As a Beauty Editor, I’m often bombarded with ‘game changer’ skin care products that claim to completely transform complexions in just a matter of weeks. But if experience has taught me anything, it’s the products that work their magic quietly that I miss the most once they’ve run out.

I don’t have particularly problematic skin (though it can err on the side of dull and dehydrated if I don’t exfoliate frequently), but after ruining my skin barrier with a slew of potent chemical exfoliants a decade ago, I am more mindful about incorporating products into my routine that aid to strengthen, repair and reinforce barrier function.

In my endless exploration of the next generation of skin care, I’ve come to understand the important role fermented ingredients, and pre, pro and postbiotics play in a healthy skin microbiome. So, when the all new Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Dual-Repair Serum ($215 at Lancôme) slid across my desk, I was naturally intrigued.

The product

Formulated with a range of biotechnologically-rendered, fermented ingredients, this reparative serum uses a combination of pre and probiotics to support the natural functions of the skin barrier, as well as firm and hydrate skin. Plus, a fermented form of hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture levels in the skin, and prebiotic pure licorice extract to soothe, even skin tone and reduce redness. However, it’s the hero ingredient — Beta-Glucan-CM — that’s the real star of the show, as it aids the skin’s repair and recovery functions.

The Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Dual-Repair Serum came into my life in the final weeks of winter, and perhaps unsurprisingly, I was dealing with a bit of texture, redness, dullness and uneven skin tone as a result. I put the serum’s reparative formula to the test over the course of seven days, to see if I could detect an improvement in any of the aforementioned areas. And although most serums require a bit of consideration when working them into your routine, this one was easy to integrate into my current AM and PM skin care ritual without much fuss at all. 

Truth be told, I keep things relatively simple with my skin. In the morning I apply a hydrating serum; something enriched with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid usually does the trick (I’m not too fussy about it). Then I’ll layer a hydrating, but lightweight moisturiser over the top, and follow with SPF. 

The evenings aren’t too different. I start by melting off my makeup with a cleansing balm and then I’ll wash my face with a gentle cleanser. The hydrating serum from the morning goes on next, and then an anti-ageing serum after that (currently, I’m using a peptide and lactic acid-enriched pick to resurface and renew), plus, a rich night cream to finish. 

I opted to slot the newcomer into the lineup after my hydrating serum, both morning and night, to integrate it gently into my routine. 

Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Dual-Repair Serum review

The serum’s texture is luxuriously hydrating and cooling on the skin, and I love how easy the pump-style dropper applicator is to use with wet hands when you’re in the thick of your skin care routine. The pipette also dispenses an ample amount of product, which I love as someone who isn’t stingy when it comes to slathering on layers of skin care. But it absorbs quickly so I’m not left with a sticky layer of serum sitting on top of my skin.

After using the serum once, my skin definitely looked more plump and hydrated than it usually does after applying my skin care, which really impressed me. But after using the serum twice a day for seven days I really noticed an improvement in the appearance of my skin. 

The serum’s claims of improving texture, redness and hydration all proved to be more than fair estimations of the formula, but what I didn’t expect was the fact that my pores and skin tone looked more refined, and my complexion, healthier and more radiant than before. In fact, it wasn’t until I was sorting through photos of myself before using this serum that I realised just how dull my skin actually looked prior to this experiment, whilst photos I had taken through the course of trying the serum revealed a more youthful-looking face. 

The final verdict

I think I’ve fallen in love with this serum just a little bit; it’s charmed me. It most definitely falls into the category of quiet achiever, and I’m almost certain that if I stopped using it tomorrow, my skin wouldn’t be happy with me. In a world where every product is touted as the holy grail of skin care, it’s refreshing to use a serum that just does a really good job of letting the natural radiance of your skin shine through as an honorary supportive best friend. 

I’m also a big proponent of the idea that gentle skin care is effective skin care, and this serum’s non-irritating, repairing formula is just further evidence of the subtly transformative power of supportive skin rituals. 

In my opinion, this is the serum that you invest in once every three to six months (depending on how frugal you are with that dropper applicator), for the rest of your life. It’s the staple, good-for-you ‘veg’ portion of your proverbial skin care plate. Other serums, lotions and treatments may be a ‘sometimes’ indulgence, but the Lancôme Génifique Ultimate Dual-Repair Serum is something you can rely on to ensure you maintain your most healthy skin, everyday. 

Main image credit: Supplied

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