Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase

I received two 3ml sample bottles of this facial serum which I received as free samples with a Debenhams online order back in June. I really didn't think that 6ml would last very long at all but it lasted just under one month!

- Product description (from Clarins.co.uk)

"Intensive, moisture-replenishing care. As invisible as it is comfortable, this bi-phase serum acts at all levels of the skin to help restore the skin's natural hydration mechanisms. It replenishes very thirsty skin and promotes soft, comfortable, radiant and matte skin."

- About the product

This product is a facial serum that is used after a cleanser on dry skin, before moisturiser. I have two sample vials of this serum which are 3ml each which I didn't think would last long but the two vials lasted one month which I think is fantastic! The vials have small nozzle dispenser which allows a very controlled amount of product to be dispensed. The serum does contain some natural ingredients (plant extracts), it is dermatologist tested and it is non-comedogenic which means that it does not clog up pores.

- Using the product and results

I use this product after any of my facial cleansers and then before my moisturiser; I use a small amount of product each time I use it. Before application you have to shake the bottle, then I use about four or five drops each time and I dispense the drops onto my palm and then apply to the skin. The serum is very runny which I don't' really like as it makes the product a little bit harder to apply; also the serum does have a scent which I don't like in skincare product because of my sensitive skin which can react to products that are scented but I haven't experienced any irritation or negative effects from using this product for one month. The scent is quite clean and sweet smelling, almost floral. Another thing to note about the appearance of this product, apart from the very runny consistency, is the colour - this serum is actually blue! The texture of this product is really nice, it is very silky smooth to touch while applying to the skin but it also has a greasy feeling too which I don't really like as it makes my skin feel oily and dirty. Although the initial greasy feeling of this product on the skin doesn't last long as when I apply my moisturiser over the top of this product the greasy feeling disappears.

The application of this product is nice, quick, easy and the serum feels very silk smooth to apply. The serum initially does make my skin feel a little bit greasy but it also instantly improves the texture of my skin - it makes my skin feel very smooth and soft which provides a great base for my moisturiser and subsequent makeup. The serum doesn't take ages to sink into the skin but I do end up applying my moisturiser before the serum has fully absorbed. The overall results of this product are great! The serum really improves my skin texture, making my skin feel so much smoother and softer - the serum also helps my moisturiser and subsequent products apply smoother to the skin. I haven't experienced any negative or adverse reactions to this product, even though the hydraquench cream does irritate my skin.

- Price and availability

I received two samples of this product with a Debenhams order earlier this year (June I think) and the full price of this product is £40 for 30ml which does sound quite expensive but based on my usage of the two samples, the 30ml bottle will last absolutely ages! If this product is ever on offer I will probably have to buy it as the results were just fantastic, in my opinion.

Conclusions

Positives

*Smooth, silky texture
*Applies very smoothly, easily and quickly
*Leaves my skin feeling very smooth, soft, comfortable and hydrated
*Improves the texture of my skin - much smoother

Negatives

*Full size product is really expensive
*A little bit too runny (consistency to thin), in my opinion

Thank you for reading my review