The Plumping Peptide Duo I Can't Live Without
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
A quick rummage through my handbag reveals just how much of an affinity I have for Ole Henriksen, one of my all-time favourite skincare brands.
Their Apres Skin Multi-Use Rich Rescue Crème is my go-to for plush, supple skin, I reach for Stay In Touch Hand Crème whenever my palms need some TLC, and I firmly believe a swipe of their Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Stick can revive even the most tired, dull under-eyes, 5 hours sleep, who?
But my ultimate ride or dies are these two beauties right here.
They are the perfect pair for plump skin and even plumper lips, and I have been using them both on repeat for years.
That long-standing place in my routine is exactly why I love them so much, because while I rate plenty from the brand, these are the two I come back to again and again without fail.
Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser
Yes, peptides are the buzziest skincare ingredient at the moment. And yes, it's a notion I'm fully subscribing to.
If you're wondering what the fuss is about, peptides are short chains of amino acids. They act like messengers, signalling your skin to produce more collagen, improve elasticity, and repair itself. Basically, they tell your skin to get it together.
And this moisturiser has them in abundance. The formula includes a potent dosage of eight peptides that work together to support firmness, structure and long-term bounce.
They're paired with ceramides (great for strengthening), hyaluronic acid (to hydrate), and vegan collagen (to improve skin density and suppleness). Together, they reinforce the skin barrier, smooth texture and help calm any dehydration or signs of skin stress.
Let’s talk texture.
More gel than cream, the airiness (almost whipped) formula is next-level. It kind of reminds me of a pavlova with it's unique density. It feels quite substantial on (I personally love to feel my products) without being too heavy.
Melting into skin (like a dream), it also layers beautifully under SPF (no pilling here!) and makeup. So much so, that I actually like to mix equal parts moisturiser with my foundation when applying for the dewiest (and glowiest) of all complexions.
Mixed with foundation or not, your skin will immediately feel more hydrated and refreshed.
Within a few weeks of use you should notice an improvement to skin's resilience, suppleness and hydration levels. What stands out to me the most, however, is how much firmer my skin feels. I notice a visible boost in plumpness and lift to the skin - without it feeling taut.
If you’re after a moisturiser that actively strengthens, replenishes, and future-proofs your skin - let this be the one!
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Lip Treatment
There are lip balms. And then there are my-lips-have-never-looked-better lip balms. Pout Preserve falls firmly into the latter camp. Rich, balmy, and oh-so glossy.
Inside the formula is a blend of cocoa butter, cloudberry oil and hyaluronic acid which all work in tandem hydrate, soften and smooth lips. There’s also a solid dose of peptides to support plumpness (short and long-term) and vitamin E to help lock in moisture, creating that soft cushiony feel.
Texture-wise; she's rich, gloopy and strikes that perfect balance of slickness and staying power. Even though the formula teeters on the thicker side, it wears quite comfortably and lightweight on. No sticky residue.
With decent colour payoff (think: tinted but sheer enough to let lips shine through) the finish mimics that of a high-shine, juicy gloss.
Strawberry is my personal go-to shade. It's a soft, pearl-toned pink that lifts your natural lip colour just enough.
Crème Brûlée is a close second. It’s that ideal warm nude that doesn’t throw too orange or too brown. It pairs beautifully with any neutral liner or lippie.
As for wear, these do behave more like skincare. You won’t get eight hours longevity out of them but it does fade naturally and leave your lips in better shape than before (no flaking or dryness). With regular use, lips feel smoother, fuller and more supple.
These pout plumpers are divine!! As a caution: I recommend one per handbag.
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