• Intelligencer
  • The Cut
  • Vulture
  • The Strategist
  • Curbed
  • Grub Street
  • Subscribe to the Magazine Give a Gift Subscription Buy Back Issues Current Issue Contents
    Subscribe to New York Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Profile
    Sign Out
Subscribe Give A Gift
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Style
  • Fashion
  • Black Beauty Matters
  • Parties & Red Carpet
  • Fashion Shows
  • Cathy Horyn
  • The Cut Shop
  • Self
  • Health & Wellness
  • The State of the Uterus
  • Parenting
  • Advice
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Horoscopes
  • Culture
  • Books
  • Television
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Celebrity
  • Power
  • Politics
  • Work
  • Money
  • Rebecca Traister
  • Latest Stories
  • Video
  • About Us
  • NYMag.com
  • New York Magazine
  • Intelligencer
  • Vulture
  • The Cut
  • The Strategist
  • Grub Street
  • Curbed
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Pin It
+Comments Leave a Comment
  • Style
  • Fashion
  • Black Beauty Matters
  • Parties & Red Carpet
  • Fashion Shows
  • Cathy Horyn
  • The Cut Shop
  • Self
  • Health & Wellness
  • The State of the Uterus
  • Parenting
  • Advice
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Horoscopes
  • Culture
  • Books
  • Television
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Celebrity
  • Power
  • Politics
  • Work
  • Money
  • Rebecca Traister
  • Latest Stories
  • Video
  • About Us
  • NYMag.com
  • New York Magazine
  • Intelligencer
  • Vulture
  • The Cut
  • The Strategist
  • Grub Street
  • Curbed
Advertiser Content from
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.
Sponsored By Chantecaille Sponsored By Chantecaille
Dec. 13, 2021

3 Staffers on Chantecaille’s $620 Gold Recovery Intense Concentrate

Here’s why it’s worth it.

By Lee Musho
Photo: Courtesy of Talent
Photo: Courtesy of Talent

We’re all constantly searching for that holy-grail, luxurious skincare formula that’ll clear our redness, smooth our fine lines, and make us look lit from within — that go-to product we’re proud to put on display. In the midst of my coworkers’ and my search, the cult-favorite skincare brand Chantecaille released a concentrate that we were a bit desperate to take home. Not only because it’s beautiful and made with gold — yes, actual 24k gold — but also because of what the formula is designed to do for your skin. Chantecaille says that the luxurious Gold Recovery Intense Concentrate A.M./P.M., with its supercharged formula made with gold heptapeptide, can help improve skin dullness, boost radiance, support firmness, improve hyperpigmentation and elasticity, and address fine lines and signs of aging. (Pretty much everything you could want in a bottle of luxe skincare.)

CHANTECAILLE

Chantecaille Gold Recovery Intense Concentrate A.M./P.M.

And it goes even farther — the formulas have light-activated and night-repair enzymes like botanical retinol alternative bakuchiol and lotus japonica extract which Chantecaille says improve skin radiance and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. And when used as a 28-day skin regimen — the A.M. formula in the morning and the P.M. formula at night, repeated every three months — Chantecaille says your skin will visibly improve.

My skincare-loving coworkers Jillian Karande, Annie Yu, and I used the day/night serums for a month to see if it could be the ultimate treatment — and to see if it was worth its $620 price tag.
We each received a golden box containing eight bottles of Chantecaille’s intense concentrate — four bottles for mornings and four for evenings. For one month, we used the concentrate (after cleansing and before any serums and moisturizers of choice) until all the bottles were empty, and journaled about it along the way. Here’s how that went.

Annie Yu, Head of Operations and Development, Revenue:

Like most people, I probably over-index on self-criticism, and I’ve learned to feel comfortable in my own skin, but I would say winter does wreck my skin confidence the most. I end up looking like a zombie because my skin will get dull and dry, and the fading of my tan accentuates the dullness and dryness. I’m most excited to see what [the concentrate] does with moisturizing, brightening, and tightening!

First impressions:
It was so pretty! It was also organized. The vials were labeled and looked nice, which made it easy to use, and made me want to use it. Over the last year, I’ve taken some weekend getaways and I like when things are easy to pack. Since the bottles are small, it makes packing MUCH easier — I just throw it in my travel toiletries bag. This is especially helpful if you procrastinate packing like I do. Never forget your skincare routine again!

After the first week, my skin was looking a bit brighter.

Using the serum for the first time: 
I was a little nervous. The bottles are so small, so it all seemed so delicate, and I was worried about dropping it. Once I got over that, I was surprised how light it felt on my skin, and how easily the product spread across my face. It didn’t feel like I put anything on, which I loved, because not feeling heavy or greasy is the number one thing I look for in skincare — after ease of application of course, which this also scores points on.

After the first week:
Since I already had a routine, it was easy to work it in. It was helpful that the product just felt so good that I wanted it on my face. It also had this lovely, subtle smell. After the first week, my skin was looking a bit brighter.

