Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Have you ever heard of the Fountain of Youth? For thousands of years mankind has searched the world over for a "cure" for aging. The search has only intensified in recent years due to an increasingly youth-obsessed, internet-based culture that's more often Photoshopped than not. We have created numerous miracle creams and skin treatments to help slow down and even reverse the ravages of time, but none have been able to stop it -- yet. Enter Meaningful Beauty's Crème de Serum -- a product I received free from Influenster. Crème de Serum is a brand new youth-enhancing skin treatment created by French anti-aging specialist Dr. Jean Louis Sebagh, with the endorsement of supermodel Cindy Crawford, that takes a triple approach to combating the signs of aging with three powerful anti-aging ingredients: superantioxidant melon complex, anti-aging peptides and hyaluronic acid. MeaningfulBeauty.com boasts, "Combining the power of a serum with the rich, moisturizing effects of a crème, this super-boost is designed to help protect, increase hydration and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." Crème de Serum is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. All you need is dime-sized a dollop on the tip of your finger to start with. The sheer formula is non-greasy and very lightweight. It goes on smooth, like Petroleum jelly, and dries to a flawless finish. But does it really work? I've been applying Crème de Serum to my face and neck for the past two weeks and I can honestly say that I have mixed feelings concerning the product's overall effectiveness. I haven't noticed a dramatic change in the tone or texture of my skin, nor do I see any significant wrinkle reduction. The laugh lines around my eyes are tauter, if slightly "pinched" -- which isn't very flattering or natural-looking. However, my pores are smaller and that's always a plus. As for the serum's hydrating qualities? Meh. Not so much. Crème de Serum does leave my face with a nice, healthy glow...but that "glow" doesn't last long enough -- only and hour or two -- to justify the product's $40 price tag. In fact, my skin feels drier now that the serum has been completely absorbed than it did before I applied it. So here's the final rundown... PROS * Sheer, lightweight formula * Non-greasy * Goes on smooth and dries quickly * Softens pores and adds a healthy glow CONS * A "pinched", unnatural look near the eyes * No dramatic change in fine lines or wrinkles * Moisturizing effects wear off after 1-2 hours * Skin feels drier after serum is absorbed **WARNING: There is a debate on Amazon.com as to weather this product contains "cancer causing" compounds (i.e. parabens and fragrances) in it or not. Unfortunately, I did not receive a list of ingredients with my bottle of Meaningful Beauty Crème de Serum, so I do not know how accurate these claims are. I've stopped using this product and will not be recommending it to family or friends in the near future.