'The collagen gel you'll be buying on repeat for juicy, plump skin.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Dr LeWinn's

I've been testing beauty products for over 15 years, and you wouldn't know that by looking at me, because I have the plump and juicy skin of a lass in her twenties.

I also have the confidence and delusions of a middle-aged mediocre man, but that's not important for today.

What is, is that I've been trialling products for a very long time, so I know pretty damn quickly whether something is good or not.

And Dr LeWinn's Collagen Surge Plumping Pearls are REAL good. As soon as I peeled back the seal and saw juicy pink pearls nestled in the jar, I suspected we were onto a good thing, and I was correct. I also had a hunch it would be phenomenal simply because Dr LeWinn's formulated it. They're one of Australia's oldest and most trusted skincare brands, with a strong understanding of how the harsh climate impacts our skin and what products are needed to support it.

With more than three decades of scientific research backing their launches, the brand combines clinically-tested ingredients with innovative formulas designed to protect the skin and help restore its natural resilience.

Image: Supplied.

What do the Dr LeWinn's Collagen Surge Plumping Pearls actually do?

The whole idea is that the pearls are advanced pearl technology: cosmetic collagen encapsulated in a gel that delivers hydration and a more sculpted look. The key ingredients include collagen, Tri-Peptide-5, and superior-grade hyaluronic acid. All together, the combo is designed to plump, hydrate and smooth your skin's appearance. 

If you haven't heard of tripeptide-5 before, that's acceptable, you're not a scientist. I'll try to explain what it is and why it's a key ingredient. Basically, it's a synthetic peptide, which is a short chain of amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that's designed to work in harmony with your skin's natural structure, helping your complexion look plump, smooth and firm.

Your skin can't just absorb collagen in a way that would be beneficial, but what it can do is absorb ingredients that support your skin's ability to maintain its own collagen network for a healthy, refreshed appearance.

Make sense?

I initially looked online at what people were saying about Dr LeWinn's Collagen Surge Plumping Pearls (both on their own website and in this Mamamia article), and one thing people keep mentioning in reviews is the hydration boost it gives your skin. Which many of us desperately need in this climate. A lot of testers noticed their skin felt plumper and more hydrated as soon as an hour after use, and that hydration lasted. In their own independent lab study, 84 per cent of participants reported their skin felt visibly plumper after an hour, and 88 per cent reported that their skin felt more hydrated after an hour.

How do you use it? 

Image: Supplied.

You scoop the little pearls out with a little spatula (yes, there is a point to the spatula, and that point is an appreciation for hygiene — no one wants bacteria in the product, potentially reducing its effectiveness!). Then either massage them between your fingertips, or apply them straight to your face to massage in. The pearls burst into a silky gel as you apply them to your face, neck and décolletage. 

What does it feel like?

I love skincare products that feel fun and novel to apply, or offer up a really calming sensory experience before you even notice any results — and this jar of goodness gives me all of that. 

It's a product that's great for all skin types due to both the formula and the texture. As it melts into the skin, the finish is more gel-like than creamy, meaning it's fab for oilier skin types who prefer something light — your skin will feel soft and refreshed. But it's also good for drier skin types (whose skin will DRINK this up), as the formula layers beautifully with other products (both skincare and makeup), so you can add in after applying your serum or before a heavier cream. 

Where do I use it in my skincare routine? 

This collagen gel can be used in your morning and night routines. Of course, it depends on your skin type as to when you use it in your routine; so you would either use it as the last step in your skincare (before SPF in the morning) if you have combo/oily skin, or before a heavier cream or oil if you're leaning drier. 

A handy rule of thumb for skincare routines is thinnest to thickest, starting with the serum you want to do the most 'work' (for example, your vitamin C or retinol).

How does it make my skin look?

PLUMP. Juicy and plump. As someone with VERY dry, dehydrated skin, I absolutely love how it feels and looks on my skin. It's a fantastic product and has impressed me in a sea of products that… well, don't. My skin appears supple and glowy, and feels really soft. I also find the sensory experience of melting the pearls into my skin super satisfying. 

So, if you're into skincare that feels luxurious and fun but also delivers noticeable hydration and a smoother skin look, these Collagen Surge Plumping Pearls are definitely worth a try!

Shop Dr LeWinn's Collagen Surge Plumping Pearls.

Independent Laboratory study results based on self-evaluation of 25 participants of a 4 week clinical study, after 1 hour of use.

Featured image: Supplied.

Thanks to our partner Dr. LeWinn's – Australian skincare expertise, tested by Australia.