Yes I am still on the lookout for the perfect hydrating serum, and I think I’ve come somewhat close with the Paul & Joe Treatment Serum. This was a part of their newest Fall 2010 skincare offerings along with the new Eye Treatment Duo, which I also purchased. I bought this in a special set with deluxe samples of the Cleansing Milk N and the Moisture Lotion N at ASOS when they still had it, but I believe the set is no longer available now. You can still buy the single item itself though.
The serum itself is transparent with a light, watery consistency and a little bit of orange tinge. It applies and spreads very easily, I only need about 1 pump for my face and another 1/3-1/2 pumps for my neck.
I use this after toning with either the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion or Lancome Tonique Confort, and after brighten with Diorsnow White Reveal Essence, but before Paul & Joe Treatment Eye Cream and the Nars Aqua Gel Hydrator.
What it claims (from paul-joe-beaute.com): Sense of resilience and moisturization the moment you apply. For well-toned and vibrant skin.
The damage: $45 from ASOS for the set (serum is 40mL), currently on sale for $35 (for the individual product). You can also get this anywhere they sell Paul & Joe.
The good: It spreads very easily and feels very lights. It absorbs relatively quickly; not so quickly so that it doesn’t feel like there is anything applied, but not so slowly in that it feels sticky. The ingredients list (posted below) is also a good thing as it consists of many different oils and extracts. It smells light and not overpowering at all, and also goes away really quickly. I feel that the scent is probably natural from the orange water as there isn’t any fragrance in the ingredients (at least… I can’t see one). It also provides a solid amount of hydration that is not over the top. When I use it before going to bed, I don’t wake up with dry skin nor oily skin, which can happen when not using the right amount of moisture. The packaging is also a plus; the serum is housed in a nice glass bottle with a pump. I love the details on the side of the pump, I believe they are orange blossoms, which add a nice touch. The price is also quite reasonable as it is regularly about $45 for a 40mL bottle that will last 2-3 months with daily use.
- Light consistency, spreads easily
- Absorbs quickly
- Good stuff in the ingredients
- Delivers almost the perfect moisture my skin needs
- Light scent that goes away quickly
- Nice, durable packaging
The bad: The only inconvenient thing I can find with this product is that it is a little hard to find. It’s not available in Canada unless you buy from select independent retailers (such as Beauty Court in Vancouver, BC), or online from ASOS or one of the Japanese e-tailers (I’ve listed them in my shopping guide which you can find by clicking the link at the top). Also I’m personally not a fan of orange scents, so I would think that’s a con for me as well.
- Hard to find
- Personally dislike orange scents
Overall: I really like this serum, I feel it is light enough for me without congesting my pores but still does its job pretty well. The packaging also really adds a nice touch. Although I don’t like how slow it is to absorb, I would still continue to use this, and probably repurchase this after this bottle runs out. I would definitely recommend this serum to everyone because it is so light, but hydrates without being oily. If you have really oily skin, I would just use less so it will absorb quicker, but it is definitely a good option for you.
- Product: 17/20
- Value: 4/5
- Packaging: 4/5
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Overall: 29.5/35 | A-
- Repurchase? Yes, I’ve already purchased a backup during the ASOS sale with free shipping worldwide!
Just some last random words. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Paul & Joe skincare and this is actually my first time trying it. I have got to say that I am pleasantly surprised. Not many Japanese makeup companies do both cosmetics and skincare well under one brand (for example, Anna Sui has an awful cosmetics line… at least most of their products are just useless), but Paul & Joe has really done a great job. I will continue to try out their products and I hope this positive streak will continue.