Halfway through:
The second week was a game changer for my skin overall. New York City [dropped to] 40 degrees and the chilly wind was whipping at my face during bike rides. I probably should’ve prepped my skin better, but the glow I started seeing this week on my forehead was steadfast. My skin definitely felt extra-soft. I also started using the serum on my neck and chest. I’d like to keep those areas as firm and bright as possible as well. I love a good, low neckline. If you got it, flaunt it.

Final results:
Am I the only one that taps on my skin to feel the elasticity? It definitely has some “controlled bounce” to it, and it looks lush with some of the brightening. I was hoping it would tighten and brighten, and it seems to have done that! I also don’t normally wear makeup, but I had a few weddings in the last month (yes, plural!), and it worked well with my blush, mascara, and lipstick. I love structure and routine and could totally see how this product would help someone establish a skincare practice. It only takes two weeks to build a habit!

Lee Musho, Editor, Branded Content:

I’ve never done a regimen like this, where you have to use a product every day for a set amount of time. My routine is typically a bit more casual (read: lazy) — a bit of moisturizer here, some serum there, depending on how my skin feels. But no matter what I do, it feels like my skin is dull and a bit red. It never seems that happy, so I’m excited to see if this will finally make it radiant!

First impressions:
Opening the box to see the golden serum made my eyes widen — someone was singing, somewhere. It felt expensive and special, like getting a golden ticket in the mail.

It has ingredients like gold heptapeptide, bakuchiol, and tranexamic acid, which Chantecaille says can help with fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.

After the first week:
It felt refreshing, cooling, and had a light botanical scent. I put three drops on my face — one on my forehead and two on my cheeks — and rubbed it in before my moisturizer. I was curious to see what the results would be. It has ingredients like gold heptapeptide, bakuchiol, and tranexamic acid, which Chantecaille says can help with fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. I’ve never used any of those ingredients before, so we’ll see if they deliver!

Halfway through:
It’s been pretty seamless integrating this into my routine, but I have to admit, I did forget to put it on for a day or two the past few weeks. But that didn’t seem to mess me up — my skin texture still seems smoother, and my discoloration is fading a bit, making my face seem brighter.

Final results:
My skin feels plump, less red, and more even, and I’ve been wearing less foundation! I used to not go outside without some makeup on, which I’ve been meaning to change. Now, unless I’m going out for something special, I’ll swipe on some mascara and a colored lip balm and be on my way, since I feel a lot more confident with the skin I’ve got. I even had a friend tell me that, with no makeup on, I looked absolutely glowy, which was super-satisfying to hear. I’m really happy with the results.

Jillian Karande, Brand Strategy, Podcasts:

As the seasons are changing, my skin has a tendency to get really dry, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this product impacts my skin’s moisture. I’m also excited to see how the concentrate impacts my skin’s brightness and the fine lines I am starting to develop under my eyes. In the past couple of years I’ve started noticing some fine lines around my eyes, especially when I wear concealer and the product settles into those creases. I think aging and skin maturing is totally a natural process, but I would love to find a product that helps keep that delicate area moisturized and firm to prevent those fine lines from prematurely getting deeper or more pronounced.

First impressions:
The packaging was really pretty and nicely organized. I decided to take out the serums from their box to add a little gold on my vanity.

Using the serum for the first time: 
The texture of the serum was unexpected. I was expecting more of a liquid formula, but the serum has a creamier texture than I thought it would. Often during this time of year I’ll develop some pretty stubborn dry patches on my chin or cheeks, but this week my skin continued to feel soft to the touch. I haven’t had to constantly reapply moisturizer throughout the day, and my skin feels like I’ve drank way more water than I actually have.

[It] felt luxurious to have a different version of the product for A.M./P.M!

After the first week:
I’ve integrated serums into my skincare routine but nothing that is like this where there’s a specific formula used for a fixed period of time (as opposed to everyday, indefinitely). But it was a really easy step to integrate into my current skincare routine, and felt luxurious to have a different version of the product for A.M./P.M!

Halfway through:
Around this time of year when the first few cold days hit, my skin immediately feels bone dry and I feel like I have to slather on a thicker moisturizer. But when the temperatures started to drop, I didn’t have to change up my skincare routine at all — my skin has been keeping its moisture and bounce since I started using the serum. My skin felt really even, smooth, and bright, this week, in comparison to the first week.

Final results:
It was really exciting to integrate such a luxury product into my skincare routine, which is typically really minimal and centered on tried-and-true products I’ve used for years. I think the most noticeable results were in my skin texture and glow after the second week — my skin felt so soft all of a sudden, and it was so great to feel like I had an extra step to help my sensitive skin combat the incoming New York winter. I do feel like the serum routine lives up to its promises of brightening the skin and targeting dull areas and fine lines — especially underneath my eyes. I noticed that my small fine lines were less noticeable and that the skin under my eyes felt a lot firmer. My skin overall felt glowier and brighter by the end of the trial, too. I was really pleased with those results!

Try Gold Recovery Intense Concentrate A.M. & P.M. for yourself!

