Amazing Serum : C20 - Pure Vitamin C21.5 Advanced Serum - Review

skincare



Today, I'm bringing you the upgraded version of my favorite Vitamin C Serum which I raved about in this review.  I briefly mentioned the 21.5 version in that review and since then, I got the chance to try upgraded version.

Before continuing with the review, my apologies for the pictures, they were taken a while ago, a.k.a when I hadn't bought my new camera. Bear with me, this line of product is still amazing.

Cet article est traduit en français, cliquez sur "Traduction" pour afficher la traduction








This serum aims at brightening your skin by getting rid of its dullness and is perfect for people with dark spots or acne spots, see the details here.






Comparison with the original version





The C21.5 comes with a 1.5% of pure Vitamin C, is stripped from all of the extras ingredients :
C20
C21.5
Water, Ascorbic Acid, Ethanol, Sodium Lactate, Butylene Glycol, Glucose, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Sodium Hyaluronate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan, PEG-180, Gluconolactone, Beta-Glucan, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil,Zinc PCA, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ubiquinone, Diisopropyl Adipate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben Hippophae Rhamnoides Water (70%), Ascorbic Acid (21.5%), Sodium Lactate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium
Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol


The formula is free of parabens and left with only the essential. The ingredient list provided by Wishtrend, shows that Hippophae Rhamnoides Water and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) makes up more than 90% of the formula.

The lesser the ingredients, the lesser the chance your skin could react to the product, and that's the first good point I'm giving the C21.5 .






The packaging


The product still comes in a bottle of 30ml, but the price is this time higher and the product is retailed for 24.99$ on Wishtrend .






As you can see from the pictures, the outer packaging has barely changed apart from the fact that the content is fully translated in English. The upper lid also clearly advices to keep the serum in the fridge.


Remember, just like the original version, Vitamin C is highly unstable component which oxidizes to both warmth and light. Part of the reason why the manufacturer uses brown bottles to limit the exposure to sunlight. 


Don't forget to keep your serums in a dark and cold place to get the most out of them. I keep mine in the fridge in its original cardboard packaging and I've never had an issue with premature oxidization.








The formula


The product should be clear and colorless when fresh



The other improvement we get in this upgraded version is the actual texture of the formula. Whereas the original version was thicker and left a sticky residue, the 21.5 is watery and doesn't leave a sticky residue on the skin.



I didn't mind the previous consistence of the serum and as I said in the review, I had no issues with stickiness, or at least it didn't bother me.



The one thing I'd have to note with this new and improved version is that the watery consistence of the serum makes me apply more product that I would have with the original version. The product gets absorbed so fast by the skin that I add a couple more of drops to cover my entire face.







My thoughts

I loved the original version and I raved about it without shame so it was only natural that I had to try the upgraded version. 
The main differences are set between the ingredient list, the formula and the consistency of both serums. But the price is also different : The original version retails for 14.99$ vs the upgraded version retails for 24.99$. 

While they both perform the same way (see here an experiment on my knees), I'll be honest and say that I can't justify the price for the three differences I just listed. Indeed, the original ingredient list didn't bother my skin and I was fine with the original formula which didn't cause any particular stickiness or tingles on my skin. 

If you are not sensitive to any ingredients in the original version, I'd recommend the original version instead of the upgraded version, for one simple reason : It's cheaper. However, if you don't like possibly sticky products or would rather like a watery consistency than a thicker one : Go for the upgraded version.




Get yours

The upgraded C21.5 is exclusively available at Wishtrend for 24.99$ : Here (Free Shipping).

The original C20 Vitamin C serum is available at Wishtrend for 14.99$ here (Free Shipping) and on Roseroseshop for 11.43$. I keep getting mine from Wishtrend because they indicates when the serum is made which insures me that I can get the freshest bach.

