Test & Tell: 3.31.25
Take a peek into my ongoing testing log where I jot down quick, searchable notes on everything I'm testing.
My goal is to make a post like this at least once a month so that you can see what I have been testing. Whether it's an early impression or a final verdict, I’m hoping these posts can serve as a reminder for me to share my thoughts—and a handy resource for you to see if I've ever tried a product before. My goal is to keep my notes on each product very short (short, for me, that is… 🤭). So please comment below with any questions you may have about a product you are interested in that I mention!
Note: This one is going to be a bit longer since it is my first one in this series. So bear with me! 🙏🙃
Skincare
Bioeffect EGF Power Eye Cream | I bought this when Bioeffect was on Good Morning America’s Deals and Steals. Sadly… this has disappointed me. First, it has a “soaping” effect that bugs me—when I try to gently rub it in, it sort of lathers rather than immediately soaking in. That’s minor, and I could get over it if I liked everything else about the product, but I just don’t find it very moisturizing. I’ve used (and loved) the Bioeffect EGF eye serum for years. It has been the best thing I have ever found for tightening up crepey, hooded eyelids, and helping to keep the area around and under my eyes firm. But it isn’t moisturizing, so I often use a separate eye cream on top. I had hoped that this eye cream would be a good way for me to maintain my results with the serum and not have to use a separate eye cream. But I have decided to pass this on to my husband to use up and I am going back to using the Bioeffect eye serum with another moisturizing eye cream on top.
Growth-Factor Serums | I recently finished my bottle of the Bioeffect Power Serum ($186 15mL). I love it because I think my skin looks great when I use it, I love that it has zero scent (so many growth factor serums smell funky), I only need 3 drops for my face so the small bottle actually lasts a long time. However, I had been sent 3 other GF serums and wanted to give one of those a try.
First I tried the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum [$188 for 30 mL; *gifted]. This one has a great ingredient list, but I have 2 hang-ups (which might not matter to other people). (1) It frequently makes things pill in my routine. (2) It smells like a public pool with a hint of semen. Ya. You heard me. I try to tell myself that it just smells like a chlorinated pool as I apply it, but I can’t ignore the other scent and it makes for an unenjoyable experience. So for that reason, I keep putting it in my “give away” pile. But then I see someone else rave about it, and I give it another shot and am reminded of my 2 hang ups. So, I think it is finally time to actually pass it on.
Medik8 Liquid Peptide Advanced MP [$78.20 with code VANESSA for 30mL; *gifted] | I decided I would test the Medik8 serum rather than buy a new bottle of the Bioeffect Power Serum. I liked that it had no scent, a nice creamy serum texture that layered easily in my routines. The ingredient list was intriguing and I liked the decisions they made in terms of beefing up their original Liquid Peptides serum (which I always thought was a nice hydrating peptide serum, but it was never a huge game changer for my skin).
The Ordinary GF 15% Serum for Visible Skin Repair and Wrinkles [$15 for 30 mL; *gifted] | It arrived the same day as the Medik8 Advanced serum. I did a split face with the two serums for a week just to assess if either one was more likely to make me greasy, make products pill, or if either had something that bothered me. The Ordinary is thinner than the Medik8, but it similarly has no weird scent. Both worked equally well under makeup, and neither made me greasy. I much prefer the pump packaging of the Medik8, and the ingredient list is more compelling to me. So, I decided that I will start using this on my hands and I’ll be using the Medik8 on my face.
Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Firming Serum [$157 for 40mL; *gifted] | I have been testing this on and off for FAR too long for me to not have mentioned it. But it is one of those products where I really enjoy how it immediately makes my skin feel, but I can’t really pinpoint any real change that it has made in my skin. It reminds me A LOT of the skin-feel and results that I saw with the Clarins Double Serum ($95 for 30mL), except the Dermalogica doesn’t have a scent (and it is more expensive). With both products, I get an immediate hydrated glow to my skin. My skin looks plump and feels soft—but I don’t think either product does anything to actually improve my skin long-term. That being said, I think there is certainly a place for products like this that give you that immediate result but that might fail to make any long-term changes in the skin.
