There’s a big push on ESTEE LAUDER’s reformulation of their Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator and I have to say I am a fan. This serum is a good one if you are looking to even out your skin’s tone and fade some of those dark spot or other discolorations, without using the controversial ingredient hydroquinone. It uses a blend of ingredients like plant extracts as well as salicylic acid and stabilized vitamin c to do the work. And while I didn’t see it totally remove a spot I have up on my temple, it did seem to improve my overall tone. So I wouldn’t use this one as a hardcore spot fader but instead more as a skin booster. $58/1.7oz @ neimanmarcus.com.

Disclosure: A sample of this item was provided for review purposes.