E-shop Français :  

Seule la version originale est disponible, si vous voulez avoir le meilleur prix, je vous conseille de commander sur Wishtrend ou Roroseshop, si vous voulez votre produit le plus vite possible :
    -   La version originale C20 est disponible sur Himawari pour 18,50€ : ici  
    -  La version originale C20 est disponible sur Peaux d'Anges pour 19,50€ : ici   ( Envoyer moi un petit mail ou laissez un commentaire avec votre nom et adresse e-mail pour obtenir une réduction de 5%)
    -  La version originale est disponible sur KYC Beauté pour 15,73€ (prix original : 18,50€) : ici
    -  La version originale est disponible sur MaBBCreme pour 19,50€ : ici
    -  La nouvelle version 21.5 est disponible sur MaBBCreme pour 27,50€ : ici 

    Promo Codes :

    WISHTREND
      -   With orders of 55$ and more, with code WISHJULY2015 , you can get 10% off
      -  Coupon Code : 033450111 - Get 5$ off of your order with ANY amount by registering to Wishtrend and writing this code in  the "friends invitation program" box in the registration form ! 
      -   With ANY purchase, with the code WISHGIFTJULY2015 , you will receive a Lei lani Pink Mochi blackhead removal for free on any order.
        (Check out the sidebar to get the new and updated promo codes every month)

         

        New product 

         


        Picture from Wishtrend



        C20 came out with a new Vitamin C based sheet mask called Natural Vitamin C21.5 Enhancing Sheet Mask  and it retails for 2.50$ a piece. I didn't try it yet, but it might or might be in my cart the next time I order !





        Deal sets 


        http://www.wishtrend.com/sol-kit/757-sol-kit-vitamin-starter-kit-for-dull-skin.html?a_aid=WishedChronicles


        Skin Brightening Kit for 29.99$ with the original serum and the C20 cream.









        TL:DR 

        I'm going to keep buying the original serum because I can't justify the higher price tag for the Advanced version. This serum is still a staple for me and is, a holy grail in my frail and ever changing routine.






        This product was sent for review purposes  by Wishtrend, all thoughts are genuine and my own, refer to my full disclosure and review policy for more information. 

         

         So, have you tried this bottle of awesomeness yet ? What other serum are you currently in love with ? 



        The top two lipsticks for Tan and Indian skin - Summer Edition

        makeup
        best lipstick shades for indian , tan , brown skin - mac lipsticks



        Lipstick, now this is my area of expertise. My everyday look is pretty simple, I never actually wear any eyeshadow and only go for black liner and a statement lip color. Now this two specific lipsticks, I've been obsessed with this year. I know I wrote this article as a "Summer edition" but truly, I wore these all year long.


        There are 3 products on the pictures but the ones I wanted to talk about the most were MAC's All Fired Up lipstick (on the left) and Limecrime's Velvetine in Suedeberry. Now, because I know how much controversy Limecrime has and how difficult it is to find these velvetines, I included MAC's Lady Danger which is a bit similar to Limecrime's Suedeberry.


        These shades looks stunning on tan, Indian, brown skin but they would look equally as good on just about any skin tone as well. I'm a bit lighter that an NC42 and I'm matched to Barcelona in NARS foundation and these two are my go to lipstick shades and are also.. The shades I ALWAYS get compliments on.

        I'm not kidding, I always get compliments on these two, even from those people who would never actually compliment my make up or the way I look. As you can see from the pictures, MAC's All Fired Up is nearing its death and that's because I'm kind of.. wearing it daily. I'm not joking when I say that I love this lipstick and that it particularly suits me well.

        best lipstick shades for indian , tan , brown skin - mac lipsticks

        MAC - All Fired Up 


        All fired up is a pink fuschia with neutral to warm undertones in a matte (retro matte as MAC calls it) finish and is extremely pigmented. It lasts for ages, and that's why I love MAC's matte finishes and just matte finishes in general but : This specific lipstick is too drying. I always mix it with a bit of lip balm to make it comfortable to wear.

        Limecrime - Suedeberry


        Suedeberry is a peachy coral liquid lipstick which dries matte and velvety. This shade suits particularly well, tan complexions with warm undertones as it brings out that warmth and in my case, golden yellow of my skin (see here how my skin looks). Unfortunately, this specific shade in Limecrime's formula is a nightmare to apply. It doesn't apply evenly and patch up if you apply too much. It's really a shame that this shade is so hard to apply because I don't wear it as often as I could. (Limecrime's Red Velvet applies effortlessly in my case).

