Press Sample (Affiliate Links)
Colbert MD is one of my all-time favorite skincare lines. The products are thoughtfully created by one of the most celebrated dermatologists today, and his long list of celebrities, who have him on speed-dial, will attest to the efficacy of his products and in-office treatments alike.
About David Colbert, M.D.,
David A. Colbert, M.D. is the founder and head physician of New York Dermatology Group. He is board certified by the American Academy of Dermatology and board eligible in Internal Medicine. Established in private practice in New York City since 1995, Dr. Colbert began his medical studies at La Faculty Libre de Medicine de Lille in France, earned his degree from New York Medical College and completed his dermatology residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. In addition to being a highly skilled and experienced physician specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Colbert has a degree in Internal Medicine, and a Fellowship in Acne and Wound Healing from Boston University. Before establishing himself in private practice in Manhattan, Dr. Colbert studied and lived in Paris, where he was a dermatological research consultant for Chanel.
Since this serum should be used once a day, on the days that I use the Intensify Facial Disks at night I opt to use Stimulate The Serum in the evenings rather than in the mornings. The coupling of these two praiseworthy products accelerate skin turnover and stimulate collagen production with startling speed, and when employed at night they enhance the natural tendency of the body to heal and regenerate cells while at rest. The result is immediately evident when you awaken the following morning with luminous, baby-soft skin. I generally do this three times a week, and then on the remaining days I use Stimulate The Serum during the day instead.
For an added luxurious bit of pampering, I love to add Colbert MD Illumino Face Oil (reviewed here) since it deeply nourishes and hydrates, and it creates an unprecedented ethereal glow. This is, as you already know, one of my very favorite luxury face oils.
Instantly boosts collagen production by working deep within the dermis to restore skin’s vibrancy and youthful radiance. By promoting new cellular growth beneath the surface with a powerful complex of plant actives and nutrients, Stimulate The Serum is infused with patented QuSome™ Technology to facilitate the regeneration of supple, healthy skin.
How to Use Apply to clean face once a day, morning or night.
Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with the eyes. Minimize exposure to sunlight.
Key Ingredients:
Glycolic Acid: Enhances overall quality and texture of skin and diminishes hyper-pigmentation as new skin is revealed.
Gotu Kola: This healing herb acts as a building block for collagen while providing high-level anti-inflammatory protection.
Coffee Arabica Seed Extract: A potent antioxidant that reverses free-radical damage.
Ingredients: Aqua, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Peg-23 Glyceryl Distearate, Peg-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Steareth-21, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glycerin, Carnitine Hci, Creatine, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Steareth-2, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Chlorphenesin, Polysorbate 20, Decyl Glucoside, Peg-8, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Parfum, Phospholipids, Hydrolyzed Sericin, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Edta 3, Coffee Arabica Extract, Rosa Roxburgii Extract, Vacccinium Myrtillus, Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Limonene, Linalool.
$160.00 for 1 oz. from Colbert MD, Amazon (from Colbert MD), Barneys New York, Space NK and Beauty.com (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Serums are probably my favorite item in the skincare category and this one sounds really awesome. Glad to hear you love it. :D
ReplyDeleteSerums are definitely my favorite category– especially if you include face oils in this category.
DeleteThe serum coupled with the very intriguing disks sounds absolutely wonderful! I definitely need everything I can find to stimulate collagen production! These both seem both scientific and luxurious. You will think I am silly, but now whenever I see anything "Colbert", I can't help thinking of Stephen and his bit about Dr. Colbert from Prescott Pharmaceuticals.
ReplyDeleteThe combination of the two is just outstanding, Allison. I completely agree with you about products that stimulate collagen production! Yes, I appreciate the science coupled with the luxurious textures. I don't think that association is silly– seems to be the way our brains are wired. Plus it's a useful tool for remembering things!
DeleteSounds really great! The price tag would be too steep for me, tho.
ReplyDeleteIt is really great, there is no question, but the line definitely has a luxury price tag.
DeleteThis sounds amazing, I need to keep a list of brands to try out when I am done with the ones I am giving a go now!
