We all want radiant glowing skin and there are a lot of skincare products in market that promise this. When I was approached by Neostrata to try their Enlighten range, I was thrilled because I felt my skin needed it. As a brown woman approaching her 30s with uneven, dull and extreme dark circles this felt like a suitable range for me. I have been testing the Neostrata Enlighten range for over a month and I am here to share the results.
Here’s what the Enlighten range promises, as Neostrata claims:
Neostrata’s Enlighten range is a unique collection of products that address a multitude of clarity and discolouration challenges of the skin. These products target multiple pathways of discoloration with powerful skin brighteners such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide, a potent antioxidant found in Turmeric, Retinol and NeoGlucosamine to help reveal even-toned, glowing skin.
Vitamin C is a known powerful ingredient that I have used to treat uneven skin tone. Niacinamide and Retinol both assist with fine lines, wrinkles and dullness. The intriguing ingredient that I have not tried before was NeoGlucosamine. As the name suggests, it is an ingredient patented by Neostrata which is a non-acid amino sugar that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving discolouration allowing for a more even skin tone. NeoGlucosamine is a building block of our skin’s natural Hyaluronic Acid and helps promote firming of the skin. It gently exfoliates the skin to reveal fresh new cells. NeoGlucosamine is the ingredient solution for clarity of discolourations, firmness and mild exfoliation.
NEOSTRATA ENLIGHTEN ULTRA BRIGHTENING CLEANSER- R601
This gentle and non-drying cleanser removes dirt and oil while brightening and refreshing dull and lacklustre skin. Neostrata’s Ultra Brightening cleanser is a pearlescent creamy cleanser. Once lathered, it develops foam to deep clean and reveal naturally radiant skin. It’s powered by 6% NeoGlucosamine which is known to exfoliate skin’s surface and target dark spots that can cause skin to appear uneven and dull.
I use this twice a day and find you need a small amount to lather in your palms before applying it to your face. I generally cleanse with luke warm water and find this works well because it does not dry out my skin. I usually remove my makeup first with a makeup removing balm or micellar water. The cleanser then removes any traces of makeup left on my skin. Only a little of this is needed so I feel like it will last pretty long. This is suitable for normal, dry and oily skin. I have combination to oily skin and I find it absolutely perfect.
I am reviewing the Neostrata Enlighten Range in order of application. The order in which you apply your products is quite important when it comes to skincare. After cleansing with the Ultra Brightening Cleanser, I would apply the eye cream, until it absorbs and then the serum. I give that a few minutes then use the pigment controller at night only around my mouth area (where my pigmentation is worst). In the day time I make sure to use a good SPF. It is important to note that you must use sunscreen with these products and limit your sun exposure.
NEOSTRATA ENLIGHTEN BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM- R780
My dark circles are a main concern for me, as most of you know. It really makes me look like a panda! Given the nature of my work, I have to be on camera or at events and people think I look tired because of my DARK under eyes! I am impressed to note this significantly brightened my under eye area in the last few weeks. I really had a WOW moment! While it is tough to take photos in exactly the same lighting please have a look at the results below.
You may not be able to tell but it has improved the darkness of the outer part under my eyes as well as the fine lines. This eye cream targets a restored look of firmness and hydration for a smoother, brighter appearance. Neostrata’s Enlighten Brightening Eye Cream is a powerful cream that blends together antioxidants, peptides and algae extract to target visible dark circles. Gluconolactone plus Bionic Acid targeting the skin’s natural hydrating matrix to cushion and brighten the appearance of dark, under eye skin. This is oil-free, fragrance-free, and ophthalmologist-tested.
Make sure to use a pea-sized amount for both under eyes and apply gently with your ring finger until it fully absorbs. I have tried many eye creams and I am thrilled to say this has led to the best results!
NEOSTRATA ENLIGHTEN ILLUMINATING SERUM- R1170
Serums are quite important in your routine especially when trying to improve specific issues. They contain a higher concentrate of actives that are able to penetrate deeper. The Neostrata Iluminating serum is an impressive, multi-action targeting skin discoloration and uneven skin tone. Also containing their brilliant NeoGlucosamine, a gentle exfoliator to help fade the appearance of existing skin discolourations. The formula includes 4% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and a blend of Vitamin C, B-Resorcinol and Licorice Extract to help promote a brighter and more even skin tone.
I find this is easily absorbed into my skin and has improved the overall radiance in my skin tone. I use this morning and evening, applying it with my fingertips to my face and neck. This helped brighten my skin and develop a more radiant even skin tone.
NEOSTRATA ENLIGHTEN PIGMENT CONTROLLER – R1002
Multi-action brightening treatment contains highly active benefit ingredients including NeoGlucosamine, Retinol (0.1%) and stabilized Vitamin C to target pigment at its source. This product helps brighten the appearance of skin while a potent antioxidant found in turmeric targets the look of dark spots. Skin is brighter with enhanced clarity; more even tone and reduced appearance of uneven pigmentation.
I use this mostly my chin and mouth area and found it illuminates the skin. With its rich formula that is easily absorbed into the skin, only small doses are necessary. If you have dark spots, then this baby would be highly recommended. I use this at night because it contains retinol.
Overall I am thoroughly impressed with the range. My skin is definitely more glowing, brighter and more radiant than ever.
You can find the Neostrata enlighten range at Dermastore or Skin miles. Visit www.neostrata.co.za if you would to know more this cruelty-free innovative brand.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Neostrata.