Often considered one of the most important steps in a skincare routine, serums are known to do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to treating specific skin concerns and reaching skin goals. I 1000% stand by this sentiment as over the years I’ve relied on different serums to help target everything from dry skin to hyperpigmentation to breakouts. So, let’s get into all the serums I currently use and love (in no particular order – although there are definitely some that I absolutely L-O-V-E).
FYI: I don’t use all of these serums all the time. I will use some more regularly than others, but I generally rotate between these and use them a few times a month or do 1-2 weeks of each, at a time.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Correcting
I’m starting off strong with the world-famous Caudalie serum. Despite being known to help correct dark spots and hyperpigmentation for all skin tones, to be completely honest, I have such a love-hate relationship with this serum. I’ve been using this creamy serum on and off for the last couple of years and have found that though it does work, the results aren’t always consistent. Even still, one thing I like about it is that it is very gentle and hydrating, so even if it doesn’t always seem like it’s lightening my dark spots, my skin always feels great, no matter whether I use it night or day.
Tropic Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum
If you’re prone to a breakout like me, this ultra-lightweight blue watery serum will become your new best friend. Since using this serum, I’ve noticed a huge reduction in my breakouts and pimples. I used to get spots practically every other day, but nowadays I only get them around my period or if I’ve eaten something that doesn’t agree with me. Unlike other serums on this list, I will use this night and day depending on my mood/skin needs. Also, even though it’s got a very watery consistency, it’s quite hydrating and I never feel like I need to double up on serum – heck, sometimes I can even get away with applying my thinner moisturisers.
Tropic Skincare kindly gifted this serum.
Banish Serum
I’ve been using this serum for almost four years, and this vitamin C serum is an OG for me. Complete with l-ascorbic acid (and stabilised with ferulic acid, iykyk) and glycerin, this serum is insanely hydrating, helps to fade dark spots, boosts collagen and gives you a crazy beautiful glowy finish. And despite being kind of oily in texture, it’s not super thick – like another serum I use – so it’s perfect to use in the morning under moisturiser and makeup. You can use this serum in the morning and at night, but I only use it in the morning because I use retinoids at night, and the two can’t be used in the same routine.
Banish Skincare kindly gifted this serum.
Banish Retinol + Ceramide
When Banish first announced they’d be launching a retinol product, I was very excited. As I was already a fan of their original Banish Serum (and looking to start my retinol skincare journey), I knew this would be an interesting serum to try, and boy oh boy was I right. This serum has a milky/watery consistency, so it absorbs fairly quickly into the skin, and there’s zero irritation. This serum also gets extra points for reducing acne, plumping the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and protecting your skin barrier, all while keeping your skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturised. I honestly feel like if you’re new to the world of retinols like I was, then this is a great place to start because it’s so gentle and effective, making it a great introduction to retinoids.
Banish Skincare kindly gifted this serum.
Tropic Youth Potion Enriched Retinal Complex
And because one retinol is never enough – though technically this one is a retinal so it’s slightly different – I like to throw Tropic’s latest skincare offering into the mix on nights when I want to use an active but want to have something a little more lowkey. As the world’s first certified natural retinal, this beauty does what traditional retinols are known for: reducing visible signs of ageing, plumping, lifting and toning the skin, and boosting collagen. But where this one differs, is it helps with repairing your skin barrier (perfect for those of us who can’t resist the lure of actives) and is formulated with plant peptides, bakuchiol, multivitamins, coenzyme Q10 and advanced marine retinal. According to Tropic, this serum also works ten times faster than retinol to deliver powerful results.
Tropic Skincare kindly gifted this serum.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
“How many retinol products does a girl really need?” I hear you ask… well obviously three, because the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil rounds out my vitamin A skincare essentials. Out of all my retinol products, this is the thickest and is waaaay more of an oily texture, so it tends to lie a little heavier on the skin. Now, if you know me, then you know I’m not a fan of face oils, but there’s something about this one that I just love. It’s strangely hydrating (I usually find oils to be very drying and greasy for my skin), leaves me with a godly glow, helps to brighten my overall complexion and even keeps breakouts at bay (when I use it more consistently).
Votary Brightening Hyaluronic Acid
I don’t know what crack Votary put into this serum (just kidding, its ingredient list boasts glycolic acid, narcissus extract, bilberry fruit extract and neroli flower water, to name a few), but it packs a mighty punch. When I first used this, I used it as an all-over serum, but then quickly found it was too much for my skin. However, I later realised that it worked WONDERS for my breakouts, so these days I only reach for this when I can feel a pimple brewing or I get a spot. And I kid you not, the next morning after I’ve applied this, my spot has always disappeared. (To be fair I don’t get too many breakouts these days thanks to the Tropic Pure Lagoon Serum, but sometimes a spot will still sneak through).
I know this may seem like a lot, but I don’t use all of these at the same time. My retinoids are strictly reserved for nighttime use only, while I only use vitamin C serums in the mornings. On nights when I don’t use a retinol, I will either use a blemish prevention serum or hyperpigmentation correction serum.
What are some of your favourite serums?
alice
xo
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