At the beginning of the year, I purchased the Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Anti-Aging Starter Kit ($58) because, at 30, I decided it was time to start using an anti-aging product line.  (It will blow your mind, young twentysomethings, how much your skin changes and how quickly.) 

After my first review, I promised to check back in from time to time to give you a better idea of whether I liked the products in the long term.  Because, after all, any beauty product can be a miracle for a week.  It takes real gusto to become a medicine cabinet staple. 

I published my second review in April, but the real test came when the generous sample sizes in the starter kit ran out.  Would I spend the money to replace with full sizes?

Almost a full-year later, there are three survivors.  I am still using the African Red Tea Face Mist ($28, lasts forever), the See the Difference Serum ($48) and the Express the Truth Cream ($65).  

Let’s start with the Face Mist.  I like this product because my face always feels a bit stripped at the end of the day, and this spray replinishes some of its vitality.  I also like that in the summer, when I want to lighten up the skincare routine, I can spritz on just a bit of the Mist and skip my morning dose of serum.

Speaking of the serum, I adore the See the Difference product.  IT leaves my skin looking a bit brighter, which is such a plus during these winter months, and firmer too.  

I also like the smooth, creamy consistency of the serum.  Too often serums are runny or sticky, so it’s nice to find one with a pleasant texture.

And lastly, I could not live without the moisturizing cream.  When you have combination skin, finding a moisturizer that will keep your skin supple without turning it into an oil slick is a nightmare.  Express the Truth is great to use in the winter because it provides neede moisture without overwhelming my complexion.

After using the products for awhile, I can honestly say that my skin is in better shape than it was in January.  It looks less tired and grey than it did last winter.  The tone and texture has improved a bit, and the lines in my forehead that I was so concerned about are much less noticeable.  

Normally, I would say that such improvements would be improbable.  But I saw how the products transformed my Mother’s skin, which was very damaged from years of sun and wind exposure as a master gardener, so I’m not so surprised.  In fact, just this weekend, we were talking about how the products had basically saved her skin.

So if you’re just starting to see the signs of aging, like I am, or you just want to take better care of your skin, I highly recommend that you pick up a starter kit and give the Ole Henriksen African Red Tea line a try.  (This is just a note that there is no serum in the starter kit.  But you can also buy a different starter kit featuring the serum, the moisturizing cream and an eye cream for $55.)