These little bottles may be small, but they can really pack a punch with their potent mix of ingredients and give a quicker and more obvious results than creams. Serums are a valuable part of our daily skincare, but all too often it’s a step that gets missed. if you’re not using a serum in your routine then you’re really missing out. Find one you love, and you won’t look back.
Throughout the year I’ve tried several and for me, they bridge the gap between a cream and an oil. Having now become a skincare staple I like to use mine in one of three ways – alone, as an overnight treatment, under my usual moisturiser or alone under my makeup, depending on how my skin feels that day. Today, I thought I would share four of the stand-out serums I’ve used and fallen for this year. (In no particular order).
Scienea Superfruit Anti-Ageing Serum
With a case of “love at first use” I couldn’t get enough of this serum and used it every night for as long as it lasted. My skin just lapped it up and I awakened to reassuringly plump, smooth and hydrated skin every morning. It’s a little bottle of super-goodness and smells absolutely wonderful – think blackcurrant with a hint of garden mint – that’s how I best describe it. Honestly, it’s Delicious, try it, you’ll be hooked.
Scienea is a British brand and produces just two serums – Superfruit and Superberry. Both are housed in a 20ml glass bottle with a pump dispenser. I love how the packaging is dark, with a purple detail which just screams blackcurrant. My bottle is sadly empty, but it remains in my skincare cupboard – looking hopeful. You can read my full Scienea Superfruit review here when I wrote about winning it in an Instagram competition.
What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum
What Skin Needs is an Australian natural skincare brand, their product ranges are functional and targeted for eczema prone, dry or dehydrated skin and also may help reduce the appearance of scarring and pigmentation. Interestingly, their focus is on one plant-based ingredient “Plantolin”
This key ingredient is derived from the Australian indigenous plant Centipeda cunninghamii and is internationally patent-protected for its novel active compounds. It provides a natural synergy of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity from one natural source. Once the inflammation is eradicated and the effect of ‘free radicals’ is controlled the skin can naturally regenerate and replace damaged skin with a healthy renewed appearance.
Skin Chemists 24 Hour Aqua Repair Serum
Skin Chemists 24 Hour Aqua Repair Serum turned up in my Look Fantastic Beauty Box back along in the summer. A different consistency from what you might expect, and more of a gel formula I found. I’ve been tending to use it under my makeup as It lends itself to day use as opposed to night time. The formula is non-greasy, smooths on well, and blends into the skin readily.
Skin Chemists say, our 24 Hour Aqua Repair Facial Serum has been formulated to soothe and hydrate the skin for all-day moisturisation. This serum would be the perfect product to use on the go for a quick zap of hydration.
As for the 24-hour claim, that’s quite a tall order, however, I did find a good level of hydration when used under my usual day cream and my skin felt silky smooth and finer. I wouldn’t say the result was overly long-lasting for me, However, I enjoy using this serum and would repurchase given that it works so well for daytime use under makeup. The scent is a sweet marshmallow I would say which is really enjoyable. A little more expensive, Skin Chemists 24 Hour Serum comes in at £64 for a 30 ml tube, but as with all serums, a little goes a Long way and they do last well.
Heaven Skincare Dream Oil Serum
At first, I had mixed feelings about this serum as I wasn’t particularly taken with the scent. I don’t dislike it but Saying that, I do prefer a sweeter scent, this one has a potent marigold scent I found. of course, our scent preference is very personal and what may not work for me might be great for you. Read my full review of Dream Oil which came with my Heaven Skincare Bee Calm Kit. I like to cocktail it, as I call it and mix a few drops in with my Heaven moisturisers to give an extra boost of hydration.
Do you love to use serums? have you any favourites of your own to share?
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