Elizabeth Grant Hydra Cell Active Skincare – Review

I was recently sent the Elizabeth Grant Hydra Active skincare range to trial and review. It is a completely new skincare range to me; have you heard of it before? Elizabeth Grant is an established skincare brand from Canada, but was actually started right here in old Blighty.

Here’s a little of the wonderful story of this skincare range and it’s rather star studed beginings:

“Elizabeth Grant started her multi-million dollar beauty empire in the UK in the 1950’s. At the time, Elizabeth was working as a make-up artist at Elstree Studios in London. She worked on many famous faces including: Vivian Leigh, Sean Connery, Robert Taylor, and Noel Coward. Soon many of Elizabeth’s clients were begging for her Skin Care secrets. Elizabeth realized she had miracle ingredient. She refined her formulation and called it Torricelumn™. In 1958, at a time when it was very unusual for women to start their own business, Elizabeth founded her Skin Care company. Her revolutionary products debuted at select luxury retailers such as Selfridges in London.”

The brand has continued to thrive in Canada for 60 years and is a success worldwide. Despite evolving with modern advances in skincare the brand has stayed true to it’s original mission statement. Every product includes the powerful patented anti-aging ingredient – a blend of vitamins, proteins, botanicals and anti-oxidants that penetrate deep into the skin helping to restore skin’s essential moisture, stimulate collagen and elastin production and repair damaged skin; Torricelumn™

I started to used my quartet of products around 6 weeks ago. My regime included the following:

Elizabeth Grant Hydra Cell Active 3-in-1 cleanser

What it is:
A powerfully hydrating cleanser, toner and makeup remover that restores moisture, plumps up the look of skin, and helps protect against dryness.

What it does:
Gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup while providing the skin with intense moisture to keep it looking smooth and supple. Formulated with Torricelumn™ and hyaluronic acid, it forms a protective barrier of moisture that helps skin retain hydration making it better prepared for the day ahead. Edelweiss plant stem cells encourage a more plump and fresher look with the appearance of fewer lines making the skin feel softer and look firmer after each wash. Also containing cactus and cucumber extract, this hydrating cleanser soothes the skin and reduces the look of redness.

Who it’s for:
Suitable for all skin types

How to use:
Apply with cotton ball and gently wipe off makeup.

Contains:
• Torricelumn™- Elizabeth Grant Skin Care’s superior moisturizing compound, clinically tested to boost hydration levels and plump the appearance of the skin making it look firmer and smoother.
• Leontopodium Alpinum Stems G – Edelweiss plant stem cells – antioxidant activity, anti-wrinkle activity (improvement in skin compactness, smoothness, elasticity and softness)
• Sodium Hyaluronate – high molecular weight – Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, a water-binding ingredient that has the ability to hold up to 1000 their own weight in water
• Hyalo Oligo – low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that has high penetration and high moisture retentively
• Aquacacteen – An ultra-refined elixir from organic cactus, soothes and calms irritated skin, increases firmness and hydration
• PatcH20 – A moisturizing complex that provides instant sustained and prolonged hydration to skin
• Actiphyte of Cucumber

Ingredients:
Aqua, Propylene Glycol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Trehalose, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Algin, Pullulan, Panthenol, Disodium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Serine, Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Allantoin, Sorbitol, Xylitol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Glycerin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol

My thoughts:

The cleanser is extremely gentle but hard working, I would liken it to a micellar water in both consistency and in how it is applied. It removed my makeup effortlessly. My skin felt clean and toned, not dry as such, but I did feel the need to apply moisturiser. I didn’t find the instructions detailed enough so I avoided using on my eyes and I also rinsed after use. The rinsing is something I do habitually, I wouldn’t suggest you actually need to do this however as the cleanser removes every last bit of dirt.

It retails at approximately £19 for a generous 240ml bottle, so on the mid-range of the scale for a cleanser. The packaging is plastic so I would suggest a little below average when comparing it aesthetically with others in this category. Ultimately though, it is the results that matter. Did it deliver? A resounding yes.

