Sparkled Beauty

What I have been testing with Biotherm Life Plankton essence I reviewed yesterday was the Aquasource Everplump, also provided by the brand.

Described as a plumping and smoothing moisturizer with Blue Hyaluron (hyaluronic acid, the moisture agent capable of holding up to x1000 times its weight in water) and glycerin (15%, twice the level of Aquasource moisturizers), Everplump is quite a boost of hydration.

The brand says the hydration can last up 72 hours, which I cannot confirm, but I apply the product morning and night and the skin is loving it. It sure feels smooth and hydrated, almost younger too. Considering the product is meant for women in their 30's, I am more than qualified :)

The texture is a thicker (high density) gel, formulated with a water-in-oil composition and the micro drops breaking in contact with the skin (releasing moisture-charged active ingredients) explains the smoothing and almost immediate cooling effects. For that reason, I would say this moisturizer is great for both summer and winter.

However, and this is quite a big however, there is a scent - strong, slightly floral and perfumy that sticks around for quite a bit after application.

Like I said above, I have been using Everplump after Life Plankton and together, the scent is overwhelming. I would not stop using the products because of it, but it would definitely bother those of you who are scent sensitive.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Chlorphenexin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Limonene, PEG-10 Dimethicone, etc.

The glass jar is beautiful and feels luxurious, has 1.69oz/ 50ml of product, retails $60.

It has probably been my first experience with Biotherm skin care products in quite a long while when the brand kindly sent over a few items for review. I first tried the Life Plankton essence and found it quite interesting.

If you need a reminder, essences are meant to be the first step in a skin care routine to prep the skin for a serum, face oil, or moisturizer.

Biotherm Life Plankton essence is said to have the highest concentration of Life Plankton (5%) in the line, with a fast absorbing water-meets-serum texture (actively concentrated as a serum and lightweight as a cosmetic water), non sticky/ greasy/ oily, for maximum absorption and effectiveness.

Now according to the brand, pure thermal plankton contains 35 nutrients, proteins, vitamins, amino acids, glucids, lipids and trace elements that help revive the skin's vital functions. Can't say that I have come across this particular ingredient before, so it is all new to me, and like with any other skin care products, long term effects on the skin are still to be determined.

What I can say about the essence after testing it morning and night for a month:
- Product design is A+ with the ombre aqua colour on glass bottle. The oblong shape is easy to store but note that it is also easy to slip off your hand, especially because of the smooth glass material, so hold on to it tightly.
- Texture claims are all true. It is a pleasure to use, does not take long to absorb. Don't forget to shake the bottle before each use or you will find some residue at the bottom.
- Scent: quite strong, floral, slightly perfumy, which is a demerit point for the product. I am normally a fan of light scent in skin care products, but it is not the case with this one.
- Skin care effects: not easy to confirm, since it is only the start of the routine, not meant to be used on its own. I would say it is nice to initiate hydration for the skin with beneficial active ingredients, but will not be a must in my routine, especially if I have a good face oil before my moisturizer.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Maris Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Vitis Vinifera extract, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, P-anisic Acid, Adenosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide, Disodium Edta, etc.

The bottle is 4.22oz/ 125ml, $67.