Symbiome The Essence Rejuvenating Mist [$50 for 50mL] | Since I have been enjoying using the Sunday Riley Mist in my routines as a sort of “bonus” step, I decided I wanted to buy another mist to rotate in. I looked through a bunch, and this one stood out as offering something different. It has a minimalist formula and I liked that it has an antioxidant superstar, Superoxide Dismutase, and that it has Adult Adipose Stem Cell Conditioned Media (BUT, I also fully recognize that while these have the potential for regenerative benefits, it is far less established in peer-reviewed research compared to mainstream actives). So far, it’s nice. Definitely one that I need to use for a lot longer to form an opinion on.
Note: After I bought this one, I got a PR box from the company with the mist inside (go figure). So, I have an extra bottle of this that I can give away to a subscriber.👇
Biocorneum Advanced Scar Treatment with Silishield & SPF 30 [$55] | I bought this after a follower messaged me about it when I was talking about how I help to fade the scar from a curling iron on my forehead. I already use a silicone strip (that I cut to fit the size of the scar and reuse after washing it every day) and my LED mask, but I bought this because the Silishield technology sounded promising as a way for me to get the silicone benefits during the day. I apply sunscreen all over and then I apply a layer of this over my scar and apply makeup.
Experiment Molecular Mesh [$30; *gifted] | I really don’t get excited about moisturizers… But I was excited to try this one because their Super Saturated serum is so good. Both Quin and I really like how this feels on our skin. It has a really nice semi-natural finish and it does feel soothing. If you like the Dieux Instant Angel, I would definitely give this one a try because I think this is very similar, but even better than that (whereas Instant Angel left me dewy in the day time, the molecular mesh keeps my skin more balanced)—and this one is less expensive. Quin ended up calling dibs on this, so he will be using this up so I can keep testing the Mother Science Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer that I got first and had already started using and have been loving. But I have been going into his bathroom to borrow the molecular mesh every so often.
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound [$148 for 1oz; *gifted] After giving this product a lot of chances to impress me, I finally gave up and called it quits on testing this. I just don’t think that it did anything for me (and the grandiose claims they make are a bit obnoxious IMHO).
Lines Meet Lines Wrinkle Pen [$110 for .5oz; *gifted] | I am sucker for things that say they will both immediately plump up fine lines AND contribute to better aging over time. So I was interested in trying this pen. But it didn’t “instantly soften wrinkles,” or give any immediate filling or blurring of lines. So I gave this to my sister-in-law to see if she sees any long-term benefits of using it.
Lines Meet Lines Facial Serum [$165 for 1 oz; *gifted] | The company sent me shades 01 and 02, which were incredibly similar and lighter than expected. They also offer a clear option and three additional shades. I was drawn to this serum because it reminded me of the Biologique Recherche tinted serum concept. The tint is sheer, so don’t expect heavy coverage, but it did help even out my skin tone. I decided to keep shade 02 for myself and gave shade 01 to my sister-in-law. The formula isn’t particularly innovative, but it focuses on hydration, antioxidants, and well-aging, featuring ingredients like niacinamide, a vitamin C derivative, bakuchiol, and various forms of hyaluronic acid. I like that it’s tinted, so I’ll continue using it while seeing what my sister thinks as well.
Body Care
Ten over Ten The Rose Oil [$26; *gifted] | I am LOVING this cuticle oil. Love the roller ball applicator. I have been keeping it in my purse and it has really helped heal my chronically dry cuticles.
Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil [$48 for 3.4 oz; *gifted] | I am notoriously lazy when it comes to body care. Once I step out of the shower, it is a rare event for me to apply any additional body lotion or oil, but I am much more inclined to apply something if it comes in a mist format. This body oil hasn’t shaken me from my laziness. However, I have been especially itchy on my skins lately, and I have been spraying this on my lower legs pretty consistently over the last month. I love that I can quickly spray it on and it absorbs to the point that I feel a nourishing layer still, but it doesn’t feel like I have a body oil just sitting on top of my skin, rubbing off on everything it touches. So this gets two thumbs up from me.
See this reel on the best way I have found to ensure I actually moisturize my entire body. And you can save 15% here with code GETGLOWING15.