        MAC - Lady Danger


        I only got this recently because I wanted a lipstick close to Suedeberry and that I could use more frequently. However, Lady Danger is not a dupe for Suedeberry, they are similar but the shades are definitely not the same and looks rather different on the lips. As you can see from the pictures, Lady Danger has more red than Suedeberry does. In terms of application, it's easier to apply and is one of those MAC's best matte consistency.


        Swatches

        best lipstick shades for indian , tan , brown skin - mac lipsticks

        From left to right : All Fired Up , Lady Danger, Suedeberry.

        best lipstick shades for indian , tan , brown skin - mac lipsticks




        What are your most used lipstick ? 

        The Face Shop - Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam - Review

        skincare


        This week's review is about a type of product I never reviewed yet. You've seen me order this cleanser from this Testerkorea Haul and, since then, I've learned the importance of cleanser and their pH.

        You've read me well. Business girl is talking about pH. I won't go into details here because, quite honestly this isn't my area of expertise, but fellow Asian beauty blogger Snow White And The Asian Pears explains Why the pH of your Cleanser matters better than I could ever do.

        Here's the thing, taking into account the data from /r/AsianBeauty's Cleanser pH spreadsheet, The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam has a pH of 8 ! Which is far too high compared to the recommended pH of 5/5.5. 

        I also want to mention that I didn't know any of this when I first tried this cleansing foam so the issue about its pH didn't cloud my opinion about this product. The thing with foam cleanser, is that you don't have to follow that testing phase of new products (depending on the ingredients). Of course, if you want to be careful or you have sensitive skin, you might want to test the cleanser (and any other product) on a part of your face first.

        I didn't do that for this cleanser and I have to say that I only tried it twice on my face, let's see why :



        What the brand says 


        A moisturizing and brightening cleansing line using quality Rice Water, Moringa Oil and Soapwort. The texture is a soft, creamy lather which provides gentle cleansing that last during cleansing. 
        Application : Get adequate amount for foam. Massage gently all over the face and rinse it off with lukewarm water.



        Ingredients


        The Face Shop highlights the use of Rice Water which is said to be moisturizing and brightening, as well as Moring Oil which is supposed to 'purify the skin and detoxify it". Last but not least, the last main ingredient TFS highlights is sopwort which provides moisture and prevent the skin from drying.

        A few ingredients are red-flagged on Cosdna, you might want to check if you are sensitive to any of these ingredients.


        Packaging


        The cleanser comes in a classic tube packaging with 150 ml of product for about 7-8 $ depending on where you buy it. The tube is made of a shiny plastic with a pretty soft pink packaging that would surely look good in your bathroom.

         The product


         As the name suggests it, the cleanser comes out in a foam texture and turns into a creamy consistency when rubbed in.

        My thoughts

        The reasons why I got this cleanser were simple : It's cheap and it contains Rice Water which is said to be brightening (I'm not too sure about the moisturizing claim TFS has about Rice Water though). For years, I used actual rice water as a cleansing agent, but I never really saw any difference in terms of brightening because I couldn't use Rice Water daily. See, you do need to collect rice water all the time for that. I didn't have time nor the will for that, so I thought this cleanser would be perfect.

        The Face Shop markets this product as brightening but I must admit I doubt a cleanser ie something you wash off almost immediately can make a real difference in terms of brightening. Fair enough, the other claim is easy to check : Moisturizing.
        I got my answer the first time I used it, after cleansing my face with TFS' Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam, my face was left dry and stripped from its moisture. No kidding ! 
        I tried using it again a few days after, thinking as always, why not give it a chance again, but it just wouldn't work the way I wanted. I left it in my bathroom sink and used it as a rather fancy hand soap since then. My mother used it not knowing anything about it when I left it in the bathroom, she has normal skin and a few days later she told me : "What's that pink thing in the bathroom ? I think it dried my skin out". 

        I wouldn't personally recommend this product, not only the pH is too high but it was definitely too drying for me which is pretty ironic for a product supposing to be moisturizing.



        Have you ever tried drying moisturizing like this one ? Do you have a favorite cleanser ? 
         I'd love to read about it ! If you're looking for a new type of cleanser, you might want to check out my review about Banila Co's cleansing balm.

        Disclosure

        Wished Chronicles is a PR friendly blog and contains affiliate links. All opinions expressed are genuine and purely my own.
        Read the full disclosure and review policy here.