Creating an effective skincare routine that you’ll stick to can prove tricky with so many products out there to choose from.
Our editor and founder Greta Kenyon has been working with Estée Lauder to find out how their Perfectionist Pro Bright Skin Solutions line will not only help you achieve more radiance and clarity but how it can slot seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. Tune in to their recorded livestream here to find out more and to access a secret discount and gift code valid until Monday at midnight.
Designed to improve the texture and tone of skin, reduce the look of scarring and boost radiance: it’s no wonder they’ve garnered a cult following.
Together Journal’s founder and editor, Greta Kenyon, has been using the below brightening products for the last four weeks and has already noticed an improvement in her skin.
“I don’t like to wear much makeup so it’s important for me to have my skin in the best condition possible. I have noticed since I have been using the products that my skin tone looks more even and has more of a glow, in fact on days where I don’t have events or outings I feel confident wearing no foundation at all” – Greta Kenyon
Together with Estée Lauder New Zealand’s Education Manager, Olivia Russell, the pair talked us through the beauty atelier’s hero products in a live demonstration. The tutorial explored the benefits of each brightening product and unveiled some nifty tips and tricks on how to use them correctly.
Whether you’re preparing for your wedding day or simply wish to create a solid beauty regime that’ll give dazzling results, catch up on what we learned from the expert presentation below.
Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion
“I found this a really nice way to start or end the day because it’s cooling and has a lovely fragrance,” Greta Kenyon.
Carefully designed to strengthen the skin’s foundation, the Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion is the first step towards bright and smooth results. It may be small but it’s mighty courtesy of its groundbreaking formula.
“Having beautifully even skin will give you more confidence,” Olivia says. “This is different from a toner, as it will really help to strengthen the skin’s barrier – preparing the face for the next step which is serum. You’ll notice a huge difference in how fast your serum penetrates the skin when you do and don’t use this product.”
Boasting targeted ingredients, it will penetrate the skin’s surface to renew and rebalance while its exclusive micro-nutrient bio-ferment element is crafted to nourish and energise. As though that wasn’t enough, its active ingredients will boost the skin’s ability to replenish the skin.
How do I use it?
Olivia says: “Decant five or six drops and make sure it’s dispersed into both hands. Start with your hands on either side of the nose and press the product into the skin. Don’t be afraid to be firm. I know people who keep their lotion in the fridge making for a great cooling product, especially in the summer months.”
READ MORE: Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion
Advanced Night Repair
“I’ve been a long term user of Estée Lauder products and my favourite is the Advanced Night Repair, which I’ve used for about six years now” – Greta Kenyon
Undoubtedly Lauder’s hero product, Advanced Night Repair sits on many bathroom shelves around the world and was described as ‘liquid gold’ by a number of viewers who tuned into the live demonstration. The beauty house’s number one serum is designed to deeply penetrate the skin to reduce the visible appearance of ageing caused by everyday stressors of modern life.
Day or night, the serum works hard to boost the skin’s natural ability to repair itself.
While you sleep, the serum’s key ingredient Hyaluronic Acid will lock in moisture for up to 72 hours. While you’re awake, it’ll defend the skin against visible effects of free radical damage from pollution and blue light to micro dust. We’re talking eight-hour protection here which, in turn, will help to keep skin looking younger for longer.
How do I use it?
Olivia says: “Use the heart ritual here. Start with your hands on the sides of the nose and move in the shape of a small heart, down towards the chin. Then, place your hands on the centre of the forehead and move the hands down towards the centre of the chin. Massage any excess product down into the neck – this should feel really beautiful at the end of the day.”
Read more about Advance Night Repair
Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex
“It’s quite frightening when you think of how much time we spend in front of our phones and computers and potentially how much this could be damaging our skin, especially the delicate area around. the eyes. My skin feels beautiful and light after using this” – Greta Kenyon
Formulated to brighten dark circles, hydrate the skin and prevent visible signs of ageing, the Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex will fit seamlessly into your evening routine. “This product will help to prevent damage from blue light. We’re on our phones and laptops all the time which can be really damaging to the eye area so it’s really important to condition this area,” Olivia says.
With concentrated repair technology, it will repair the visible impact of everyday life from lack of sleep and pollution to blue light. This means a reduction in puffiness, fine lines and dehydrated skin.
Again, Hyaluronic Acid plays the lead role here as this helps to lock in moisture for up to 24 hours. The results? Hydrated and visibly rejuvenated eyes.
How do I use it?
Olivia says: “You want to take a pea-sized amount and decant it onto your ring fingers. The reason we do this is because you have the least amount of pressure in this finger. Tap the product beneath the eyes, it should absorb really nicely into the skin due to its smooth gel-like texture.”
Read more about Advance Night Repair Supercharged Complex
Intense Brightening Essence Ampoule
“I’ve been using the Perfectionist Pro ampoules for over four weeks and still have a lot left over so this is a very generous product amount” – Greta Kenyon
The next unmissable step in your newfound routine is the Perfectionist Pro Intense Brightening Essence Ampoule with Vitamin C/E + Licorice. Formulated to supercharge the brightening process, this is an intense treatment designed to help users reduce dark spots, acne scars and pores in just 28 days – perfect for brides in the run-up to the wedding date.
