Chanel • Hydramax + Sérum • Treatments

Where To Buy?

Kittea on 2/5/2012 10:49:00 PM more reviews by Kittea

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I enjoyed this product thoroughly, but I don't think I would buy it again right away. I am almost finished with the bottle, and I've used it religiously through out the winter. My skin is oily, and this has neither caused excess oil nor has it helped reduce it. It makes my skin feel quite soft, but other than that, nothing. I was hoping that by adding moisture to my skin, my oiliness would go down a bit and make my skin a bit more normal, but this had no effect.

I am more interested in trying out serums that improve tone and texture at the moment, so I'm going to take a beak from this and see how different my skin is after not using it for awhile. I just feel like there are so many other serums that have beneficial effects on skin, whereas this is meant only to provide moisture, and for the price I think I might be able to find something cheaper and just as effective. It isn't a bad product, it just didn't leave me wowed even after using up the whole bottle.

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kmichael on 10/21/2011 2:30:00 PM more reviews by kmichael

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

This is the best moisturizer/serum I have ever used, period. Does wonders for my sensitive, eczema-prone dry skin and never feels greasy. Looks good under makeup, and a tiny drop goes a long way. It seems expensive, but you really don't need that much and $110 USD has lasted me 6 months - and I'm only half done with the bottle. Unless you're a giant or you use it on your whole body, it's completely worth it. ;) I also find that when I use this, my skin heals faster if I have a breakout. When I'm really dry, I layer it over Philosophy's Hope in a Jar at night and I wake up looking like I grew new skin overnight.

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*TOP REVIEWER* maliastyle on 4/12/2011 11:07:00 AM more reviews by maliastyle

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Can I live without this product now? Probably not, but the $120 CDN for 50ml pricetag makes me wish I could.




My skin is combination to oily, but thanks to a lack of water in my diet (my fault, and so easy to remedy - I'm just so lazy) my skin tends to be dehydrated and flaky. I first started using Hydramax when my skin was having a bit of a freakout - perhaps a reaction to something new - but I got it back in control by using this after an Olay Pro X/Avene cleansing gel regimen. I don't use this on its own, and I only use it in the evening.




I was advised by the Chanel rep to always seal it with another moisturizer, as it's meant just to boost moisture, not to actually provide it. She didn't sell it as one of those do-it-all serums - it wouldn't fight signs of aging, it wouldn't combat wrinkles, it wouldn't drive me to work in the morning. It would just give me an extra jump; a drink of water for my face, if you will.




Whatever it is, this sweetly scented serum is working wonders for me, or at least in partnership with everything else I'm doing (which is a fairly bland skincare routine). My skin feels more velvety smooth, and my flakes are gone. It doesn't clog my pores and hasn't caused a breakout. All great things.

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dramsicle on 3/20/2010 7:54:00 PM more reviews by dramsicle

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This product smells great; however, it might be a bit strong to those who can't take strong fragrances. It kind of smells like peach almost. I have extremely oily skin, but I decided to give it a shot when my face got kind of dry from acne products. It worked really well. It did not feel way too heavy on my skin. My face became pretty moisturized after a few applications. I have tried applying this before applying my foundation, and it made blending way easier. It's a pretty good product and it is kinda pricey. I did not break out from it

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*TOP REVIEWER* olympialetantoli on 2/27/2010 11:34:00 AM more reviews by olympialetantoli

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Chanel makes some amazing products and if you can stand the scent, then go for it. I bought this after a makeover at Chanel. I wouldn't use this as a moisturizer, its used to seal in moisture really. I would moisturize first and then apply the serum. It acts like a barrier between your skin and makeup. The girl who did my makeover applied this first to my skin to reduce redness (she said her husband even uses it) and helps reduce oily production throughout the day. I didn't achieve this for me, but it didn't hurt me either. It felt like a primer since it left a layer of softness, not like a balm. It filled in my pores and smoothed my skin. Very comfortable to wear under makeup. You only need one pump for coverage, perhaps two if you want to have super soft and silky skin. The package was great, the pump gives out the perfect amount in my opinion. I used it up very quickly 5 months and it was done. But aside from soothing and feeling lovely, it wasn't amazing in terms of moisture. Didn't feel a difference in my skins moisture and my skin was still pretty oily after three hours. It gave me an all over healthy look and made the surface of my skin nicer for makeup application. So I would buy it as a primer again if I have the cash to spend. But its so pricey that at this point I'd rather not and stick to MACs primer.