Elizabeth Grant Hydra Cell Active 2 Phase Treatment

What it is:
An intensely hydrating skin treatment that helps to restore the look of plumpness and volume to the skin.

What it does:
Restore the lost look of youth with this intensely hydrating skin treatment that combines three types of hyaluronic acid. Together these serious hydrators provide skin with a moisture barrier, locks in hydration and delivers continuous moisturization throughout the day. Also formulated with Torricelumn™ and tamarind seed extract, this treatment will help to tighten the look of skin, leaving it feeling lifted. With every use, skin begins to look more supple and smooth, decreasing the look of lines and reducing signs of dryness. The antioxidants in the serum improves skin tone and diminishes the look of dark spots. This powerfully hydrating treatment softens even the roughest and dullest skin so that it begins to look more full, supple, and healthy.

Who it’s for:
Suitable for all skin types.

How to use:
• Replace the dropper cap with the white powder cap
• To release the powder into the Activating Liquid, push down firmly on the top of the white cap until it is level with the ribbed level below
• Shake vigorously to mix thoroughly
• Replace the dropper cap and discard the white powder cap
• Shake well before each use
• Apply a small amount to face and neck area before moisturizer

Contains:
• Torricelumn™ – Elizabeth Grant Skin Care’s superior moisturizing compound, clinically tested to boost hydration levels and plump the appearance of the skin making it look firmer and smoother.
• Leontopodium Alpinum Stems G – Edelweiss plant stem cells – antioxidant activity, anti-wrinkle activity (improvement in skin compactness, smoothness, elasticity and softness)
• Sodium Hyaluronate – high molecular weight – Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, a water-binding ingredient that has the ability to hold up to 1000 their own weight in water
• Hyalo Oligo – low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that has high penetration and high moisture retentively
• Hylasome EG10 – crosslinked hyaluronic acid – this unique structure holds tightly bound wather and is able to deliver water/moisture overtime – has 50x the water binding capacity of hyaluronic acid; is also a free radical scavenger
• Aquacacteen – An ultra-refined elixir from organic cactus, soothes and calms irritated skin, increases firmness and hydration
• PatcH20 – A moisturizing complex that provides instant sustained and prolonged hydration to skin
• Unitamuron H-22 – Tamarind Seed Extract, improves hydration, skin elasticity, and skin smoothness.
• Aloe
• Phase 2: Sodim Hyaluronate Powder – high molecular weight

Ingredients:
• PHASE I: Aqua, Glycerin, PEG-40 Sorbitan Perisostearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Trehalose, Algae Extract, Tamarindus Indica Seed Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Urea, Algin, Pullulan, Collagen, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Serine, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Gluconic Acid, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
• PHASE II: Sodium Hyaluronate

My thoughts:

Ok so this is a little embarrassing, but after 4 weeks of using this and worryingly not seeing any results, I thought I’d better check online for instructions. I realised that this was a 2 phase treatment and I hadn’t actually received the active part of the ingredients, just the carrier. Oooops!

Im therefore unable to tell you about this product with any authority as I have no personal experience to call on. Sorry about that.

I can tell you that its comes in a glass bottle with an easy to use pipet. The carrying fluid glides onto the skin but doesn’t have a very inviting smell- perhaps the activator changes this? It retails at approximately £49 for 55ml. This would sit comfortably in the mid-range of the serum market.

Elizabeth Grant Hydra Cell Active 24hour Face Cream

What it is:
This cream delivers hydration, to tighten and plump the look of skin, and helps to decrease the look of lines.

