| Review | Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum
I'm a little behind on picking up this serum, despite being a huge fan of the Augustinus Bader creams (full review here). I was very hesitant because I'm very skeptical of the quality of the Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader collaborations, especially for the high price of this serum. I finally gave in because my curiosity got the best of me and I desperately want this serum to be as incredible as the Bader creams. Also, because Victoria Beckham swears up and down by her own skincare range, I needed to find out if it was truly as miraculous as she claims. Here are my full thoughts on this formula.
PRICE & PACKAGING
The Victoria Beckham Beauty Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum retails $210.00 USD and is available at Victoria Beckham Beauty and other retailers. This serum is beautifully and uniquely housed in a glass bottle with a dropper tip attached to the bottle itself. This is not a packaging you often see for a serum. It is actually much more luxurious and convenient to use than an actual classic dropper bottle.
There is a little black screw-on cap on the very tip. Upturning the bottle, the tip of the bottle fills with serum and you can easily squeeze the base of the tip to dispense the serum. This allows for full control over the dispensing of the serum and you don't run into the annoying issue that you often have with dropper bottles, where the dropper doesn't fill easily. The base of the bottle has a beautiful glass tortoiseshell base, which is iconic of the VBB brand. Due to its glass construction, it isn't the most travel-friendly bottle, so I recommend decanting some if you'd like to take this traveling.
FORMULA
To properly test this serum, I used this serum for 1 week every night consecutively, paired with only a basic bare-bones moisturizer. What I define as a "bare-bones" moisturizer, is a moisturizer that doesn't contain any frills, special technology, or claims anything special. It is simply a hydrating moisturizer. This allows me to see the true results from just the serum and no other skincare products. I have also chosen it to only use it in the evening because as many people do, I have a daytime routine and a night routine that includes different serums. I would only use this once a day in the evening, so I want to ensure my results are accurate to how I would use this serum. Additionally, for my daytime routine, I am only using a bare-bones moisturizer and SPF. This way, the serum is the only product in my entire routine for the week that has anti-aging benefits and I can see if this product truly does anything for the skin.
Now, I'm not saying this serum is some kind of miracle product. I don't really believe that any skincare or beauty product can truly turn back time but I do believe it can slow the aging process down. Prevention is key and I'm all about trying to prevent signs of again as much as I can by treating my skin with the best products possible.
After one week of just using this serum and basic moisturizers, I can really tell there are huge improvements in my skin's elasticity, its texture, and its softness. I feel like my skin is the most supple it has ever felt with so much healthy bounce to it! The texture of my skin has been transformed and I am stunned! I know I have relatively good skin to begin with but the fact that I was able to see an improvement in the smoothness of my skin is incredible! It looks so refined and plump, without any apparent lines or pores! I can look super closely at my skin in the mirror and I can't see any texture! This is truly due to this serum because the moisturizers I used for the week were very basic and had not anti-aging properties or ingredients.
THE MAGIC COMBINATION
After my one week trial, I decided to use this serum with my usual skincare routine. This includes masks, exfoliating treatments, and other anti-aging treatments that I would use regularly. As you would expect, my skin felt vastly improved and it was a much-needed addition to my daily routine. While I have many skin boosters and serums, none were quite like this one in its ability to treat my skin for signs of aging. I have been using the serum for about 2 months now and I'm never turning back! The results that I have seen after a week of use has continued and is only amplified by my other skincare products and treatments.
I had to try it combined with the Augustinus Bader creams to see what would happen and let me tell you, the results were MAGICAL! I didn't think the Augustinus Bader Creams could get any better but when paired with serum, it seemed to be supercharged! The effects of the creams were significantly amplified by the serum! It made my skin look like I had a facial while I was sleeping. My skin felt so much softer, smoother, plumper, and it had an incredible glow in the mornings! This is what you would expect from a $400+ combination of products and trust me, it is worth every penny! My skin looks like a million bucks overnight! I was already really loving this serum but it is this combination that has officially established it as an essential part of my routine.