Hanni Cocoon Cleanse and Water Balm [*gifted] | Hanni’s approach to body care is right up my alley because they aim to “make caring for your body feel less like a chore and more like a treat”. I’ve only used the Spray-on liquid moisturizer (aka the Water Balm) a couple times so far, but so far so good! It isn’t slimy feeling, and the scent doesn’t bug me. The cocoon cleanse is basically a bar of soap that is supposed to be gentler on your skin. So far, I think the cocoon cleanse is something I will use up because it is nice, but then I am betting I will want to go back to using my Prequel Gleanser as my body cleanser because it does the same thing that the cocoon cleanser claims to do (replace your body wash, soap, and shaving cream in one), but I prefer a gel in a pump over a bar cleanser.
Perfume
Phlur Rose Whip [$99; *gifted] | I went back and forth on whether I would keep this or pass it on for about a week. I like it, but I don’t LOVEEEE it. And I have a perfume tray and my rule is that all of my perfumes need to fit on that tray. So if I were to keep this one, something else would have to go. And while I like this, I felt like my Parfums de Marly Delina perfume was similar and I preferred that one. So that being said, if you like Delina, I think you will also like Rose Whip. They are different, but not different enough for me to make room for it. But I know my mom will love it, so I am passing it on to her.
Orabella Nightcap perfume [$100 for 3.4 oz; *gifted] | I have been using this perfume nearly every night for two nights. Quin thinks this is silly, but I wanted to have a “bedtime perfume” because going to bed smelling great makes me happy. I love the warmth of this spicy, vanilla, gourmand style scent. However, I have been annoyed because Quin has NEVER been like “ooo you smell good”. So after a month of spraying it on and not hearing a single compliment (rude), I finally asked him, “Do you like the way this smells?” Quin replied that he thought this was just a “basic” hair product I was using. Meaning, he thought it smelled fine but he didn’t think it was a perfume. He just thought it was a scent in a product I was using, so he didn’t think to compliment my perfume. Despite his thoughts, I still spray it on every night because I personally really enjoy the scent.
DedCool Xtra Milk Fragrance [$90; *gifted] | This perfume has made me realize that I don’t think I like Milk fragrances. Or I might just not like White Musk. This has Bergamot (which I usually love) and Amber (which I also tend to love). But I just didn’t care for it. I sent it to a friend that I thought might enjoy it.
LED Devices
RIKI Baby Face LED Face Mask [$297; *gifted] | This LED mask isn't terrible, but there are better options. If you're looking for one under $300, check out the Equinox or Higher Dose (discount codes available here). I'll be adding the RIKI to my LED blog post roundup soon. On the plus side, it offers red (630nm) and NIR (830nm) light. However, a red flag is the discrepancy between the user manual and website irradiance values (30 mW/cm² versus 20 mW/cm²), which raises concerns about the accuracy. If it's actually 20 mW/cm², that's on the low side, as I aim for masks between 30 and 55 mW/cm². Also, the blue light is at 465nm and outside the ideal 410-420nm range, so it may not effectively reduce active acne. Lastly, the fit isn’t great, and I couldn’t find any info about the warranty.
Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask [$349] | I added this to my LED blog on 3/25/25 and I shared this TikTok (which I still need to also share on IG). This mask has good parameters, and a fantastic remote with useful features, and its key selling point is that it has cooling cryo pads under your eyes. While I love how cold the cryo pads get, they totally cover the undereye area. To me that is a major negative because I personally want the area under my eyes to be exposed to the red and NIR to help with signs of aging.
Additionally, I really don’t like how they suggest using the “Skin Sustain” mode (which has 415nm, 630nm and 830nm) to “help maintain results” over time. My beef with this recommendation is that it completely ignores the fact that consistent and long-term use of blue wavelengths can have adverse effects, like hyperpigmentation. So if you get this mask, I would focus on just using the red and NIR mode. Also, the mask is a bit over-powered and, as to be expected with masks over 100 mW/cm², it does get warm.
Love your reviews specially when you compare products because saying the molecular mesh is as good as instant angel but less dewy is very helpful.
Definitely on a budget these days so excited brands like Experiment exist. Will give Molecular mesh a try the next time I need a new moisturizer. When it comes to growth factors I use Stratias Interface. Thanks for the great post!