Review: This serum gave my tired complexion an instant glow-up

Chantecaille Radiance Elixir, $360

1/3

WHAT IT IS A radiance-enhancing serum that brightens the complexion to give you that instant lit-from-within glow. Can also be paired with makeup products for that extra dewiness.

KEY INGREDIENTS Colourless carotenoids derived from tomatoes to reduce redness while boosting radiance; a natural tensing agent for a smoothing effect; crystal peptide to encourage cellular renewal, as well as ceramide and hyaluronic acid production; skin awakening peptide to boost micro-circulation; and lotus japonica extract to promote elastin and collagen production while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

THE TEXTURE A light lotion that’s slightly thicker than the serums I’m used to, Chantecaille’s Radiance Elixir literally glows with a pearly, iridescent hue. Because of its shimmer, it can give the impression that it’s rich or greasy, but it absorbs easily and leaves no tacky finish.

The Results

Credit: Shao-Chun Wang / 123rf.com

2/3

I was so surprised when I first droppered the serum onto my palm. The iridescent hue was so pretty, it instantly brought a smile to my face. I don’t think I’ve ever used something so gorgeous.

There’s a faint rose scent thanks to the brand’s signature Rose de Mai water, which is found in all its skincare products. And while I generally prefer scent-free products, this subtle floral fragrance was a nice touch, and more importantly, it didn’t irritate my senses. Instead, it made using Radiance Elixir more pleasant.

The serum absorbs well, needing just a light massage to get it all in.

However, my skin did begin to feel a little parched by midday, and when I looked at my face in the mirror, my cheeks had faint lines from the dryness.

The next day, I decided to incorporate a hydrating serum before using Radiance Elixir. If you’re a many-serum girl, Chantecaille says Radiance Elixir should be the last one you apply. It seemed to do the trick.

A few days later, I tried a makeup tip shared by the brand: add a drop of Radiance Elixir to BB cream to give my complexion a dewy finish. The result was a soft dewy glow that got me compliments from my friends. It was not overtly shiny, which was great for my combination skin.

But just in case, I also dusted a little loose powder along my T-zone to control my usual midday shine. And thankfully, it all held up well.

The Verdict

3/3

Love the lightweight-ness of Chantecaille’s Radiance Elixir, and the subtle uplifting scent. You can use the serum both in the day and night, but I prefer to use it as a day serum as I need something heavier for the nights as I sleep in an air-conditioned room. Plus, the extra daytime glow I get is very welcome when I head out to meet friends or attend virtual meetings – because who doesn't want a glowing complexion, right?

Chantecaille Radiance Elixir is available at Chantecaille counters at Tangs at Tang Plaza and Takashimaya D.S, and www.tangs.com