This Victoria Beckham and Margot Robbie Coded Serum Is My New Summer Savior for Dark Spots and Acne
Whenever icons like Victoria Beckham and Margot Robbie say they love a product or brand on social media, I sit up and listen—full stop. If you're on the same page, you'll want to hear about this New Zealand-native brand. Emma Lewisham and her eponymous skincare line have quietly garnered the attention of celebs and editors alike because the formulas are known for being clean with extensive sustainability efforts, but at the same time, extremely innovative and science-led. That's a rare combination indeed, and I've been hooked lately.
With elegant and downright sexy formulations that cater to all skin types, I can confidently say I've found one serum in particular that has fast become my summer skin savior. As someone who struggles with acne, dark spots, and a damaged barrier, it has worked wonders for my skin. I'll be honest: The price point might make you shed a tear or two, but I make it my mission to only recommend luxury brands that I think truly deserve a spot on your vanity and actually work. This brand is one of them. Ahead, check out my thoughts on the serum I just can't quit and a few of the brand's products that are also helping to up my glow these days.
This is *the* formula you want to have in your arsenal for dull skin, dark spots, dehydration, and even acne. As someone who struggles with breakouts, it's hard to find formulas that do all the things like clarify, brighten, and hydrate. This one truly does all of the above with 20 active ingredients. One of its stars is an enhanced form of oil-soluble vitamin C, which is stabilized by ergothioneine—an ingredient that boosts its efficacy. Classic skincare favorites like niacinamide also round out the formula to help repair the skin barrier and keep skin clear, while licorice root also helps give you a megawatt glow.
I started using it about a month ago as my morning serum and can confirm that it gives you an otherworldly, dewy glow without being too heavy or making your skin feel greasy. Finding the right textured products can be tough when you have acne-prone skin, but this one has a lightweight feel to it and is perfect for summer. The other thing I love about this formula is that it's designed to help prevent new hyperpigmentation from forming, which is key if you're like me and have Brown, acne-prone skin. Breakouts, even when gone, tend to leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation behind, and having something that prevents that process from happening is perfect to have in my routine.
Something to note, though, is that it also contains other vitamin C rich plant extracts, so proceed with caution if you have super-sensitive skin.
This new sunscreen from the brand is a luxury serum and SPF in one. With 20% zinc oxide, this mineral formula also features other advanced skincare benefits, including the support of collagen production in the skin, and it contains biopeptides that mimic the effects of retinoic acid (vitamin A) without the irritation. It's such an advanced formula and the perfect complement to the Skin Reset Serum. It also bodes well for darker skin tones because it has a pink tint—no whitecast here!
I love the skincare benefits this formula offers, and it's great to use in the morning with the Skin Reset Serum. I will say that the pink tint the formula has can be a good and bad thing. While it doesn't leave a whitecast, I'm not usually crazy about tinted sunscreens because they tend to stain your clothes at times if you wear a collared jacket or turtleneck, so that's something to keep in mind here before purchasing. This one absorbs pretty well and doesn't pose too much of an issue, but I did notice a few times where it rubbed off a tad. You might want to let it dry and absorb for a bit before putting on your outfit.
Other than that, it adds to the glow Skin Reset provides. In terms of hydration levels, I will say that the amount of zinc oxide made me feel a tad dry since it can absorb oil in the skin, but overall, it's a great formula if you have oilier skin and like an extra glow.
I know what you're thinking: If you have acne-prone skin like I do, why would you need a rich face cream? Gasp! I promise, this formula is next-level delicious for the skin, but it isn't heavy, greasy, or anxiety-inducing in any way. Everyone's skin is different, of course, but I can tell you my super sensitive, acne-prone skin loves this. The light botanical scent is beautiful, and the formula contains 23 active ingredients.
There are too many great active organic ingredients to list, but basically, this cream contains an advanced complex with plant extracts and lipopeptides that signal the skin to increase collagen synthesis and reduce collagen degradation. Several weights of hyaluronic acid and specialized lipids also deliver 72 hours of hydration while stimulating your skin's production of its own hyaluronic acid.
I found this to be such an easy cream to smooth on both day and night. By "easy," I mean it does what it says, and no reapplication was necessary. That's not usually the case for me because my skin tends to get dehydrated throughout the day. Not with this cream, though! It does contain some oils as a note for my acne-prone folks, but it didn't break me out and is rich without being overly heavy (not an easy accomplishment).
I recently realized that my skin is too sensitive for stronger retinoids. To give it a break, I wanted to try this powerful retinol alternative oil instead. This contains bakuchiol and chloroplast extracts that can rival the benefits of a 1% retinol formula. It's silky on the skin and didn't cause any irritation, which is huge for me.
I would dab a few drops on before using my Face Crème Riche, and it really did help clarify and soften some fine lines on my forehead area. It is designed for more mature skin types, so it may not be the best option for all acne-prone folks if you lean oilier. But if your breakouts are caused by product irritation (like most of mine were), this just might be it for you.
This is the perfect eye equivalent to the Skin Reset Serum. It's great for dark circles, puffiness, and under-eye bags. Fine lines around my eyes tend to become more prominent if I don't use some type of eye cream, and this one is the perfect one. It's deeply hydrating, firming, and brightening.
This is both a physical and chemical exfoliant in one. Normally, I'm not the biggest fan of physical exfoliants, but this one is super gentle and non-abrasive. Lactic acid and willow bark extract are in the formula, which are super-gentle chemical exfoliants. It might not tingle, but it works well. I also love that you can use it as a mask and leave it on for five minutes to decongest the skin.
This silky oil cleanser is another favorite from the brand. It's so good at removing makeup, but it's also great to use generally as a first-step cleanser in the evening. I use it to decongest my pores a bit before using the Illuminating Exfoliant, and it works like a charm. Whenever I use this winning combo at night, I wake up with skin that's glowing with fewer visible dark spots and way fewer breakouts.
More Products I Love for a Summer Glow
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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