VENeffect @ Space NK

For the past week I have been using a completely new skincare beand, VENeffect. This American brand, stocked at Space NK in the UK is the brainchild of two sisters – Rebecca Booth, MD, a gynaecologist and hormonal wellness expert, and Cecil Booth, a 28-year-old beauty industry veteran.

Chicago-based VENeffect focuses on the way women uniquely age, providing them with the optimal solution to effectively achieve healthy, youthful looking skin.

This innovative, technologically-advanced targeted skin care collection addresses the hormonal ageing process through the use of its advanced proprietary phytoestrogen complex: plantbased molecules that safely and effectively restore collagen, dramatically increasing elasticity and reversing the signs of ageing.

I’ve been using two products from this brand – and before I begin, this is a luxury brand. These products are not cheap. However, they are full of natural goodness,and are gluten free and paraben free. (Gluten free beauty is a ‘thing’, who knew?!)

First up, the £148 Anti-Aging Intensive Moisturizer. I have to say I was surprised at the price, as the packaging hasn’t really got that ‘luxe’ look about it, but, I really have enjoyed using this cream.

With dry skin, I initially felt it was too light, but I mixed it with a little facial oil from another brand – more on that next week – and it has made my skin silky soft, hydrated and smooth this past week.

It’s formulated with the highest level of phytoestrogens along with peptides, proteins and nourishing ingredients to significantly increase skin’s elasticity and reverse the signs of ageing.

The exclusive Phytoesrogen blend includes grape seed, red clover, soy extracts, and resveratrol; proven to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid, reversing the signs of ageing and restoring skin’s vitality and glow.

The Peptides include the familiar Matrixyl 3000, which stimulates collagen production and hyaluronic acid synthesis for younger looking skin. Vitamin B and C are in there to help with age spots,and uneven skin tone, and brightness. Shea butter provides that hydration, olive oil penetrates deep for smooth and supple skin, and hyaluronate attracts moisture to the dermis, softening and smoothing the skin.

Whatever they have done with these ingredients – many of which are standard in a lot of creams, it works. Yes, it’s expensive, but you only need a little, and my skin feels and looks great.

I’ve also been using the Pore Minimizing Cleanser (£48). This I was even more surprised to like. I’m using it every morning in the shower, and I fully expected my dry skin to react to a foaming cleanser in the worst possible way. How wrong was I?!

It has that same Phytoestrogen blend as the moisturiser, and also contains cinammon bark and ginger root to minimise pore size, remove excess sebum, fight shine, and help prevent blemishes and clogged pores.

Willow Bark Extract speeds up cell renewal as it is keratolytic (breaks down keratin). This improves firmness, smoothness and clarity of the skin. Pomegranate Enzymes yield high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, exfoliate the epidermis and help skin appear refreshed and healthy.

There are also Soy Proteins,  composed of phytoestrogens that increase skin’s ability to hold moisture while minimising roughness and wrinkles, and finally cucumber and grapefruit extracts to refresh skin and provide a lovely aroma – and it really does smell good.

This cleanser smells so fresh and clean, and it’s a pleasure to use in the mornings.

So, that’s my experience this week with VENeffect. There are loads more products in the range, so if you fancy trying it, get down to Space NK!