Ultra R4 Collagen Surge Plumping Gel

It was nice to receive this product in one of the BeautyHeaven marketplace events. This is a gel-based moisturiser that comes in a 30ml jar. The formula is very interesting with the addition of Neodermyl - a combination of muthylglucoside phosphate, proline, lysine and also copper, marketed as being able to increase the production of collagen and elastin in skin. The reduction in collagen and production is the cause of loss of firmness and elasticity in aging skin. The formula also contains ginseng (antioxidant) and centella asiatica (soothing) extracts, and cermaide 3. The jar comes with a small spatula and the contents are a gel that also contains these pink balls that you need to massage into your skin to dissolve. I found the balls a bit fiddly because some of them end up on my fingers instead of my face when I spread the product (I'm too impatient to use the spatula but I always wash my hands before applying skincare). I'm not sure if the pearls serve any functional purpose. When mixed together, it becomes like a sort of gel-cream texture. The gel-cream itself is very pleasant - it's hydrating, slightly cooling in summer and doesn't just evaporate and disappear. There is some fragrance but it's not overpowering. What I do love about this product is that it keeps my face hydrated and doesn't just disappear after getting absorbed. There is almost a sleeping mask-like quality to it. I can use it under sunscreen (no pilling) in the morning, over tretinoin at night. I found that it works really well with my Medicube Age-R Booster pro device, as it gives my skin surface a lovely slip so that the device glides over my skin and doesn't tug, and it lasts for the minutes needed for the treatment. Since I'm using other strong actives and beauty devices, I can't credit this product for any improvement in terms of firmness and elasticity, but I'd consider repurchasing for the pleasant texture alone.

I must admit, I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to my skincare. I like it simple, active and effective. For that reason, I really was not a fan of this moisturiser. I found the semi-solid pearls floating in a light gel base quite disconcerting and bit food-like. Once I started rubbing the moisturiser in, the pearls did break down and the cream got quite thick and luxurious, but I think I would have greatly preferred it if it just came that way. The pearls may it feel a bit cheap and gimmicky. If that texture does something to make the product more effective, tell me that clearly. But otherwise, just stick with a regular cream. It is also quite expensive at $75 for 30ml. At that price point, I can find other products I’d much prefer to buy.

I received this in a Priceline skincare bag. This is a nice hydrating gel moisturiser that has little pearls in it. It came with a little spatula applicator with it, but I admit I misplaced it. I find the little capsules will fall off when you're applying the product if you're not careful. The packaging is heavy and lux but also deceptive as it is the same size as some 50g moisturisers I have. I have been using this for a while and did not notice any anti-aging benefits for my skin, but it is quite hydrating. I like that it is Australian made but I would probably not repurchase it.

This was a much appreciated bonus at the Best in Beauty event. Dr LeWinn’s is owned by McPherson’s who also own a number of other well known brands. They are Australian owned and made but I do not know if they test on animals or not. I wasn’t sure at first if this is supposed to be a serum or a moisturizer, initially I used it as a serum with spf sunscreen on top but reading a few reviews it seems I should use it on top of my serum. Today I used a serum first on half of my face and I can’t really see a great difference. The contents of the pot are not as much as you’d think on first inspection however of course it does contain what it says. If you look at the base of the pot I’d say the bit that contains the gel is about 60-70% of the total diameter. It comes with a nice little metal spatula that I will keep for other products after I’ve finished this. This is possibly the weirdest looking product I've put on my face – it is a pale pink gel containing opaque globules. Caviar or frog spawn come to mind! However, these little blobs dissolve into your skin straight away leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. I haven’t seen any long term benefit yet but I do think my skin has looked better while using this. It has a slight pleasant smell and you don’t need a lot although I’ve been using it quite generously. Had I paid for this myself I would have used it more sparingly as it is not cheap. If this is in your budget I would definitely recommend giving it a try My moisturizer stash is currently too big to necessitate buying more soon but I will try to remember to consider it when I do next need some.

I haven't used a Dr LeWinn's product in decades, since I wasn't blown away by past products, BUT the Ultra R4 Collagen Surge Plumping Gel is excellent! I received it at the Beauty Heaven Best in Beauty Marketplace event, and have been enjoying using it since. It's actually changed my perception of Dr LeWinn's - I am so impressed with this moisturiser! The gel leaves my skin feeling soft, moisturised and plumped. The gel has a fresh fragrance that I like, and it has a caviar-like texture with little pink collagen pearls that dissolve once they are on my skin. While the collagen pearls dissolve quite rapidly, I do have to chase them around my face sometimes, so that can mean application is not as fast as other moisturisers. But the lovely moisturising effect on my skin makes it worthwhile!