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*TOP REVIEWER* luluhalabaloo on 2/21/2010 5:07:00 PM more reviews by luluhalabaloo

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I cannot believe I haven't reviewed this product yet. I have been using the serum since it was first introduced (a believe at least an iteration ago). It is wonderful in this iteration, it moisturizes well although I wouldn't go so far to use this as my moisturizer only, and it seems to calm my sensitive skin and redness down. I love the feel of it, the slip, it isn't oily, and sinks in quickly while leaving what seems like a lipid barrier on the skin which is good for retaining moisture. The only thing I don't like about this particular version is the smell. I genuinely cannot stand the smell, and for that reason, I have been looking at other brands. I haven't smelled the new Hydramax + Active serum yet, so that is next on the list when I run out of this. The pump is great and so hygenic, by the way. If you need moisture, this is a great product to help.

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*TOP REVIEWER* carita on 2/17/2010 5:16:00 AM more reviews by carita

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have oily skin, but winter made it pretty dehydrated.
I have used the serum on its own and in the conjonction with Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. The serum is lightweight. It spreads very easily and sinks in immediately. It didn’t clog my pores and made my skin more oily.
I’ve noticed that it hepled in some degree with dehydration, but I think that the winer and central heating dried out my skin beyond its power to moisturize it. I think it might be good to use during spring or autumn, but this won’t help very dehydrated skin.
What I don’t like is that the serum is blue. I don’t think this was necessary.
Another bad point is that it has very strong fragrance, that kind of smell that screams that there is more perfume than any other ingredients. I usually don’t have problems vith highly perfumed products, but this was too much even for me. The only good thing is that after five to ten minutes the smell disappears.
The product comes in a pump bottle, which is very hygienic.
I wouldn’t repurchase it. The serum wasn’t bad, but the fragrance is so strong and overpowering and I’m sure that there are other, less perfumed, but equally good serums.

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*TOP REVIEWER* chanel277 on 10/9/2009 8:39:00 AM more reviews by chanel277

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have used only 2 serums that were only for hydration the one was form Dior from the hydraction line and the second one is this one and for sure this is by far better.In terms of packaging both products are equally good,both come with a pump in an airless packaging.In terms of price,Chanel's is slightly more expensive but the difference is so little that I don't care.Both serums are very light Dior's is a clear gel and Chanel's is light blue and slightly thicker.Chanel's serum also has stronger scent but doesn't bothers me at all because smells like skin care and not like perfume.In terms of performance now this serum works much much better on me.Dior's broke me out horribly and even it was lighter after 2-3 hours my skin was oily but never with this one.I use this every morning and never brokes me out or irritates my skin,I feel my skin very smooth and slightly plumped and the thing that I like the most is that I feel like I put water on my skin and not something very oily.I also find that Chanel's serum contains much more "interesting" ingredients.In general I m very happy with this serum,I feel my skin so fresh and healthy when I use this and sometimes when my skin isn't that dry I use it but it self without any cream on top of it.Spreads on the skin amazing a tiny amount goes a long way so this lasts long also.Moisturizes very well that well that I can skip the moisturizer as I said earlier.In general I m very happy with Chanel's serums I feel that they are actually serums and not just a moisturizers lighter version

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tengyteng on 10/2/2009 10:51:00 AM more reviews by tengyteng

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is a great product, did magic on my sensitive combination skin and is non oily. LOVE it!

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halve_moon on 9/28/2009 4:39:00 AM more reviews by halve_moon

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I was in Tokyo wanting to try the new powder foundation when I got introduced to this product. The SA wiped my face clean of any powder I used beforehand and then she remarked that my chin and cheeks are dry. I did notice my skin was flaking for a few days before. So she put on the hydrating nanolotion, the hydramax serum and the hydramax cream before she starts to put on make up. I think the hydramax serum is really nice coz the flakiness in my skin just disappeared when she applied it. So I bought it and give it a try.

After a few days of using it, my skin felt more hydrated and the flakes were completely gone. But when I came back to my country which is much more humid than the weather in Japan, I realized it's a bit too much for my skin. So I went back to my usual skincare regime, replacing the hydrating nanolotion and the hydramax serum with my usual toning lotion and serum. However, when travelling to a country with lower humidity, I would definitely bring this along as my skin needs it to keep it hydrated. I love the smell and the texture of this serum. 2 pumps for the whole face is enough to keep the skin hydrated. A must for my travel skincare set.

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dempsj on 8/23/2009 8:57:00 AM more reviews by dempsj

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

Not nearly as good as you'd think it would be. Initially, it feels great on your skin, but it has no longevity. In a few hours you feel quite dry. There are many other skin care brands that do great moisturisers/ serums for a quarter of the price of the Chanel. Try them.

