Edit 8/05/2014
I have been asked a few times now whether Visionnaire is better than Genifique or Genifique better than Visionnaire. The truth is, you can’t say whether one is better than the other as they are completely different products.
Genifique is absolutely for anyone at any age.
The product works on the skin genes to boost production of the ‘youth’ protein in your skin. (it’s a protein present to our skin when we are very, very young). This technology is exclusively available only to Lancôme. As a result your skin will be smoother, brighter and more radiant “as if lit from within”. Genifique makes my skin look radiant and fresh no matter what and that’s why I use it every day in the morning before my daily moisturiser.
Visionnaire however is an advanced skin corrector.
That means it is designed to correct already existing damage in your skin. So you would use it if you think you have enlarged pores, pigmentation (sun damage, brown spots, acne scars) or wrinkles. The active ingredient ‘LR 2412’ molecule can penetrate the skin right to the dermis and boost the self renewal process within your skin and on the surface. For my Visionnaire review click here. It is also safe to use even if you’re pregnant as the molecule LR2412 comes from plants.
As you can see, Visionnaire and Genifique are very unique products within their own right but can work perfectly together as part of your skin care routine if needed. I hope this will help make the comparison between the two products a little clearer.
So which one is best for you?
Well it really depends what is your main concern. I filmed this video recently to help you decide which of these is best for you. Blow you’ll also find some more information about each of them too.
Genifique helps to fight dullness and lack of radiance, which I think visually can age us quite a bit. So if you think you could do with a more radiant fresh looking complextion than this is the serum for you. Visionnaire on the other hand is a corrective product. The active ingredient will boost your skin self repairer process to treat already existing damage in your skin. It helps to improve 3 main concerns pigmentation ( acne scaring, age spots, sun damage) , pores and lines. So as you can see it doesn’t mean Visionnaire is only for older people. Young girls also suffer with pigmentation or enlarged pores.
Oh so you think you need both!
If you think you need both you can use both no problem. Yes they can be applied on top of one another, however Lancôme recommends to use Genifique in the morning and Visionnaire at night. I quite like this order as it means I don’t have an awful lot of products to put on my skin to start with. I have lovely radiant skin during the day and at night I’m helping my skin to repair. As Visionnaire’s active ingredient is plant based, despite it helping to correct pigmentation it won’t give you skin sensitivity to light unlike retinol.
If you think you have pigmentation and are looking to buy Visionnaire serum I’d like to advise you to make sure you use a day cream that has sun protection in it. Yes even in England! Even when it’s cloudy and rainy! And yes even if you have dark skin and you don’t burn in the sun! What causes your pigmentation on the skin (also called sun spots) are UVA rays, these are the ageing rays. You won’t feel them on your skin but as long as there is daylight there is also UVA. I just don’t think that there’s any product out there that can compete with damaging power of the sun.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any questions about these two products. I’m a bit of a user especially when it comes to Genifique.
Christine
Thanks!! so helpful! I have thinking about which of the two to purchase – the sales lady kept pushing me to buy both but I’m gonna go with Gen! Thanks!
Eva
Hi Christine.
Thank you for taking your time to comment. I’m glad I could help. Please let me know what are your thoughts on Genifique when you get a chance to try it out.
Best
Eva xx
cheri
Thanks for your information. I couldn’t decide which to buy, so I bought visonnaire since my main concern are the wrinkles around and under my eyes. There are so many products out there its hard to decide what to buy. I think I might also get genifique at some point. Do you recommend an eye creme too or will the visionnaire be enough?
Eva
Hi Cheri,
Thank you for taking your time to comment.
I’m glad I could help and I hope you’ll be happy with Visionnaire. I do like qenifique but this serum is just for the face. There’s genifique youx in the range, which I’ve tried and it’s very good too. I’d say the eye serum is best for darkness but it runs out quite quickly. Mine lasted me 3 months, when genifique eye cram will last me about 6.
I’ve been using genifique eye cream for nearly 2 years now and I like it. I feel though like it’s time to try something new. You can use visionnaire around the eye area for the lines but you may still need an eye cram for extra hydration. Make sure you choose an eye cram that tackles your skin concern.