ReplyDeleteIt really is amazing. Colbert MD is definitely well worth trying out at some point!
Deletethat face oil sounds wonderful. I can see why you love the serum though!
ReplyDeleteThe face oil is absolutely fantastic! The serum is definitely a wonderful product, Courtney.
DeleteThis sounds amazing and I know that it's a fabulous line from the few products I've tried.
ReplyDeleteIt really is, Marcia! It is definitely worth trying out at some point! I'm glad that you know the wonders of Colbert MD products!
DeleteI have never actually heard of him or his products but they sound to die for! Thanks for the wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristina, Thank you for your kind words! His line is definitely worth trying at some point!
DeleteHey Helen it's funny because I have this and with all the new serums I have I haven't been using it at all but I did buy the eye cream and serum and the day cream as well as another bottle of this. I didn't know that trick with the face pads so I'll try that. Generally how long do you test one serum? Then can you mix and match different serums once you know if it's giving you results?
ReplyDeleteHey Melissa! I'm so glad that you have a nice selection of Colbert MD products in your collection. I remember having discussed the merits of his line together, and as usual we are on the same page with respect to skincare. I know that you are really enjoying a lot of new skincare treasures, but you must try this trick with this serum and the Intensify Facial Disks when you use Colbert MD again.
DeleteThat is such an excellent question about how long I test individual swum. The short answer is, it depends. The longer answer is that I tend to test an individual serum, without any other serums, for about a month so that my skin has a chance to get acclimated to it, and to see if it does anything for my skin or lives up to its claims. The two exceptions are products that are super effective whose benefits become evident faster than that, and products that I have a negative reaction to (either allergic reaction to ingredients, or that cause me to break out).
Thank you Helen I can tell you since I have so much new stuff I'm doing it wrong. I want to use them all and I'm not giving it a long enough time so the ones I tested for 2 weeks and been mixing others should I go back and do it for a month? I got a Paulas choice 2% BHA for free as a GWP and that had taken my acne scarring and faded in just 2 days along with the Tatchs brightening serum. Also can I test one in the day and then another at night like a retinol or AHA serum at night and a hydrating or brightening during the day? I've come a long way with skincare but it's still so confusing sometimes
DeleteAlways my pleasure, Melissa! It's not that what you are doing is wrong, per se, but when you introduce too many new things at once it can throw the skin into a state of unmitigated chaos. The trick is introducing new products one at a time, and in giving them enough time to see if they do anything, or if they irritate the skin. If you introduce too many new things, and then have a reaction– it is too difficult to identify which product(s) or ingredient(s) are the offenders. You essentially need to establish a baseline with products that are tried and true, that won't bother your skin, and then add in the new things one at a time. This way it is easy to identify whether it works, or whether it doesn't. If I am testing a serum, for instance, it is the only one that I use–otherwise it is too difficult to tell if it is doing great things to my skin, or whether it is the other serums that are giving me the skin benefits.
DeleteI completely understand the desire to try them all at once– when you have all of these new and exciting things, and are such a skincare enthusiast, it takes too much self-control not to just dig in and begin playing with all of those gems, but it's too difficult to clearly evaluate how the individual products are working.
Mixing products from different lines is fine as long as you can determine that your skin isn't reactive to the individual products. You may not have to wait a full month to switch, but pay close attention to your skin and how it is reacting. If you see a vast improvement after introducing a new product into your routine, then it's a pretty good sign that it's a good fit for you.
Wow, that's an impressive response to the Paula's Choice 2% BHA. I keep hearing such great things about that line, and I have yet to try anything.
I would be very careful about introducing too many products that exfoliate the skin like the 2% BHA in conjunction with things like retinol (or any retinoids, AHA Serums, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acids etc. Using too many can thin the skin and leave it vulnerable to damage–so I would definitely avoid doing that. If you are using a cleaning device like a Clarisonic or a FOREO LUNA, then I would avoid using them on the same days that you are using the aforementioned products. I definitely think things like hydrating serums and face oils are great to use to offset the drying effects of things like AHA serums, but depending on the strength of the exfoliating products– brightening products might be too much added stimulation when you are exfoliating your skin aggressively. The best thing to do would be to run a small patch test to make sure that your skin doesn't become irritated. Here's the trick for people like you and me, who have a passionate love of high quality skincare products: less is more. Even though we love so many things, we can't use all of them at the same time– so the the trick is to edit down what you use in a single routine so that your skin is provided with everything that it needs without disturbing a sought-after equilibrium.
