I thought it was opportune for me to share this Save and Splurge edition for hydration serums because hydration is a big thing for me. I’d much rather use a product for hydrating skin than one to treat my dark spots. I know, weird little me hehe… but I personally have found that all skin problems are minimized when you have nicely hydrated skin. So with that in mind, here are 2 hydration serums I tried recently that I liked.
They both aren’t terribly pricey but one is pricier than the other after doing the math, and I also found that on doing a back-to-back experiment, one works better for me than the other. The question is… which is which? 😀
Save: Laneige Water Bank Essence (RM165/60ml) (Click for Review)
I liked this one back when I was using it. I found it light and hydrating and my skin seemed to like it too. The important thing for me is that it seemed to help my skin feel more comfortable in drying environments e.g. air-conditioned rooms, the beach etc. I am almost done with my bottle of the essence and whilst I was comfortable using it, I have found something a bit better.
I know what you’re thinking. Laneige? The “Save” option? Ah but it is! You see, the Laneige Water Bank Essence retails at RM165 for 60ml. Whilst at first glance its a lot more expensive than the Yves Rocher, it actually isn’t! And you’ll understand why when you see the Yves Rocher option.
Splurge: Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal Moisture Boost Concentrate (RM99/30ml) (Click for Review)
The Yves Rocher serum only comes in a 30ml bottle so on a price per ml basis, this one’s pricier than the Laneige. You’d have to pay RM198 for 60ml as opposed to the RM165 asking price for Laneige. The difference therefore is that of perception. Because Yves Rocher isn’t considered a pricey brand, its easy to overlook the price per ml comparison.
This one is also light and absorbs into my skin very well, leaving it feeling hydrated almost immediately. At least, when my skin is feeling dry, it seems to “relax” a little once I’ve applied this on. I use it in the day for the most part, as I’m using other products for the evening routine, and I must say that its helping to keep my skin stay hydrated all day where I alternate between a dry air-conditioned office and the hot sun outdoors.
My pick
My pick is the splurge option i.e. the Yves Rocher. Its nothing to do with the price, but all to do with its efficacy. I recently set it aside and went back to the Laneige Water Bank Essence because a few of you were asking how it compared and I wanted to see how similar or different it felt on my skin.
I found that the Laneige one feels a little thicker by way of comparison. They are both gel textures, but the Laneige one will hold its shape when pumped out. The Yves Rocher one doesn’t and it is slightly more runny. I also found that the Yves Rocher concentrate absorbed better and more quickly into my skin and seemed to go to work more quickly. So, my skin felt more comfortable using the Yves Rocher Moisture Boost Concentrate.
I do think they’re both pretty good products, but my preference lies with the Yves Rocher 🙂
Have you tried either product? What is your favourite hydration serum?
I know there are others out there, but these were 2 I’d used most recently and felt most comfortable putting side by side. I used to also use the Estee Lauder Hydrationist serum but I’d run out so I can’t remember just how it fares or how it would feel alongside these 2 else it would have been an interesting experiment!
Paris B
Yves Rocher Moisture Boost Concentrate Price: RM99/30ml Availability: Yves Rocher stores Laneige Water Bank Essence Price: RM165/60ml Availability: All Laneige counters
Save and Splurge is where I show you similar items by different brands that I have tried. They may not work quite the same way, but it’ll offer you options for your wallet for a similar effect/product. Do note however, that it is based on products I have tried, so whilst there are many save and splurge options out there, these are my views and choices. You can find more under the category of Challenges.
I’m a huge fan of the La Neige line – I’ve used the Water Bank Essence, and really like it. The smell is incredibly refreshing and does a great job of softening my skin. I had several samples, but my favorite is actually a rice ceramide from The Face Shop. It creates a great palette for me to use my other products without making my skin feel oily or heavy.