Pioneering a new niche in skincare, Antipodes combines the best from nature with scientific validation to prove its performance. The innovative, organic, beauty brand is known for its highly-effective anti-ageing products and its ability to protect our skin from pollution. focus editors Dee Collins and Kseniia Spodyneiko try two serums and share their results.
Dee: Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum, Antipodes
We always love reviewing beauty products at focus HQ and were delighted to receive two serums from Antipodes, the internationally recognised natural skincare company, to appraise.
I was given the Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum which, I was pleased to read, is designed to protect your skin from daily aggressors such as pollution, UV, free radicals, etc. and prevent the signs of ageing. It also claims to help improve the texture of your skin, smooth out expression lines and promote skin elasticity.
The cherry-coloured water-based liquid includes boysenberry, black-currant, kiwifruit and Vinanza Grape extract, all effective as anti-ageing antioxidants. Coffee cherry and acai, which help with circulation, give the skin a boost.
The lightweight liquid has a fruity sediment texture and is dispensed via a dropper and should be applied daily to your face, neck and décolletage, underneath your moisturiser. It soaks into the skin quickly without leaving any sticky or oily residue.
I used this for a few weeks before I could say that my skin felt any different – the word ‘rested’ comes to mind. I then experimented by adding Hosanna Skin-Plumping Serum to my daily routine and immediately felt my skin was more hydrated. So, if my skin is hydrated and protected from the elements, I’m happy with that.
Kseniia: Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum, Antipodes
A cup of Jasmine tea in my hands, the meditative sound of waves crashing somewhere in the distance, the feeling of the soft fabric from a pearly-white robe on my skin, still oily after a relaxing massage… I slowly open my eyes – nope, I’m no longer in the Maldives, I’m in my bathroom in Tauranga and the amazing white jasmine scent of the Antipodes serum is to blame for bringing back such vivid memories. Though ‘blame’ is the wrong word – it smells amazing and I certainly don’t mind being reminded of the best vacations ever.
The Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum creates a natural barrier against the polluted air of big cities, preventing premature ageing, dark spots and uneven skin tone. The best part? According to the brand’s research, it only takes an hour to stop 52% of free radical damage in human skin cells. All thanks to extremely efficient ingredients like Vinanza® Grape (a smart scientific name of the seeds of sauvignon blanc grapes grown on Marlborough vineyards) and Asian ginger. Now that’s what I call modern age skincare! In the era of rapid speeds, no one wants to wait ‘four to six weeks’ to see healthier, happier skin.
Instead of using the serum in the morning, I usually clean my face as soon as I get home and apply it then, letting the regenerative superheroes do their job. Kiwifruit enriches the skin with essential vitamin C, while avocado and jojoba oils improve and strengthen the skin, making it feel and look like pure silk. Less than half a dropper is enough, so a 30ml bottle lasts me for ages.
Though the serum penetrates really quickly, sometimes, a few hours later, my skin appears a bit oily – that’s probably another reason why I prefer to postpone the application until I get home. I mean, my husband has seen far worse! But there is nothing like going to bed with a well-hydrated, nourished and calm skin! I bet I even sleep better.
