I’m having kind of a writer’s block situation right now so why don’t we just continue with old-fashioned beauty blogger bread and butter product reviews for the time being until I get my groove back? A couple weeks ago I got a package from Rodial with a few goodies I’ve been wanting to try: Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF15, Bee Venom Body Serum, and Dragon’s Blood XXL Lip Plumper.
Let’s get started!
Top to Bottom: Dragon’s Blood XXL Lip Plumper, Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF15, Bee Venom Body Serum.
Rodial Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF15 is described as an anti-aging, hydrating, and brightening daily treatment for dehydrated skin. The serum contains hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B3, proprietary brightening Chromabright complex, squalane, and a bunch of other ingredients, some of them good and some not so much. I keep an open mind about products that contain synthetic ingredients and will never dismiss one that works well for me, but Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF15 didn’t particularly wow me. I did not find the formula moisturizing, and that’s my opinion as a person with combination skin, so I have better water retention than someone with truly dry skin. Besides, for someone who uses resurfacing acids almost every day SPF15 is not even close to adequate. Remember, you need SPF30 at the very least if you’ve used an AHA at any point within the past 2 weeks
Rodial Dragon’s Blood XXL Lip Plumper comes in a click-pump wand packaging with a brush. I am oddly into lip plumpers lately so I tried this one first. It actually works pretty well and doesn’t sting at all or cause any discomfort. It looks and feels like a clear, slightly shimmery lip gloss, and works very slowly to plump out fine lines to make the pout look juicy. I mean, obviously the results are YMMV, but I think this one is a crowd pleaser. My lips are among my least attractive facial features, and I actually like the way they look after I add a little oompf with this plumper. It won’t turn your pout into Kylie Jenner’s, but it will subtly enhance what your mama gave you in the most natural and flattering way.
Keep in mind, though…
The main thing with Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood line is people either love or hate it, and I don’t mean it in a subjective way. I’ve always enjoyed these products, some of them work really well for my skin type. Well, not the moisturizer above, obviously, but in general I liked most of the DB products I tried. On the other end, my friend had the most terrible reaction to this line, and she is not alone – for every 10 glowing reviews you’ll see a very negative one, usually about getting a major skin irritation and bumps. So while I seriously think these products are great for me, I struggle to recommend them in fear that some of you may buy them and develop a bad skin reaction, too. I guess I can recommend trying a sample first, if you live near a department store that carries this brand, otherwise the risk is just not worth it.
I was thrilled to receive Rodial Bee Venom Body Serum as I’ve been meaning to incorporate retinol into my bodycare routine. I started noticing sun spots on my neck, chest, and hands, so I occasionally treat them with some of my facial retinoids, but it can quickly get too pricey if I use them daily. I’ve been looking into body lotions with retinol, and a few really interesting options came up that I hope to try some day. Rodial Bee Venom Body Serum is a brand new product. The texture is creamy and pleasant, and the tube is HUGE. Bee venom, as scary as it sounds, is actually a pretty awesome ingredient for the skin in general. It doesn’t sting at all, but it makes the skin look plump and youthful. Avoid this one if you have bee venom allergy, obviously. 😉
Don’t get too excited, guys, there’s a bummer coming.
Well, kind of.
Not really.
I am a glass half full girl, but this tube was half empty y’all! The only reason I know it wasn’t a used product is because it was factory sealed when I got it. Anyway, this was my first reaction, and if my kitchen scale wasn’t broken, I’d weigh the tube to confirm there is in fact the promised 6.7oz of product inside, which there probably is. I just don’t like when anything comes in a bigger container than needed [or with super excessive packaging], but that’s just my pet peeve. Does anyone else feel the same way? Tell me I’m not alone here.
That aside, I actually like Bee Venom Body Serum a lot so far. It’s fragranced, but not overly so, and the formula sinks in without leaving the skin sticky or greasy, so it won’t ruin my sheets. Since it contains retinol, I am only using it at night, which IMO is the best way to go with all Vitamin A in general. And of course, SPF30+ the morning after is a must.
Well, I hope you didn’t find this review overly negative. You know I always try to be fair and mention if I personally don’t like something, whether the product was a PR sample or something I personally bought. Rodial offerings aren’t cheap and the last thing I want for you guys is to waste your hard earned money just because I failed to mention something significant. I will say though, that I like many of their products, makeup especially. The skincare was a hit and a miss, but most of the color cosmetics were truly exceptional. If you buy one thing, try their face powders – they are the most finely milled on the market. Seriously, they are.
Have you tried Rodial makeup or skincare? What is your favorite department store beauty brand? Let me know in the comments below!
The Rodial Bee Venom Body Serum sounds really nice!
I am very new to Rodial, really appreciate your always honest views 🙂
I’ve never heard of this brand. I am always for honest reviews, and appreciate them. I would still sample this brand but would be mindful of my sensitive skin when doing so 🙂
Thanks for the honest review!!
The first thing to remember is that Kylie Jenner doesn’t have the lips her mama gave her – she has the ones that the doctors give her. I think this is the most interesting though of all these products. I’ve been interested in the brand and like knowing more about it.
I just received a body lotion with retinol and other anti-aging skincare ingredients that I just started using. It must be a thing!
I think I’d probably like these products. I hadn’t thought about how expensive the retinol is that I’m using on my chest and hands…I would really rather use a body product for them than a facial one.
I love Rodial’s Snake Booster Oil and everything I’ve tried from the DB range. But I’ve never used a body product with retinol. I do use up “unwanted” glycolic pads on elbows, knees and so on, but retinol? I’d probably not waste it on 5’4” of skin.
I’ve heard such great things about their products but I’ve never tried them. I’ve always opted for their more affordable sister brand, Nip + Fab. I would like to try Rodial so I could compare the formulations.
I would want to try out the lip plumper since I have non existent lips.
I’ve used a lot from Rodial, currently loving the snake serum. I think I’ll try the dragons blood lip plumper next.
I haven’t tried Rodial products but I’ve heard very mixed things. I do appreciate the view you gave on them though, helps me decide whether to take the leap or not