YSL Forever Youth Liberator

I recently had a chance to sit down with a consultant at the Yves Saint Laurent counter at TANGS Orchard to experience the entire Forever Youth Liberator collection of skincare products.  Launched last year, this line of products harnesses the discoveries of Glycobiology, described by MIT as one of the 10 sciences that will change the future of medicine.  Glycans are found most commonly on the surface of cells, and are essential to their binding and play a crucial role in cutaneous equilibrium.  Unfortunately, their level diminishes over time, leading to the “locking” of the cells.  YSL has identified an innovative combination of glycans, called Glycanactif™, which unlocks the cells to reactivate their vital functions and release youth-promoting messages at all levels of the skin.  This breakthrough complex is said to recreate glycans lost with age, and promote the synthesis of matrix components of the skin architecture, as well as skin regeneration mechanisms.  As a result, skin is instantly evened out, glowing and radiant.  Over time, skin becomes more toned, firmer, smoother and more supple.

The YSL Forever Youth Liberator collection comprises a Cleansing Foam, Toner, Serum (face & eyes), various moisturizers, and an eye cream.

During the session, I had the opportunity to experience each of the products from the collection.  Starting with the cleanser, this was a gel-cream texture that foams on its own upon massaging onto the skin.  It lathers up further upon contact with water, and has a beautiful floral scent that makes this daily routine a luxurious treat.  Next, we followed up with the toner, which was pleasant but unremarkable.

The star of the range is the YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum, featuring the highest concentration of Glycanactif™, to stimulate regeneration deep within the skin and boost youth-promoting functions.

This is a light weight milky fluid that has a very slight tacky feeling, but is watery enough to allow it to be massaged all over the face.  It sinks into the skin quickly, leaving no residue.  The bottle comes with a dropper applicator, which is useful for dispensing the right amount of product.  However, it could be tricky to handle as the bottle is tall with a narrow base, the dropper is unusually long, and generally I prefer pump dispensers for my serums as they keep the precious contents air-tight.  Regardless, the Forever Youth Liberator Serum has the same elegant floral scent, which I loved.

To address specific concerns of the eye area, YSL has introduced the Forever Youth Liberator Eye Zone Serum.  This eye serum targets fine lines, crow’s feet, dark circles and eye bags.  Sounds like a handful, but certainly a pre-requisite for any good eye product these days.  The consistency and texture is similar to the original face serum.  The ubiquitous dropper is also used here.  [Update: I recently finished a whole bottle, I used it both day and night layered with my usual eye cream.  To be honest while I was using it, I did not notice much improvements to my eye area.  But the moment I stopped using it, my lids started drooping noticeably!  So, this is definitely a great one for layering!]

Rounding up the entire range, there are 3 moisturizing creams and 1 emulsion for hydration.  There is the classic crème, which is a gel-cream texture.  There is also a richer night cream that is thicker in consistency, but silky to the touch.  For day time use, there is the SPF 15 cream, and an emulsion that is my preferred choice.  Last but certainly not least, there is an eye cream to combat aging and provide hydration to this special area.

The session left me deeply impressed, which is quite a feat.  I had the entire collection tested on the back of 1 of my hands, and it stayed luminous and felt soft and smooth throughout the entire day!  I am also pleasantly surprised to find the entire collection is fairly affordable – ranging from $79 (for the 150ml cleanser) to $189 (for the 50ml serum, the 30ml serum retails for $149).  Judging from the prices on the internet, it seems YSL is cheaper in Singapore than the US!  My wallet is sooo happy!!!

What I loved about the range is the light textures and lovely scent.  However, these come at a price, namely in the form of silicones and parfum.  Both are not so great for your skin… so sensitive skin types, watch out!  On the plus side, the entire range is paraben-free (but not preservative free).  The SA was kind enough to gift me some samples from the range.  Will post my thoughts once I’ve had a chance to try them out!

Have you tried the YSL range of skincare?  If so, what did you think of it?