If you’re like me and have aging, sensitive and very acne-prone skin (how is that fair?), then No7’s HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Serum will be an absolute joy. It smooths out my wrinkles and makes my skin look plumper and fuller without causing breakouts or irritation, and it’s a must-have in my skin care routine.
I’ve been using it for about a year and have become a massive fan girl because it’s affordable and it really works for my problematic skin type.
On those mornings when I look like I’ve just crawled out of a tomb, this is a real lifesaver. It feels cooling and refreshing on my skin and evens out red patches quickly.
I particularly love using it after a flight or whenever my skin feels tired and dried out. A little goes a long way, and the compact size means I can pop it into my bag and use it whenever I feel like I need some extra hydration. Otherwise, I rub a couple of drops onto my face and neck before my usual moisturizer every morning and evening.
This serum gives a hydrating boost to fatigued skin. The result is fuller-looking, glowing skin at an affordable price. Plus, it doubles as a base for makeup or sunscreen.
How I found No7’s HydraLuminous+ Serum
I discovered this product thanks to several enthusiastic recommendations from friends in the UK, where the original No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate is a hit. The No7 brand started on the other side of the pond almost 90 years ago, so it’s much more well known there, but it’s been gaining popularity in the US over the last few years. No7 recently launched the HydraLuminous+ Serum in the US as a new version of the hydrating formula. After trying both the UK and US versions, I can attest that both work wonders for plumping and moisturizing the skin (and, to be honest, I can’t even tell the difference between them!).
One morning, a female friend insisted I look at her face before and after she’d applied the HydraLuminous serum. Somehow, she looked fresher and fuller afterward, despite only having a few hours sleep. Since then, I’ve been waxing lyrical about it to anyone who’ll listen. The results are so immediate that it’s hard not to fall in love.
After using it for a few days, I noticed my skin looked better when I woke up. It’s so hydrating and provides a defense against the drying effects of my air-conditioning and heating.
Why No7’s HydraLuminous+ Serum is a score
I love this serum because it’s moisturizing without being oily. As soon as I apply it, my skin looks fresher, plumper and smoother. It’s also pretty affordable at $25.
It creates a soft, smooth base underneath my makeup and/or sunscreen and gives me lasting hydration and suppleness throughout the day. It absorbs very quickly and feels light on my skin, with no greasiness or stickiness.
The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that helps skin hold moisture and appear younger and fuller. It’s also said to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and speed up healing, which is never a bad thing, especially at my age (I’m 41).
Skin care can become obnoxiously expensive, so I also appreciate the generous bottle size. Many pricey serums come in teeny tiny vessels, but this 1-ounce bottle lasts me about four to six months. The pipette prevents me from using too much, and it has a pleasantly subtle scent of aloe.