Team BD is back with another addition of Tried & Tested – the series where we try the latest products and must-haves in beauty.
This month we've put some of the best brightening heroes to the test – think those that will bring you the best possible glow in no time at all.
Read our honest thoughts below, and why you should keep these offerings front of mind. After all, when you see the BD Tried & Tested badge, you know we've given it our stamp of approval.
For hi-res images, and further product information, click the brand name.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream - Aja
What we think: Just as we hit winter every June 1, like clock work my skin has lost all glow and sign of life. Dramatic? Maybe. But when the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream landed on my desk, I couldn't get it onto my face sooner. The formula includes five per cent THD Ascorbate - a powerful ingredient that restores skin radiance (while being uniquely suitable for those with sensitive skin). The cream somehow manages to perk my skin up, and it's those instant results that have me officially hooked. It's hydrating and protecting and a firm winter must-have in my routine going forward.
Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream - Tiarne
What we think: I’ve been a long-time fan of Palmer’s, so I was really excited to put this one to the test. It has a thick, creamy consistency which feels really nice on my face. I’ve been using it for about four weeks now and am loving the difference I’ve noticed in skin texture. I have a few scars from my teen years of constant acne (and occasional adult acne) which have been really stubborn and an absolute pain to hide. However, after using this cream I’ve noticed a huge difference in the fading of some scars. Overall, my skin looks brighter, more refreshed and healthier. I’m super happy with the results and can’t wait to see more improvements.
Rodan + Fields REVERSE Regimen - Tam
What we think: As I get older, my skin is looking duller and those pesky dark spots seem to pop up out of nowhere. But the REVERSE Regimen has been a saviour at targeting and correcting my concerns. The ingredients are high quality and powerful, so I started by using the products every second day and quickly built up to using them morning and night. Within weeks my skin was looking brighter, skin tone is more even, my dark spots are less visible and my skin feels soft.
Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides - Laura
What we think: This product came with two little bottles and a dropper lid. In order to use the product you need to activate it first which was super easy following the instructions on the box. The activation changed the liquid from clear to a pale red brown as a powder was released into it. You then change the lid of the active bottle to the dropper lid to use it. It is a nice light serum that soaks in quickly without leaving any residue. My skin is looking lovely and bright.
Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer - Issy R
What we think: If your skin is lacking in brightness and hydration, this is your go-to! Being a gel formula, this moisturiser is light weight and easily absorbs into my skin, which is everything I need in a moisturiser when I am on the go. After application, my skin feels renewed, brightened and rejuvenated, with the Vitamin C playing a big part in protecting and looking after my skin. Rich in antioxidants, the biotechnology is what helps improve the skin brighteness.
Glam By Manicare® Pro Essential Skincare Brush Set - Issy R
What we think: Prior to using this set I was using a makeup brush to apply my face mask. I can now see the difference a skincare brush set like this one can make. In this set you get 2 x brushes - 1 x moisturiser brush for applying creams, oils and serums, and 1 x treatment brush for targeted applications like face masks etc. The application is made much more simplified with this set as the brushes are smaller and more precise when applying your product. The product goes on a lot smoother, there is less product wastage and you get into those hard to apply areas. What I love about this set is how hygenic applying your skincare is. You can wash the brushes after each application and you're avoiding transferrring bacteria from your fingers when using a set like this.
mesoestetic energy c complex - Issy D
What we think: As we are going into the colder months I have noticed that my skin texture has changed slightly and seems less radiant. I was thrilled to try the Mesoestetic Energy C treatment, as this is a high concentrate vitamin C product, which targets the overall complextion of the skin and helps to protect it from free radical damage. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a luxe at home treatment to brighten up the skin!
Skin Physics Probiotic Daily Moisturising Gel - Alicia
What we think: The Probiotic daily moisturising gel from Skin physics is a great addition to your winter skincare routine. The consistency is a really light cream which at first touch made me think it may not be as hydrating as it was. Once it is on your skin it absorbs really quickly and really helps with the dry skin that I have been suffering from during these winter months. I have found that in the mornings I can quickly put my normal makeup on over the top very soon after the moisturiser has been applied and the smell is also really nice. I love that it includes natural extracts and a probiotic property which helps with my skin pigmentation and elasticity.
The Body Shop Out For Love Highlighter - Nicola
What we think: If you are someone after a dewy, glossy and fresh finish to your makeup then look no further than The Body Shop Out For Love Highlighter. I love testing both the peachy and violet shades to achieve a shimmering glow to my skin. I found the peach gave my cheeks a burst of warmth alongside an illuminating shimmer, perfect for an everyday warm look. While the violet shade gave off a cooler glow perfect for a bolder more striking evening look. I loved the consistency of the product, it blended really well with my makeup and wasn’t too harsh. I would again recommend to anyone who loves a glowy and dewy finish to their face.
PB SKN Glow Gleam-Giver - Emily
What we think: The PB SKN Glow Gleam-Giver is an amazing product that I have happily added into my everyday routine. The consistency of the product is non-greasy and perfect for layering under other products and my makeup. It doesn't create an uneven base that makes products shift over the course of the day. The smell of the product is nice and not overpowering. The pump action dispenses the perfect amount of product so there is no wastage. I noticed that after using the product for a while my skin feels more radiant, I have less blemishes and my skin feels more dewy and nourished. Overall it is an amazing product that I highly recommend.
Clarins Extra-Firming Energy - Ashley
What we think: Clarins Extra-Firming Energy is radiance in a jar! It is packed with vitamins derived from plant and fruit extracts, as well as Clarins' innovative Glow Plus Complex. After the first application, I found my skin looked luminous thanks to the beautiful peach-toned cream. After a full month of use, the results were a significant improvement in dullness and overall skin tone. This is a must-have beauty staple for women of all ages who are after a cream that not only fights the signs of ageing but is packed with super ingredients that provide an instant glow.
BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum - Rachel
What we think: The BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum is just what my skin needed coming into the cooler season. Usually at this time of year, my skin is dry, looking dull and seeing lots of texture issues. Since introducing this serum into my routine, my skin is visibly plump, glowing and radiant! With a powerful, yet gentle, ingredients list containing The hero vitamin C, niacinamide and bisabolol, it’s no wonder my sensitive skin is loving this. The serum itself also feels lovely, glides on smoothly when applied, and sinks right in to the skin so no annoying piling. A real winner all around!
JOSO GLOWSO™ - Jess
What we think: Glowso is a wonderful anti-ageing skin supplement that promotes skin health and radiance. The tablets contain biotin, collagen and zinc. It took about four weeks for optimum results, but while using this product, I found it improved my skin surface and I had plenty of compliments on how bright and well I looked. As an added bonus it also seemed to provide a boost for nail and hair strength too! I took 1-2 tablets a day and still saw a visible difference and would definitely recommend and continue to use.
