Alumier and Perricone MD: the glow-getting power couple you didn’t know you needed.
In the pursuit of flawless, glowing skin, I’ve built up quite the war chest of products and have come to two conclusions.
One: most of my addiction is fueled entirely by pretty packaging.
Two: you won’t achieve anything without a strong retinoid cream and a killer vitamin C serum.
But since we’re here to get that summer glow, let’s talk vitamin C’s.
I tried AlumierMD’s EverActive C&E + Peptide for a week. Then PerriconeMD’s Vitamin C Ester… and then I combined them.
AlumierMD EverActive C&E + Peptide
Available: Perricone – $195
This serum actually came recommended by my dermatologist a few months back, so I jumped at the chance to try it. I have hormonal skin and while for the most part, I’m just trying the repair the damage from those traumatic teenage years, the occasional flare ups are not where I want my skin to be. And one of the reasons this serum came so highly recommended was because it’s not oil-based, thus less irritating… sold.
After using this every morning for two weeks now, I’m starting to notice how crisp and clean my skin looks. I haven’t noticed any new blemishes pop up and the few that I had before integrating this serum have died out and lost their redness. Overall, my skin looks brighter, and my light scarring is definitely less noticeable. I also love the consistency, it’s thin, almost watery but when pressed into the skin it has a light tackiness, almost like a primer.
And I must rave about the packaging. At this price point, you want your vitamin C serum to have longevity. Anyone who uses vitamin C regularly knows that dreaded feeling when you’re pumping those drops into your palm and its gone orange, or dark brown. That’s the sign your serum is losing its potency. To prevent this from happening, Alumier’s comes in three separate containers, each of which you have to activate before using. You’re still getting 1.5fl oz of product, but it’s so much more shelf stable.
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester CCC+ Ferulic Brightening Complex 20%
Available: Perricone – $159
The Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester is completely different. I won’t compare the two since it’s more like apples to oranges, but I must comment on the scent… think fall stovetop potpourri. Orange peels, vanilla, cloves simmering in water and filling your home. That’s the first thought I had when applying to my skin, it smells insane.
The texture is a complete 180, it’s thicker, more of a lightweight cream-feel and quite nourishing. Usually, vitamin Cs are applied in the morning, PerriconeMD’s can be used morning and night, which I loved. I use a moisturizer and an SPF cream in the AM, so I opted to use this one only at night and my skin was thanking me. I don’t have dry skin but I use a retinoid every other evening so I’ll take all the moisture I can get.
This worked so flawlessly into my nighttime routine and with the highest concentration of vitamin C at 20%, I felt like it could really work overtime during the night. In the morning my skin looks so plump and following up with the Alumier was just the perfect combo.
Your skin probably doesn’t need two vitamin Cs, but I was definitely going to make the most of these trial weeks. One great serum, applied daily to clean skin, is a must though and both Alumier and PerriconeMD’s formula are great options.
