My Honest Lancôme Skincare Review

Normally, Lancôme is way out of my price range. Fortunately, the free samples at Ulta allowed me to try its products anyway and write this honest, non-sponsored review. The high prices, shiny packaging and trending ingredients created a sense of wealth and luxury, making me feel classy as I experimented with these creams and serums. Am I a real influencer yet? I guess that's for you to decide.

What is Lancôme?

Since Lancôme debuted in France in the 1930s, the brand has become a global franchise with 5 research labs, 2 Nobel Prizes and over 600 patents. Their collection includes makeup, perfume, skincare and gift sets made from high-end ingredients, such as black tea, hyaluronic acid and licorice root, and designed with the in-house team of National Makeup Artists.

Rénergie C.R.x. Triple Serum Retinol

Rénergie C.R.x. Triple Serum Retinol aims to firm and refresh your skin with a blend of X-peptide, pure vitamin C and pure retinol. Evidently, this formula is pretty strong: the website recommends using the product in increasing increments over a three-week period. For best results, add moisturizer and your favorite sunscreen.

This product's thin, runny texture and bright orange hue reminded me of orange juice. I half-expected a citrus scent, but a perfumey fragrance wafted from the container. Unsurprisingly, my skin stung a little after I smeared the formula on my face, but the discomfort was definitely worth it.

The next day, I looked about five years younger. My skin looked clean, fresh and youthful, even in the unforgiving lighting of the gym restroom. I was impressed, especially since this took only a single dose. Waiting was difficult, but I didn't want to risk damaging my skin, so I used the rest of the formula a few days later.

Once again, my skin was soft and radiant. The surface was a little tight in the morning, but my face looked as fresh as ever, giving me a slight confidence boost. If you're looking for a quick renewal, this is definitely a great addition to your routine. Just watch out for sensitivity.

Rénergie H.P.N. 300 Peptide Cream

The H.P.N. in Rénergie H.P.N. 300 Peptide Cream stands for hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide, which work together to tighten your skin and reduce signs of aging. To use, you'll apply this cream to your face during your morning routine.

I appreciated the formula's thick, creamy and cooling texture, which felt particularly refreshing at the start of the day. Afterward, my skin had a cushiony, velvety texture, but the appearance didn't change that much. When I applied the cream again the next morning, I noticed a slight reduction in pores and not much else.

Overall, this cream made my skin softer, but I didn't see the other benefits that the website promised. Admittedly, this formula might be a better fit for older people with wrinkled and sagging skin. I don't have those complaints yet, so I guess I'll check back in about 20 years.

Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Anti Aging Night Cream

Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Anti Aging Night Cream is loaded with shea butter, black tea, hyaluronic acid, apricot kernel oil and other ingredients that may soothe, hydrate and nourish your skin. You'll apply this formula at night after using your favorite cleanser.

With a thick, creamy texture that reminded me of shaving cream, this formula spread easily and created a pleasant application experience. When I woke up, my skin felt a little softer, and my face had a fresh, dewy glow for the rest of the day. As I used this product for the next few days, I appreciated the clean, youthful look the cream gave me, even when I'd just gotten out of bed.

The effects are a little subtle, but if your skin has been looking dull lately, this night cream invigorates your face with some much-needed radiance. It's not the best moisturizer that I've ever used, so I wouldn't use it only for that purpose. This is more of an aesthetic cream.

Advanced Génifique Face Serum

Advanced Génifique Face Serum uses vitamins and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and protect your skin from pollutants. If you want to strengthen your skin barrier, you can use this product twice a day alongside your other serums.

The thin, runny formula and strong chemical smell were a little off-putting, but I quickly learned not to judge this serum by its appearance. For the next several hours, my skin had a silky, cushiony texture, a smoother skin tone and reduced pore visibility. The surface was also cleaner and drier with less oil build-up, despite the high temperatures outside.

I figured the effects would wear off after a day, but my face still looked clean and fresh when I woke up the next morning. While this serum isn't cheap, it effectively blends multiple products into one and gives your skin a full makeover, which might make it worth the cost. If you're not sure, you could always grab a sample at Sephora or Ulta first.

Génifique Ultimate Recovery Serum

Génifique Ultimate Recovery Serum aims to strengthen your skin and reduce signs of aging with hyaluronic acid, citric acid and licorice root. Evidently, this is another strong formula: you'll only apply a few drops as part of your morning and evening skincare routine.

This product came in the form of a milky serum with a chemical smell. Immediately after application, my face felt damp and a little tingly. The next morning, my skin didn't look much different, although it did feel soft instead of tight like it usually does in the mornings. Still, with a $135 price tag for a full-size bottle, I was expecting something revolutionary.

I wasn't ready to give up yet, so I applied more that evening. When I woke up in the morning, my face looked subtly different. A soft, radiant glow had appeared, making my skin look more youthful. The effect lingered for the rest of the day and made me feel more confident about my appearance.

After using this product for several days, I ended up with smooth skin, a clearer skin tone and a healthier, younger look. Evidently, I just needed to give this serum more time to work. The formula is fairly effective, but if you're going to use this product, make sure you stick to a routine and don't give up right away.

Hydra Zen Gel Cream

People with oily or combination skin are good candidates for Hydra Zen Gel Cream, which uses antioxidants, rose extracts and hyaluronic acid to refresh and moisturize your skin. For best results, you'll apply this product twice a day after using your favorite cleanser.

With a floral fragrance and a light, milky texture that created a refreshing sensation, this cream was a delight to use. The ingredients were effective, too: my face had a cushy, springy texture and a subtle radiance. Even at the end of the day, my face looked smooth and clear with nearly invisible pores.

The small size is relatively affordable, so if you're thinking about trying Lancôme, Hydra Zen Gel Cream is your best bet. The cooling formula targeted several skincare concerns, and as a bonus, it's fun to apply.

Rénergie Eye Cream

Rénergie Eye Cream uses cocoa butter, caffeine, hyaluronic acid and linseed extract to brighten and moisturize the skin around your eyes. If you're worried about wrinkles, you'll apply this product in the morning and at night.

I hadn't had much luck with eye creams in the past, but I thought I'd give this a shot anyway. Once I'd applied the cool, milky formula, my pores were nearly invisible and the skin under my eyes had a light sheen. Aside from that, I didn't notice much change in the appearance or texture. I used this product for the next few days and ended up with the same result.

Admittedly, I don't have wrinkles or eye bags, so I might not be the target audience. It's also possible that using this cream could keep wrinkles from forming. Still, I wouldn't buy this product unless I had specific eye care concerns.

Overall Verdict

Lancôme is expensive, but I'd say that its luxury status is deserved. These formulas excelled at smoothing and evening out my skin, softening the texture and giving my face a subtle glow. If you want to look younger, I'd add a few of these creams or serums to your routine.

Are you a Lancôme fan? If not, what does your skincare routine look like? Let me know in the comments.