areas that need it most. My skin feels softer, looks more glowy and overall less lacklustre. I’m impressed!

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. Check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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