I have never really believed most serums worked or really did anything but this one had proved my thoughts to be totally wrong! I guess I just like seeing more immediate results and this serum really delivers that and so much more! Of course, skincare takes time to work its magic but when you're paying a hefty price for a product, you want to see results sooner than later. This serum won't disappoint and will deliver some pretty miraculous results after one use! I have NEVER seen such amazing results from the addition of this serum to my routine. Even with a very basic routine, this serum really makes a HUGE difference in your skin!
If you're looking for a seriously high-quality anti-aging serum that works, look no further! I never thought I would consider a serum worthy of paying so much for but, this one is just too good! I can't believe I went so long without owning this serum! It has completely changed my skin condition and appearance! Also, because it is a pricey serum, you don't have to use to daily to achieve incredible results. Using it several times a week is enough to keep your skin in amazing condition. This serum truly makes your skin healthier, stronger, smoother, and gives you a very healthy glow! This serum will give you the most refined and perfected skin you will ever have! I highly recommend purchasing this serum and I truly think it is 100% worth the price. This serum will really give you the BEST skin you could possibly dream of!
There is a little black screw-on cap on the very tip. Upturning the bottle, the tip of the bottle fills with serum and you can easily squeeze the base of the tip to dispense the serum. This allows for full control over the dispensing of the serum and you don't run into the annoying issue that you often have with dropper bottles, where the dropper doesn't fill easily. The base of the bottle has a beautiful glass tortoiseshell base, which is iconic of the VBB brand. Due to its glass construction, it isn't the most travel-friendly bottle, so I recommend decanting some if you'd like to take this traveling.
FORMULA
To properly test this serum, I used this serum for 1 week every night consecutively, paired with only a basic bare-bones moisturizer. What I define as a "bare-bones" moisturizer, is a moisturizer that doesn't contain any frills, special technology, or claims anything special. It is simply a hydrating moisturizer. This allows me to see the true results from just the serum and no other skincare products. I have also chosen it to only use it in the evening because as many people do, I have a daytime routine and a night routine that includes different serums. I would only use this once a day in the evening, so I want to ensure my results are accurate to how I would use this serum. Additionally, for my daytime routine, I am only using a bare-bones moisturizer and SPF. This way, the serum is the only product in my entire routine for the week that has anti-aging benefits and I can see if this product truly does anything for the skin.
I find that I need a fair amount of product to completely cover my face and neck because this serum has a light slightly gel-like texture but absorbs extremely rapidly into the skin. I found that adding several drops to my palm is not enough. I use approximately a nickel-sized, maybe a touch more to get reasonable coverage for my face and neck. Due to it's slightly more viscous texture, patting this serum isn't the best move, you should actually swipe it across your face, blending it in like you would a moisturizer. You feel the hydrating light gel-like texture on the skin but once it's absorbed, you'll feel hydrated without any greasy or sticky residue. I often find many serums have an overly sticky and tacky texture after application, which can be uncomfortable.
UPDATE 11/9/2021
I am writing this update about a year after I purchased this serum. Several months ago, which would be about a year into owning this serum, I started using it again and it has a very slight "off" or funky smell to it that it didn't have when I first purchased it. I am assuming this is a good indication that the serum is going bad or spoiling already. Only after 1 year. Keep that in mind when purchasing this serum. I am now rushing to finish the bottle because while it smells a little off, it is still delivering results and it doesn't make my skin breakout or irritated. It's a little unfortunate that the formula doesn't last as long as I hoped. If you often switch up your skincare, I do not recommend buying this serum because it may go bad on you before you finish it.
RESULTS AFTER ONE WEEK
After the first night of use, I actually noticed results! Listen, if I'm being honest, I think most serums don't do anything. At least not anything visible, especially after only one application. I feel serums are more of a skincare booster, like taking your vitamins, you might not see results but they might be helping with the health of your skin, so you should use it. Also, when I have seen results from a serum, it is after at least a week or two of using it consistently.
