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This Dr Sebagh serum gave my skin an instant glow

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There’s a rising number of skincare buys containing similar components to in-clinic aesthetic treatments, such as topical PDRN serums that contain polynucleotides. The latest is Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster, a new serum containing plant-derived exosomes, bio-synthesised collagen and vitamin C.

While vitamin C and collagen components are known for offering brightening benefits and supporting hydration, exosomes are said to help promote cellular regeneration and collagen stimulation. With this being the first product in Dr Sebagh’s skincare line to contain plant-derived exosomes, it is an at-home counterpart to the formula being used during the brand founder’s in-clinic aesthetic treatments.

As a 42-year-old beauty journalist always looking for straightforward buys that can help with overall skin health, this latest launch piqued my interest. With its clinical benefits claiming to range from skin rejuvenation to accelerated wound healing and reduction of inflammation, the booster is billed as a base layer to enhance the performance of any other skincare applied on top.

But could it make a difference to my skin? As a busy mum continually seeking accessible skincare solutions, I put it to the test.

Read more: We tried Kiehl’s new sunscreen in a heatwave

The exo c booster is a new addition to Dr Sebagh’s advanced ageing-maintenance skincare range (Helen Wilson-Beevers)

Read more: Renew+Me, reviewed by a beauty expert

Presented in a glass bottle with a pipette applicator, the booster has a notably pearlescent finish. This is due to its white mother of pearl component. As well as bringing a luxury vibe to the serum that is reflected in the £68 price tag, I found it adds an instantly glowy luminosity to skin.

Adding a couple of drops to cleansed skin, I used it in the morning and evening. The lightweight liquid easily spreads across skin, leaving a sheer finish. While the inclusion of vitamin C can make my sensitive skin tingle a little, there was no irritation whatsoever with this product. I saw a gently hydrating effect, rather than the serum being an overtly glossy or greasy layer. It also absorbs well into skin, with no lingering residue.

As well as the exosomes, vitamin C and collagen, the exo c booster also contains anti-oxidant ferulic acid and adenosine and glycogen which are said to support the skin barrier and help reduce dynamic wrinkles. While I’m sceptical about any claims that topical skincare can change wrinkles – due to their deep-set nature and the environmental and biological factors involved – hydration-promoting skincare that helps protect the skin barrier can temporarily improve their appearance. The serum does have a smoothing effect, which helps make the tone of my skin appear more even, too.

Because of the immediate radiance it creates, the booster is a brilliant primer underneath make-up as well as being a brightening layer to give tired skin a lift on those bare face days. While I can’t comment on changes to rejuvenation after a fortnight’s use, I’m keen to keep using the booster to see how my skin fares. It’s a great go-to for a vitamin C serum with a difference, and I’m very impressed by the fresh radiance I’ve noted so far.

Is Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster worth it?

With Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster containing a range of potent skincare ingredients, I was happy to see an immediate glow and brightness which continued with further use. While it has a premium price point, the results were noticeable and I’m keen to keep using the serum to chart any long-term improvement. I’ve seen no irritation, either. If you’re looking for a brightening serum with the addition of exosomes, collagen and vitamin C to help promote healthy skin, I’d recommend trying this product.

How I tested Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster

I spent two weeks testing Dr Sebagh’s exo c booster, applying it daily to cleansed skin. During this testing time, I looked at the product’s formula, key ingredients, skincare benefits and how it felt on my skin both immediately after application and several days on. I assessed the product, based on the following:

  • Formula: I considered the booster’s key ingredients and potential skincare benefits as well as the product’s overall texture and consistency.

  • Application: I applied the serum-style booster onto cleansed skin, daily. I noted how it felt on bare skin and underneath make-up.

  • Results: I looked at any improvements to my skin after initial application and with continued use. I continued whether there was a difference to the radiance and brightness of my skin, as well as noting whether any irritation occurred. I also considered whether I’d keep using the product long-term.

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Helen Wilson-Beevers is a beauty journalist who has been testing skincare products for over a decade. Within this time, she has given her honest verdict about a range of brands including The Inkey List, Perricone MD and CeraVe. As a 42-year-old with dry skin that’s prone to irritation, she’s an expert at finding the best products with anti-ageing benefits to suit sensitive types.

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Gwyneth Paltrow gave Timothée Chalamet skincare advice for 'Marty Supreme' movie makeup

Gwyneth Paltrow gave Timothée Chalamet skincare advice for ‘Marty Supreme’ movie makeup

Gwyneth Paltrow mistook Timothée Chalamet’s faux pockmarks for real acne scars while filming “Marty Supreme.” Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages/Shutterstock

Even beauty experts can be fooled.

Gwyneth Paltrow had an awkward on-set moment with Timothée Chalamet after mistaking his “Marty Supreme” makeup for real skin concerns.

The Goop founder, 53, revealed on Tuesday’s episode of “The Run-Through with Vogue” podcast that she didn’t realize the pockmarks on Chalamet’s face were faux while filming the upcoming ping-pong drama.

The Goop founder admitted on “The Run-Through with Vogue” podcast that she suggested her co-star try microneedling. Courtesy Everett Collection

Paltrow praised the film’s makeup team for creating such realistic effects. Courtesy Everett Collection

Chalamet corrected Paltrow when she offered the advice, revealing the facial texture was just part of his role as Marty Mauser. Courtesy Everett Collection

“In ‘Marty Supreme,’ Timothée has pockmarks, and they made his eyes beady with contacts and glasses,” Paltrow explained. “And it’s all makeup.”

