English Version | Test Drive: New Beginnings

Finishing a product does not only give the feeling of accomplished duty but also awakens the curiosity surrounding the freshness of a novelty, even if it is only new for those who try it. Therefore, we tested products never tried before - at least, not in the beauty routine of these journalists.

Sofia Lucas, Editor-in-chief 

Promises: a smoothing and firming effect thanks to its star ingredient, the botanical alfafa concentrate, an active as effective as retinol, but also gentle on the skin. This formula is enriched by a powerful antioxidant - a complex of black pepper PFA (PolyFractioned Active, which is a specific process developed by the brand allowing the creation of ultra-pure cosmetic ingredients) - that protects the skin from exterior aggressions and improves its resistance against the impact of free radicals. Vogue’s word: the Le Lift collection was not new to me, so adding this step was not only natural but also a valuable bonus. In order to increase its effects, the brands suggests the performance of the lifting technique before applying the serum, which may not be the ideal situation for someone who does not have a lot of time. Despite not following this step every single time - I did it a few times, however - I applied religiously this product in the morning and at night, before my moisturiser, throughout a couple of weeks, and besides the comfortable texture, I felt indeed the straining effect that this elixir promised.   

Mariana Silva, Journalist

Promises: to enhance the appearance of smoothness and cleanliness, leaving a refreshed feeling on the skin. Due to its formula composed by different types of clay and coal, it also helps removing facial imperfections and clearing pores. Vogue’s word: applying this clay mask is simple but effective. By using it one to two times a week for ten minutes (more than that is not recommended), the feeling of freshness after cleansing is immediate. It was also noticeable the reduction in oil excess, mainly in the day following its application. The salicylic acid masque is a great choice for those who look for a way of deeply cleaning the skin. However, the brand does not recommend its use on sensitive skin.    

Ana Murcho, Features Editor

Promises: to reduce the appearance of skin spots, illuminate and refresh the face, also improving the quality of the skin. Vogue’s word: yes, absolutely, yes. There is no need for instructions nor a scientific explanation, not even for a specialist’s review. This serum completely fulfils what it promises: eliminate the size and the intensity of spots (in my case, an enormous amount of freckles that can be confused with a small Pacific island) to the point that, one week after starting applying it, I decided to reduce its frequency to the classic “every other day”. A lot of the times I debated with the size and colour (or should I say “colours”?) of my spots, but I learned with time to appreciate them as they are: imperfect sets of small brown dots that simbolize one thousand and one moments - and some carelessness regarding the king star. And being at a time when the contact with the sun is permanent, I thought it would be better to accept this kind of indigenous look and save for the rentrée the maximum effect of this amazing serum. Final grade? On a scale of one to ten, it is a twelve. 

Joana Rodrigues, Journalist   

Promises: to mitigate imperfections such as expression lines, lack of firmness and provide an hydration, anti-age, filling action with its intense concentrate of hyaluronic acid. Vogue’s word: applying acids on your face, specially in sensitive skin, may seem risky but the Ha Densimatrix formula is smooth and gentle, without leaving any aggressions even on the most delicate skin. Just after a few days of applying this serum daily, the differences were clearly noticeable. The texture, like fine lines and even spots left by scars, started to vanish slowly, creating a smooth and seamless base namely concerning the skin’s shades. Also, we cannot forget its hydration effect. Without being oily, this product leaves a natural glow at the same time it fights dehydration.    

Ana Murcho, Features Editor

Promises: to help reduce signs of cellulite, facilitate the elimination of accumulated fat and improve the skin’s blood microcirculation, increasing its elasticity. Vogue’s word: it is very unlikely that, by this time, anyone actually believes that there is a product capable of eliminating cellulite completely. It is possible, however, to reduce its signs, but that demands persistency, constancy and a series of other factors - like drinking a lot of water, maintaining an healthy diet, etc. All things I did not do during the weeks when I was trying this Cryoform, hereby presenting my mea culpa. What I can say is that, without a doubt, its composition (camphor, eucalyptus and menthol) works indeed as a marvellous cocktail that, with time, improves blood circulation. And that the feeling of applying this gel, fresher than an ice cube, is absolutely refreshing. The so-called “problematic” areas are still not recommended to be seen zoomed in on photographies, but it is very likely that, after some applications (the ideal is to use it in the morning and at night), those areas will be smoother and indeed more “stretched”. 

Sara Andrade, New Editorial Projects Director    

Promises: to reduce imperfection, mitigate pores and tune in the skin’s grain, visibly improving its quality, notably to those with acne prone skin, also giving back the skin’s glow without unwanted shine. Vogue’s word: the vegan formula, PEGs and scent free, with 97% of natural ingredients were the first thing attracting me to this product. Used to this list of components, it was with please that I felt that even in smell it was similar to products from less established brands, and that the refreshing formula was not only comfortable to apply but also merged quickly with the skin. I only needed a few days to notice that some small pimples vanished rapidly and to feel a more seamless skin. In the beginning, I believed that I could be a placebo effect or the instant reaction of the skin to a new quality formula, but three weeks later I still see its uniforme and glowing effect. Its application was always in the morning and at night, before the moisturiser, but it can be applied only once a day.    

Originally translated from the New Beginnings issue, published September 2021.Full credits and stories on the print issue.