Superdrug Optimum PhytoSurvive Multi-Protect Serum Review

Optimum skincare is one of Superdrug's own brands and is marketed as more cutting edge than their B range. The brand "harnesses the power of technology" to provide "high-tech skincare to women of all ages."  Products from Optimum skincare are "infused with natural ingredients." The brand uses "the highest quality ingredients to create indulgent, luxurious and effective formulas." Optimum products are cruelty free and suitable for vegetarians and most products are vegan.

Optimum PhytoSurvive Multi-Protective Serum is part of the PhytoSurvive range which concentrates on reducing environmentally stressed skin such as wind chapped skin and pollution. It is also designed for those over 40. Although I'm not yet in my 40's I chose it anyway as I had read good reviews. My skin can get a little dry and tight across my cheeks during the colder months so I picked up this "Anti-Stress 24-hour Hydrating Serum."  It contains PhytoSnow-Algae and Vitamin E to increase the skin’s resilience and adaptability to everyday environmental stress factors. It is also infused with MoistBoost, a slow-release hydrating complex, which has been clinically proven to soften and improve skin’s suppleness throughout the day providing a brighter and smoother complexion. Optimum describes this serum as having a "silky lightweight texture, which absorbs quickly on application to provide immediate and long lasting hydration." They claim that this serum prolongs skin hydration up to 5 days after application.

Onto the packaging, the grey/silver bottle is very sleek and scientific looking and matches the brand's image. It has a pump which works well and one pump is enough for the whole face. The only down side is that you can't see how much is left in the bottle so you have to judge by the weight.

Optimum PhytoSurvive Multi Protect Serum is a pale white, gel consistency and smells like a nice shampoo. I've been using it morning and evening under moisturiser for the last two months. It's a lightweight serum but it does take awhile to absorb into the skin. After I've applied it I often go and do something else and then come back a few minutes later to apply my moisturiser on top. This is a decent hydrating serum and has kept dry skin at bay. It has made my skin softer but I haven't really noticed any brightening effects. When I occasionally skipped using this I did notice my skin felt a little tight so it does keep you hydrated but not so much that it "prolongs skin hydration up to 5 days after application," but 24 hours I'd agree with. Serums can be very expensive but this is a steal at the regular price £12.99! At the moment it's on offer for £6.35! However it is very heavily scented and while it hasn't broken me out or set my asthma off it probably won't be a repeat purchase for this reason. If you love scented products then I can see that this ticks the boxes for an affordable, effective serum with a luxury spa scent. 

Optimum Optimum PhytoSurvive Multi-Protective Serum 30ml is available at Superdrug now £6.35 (normally £12.99)

A 75p Shampoo and Conditioner? Aldi's Provive Vs Pantene Pro-V

As far as shampoos go, I've always been monogamous. For years I've been using Pantene ProV in Classic Clean and using either Pantene or Tresemme conditioner. The reason for this devotion is that it makes my hair shiny which I always get complimented on, but more importantly for me it makes my hair less greasy so I can wash my hair every other day instead of everyday.

However when I spotted Carino Provive Shampoo in the aisles of Aldi I was curious to try it out, especially as it was only 75p! 75p has got to be the cheapest I've ever paid for shampoo! It's obviously branded as a cheaper dupe for Pantene and contains the same ingredient: Panthenol. The packaging is very basic, the white bottle and flip lid are the same as Pantene but I'm not into the yellow and orange circles it reminds me of those painkillers packaging and adverts which makes it look unsophisticated in comparison. There are 3 shampoos in the range, this one for normal and fine hair , one for dry and damaged hair and another for coloured/dyed hair. Carino's Pro Vive Shampoo for coloured hair came top in a test by the Daily Mail.

