'I tried the cult skincare duo everyone's raving about. Here's my honest verdict.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Elizabeth Arden

Now, I don't know about you, but something about this time of year always screams skincare overhaul.

We're heading into the cooler months (hello, heaters and dry air), which means my skin officially starts throwing tantrums. So, I figured it was time to step things up.

This year, I've made it my mission to simplify my skincare — no more playing around with a million products and complicated 10-step routines. Instead, I'm focusing on hydration and actually sticking to products that work.

Full transparency: I haven't exactly been showing my skin much love lately — and yes, I've definitely gone to bed a few times without doing a single thing to it. Not my finest moments, I know.

So, with all that in mind, I figured it was the perfect time to put Elizabeth Arden's PREVAGE® 3-in-1 Reset Serum ($175) and PREVAGE® Multi-Restorative Soft Cream ($195) to the test.

I'd heard all the glowing reviews about these cult favourites — but let's be real, they're a spendy duo. So I decided to see for myself if they actually lived up to the hype (and the price tag).

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So, what makes this duo so popular?

Dubbed the "Collagen Power Duo", these two claim to boost collagen by up to 121 per cent when used together. As someone who loves knowing exactly what I'm putting on my face, I had to dig into the ingredients — and let me tell you, they're impressive.

Both products contain idebenone, a potent antioxidant that helps defend the skin against environmental stressors and improve the appearance of fine lines, dryness and uneven texture. They also feature carnosine, another antioxidant known to help maintain the skin's healthy appearance.

In the serum specifically, you'll find argireline — a peptide commonly used to soften the appearance of expression lines. While the cream includes rice peptides, which support the skin's natural barrier and helps it appear smoother, calmer and more hydrated.

How do they feel on the skin?

There's just something about boujee skincare that hits different.

After I cleansed my skin both in the morning and at night, I first applied the 3-in-1 Reset Serum, followed by the Multi-Restorative Soft Cream. They layered beautifully (even under makeup) and instantly made my routine feel more impactful. It's like having a little bit of self-care in two bottles, ready to use every day.

Before and after. Image: Supplied.

Both products feel silky and luxe, leaving your skin instantly looking fresher and more hydrated. They're rich without being heavy — nourishing, but still lightweight and non-greasy. Basically, they tick every box for me right now — especially as someone well and truly in their "my skin needs help" era.

As we age, our collagen production drops off and our skin starts getting... fussy. That's why it's so important to support our skin barrier and give it what it needs. This duo does just that — helps to boost, protect and hydrate in just two easy steps.

The verdict.

These two products are seriously gorgeous, and you can feel the quality from the moment you apply them.

I love that you can use both morning and night — no fuss, just two reliable products doing what they're meant to. With how hectic life gets, that simplicity has been a total lifesaver — we all need a routine we can actually stick to.

After two weeks, my skin looked fresher, felt softer and my makeup lasted longer throughout the day. My fine lines appeared less noticeable, and my face just felt... juicy (in the best possible way).

Image: Supplied.

Am I expecting a miracle? No. I'm a 54-year-old woman who knows skincare isn't magic — but I am using every last drop of this duo, because the results speak for themselves.

Is the duo expensive? Yep.

But are they worth the splurge? Absolutely.

You know that rare moment when you try something new and immediately get why people rave about it? That. They've fully earned their permanent spot on my shelf.

Shop Elizabeth Arden's PREVAGE® range online, or at Myer, David Jones, Adore Beauty and selected pharmacies.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Correct the past and protect the future of your skin with Elizabeth Arden top line, anti-ageing skin care, PREVAGE®.