We tested Kate Middleton’s favorite Lancôme anti-aging hyaluronic acid – and it’s now on sale

Despite having three young children, tons of royal responsibilities, and always being on the go, Kate Middleton never ceases to amaze us when it comes to her plump, glowing, youthful skin. Lucky for us, many of the products she uses are super affordable—including one serum in particular that I tested for myself.

The Princess of Wales has been a longtime fan of Lancôme products and even wore the brand’s Hypnose Mascara and Artliner eyeliner to achieve her iconic smokey eye look at her wedding. But it’s Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Serum we’re talking about today, and it’s been reported that Kate carries a bottle in her make-up bag to help combat the signs of late nights, long flights and big events.

Usually priced at £67 for a 30ml bottle, the anti-ageing serum has dropped to £53.60 on Lancôme’s own website and £60.30 on LookFantastic. With over 25,400 five-star reviews and given it’s got the royal seal of approval, I knew I had to try this ‘magical’ serum for myself – and luckily I picked up a free sample during my trip to John Lewis, while I was looking for a new hyaluronic acid.

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“I keep getting asked if I’ve had Botox after using an incredible £25 anti-aging serum”

Like Princess Kate, I’ve always been a fan of the brand and have fond memories of rummaging through my mum’s make-up bag trying out a range of Lancôme goodies – so when it comes to skincare I’m happy to trust in that. Lancôme’s Génifique Advanced Youth Activating Serum is inspired by microbiome science and is formulated to protect the skin’s natural barrier to help defend against pollution, cold weather and temperature changes.

Seven extracts derived from pre- and probiotics are combined with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, helping to hydrate and visibly smooth skin. Ideal if you suffer from dry skin, the formula maintains hydration while boosting natural radiance, which could be why Princess Kate is always glowing.

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the lightweight serum should be used to prep your skin before applying your favorite moisturizer and any makeup you may be wearing that day.

Considering it’s quite expensive, I wanted to test the product for at least a week before committing to buying the larger bottle – and I can say I’m impressed. The water-like texture is super hydrating without leaving a sticky or greasy residue on the skin, which means it’s perfectly primed for my day and night moisturizer.

I really like how the serum is clear as it absorbs into my skin within seconds leaving just a beautiful glow. The best part for me has to be the immediate cooling effect it has on your skin which is ideal for keeping you refreshed on the go this summer. It’s not heavily scented either, so it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin.

I’m not the only fan of the serum, as thousands of shoppers have left five-star reviews on the Lancôme website, calling the skincare hero “beauty in a bottle” and “go-to for healthy looking skin!’

Like all skin care products, the serum doesn’t work for everyone, and some have found little or no results, even after using it for a few months. One shopper said: “I love Lancôme and always enjoy trying their new products. I’ve been using this product for about six months and haven’t seen much results.”

If you don’t want to splurge on just one product, a great and affordable alternative I recommend is The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum 2% + B5, priced at just £8.80 for a 30ml bottle. Similar to its pricier Lancôme counterpart, the budget-friendly hydrating serum instantly hydrates and plumps while smoothing texture and wrinkles.