I recently had the opportunity to try some products from a Chicago-based skincare company called Advanced Clinicals and I couldn't wait to share them with you guys! They offer effective formulas that are backed by science, cruelty free, made in the U.S.A. and the best part is...they're affordable. Every product I mention in this post is $20 and under plus I have a 30% off code just for my readers (see below for details).
Let's take a look!
The first product I couldn't wait to try was the Retinol Serum (Regularly $15- only $10.50 with code BBB30). It contains encapsulated retinol (it slowly-releases into the skin over time, minimizing irritation) plus aloe and green tea in an olive-based formula so it's a bit more hydrating than your typical watery serum. It actually comes out of the dropper looking like a light milky lotion but it absorbs quickly with no sticky feel and has no scent whatsoever.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and it's widely recognized as one of the most beneficial ingredients for your skin. Studies show that it decreases fine lines, sun damage and hyperpigmentation, and helps with skin texture, tone, and color.
I've been using this at night in place of my PTR Retinol Fusion PM (always use retinol products at night because sunlight breaks them down) and I plan to continue using this during the winter since it adds an extra layer of hydration to my skin. So far it has been maintaining the results I've gotten from other more expensive serums, which is awesome! I haven't seen an increase in fine lines and no new spots have popped up...my skin looks bright and clear so that's definitely encouraging.
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Serum |
The next product I was excited to try is the Rapid Lift Anti-Aging Eye Serum (Regularly $20, only $14 with code BBB30). This is like a one-two punch for your under eye area in that it gives you instant results as well as results over time. First of all, the 2 oz. tube is huge for $20 and will last forever since you only need a tiny pump for both eyes.
Instant Effects:
I apply a small dab of this product under each eye (and even on forehead wrinkles) and gently rub it in. Then you just have to wait a minute until it dries without making any expressions...during this time you can feel your skin tightening up a bit. I usually wait five minutes before putting on any makeup because it can sometimes leave a little bit of white residue behind that looks like powder (I just dab it with a damp tissue and it removes easily). After application, my fine lines are gone for a few hours!
Effects Over Time:
The good news is, unlike most temporary smoothing products, this formula contains ingredients to help improve your eye area long-term. It includes hyaluronic acid to plump the skin plus two different peptides that boost collagen to firm and reduce wrinkles.
Advanced Clinicals Rapid Lift Anti-Aging Eye Serum |
That being said, retinol is in the middle of the ingredient list so I don't think there's a high concentration of it in here...but that's okay with me because retinol can make your skin sun-sensitive and I wouldn't want to use something too strong all over my body, particularly in the summer when I'm going to be outside. After using this for a few weeks, I definitely notice that my skin is really soft and smooth, but I haven't seen much in the way of anti-aging benefits yet. Often when retinol is in smaller quantities it can take a bit longer to see the results from it...they just need to be used very consistently.
Also, I want to mention that this contains Mineral Oil. I personally don't mind Mineral Oil in body products since it's excellent at keeping moisture trapped inside the skin but I do know some people who prefer not to use it.
This lotion is thick but absorbs easily into the skin with a light, fresh scent.
Retinol Advanced Firming Cream |
This is my favorite of the two body creams...it smells heavenly and sinks right into your skin with no greasy residue so I use it during the daytime. Also, did I mention I love that these are packaged in pumps? It makes it so easy and convenient to apply when you're getting out of the shower. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated all day...the coconut oil sinks right into the deeper layers while the mineral oil sits on the surface, locking the moisture in all day. When you have really dry skin like I do, your skin's natural barrier isn't working correctly and moisture is evaporating from your skin all day. That's why it's important not only to moisturize but to use something that doesn't allow that moisture to escape.
Overall, I'm impressed with Advanced Clinicals and will definitely try more products in the future. I love how affordable they are and the products are really effective!
I also want to mention that select Walmart stores now sell two of their body creams in-store...the Retinol Firming Cream I mentioned in this post and the Collagen Skin Rescue Lotion. They're found in the skincare aisle of over 1,200 Walmart stores and are only $5.99 for the 16 oz. tubs!
Please visit the Advanced Clinicals website to see all of the products they offer and if you plan to make a purchase, don't forget to use code BBB30 to save 30% on your order!
For more, please follow my new blog www.beauddiction.com
Disclosure: PR Samples
Sounds very intriguing. Do they have options for oily and blemish prone skin?
ReplyDeleteMarina D
I've heard really good things about their Tea Tree Oil serum! :)
DeleteI tried their AHA cream in the giant tub like 5 years ago. I found it at TJ Maxx. It was decent enough. I'd definitely consider trying some of their other products. Thanks for reminding me about them!
ReplyDeleteCool, I didn't realize they were at TJ's. :) I really want to try the AHA cream too...I like those for clearing up those annoying bumps on the backs of my arms.
DeleteGreat review! I may order the eye cream.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope you like it as much as I did! :)
DeleteVery interesting! I love finding brands that make quality products without a huge price tag! I'm much more likely to continually buy more affordable, good products than splurge on something really expensive that does the same thing.
ReplyDeleteLoving the price on this! Now I just need to find somewhere that sells it in Australia!
ReplyDeleteInteresting blog, great quality products with good branding name.Was looking for such type of products.Thanks for sharing the blog.
ReplyDelete