THE DOWNFALL OF DECIEM || What about the products?! || #RivetReview

As things get more bizarre, I'm talking conspiracy theories and incomprehensible banter bizarre, with Deciem and its problematic founder, Brandon Truaxe, it's hard to tell what is going to happen with the brand. Brandon was ousted as CEO as of the 12th October 2018, after he stated that Deciem was going to cease operations for two months. With the Instagram account deactivated (reactivated as of 15th October) we don't know what is happening inside the brand, and whether this is just all an elaborate PR stunt or just somebody who has lost themselves to their mind.

Leading up to this, I have been trying to use up the stash I have left, and I said I would give my thoughts on the products, feelings aside for a person who publishes confidential emails, accuses his board of criminal activity, and calls customers 'idiots'. I'm not sure where the brand is going now, only time will tell, but I want to be confident that things turn around for the better.

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In this story, I wanted to focus on the products I have open or have recently used, to keep things fresh.

I have previously used products from Hylamide, Hand Chemistry (rebranded as The Chemistry Brand), and the previously owned hair care brand, Grow Gorgeous.

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NIOD

Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate 15mL - $100.00AUD [PR Sample]
A targeted eye treatment designed specifically to tighten the skin around both the upper and lower eyelids. This tiny little bottle contains 28 different actives! To keep things short and sweet, this product contains actives to enhance collagen production, hydrate the area, decrease pigmentation, improve circulation, and reduce the appearance of lines. The product is light brown liquid with a slightly oily texture. It is designed to be applied both AM and PM.

Thoughts?
I've been using two drops, one per area, every morning (and night if I remember) for about a month. 15mL doesn't seem like much, but I've barely used 1/4 of the bottle in this time. I have noticed that the skin around my upper eyelids isn't as floppy as it used to be. I did have muscle relaxant injections in my forehead about two months ago, and it's starting to wear off slightly, but my eyes are still looking more open than the last time I had the injections, possibly because of this product. I'm going to continue to use it and see how I go.

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THE CHEMISTRY BRAND

Hand Chemistry Pro-Repair Skincare For Hands 100mL - $35.00AUD [PR Sample]
This hand cream claims to show visible results with use twice a day for as little as 11 days. It targets dryness, saggy skin, density, and texture.

Thoughts?
I think this is the best hand cream I've ever used. Most hand creams just leave my hands greasy, or even paradoxically, dry. My skin really doesn't hold onto water well, so my hands get very dehydrated. Even one application of this cream makes my hands look infinitely better. I keep it next to my bed, but I forget to actually apply it most of the time!

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THE ORDINARY

100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder 20g - $9.90AUD [Purchase]
This is simply Vitamin C powder. It's meant to be mixed with any of The Ordinary serums not containing Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) or EUK. This means you will get a fresh dose of Vitamin C every application. The product is a white powder with no fragrance and a gritty texture. It is best mixed with water based serums.

Thoughts?
I'm huge on Vitamin C, and I thought this would be my go-to, but it's a very fussy product. The directions say to scoop a small amount, which is rather arbitrary because it comes with a scoop, and it could easily say "one scoop" or whatnot. I find that one scoop is rather strong. I've been mixing it in with my Elizabeth Grant Essence of Torricelumn Serum. It does sting at first, but that's just the nature of not knowing the concentration. I think the instructions should be more clear. I don't recommend this unless you're experienced.

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100% Organic Cold Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil 30mL - $12.90AUD [Purchase]
Argan Oil is great for skin and hair, but it has slowly fallen prey to its trending status a few years back. It's not as popular as it once was, but the saturated market means the price has gone down for this luscious oil.

Thoughts?
I've always been a fan of Argan Oil because of its light texture. The quality of this oil is really good, and it is probably the most affordable version of the product on the market.

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Colours Coverage Foundation 1.0NS 30mL - $12.90AUD [Purchase]
I remember the hype around this foundation when it landed, mostly being because of the price point and the shade range. It came in two formulations, a sheer serum, and coverage. I opted for the coverage because I could control the amount of coverage I wanted.

Thoughts?
I dislike the formula. Even though it's super lightweight, it doesn't quite meld in with the skin and it needs to be powdered down for it to stay put. Sure, it's supposed to work with the High-Adherence Silicone Primer, but I've used silicone based primers with this and it's just not very good. The colour match is pretty good. I found the pale shades to be rather peachy and pink leaning, and the 1.0NS (neutral undertones with silver highlights) was the most yellow of the lot that actually matched my neck. I'll probably use it for makeup looks until it is no longer usable, but it's not a product I would have recommended unless you always use powder.

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Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% 30mL - $12.40AUD [Purchase]
I was after an affordable Lactic Acid peeling serum, but I wasn't sure which strength I wanted, so I bought both. Lactic Acid is an AHA that is suitable for dry skin.



Thoughts?
I don't actually think this was strong enough for me! I think it did a good job for a while, but I still needed an extra scrub here and there.

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Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% 30mL - $12.70AUD [Purchase]
This is the stronger version. Along with the acid, both contain Tasmanian Pepperberry to help reduce the irritation that comes with using AHAs, and 2% hyaluronic acid, to draw water back into the skin to leave it plump.

Thoughts?
I definitely felt this one work a lot better, but I think my skin has decided to hang up on the Lactic Acid for a while as my hormonal profile has changed my skin around. I like to use this serum on my feet to help with hardened skin too.

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Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 2% 30mL - $9.90AUD [Purchase]
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is well known to help reduce the occurrence of excessive pigmentation which can be caused by sun exposure, pregnancy, and wound healing. The added Zinc PCA assists with sebum control.

Thoughts?
This is supposed to be great for blemishes, which I have had a lot of recently, but because of an underlying hormonal issue, it's a bit difficult to say whether this did more than just help brighten up my complexion. I haven't been using it regularly recently.

Full review of Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA can be found here. I have one spare unopened tube.

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Overall, I can't fault the products from the various umbrella brands, even if I think some aren't that great. The products I love most are The Ordinary NMF + HA moisturiser, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 2% serum, and Hand Chemistry hand cream. I still have unopened Marine Hyaluronics and Granactive Retinoid 2% to try out (even though my skin hates retinoids).

I am hanging onto the hope that the brand does make it through this smoothly. There has been some talk that suggests that Estee Lauder may wind up bringing Deciem into Mainland China, where animal testing is required by law for imported cosmetics. We are holding hope that this does not happen and Deciem remains cruelty free.

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Other Media

As for news, Beauty Truth Sleuth dropped this video on the 15th October after not covering any Deciem drama.

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A few months back, I wrote an open letter to Brandon Truaxe, airing my grievances about his poor behaviour and Anti-Semitic sentiments.

What do you think is going to happen to DECIEM? Let me know in the comments!

Acquisition of products and/or services stated alongside each item, my thoughts are honest.

For more information, please read my Disclosure Policy.