The morning after my first application, I noticed my skin was visibly and significantly softer and smoother! I was quite shocked! The texture of my skin looked so good! If I looked at my skin closely, you could see how refined the texture of my skin was. What I mean is my skin looked poreless! Now, I already have fairly small pores but somehow, it looked even more flawless. Additionally, I noticed my skin felt very well hydrated and it has a visible glow, which is an amazing sign to me because of my dry skin. There was also the feeling that the elasticity in my skin had improved because it had a very healthy bounce to it.
After several days, I really started to notice the smoothing effect and the refined texture of my skin. That very smooth and poreless texture was maintained. My skin looked and felt so soft and smooth. Also, my biggest insecurity, my smile lines around my mouth looked non-existent! This has always been an area that as I've aged, I've noticed more and more. This serum seemed to have plumped out those fine lines and left me with my fresh face from several years ago. My skin also feels very supple! It has this softness bouncy elasticity that you would associate with youthful and healthy skin.
What I find incredibly impressive about this formula is its ability to make my skin fully saturated and nourished in the morning. What I mean by this is, that it is very rare that my dry and often dehydrated skin feels like it has soaked up so many nutrients that it can't absorb any more product and doesn't need any additional nourishment. However, when I wake up, I feel like my skin is maximally saturated with serum and product. I could forego my morning skincare routine but I don't.
What I find incredibly impressive about this formula is its ability to make my skin fully saturated and nourished in the morning. What I mean by this is, that it is very rare that my dry and often dehydrated skin feels like it has soaked up so many nutrients that it can't absorb any more product and doesn't need any additional nourishment. However, when I wake up, I feel like my skin is maximally saturated with serum and product. I could forego my morning skincare routine but I don't.
After one week of just using this serum and basic moisturizers, I can really tell there are huge improvements in my skin's elasticity, its texture, and its softness. I feel like my skin is the most supple it has ever felt with so much healthy bounce to it! The texture of my skin has been transformed and I am stunned! I know I have relatively good skin to begin with but the fact that I was able to see an improvement in the smoothness of my skin is incredible! It looks so refined and plump, without any apparent lines or pores! I can look super closely at my skin in the mirror and I can't see any texture! This is truly due to this serum because the moisturizers I used for the week were very basic and had not anti-aging properties or ingredients.
THE MAGIC COMBINATION
After my one week trial, I decided to use this serum with my usual skincare routine. This includes masks, exfoliating treatments, and other anti-aging treatments that I would use regularly. As you would expect, my skin felt vastly improved and it was a much-needed addition to my daily routine. While I have many skin boosters and serums, none were quite like this one in its ability to treat my skin for signs of aging. I have been using the serum for about 2 months now and I'm never turning back! The results that I have seen after a week of use has continued and is only amplified by my other skincare products and treatments.
I had to try it combined with the Augustinus Bader creams to see what would happen and let me tell you, the results were MAGICAL! I didn't think the Augustinus Bader Creams could get any better but when paired with serum, it seemed to be supercharged! The effects of the creams were significantly amplified by the serum! It made my skin look like I had a facial while I was sleeping. My skin felt so much softer, smoother, plumper, and it had an incredible glow in the mornings! This is what you would expect from a $400+ combination of products and trust me, it is worth every penny! My skin looks like a million bucks overnight! I was already really loving this serum but it is this combination that has officially established it as an essential part of my routine.
INGREDIENTS
I conducted some brief research on the notable ingredients in this formula to provide you with a thorough analysis of this formulation but I recommend you look these ingredients up for yourself to get a better understanding of their benefits. I am by no means an expert in the field, just a formula-obsessed beauty enthusiast who wants to get her monies-worth out of products.
Here is the full ingredients list from the VBB website:
TFC-8 - The highlight of this formula is the Augustinus Bader exclusive TFC-8 technology. This is the patented and exclusive technology developed by Augustinus Bader. This ingredient, to me, is the only reason to purchase this serum. Augustinus Bader's legendary skincare all contains this ingredient, which acts like retinol by promoting cell turnover. This ingredient is said to help your skin go through a specific cell renewal process, which you can read more about it here. This is an ingredient that I wholeheartedly believe in after trying both the face creams and his body products!