This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

Tags:

  • advertiser content
  • new york stories
  • chantecaille
  • chantecaille beauty
  • market roundup
  • beauty
  • chantecaille q4 2021
  • More
+Comments Leave a Comment
3 Staffers on Why This $620 Skincare Set Is Worth It

Most Viewed Stories

  1. The Promise of Pyer Moss
  2. Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of January 30
  3. ‘Do I Need to Attend All of My Boyfriend’s Friends’ Weddings?’
  4. Marie Kondo Has ‘Kind of Given Up’ on Being Neat
  5. The Creative Director Getting a Little Tired of Feeld
  1. The Promise of Pyer Moss
  2. The Stolen Kids of Sarah Lawrence
  3. The Creative Director Getting a Little Tired of Feeld
  4. Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of January 30
  5. The Haunting of a Dream House

Best of The Cut

  • There Is No Break Coming for Parents — Ever
  • The Stolen Kids of Sarah Lawrence
  • A Texas Single Mother’s Abortion Story
  • Life After Parkland
  • Ms. Magazine Turns 50
See All

The Latest

power Yesterday at 7:24 p.m.
Marilyn Manson Accused of Sexually Assaulting a 16-Year-Old Girl In a statement from his attorney, Manson denied allegations he sexually assaulted a minor in 1995.
tyre nichols Yesterday at 5:05 p.m.
A Sixth Officer Has Been Suspended After Tyre Nichols’s Death: Updates The officer was relieved of duty the same day the five officers charged with murder were fired for the beating.
hairy situations Yesterday at 3:46 p.m.
Wait, So Now Even My Hair Is Aging? Ugh.
By Parizaad Khan Sethi and Shanna Shipin
documentaries Yesterday at 1:31 p.m.
‘For So Long, I Had Larry in My Ear’ In an exclusive clip from Hulu’s Stolen Youth docuseries, Larry Ray survivor Felicia Rosario opens up about the impact of his gaslighting.
keeping up with the royals Yesterday at 12:37 p.m.
Could the Spice Girls Get Harry to the Coronation? Sources are saying the palace is “super keen” to get “Britain’s biggest girl band” involved.
sparking joy Yesterday at 11:00 a.m.
Marie Kondo Has ‘Kind of Given Up’ on Being Neat Validation for messy homes everywhere.
transgender rights Yesterday at 10:59 a.m.
Utah Bans Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth Already this year, Republican lawmakers have proposed more than 150 bills limiting the rights of trans people.
spring fashion Yesterday at 8:00 a.m.
The Promise of Pyer Moss Kerby Jean-Raymond was one of fashion’s most celebrated young designers. Then what happened?
By Tahirah Hairston
spring fashion Yesterday at 8:00 a.m.
It’s Glo Time Grammy nominee GloRilla is figuring out how to be famous while staying F-R-E-E.
By Tirhakah Love
spring fashion Yesterday at 8:00 a.m.
The Hustle of Women in Hip-Hop Editor-in-chief Lindsay Peoples on launching the celebration of 50 years of women in hip-hop who’ve changed the game.
By Lindsay Peoples
how i get it done Yesterday at 7:00 a.m.
How Political Commentator Molly Jong-Fast Gets It Done “We’re a pretty sedentary bunch, but we do a lot of dog-walking. Also, I try to visit my mom once or twice a week depending on how guilty I feel.”
sex diaries Jan. 29, 2023
The Creative Director Getting a Little Tired of Feeld This week’s sex diary.
snl Jan. 29, 2023
Michael B. Jordan Is a Different Kind of Jake From State Farm See him rock the red polo and khakis on SNL.
celebrity couples Jan. 29, 2023
This Good Morning America Romance Keeps Getting Messier Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are out at ABC.
astrology Jan. 29, 2023
Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of January 30 The overarching astrological story right now is one of growth, action, and following through on intentions.
By Claire Comstock-Gay
spring fashion Jan. 27, 2023
12 Ways of Looking at André Leon Talley The friendships and love stories found inside his estate auction, as told by Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford, and more.
By Cathy Horyn
wait what is happening on tiktok? Jan. 27, 2023
Everything We Know About TikTok’s Lashgate Drama Did Mikayla Nogueira add false lashes or not?
parties! Jan. 27, 2023
Teyana Taylor, Anna Camp, and More of the Bestest Party Pics This Week Parties with Gucci, Sundance, and more.
gone sale-ing Jan. 27, 2023
10 Things You Don’t Have to Pay Full Price for This Week Deals from Dyson, Nordstrom, Shopbop, and more.
friday sales Jan. 27, 2023
19 Things on Sale You’ll Actually Want to Buy: From Lunya to Areaware Including fuzzy Birkenstock clogs, a teensy Cricut heat press, and our favorite weekender bag from Patagonia.
More Stories
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
  • About The Cut
  • About New York Magazine
  • Newsletters
  • Help
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • We’re Hiring
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Ad Choices
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Accessibility
The Cut is a Vox Media Network. © 2023 Vox Media, LLC. All rights reserved.