Stop everything: the Mamonde Red Energy Recovery Serum is so good you need to hear all about it. And to think, I almost didn’t buy this beauty miracle.

Allow me to set the scene on how said beauty travesty almost occurred. During one of my many beauty shopping trips in Busan, a lovely sales assistant told me how amazing this serum was. I tested a sample and loved how smooth it made my skin. However, with sheer determination to stick to my K-beauty shopping list, I didn’t buy it. How foolish of me…

This was obviously a TOTALLY bad decision because this serum followed me around Korea like you wouldn’t believe. Now, it’s no secret I have very little willpower (if you don’t believe, why not check out my beauty hauls from Korea?) so it’s not surprising I eventually cracked, leaving Myeongdong with not one but two bottles.

Presented in a stunning glass bottle with a stylish red gradient colour scheme, it’s hardly surprised this kept catching my eye in Korea. I would ordinarily feel kinda bad about such a splurge but when a product is this glorious, I feel zero guilt.

Nourishing ingredients for clear skin

This innovative serum certainly packs a punch and works in three ways. The first aim is to improve the skin’s moisture levels to provide a healthy glow. Secondly, it aims to restore stressed skin and protect skin that’s exposed to daily environmental factors such as heat, air pollution and UV exposure. The final aim is to boost the skin’s texture and encourage a brighter and more hydrated complexion.

Mamonde is definitely bringing out the big guns with their trademarked Blossoming Energy™ ingredient. The result of their 28-year research into the study of flowers, it can boost tired skin, give you an enviable glow and smooth the skin’s texture. With a strengthened skin barrier, you’re guaranteed glowing skin befitting of any Korean idol.

Another ingredient to watch out for is pomegranate. Full of polyphenols (high in antioxidants), it can protect skin from the sun’s UV rays. It also contains high levels of vitamins B and C to smooth skin and boost elasticity.

Familiar skin care hero ingredients

Seeing niacinamide high up on the ingredients list is no surprise. Known to improve an uneven skin tone, minimise redness and eliminate skin pigmentation, it’s one of the best skin-brightening ingredients. Tranexamic acid is quickly becoming one of my new favourite skin care saviours thanks to its ability to lower skin sensitivity in the sun (hurrah!), brighten skin and banish pesky roughness. It also moisturises skin so a parched complexion is a thing of the past!

Sodium hyaluronate works hard to help your skin retain moisture and is also beneficial in treating fine lines and wrinkles. Speaking of fine lines, adenosine also smooths the surface of the skin to promote a youthful complexion. Beta glucan helps protect skin from environmental damage by strengthening the skin’s barrier. Rosehip is contains polyphenols and vitamin E to protect skin from signs of ageing, reduce inflammation (this also helps sooth rosacea!) and smooth rough skin.

If you like avoiding harmful ingredients, you’ll be pleased to know the formula is free from mineral oil, animal ingredients, parabens and artificial colourants, among a few others. The extremely mild formula is suitable for all skin types, especially those with rosacea and/or sensitive skin.

A superb brightening serum from Korea

This serum is such a pleasure to use. Lightweight with a lovely silky texture, it absorbs into my skin in seconds. In the morning, I apply two pumps after a toner and essence and in the evening I apply it after a vitamin C serum, toner and essence. Because the formula has a gel-type consistency (but thinner) it’s easy to layer with the rest of my skin care routine. I also love the fresh scent.

According to Mamonde, the skin-smoothing effects of this Red Energy serum are noticeable after five days. A little sceptical of this claim, I tried it for five days after which I noticed an immediate improvement. My skin was glowing and looked less congested. I’ve been using it twice every day ever since and love how bouncy and plump my skin feels.

I have a visibly firmer complexion and my skin looks clearer and brighter. The redness in my cheeks disappears along with skin roughness around my cheeks and chin. This really does work wonders!

I’m eternally grateful for the helpful staff in Korea for bringing this superb serum to my attention.

If you’re interested in finding out what else I bought in Korea, why not discover my review of the Shangpree Marine Jewel Illuminating Mask?

Mamonde at Aritaum, approximately £31