Bioderma Hydrabio Serum review

NOTE: Before the review, I wanted to mention that this review was written on January 15, 2018... I have gone through a few bottles since (which proves this is a good product and it works really well for me)... I found this review sitting at the bottom of my drafts and realized I forgot to publish it... so here it is! :D

Hey, my sweeties!

I found an amazing serum and I wanted to share it with you! I found this at my local drug store but I'm sure it is available in most drug stores because of Bioderma's popularity (around the world) and this is one of their main products. 

Some info about the product:

• Made in France
• 40 ml (it is only available in one size)
• approximately ¥3200 JPY (in 2018) $43.00 CAD before taxes (in 2023) thanks to inflation 😡 

This is a Moisturising concentrate serum that is suitable for very dehydrated sensitive skin. 

However, that being said, I have noticed if I apply more and too often, it does worse than it does good. (weird bumps will form when I use this more than the daily recommended 1-2 times). 

The directions are to apply to the face and neck in the morning and/or evening after cleansing and using a toner. Use alone or before applying a Hydrabio skin care product. 

I find much joy in using this pump... it gives you an exact amount for your face :D I like how it has a substantial touch which gives it a more controlled 

I use it with my HadaCrie. This not only helps my skin absorb more, but it multiplies the effectiveness and benefits of this serum.

impressions:

• it feels like my skin has drunk water
• quenches my skin
• soft subtle aroma that doesn't linger
• glides onto my skin and is absorbed well
• unlike most serums, it feels slightly thicker (between a moisturizer and serum)
• it is thicker but lightweight at the same time

They say that time will tell (this is me writing this portion in 2023) and this serum has lived up to its hype (or lack thereof). 

I'm glad that Bioderma is as popular as it is, and I can find this brand/product in most drugstores I have visited around the world :).

This product always quenches my skin and leaves it feeling moist and hydrated, the best way to put it is that it makes my skin feel like it has drunk lots of water.

There is a slightly silky and stickiness when you first apply the product on your skin but your skin will immediately absorb it and your skin should be velvety and moist. If there is residue, it means you have applied too much and bumps might develop overnight. SO... DO.NOT.APPLY.TOO.MUCH.PRODUCT!

score: 8.5/10

website: https://www.bioderma.ca/en/all-products/hydrabio/serum

Skinfood Watery Berry Serum review

the product and packaging

Skinfood is one of those brands where you hear so much about to the point that you love it and want it so much before you actually tried any of their products. Beauty Guru's from all over are rant over this brand so much...

This product contains berry extracts and Hyaluronic acid. These ingredients make and your skin retain moisture

Impressions:

• Very watery
• Smells like berry 
• very easy to absorb
• I hate the pump

back of container

A word of caution, if you are using this product for the first time you will need to pump it about 20 times before you can get any product out (the pump isn't broken, that's just how it was made).

The scent is extremely light, it is a soft hint of a mixture of berry auras put together.

photo credits: skinfood

Packaging:

This bottle is made out of glass (feels expensive :P). There was no box, it was coated in a hard plastic wrap.

Pump:

I think the problem is not the pump, but the way the bottle is shaped. I found it extremely difficult to squirt the product out without "almost" making a mess each time. The pump produces a lot of product so one pump is literally enough for your whole face (remember to not use too much serum on your skin... it can do more harm than good).

Texture:

The texture is very smooth and there are little white microbeads (which melt when you apply to your face). I emailed Skinfood about what those "beads" are but I wasn't able to get a reply from them. So till now, I do not know what they are...

Pros:

• make your skin feel so soft
• gives a glowy look
• your skin literally drinks up this serum in a second

Cons:

• hard to "pump" out product
• moisturizing effect does not last very long (approx. 5 hrs)

Score: 7.0

Official Website: http://eng.theskinfood.com/products/product.asp?prdNo=1554

Question: what are Softeners, Emulsions and Essences

Who here has been confused many MANY times about emulsions, softeners and essences? are they the same thing? or how different are they? Are there any equivalents? How are they different from our normal toners, serums, moisturizers? For those who enjoy using products from Asia, you will find terms like Emulsion, Essences and Softeners, and they can certainly be quite confusing.

I have been confused quite a few times, I recall several times when I was in Asia shopping for skincare products. I felt so out of place, so in order to know what I want to look for and what I need I did some research. Let me share with you some of my findings and hopefully they will help you "decode" these terms so you can find what you are looking for when you are shopping for Cosmetics in Asia (or looking for something in an Asian brand).