What it does:
Hydrating and powerful wrinkle fighting ingredients make this day cream a sure bet. Formulated with the dream team combination of three types of hyaluronic acid, it protects the skin from dryness, delivers deep plumping moisture, and ensures the continuous delivery of hydration to the skin throughout the day. With a mega dose of moisture, skin appears plumper, cheeks looks fuller, and the look of hollows under the eyes is reduced. This day cream also contains peptide technology that helps to decrease the appearance of deep wrinkles so skin looks smoother and more radiant. Collagen helps to improve the look of facial contours and firms up the appearance of skin. Edelweiss plant stem cells helps to improve the skin’s overall complexion.

How to use:
Apply to face area morning and night.

Contains:
• Torricelumn™- Elizabeth Grant Skin Care’s superior moisturizing compound, clinically tested to boost hydration levels and plump the appearance of the skin making it look firmer and smoother.
• Leontopodium Alpinum Stems G – Edelweiss plant stem cells – antioxidant activity, anti-wrinkle activity (improvement in skin compactness, smoothness, elasticity and softness)
• Sodium Hyaluronate – high molecular weight – Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, a water-binding ingredient that has the ability to hold up to 1000 their own weight in water
• Hyalo Oligo – low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that has high penetration and high moisture retentively
• Hylasome EG10 – crosslinked hyaluronic acid – this unique structure holds tightly bound wather and is able to deliver water/moisture overtime – has 50x the water binding capacity of hyaluronic acid; is also a free radical scavenger
• Aquacacteen – An ultra-refined elixir from organic cactus, soothes and calms irritated skin, increases firmness and hydration
• PatcH20 – A moisturizing complex that provides instant sustained and prolonged hydration to skin
• Matrixyl 3000 & Q10 – decrease in wrinkle depth, wrinkle volume, wrinkle surface area. Increase in skin tone; Coenzyme Q10, supply energy and act against oxidative stress
• SyriCalm – Reed & Mushroom extract, help calm stressed skin by helping to reduce skin redness, alleviate skin irritation and will help in normalizing and keeping the skin’s natural balance.
• Shea butter
• Vitamin E
• Collagen

Ingredients:
Aqua, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dimethicone, Laureth-4, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Trehalose, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Phragmites Karka Extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Urea, Algin, Pullulan, Collagen, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q-10), Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Serine, Allantoin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-100 Stearate, Squalane, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine, Citric Acid, Ceteareth-20, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Threonine, Lysine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum

My thoughts:

Ok, so there is a powerhouse of ingredients here, edelweiss stem cell, vitamin E, collagen. This cream packs a hydrating punch.

The texture surprisingly was more like a gel then a cream but on application skin feels instantly hydrated. I applied all over the face and down my neck and décolletage. Absorption was a little slow and I had to wait a while before applying makeup. I’m suspecting that this may be more to do with the fact that my skin didn’t quite require the intense hydration that this cream offered? I’ll be interested to read other opinions, particularly those with very dry skin, to know if this was down to formula or there just being an excess of hydration. Even when moderating the amount I applied I still found that I needed a good 20 minutes before I could put on my makeup.

On the plus side this cream is a day and night formula. I have to say I was more comfortable using it as an overnight cream then as a day cream. My skin was visibly more plump and hydrated in the mornings. I had less visible dehydration lines and I found I have been having less creasing on my skin (this was before the purchase of my silk pillow case).

Going forward I would use this cream as more of a rescue/treatment, perhaps 2-3 times a week when my skin is in need of some TLC. I found after several weeks, despite exfoliation my skin was showing signs of congestion. Again I don’t believe that there is any problem with the formulation, rather my skins compatibility with this particular line from the product range.

It retails at approximately £124 so this is into La Mer territory. Not quite La Prairie or Sisley, but certainly creeping towards the luxury end of the skincare market. Packaging is delightful, a bright blue glass jar with a striking gold lid that contains 200ml. Does it deliver? I believe so. You just have to be sure that your skin needs this level of hydration, or as I will be doing, use it as an intensive treatment when your skin needs that extra bit of help.