Best,
Eva x
Lian
Hi I use genifique in the morning an visionnaire on a night before bed do I need to still use a cream with sun protection thanks.
Eva
Hi Lian,
Thanks for your comment. Absolutely you should use a moisturiser day and night. In the morning use one with SPF protection. a) it’ll hydrate your skin, and protect from dehydration and pollution b) SPF will prevent pre-mature skin ageing.
Serum is like underwear – You wear it to do the job not to keep your warm. Serum works in the deeper layers of the skin and your moisturiser on top.
Visionnair serum has a bit reacher textures so you may need less of your moisturiser. Listen to your skin and if you feel like it needs more hydration than apply more generous amount of your cream.
I hope this helps
Eva x
Maggie
Thank you Ewa! this post finally answer my doubt! I have been using Genifique for 4 months because the sales lady recommended me after I told her my age (31 years old) and saw my skin. I use the 3 products: the night cream, morning cream and the serum. My routine is to apply in the mornings only the activating cream (and my sunblock) and at nights the serum and the night cream. Am I doing properly? because in the video you said that it is better to apply the serum in the mornings but I have the activating cream instead. Definitely this product make you skinner softer, I am so happy with that, but even the sales lady told me that my skin is fine I can see some enlarged pores and slight line in my forehead, so I would like to try Visionaire, can I still using the genifique activating creams as a moisturisers???…
My last question please!: you said that there are better products for pigmentation (brown spots), can you recommend us which one? I have some in my cheeks!…thank you so much for your help! you are awesome! :D
Ewa
Hi Maggie.
Use your Advanced Genifique serum in the morning then follow with the activating cream and sun block on top. Technically you can still use it at night but I suppose you’ll see better results if you use it in the morning. Advanced Genifique serum will add radiance to your skin instantly and help to with hydration and I guess you’d like your skin to be radiant? This is such a fine and lightweight formula it won’t effect your makeup or feel thick on the skin.
If you’re concerned about that line on the forehead and some pores as well as pigmentation I’d recommend Visionnaire. It works on all three concerns as it’s a repairing serum, best to be used at night as your skin repairs itself at night when you sleep. Visionnaire is very good in erasing expression lines from the forehead. I’ve tried and tested. But If your main concern is pigmentation you may want to try Dream Tone or Even Better Serum from Clinique.
I hope this helps.
Ewa x
Maggie
Love you Eva! thank you for your help!! I will run to get my Visionnaire product :). Before I was 30 years old I hadn´t concerned about my skin but now it´s another story :). see you
Ardell Perfetti
Well I’m 48 and was told that I should be using dreamtone for the darkspots Im very prone too so along with the genefique I been using this dreamtone whcih I love the texture of Its hard to find something that will actually work on spots anyhow the bottle is like almost gone already and its number 3 which I believe is the wrong color now Im fair and so far as much as I like it I still have very prominent spots so can I mail my box in for an exchange?? at this point also dont have receipt anymore so not so sure how they would honor but it was quite expensive I just thought I would receive better results…Sincerely a lancome lover still lol
Ewa
Hi Ardell,
When it comes to dark spots you’re right they are very difficult do get rid off but I’ve seen great results with Dream Tone. Sometimes more than 1 bottle may be required to see a significant result. Also remember you’ll looking at your skin every day so it’s harder to see the change. Taking pic every few weeks cold be a good idea.
You’re also right about the 3 different profiles of this product. No1 is for fair skin to deal with spots and redness. Profile 2 is for mid skin tones, so would be perfect if you have olive skin for e.g. It’s also great for anyone with generally yellow mid tones such as asian skin, which is prone to turn a bit sallow, when profile 3 is for dark skin that suffers particularly with dark pigmentation and blemish marks.
In general if you’ve been miss sold product you can try and exchange it on the basis that you’ve been given wrong advice, however I can promise you’ll get what you want. It really all depends from the retailer and what policy they have.
If you’re prone to dark spots please make sure you’re always using a product that has UVA protection as UVA radiation is one of the main reason we do get pigmentation marks. It’s always present as long as there’s a daylight and it can penetrate via clouds and glass. This short video is worth watching to realise the power of sun. http://bit.ly/1pCysP4
I hope this helps.