Thank you Helen I can't wait till I get as educated as you are its so much sometimes and I'll tell you your the only one who takes such time to explain it so again i thank you. I don't use any clarisonics but I do use an exfoliating product once a day whether it be a pad or an aha serum and never the same one religiously like one night it's good genes another it's Luna but I'll stop to make it maybe 3x a week. You hear some people say 2x a day everyday and it can be confusing from now on I'll test one serum morning and night because your right how will I know of o use a tatcha serum during the day and say the verso facial serum at night which is working. One last question when your testing something like the Verso facial serum with retinol do you test that day and night for some time?
DeleteYou are so very welcome, Melissa! It is absolutely my pleasure. The thing with skincare is there is no such thing as a one-size fits all approach. It's really about trial and error to determine what works for your skin specifically. Someone saying that you should use your exfoliating products 2x/day is useless and meaningless if that over -stimulates skin cell turnover and makes your skin reactive or dried out– which frankly may be precisely what happened with that TATCHA cleansing powder that dried out your skin. I would say that you can build up the number of times a week that you use such products, but should do so gradually so that your skin doesn't freak out while you are trying to find your threshold for using such products. Also a gradual approach really allows for you to remain in control (or at least in better control), and then when you see subtle changes you will know whether you need to back down on its use a bit, or continue to ramp up the use.
DeleteWhen I think about the skin as being our biggest organ that protects the body, then it shifts the way that I think about treating it with products. While I really love to use actives that exfoliate and do a variety of things to improve the texture and luminosity of my skin, I also realize that I have to be careful not to throw too much at it at once since that can cause problems by over stimulating it, or over exfoliating.
When I am testing out retinoids and retinol based products I tend to use them at night, unless they are formulated to be used during the day as well. In either scenario, I make sure that I chose a high SPF (40-50 SPF, generally) and use it religiously. All of this exfoliation is great for revealing fresh and sparkling skin, but it also makes it more vulnerable to the elements and more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation and aging (not to mention skin cancer). Also at night your skin naturally engages in cell turnover– making these types of products amenable to nighttime application. That said, products like Verso Day Cream are clearly made for daytime use, and while I don't have that particular product I do have their Super Facial Serum that can be used day or night. I just use an SPF 50 when I do, and I definitely try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
I would definitely recommend taking a slow and methodical approach to what you use, and when since you have lots of different products from different lines. Also I actually think that there are some great benefits to mixing various serums, since each has its own attributes and strengths, but for me the key is always adding things in one at a time, and slowly so that I know which products are doing what. If I have a reaction it is usually the last thing added. Sometimes it isn't even that the last product added is a bad fit for me per se, but sometimes it's simply not a good fit with the other products that I am using. Keep me posted! :-)
Also what do you think of Tata Harper? Just bought her rejunvibating serum, love her cleansers and eye cream that's amazing
ReplyDeleteI have tried Tata Harper products and think that it is a very lovely line. I don't currently have any full size products, but i do have a few deluxe samples. I remember being especially impressed by her cleansers. At some point I'm going to have to try a few more products. I also had a lovely Tata Harper facial at Space NK years ago, and I was thoroughly impressed by all of the products, and the facial itself!
DeleteI'd start with with the cleaners any are amazing and the eye cream is awesome sauce
DeleteI remember being particularly impressed by the cleanser with little exfoliating particles. I will have to go look at them again! I'm fanatical about eye creams so I will go play with this one as well. Thank you for the lovely suggestions!
DeleteYet another impressive review! Sounds like an incredible product.
ReplyDeleteThank you , Bailey! What a kind thing to say! It really is an incredible product from an outstanding line!
DeleteThat serum looks divine!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kath! It really truly is! :-)
DeleteHmm... those disks are an interesting thing. I think the serum sounds really awesome.