This shampoo for normal and fine hair, is dermatologically tested and is free of MI (Methylisothiazolinone) and MCI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone) two preservatives that can cause contact dermatitis (skin allergy) making it an affordable alternative to Pantene which contains these preservatives. Since I have sensitive skin and eczema, I'd rather avoid these ingredients whenever possible. Both shampoos have many ingredients in common. According to Aldi (Carino) this shampoo is ''Specially formulated for normal, fine or lifeless hair, to give added volume. The extra mild formula with it's special complex of uplifting ingredients and a hydrating complex including Pro Vitamin B5, B6 and B3 adds volume, whilst gently cleansing hair from root to tip, leaving it shiny and attractive'.

I've been using this for the last 3 and a half months. It has a really nice scent, very fresh and somewhat floral without being overpowering. The consistency of the shampoo is the same thick pearly white like Pantene shampoo. The Provive shampoo lathers well (but not as much as Pantene) and does a good job of washing my hair. However day 2 hair is a bit more greasier than if I use my normal Pantene shampoo. It does a better job than some shampoos I've tried though, and my hair was shiny afterwards and looked good. As my hair is naturally thick  I can't comment on how well it added volume but it didn't leave my hair flat. However with repeated use (from the third wash onwards) I've noticed a lot of dandruff and my hair itches in between washes. I occasionally get dandruff with Pantene but not nearly as much as every wash and my hair never itches between washes. This shampoo would be better for those with normal hair and maybe on rotation with other shampoos. Definitely not for sensitive scalps and those who are dandruff prone.

Looking at the price it's a bargain compared to Pantene. Pantene Pro V Classic Clean Shampoo costs £2.75 for 250ml and £3.25 for 400ml. In contrast Carino Provive Shampoo Volume and Protect is 75p for 300ml - under a third of the price.

Would I repurchase?  No. Although it washed my hair ok, it didn't really control my oily roots and  I felt it was drying my scalp and causing dandruff. It's definitely not a good dupe for the original Pantene shampoo. I would give this 1/5 and wouldn't recommend it.

The Carino Provive Conditioner Volume and Protect is for normal and fine hair and contains Panthenol, pro vitamin B3, B5 and B6. It claims to 'give added volume making it easier to comb, protect hair against stresses caused by hairdryers or brushing...without making it heavy and (with) great body and style to last.' Again the Carino Provive Conditioner has a lot of the same ingredients except that it is  MI (Methylisothiazolinone) and MCI (Methylchloroisothiazolinone) free. It's also dermatology tested. It has a very similar scent to the Carino Provive shampoo but a tad more subtle. It is an opaque pearly white and just as thick and substantial in consistency as Pantene. Unlike the Pantene conditioner the Provive conditioner says to leave the conditioner in for a few minutes before rinsing.

I've been using this for the last 2 months. I have greasy roots and dry ends so I only apply conditioner to the mid length and the ends of my hair. Currently my hair is long as reaches down to my chest and found it just as easy to comb afterwards as Pantene. I almost always hairdryer after washing my hair and my hair did not seem drier that usual or damaged by heat. My hair is normally quite thick with a lot of volume so I didn't notice any difference there. It definitely did not feel heavy after using this conditioner which is due to Cyclopentasiloxane a silicone that it doesn’t leave your hair feeling weighed down afterwards. It didn't feel like it heavily moisturised or softened hair but it doesn't claim to. Pantene's claims are slightly different from Carino Provive Conditioner in that it's claims concentrates on shininess and healthy 'nourished' hair after use. Those who find Pantene makes their hair feel too heavy may want to give this a go.

Pricewise Aldi Carino Provive Conditioner contains 300ml for 75p while Pantene give you 250ml for £3.75 (Sainsbury's.) Although the bottled amount is different Aldi clearly saves you more money.

 Would I repurchase? Yes, especially if I was skint towards the end of the month. It is not strictly a true dupe for Pantene Classic Hair conditioner, in that while it is easier to comb it doesn't moisturise hair as much but also doesn't weigh it down - it's sort of a lighter version of the Pantene original.
This would be good for bargain hunters and students. 4/5.

This post is not sponsored by Aldi or Carino and I was not compensated or given any free samples. I bought and compared these shampoo and conditioners with my own money.