Skin creams/ serums for evening out and brightening skin tone

[Holymoly321]

As I reach my 40th year, it's become blatantly obvious that I can no longer get away with nothing on my skin! Am going to treat myself to a 'wonder cream/serum' and would like some recommendations. I'm mixed race so I need one for all ethnicities. I need it to brighten my skin, and eve out skin tone. But it's got to be light and non greasy. Help a woman in need before I splash out £40 on something that doesnt work!

I have brought the Philosophy brightening set for exactly the same reasons as you. Have used it for 4 days and not terribly impressed yet (it does say 2 weeks to see results). The set was £55 and you get a bag with 4 free samples and I also got a free set of 3 shower sample Hope for signing up to their emails.
The actual kit is very small and doesn't say how much you need to use to make a difference. It sinks in very quickly so it's tempting to use loads. There are pads that come with the liquid to soak them in. I used half the bottle and the top ones are dry already so I would top up regularly rather than throw it all on.

I'll keep you posted. I have olive skin and lots of freckles, sun spots and dark skin from taking my tash off for years! I need a miracle which this claims to be.

Sounds interesting nothing. Was thinking of maybe the esTee Lauder Idealist? Anyone have experience of this?

I am a similar age and have the same issues. I am currently using Clarins vital light serum and day cream. It does feel lovely on my skin and certainly helps the texture. I am yet to see any fading of my few sun spots but to be honest I have tried lots of creams claiming to fade spots and not seen any results. I was not impressed with the clinique one.

I have been recommended the new origins serum so think that will be my next try but I really don't think any high street cream will fade sun spots, will have to save up for laser treatment.

Have used Idealist, lovely texture but again no fading of sun spots.

Bought Idealist as was initially very impressed when the Estee Lauder lady tried it on me but at home I didn't get the same results and figured it must have been a trick of the light or something.

A few days later tried the By Terry Seve De Rose Ultra Glow and loved it so much that I forked out another £74. It wipes the floor with the Idealist one, sadly. You need the white Ultra Glow not the other purple version but it is one of the single best skincare products I have ever bought. That and the Huile De Rose oil. Finally, I am all glowy and dewy. Or as dewy and glowy as I'll ever manage.

I seem to remember using Clarin flash balm some years ago and thinking my skin looked nice. What's the diff between that and these new products?

Bumping for the eve crowd!

I have some sun damage and my beautician recommended Obaji Rx night cream. It's a cosmeuticals line, developed by a Dr Obaji initially for mixed skins but apparently works for different complexions and has both a brightening and rejuvenating effect as it contains vitamin C. It's £79 in the salon but cheaper online.

None of the off the shelf products will work for evening out and fading pigmentation and/or sunspots. No matter what the adverts say! Prescription only uber strong lotions and potions are the only option. I started Obagi 2 weeks ago. Am only doing it on my forehead initially, as too chicken to do my whole face right now! Is going exactly to plan so far. Red flushed skin, dryness, flaking, peeling, tight sensation, itching. Nice! Is a long term programme though and won't see results for a good few weeks yet.

Went into John leeis today to buy some ester Lauder idealist, but when it came to it, I just couldnt do it. Just tooooo expensive! Surely there is a cheaper alternative out there? Surely?

I have tried many serums and I always come back to pure vitamin C. It deteriorates in serums because it is affected by light/ air/ heat.
I buy a jar of vitamin C powder from local health store - the Solgar one is good. Dissolve a quarter teaspoon in some hot water in one of those little medicine cups. Apply to skin before moisturiser.
Can be a bit stingy on spots etc but it makes your skin look and feel fab!

You can make up a batch and store in the fridge for a few days in a small Tupperware container wrapped in foil, but I don't bother anymore.

It also healed my C-section wound like magic.