Editor's Pick: Lancome Advanced Génifique Review

Our editor reviewed Lancôme's Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum. Does it live up to the hype? Find out what she thought!

If there’s one thing I learned after becoming a beauty editor that I wish I knew earlier, it’s that starting an anti-aging routine in your early twenties—aka before wrinkles, fine lines, etc. have cropped up on your complexion—is golden advice. Before, I used to skip right over anti-aging skin care products that promised a reduction in wrinkles over time or plumper, bouncier skin. Retinol? Why on earth would I need retinol, the ultimate anti-aging ingredient, I’d often think to myself. Well let me tell you, those days are long gone. You might not see any signs of aging, but you’re still aging. My new skin care motto is all about preventing problems before they arise, so to my old self I bid good riddance. Bring on all of the wrinkle-fighting, fine line-diminishing, and skin-plumping formulas out there! (Just kidding…sort of.)

Speaking of anti-aging products, our friends at Lancôme recently sent their #1 serum—Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate—over to the Skincare.com team to try and review, and I (duh) was eager to see what all the hype is about. Keep scrolling to learn whether or not this buzz-worthy serum is worth all the fanfare!

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum Review 

Before we start our Lancôme Génifique review, here’s a helpful backstory: In 2009, Lancôme introduced their Génifique anti-aging treatment. To date, over 15 million bottles of Génifique have been sold worldwide. A true labor of love, the formula is inspired by more than 15 years of research. In 2013, that same formula and self-loading dropper became Advanced Génifique with a goal that’s in line with the founding base of Génifique: to achieve youthful radiance you can see (and feel!) in just seven days. Advanced Génifique features Génifique's patented complex with added biotechnology-derived ingredients to act on 10 key signs of youth, including skin texture, resiliency, elasticity, firmness, sagginess, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, clarity, and skin tone. The little, amphora-shaped black bottle is instantly recognizable by in-the-know women who have come to love the formula as much as its shelfie-approved look.

So, just how well does it work? After my review of Lancôme Génifique I’m giving it two big thumbs up. The texture of the serum is incredibly lightweight and fresh. It immediately absorbed into my skin without any leftover oiliness or residue. To use, I gently applied the serum onto my cleansed face and neck, morning and night. The self-loading dropper was uber-helpful with this, since it provided the perfect amount every time. Then, I followed up with my regular moisturizer. Right off the bat, I noticed an added glow to my skin in addition to a softer, suppler feel. I followed the routine for seven straight days and am happy to report that my skin looks visibly better and brighter. I wouldn’t call it the fountain of youth in a bottle (let’s face it: that doesn’t exist!) but it’s a solid addition to any anti-aging routine.

Tip: Keep the bottle in the fridge for instant, cooling relief after being outdoors in harsh conditions. Also, feel free to mix the serum with your foundation for extra luminosity. And lastly, to help smooth lines on your lips, place a small drop of the serum onto dry lips before you apply your lipstick. Don’t you just love a good multi-use product?

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum, $175