Geek & Gorgeous’ 101 C-Glow has brought me one step closer to achieving glass-like skinThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The serum helps to give skin environmental protection, boosts its own collagen production and fades hyperpigmentation(Image: Léonie Benhamouche)
Vitamin C is considered to be one of the best ingredients when it comes to anti-ageing support and maintaining a smooth, even and glowy complexion. Although you probably consume some in your diet, there’s no way of guaranteeing that it goes directly into your skin.
Using creams and other topical products is the most direct way to get these benefits. However, as someone in her twenties and with an oily T-zone, I’m still battling with occasional spots rather than fine lines and dark spots.
So I’ll admit that it’s not the active ingredient I’ve been prioritising in my routine. But after going through a rather rough winter, my skin, albeit hydrated, has been lacking in vitality and brightness.
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The formula contains 15 per cent vitamin C and extra antioxidants to give a healthy glow, even and firm the skin(Image: Léonie Benhamouche)
And, as cliché as it sounds for a beauty writer and enthusiast, my ultimate goal is to achieve glass-like skin. Not oiliness, mind, but just pure glowiness that transcends even when I’ve got makeup on.
This is what prompted me to finally try a vitamin C serum, and see if it could do wonders for me too. But as I’ve got rosacea, which makes my skin very sensitive and reactive, I didn’t want to opt for a high-end product that I potentially would not be able to use in its entirety.
After browsing what was on the market, I settled on the fan-favourite 101 C-Glow from Geek & Gorgeous. Not only is it affordably priced, at just £12.25, but it also has rave reviews.
Geek & Gorgeous 101 C-Glow
The serum works to give the complexion environmental protection, boost collagen and even the skin tone.
I introduced it in my routine as soon I got my hands on it, in the morning as it is recommended. As the concentration is quite high, and is known to cause sensitivity for lots of people, I was convinced my skin would react badly, or at least I wouldn’t get the expected results – but still gave it a shot.
And while my expectations weren’t high, they were highly exceeded. Firstly, it didn’t cause any rosacea flare up or breakouts, which is a big win itself.
But most impressively, I was able to see my skin regain its spark within just a few days, and it only got better as I continued to use it. If you don’t take want my word for it, someone recently asked me what highlighter I was wearing, when I, in fact wasn’t.
Geek & Gorgeous’ 101 C-Glow is suitable for most skin types(Image: Léonie Benhamouche)
And as much I take pride in my makeup skills, I’ll let the serum take all the credit for that one. Just note that once it’s open, the shelf life isn’t long – you can keep it in the fridge for better preservation.
Alternatively, you could opt for the £45 C-Tetra from Medik8. Formulated with a stabilised form of vitamin C, it aims to brighten uneven skin tone and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while remaining gentle on sensitive skin.
It has a 4.9 rating out of 2,308 reviews. “Immediate reduction in wrinkles on my forehead and around the mouth, dark under eye circles are fading too – I’m very pleased,” said a buyer.
There’s also the The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum, retailing for £15 at Space NK. Powered by 15 per cent ascorbyl glucoside, it works to protect skin from environmental aggressors while brightening the complexion.
Over 225 reviewers have given it an average rating of 4.3: “My skin is glowing and bright. I apply this every morning after cleansing and I’ve noticed a big difference in my skin since starting.”
You can get the Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow from Amazon or Geek & Gorgeous. Shop the C-Tetra at Medik8 and the The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum at Space NK.