I had a bad breakout a while ago, perhaps due to my trying too many things so I decided to give my skin a break and to go back to what I know works. One of the stalwarts I returned to was the Estee Lauder Hydrationist serum.
I’d been using this for a while now – since early this year actually. A long time ago, I used to use the Estee Lauder Hydra Complete range of skincare which was for moisturizing purposes. When I fell off the Estee Lauder bandwagon and got back on, they had reformulated it and the serum was now called Hydrationist, launched early this year. Question is if the new formula trumps the old?
Packaging is pretty simple. Actually I should say pretty AND simple. A pretty blue square bottle with pump dispenser works great because it takes up less space and it dispenses the serum well. I was a little upset that the bottle was not glass. It would have been so pretty if it was glass. I like my serums in glass bottles – it makes it seem more “serious” 😛
The serum is light and absorbs into my skin very quickly. I only use 1 pump, smooth it between my hands and apply to my face. Because its a serum, I use it after cleansing and toner and before moisturizer.
What I feel Hydrationist does, is to boost the moisture levels of my skin by working with my moisturizer du jour. I was using it twice a day initially, but after a while, I decided to stick to antiaging skincare in the evenings. So, Hydrationist was and is used only in the mornings.
I found that using it in the morning helps my skin retain its moisture so makeup sits better on my skin too, so I really like this one. My skin always seems to look a bit better when I’m using Hydrationist so its one I’ve been coming back to throughout the year.
Pros: Light texture, absorbs quickly, pump bottle dispenses just the right amount of serum in one pump
Cons: Pricey, Plastic bottle “cheapens” the look
No real complaints except that because this is a product by Estee Lauder and its a serum, do expect it to be a bit pricier than what you are used to paying otherwise.
That said, its been months since I started using this and you can see just how much I have left. A lot! I only use it once a day and I reckon it wouldn’t be unreasonable to say it’ll last me at least 6 months.
Tried this one yet? I think you might be able to snaffle some samples from the Estee Lauder counter to see if it suits your skin before you take the plunge 🙂
Paris B
Usage: Cleaner -> Toner -> Hydrationist -> Moisturizer
A 50ml bottle of Hydrationist Moisture Barrier Fortifier retails at RM210 at all Estee Lauder counters.
Hanny says
November 4, 2010 at 9:06 amGlad that it works for you! ^.^ I’ve never used Estee Lauder stuff before, apart from the cleansing milk… ^.^
ParisB says
November 4, 2010 at 11:49 amEL stuff was ok for me before until I got more adventurous 🙂 but the old Hydra range didn’t do anything for me. I’m glad this serum worked 😉
rinnah says
November 4, 2010 at 10:22 amSounds great for my dry, dehydrated skin! I should grow some thick skin and see if they’ll play nice and give me a sample of this… 😛
ParisB says
November 4, 2010 at 11:50 amI’m sure they will! Smile and work that charm!
eliza says
November 4, 2010 at 11:10 ami am perplexed with myself about glass and plastic packaging
if drop, they don’t break but looks ”not classy”
if glass, its classic but break its gone @@
glad it works for you. hmmmm gives me an idea what to buy for mom for christmas
ParisB says
November 4, 2010 at 11:52 amHaha… I know what you mean about the glass and plastic bottle debate. Can’t deny it looks so much better and I personally believe is better for the serum cos there is no reaction with glass. Yet as you said if it drops on the floor, that’s it! I hope your mom likes it 🙂
JasmineT says
November 4, 2010 at 12:10 pmYes, you are on the right track. I read from a celeb makeup artist beauty secret (published in singapore newspaper..i am from singapore ma hahaha) that the best skincare choice is to use hydration/”oxygen” based skincare in morning and peptides/antiaging/firming skincare at night.
🙂
what moisturizer do you use after this hydrationist serum by the way?
Thanks and happy estee laudering! 🙂
ParisB says
November 4, 2010 at 3:48 pmYay! Thanks for affirming that I’m doing things right… for once! LOL! I use all sorts of moisturizers so its so hard for me to say. I was using it with Vichy Aqualia for a spell, and then with Guerlain Super Aqua cream and then with Olay White Radiance and presently with Strivectin. It seems to work well with every one so far 🙂
Jennifer says
November 4, 2010 at 3:01 pmglad to know you like this! i’ve been looking for a hydration serum to (winter is coming…) and thanks for your recommendation, i’ll make sure to check this out at EL counters!
ParisB says
November 4, 2010 at 3:49 pmI hope it works for you in a drier climate – its actually pretty decent here in the tropics 🙂
Jessica says
November 4, 2010 at 6:47 pmI have this serum too, in a sample size and a little goes a lonnnnng way. Am loving this but I love my ‘slapping water’ Haba Labo. 😉
ParisB says
November 4, 2010 at 6:53 pmYou’re right! One pump and its just right. Perhaps this is good for those who don’t want to spend all that time slapping their faces hehe… which reminds me my Hada Labo lotion is long long gone and I haven’t gotten a replacement!
Alla says
November 6, 2010 at 5:23 amplastic bottle might look a bit cheaper, but it doesn’t damage your expensive bathroom tiles when you drop it or you don’t risk losing all contents of the bottle if you drop it and it breaks. it’s practical.
Ashleigh says
December 24, 2010 at 5:39 pmBesides the EL Hydrationist serum, how about the moisturizer?
ParisB says
December 24, 2010 at 8:10 pmPersonally i did not like the rest of the range. But you might so give it a try if you like.
Michelle says
August 13, 2011 at 8:40 pmi’ve been following ur blog and i jz love it!! <3<3 i'm 24 tis yr, n was thinking to start anti-aging regime... do u think is right? do u thnk i'm in d appropriate age to start anti-aging serum?
i hv combination skin& breaks out often on my T zone... n oso thinking to use tis hydrating serums cos sleeping in aircon room is drying.. do u think tis will be better than anti aging serums lets say for eg estee lauder ANR for me? and how much is tis serum?
ParisB says
August 15, 2011 at 3:02 pmHi Michelle, this post might answer your questions. This particular serum is not targeted for anti-aging purposes like the ANR serum. This is strictly a hydrating serum. The price is as stated in the post although it may have gone up recently.
viviank says
August 14, 2011 at 6:24 pm:(( The serum is now RM295 for 50ml and RM200 for 30ml. Oh and the moisturizer is RM200 for 50ml…
But now, Vichy or EL? I really need a serum now. 🙁
ParisB says
August 15, 2011 at 3:14 pmThanks for the price update.
mppaul2 says
September 28, 2012 at 9:24 amLove this serum in the fall and winter for an extra boost from the drier weather and indoor heat. I think I have all the EL serums…I came across this one at a CCO and just thought “I have not seen this one, I have to try it”