When Chalamet, 29, commented on his appearance during filming, Paltrow jumped at the opportunity to share her wellness wisdom. “I was like, ‘Oh, you know, you can do microneedling for that,’” she recalled, laughing.

The “Dune” actor quickly set her straight. “And he’s like, ‘This is makeup!’ I was like, ‘Oh, s–t.’ I didn’t realize,” the actress admitted. “The makeup was so good that I thought he had little acne scars.”

The actress plays Kay Stone, a movie star and love interest to Chalamet’s character, in the Josh Safdie-directed film set in 1950s New York City. WireImage

The A24 film follows a young ping-pong prodigy’s journey from a shoe salesman to a global champion. Christopher Peterson / SplashNews.com

Paltrow praised the film’s makeup team for their realistic work transforming Chalamet for the role. She also clarified that her co-star has “beautiful skin” in real life, adding, “His skin in real life, you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh.’”

She reflected that she’s “never done anything like that where I’m really transformed in the face,” though viewers of her cringeworthy 2001 rom-com “Shallow Hal” — in which she wore a fat suit and prosthetics to play an obese woman — may beg to differ.

In “Marty Supreme,” Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, a character loosely based on 1950s table tennis champion Marty Reisman.

The “Shakespeare in Love” Oscar winner clarified that Chalamet has “beautiful skin” in real life after her on-set gaffe. timotheechalamet/Instagram

Paltrow and Chalamet filmed multiple sex scenes together for “Marty Supreme,” which the actress previously described as putting her in “beyond” vulnerable positions. Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages/Shutterstock

The A24 film, directed by Josh Safdie, follows the young ping-pong prodigy’s chaotic journey from shoe salesman to global champion in 1950s New York City.

Paltrow stars opposite Chalamet as Kay Stone, a married movie star and love interest. The Oscar winner previously teased Vanity Fair in March that she and Chalamet have “a lot” of sex scenes together in the film, calling the experience “beyond” vulnerable.

The movie hits theaters on Dec. 25.

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The K-Beauty essence that gave me the dewiest skin of my life is 25% off

The K-Beauty essence that gave me the dewiest skin of my life is 25% off

The CosRx snail essence is the best new addition to my skincare routine this year. Despite years of trying, I’ve accepted the fact that I will simply never be a minimalist. This is true of my wardrobe, my apartment (my decor style is closer to your grandma’s attic than the curated bookshelves on Instagram), and my skincare routine. Undeterred by my dermatologist’s warnings to pare down and keep things simple, I’m always taking a more-is-more approach in pursuit of smooth, glowy skin. It has led to some disasters, sure, but it’s also how I stumbled onto CosRX’s Advanced 96 Snail Mucin Power Essence, or CosRx snail essence, put more simply. This cult K-Beauty product did the impossible and streamlined my routine.

If you’re unfamiliar, essences are popular in Korean skincare for their extra moisturising powers, and have made their way Stateside in recent years (SK-II’s is a more obvious, well-known favourite). They can range from a really watery texture to a thicker jelly, and are used after toning and before serums or moisturisers to add extra hydration. They also help your following products absorb even better.

CosRX’s bestselling Advanced 96 Snail Mucin Power Essence has a lightweight texture, but sits closer to the jelly end of the spectrum and feels a little sticky to the touch. Not going to lie: The texture takes some getting used to (mostly because the name of the product and the tackiness made me think of snails crawling on me — a lovely visual), but I got past it quickly once I saw the results. Literally overnight, it transformed my tired, dehydrated skin into a plumper, more dewy complexion I almost didn’t recognise. This was not the skin of someone who stays up late weeks on end to re-binge Sex and the City. I actually looked like a woman who sleeps.

The Snail Mucin Power Essence claims to target wrinkles, acne, dry skin, scarring, and overall brightness — and it’s no lie. I’ve been using it for a little over a month, and it has continued to significantly fade the hyperpigmentation left over from pre-Accutane breakouts, (my top skin concern). Not to mention, it has been great at fighting off winter dryness.

Sarah Y. Wu testing the CosRx Snail Essence for Glamour US and Glamour UK.

Original video from Sarah Y. Wu testing CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Now, about the snail. As you’ve probably gathered, the hero ingredient is snail mucin, a.k.a. snail slime. It sounds gross, but it’s a beloved K-beauty ingredient thanks to its superior healing properties, which help calm breakouts and fade. It also contains panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, to hydrate and plump up your skin, which explains my dewy complexion.

As for finally becoming a minimalist, I’ve found this so effective that I’ve been skipping other serums altogether. In the morning, I’ll just wash my face, apply the Snail Mucin Essence while it’s still damp, and throw on a simple moisturiser before applying makeup.

At night, I’ll do the same, adding in oil after the essence and swapping Skin Food for my lightweight moisturiser. I’ll use Pixi Glow Tonic every other night to exfoliate and will add in a vitamin C serum when I remember, but for the most part the Snail Essence is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to pigmentation and hydration.

I’m sure I’ll slip back into my old ways eventually and return to the hunt for the next best thing, but for now, this essence is all I need to keep my skin on track.

The Advanced 96 Snail Mucin Power Essence is currently 25% off at Cult Beauty, making it £20.99 instead of £27.99. You can also pick it up for £19.59 at LookFantastic and on Amazon.

After more Cyber Monday deals? Shop Cyber Monday beauty deals, Cyber Monday fashion deals, Cyber Monday CurrentBody deals and Cyber Monday Trinny deals.

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