Have you ever caught yourself wondering, ‘what do serums do?’ If so, you’re certainly not alone. In my experience, serums often raise the greatest amount of questions out of every skincare product out there. People ask ‘what is a serum used for’ and is a ‘serum better than a moisturiser’- but I’m here to tell you that a serum is a way to elevate your routine and should be used with a moisturiser for a skincare routine that means business.
The truth is, if you really want to improve the health, look and feel of your skin, you need to be using a serum in your skincare routine. Why? Because serums deliver a concentrated blend of active ingredients whilst locking in moisture. This helps to target major skin concerns, such as ageing and dullness.
And trust me; once you start adding a serum into your routine, your skin will be grateful! I first started using one when I was 17 to hydrate my blemish-riddled skin. After just a few weeks, my skin was transformed – and I’ve been experimenting with different serums ever since.
Now that we can all agree serums are an essential part of your skincare routine, I’m here to share some of my favourites and ones that are iconic for a reason. Take a peak below at my top five luxury serum picks, each promising to enhance your complexion and improve the health of your skin…
1. For Ageing Skin
Clarins Double Serum is the No. 1 anti-ageing serum in the UK. Everyone has fallen in love with its radiance-boosting formula – and for a good reason. Harnessing the power of 21 plant extracts, this leading facial serum firms your skin and shrinks pores, resulting in a smooth and glowy complexion that makes you look instantly younger.
And I have to admit that I’m really impressed by its innovative design – it looks chic, but it’s also really user-friendly. It dispenses a customisable dose with each pump (you can use less for mornings or oilier skin, or apply a larger dose at night-time or if you struggle with dry skin), which is perfect for serum beginners or those in a rush.
Who Should Use This Serum?
The iconic Double Serum is a must-have for stressed, ageing skin. Its lightweight texture sinks in quickly to leave an immediate healthy glow.
2. For Dull Skin
Did you know that your skin repairs itself overnight? Thankfully, Kiehl’s do – and they’ve tailored their Midnight Recovery Concentrate to ensure you get the most out of your beauty sleep. Its 99.8% natural formula soothes irritation whilst leaving your skin with the most beautiful, healthy glow. If you struggle with dullness, this needs a spot in your night-time skincare routine. In my view, it’s up there as one of the best serums for glowing skin.
An added bonus? The skin-calming serum is also packed with a soothing blend of lavender and primrose essential oils. This creates an ultra-calming scent, perfect for use just before bed. In my view, pressing the oil into your skin is the ultimate way to relax before sleep.
Who Should Use This Serum?
Anyone with dull skin needs to try Midnight Recovery! In fact, it’s a firm favourite of those who struggle with dullness. Why? Because the oil works to restore your skin’s moisture, ensuring long-term skin health as well as helping you achieve that coveted lit-from-within glow when you wake up.
3. For Uneven Skin
The Institut Esthederm E.V.E Serum is a less widely known serum, but with such an innovative biomimetic formula, it feels wrong to keep it hidden away! A true hidden gem, the serum works to regenerate your skin for firm, luminous results in just 21 days. Makeup artist, Huda Kattan, swears by this serum, describing it as ‘magical’, helping create the iconic status of the serum.
If you feel your skin is showing signs of premature ageing, the E.V.E serum supports firm and smooth skin. The serum works by penetrating deep into your skin, improving its health to be able to regenerate for a youthful glow – basically, the serum helps your skin to be its own source of strength.
Who Should Use This Serum?
If the science behind E.V.E sounds a bit technical, just know that this serum helps to smooth skin that’s losing firmness. And if you struggle with a dull, uneven texture, E.V.E is the treatment for you.
4. For Dehydrated Skin
Vichy Mineral 89 is a cult-classic serum. Designed to hydrate even the most sensitive skin, it’s renowned for having just 11 ingredients – and it uses every single active really efficiently. The hypoallergenic serum works with your skin to make it stronger, improving the overall health of your complexion with a minimalistic formula. The star ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which intensely hydrates your complexion. This works alongside Vichy Thermal Water to care for your skin from the inside out.
Who Should Use This Serum?
I think Mineral 89 is a fantastic all-around serum, but it’s especially good for those looking to boost hydration and care for their skin barrier. This was one of the first serums I ever used; it’s been brilliant throughout my skincare journey, from super oily skin with whiteheads to combination skin with hormonal breakouts.
5. For Damaged Skin
My luxury serum round-up wouldn’t be complete without Lancome Genifique. Backed by 15 years of research, its probiotic formula improves your skin’s microbiome for stronger skin recovery. Once your skin is stronger, it can combat signs of ageing and stay hydrated for longer, revitalising dull and ageing skin to be glowy and youthful. Its lightweight liquid texture transforms your skin to unveil firm, smooth and radiant results.
Who Should Use This Serum?
Packed with award-winning ingredients, Advanced Genifique can be used on any skin type and at any age – those with only the first hints of ageing will love its glowy smooth finish, whilst those with more obvious ageing signs will see revitalised skin after consistent use. If you want to be absolutely certain that your skincare is scientifically backed and approved by dermatologists, the skin-strengthening Genifique serum is a great place to start.
Over to you…
We’d love to know your favourite serum – tag us @escentual
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