Our fab guest blogger Liv tries out the Radiance Serum from Manuka Doctor…
When I wandered past the Manuka Doctor store on the corners of Quay and Albert streets on my way to the ferry one evening I thought “oh, a smart looking honey shop for the tourists – that’ll be popular”! The Manuka Doctor concept store will indeed delight the tourists. But I’ve been missing out ever since I dismissed it as ‘one for the tourists’. That will learn me…
Happily, the opportunity to trial Manuka Doctor’s Radiance Serum from their apirefine product range narrowly saved me from a lifetime of foolish ignorance. And if you want to read no further and simply hear whether or not you should buy this product, well: YOU SHOULD!!! Yes, I’m quite emphatic about this conclusion as I’ve hugely enjoyed the entire experience of sampling this serum.
Let me tell you about it. Firstly, I was struck by the beautiful fragrance of the serum. Fragrance draws me to products and the fragrance of the Radiance Serum has encouraged me to apply it religiously, and abundantly. This is great if your skincare routine is of a more haphazard nature at times. As is mine. Not with this serum though! Nope. You might find me applying it just to luxuriate in its scent. (At this rate, I’ll have the skin of youth any day now).
Scent aside, I believe the serum does what it says. It plumps the skin and helps “smooth away fine lines and wrinkles”. (Note that skincare products rarely venture to suggest their products will smooth away deep lines and wrinkles – the ones that are really bothersome!) Manuka Doctor further claim that their serum regenerates cells, “visibly promotes the skin’s elasticity”, is anti-inflammatory, healing, and helps to eliminate and prevent acne. Impressive! I can’t claim it has been “visibly age-defying” for me (for that would almost be a Biblical feat), but it has definitely smoothed and improved.
So how does this delicious serum deliver all of these benefits? Whilst there is quite a list of technical ingredient names cleverly hidden at the base of the box (I actually spent a while trying to find them!), there are three that I will focus on. One: Manuka Honey UMF 18+. Manuka honey has anti-bacterial and healing properties, and the Unique Manuka Factor indicates the potency of those attributes. Two: Purified Bee Venom. Manuka Doctor’s website has a clip demonstrating how the bee venom is derived and claims that the process is “Bee friendly”. I couldn’t hear any sound over, but it looks as though bees are attracted to some kind of charged grill and presumably encouraged to sting, with the resulting venom collected beneath the grill on a glass plate. The amount collected looks miniscule and I am amazed that the product doesn’t command a much higher price point accordingly. Perhaps it is indeed a “bee friendly” process, but I can’t help feeling a bit mean that bees might be caused, unnecessarily, to sting just so that we can enjoy some instant skin tightening. Three: Mica. This gives the serum a subtle sheen and helps deliver its illuminating quality.
There is a raft of other ingredients, but Manuka Doctor claim their products contain “no harsh chemicals or GM ingredients”, including “no parabens or SLS”
Now let’s talk price: I thought to myself that, being a serum, and containing manuka honey and purified bee venom, AND being smartly packaged and marketed, this would have to cost upwards of at least $50. I actually wondered if it might be around the $70 mark. How rare it is to be pleasantly surprised by a price tag much lower than we expected! But here is one such example: a 30ml pump will set you back just $35.95, which I really believe is great value for such a top quality product that is truly a pleasure to experience. I am most definitely a fan
About the Author
Hi, I’m Liv, a semi-retired lawyer, and now a mum to our beautiful son. Over the last few years, I have developed a growing awareness of, and passion for, more natural options when it comes to what I put in, on, or around my body. And now having a little son at home, I am keen to ensure his experience of the world is as healthy and natural as possible. It is wonderful that websites like Oh Natural make learning about and sourcing natural and organic products, and the brands that stand behind them, so accessible.
When not eyeing up natural ingredients and products online, you’ll find me variously absorbed in anything to do with fashion and interior design and styling, cooking and baking, exercising, knitting, gardening, spending precious time with my husband, our gorgeous son and Burmese fur babies, and otherwise contemplating my next career move. Suggestions regarding the latter welcome… !
The post Review: Manuka Doctor Radiance Serum appeared first on Oh Natural.