Holy Grail: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

Have your skin felt like it’s been deprived of any moisture, lost its bounce and suppleness, leaving behind a dry and dull looking complexion? It may or may not flake, but you can tell that if your skin could speak, it wouldn’t even because there’s no more life to it. Well, I’ve been there. Once upon a time, my skin was comparable to the Sahara. Funny thing is, I actually have combination to oily skin. But that’s the trap. See, I thought that having a combination/oily skin type means that my skin is already enriched and brimming with moisture, so I don’t see a fancy need for moisturizers, serums and such. I would just apply the tiniest amount of a blemish-fighting lotion and be done. I embrace the thought and feeling of a dry skin as I perceive it to be the solution to reducing my sebum production. Oh, how wrong was I…

Now that I’m past my teens, and past my 20s, my skin has shown the effects of not having been properly moisturized. It easily gets dehydrated, especially during the colder season. And with deep regret and despair do I report the appearance of fine lines under my eyes, at the corners of my mouth, down my cheeks… Oh well.

So naturally, I am motivated to look for a product that can lock in hydration and restore the moisture in my skin, without adding to my oil and sebum production and causing any breakouts. I’ve tried a few products in the past – Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (my face looks like an oil slick, and I broke out); Beaute de Kose’s Ultimation Lotion (my skin didn’t take well to its overly emollient consistency) and La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Mat Moisturizer (thought my skin did not experience any adverse reaction from this, the product is just not substantial enough in restoring moisture, or even keeping skin moisturized for the time it is applied).

Then I chanced upon the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum. I was intrigued by its claim of being lightweight, yet able to infuse skin with optimal hydration. Looking through its key ingredients, it does contain a promising moisture-locking agent – hyaluronic acid. So I decided to give it a try.

(Image source: http://www.beautypedia.com/skin-care-reviews/by-brand/first-aid-beauty/_/Ultra-Repair-Hydrating-Serum)

Housed in a solid, plastic tube with a pump dispenser, this serum is priced at 36.00 USD for 1 fl oz of product. Here are the reasons why I LOVE this product:

• A water-based gel, it truly feels lightweight and leaves an almost invisible finish
• Once applied, your skin truly feels invigorated and plump as if its thirst is quenched
• All of the ingredients in this serum are beneficial for the skin – it contains a mix of anti-irritants, antioxidants and reparative ingredients
• It is perfect for my skin type, suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne prone – I have not experienced any adverse reactions to this product
• It layers well over and under any products, making it a good for prepping skin before makeup

I have to say my favorite way of applying this serum is to actually mix it with a few drops of my vitamin C booster. This holy grail combination gives it that extra umphh in locking moisture. But applied on its own, it performs great as well. One pump is all you need.

So if you’re looking for a hydrating serum that doesn’t feel heavy or oily on the skin and is gentle to skin while providing optimum moisture, give this product a try!