Brand Rave: Zelens

Zelens is a London based skin care brand created by Dr. Marko Lens, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with expertise in skin cancer and skin aging. I first learned of the brand during one of many trips to Space NK, where the sales associates continually raved about the products and offered me numerous samples. Not long after, I saw the Resurfacing Facial Pads featured on Beauty Mouth, a skin care blog by Caroline Hirons. Reading her features pushed me to give the line a try. It is safe to say I am becoming a little obsessed.

I learned my lesson about doing major skin care overhauls all at once, so I incorporated each of these products slowly in to my skin care routine. My skin started acting up a few months ago, so I knew I needed to make a change from my usual Chantecaille based routine. I started with the Radiance Luminous Facial Cleanser, which I use daily in the mornings. This is a creamy based cleanser which is hydrating and gentle to the skin. It has a very liquidy texture, and never leaves the skin stripped. Camellia oil, pearl extracts, aloe vera and Vitamin E work together to promote radiance and soothing effects. I have not tried this in the evenings to remove makeup, but it works well for a morning gentle cleanse. Mineral oil and paraben free. $60 for 125 ml/4.2 oz.

The stand out product of the line has to be the PHA Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads. I use these pads in place of my toner in the mornings. A combination of polyhydroxy and alpha and beta hydroxy acids work to gently exfoliate the skin. Continued use improves skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and appearance of pores. Although gentle enough for twice daily use, I only use these once a day since I use Retin-A at night. This is my second jar of these facial pads, and I did notice when I stopped using these pads my skin became significantly more congested. If you try one item from the line, I would recommend these. $95 for 50 pads.

The Z Recovery Intensive Repair Balm is the newest addition to my skin care routine and a life savor for dry skin. This cream, is thick but not a balm in the traditional sense. It has more of a gel based texture. There are a blend of active ingredients including peptides, hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, Vitamin E, and olive oil to repair damaged and irritated skin. It provided a natural barrier to the skin, and wears beautifully under makeup. I use this twice a day, and unfortunately, I love it. $225 for 1.7 oz.

The Triple Action Advanced Eye Cream is a thick, balm like cream which acts against fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. In addition to collagen, this is a hyaluronic based cream. Despite its thick texture, it absorbs instantly and is perfect for dry under eye skin. Mineral oil and paraben free. $120 for 15 ml/ 0.5 oz.