Other notable ingredients included in this formula are:
Yeast Ferment Complex - The fermentation process causes amino acids and peptides to form, which provide the skin with the nutrients needed for cell renewal. According to VBB, this ingredient helps refine the texture of the skin and strengthens the skin's barrier to prevent dehydration, both of which I have noticed after using this serum! The texture of my skin is extremely refined and smooth. Also, as I stated previously, I feel that my skin is maximally hydrated after using this product.
Porcelain Flower Biopeptides - This ingredient is said to rebalance the skin's flora, which for those who aren't scientists means that it balances the microorganisms on the surface of the skin. The bacteria on our skin is what helps us fight off bad bacteria and environmental factors. This ingredient helps strengthen our skin's immunity and overall health. I have also noticed this in my time using this serum.
Organic Black Crowberry Fruit - I had never heard of this fruit before this product but after looking into it a bit, this fruit is packed with antioxidants and vitamin c, which help prevent and repair free radical damage. It is also great for preventing acne and firms the skin. Again, I have definitely noticed my skin looking more toned and feeling firmer.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals but it is also great for healing and repairing the skin, including scarring. It also is great for hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Olive Fruit Extract - This fruit extract is known for reducing irritations and redness in the skin. It is a great hydrator and stimulates cell renewal through enhancing circulation. It also prevents damage from blue light from screens, which is something I didn't know.
Microalgae Extract - Algae has long been used in skincare because it has skin repairing properties, as well as, environmental protective properties because it is packed with antioxidants. It is known for its ability to deeply moisturize the skin and it also contains a variety of vitamins to boost the health of the skin.
Niacinamide - This ingredient has become wildly popular lately. It's almost a buzz word like hyaluronic acid. Every brand seems to be putting this ingredient in their formulas because it does so much! Niacinamide treats wrinkles, fine lines, reduced pore size, reduces redness, and enhances radiance in the skin. It also helps you regulate oil on the surface of your skin, supports your skin's immunity, and helps your skin grow a lipid barrier so it can retain more moisture. It's a pretty magical ingredient and you can really see the difference in all these areas when you use this serum.
Fermented Hyaluronic Acid - The most popular skincare ingredient these days is hyaluronic acid and for good reason too. Hyaluronic acid retains 1,000 times its weight in water, which means it really retains moisture in your skin. Not only does it keep your skin extremely hydrated, but it also helps plump out wrinkles and lines. It is a nutrients carrier, which helps all the other ingredients in this serum work optimally!
I conducted some brief research on the notable ingredients in this formula to provide you with a thorough analysis of this formulation but I recommend you look these ingredients up for yourself to get a better understanding of their benefits. I am by no means an expert in the field, just a formula-obsessed beauty enthusiast who wants to get her monies-worth out of products.
Here is the full ingredients list from the VBB website:
WATER / AQUA / EAU, GLYCERIN, DIGLYCERIN, DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, SACCHAROMYCES FERMENT FILTRATE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-4 CAPRATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, GLYCERETH-26, NIACINAMIDE, BETAINE, EMPETRUM NIGRUM FRUIT JUICE, TFC-8, PANTHENOL, YEAST EXTRACT, PAVLOVA LUTHERI EXTRACT, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, ACRYLATES/VINYL ISODECANOATE CROSSPOLYMER, MALTODEXTRIN, ARGININE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERYL POLYACRYLATE, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, TOCOPHEROL, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, SORBIC ACID, BENZOIC ACID
TFC-8 - The highlight of this formula is the Augustinus Bader exclusive TFC-8 technology. This is the patented and exclusive technology developed by Augustinus Bader. This ingredient, to me, is the only reason to purchase this serum. Augustinus Bader's legendary skincare all contains this ingredient, which acts like retinol by promoting cell turnover. This ingredient is said to help your skin go through a specific cell renewal process, which you can read more about it here. This is an ingredient that I wholeheartedly believe in after trying both the face creams and his body products!