(see how Softeners, Emulsions and Essences are different/similar to Toners, Moisturizers and Serums)


Softeners: Softeners are usually confused with being Toners... they look similar BUT they do different things, a softener is used to moisturize (hence the name "Softener") while a toner is to clean and balance pH (I will write a post later about Toners). The steps to using Toners and Softeners are these are --> Toners, Softeners, Moisturizers. I guess there aren't real equivalents to Softeners.

(Softeners are usually found in Asian skin care products, they can be called "moisturizing lotions" but look like toners)

photo credits: www.productreview.com.au

Emulsions: Emulsions are similar to moisturizers but they are a lot lighter. In Asia, Emulsions are translated as "milk cream" to describe it's consistency (like milk). It is also more richer at the same time. Because of the weather conditions in Asia (mostly humid), a lot of women use emulsion as a daytime moisturizer.

image source: www.barneys.com

In Asia, they are very precise with naming their products, most people confuse Emulsions with Creams, they are similar as they are both moisturizers except emulsions are lighter and creams are richer and much thicker. This is why people usually use emulsions as a daytime moisturizer and creams as a night moisturizer. (This is usually why most emulsions have UV protection, while most Creams do not). 

image source: www.barneys.com

For those who have dry to very dry skin, they have the option to use both an emulsion and cream in the same routine. This will not "ruin" or "over saturate" your skin. However, the best way is to use Emulsion then cream though as this will create a much stronger moisture boost (because of its richness).




Essences: Essence is another word for serum, they are the same thing. Like serums, essences are used after toners and before moisturizers. 

photo credits: sk-ii.com

Essence or serums are concentrated forms of nutrients that are made so that your skin will immediately absorb it when applied, this helps fix "deeper" skin problems.

I am writing a post on serums (link will be posted here when it is done)


So, keep in mind Softeners, Emulsions and Essences can be used in the same skincare routine. Please read my other blog post to see how using Emulsions (moisturizers) and Essences (serums)  together can help enhance your skin.

Question: Difference Between Serum and Moisturizer

photo credits: Clinique.com

 I have always wondered what are the differences between serum and moisturizer.They both "seem" to do similar things, yet Serums tend to costs so much more than moisturizers. I always thought serums were a concentrated moisturizer. After starting to use more skincare products, I was determined to learn about the differences so I know what it was I was putting on my face. I have found the answers and I want to share them with you. I will try to keep this post as short and as simple as I can.

First, to make things clear, serums and moisturizers are meant to be used together. You can't "choose" which one to use. If you just use one, you aren't making use of the product to it's fullest capabilities. In fact, you will be wasting the product since you can not utilize it fully. (Although, I do not recommend those who are 24 and under to use serums since your skin is able to produce the nutrients needed already (unless you have really bad terrible skin), over nourishing your skin can cause your skin to "stop" helping itself... and the formula might be too strong for your skin and end up making the condition of your skin even worse). If you feel you need one, I recommend you to go visit the store and ask if there are serums that are more suitable for younger skin)

photo credits: lancome.com

Serums are to enhance your skin-care routine and it is much more concentrated (you should never put too much on, once you put serum on your face, your skin will immediately absorb it all, so don't "over saturate" it, not having reside on your face is good, it means your skin has absorbed it all. Serums are very different than other creams/moisturizers/lotion. This is one of the reasons why a small bottle costs so much, and you can still "afford" it, a little goes a long way...) A 50 ml Serum can last you 5-6 months. 

If you read the "types" of serums and moisturizers you will notice their differences between the two immediately.


Serums tend to focus on a really specific skin problems e.g. wrinkles, discolorations, renew skin, etc. If you notice, these are "deeper skin problem.

Moisturizers are, well, used for moisturizing. (for oily skin, to rehydrate dry skin) These are solving the more "surface" part of the skin. They are also meant to "protect" you from environmental/climate factors (e.g. air pollution, UV rays, dry weather, hot weather etc) which prevent your skin from being healthy.

photo credits: http://lacedinleather.com

Remember: Moisturizers are meant to seal nutrients and prevent moisture from evaporating while serums are the nutrients to replenish your skin. 

When you use Moisturizers and serums together, you are putting nutrients into your skin (which are penetrating the depths of your skin, and the moisturizer seals it, making sure the serum can work properly, while protecting your skin from dryness and climate factors which can affect the skin (e.g. pollution).

(I will make a post that talks about serums since I realized there are a lot of things that need to be covered)