111SKIN Black Diamond Serum, Anti-Aging, Barrier Restoring Face Serum with Micro Algae Extract, Skin Lifting Moisturizing Formula, 1 fl oz

While I do like this serum, I am not sure it is worth the price as I haven't seen any substantial improvements in my skin from using it. It applies nicely, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave me feeling sticky. It also doesn't irritate my eyes, which some serums tend to do on me. It has a light scent, which doesn't really bother me, though I wish it were unscented. I do feel like it has improved the texture of my skin slightly and kept it well hydrated. I think the crepey lines on my cheekbones when I smile are very slightly looking better. While I am definitely seeing some benefit, I still just can't personally justify the splurge.

This is one of the most expensive serums I've ever tried. I took the testing process of this serum very seriously and put it through a very thorough two-week trial. The first thing I did was to bring out my 10x magnification mirror to get a good, close look at the condition of my skin before I started using this serum. I wanted to check the progress up close! I used this serum exclusively for the two-week trial; I didn't use any other serums so I could measure the results of this product alone. I also used the companion face wash (111SKIN Black Diamond Vitamin C Cleanser Face Wash) and a good, high-end moisturizer, although not one from this brand. I did not use any other serums, face washes, or moisturizers during this time for continuity purposes. I applied this serum to my face twice a day--in the morning and evening. The serum itself is lightweight and has a light, citrusy scent with a slightly milky consistency. It absorbs quickly without feeling sticky or tacky. Just be sure to use it sparingly, as not much is required. My skin felt very hydrated throughout the day while using this serum. Those results were immediate. After a few days, I noticed that my skin looked a little brighter and the texture felt smoother and softer. I continued to see improvement over the course of my two-week trial. I noticed my makeup looked better on my skin, and I even received a few compliments about how "radiant" I looked. My skin started to look more dewy during this time, too. I waited two weeks to re-check my skin under the magnifying mirror, and when I did, I noticed a decent improvement in its appearance. Not only did it look more hydrated, but the finer lines were also softer. The overall texture had improved, and it looked less aged. It was almost like looking at a photo where a blurring tool had been used to soften the look of my skin. It was a fantastic discovery after only two weeks of use! Unfortunately, the price of this serum is too high for most budgets, but I can't deny that it produced some amazing results for my skin after only two weeks of use. I can only imagine the improvement I would see with consistent, prolonged use. Unfortunately, I won't have the luxury of finding out unless the price is drastically reduced. Or I win the lottery! Still, I will love this serum while I have it.

I generally avoid scented products because both my nose and my skin seem to be sensitive to scents, but I find that with more expensive luxury products, I can usually get away with some scent without irritation. Unsure if it was the scent in this or the ingredients, but my skin didn't really agree with this product. I will say that besides the irritation, my skin really did look and feel improved after using this, and I am going to try to use it more sporadically to see if I just did too much, too fast with introducing this product. It really is effective and almost instantly provides noticeable improvements in the skin. I do think the cost versus value is a bit off - though the bottle will last a while as a small amount is effective, I do think the price is a bit much and I've used similarly effective luxury serums at around half the cost, which is still expensive but a better value. My skin feels firmer, looks firmer, and doesn't get oily as fast with this, but I did get some redness and irritation and did find the scent to be a bit much. It is definitely a luxury product and the bottle and packaging also represents that.

This Black Diamond Serum from the Swiss Brand 111Skin is the real deal. I've been applying this daily in the morning for about three weeks and the results are excellent. This is a bit on the heavy side for a serum, but it goes on silky smooth and absorbs quickly. It has a light, crisp scent that's lovely. It's not sticky or greasy. What lingers is a nice, dewy layer that ultra hydrates your skin. From first application, you can see and feel an instant lift all over your face and it makes your skin glow. It eases fine lines and blurs imperfections. Perfect for hot summer days when you don't want foundation. I've been following up with just a little concealer, and some tinted sunscreen. This serum contains NovoRetin - a plant based retinol, lactic acid, and fine black diamond dust. Most of the time, I get redness and flaking or peeling from these types of abrasive, resurfacing, ingredients, but so far, so good. Just smooth, super-hydrated, younger-looking skin! This is most definitely a luxury item and with a $600 price tag, out of most people's reach from an affordability standpoint. So, I can't in good conscience give it five stars. That being said, the bottle is a good size and you only need one, possibly two pumps to cover your entire face and neck area, so you might be able to stretch it out for a few months. The packaging is classy and it looks lovely on your dresser or vanity. If price isn't an issue, then this serum I would highly recommend.

This 111Skin serum comes in a very nice glass bottle. The pump works well. I find that it feels a little bit heavy on my skin, and sometimes my skin feels oily after a while. I have not noticed that it works any better than other retinol serums I've used that come at a mere fraction of the price of this ridiculously priced product. This product lists denatured alcohol third in the list of ingredients. I try to avoid products containing alcohol as it dries the skin. Lastly, I find it doubtful that micronized black diamond particles are necessary or that they are good for your skin. Can rubbing non-dissolvable, non-soluble particles into your pores really be the smart thing to do for your skin? It's a gimmick, IMO. I'll be sticking with my other products.