NuBo Cell Dynamic The Essence is, quite possibly, one of the most expensive men’s grooming products I’ve tried. It’s basically a concentrated serum which has been designed to expedite the skin’s natural re-generation processes, thus improving the appearance of the skin.

Now, before I begin to share my thoughts on NuBo Cell Dynamic The Essence, I’ll be totally honest with you and state that I was gifted this product to review, I didn’t purchase it myself. That said, my review which follows will be a totally honest appraisal of the product. So with further a do, here’s how I found it;

NuBo Cell Dynamic The Essence is a serum so it should be used before applying your moisturiser. I used it each morning for around 4 weeks. I really like the texture that it leaves on the face, it has a really healthy look to its finish. My skin did feel very soft and hydrated, it also looked pretty impressive, too. My face had a healthy glow and my skin appeared to be really on-form.

NuBo Cell Dynamic The Essence comes in at a steep £200 for just 30ml. If money is no object then I would be happy to part with my cash to benefit from this serum. If I was on a tight budget, I probably couldn’t justify it.

NuBo Cell Dynamic The Essence £200/30ml

66°30 Organics skin-care has been specially formulated by French men’s grooming enthusiast, Didier Arthaud. Didier has created a collection of men’s grooming products, divided into ‘cycles’ to target specific men’s grooming issues. The 66°30 Organics collection hosts 8 champion products which are completely organic and free from the usual nasties.

66°30? I hear you say. Well 66°30 is the earths natural resting point on it’s axis. The name reflects the brand’s natural approach to its formulations.

I’ve had a little play with a couple of the products and my favourites so far have to be the Extreme Cycle Essential Face Balm and the Day Cycle Ultra Moisturising Facial Fluid. Both are intense formulas which re-hydrate and help to repair the daily damage our skin endures.

Very competitively priced, the 66°30 skin-care collection is available from thegroomingclinic.com

Tested over a period of 3 weeks

I was fairly disappointed with the performance of Malin+Goetz’s Replenishing Face Serum. It claims to be packed with amino acids to hydrate and moisture binding sodium Hyaluronate to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. I’d say they need to re-work the formula on this one. I didn’t notice any of the benefits, nor did I notice any significant increase in elasticity or moisture levels. The least I would expect from a serum is a smooth finish which contributes to a healthy glow, but I didn’t even get that. One thing I did like is the functionality of the packaging. It comes contained in a small pump bottle so it’s very easy to apply. The scent is very inoffensive, but on the same note, if you are after something which pleases your senses, buy something else.

Malin+Goetz do get top marks for design. Their packaging is simple and looks great in the bathroom.

Malin+Goetz Replenishing Face Serum  £52 / 30ml

malinandgoetz.com

Dermalogica’s Ultracalming cleanser was the first step in cleansing I’d tried since the excitable children’s foamy face wash I had used for what felt like forever! The sophisticated gel was a welcome relief after all that over-zealous foaming from the kiddies stuff.

The cleanser felt soothing from the minute it was applied and massaged into my eczema prone skin. As my face often has flare-ups where the skin is red and inflamed, it loved the no-sting cooling feel of the cleanser. Personally I also loved the big size bottle that will last for months! Although to be fair, so many times when I pushed the lid down and squeezed the cylindrical tube, the product went flying out all over the bathroom! I don’t know if that was just my clumsiness or the bottle design but it did have me chuckling.

I did feel at times that my skin wasn’t clean because it didn’t foam at all but I think this was more psychological as I only had one spot in the whole month of using the range! This is a definite improvement as before I was getting a couple of spots twice a week.

The lavender, raspberry and Echinacea extracts definitely brought down the inflammation when I had a flare-up and the Ultracalming Serum Concentrate I applied after cleansing felt silky going on and didn’t dry out my already parched skin. Evening primrose, avocado and sunflower seed extracts all worked their magic to calm and take away any irritation I felt.

