I’m going to preface what I’m about to say with a little disclaimer: I have no issue with skin ageing. In fact, I wholeheartedly believe that to grow old is a privilege, with our laughter lines simply telling the story of a life well-lived. However, I think I speak for all of us when I say that the last year has felt like a bit of a slog—to put it mildly—and the effects are definitely starting to show on my skin in a less desirable way. While oiliness and breakouts were my major skincare issues pre-2020, I’ve recently noticed that my skin has become more dehydrated and uneven in texture, with a sprinkling of fine lines around my eyes now, too. Oh, joy.
Of course, these early signs of ageing are definitely par for the course as I continue to journey through my thirties, but I think that navigating a global pandemic with a new baby has definitely pushed fast-forward on some of my new complexion concerns. So when I heard that cult L.A. brand Kate Somerville was launching a new age repair collection inspired by Somerville’s own in-clinic procedures, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Enter: KateCeuticals.
When it comes to treating signs of ageing, Kate Somerville’s Melrose Clinic is renowned for its transformative treatments, so I had high hopes for the new collection. In fact, Somerville herself is trusted by a whole host of famous faces, including Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes and Demi Moore, to keep their complexions looking glowy and youthful—talk about an A-list seal of approval. The new KateCeuticals range aims to offer up the same cutting-edge results that you’d expect from an in-clinic procedure but via a simple, three-product routine. Whether it’s firming and lifting your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, or deeply hydrating your complexion to improve texture, this age repair system does it all. Sounds good, right?
Right. And that’s why it’s so exciting that Who What Wear has teamed up with Kate Somerville to give away 50 KateCeuticals™ Firming Serums (30ml), worth £84 each, to our readers. Simply enter below to have the chance to get your hands on a free bottle!
Inspired by Kate’s in-clinic Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers, which are used to plump and lift skin, blur fine lines, and reduce the look of wrinkles, the KateCeuticals™ Firming Serum works to boost collagen production and oxygenate the skin for a smoother more luminous complexion.
I’ve been busy testing out the KateCeuticals range, and I have to say that I’m incredibly impressed so far. First up, while appearances aren’t everything, this trio of products look so chic. The sleek grey packaging is a stylish addition to my bathroom, and the bottles and tub are just weighty enough to feel luxurious. As for the formulas themselves, the textures are beautiful—lightweight, non-greasy, and not at all cloying on the skin, like some anti-ageing products can be. I have to shout out the serum and cream for their gorgeously fresh, floral scents, which really helped with recreating in-clinic vibes at home.
Most importantly, though, these products do what they set out to do: My skin looks plumper, smoother, and brighter every time I use them. While I haven’t been testing them for quite long enough to comment on the long-term effects, I don’t think those cheeky lines around my eyes will be intensifying any time soon.
As well as containing a tri-peptide and hyaluronic acid complex to plump, boost collagen production, and firm the skin, the KateCeuticals Firming Serum uses one very special ingredient: nasturtium extract. Oxygen is the signature step at the Kate Somerville clinic and this plant extract works naturally to oxygenate the skin, therefore promoting skin-cell turnover and overall skin health. Of all the products in the new line, this is the one that I found made the biggest instant difference, boosting luminosity and smoothing skin texture into glowy, healthy-looking skin.
Essentially, this is Kate Somerville’s renowned Clinic Reserve Facial in a jar. But with the in-clinic treatment setting you back about $300 a session, the KateCeuticals Total Repair Cream is arguably a more affordable investment. It uses an innovative blend of peptides, ceramides, and fatty acids to not only target signs of ageing but also intensely hydrate and restore your skin barrier. As someone who is blemish-prone, I am often wary of anti-ageing moisturisers for fear that they’ll clog my pores. This cream is like none I’ve used before. Despite all of those hardworking ingredients, it’s so lightweight in texture and sinks straight into skin to leave it soft, replenished, and dewy. I genuinely can’t think of anyone I wouldn’t recommend this to.
Although I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of Botox, I’m a total needle-phobe, so being able to enjoy the same effects from a tube genuinely fills me with joy. The KateCeuticals Lifting Eye Cream contains peptides that mimic snake venom (yes, really), which causes a relaxing effect on muscle contraction and helps to smooth wrinkles caused by facial movements like frowning. As mentioned, I can’t comment on the long-term effects of using this product yet, but I can confirm that my under-eye area always looks smoother, brighter, and less puffy after applying this eye cream. Plus, I’ve layered various concealers on top of this and definitely think it prevents them from settling into any fine lines or creases around my eyes.
A clinic-inspired exfoliating scrub that gets rid of dull skin, improves texture, and refines pores in just two minutes. A glowy skin essential.
I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love this gentle daily face wash after trying it. It has a creamy, nourishing texture that removes all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling stripped or dry.
Probably one of the most instantly recognisable spot treatments out there. This nifty little bottle uses sulphur to target unwanted blemishes and dry them out fast. In just a few hours, I usually find that redness has reduced and spots look a lot calmer.
Coined as a stressed skin saver, this moisturizer immediately had my attention. It lives up to its reputation by being so soothing, calming, and deeply hydrating. I reach for it when I’ve been over-testing new products, but I imagine that sensitive complexions would appreciate it daily.
If you often forget to apply SPF, then this mist is a gamechanger. Apply it over your makeup to set your products in place, and your skin will be protected your skin from the sun as easy as that.
Ask any skincare expert which ingredients genuinely work to combat signs of ageing and retinol, and vitamin C will be top of the list. This hardworking moisturiser firms, smooths, and brightens skin overnight.
For a low-maintenance approach to anti-ageing skincare, this multi-tasking product does it all. It’s a serum, moisturiser, and primer in one, delivering hydration and smoothing skin in a single simple step. Up next: From makeup to nails, these are spring’s most important beauty trends.