ReplyDeleteThey are the most amazing exfoliating pads because they are a lot thicker and juicier. They are more like microdermabrasion, but are gentle enough not to irritate the skin. It leaves skin so smooth that it feels like a baby's bottom! The serum is AMAZING, no question!
DeleteI'm completely addicted to serums! This sounds lovely
ReplyDeleteYou and me both! This one really amazing, and definitely well worth trying! :-)
DeleteSoooo.......I am debating, as usual. See, I had the Nutrify and Protect lotion and it was AMAZING. And I have very, very, very dry skin (like, does not produce sebum at all). And his lotion even worked in the winter for me, and I credit his use of qu-some technology. If you haven't read up on it, I recommend it, and I think that's why his products, while simple ingredient-wise, are expensive (and why not a ton of brands are using this new-fangled liposome tech). As you know, SpaceNK's fall beauty edit is around the corner, and I'm torn. I want to get a GREAT serum--one with anti-aging and antioxidant properties. But I have to say, I'm not impressed with the ingredient list on this one. There's a whole lot of silicone and a whole lot of filler chemicals and not much actual plant actives. I know plant actives don't need to be in high doses since they are very effective (thinking human growth stimulating ingredients), but the filler on this serum is cheapo and chemically. Can you explain what exactly you liked about it? What results did you see? More nourished? More supple? More firm? More radiant? Healthier? Stronger skin? Matrix repair?
ReplyDeleteAnd, I'm also debating between his oil and Goldfaden MD's oil. Which do I choose??? :)
Sorry for the slow response! I was out of town for work, and am only just now playing catch up! I completely agree with you about Colbert MD Nutrify & Protect Day, and in fact I just reviewed it here:
Deletehttp://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2015/08/colbert-md-nutrify-protect-day-review.html
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite moisturizers, and I am not in the least bit surprised that you feel as you do about it, and that it worked so well for your skin. I agree, his QuSome technology really is quite impressive, and there is no question that I have definitely seen a difference in my skin since using his products.
Yes, I am definitely aware of the Space NK Beauty Edit– not to mention that their Discover Something New Event begins tomorrow ($20.00 off $75.00+ Purchase) I just posted about it today, in fact.
I completely understand your desire for a truly great serum that is an antioxidant rich anti-aging heavyweight contender! I also understand why you are feeling as you do about some of the ingredients. The presence of silicone and other compounds certainly wasn't lost on me either. In fact, I have to be careful of high concentrations of the various permutations of silicone in skincare and makeup products because larger concentrations tend to irritate my skin, and periodically give me little patches of dermatitis. It is always a good barometer for me because it tends to happen rather quickly. So the real question is why do I love this serum, and is it because I love Colbert MD, or because I actually truly and objectively love this serum. The truth is that I really do love this serum. I love the texture, I love that it sinks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling and looking more radiant, soft, supple and hydrated. It plumps fine lines and leaves my skin more even, refreshed and lifted. I get the type of radiance that is on par with what I have come to expect from my luxury face oils, and the presence of Dimethicone– despite being the second ingredient on this list– has not irritated my skin in the least bit. That said, your reluctance should not simply be swept away, and I would recommend asking for a sample– if at all possible, but I do think that you will like it given your experience with Nutrify & Protect Day.
Wow, Colbert Illumino Face Oil vs. Goldfaden Fleuressence– that's a tough choice. I have a bottle of Illumino and love it, and a sample of Fleuressence and love it as well. They are so very different from one another. Illumino contains retinol and it is less like traditional face oils in that it is much lighter and more watery in consistency than Fleuressence– which has the typical oily lightweight texture of many face oils. They are both ultra nourishing and hydrating and leave skin with a luscious ethereal glow, but the tactile experience of using them is wildly different. Illumino has a slightly pineapple fruity scent whereas Fleuressence is a delectable floral. Of course the retinol in Illumino provides the exfoliating/anti-aging benefits associated with retinoids, but it isn't in such a concentration as to irritate the skin. I definitely want a full size bottle of Fleuressence, but will also buy another bottle of Illumino when I finish up mine. It's hard to say which one you would be the happiest with, but I do think that you would love them both. I would say go with your gut and the needs of your skin, but I would also ask you what you want your next oil to do in order to be able to choose between these two lovely oils! You really can't go wrong with either!
