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If there was ever a season that calls for bright, radiant skin, it's summer. But while the sun might be shining (for now) that doesn't mean our complexions are doing the same, which is where the Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate comes in. Armed with a mighty dose of vitamin C (12.5% to be exact), the serum has been reformulated to make it even more effective than before. That's right, vitamin C isn't just for staving off colds, and combined with the formula's two other hero ingredients – hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin – the concentrate is all about leaving skin smooth and glowing.
But how does it fare on different types of skin with various concerns? Four of the Refinery29 team gave the serum a try to find out exactly that. Read on to find out how we got on...
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Sohini Gogel, 34, Senior Delivery Director
I have really sensitive skin so I'm always careful when it comes to trying new products, and only apply a little at first. The first time I tried Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate I tentatively dabbed it on, unsure of how it'd sit. Turns out I didn't have to worry because my face likes it a lot and there's been no reaction.
I've been using the serum every morning and night, focusing on my love them/hate them zones: the laughter lines around my mouth and the crow's feet around my eyes.
The texture is creamier and thicker than I expected but it doesn't feel greasy, which is really important for me as my skin is already oily. It leaves my skin feeling really soft and hydrated and I really like the natural, fresh smell because it isn't too strong.
Also, it might seem like a small detail, but I love that the bottle has a pump because it's hygienic and super practical. It means I avoid clumsily spilling product as usual!
Obviously, my sole aim in testing the serum was to reduce the fine lines around my eyes and mouth, and sceptical me was impressed! Sure, they're still there but they're much less pronounced than before – the lines seem to blend in with the rest of my skin and I am glowing. I keep doing a double take in the mirror!
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Georgia Murray, 26, Fashion & Beauty Writer
I have super oily skin, and a patch of mild rosacea, but my main skincare goal is always bright, clear skin so I can wear less coverage without feeling self-conscious. Recently, my skin has been in serious need of some radiance so the Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate seemed like the perfect antidote.
I’ve been using the serum twice a day, religiously, and now I wouldn't be without it – I've just been on holiday and it was the first thing I packed. In the morning I use it after toner and before moisturiser, and at night after toner and before retinol.
I love that the formula warms up between my hands. I’ll get two pumps and rub it between my palms before pressing onto my skin; it's enough for my entire face without having to waste any product. The serum is heavy enough to feel like it makes a difference, but not so oily that my moisturiser felt cloying on top. It smells nice too, which can’t be said for some biscuity vitamin C products I’ve used!
Since using the formula, I’ve had plumper, more glowy skin, and actually needed to use less coverage than before – my ideal results! This is definitely a skincare staple for me now.
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Jess Commons, 31, Health & Living Editor
Now that I'm in my 30s (what? who said that?) I've started to notice fine lines around my eyes and on my forehead so I've been on the lookout for skincare products which help with this. Enter: Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate.
I've been using it after cleansing and after my eye cream in the evenings. I follow up with an oil on top and I've been pretty chuffed with the results so far. My skin looks smoother (if I do say so myself), it definitely feels softer and my pores are less visible than they were before.
I was very apprehensive about using it in the morning because my skin gets quite greasy and the wrong product can cause my face to become slicker than an oil field by mid-morning. Despite the concentrate feeling on the richer end, it actually leaves my skin looking healthy-not-shiny and my makeup stays on no problem, which is great.
Even better, the dry patches around my mouth and nose have reduced, my skin is more hydrated and now I've got a bright, even skin tone all over.
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Laurene Mpia, 27, Associate Production Manager
I'm very picky with trying new skincare products and I'm normally not a big fan of changing my skincare routine – but I'm glad I did. After trying the Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate for a couple of weeks, I can already feel and see the difference.
When it comes to skincare, I look for products which give me bright, glowy skin and this serum does just that. I have dark marks from dealing with acne and this has helped to reduce them, leaving my skin tone more even and radiant.
At first I thought the serum would be too much for my (very) oily skin, but it wasn't at all. It's surprisingly light and smooth and it smells great too – I love oranges. It also gives my skin a slightly mattified feel so it doesn’t emphasise my T-zone and I can easily apply makeup straight after.
Normally, I'd follow with a moisturiser after the serum but I feel like the serum by itself is hydrating enough, which is ideal when you don't want to layer too many products in the summer.
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