AINHOA Luxe Gold Facial Serum, 1.05 Fluid Ounce

The research:

Foremost, let's look at what dermatologists have to say about the use of gold in "skin care." A phenomenal report in the New York Times noted, "Dr. Judith Hellman, a dermatologist in New York City, did research into gold face creams after enough magazine beauty editors pestered her about them. 'At best, they do nothing, and at worst, they can give you irritation of the skin,' she said. 'I would tell people to put that money into gold that they can wear around their neck or on their fingers.'" From the same article, another dermatologist (Dr. Jeannette Graf) stated that, she had done "intensive medical searches on this very ingredient" and found that "there are absolutely no scientific studies that show that gold has any effect in firming or revitalizing the skin, nor that it reduces wrinkles or gives skin a plumped, golden glow.'" But Dr. Graf did find that gold was named "'allergen of the year' in 2001 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society" (Kingson, Jennifer. May 24 2011. Fashion and Style Section). I know that this seems obvious to most American consumers. We watch The Doctors and Dr. Oz. We read Consumer Reports. Nonetheless, we sometimes get distracted by "big claims." So, absolutely know that you are paying for gold that will have no positive impact on your skin. And, know that those who have sensitive skin can actually be negatively impacted by these products. (That's straight from the research). Therefore, be certain to conduct a patch-test (i.e. apply the product to a small area, wait twenty-four hours, and then proceed with this product if there are no negative results).

Now for the "caviar" claim. Again, Americans are smart consumers. However, sometimes it takes awhile to disseminate the proper information to the public. Therefore, many may truly believe that this could be the next "big thing." What I can tell you is that caviar is not that next "fountain of youth." As reported by The Associated Press, Dr. Sanusi Umar clearly stated that there is no evidence that caviar has any benefit.

What else do you need to know? The first ingredient is water. This may be problematic for a variety of reasons. Many in the field are quick make one loud point: if water is the first ingredient, the product is usually 70-95% water. Now consider that some preservatives are included (because water "spoils") and you do not really have a great deal of active ingredients remaining.

Now, if you search some of the ingredients on this label, you may be alarmed to find that there are a few alarming reports about "propylene gycol." However, I think it is crucial to note that our FDA has labelled it safe. (It is even used in dog food ... so, again, I feel like you have no worries here). Still, it may do you good to dig deeper into this debate. It seems really heated.

Now, my main concern (again as a savvy consumer) was that this product is manufactured in Spain (i.e. without the careful watch of the FDA). So I did some investigating. The good news is our FDA website states, "Cosmetic products imported into the United States are subject to the same laws and regulations as those produced in the United States. They must be safe for their intended uses and contain no prohibited ingredients." But there is also a statement that claims, "The FDA encourages cosmetic firms to register their establishments and file Cosmetic Product Ingredient Statements with FDA's Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP). However, firms importing products considered to be solely cosmetics in the United States are not required to register with FDA."

Since there are no ingredients listed on the plastic bottle itself, you may wish to save the box and show it to your dermatologist if you have any questions.

The experience itself:

Since some people are sensitive to scent, I thought it sage to report that there is a moderate to heavy aroma comparable to baby powder with a touch of cinnamon. To most, it will not be offensive. (I found it quite pleasant). To a few, it could prove prohibitive. (And, there are a few for whom it will clash with their signature scents).

It goes on clear and finishes clear.

It is not tacky (to the touch) and seems to "disappear" into the skin.

I had no problem with layering an SPF 20 tinted moisturizer over this.

I see no genuine differences yet (not even on a temporary basis like with many beauty-counter products that contain caffeine and the like). However, I will report back when the bottle is complete and provide my end results. And, I feel it only fair to note that I use Refissa every night (a prescription anti-aging retinoid) and follow that in the morning with CeraVe with a fresh "punch" of vitamin C (Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder) which provides sun protection. Pretty much whatever my dermatologist suggests, I do. So, I may not see any difference with a beauty-counter product. We will find out!