Thank you for such a wonderfully detailed response--as usual! For the oils, I think I've decided to go with the Goldfaden for winter and then switch to Illumino for summer. As mentioned, I have super dry skin, and NYC winters are harsh (+ radiated heat indoors). Also, I plan to get a prescription for retin-A (probably Renova), so the retinol content isn't really a seller for me.
DeleteI think I'll get a sample of the serum and try. I think what I'm looking for in a serum is not moisture or firming, but nutrition--anti-oxidents, plant actives, growth factors, peptides. I get moisture and radiance from my oils and creams. And firming in serums usually means tightening which feels icky on dry skin (why I'm not a fan of Ren's Youth Shot serum). But plumping would be good. I like the Sarah Chapman, but the serum is more like a cream and I wonder if it's really sinking in. I'll also talk to my SpaceNK rep here in NYC. They are amazing. They are always so helpful and give free mini-facials and make-overs. I had one rep do my make-up--I was a little anxious because she wore heavy make-up, but she asked me what I liked and when she finished, I looked natural and amazing! Best store and best people there.
I didn't know the try something new event was tomorrow! Thanks for pointing it out! I think I'm going to get the Chantecaille bronzer. I would normally shy away, being super fair and not liking the contoured look (I find it's aging for those of us over 40), but the SNK rep used it on me and it was great.
Yep, I saw your Nutrify and Protect review! I'm not surprised you love it. It goes on so easily--truly no hassle (no stickiness, no waiting for it to absorb, no pilling). A real winner.
Thanks for all your great, thoughtful advice!
Always my pleasure! I was actually thinking more about this, and I was going to write back to you to suggest trying the Goldfaden Oil since I know that you have dry skin and live in NYC! WOW!!!
DeleteThe amount of retinol in Illumino is nowhere near the concentration or potency of getting prescription Retin-A, and I think that you will like the thicker consistency of the Goldfaden Oil since you will be using Retin-A which can be drying as you know.
I would definitely get a sample of the Colbert MD serum. I think that you will actually find it more soothing than anything else, and I really doubt that it will pull your skin or make it feel more taut. Radical Skincare's Advanced Peptide Antioxidant Serum is another really lovely serum– if you are looking for a good one that can be purchased at Space NK to qualify for the big GWP.
You are welcome, the event tomorrow is definitely a good one! The Chantecaille Bronzer is lovely! Bronzers can definitely be super tricky for fair skin, but when you have a makeup artist with a good eye and great skills– you can learn so much about the things that you actually can use!
You are exactly right about your assessment of Nutrify & Protect. I was actually surprised by how much I fell in love with it– I expected that it would be really good based upon my great experiences with the line, but I somehow didn't expect that I would love it as much as I do! A real winner, indeed!
Ha! Great minds and all that. :) :)
DeleteOh, yeah, Radical Advanced Peptide Antioxidant Serum is the holy grail, but I just cannot justify the price. But yeah, it's perfection in a bottle. *sigh* I got a deluxe sample when you had that promo code for your blog readers for SNK (the hot pink make-up bag packed with goodies). I loved it so much. Went to the site to buy. Saw the price. Picked myself up off the floor. Quietly closed the page. :)
Trust me, I understand. It is definitely a very expensive serum. I'm so glad that you got it in the special Lola's Secret Beauty Blog gift bag for my readers! That was one super awesome GWP!!!!!!!!! I always wait to make my splurge purchases for the BNY and SNK bag events, because the gifts take the sting out of the extravagant purchases. I have a tendency to go a bit overboard during those events too! I'm glad that you have experienced the wonders of that serum!
DeleteSo, this serum or the Radical Peptide one? Trying to decide. And apparently there's no step up gwp for either line at the Barney's bag event this time. :-(
ReplyDeleteThey are both great, but I am currently thoroughly obsessed with the Colbert MD Serum. You can't go wrong with either, though!
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