Ewa xx
Kate
Hi Ewa,
I would need your help as I just bought both serums in the sets with other creams and I am very confused now which one would be better for me.
From Genifique I have got :repair serum, day cream, night cream and eye cream and light-pearl serum. From Visionnaire I have serum, eye cream advanced multi correcting cream. Currently I am using genifique in the morning and visionnaire at night however I am totally confused with the creams. not sure which one should I use when. What is better: should I use genifique night cream after visionnaire serum or just use the visionaire correcting cream and forget about night cream for now? Also I have read on lancome page that thye are recommending to use both serums together.
Can you please help me to get the best out of my products by advising the steps I should follow?
Thank you
Ewa
Hi Kate,
Let’s start with serums. You can absolutely use them together. I’d advise to use one in the morning (Genifique) and the other at night (Visionnaire). New Advanced Genifique (the formula was reformulated about 2 years ago) is only once a day application. Visionaries supports skins repair so it’s best to be used at night when our skin naturally regenerates itself.
Now onto the moisturises. If I was a magic fairy and you had one wish, to change something about your skin, what would this be? Wold you like more younger looking skin and preventing its ageing or would you like to smooth out your expression lines, pigmentation and pores? If you choose the first one, than stick with Genifique range moisturiser if the later use Visionnaire. Just make sure your day cream has SPF and UVA protection, this is crucial to protect skin from pigmentation or/and lines.
Use the light-pearl serum in the morning alone or with the eye cream. The serum is very hydrating anyway so you may find it’s enough just by itself but it’s fine to use an eye cream on top of it if you like and have time to bother with both. Genifique Light-Pearl serum is very, very good in banishing bags and erasing dark circles. The eye cram, oh I love it too. I’ve been using if for nearly 4 years now and I think it’s doing great job in preventing lines and keeping my dark circles at bay. As it’s a cram and you need only a very small amount for each application, you’ll find it’ll last you much longer than the eye serum.
I do like the formula of Genifique face moisturisers too, but I haven’t used the Visionnaire cream only the serum.
I hope this helps. Don’t be shy if you have more questions, just ask!
Have a great New Years Eve and fantastic 2015. I hope to see you again.
Ewa xx
lara
wow.. thank you! I spent ages online looking which product to apply before which and you totally cleared it all up for me. I’ve just bought my first gift pack with Vissionnaire LR2412, Genifque, day cream and night cream.. and am so excited to start using. thank you for your help.
Ewa
Hi Lara,
Thank you for popping by, it’s my pleasure. I’m glad I could help. Let me know how you’re getting on with your Vissionnaire and Genifique. Which is your favourite so far. Don’t forget to let me know in a month or so your results.
Happy New Year Lara,
Best,
Ewa xx
Helen
Can you assist me please. I have used Absolue products for a while (I am 65) and fair with blue eyes! Not many wrinkles thankfully. But it is now out of my price range and I need to replace the Absolue serum. What would you suggest. I have a sample of Genefique but am not totally convinced this is for me.
On top of this I haven’t been well and feel my skin looks sallow and I have horribly dark rings under my eyes – not far off a raccoon! I still have Absolue moisturizer which I love and will continue to buy despite the price.
Ewa
Hi Helen,
Thats so much for the comment and apologies it took me so long to reply. I’ve been leaving in a temporary accommodation for lat 4 months so all my life was packed in the boxes and left in a storage. All services are back to normal now :)
Oh yes Absolute range is fantastic and I’m not surprised you love it. You’re exactly my mums ages :) and she loves absolute too. I can see what you mean about Genifique it works very different to Absolute range, it’s more about boosting that youthful glow rather then making skin work hard to be youthful. Hope this make sense.
It s a tricky situation but you have a couple of options. If you like Absolue perhaps you could look at the equivalent range with other brands such as Clarins Super Restorative range or Chanel Sublimage. Just to do one off treatment with something different to feed your skin with different ingredients.
To bring radiance and get rid off sallowness on the skin fast try some gentle exfoliation and masks. Dermalogica has great mask to brighten and recharge skin it’s called Multivitamin power recovery masque or another great product from Fresh beauty the Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask. The second with real honey in it. Great all round mask but quite pricey. You’ll looking to spend £100 on it.