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ilorietta on 8/22/2009 10:35:00 AM more reviews by ilorietta

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

My skin had a burning sensation any time I tried to use it...not much hydration either. I am not impressed with the skincare line in general.

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Jettaine on 8/22/2009 9:25:00 AM more reviews by Jettaine

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Other    

I have been using this product day and night and it has kept my face well hydrated through winter in Australia. the result after combining with the Chanel Hydramax creme moisturiser is very pleasing. The stronger smell in the serum is covered by the more gentler smell of the creme moisturiser. and the hydration results does last throughout the day. In terms of department store brands, this serum isn't one of the pricey range *amazing* it's actually on par with Biotherm. The quality of the packaging is quite nice also.

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dededa80 on 6/23/2009 3:58:00 PM more reviews by dededa80

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This serum is very hydrating. I don't feel any oily effects after I put it, and my skin feels nice and supple after putting this on. However, the only set back is there's this strong fragrance smell that comes with all Chanel products. It took me a little while to get use to...aside from that the product comes in a wondeful package and it is definitely a good proudct to keep. Works for my oily, and acne prone skin very well.

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Jstar2009 on 6/18/2009 9:54:00 AM more reviews by Jstar2009

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

SENSITIVE SKIN BE WARNED! Whatever is in this serum broke my skin out along my jaw line. Not just spots it was more like a chemical burn! The Hydramax cream is more gentle but this should be used with caution. This is the only product my skin has reacted badly to. You can find much more hydrating creams out there- the combined price of this serum and the cream (which are suposed to be used in tandem together) can get you a pot of Creme de La Mer which is a great moisturiser. Or simply go to your local store and get Nivea Soft. Chanel should still to clothes, their skin care is full of chemicals.

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Rodjan on 6/14/2009 4:42:00 AM more reviews by Rodjan

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I was using a sample of this serum under my Hydramax gel cream, but it started to breaking me out within a week! It glides very smoothly, and I love the scent, but unfortnately it doesn't work for my skin :(

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Kat75 on 6/12/2009 6:27:00 PM more reviews by Kat75

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This is a nice hydrating serum. It is absorbed quickly, doesn't leave a greasy feeling, and it smells good. It hydrates well. However, you can't use this alone without a moisturizer as I was told by the SA. You have to wear a moisturizer on top of this. This only gives extra hydration when you need it especially during winter. So far, it's working for me. I'm almost done with my first bottle. I only use this during winter though as my skin gets too oily when I use this in the summer.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Jaysta1985 on 5/25/2009 7:39:00 PM more reviews by Jaysta1985

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

The good old Hydramax Serum. The texture of the serum is very light and it goes on to my skin really easy. I have used two bottles of this stuff and whilst it hasn't done wonders for my skin it was still a lovely serum to use, especially for try spots on my face. Would I buy it again?, Yes is my answer...

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SwtxSeri on 3/18/2009 8:56:00 PM more reviews by SwtxSeri

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Because it is a concentrated (serum) form of the Hydramax treatment, it works more proficiently than the hydramax creme because it is more potent and concentrated. I have dry skin in the winter and this serum really hydrates my skin. I wear this serum underneath my Chanel Beaute Initiale creme which is an preventive aging creme. It has a subtle, clean, refreshing scent to it but it is just very faint. Make sure when applying it on, you immediately put on your mositurizer, don't let it dry in between or gets flaky. I really do like the Hydramax creme that is from the line but it doesn't have SPF and that is something I really prefer in my daily regimen. I do pair it up with the Hydramax creme on days that I don't go out into the sun and am just staying at home.

Great buy!

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*TOP REVIEWER* stingrae1625 on 11/26/2008 10:43:00 PM more reviews by stingrae1625

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I was skeptical of using strictly Chanel on my face (cleanser, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, foundation), as I made that mistake before with Dior and it ended up that my skin hated something about the entire line. Sometimes department store brands are really overrated (*ahem...Dior...*). Chanel is not one of those cases, at least not for me. I have been using a sample of this under the Hydramax Active + Moisture Cream, and it makes a HUGE difference! The cream alone, although I did love it, wasn't keeping my skin smooth...if I used more, I just got shiny. The serum actually moisturizes so well that my skin doesn't overproduce oil to compensate, so I'm LESS shiny when I use both. I also love the smell...very light and fresh. And you don't need to use much to have a huge impact too. My skin tone is much more even and clear, not to mention smooth! It is expensive, but I think most good serums are. And although I'm using a sample, I have looked at the packaging and it's beautiful. What else from Chanel? I'm going to try the Beaute Initiale one since it has more anti-aging benefits, but I'll definitely buy either this or that one.

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