 

Hydra Cell Active Eye Cream

What it is:
Reduce the look of aging around the delicate eye area with this super moisturizing cream. Contains wrinkle-fighting ingredients that help minimize the appearance of lines.

What it does:
Improve the look of aging around the delicate eye area with a deep infusion of moisture and wrinkle-fighting ingredients. Formulated with three types of hyaluronic acid, this eye cream provides moisture deep down to improve the look of fullness, elasticity level and replenish skin’s moisture barrier. The aging look of hollow, fatigued eyes is reduced and the skin becomes more supple in appearance. Combining Torricelumn™ and marine collagen extract, it also works to improve the look of firmness around the eye area and plumps up the skin to create a fresher look. Silk tree bark extract and darutoside from siegesbeckia orientalis help to provide the look of a lifted upper eyelid, reduce the appearance of puffiness, and minimize the look of crow’s feet and dark circles. Eyes appear lifted, smooth, and revived.

How to use:
Gently massage around eye area morning and night.

Contains:
• Torricelumn™- Elizabeth Grant Skin Care’s superior moisturizing compound, clinically tested to boost hydration levels and plump the appearance of the skin making it look firmer and smoother.
• Leontopodium Alpinum Stems G – Edelweiss plant stem cells – antioxidant activity, anti-wrinkle activity (improvement in skin compactness, smoothness, elasticity and softness)
• Sodium Hyaluronate – high molecular weight – Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, a water-binding ingredient that has the ability to hold up to 1000 their own weight in water
• Hyalo Oligo – low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that has high penetration and high moisture retentively
• Hylasome EG10 – crosslinked hyaluronic acid – this unique structure holds tightly bound wather and is able to deliver water/moisture overtime – has 50x the water binding capacity of hyaluronic acid; is also a free radical scavenger
• Aquacacteen – An ultra-refined elixir from organic cactus, soothes and calms irritated skin, increases firmness and hydration
• PatcH20 – A moisturizing complex that provides instant sustained and prolonged hydration to skin
• Matrixyl 3000 & Q10 – decrease in wrinkle depth, wrinkle volume, wrinkle surface area. Increase in skin tone; Coenzyme Q10, supply energy and act against oxidative stress
• Beautifeye – Albizia Julibrissin “Silktree” Bark & darutoside from Siegesbeckia orientalis – helps lift the upper eyelid, reduce crow’s feet, fades dark circles and diminishes puffiness
• Collagen
• Algae extract
• Shea butter
• Avocado Oil
• Olive Oil
• Evening Primrose Oil

Ingredients:
Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil, Trehalose, Algae Extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Darutoside, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Urea, Algin, Pullulan, Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q-10), Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Serine, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Gluconic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Ceteareth-20, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Benzoate, Threonine, Lysine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

My Thoughts:

I liked it! This is a smooth gel texture eyecream which feels incredibly hydrating. It feels gentle, cooling and refreshing when my eyes feel tired and/or puffy. I have noticed an improvement in the fine lines around my eyes whilst wearing the cream, which were becoming a particular concern for me. Make up sits nicely on top and unlike the face cream it doesn’t take any time to absorb. I really did like it, it was my favourite item of the lot.

At approximately £62 for 50ml it is mid to high end but it does deliver and the 60ml seems an endless amount of product when a little goes a long way.

 

My experience of Elizabeth Grant has been overall positive. I think perhaps the product range may not have been entirely right for my skin care needs as far as the moisturiser is concerned and unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to try the Hydra Cell Active 2 Phase treatment. However I have loved using the eye cream and the 24 hour moisturiser is a great night time or treatment option for me.

I will be investing in the eye cream again, but I expect it will be quite some time before I need to with such a generous sized pot.

If you’d like to try any of the impressive range, you can shop directly from Elizabeth Grant or on Ideal World TVwhere you will find some fantastic offers.

Have you tried any of the range yet?

Amellia Mae

 

*This post contains PR samples. All opinions about the products are, as always, my own.