“This is a quasi-drug, which means it’s halfway between a cosmetic and pharmaceutical product,” Olivia explains. “This is down to the number of active ingredients it contains. Autumn is a perfect time to introduce this product especially after lots of sun exposure.” Always apply the Ampoules before the Rapid Brightening Treatment Serum you can see below.
Vitamin C is the hero component, as it works to improve radiance and even the skin tone. This isn’t just a quick fix, as the ampoule course will act as a preventative tool by providing free-radical protection against environmental stressors which can lead to future discolouration.
Sister ingredient Vitamin E hydrates the skin while licorice soothes irritation and visible redness.
How do I use it?
Olivia says: “Use one full dropper morning and night, and make sure to activate by rubbing between your palms before applying. Start with the heart ritual demonstrated using the Advanced Night Repair serum and then, apply using the butterfly shape from the centre. This is where you are likely to struggle with the most redness which we want to combat. Again, smooth any excess product into the neck.”
Read more about Intense Brightening Essence Ampoule
Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment
“I really love the fact it’s made up of natural ingredients. I have not been noticing my pores as much since using this product” – Greta Kenyon
Bright, glowy skin is the goal and this ultra-lightweight daily serum is Together Journal’s standout product. Designed to boost the skin’s natural radiance, Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment Ferment3 + Vitamin C is a widely-hailed product made from 98% naturally-derived ingredients. Estée Lauder’s world-famous Ferment3 is on hand to target irritation, discolouration and dark spots. This is an important daily step that is to be applied before your moisturiser.
“The key ingredient here is Vitamin C which is a really important ingredient for brightening,” Olivia says. “It also contains algae, molasses and yeast which work together holistically to combat the signs of skin discolouration.”
This process is further strengthened by the inclusion of Vitamin C which boasts highly powerful antioxidant properties – resulting in a more radiant, even-toned complexion. It’s a beautiful texture that absorbed easily into the skin.
How do I use it?
Olivia says: “Follow the same skin application technique as used with the ampoules. Use two pumps of product and rub between your palms to activate the product.”
Read more about Rapid Brightening Treatment
Revitalizing Supreme + Bright Power Soft Creme
“I’ve noticed from using this product that my skin is so much smoother and that if I do use powder or foundation, it sits on my face so nicely” – Greta Kenyon
The final step in every effective beauty routine is a trustworthy moisturiser and Estée Lauder’s Revitalizing Supreme+ Bright is a real showstopper.
Its powerful moringa extract ‘turns on’ the skin’s natural ability to fight everyday stresses which cause visible ageing from city pollution to sun exposure. “This incredible superfood element drives towards brighter skin,” Olivia explains. Winter brides will be especially pleased to learn that its focal ingredient, Hyaluronic Acid, will aid the journey towards long-lasting hydration. Consider this the ultimate pre-make-up base.
How do I use it?
Olivia says: Take two pea-sized amounts and apply in an upwards motion across the face. Start at the sides of your nose and work upwards. Then, start from the centre of the face and sweep towards the temples. As always, smooth excess product onto the neckline.”
Read more about Revitalizing + Bright Power Soft Creme
Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF45
“I have trouble finding a good block which is not too heavy or chalky. This feels really lovely and light so I can apply make-up underneath it without any problems” – Greta Kenyon.
No matter where you are in the world, UV protection is the most vital part of every routine. A three-in-one approach, the Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF45 will fight the visible effects of environmental stress factors.
A delicate blend of Tiger Lily Extract, Green Tea, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Resveratrol, it’ll support naturally firm and bouncy skin. In addition to this, advanced barrier fortifiers will help the skin to seal in moisture and will protect against heat and air conditioning. “This is almost like a primer as it’s so lightweight and not sticky at all,” Olivia says. Perfect for creating the ultimate make-up base.
How do I use it?
Olivia says: “Make sure to give the SPF a good shake to activate the fluid. You really don’t need a lot of this so pop a tiny amount onto your hands and smooth onto the skin using a sweeping upwards motion.”
Read more about Multi Defence UV Fluid SPF 45
The products used in our demonstration are designed to create brighter, glowing skin.
“Like a lot of New Zealanders, I’ve probably spent a little too much time on the beach over my lifetime, so my main concern is pigmentation and sun damage,” Greta says.
“With the help of these products, my goal is to even out the skin tone and reduce the look of pigmentation. I don’t wear a lot of make-up so it’s really important for my skin to be at the best possible quality it can be. I’ve already noticed a huge difference since using these products in just four weeks.”
And viewers couldn’t agree more with many commenting on how “glowy” and “radiant” Greta’s skin looked following the tutorial. If you didn’t have a chance to tune in, you can watch the recorded demonstration here.
For further information on the products mentioned, please visit the Estée Lauder website.
