Not liking Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Serum AT ALL

Believing in a product and being sure that it's really, really, really going to work for you is no guarantee of success. Even it it's perfect for your skin type and receives rave press reviews, beauty awards, and the promise of their first born from everyone else who tries it, you may find that a product just isn't a good fit for your personal chemistry.

It's happened to me with Liz Earle Cleanse And Polish, YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat, every Chanel foundation I've tried, several primers, and most recently a serum: Caudalie Vinoperfect Anti-Oxidant Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum.

xgirl is a Caudalie fan and got on well with other products from the Vinoperfect range (see the preview and the follow-up review), and I know several people who are near evangelical about this product. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, it is oil free and non-comedogenic meaning that it should be good for anyone with greasy zones or a tendency towards blocked pores. Caudalie are big on grapes, and the Vinoperfect serum harnesses the power of a vine shoot extract to brighten and smooth skin by helping to reduce dark spots, hydrating, and promoting luminosity for an even-toned, radiant complexion.

Usually I'd rather drink grapes than spread them on my mush, but since Lisa Eldridge (LISA ELDRIDGE!) rates it as one of her skincare faves and I'm really trying to dial down the harshness of the products I inflict on my skin, I decided to give it a go. I always think her skin sounds similar to mine (combo-to-oily but dehydrated, prone to blemishes and pigmentation) and I was probably unconsciously hoping it would set me on my way to having Lisa Eldridge's (LISA ELDRIDGE'S!) skin.

Things went well - really, really, really well - for a while. The pipette dropper is attractive as well as hygienic (although I did have The Fear that I'd drop the glass bottle on the floor every time I used it) and the serum felt light on my skin; there was a very slightly tacky feeling before it was fully absorbed, which took a few minutes. Dry patches disappeared, not-so-fine-anymore lines on my forehead looked softer. I can't say that anyone reached for their sunglasses as I passed to shield themselves from my blinding radiance, but overall things looked calm and I felt like I was having good-considering-my-skin-usually skin days.

Then the breakouts started, with clogged pores and full-on blemishes appearing on on my chin, my cheeks, and my forehead.  The breakouts got worse until I cut the serum from my routine - our relationship had to end.

It's not you, Caudalie; it's me.

Probably.

Available from usual Caudalie stockists including FeelUnique*, where it's €52.65