I only used the Ultracalming Relief Masque when my skin was really angry (around once a week) and I can definitely say it calmed the skin down. It must have been the active, soothing ingredients that included algae, mugwort and colloidal oatmeal extracts. I can’t say the range stopped my skin flaring up but it definitely took the burning sensation out of the inflammation and made my skin feel nurtured and cool. I love the fact that these products in particular are suitable for the most sensitised skin, which can’t even withstand water. I’ve definitely got a love affair with Dermalogica’s Ultracalming range as it stops my spots as well as putting out fire and cooling the irritation. The only thing now is mastery of that big bottle to avoid accidents!

Dermalogica UltraCalming Range available May 2011

dermalogica.com

Serums are pretty potent formulas and should only be used as a treatment. Similar to oils but more easily absorbed by the skin, serums are one of the best ways to prevent the onset of premature ageing. Once the effects of ageing have their feet firmly under the table, they’re fairly difficult to shift. Treatment serums encourage rapid cell recovery making the skin appear re-vitalised. Over-use will encourage the exposure of skin cells which are not ready to face the elements. Use weekly or when your need a pick-me-up.

Left – right;

Perricone MD Deep Wrinkle Serum £165/30ml perriconemd.co.uk

Neuropeptide Deep Wrinkle Serum is as a fast-acting anti-ageing serum that contains Dr. Perricone’s advanced technology for reducing deep lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity while transforming skin texture to appear more smooth and youthful looking.

Malin+Goetz Replenishing Facial Serum £52/30ml malinandgoetz.com

Synthesizing complex amino acids and natural plant extracts for hydration, clarity and aging concerns of all skin types, especially sensitive. Gentle Chamomile and calming Panthenol help sooth irritation and even skin tones.  Absorbent, oil-free moisturizing for oily skin and intensive moisturizer-booster for dry skin.

StriVectin Overnight Resurfacing Serum £51/25ml strivectin.com

This super exfoliating serum is great for hyper-sensitive skin. Used the night before a shave, this wonder formula will expose in-grown hairs and strip the surface of dead cells. Also great on breakouts as an “on the spot” treatment. One draw back with StriVectin’s Overnight Resurfacing formula is mild drying out of the skin. Otherwise, great for guys who simply can’t use coarse scrubs.

MenScience Anti-Ageing Formula £58/30ml menscience.com

This professional formulation is scientifically developed with the most advanced ingredients used by dermatologists, including peptides, retinol, GABA and alpha lipoic acid. Ultralight, fast-absorbing application.  Claims include ultra intense, anti-ageing results, We think it’s better used as a preventative measure.

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum £39/100ml aesop.com

Packed with essential oils, Aesop’s Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum is great for a quick moisture surge. Smells great and used before bed, will help you nod off into la la land.

Chaps, if this stuff is in your better halves toiletries bag, sneak a few drops before bed or whenever she’s not looking. Do be careful though, your ploy could easily be blown out of the water by the strong smell of essential oils. Basically, Decleor’s Aromessence Neroli is the only consumer product on the market which works below the skin’s surface on the lower layer of skin- the dermis. If you’re a lazy ‘Groomer,’ as most guys are, Decleor’s Aromessence Neroli may just be your saving grace. Working on the lower level of the skin’s make-up, the oil helps to revitalise your complexion from beneath. A great way to slow the rate at which your skin ages is to work as hard as possible to prevent it. Working on the skin which is yet to surface is quite possibly the most effective way to stimulate that youthful veneer we all desire. Read more →

La Prairie is one of the most expensive collections on the market at present. I’m a huge fan of La Prairie’s Marine Biology Skin Tonic, however, I am yet to be impressed by anything else in the collection. I’m not afraid to share my position on the brand, that being, I do believe La Prairie is Grossly overpriced. Results do vary, so if you beg to differ please leave a comment below. Read more →

Saturday 26th Septemeber saw my ad-hoc column in The Telegraph feature M-Lab’s Anti Ageing Treatment Serum. I announced this salve as my luxury indulgence, luxury it is at £250 a pop. Why? I hear you ask.

Read more →