Let me know if this help, and shout if you have more question.
I should be much faster to reply.
Lots of Love,
Ewa x
Niky
Hi Eva,
I’m not sure if you will even get the comment as it was written a while back.
I’m 29 and headin to 30 at the end of the year. I don’t currently have a skin care routine and really want to start.
I am a little confused to what I should be buying. A few people have said to go for Clarins and some said Lancôme.
I have no problem areas but really want to prevent wrinkles/line coming. I have pretty good skin, normal and not oily. I was with water abs dry my face, that’s all I do, nothin else!
Can you help?
Thanks Niky
Ewa
Hi Niky,
I hope you’re well. I did get your massage, my apologies it took me ages to reply. Live has been on pause for a little bit as we moved a house and all my life and work was packed in the boxes.
All back to normal now. :)
I’d definitely say having good routine will pay off long term.
Start with some easy cleanse and moisturiser one for the day( with SPF) and one for the night. I’d say go to Clarins. They have very good products, which are gentle and kind to the skin but also very effective. I’m never ever disappointed with their skincare. Also I find consultant on Counters knowledgeable and helpful. I’m sure they will help out. But look at someone Like multi-active range, which is design for young skin to prevent ageing and smooth first fine lines.
I hope this helps, and let me know what you get.
Take care,
Ewa xx
Ewa
Hi Niky
Both brands are great. Personally I prefer texture of Clarins products although there are a few Lancome that work for me too. I think it’s wise to go over to both counters and try some on. See what feels better to you. Explain you’re torn between both and would love to try and would like a consultation and probably a sample if possible of the product that they think would be best. I’d be looking at Multi Active range or Hydraquench from Clarins and Genifique from Lancome.
Ewa
Ethel
I have used Lancôme products such as the genifique day cream but I have discovered I am pregnant. Is it okay to use them still?
Ewa
Hi Ethel,
As far as I’m aware there isn’t anything in Genifique that you should worry about, but I’d suggest you ask a consultant or contact the brand directly. Other than that stay away from products which contain retinol.
Congratulations on your pregnancy xxx !!!
Ewa x
Michelle
Hi
I am from Singapore.
I was told by Lancome that genefique is a pre-serum. Meaning its best / still needed to use a serum on top of genefique. (i.e. genefique serum –> visionnaire serum –> creams / emulsion).
At night can use genefique sensitive –> visionnaire serum –> cream)
1) I was thinking if i could skip the visionnaire serum and just use genefique.
2) Is the genfique moisturiser better or visionnaire?
I wish to correct but also wish to have radiant skin (asking too much aint i? well women do ..)
Ewa
Hi Michelle,
Of course, you’d be told that it’s better for Lancome is you buy two serums not one. That article was written a while ago, so perhaps things have changed. Doubt it would be a massive change. The truth is most products can be layered. The question is do you need it? Do you have skin concerns that Visionaire can answer?
If you want both radiance and correction think what is your primary concern. What bothers you more? Perhaps you could use Visionnaire for correction and use totally different products for radiance. Thnk gently exfoliating tonners or wash, which you’d use daily and perhaps radiance boosting makeup.
I hope this helps.
Ewa x
cd
I was getting little bumps from the Genefique. If I use retinol at night, should I use Vissionaire before or after retinol? My main concern is sagging and undereye wrinkles.
Ewa
Genefique used to have a super lightweight texture ( I haven’t used one for some time) so I would doubt it is the reason for bumps. Check that your cream doesn’t contain oils. Reacher textures can more likely cause congestion in your skin. Also, hormones. Stress could easily unbalance us. Watch your skin. I would perhaps reduce the number of products you use. Focus only on what matter most and slowly introduce one by one.
AS to Vissionair is suppose to work deeper in the skin layers so I would use it first. Retinol tends to work more on the surface.
But again, sometimes perhaps the issue is too much at the same time. Retinol also helps to move the lines so perhaps you can use retinol now and Vissionaire when you run out of it. Alternatively, retinol in the morning (it’s a myth that you only need to use it at night) and then Vissionair you can use at nighttime.
I would suggest contacting the brand and see what they would recommend. Remember I only go by my general knowledge of skin and cosmetics.
Hope this helps.
Ewa x