Murad Complete Reform with Glyco Firming Complex

The highly rated Murad Complete Reform with Glyco Firming Complex ($67) is an anti-aging serum that will reverse the visible signs of aging to reveal young, fresh skin. A patented, multi-benefit treatment transforms the skin, increasing firmness by 61% after just one application. It also improves skin texture to reveal softer, smoother skin.

Glyco Firming Complex restores tone while helping to protect elastin to preserve a youthful resilience to the skin on the face and neck. The wonder-ingredient, glycolic acid, exfoliates dry, dead cells for smoother, softer, healthier-looking skin. Beta-carotene, a carotenoid and retinol precursor, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritation. The serum also contains retinyl palmitate. In short, it's packed with anti-aging ingredients.

Murad generously sent me this wonderful serum, but I asked my friend Berry to test it because it has retinyl palmitate in it (many of you know I have a difficult relationship with retinol). She's a bit younger than me, but shares the same concerns: aging skin and fine lines. She's also concerned about firmness, so I thought she might enjoy testing Complete Reform. I was right! Here's what Berry had to say after six weeks of use.

I love this serum. It makes my skin feel firm, strong, and protected. I think it also reduced the redness in my face.

The pale gold serum is light and easily absorbed, but leaves a moist feel without the shiny look I get from some moisturizers. It does not conflict with other products, moisturizers, or makeup; there's no product build-up that makes foundation roll off my face. [ed: That delighted me since many products with exfoliators among their ingredients do make the layers above "ball up."]

On application, it has a clean, light scent that disappears as the serum absorbs. So, it's a nice treat for a few minutes. A little dab goes a long way, making the cost a good value. Not only that, the plastic pump bottle is easy to use and carry along when we take off for a weekend.

I see Berry pretty often. I saw her at breakfast recently, and her skin has never looked better. She responds well to retinyl palmitate, and now we know she also responds well to glycolic acid. There's no reason for Berry to worry about adding years.

Murad makes highly acclaimed and effective skin care. Dr. Murad holds many patents, has written best-selling books on skin care, and has unlocked the cellular water principle. A board-certified dermatologist, pharmacist, and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (Dermatology) at UCLA, Dr. Murad is widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on skin health. A true visionary, Dr. Murad has changed the fields of skin care and dermatology. His pioneering efforts include creation of the first line of doctor branded skin care, the development of the first aesthetic AHA formulations, the first medical spa and the first Inclusive Health Center. He continues to create cutting-edge formulations for topical skin care, including countless discoveries that have translated ethnobotanical resources into important advances in health and wellness.

If you would like to try any of the Murad products, the company is having a Friends & Family event now. Use the code SAVE20 at Murad.com, and you will reduce your cost and get free shipping. Can't beat that! Remember, if your skin doesn't look good, your makeup won't either.

Photo courtesy of Murad

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture ($65) is a treatment moisturizer you should definitely consider if you can use products with retinyl palmitate in them. Retinyl palmitate is a fabulous anti-aging ingredient, but most of the time, it irritates my reactive skin. Murad sent me a jar of this lovely moisturizer, so I enlisted a friend to test it. Megan has combination skin, is younger than me (but still concerned about anti-aging - smart gal), and she's thorough. I knew it was in good hands. Before I tell you about her results, let's consider what Murad has to say about this moisturizer that won a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is an uber-rich, all-purpose moisturizer that combines a luxurious recipe of ingredients to quench dry, dehydrated skin and restore youthful resilience and tone. With a formula rooted in the Science of Cellular Water, Murad’s proprietary system for optimizing cell hydration and skin health, Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture instantly soothes and renews skin with long-lasting hydration and suppleness.

The most hydrating moisturizer Murad has ever offered, Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture offers skin both immediate and long-term benefits by locking in optimal moisture for eight hours. Avocado, sunflower, and olive fruit oils, along with oat kernel, yeast, and algae extract, hyaluronic acid, and a host of great ingredients, enhance the skin’s ability to retain maximum levels of hydration. Retinyl palmitate and shea butter improve texture and tone to restore the skin’s natural smoothness and softness. The company's Collagen Support Complex boosts skin’s resilience and plumps dehydrated skin.

This moisturizer is gentle enough for sensitive skin and effective enough to be used with all of Murad’s anti-aging products for increased hydration. The velvety formula provides moisture, smoothness, and comfort, leaving the skin perfectly polished and radiant.

Is the marketing description true? Yep! Murad's own customer reviews are incredibly favorable, as was Megan's. Here's what she had to say.

• Overall, this is a great product that I would recommend, and I love using it. Thank you!
  
• I have combination skin, and I found the product a little heavy for the day, but it was perfect for use at night. While it is heavier than the moisturizer I was using, is it not at all greasy.
• My skin felt very smooth in the morning - I noticed a big difference after just the first use.
• After two weeks of using the cream nightly, I noticed a more even complexion. After three weeks, the results were even better.
• The cream decreased the oiliness in my T-zone, which seems counterintuitive, but is a delightful result.

Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture got Megan's seal of approval. Her results demonstrated that Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is perfect for gals who need to use an anti-aging and hydrating product, but worry that it will exacerbate their T-zone issues (unfortunately, we all "come of age" and need to step up our skin-care regimen). The price of this treatment moisturizer is attractive. Not as pricey as many of the department store "luxury lines," it's an effective and affordable investment in your skin.

I believe Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture would be perfect for those without T-zone issues - if they can tolerate retinyl palmitate. My sensitivity to the ingredient is unusually severe, and I don't tempt the fates.

Murad also sent a Complete Reform with Glyco Firming Complex serum. I have tested the serum and plan to feature it soon. It's another "best thing in beauty." For now, hop over to Murad's Web site for more information about Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture and the wide range of skin care from this well-regarded company. There are always special offers, so make sure to click on the New Offers tab while you are there.

Photo courtesy of Murad

Murad Eye Lift Illuminator

When I saw Murad Eye Lift Illuminator ($35) on Sephora's Web site, I thought it had potential. Murad is known for excellent skin care. Here is the description that captured my attention. I'm sure it would appeal to just about anyone.

A problem-solving brightener that minimizes the look of dark circles while lifting, hydrating, and de-puffing the eye area. This neutralizing violet formula helps restore a youthful look, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting even skin texture and tone. It instantly minimizes the appearance of dark circles, while stimulating micro-circulation for long-term dark-circle relief. High concentrations of antioxidants, hydrators, botanicals, fruit extracts, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids ensure optimal effectiveness. Increases skin firmness by 50% in 15 minutes for a visible lift.

What gave me pause was its violet color. It seemed counterintuitive to me that violet could minimize dark circles; normally you would use an opposing color to red to do that. However, Murad is a good company, so I ordered it. I should have trusted my instincts. Eye Lift Illuminator did absolutely nothing for the skin around my eyes, and it certainly didn't brighten my eye area. As for its skin-care properties, my fine lines were just as visible. I experienced no increase in firmness or reduction in puffiness. There were no lifting effects. It wasn't even hydrating. The nicest thing I can say is that it didn't irritate the sensitive skin around my eyes.

The customer reviews at Sephora are contradictory. They range from total disappointment to sheer glee. Some customers have returned it after two weeks of use. Others found that it met its promises. Figure that out!

This product is working for someone. I would love to understand the appropriate skin type, skin tone, and age group to which it's targeted. At Sephora, there were no common threads among its fans. Has anyone else tried it?

Photo courtesy of Sephora