Other notable ingredients included in this formula are:
Yeast Ferment Complex - The fermentation process causes amino acids and peptides to form, which provide the skin with the nutrients needed for cell renewal. According to VBB, this ingredient helps refine the texture of the skin and strengthens the skin's barrier to prevent dehydration, both of which I have noticed after using this serum! The texture of my skin is extremely refined and smooth. Also, as I stated previously, I feel that my skin is maximally hydrated after using this product.
Porcelain Flower Biopeptides - This ingredient is said to rebalance the skin's flora, which for those who aren't scientists means that it balances the microorganisms on the surface of the skin. The bacteria on our skin is what helps us fight off bad bacteria and environmental factors. This ingredient helps strengthen our skin's immunity and overall health. I have also noticed this in my time using this serum.
Organic Black Crowberry Fruit - I had never heard of this fruit before this product but after looking into it a bit, this fruit is packed with antioxidants and vitamin c, which help prevent and repair free radical damage. It is also great for preventing acne and firms the skin. Again, I have definitely noticed my skin looking more toned and feeling firmer.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals but it is also great for healing and repairing the skin, including scarring. It also is great for hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Olive Fruit Extract - This fruit extract is known for reducing irritations and redness in the skin. It is a great hydrator and stimulates cell renewal through enhancing circulation. It also prevents damage from blue light from screens, which is something I didn't know.
Microalgae Extract - Algae has long been used in skincare because it has skin repairing properties, as well as, environmental protective properties because it is packed with antioxidants. It is known for its ability to deeply moisturize the skin and it also contains a variety of vitamins to boost the health of the skin.
Niacinamide - This ingredient has become wildly popular lately. It's almost a buzz word like hyaluronic acid. Every brand seems to be putting this ingredient in their formulas because it does so much! Niacinamide treats wrinkles, fine lines, reduced pore size, reduces redness, and enhances radiance in the skin. It also helps you regulate oil on the surface of your skin, supports your skin's immunity, and helps your skin grow a lipid barrier so it can retain more moisture. It's a pretty magical ingredient and you can really see the difference in all these areas when you use this serum.
Fermented Hyaluronic Acid - The most popular skincare ingredient these days is hyaluronic acid and for good reason too. Hyaluronic acid retains 1,000 times its weight in water, which means it really retains moisture in your skin. Not only does it keep your skin extremely hydrated, but it also helps plump out wrinkles and lines. It is a nutrients carrier, which helps all the other ingredients in this serum work optimally!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I have never really believed most serums worked or really did anything but this one had proved my thoughts to be totally wrong! I guess I just like seeing more immediate results and this serum really delivers that and so much more! Of course, skincare takes time to work its magic but when you're paying a hefty price for a product, you want to see results sooner than later. This serum won't disappoint and will deliver some pretty miraculous results after one use! I have NEVER seen such amazing results from the addition of this serum to my routine. Even with a very basic routine, this serum really makes a HUGE difference in your skin!
If you're looking for a seriously high-quality anti-aging serum that works, look no further! I never thought I would consider a serum worthy of paying so much for but, this one is just too good! I can't believe I went so long without owning this serum! It has completely changed my skin condition and appearance! Also, because it is a pricey serum, you don't have to use to daily to achieve incredible results. Using it several times a week is enough to keep your skin in amazing condition. This serum truly makes your skin healthier, stronger, smoother, and gives you a very healthy glow! This serum will give you the most refined and perfected skin you will ever have! I highly recommend purchasing this serum and I truly think it is 100% worth the price. This serum will really give you the BEST skin you could possibly dream of!
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2 Comments
Thanks so much for the review - which cream did you prefer this with - the Rich Cream or The Cream? xx
ReplyDeleteI prefer The Cream because I think it's more versatile for me. While I have dry skin, I find The Rich Cream just a touch too rich for wearing during the day. I mostly only use it in evenings when my skin is feeling really dry. The Cream is my go-to most days for day and night because it is very hydrating and nourishing but still works well under makeup.
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