And, pick up this month's (January 2013) Allure because:

If you desire great skin, Allure has a great section titled "28 Days Later" (no, it is not about zombies!) Here is the gist of this well-researched article devoted to getting great, glowing skin within a month:

-Wear sunscreen every day

-Get quality sleep

-Add more fruits and veggies to your diet (for the antioxidants)

-Exfoliate regularly

-Use a retinoid (they even suggest Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair ... which is extremely cost efficient).

-Add more water to your diet

-Moisturize (they suggest CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion as does every physician I have ever visited. It is SUPER cheap, comes in a huge container, and genuinely is one of the very best moisturizers you can use).

This is how to change your skin. Yes, it takes effort, but why pay for "gold" and "caviar" that numerous studies indicate are ineffective when you can follow this simple list of small suggestions? You CAN make this list your friend. You WILL save yourself money and frustration. And, as countless doctors are quick to note, in the case of beauty-counter skin care, expensive does not mean better (at all).

I have acne skin and I find serums to work better for me than moisturizers. Serums tent to be absorb better by then skin, while moisturizers tend to sit on top of the skin to provide moisture. I have to be careful with certain moisturizers because they increase oil levels in my skin creating more acne.

My first impression of this serum is what a clean and fresh smell it has. The serum is clear to milky white with flecks of gold that illuminate and shine. It is very pretty and expensive looking.

Applying it to the skin made my skin extra soft and manageable. It did not irritate my skin like most moisturizers do. I did find that the first week my skin went through a "reaction" period where I had increased pimples in the cheek areas. I google some of the ingredients and found that gold can be an irritant on certain skin. However, the "reaction" period died in about two weeks, and my skin overall was clearer, brighter, and nicer to the touch.

I found that applying too much product made my skin feel like it was going to crack, because it felt "hardened" on my skin. However, applying a small amount and messaging it on the skin using circular strokes provided a luxurious touch.

I have not heard of the brand AINHOA because this serum but I am really satisfied with my serum and I will continue to use it until my bottle runs out.

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I have never used any facial moisturizers before trying this product and I would never have tried it if I hadn't been able to get it through the Vine program. I have never been a fan of moisturizing, I rarely use hand cream or body lotion because I don't like the way they feel and the perfume smells irritate me. I do like Jergens lotions and I will use that but that's the only moisturizer I like.

I have notice that the elasticity in my skin is diminishing and my face is getting wrinkly so I was happy to have the chance to try this expensive serum. I have to say that I have been pleased with the feel of this on my skin and while it does have a scent to it I don't mind the smell at all. I guess you're supposed to put this on before bed but I use it in the morning instead. And I like the texture of this product under my concealer, it's a little bit tacky and seems to give my concealer something more to stick to than just my smooth skin, so I get better coverage with the concealer.

Do I think this product is making me look younger? Well, someone held the door for me the other day and called me "Miss" instead of Ma'am...does that count?

I think this product is a nice moisturizer that does make my skin look better and my make-up go on better and it doesn't have an irritating smell to it. So, I do like it. But I have to be honest, I am a bargain-shopping kind of girl and I would never spend big bucks on any beauty product, probably not even if I won the lottery. If I could get a life-time supply of this serum gratis, I'd be happy to keep using it.

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After two months, I honestly couldn't spot a single difference or improvement in my skin since adding this to my routine. I was using a serum from Philosophy (Philosophy When Hope is not Enough Serum-1 oz) which costs a third of this and worked much better. I won't be buying this again

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I have used the Luxe Gold facial Serum as recommended every night for approximately 3 weeks. I love the dispenser, it's nice enough to leave out on the bathroom counter. The fragrance is pleasant, mild and very light. The texture is smooth and leaves a nice glow on the skin.

I applied it all over my face and neck, giving special attention to around the eyes and mouth. However, I found it very disappointing that after 3 weeks, I saw no change. I honestly like the product for it ease of application and the non-greasy feeling left on your skin, but could not justify the price for a product that doesn't seem to work as advertised.

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