Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

Hello lovelies,

I've decided to do my first skincare post after being thoroughly impressed by a product I have been using recently. Yes, this is Lancome and they are notoriously pricey but this one of the products I have tried that has actually made a noticeable difference to my skin.

This is called Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate which is a serum promising plumper, less wrinkled skin for those trying to wind back the clock. Ok, I know I am only 22 and do not yet need anything promising to get rid of my wrinkles as mine are few and far between right now (phew!), but my Mum persuaded me to try this as she always says to me 'You're never too young to stop wrinkles.'

We received these samples when trying to find perfume samples for some party bags a few months ago. We went into our local independent department store, Hills, to see if we could bag any perfume samples. The perfume lady was rather reluctant to gave any fragrance samples away but the lovely lady at the Lancome counter offered us a whole pack of sample sized Genifique to put into the party bags - how nice! High end skincare is not something I would normally try as I wouldn't want to get hooked on it. But as I had never tried serums before I wanted to see what the fuss was about.

As I hadn't tried serums before, I have to admit, I read the instructions in the packet before I used it. I was absolutely clueless: do I use it instead of a moisturiser? Do I put it on day or night or both? Well, the instructions were really simple: apply to skin before your usual skincare routine day and night. I bent the rules a bit. Instead I applied after I had taken my make-up off with an exfoliating wipe and before I put on my night cream. I also decided I would not put it on in the mornings as I wanted this stuff to last me.

The serum is interesting. I expected it to be only slightly thinner than regular moisturiser and be clear. This was not. It was very runny to the point where I spilt a load on bed as I squeezed the tube - I didn't make that mistake again. To get the right amount out of this sample tube, I spread the nozzle over my face while gently squeezing and rubbing into my skin as I went along. The great thing about this serum is that it sunk into my skin really quickly (around a couple minutes) and it was OK to put my night moisturiser on top. I find this a good thing as it means that I am not adding many more minutes to my skincare routine (which, if I'm honest, I find a bit of a chore!).

The results were noticed in the morning. My skin really did feel noticeably smoother and softer than just using moisturiser. I suffer with dry skin so it was a dream to wake up with my skin not feeling so tight. As I am still quite young, I cannot comment on whether this helps banish wrinkles. I can only say my skin does feel plumper though.

Would I purchase this? Not for the price. As much as I love this stuff, I cannot justify the cost of a small bottle (about £50!). I would much rather try out some other, cheaper serums on the market and see if they have similar effects.

Do you like serums? Would you splash out on this product?