I have a confession.
I’m not sure what to make of the Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum.
I’d used it on and off initially, quite unsure what to make of it. Then, I started using it every morning, as directed, still unsure what to make of it.
I’m about halfway through the bottle now, and I’m still rather unsure what to make of it LOL! 😀 But there are some observations I have that might tilt me in favour of a repurchase.
Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum
The inspiration behind the creation of the Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum is urban pollution.
One of the causes of accelerated aging of skin is the environment and pollution, and living in the city, as most of us are, this is a real concern, with increased exposure to free radicals. Pollution and free radicals can lead to skin looking dull and develop dark spots, and generally age our skin more quickly.
Blessing was therefore developed with Antipodes’ signature Vinanza Grape extract, Asian Ginger and Kiwi Seed Oil, to revitalize skin and protect it from pollution. According to the Trinity Bioactives In-Vitro investigation, it is shown to inhibit and stop free radical damage in skin cells by up to 52% after an hour.
The problem I had as a user however, is that it is hard to measure how well a product so abstract is working for your skin.
The Facial Serum that is really a light facial oil
The term ‘serum’ usually brings to mind a light, watery-textured product that absorbs quickly into the skin on application. It could even be thicker, like an emulsion.
Rarely therefore would you expect a facial oil.
The Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Facial Serum is really, a light textured facial oil. It comes in a dropper dispenser, and is a clear, pale yellow oil that smells lightly of jasmine flowers.
The oil is fairly light, but it is noticeably oily. This was something I struggled with initially, as the directions call for it to be used in the day time. Unsurprising, when we are mostly exposed to pollutants and free radicals in the day, when we are out and about.
My recommended way of using this therefore is on damp skin (mist before applying – still remember the moisture sandwich?) and to use only 2-3 drops each time. I speak as someone with dry skin, and 2-3 drops is the sweet spot for me.
For someone with oily-combination skin, I will caution use, as you may find it uncomfortable. While it will sink into the skin, if you apply to damp skin and massage it in, it does have a tendency to sit on top of the skin if you don’t. If you have oily-combination skin, I’d suggest 1-2 drops at maximum, and make sure it’s properly absorbed before continuing with the rest of your skin care.
I haven’t been wearing a lot of makeup lately, but if I were, I would struggle when using this serum, as it can cause your base to slide. So, if you are wearing makeup all day, I’d caution reducing the amount of product you use.
Skin feels softer and more moisturized
Truthfully, it was hard for me to tell what the results were. How do you measure an ‘anti-pollution’ serum after all? It’s practically impossible to, as a user.
What I did notice however, was that with regular use, my skin felt softer and more moisturized. I noticed that I could use a light moisturiser (I was using the Mamonde Vital Vitamin Cream) and it would be sufficient.
I stopped using Blessing for a while, just to test, and noticed that I needed more moisturiser to make up for it.
Results are hard to gauge as a user
As I said therefore, it’s hard to gauge results as a user.
I spent my mornings outdoors these days, and regular sun exposure, washing my face twice in the morning and applying and reapplying sunscreen should leave my skin feeling rather drier than before.
However, my skin has remained supple. I like how it feels when I use this oil, because it feels comfortable, and I generally enjoy using facial oils.
I however, don’t notice any other result. If it is protecting my skin from external pollution, I think that’s grand, bring it on! It isn’t hurting my skin, but neither am I noticing anything too significant.
I have read of people reporting a brighter skin tone, which I cannot say I have noticed. I already use Alpha Arbutin and/or Vitamin C serum products for this purpose, so I cannot say which is contributing.
A bottle will last a long time
You only need 1-3 drops a day, depending on your skin type, and that means that one bottle will last you a long while.
I do notice however, that their rubber dropper can feel oily over time, and it feels a bit leaky. It still picks up product well in the bottle, but there is definitely leakage. It just does not feel as robustly packed as other Antipodes products.
