Just…. Wow.  It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to face serums these days, but the Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Serums collaboration that Ayla Beauty recently picked up is pretty stellar.  Marie Veronique is one of Ayla’s best-selling brands; Kristina Holey is one of the most sought after aestheticians in the country.  Both Marie Veronique and Kristina believe in treating skin from a functional point of view (meaning they would both tell you look at your daily eating/drinking/sleeping habits as well as what you’re putting on your skin), and they’ve both seen a rise in skin barrier malfunction-related issues in the last few years.  The result is an increase in Perioral (and other types of) Dermatitis, Adult Acne, Rosacea and generally sensitive, unbalanced skin.  In response, these women created soothing, skin-strengthening, oil-free, water-light serums that are meant to be layered with each other as well as other products.  But don’t hear the word “layer”, and think “heavy”; these low viscosity (read: runny in consistency) gel-like serums are rapidly absorbed by the skin.  I’ve found them to be really impressive.  Read on to see which is right for you (it may be all three!)  And, scroll down for details on a GIVEAWAY.

The Intensive Repair Serum is for those with onset adult acne or those who are acne-prone, like myself.  Salicylic and Lactic Acids exfoliate and decongest pores leaving a smoother, more even surface, and Vitamin B5 balanced sebum production.  I can really see a difference the morning after using this serum.

The Soothing B3 Serum is perfect for inflammatory skin issues like rosacea, different types of dermatitis, and generally sensitive skin.  It contains 10% niacinamide in a hyaluronic acid base — it’s very humectant as well as anti-inflammatory – and it leaves an immediate dewy glow.

The Barrier Restore Serum is for everyone because it does so MUCH.  This serum combats redness, sensitivity, dryness, and just balances skin’s moisture levels in general while actually strengthening skin’s barrier function.  I’ve liked layering this with the Intensive Repair Serum at night during the winter when my skin is drier; it’s really helped the dryness on my neck and forehead without feeling heavy or oily on my skin, or breaking me out.  If you are looking for extra moisture in addition to your current routine, this is for you.

Also worth noting is that Ayla carries Marie Veronique’s Gentle Retinol Night Serum, which is very similar to the recently discontinued True Botanicals Retinol Serum that I used to live and die by.  Remember, it is not entirely clean, but if you are a die-hard retinol fan who is looking for a less toxic version than what your derm is going to prescribe, this is going to be your new best friend.

Tonight, check in with me on Instagram (@barebeautyblog) around 9pm EST for a chance to win ALL THREE Kristina Holey +Marie Veronique Serums (Value: $300)!  Good luck!

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