One of my nearest and dearest friends Anne-Marie swears by Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%. I can see why. It is truly fantastic. After two days, my skin shows active positive development. 
This Vitamin C Serum comes in 5%, 10%, basically weaker variations – just go for the full 20%. It is pricey, so you might as well get a product with punch. I’ll keep you posted on the on-going results. 
After a hot and cold month with Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, it’s now time for the final verdict. The serum possesses a few above average qualities. First, as skeptical as I was, I do perceive a subtle improvement in hyper-pigmentation. Spots don’t vanish, but they do fade and lighten. Not a fan of makeup? Listen up; you might enjoy this as a daily product to brighten the face without cosmetics. Idealist does provide a subtle glow.
As mentioned previously, this product doesn’t play well with others. It tends to seize up when layered. Also, the serum doesn’t deliver major results and doesn’t perform in a truly active fashion. For the purists who insist upon a letter grade, I’m feeling generous, so I’ll give it a B-. It won’t be a repeat purchase.
You must be thinking “what else could this bitch possibly say about this GD serum?” Would you be surprised if I told you I indeed had more insights to share? Not unless this is your first day joining us, in which case, welcome. 
Estee Lauder Even Skintone Illuminator doesn’t play particularly well with other products. If this lightweight gliding lotion provides enough moisture for you under your make-up, then you may like it just fine. Add a deeper emollient over top and the pilling commences. This mica-infused light reflector gums up into little balls. File pilling products under major beauty pet peeve. 
By week three, I should be seeing maximum results, but instead I haven’t noticed any additional lightening in hyper-pigmentation. The Demeter Clarc beauty-meter is tipping towards disappointment, but we’ll give Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator its fourth week to win us over. 
As you well know, I was very skeptical of this product and other products claiming to perfect skin tone. 
After a little over fourteen days of continuous use, I’m shocked to report that I do actually notice a slight improvement in a particularly stubborn dark spot. 
Now quite a few folks complained of breakouts associated with this serum. I too have experienced in uptick in activity, but at this time I don’t feel 100% comfortable blaming Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. I’m optimistic. Let’s see where we are during week three. 
As you well know, I’m a sucker for a serum. I’m also always on the quest for a product that makes a visible change to hyper-pigmentation. Last year Estee Lauder rolled out a serum called Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. 
The Claim:
“This fast-acting serum is proven to dramatically reduce every key sign of uneven skintone: redness, acne marks, dark spots, sun spots and discolorations. Instantly, redness is reduced and skin looks radiant. In a clinical test, 62% of women showed a significant improvement in skintone in just two weeks. Over time, skin looks noticeably clearer and brighter, vibrant and more even-toned. Oil-free formula is proven gentle and effective for all ethnicities. Follow with your SPF moisturizer.”
Most of us have a certain idea of what to expect from Estee Lauder; research packaged in luxury with a trace of granny. Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator follows the same well-worn path of success for the cosmetics giant. 
Obtaining real results on the issue of hyper pigmentation is tricky business. Even with Lauder’s deep research pockets, I’m skeptical that this serum will actually do work on discoloration. 
The texture, scent, and illuminating qualities are all very attractive, but if Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator can’t actually even skintone, then it is just another overpriced serum. 
Let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. I’m reasonably patient, and gradual results are still results.
In this week’s quest for clearer skin, I bring you iS Clinical Active Serum, a product that – GASP and clutch your anus – actually delivers results. 
iS Clinical Active Serum markets itself as a “multi-purpose formula designed to generate rapid and dramatic improvements in skin quality… diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation, smooth texture, and is anti-acneic.” Apart from making up the word “acneic,” the serum more or less keeps its promises. 
Made of extracts of sugar cane (glycolic), bilberry (lactic), willow bark (salicylic) , and mushroom (kojic) with a kick of menthol for tingle, not sure exactly what it is about this serum, but I saw dramatic improvements in skin texture after a few uses. It reduces inflammation, fades healing spots, and brightens overall. The cooling effect makes me a little nostalgic for Sea Breeze. 
If you are looking to give iS Clinical Active Serum a try, shop around. There is a wide variance in pricing across retailers, and it comes in a few different size bottles. Do your research and you can find a respectable deal. This effective serum is well worth the splurge. 
StriVectin was one of the first medico-prestige brands to hit the scene about eight years ago, but I never really got on board because frankly the word “StriVectin” sounds too much like a herpes treatment. 
In the service of finding an effective product to combat hyperpigmentation, enter StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum. StriVectin claims this serum “gently and effectively resurfaces the skin with results starting in as little as a week while promoting visibly healthier skin, with a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles within 28 days.”
In a word, bollocks. This product did little to nothing for evening skin tone, and there are less expensive and more effective chemical exfoliators available. After using the entire bottle, improvements were imperceptible.
Pinkish clear and lightly fragranced, this serum dries quickly and leaves the skin feeling tight. Only those with the oiliest of skin would find this product adequately moisterizing on its own. Most serums are not intended as all-in-one products, so best not to go in with that expectation. 
This product is at best mediocre and not worth the nearly sixty dollar asking price. The best thing about it is the packaging. The glass bottle and dropper are both high quality, as demonstrated by the precise control the user has over the amount of product dispensed. Other companies should take note – product waste resulting from poor package design is extremely frustrating and unforgivable. 