Soap & Glory Bright + Pearly Vitamin C Radiance Boosting Cocktail

Ten To Try (February) #3:
Soap & Glory Bright + Pearly Vitamin C Radiance Boosting Cocktail

Described as
"a fruit-filled, vitamin-stuffed, super-nourishing serum formulated to boost tired, dull or stressed-out skin"

At the start of the month, Meg says...
As a chronically ill person, I always (surprise, surprise) look ill. Insomnia means dark circles galore, not always being able to eat makes the skin dull and basically, having a body that can't function properly doesn't leave you looking sparkling with vitality. I'm always on the lookout for products that are going to give back the glow - the Tanya Burr Face Illuminator is something I've reached for on a daily basis for ages! - and as I usually go to Soap & Glory for body and bath items, I'm really looking forward to giving this a whirl.

Packaging
Can't fault it - it's travel-friendly plastic, doesn't take up a lot of space in your makeup bag and, as you'll probably come to realise throughout this whole 'Ten To Try' series, I'm a big fan of a pump (steady on) and a beauty item always gets a few extra brownie points if it has one. This pump in particular is especially good as you get a ton of control over how much product actually comes out, and I find it so satisfying to watch the little pink beads burst from bubble-like form to liquid form - simple things, hey!

Texture/consistency
It's basically a clear liquid-gel formula (seriously reminds me of the Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Jelly, just way thinner) that has these little pink shimmery beads (which S&G call 'light-reflecting spheres') suspended in it. Once you pump, they mix together to create a sheeny gel that sinks into the skin super quickly.

Application
I tried three ways of applying this (don't say I don't give products a truly good go for reviewing purposes!) and found that my favourite way was using my fingers to put it on after I've done my morning skincare and before I start my makeup. It glides on so beautifully and sinks in like a dream, leaving a really smooth and healthy-looking canvas. I also tried applying it with a brush or beauty sponge before makeup, but found that those just kind of sucked up a lot of product which felt like a waste! The final way I tried applying it was in conjunction with my foundation, and I'm pleased to report that it's an amazing trick - whether you're in a rush or your current foundation is too matte or thick for your liking, the Radiance Boosting Cocktail easily speeds things up and sheers things out without interfering with the longevity of the finish.

Scent/fragrance
One of the best things about this product is the scent, it's gorgeous! Think the sweet zing of freshly cut pink grapefruit combined with cool, invigorating mint and that's pretty much it - it really starts your day off on a happy, uplifting foot and isn't overpowering in the slightest.

Shade/colour
When you first pump the product out it's a very light baby pink, but once you start smoothing the product over your skin it immediately becomes totally transparent.

Results
A radiant complexion with a 'just left the gym' sheen. I thought this might be glittery, but even after applying a generous amount of this under broad daylight whilst looking into a scarily up-close bathroom mirror there wasn't a speck of glitter to be seen. Nor much shimmer actually which I found surprising - this product definitely works more on making your skin look intensely moisturised rather than making your cheekbones look highlighted.

Price
£14

The bottom line
If you're like me and you're partial to adding extra steps to your routine, I can't think of many people who wouldn't like this. Especially if you have dehydrated skin (which most of us do!) as in my opinion this is 75% skincare and 25% makeup - it's like another product in your skincare regime that acts as a moisture-booster to quench thirsty skin and also as a primer before your start 'proper' makeup. If it had SPF it'd be the most perfect product, but even without sun protection it's still something I'll definitely be picking up again in future!