If you’re plugged into the world of innovative skincare, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the well-earned accolades for Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum. Engineered by a panel of scientists and dermatologists, this potent product targets multiple signs of aging with a super-concentrated, cutting-edge formula bolstered by radiant skin-revealing ingredients. “The final formulation is like an orchestra: what the ingredients create together is greater than what they do individually,” says Dr. Tom Mamone, the Executive Director of Skin Physiology and Pharmacology at Clinique.

Here, we tapped professional makeup artist Virginie Vandelac to try Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Serum to get her tried-and-tested impressions. The results? Swift and seriously noticeable.

It boasts a medley of sensitive skin-safe ingredients

It’s one thing for a product to promise powerful action; it’s totally different for it to also nurture and protect the skin’s delicate structure. Clinique’s carefully selected blend of ingredients — collagen-boosting CL 1870 Peptide Complex, a state-of-the-art retinoid to retexturize the skin, and hyaluronic acid for mega moisture — brings both essential qualities to the vanity. “It left my skin feeling soft, smooth and bouncy,” shares Vandelac. “I also have sensitive skin and didn’t have any reaction, so it’s a positive result for me.”

It leaves your skin perfectly primed for makeup

As a makeup artist, Vandelac is particularly meticulous with her skincare routine, knowing that her base must be in tip-top shape. “I always say that skin is our canvas,” she says. As such, she’s drawn to products like Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Serum that give an instant glow and feel comfortable on the skin. Application proved to be a cinch, too. “I have to say that the serum is very easy to apply and melts into skin rapidly. I love using it on damp skin so it spreads out evenly,” she offers.

It delivers laser-like results with continued use

Just one week in, Vandelac is already reaping the resurfacing benefits. “After only a few days, I found my skin smoother and more plump,” she says. According to a clinical study, after just 16 weeks of use, the serum is as effective as one laser treatment on the look of lines and wrinkles.^* “A laser will typically get you results via heat and energy to stimulate collagen,” explains Ida Wong, VP Product Development at Clinique. “With using the serum daily, the end benefit is the same, how we got there was through a different path.”

 

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^*In a clinical study after 16 weeks, women who had one laser treatment showed the same improvement in the overall look of lines and wrinkles as those who used Smart Serum twice daily instead. Laser used: microablative, deka dot SmartSkin CO2™ (Cynosure, Westford, MA) with CO2 fractional tech.