Nighttime routine

[LKhoun]

Hello all, 

I am having a difficult time choosing between Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II   and Clarins Double Serum Set. Any suggestion is greatly appreciated. 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@LKhoun Here's the beautypedia review for the Estee Lauder (4/5 stars):

Spoiler

This thin-textured, fragrance-free, lightly pearlescent lotion is another classic example of how eye creams (or, in this case, serums) differ little from their facial counterparts. This isn't a breakthrough product that's unique for the eye area; rather, it's essentially the same thing as Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, a serum which can also be applied around the eyes. The chief differences are the inclusion of a triglyceride for more moisture and a silicone for a silkier feel, but that's about it. If you're already using Night Repair or an even better serum, you most likely don't need this eye serum, too. See More Info to learn why most eye serums aren't necessary.

Another difference from the face product is the inclusion of mineral pigments for a subtle radiance. The effect can be nice and, to a minor extent, can make dark circles less apparent but if dark circles are your concern, a good concealer does a much better job! Otherwise, this contains the same "star" ingredients Lauder uses in their Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, which we discuss below. The bottom line is that although this serum for the eye area contains some very good ingredients, none of them are unique for the eye area—and the amount of hyaluronic acid (listed as sodium hyaluronate) is disappointingly low.

The tripeptide-32 ingredient in this serum has research showing it, like many other peptides, has cell-communicating ability. Tripeptide-32 appears to have a protective effect against proteins that damage cells, but there isn't as much research behind it as for several other peptides. It's a step in the right direction and clearly shows Lauder put some thought into the formula.

The other ingredient worth calling out is lactobacillus ferment, another strain of friendly bacteria. Although this ingredient has multiple health benefits when consumed orally, there is no research proving its merit for topical application on skin.

PROS:

• Fragrance-free.
• Silky, water-based serum texture is easy to apply.
• Helps brighten skin.
• Contains some good anti-aging ingredients (though none are unique for the eye area).

CONS:

• Differs little from Lauder's "regular" Advanced Night Repair Complex II.
• Cannot improve dark circles or age-related puffiness.
• Doesn't provide enough moisture for dry skin around the eyes.

•  

And here's the review for the Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate (1/5 stars):

Spoiler

Clarins has had a product named Double Serum in their line for years. Every couple of years or so, they reformulate the previous version and re-launch, perhaps hoping you won't wonder that if the previous serum did everything it promised, why would a new one be needed?

On the other hand, a reformulation can be necessary if the goal is to keep up with the latest skin-care research—yet that doesn't seem to be the road Clarins traveled in this case. Instead, you're getting a very standard, overpriced (and overly fragranced) mineral oil–based serum whose numerous plant extracts present a mixed bag of results for skin. In many ways, this is very similar to the previous version, so really, it's more of a missed opportunity than anything else.

As with previous generations of Double Serum, the "Complete" version houses two serums in separate chambers. Each time you depress the pump at the top of the bottle, the serums combine, dispensing as one fluid. Although previous versions of this serum listed a "hydro" (water) phase and a "lipo" (fat) phase, with two distinct ingredient lists, for this version they consolidated the ingredient lists into one. Whether or not dispensing the ingredients separately matters for the skin (we can't imagine why it does), what ultimately matters is whether or not any or all of the ingredients in this fancy bottle make it the anti-aging breakthrough Clarins makes it out to be.

The main plant extract in this serum is Oxydendrum arboretum, a shrub without a shred of research proving it has benefit for skin. Clarins seems to be playing on the theme of plant stem cells, but as we discuss in More Info, stem cells from plants aren't a sure bet (or even a good idea) for your skin.

Beyond the plant ingredient mentioned above, this serum contains far more fragrance and preservative than it does beneficial plants. Despite Clarins' reputation as a natural line, this formula is surprisingly unnatural!

One of this serum's natural ingredients is a problem for all skin types: perilla oil. Related to the mint family, perilla oil is irritating (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com). It has some beneficial components, such as fatty acids and antioxidants, but there are other plant oils that offer these benefits without putting skin at risk of pro-aging irritation. Clarins included several good plant extracts, but none of them are anti-aging miracle workers, and the better ones are also found in other products that don't expose your skin to irritating plant extracts and a large amount of fragrance. See More Info to learn why daily use of highly fragrant products like this is a bad idea.

PROS:

• Smooth, emollient fluid texture.
• Contains several beneficial plant ingredients.

CONS:

• Strongly fragranced.
• Overpriced compared to today's best serums.
• Contains a high amount of perilla seed oil, which is an irritant.
• Formula doesn't contain ingredients that can reduce pore size.

[LKhoun]

@greeneyedgirl107 Thank you so much for this!!! This was so helpful!!! 😘

[Emy10]

@greeneyedgirl107 interesting, thanks for the share greeny 🙂

Now i know why Clarins never worked for me.

A few years ago i tried them because i found the Estée Lauder day cream a bit too heavy, and so i triee a few Clarins products and...... no. It didnt work for me.

Some time later they came out with other new products and i really liked the texture, and the smell too, i think it was peach or something like that.

I still didnt want to take a chance because of my previous experience with theyre product, but the texture was really nice

Theyre representants are very pushy in stores too, they really try to push people to buy bundles and stuff that imo arnt worth it.

Having said all that, there's something about Clarins. (that just isnt good. for me anw).

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Emy10 I check beautypedia for virtually every skincare I purchase.  I think there's only ever been one or two things I bought without reading their reviews.  Plus, I just find their reviews to give me good knowledge overall.  If you go with the EL, let us know how it works out 🙂  Good luck!

[Emy10]

I dont like both those brands, but if i had to choose i would go with Estée Lauder, as Clarins products itch my skin, i tried 2-3 of each, and while 1 of Estée Lauder made me break out, almost all of Clarins products were just not good.

Its sad because both brand could have potential, and they smell nice. Oh well thats my experience, wtv you choose, i hope it works for you.

Oh, also make sure that you can return the product if it doesnt work for you.

[LKhoun]

Thank you for your response and sharing your experience! 😊