The thing about using the Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum is that you just can’t tell if it’s working. The only way you can, is if you use it regularly, and don’t notice your skin aging any more quickly than normal. But if you wear sunscreen religiously, and wash your face well, and use other products that keep your skin clear and builds collagen (Vitamin C, Retinol etc come to mind), then you may reap similar benefits anyway.
So, my final conclusion is that the Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum is a nice product to have in your routine. But it is otherwise a product that is too abstract to explain to a consumer, and for anyone who isn’t already enamoured with skincare to justify having in their skincare routine.
I personally enjoy using it, and I am contemplating a repurchase because I like how my skin feels when I use it, especially in the day. But I can’t say the same for someone else who might struggle to see why they should use this in the first place.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum is in fact, a light facial oil that smells faintly of jasmine. Not my favourite scent, but it’s light enough for me to tolerate. I can’t tell what it does in terms of protecting from pollution, and I honestly cannot say what the long term result will be if you use it regularly enough. You only need 1-3 drops depending on your skin type, massaged preferably onto damp skin so it absorbs more quickly. My skin feels softer and more moisturised. I do have dry skin, so it is lovely for use in the day. However, I don’t quite recommend it for anyone with oily skin, especially in the tropics, or someone who wears a lot of makeup. You may find it too oily. I enjoy it, but it will be a struggle to justify or explain its use to someone who doesn’t get it.
PROS:
Lightweight oil feels comfortable on skin
Skin feels nourished, soft and moisturised
Good for those who want vegan skincareCONS:
A little oily for most people for daytime use
Packaging feels a little leaky
Results aren’t easily observedWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone with dry skin or who lives where it’s dry and wants a light facial oil for day use
PRICE: RM203 | £34.99 for 30ml or RM69 for 10ml
WHERE TO BUY: TNS Skinlab stores and online, LookFantastic, Naturisimo
For those interested, here is the ingredient list for the Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum.
Coco-Caprylate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Alpinia Officinarum Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice) Root Extract, Polyglycerol-3 Diisostearate, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Oryza Sativa (Bran) Extract, Pongamia Glabra (Indian Beech)Seed Oil, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Asteriscus Graveolens (Oxeye) Flower Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Vitis Vinifera (Vinanza® Grape) Seed & Actinidia Deliciosa (Vinanza® Kiwi) Fruit Extract. Fragrance of White Jasmine: Benzyl Alcohol†, Benzyl Benzoate†, Benzyl Salicylate†, Cinnamal†, Cinnamyl Alcohol†, Citral†, Citronellol†, D-Limonene†, Eugenol†, Farnesol†, Geraniol†, Isoeugenol†, Linalool†.
Have you tried this Blessing serum?
It is lovely, but I struggle explaining it to anyone, so I imagine it might be even harder for someone who is less aware of skincare to want to want to incorporate this into their routine.
Paris B
Disclosure: Featured service was a media trial by the brand for consideration. Our commitment is to honesty and fairness. For review guidelines please read the disclaimer.
Haha, same here. I finished using almost the whole bottle, but not sure what to expect of it. I think I would rather pay for the worship serum ?
Take care and stay safe, PB!
I hear ya SY! It’s just a little too confusing for me. I mean, I’d happily finish it, but to repurchase? I have to SEE something! haha! Take care and stay healthy too SY!
Merry Christmas to you and your family Paris !
Haha just as I was about to give up on this one – I have terribly fickle hormonal skin – think oil slick with huge acne/ scars one moment and next is dry and irritated – I tried this on its own – oily – then I mixed it with Worship – and it became dry – so I gave up – decided to give it one last go with Blessing plus Hosanna – pressed into my clean skin – after one week – my skin actually cleared up – seriously – like what you said – this is a pretty confusing product ?
Happy New Year Angeline! Gosh, so happy to hear that it worked so well for you once paired, and that you found a combination that works! But really, what does it do?! That’s always the question I ask myself every time I use it haha! Hope you’re keeping safe and staying healthy!