Today’s feature is an extension of Charlotte’s premium make-up feature last week and also a post we have way back in the archives focusing on extremely expensive face creams.

I’m going to come right out and say it. Today’s post is about an anti-ageing moisturiser that costs £125. Did you wince when you read that? I sure as hell did when I wrote it. This is probably three times the amount I’ve spent on any beauty product I’ve ever owned.

The inconspicuous glass jar you see above is today’s topic of conversation. Come and say hello to Zelens Marine Complex Deep Restorative Cream. I have to point out this post is in no way sponsored as Charlotte gave me this product to try when she had an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients.

The Ingredients

In a nutshell the product is a very gentle skin cream with collagen-boosting ingredients which no doubt contribute to it’s very slightly elastic consistency. Zelens can explain this product better than I can so hold tight here’s a wordy bit of science and blurb:

This ‘gentle giant’ of a skin cream packs a punch when it comes to plumping wrinkles and fighting free radicals, while working hard to heal and soothe irritated, damaged complexions and prevent future flare-ups (with continued use). Among its ‘star’ ingredients are collagen-boosting fucus serratus (a vitamin-rich seaweed from the Atlantic coast), and skin-plumping marine exopolysaccharide (a sugar molecule that works in a similar way to hyaluronic acid, drawing moisture into the skin for a youthful glow). Chondrus crispus (Irish moss) then forms a protective film over the skin to lock in hydration – making this the perfect potion for cold weather – while alteromonas ferment (a potent anti-inflammatory) works to repair and fortify stressed-out complexions. With a clinical study showing a 25.6% reduction in wrinkles over the course of a month, it’s your one-stop-shop for a ‘plumped’ and contented complexion.

Before joining RMLtd full time earlier this year I worked in the beauty industry for a global cosmetics giant. I understand the high mark-up we all pay on the majority of lotions and potions; once a formulation goes into mass production the profit margin can be phenomenal. However on the flip side of this I also understand that the research and development that goes into initially creating these products can be immense. While ingredients and packaging may total a few quid, millions may have gone in to the R&D.

So is Zelens Marine Complex worth £125?
Well my number one skin complaint would always be my imperfect complexion after years of acne scarring, the second would be my open pores and the third would be fine lines appearing around my eyes.
Is Zelens the right product for me? Well realistically no – as this is a cream for aged and dry skin, not a combination epidermis but my God did I see a difference.

My Six Week Trial

I returned home from Sardinia with clearer skin than usual due to a combo of sun, sleep and religious double cleansing. I would have given it a week before my pore size increased and my complexion dulled however Charlotte handed me the pot to sample. I’ve now been using Zelens for a little over six weeks, applying morning and night to double cleansed skin and so far I’ve managed to maintain the post-holiday glow.
The formulation absorbs quickly and instantly leaves soft and hydrated skin. I haven’t even felt the need to use the acids I had been using previously as my facial skin looks more even and considerably plumper. Since I changed my skincare routine earlier this year my pores have begun to shrink however with Zelens the biggest difference is that my pores have visibly reduced even more and my lines are noticeably finer. On certain days I’ve been able to give up the primer all together. A friend came round recently and told me my skin looked ‘amazing’ and I didn’t even have to pay her.

So now I’m getting slightly concerned about what will happen when the 50ml jar runs out.
Beauty guru Caroline Hirons recommends it to counteract the drying, flaking side-effects of retinoids and I’ve also read other reviewers suggest this is a winter saviour for dehydrated skin so I’m considering carefully hiding away until it gets colder and then really putting it to good use.

I probably have a facial once a year so even if I ditched the treatment I wouldn’t have enough funds leftover to purchase another jar. However if I can give up the primer and the acids then there’s a big saving there. Whether or not I can live without it remains to be seen but at over ten times the price of my usual Nivea Q10 it’s a tricky decision to make!

Any other spendy skincare items you’ve tried that you have to remortgage to continue to get your beauty fix? Has anyone else tried this Zelens pot of wonder? Before I go, the shot in the header was taken in Rebecca’s (rvk_loves) boot room. You are in for a treat very soon when we share all the details of her renovation.