Colleen Rothschild is quickly becoming one of my favorite skincare brands, so I was really excited when I was given the opportunity to try the new Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum ($75). I've been using it since July and it has since become a staple in my skincare routine. I plan to do a separate post about my entire routine, but today I wanted to focus on this one product because it's made such a big difference in the way my skin looks and feels!
Let's take a look ...
Key Ingredients:
You probably know that exfoliation is the key to removing that top layer of dead skin that makes our complexions look dull, but some of them (such as glycolic acid) can be harsh to those with sensitive skin. This new serum contains Mandelic Acid, which is derived from German Bitter Almonds. It has a larger molecule size so it doesn't go as deep into the layers of your skin, thereby reducing redness and irritation. It breaks down the tiny bonds between dead skin cells, revealing the bright clear skin beneath. This is gentle enough for me to use every day and I've never experienced any irritation from it at all. When I first started using glycolic acid, I could only use it a few times a week and had to build up a tolerance...but I was able to use this every day with no problems.
This particular formula also contains Lactic Acid (derived from milk) and Salicylic Acid (from the willow tree).
Lactic Acid is another gentle alpha hydroxy acid that helps to break apart the dead skin cells, while Salicylic Acid (a beta hydroxy acid) breaks up the cells that stick together inside the lining of your pores, de-clogging blackheads and whiteheads.
Those three ingredients combined with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, peptides and fruit extracts are what makes this a powerhouse serum for brightening and decongesting your skin, while also firming and protecting from environmental stress.
When to use:
I use this serum at night after using Colleen's Radiant Cleansing Balm ...AHA's can make your skin sun-sensitive so it's recommended to use them in the evening. This serum feels very light and watery and it absorbs very quickly. It has a beautiful spa-like scent...one of the many things I love about Colleen Rothschild products. As soon as I breathe in the soothing scents, my mind just sort of calms down and gets right into bedtime mode.
I like using it right before my retinol serum to get rid of those dead skin cells and help the retinol get down a little deeper (as well as my moisturizer).
Claims/Results:
Over time, this serum claims to:
- Refine your skin's texture and tone (mine already feels smoother and looks brighter)
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (I use a few different anti-aging products so it's hard to tell which ones are making improvements)
- Help clogged pores and blackheads (I've noticed that my pores look smaller and the tiny blackheads near my nose are gone since using this)
- Inhibit dark spots and uneven tone (I haven't gotten as much freckling this summer, and I think that using this plus a good sunscreen has helped tremendously).
- Firm and protect with antioxidants and peptides
Quick Update:
I just wanted to do a quick update on the other Colleen Rothschild products I posted about back in June. I've been using the Radiant Cleansing Balm and Sheer Renewal Cream all summer and have fallen in love with them even more! The Radiant Cleansing Balm removes makeup so easily but what I love about it even more is that my skin looks so bright and feels so soft after using it...something I don't often find with cleansers. Also, the Sheer Renewal Cream has been my go-to moisturizer all summer. It has such a beautiful light texture with a matte finish that doesn't make me feel greasy. I'm a little sad that I'll have to stop using it when the weather turns cold and my skin gets drier but I plan to try a more moisturizing option from Colleen Rothschild at that point.
If you're interested in trying the new Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum (or any other products from the Colleen Rothschild line), use code BEAUTYBLOG20 at checkout to save 20% off of regular-priced items (expires one week from today). This code brings the price of the Mandelic Acid serum down to $60 and saves you $15.
Also, I recommend the Discovery Kit if you're new to the brand...it comes with 7 different generously sized travel products (including the Radiant Cleansing Balm and Sheer Renewal Cream) and is $76 when you use my code.
Have you tried any Colleen Rothschild products yet? If so what are your favorites? If not, which ones are you interested in trying?
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The Mandelic Acid serum sounds fabulous! I've never heard of this ingredient before. Actually I have been looking for a new night serum and doing lots of research. I've been leaning toward Sunday Riley Good Genes but the price tag of $105 is stopping me. How does this one compare?
ReplyDeleteHi Lynne! I was actually using Good Genes as my night serum for the last 8 months or so and was about to replace my empty bottle when I got the Mandelic Acid serum to try. I ended up staying with the Colleen Rothschild serum instead of repurchasing Good Genes. In all honesty, Good Genes is a great product if you're looking for a Lactic Acid exfoliating treatment, however as you said, it's really expensive! Also, I feel like the Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum does a lot more for my skin...it brings it to that next level because it has both AHA and BHA, plus antioxidants and peptides. Not to mention, it's $30 cheaper ($45 if you use the 20% off coupon), so for me it was a no-brainer. I worked this into my skincare routine and never looked back! :)
DeleteI became a C.R. fangirl after your last post and seeing various YouTube reviews so I cannot wait to try this serum. While the prices are a little higher than I'm used to spending they do such wonderful things for my skin I can justify the purchase. I originally got the discovery kit so I could try several products at once and have since gotten the cleansing balm, sheer renewal cream and dual enzyme polish. Next I plan to get this serum and the face oil #9. If you haven't tried that yet you need too!! Talk about life changing!!! My sample size is almost gone. :(
ReplyDeleteThat's great Emily! I'm so happy you're loving the products! I have also heard amazing things about the Face Oil #9. That and the Extreme Recovery Cream are next on my list. I saw a video (I forget who it was that was talking about it) who said they have really dry skin like I do and they mixed a few drops of the oil into the creme at night and woke up with super soft, plumped up skin. Mine gets unbearably dry in the winter so I definitely want to try those.
DeleteHow does the discovery kit compare to the full size products in terms of value?
ReplyDeleteThe Discovery Kit is $95 ($76 with the coupon code) but the product value inside totals up to $150. The sizes are pretty generous and should last quite a while...most are about 1/3 to 1/2 of the full sizes. For example, you're getting a 1 oz. Cleansing Balm worth appx. $21 (reg. size is 3.3 oz. for $65). The Sheer Renewal Cream in the kit is 1 oz.(worth $22) while the full size is 2.5 oz. for $55. The Extreme Recovery Cream in the kit is a 1 oz. size worth $44 ( full size is 1.7 oz for $75). Those 3 products alone total up to $87 and there are 3 other products in the kit plus a travel bag. Hope that helps! :)
DeleteI first found out about Colleen Rothschild through Marnie Goldberg's YouTube channel and have been slowly converting completely over to her products. I used to use a mixed bag of skin care from Olay to La Prairie and I didn't think I needed to change anything. Then I tried the Radiant Cleaning Balm. I loved it so much I bought another product, then another. Now I use almost all Colleen Rothschild and it's kind of insane because I've never used one brand exclusively before. I should mention I'm 35 and have combination skin that can be sensitive at times. I have a few fine lines but I truly feel that using this line has stopped aging in its tracks and given me better skin than I had in my 20's. I'm so glad you've discovered the brand and like it too. I'm honestly surprised it isn't more popular. I talk to my friends about it all the time and they're like, "who? what?". I tell everyone I know.
ReplyDeleteSounds like this would work on my oily skin! I like that it clears your pores while also being anti aging. That's not a combo you see everyday. I will definitely check this out.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Discovery Kit and can't wait for it to arrive. I needed to start a new skin care routine for fall and these products sound so nourishing and wonderful! After I saw your review I googled this brand and saw nothing but rave reviews. Needless to say I'm very excited to try it. If everything goes well with the discovery kit I will come back and order the mandelic acid serum. Thank you for introducing me to a new brand.
ReplyDelete