Serum is the treatment step of your skincare routine. Cleansers cleanse, moisturisers moisturise, and serums tackle the specific issues that bother you about your skin. Whether you’re irked by sunspots or would like something to minimise dehydration or fine lines, there’s something out there for you. Since serums contain the most potent ingredients in the highest levels, they’ll always be on the pricier end of a brand’s range, but that doesn’t mean they’re unattainably expensive.
The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Essence Lotion (€16.50)
: An essence is an extra step for hydration before serum, and this one is lovely. I’d particularly recommend it instead of serum for younger skin: it tackles any superficial patchy dryness immediately and helps create a lovely base for makeup.
Reform Skincare Vitamin B5 Gel (€49.99, reformskincare.ie)
: This handy gel works exactly like an essence, but with a more pleasingly gooey texture. A blend of hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, it does wonders for dehydration – smoothing out very fine lines and immediately helping skin elasticity.
Oskia Renaissance Bright Light Serum (€120): This active serum combats pigmentation issues including melasma, the larger-than-standard patches of darker tone common in pregnancy. After a month of use – unprecedented in my experience – my skin tone is clearer and the freckles I get in the sun have faded. It is expensive but worth it if pigmentation issues are a concern
Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum (€60)
: Designed especially for very dry and mature skin, this serum has real richness to it. Like a lot of high-quality serums, it has quite a potent aroma, which might make it better for bedtime use. Given the price, though, it is incredibly good and produces visible results over time.
Clarins Booster Repair (€39):
Clarins has combined serum and moisturiser to save us time and effort. Add three to five drops of these dinky boosters to your moisturiser. They enrich the texture and you can feel the difference in your skin. The Repair booster, which minimises redness and eases the discomfort of tight, dry skin, is my favourite.
Chanel Le Lift Serum Hydra Beauty Lotion Very Moist (€47.50):
Another essence-type product, this enormous, reassuringly heavy product is worth investing in. A tiny pump of product covers the entire face and neck, and is an immediate moisture injection for all skin types.
Alpha H Vitamin C with Grape Seed (€63):
Another great option for pigmentation, this serum also plumps skin and is an ideal option for anyone over 40. With consistent use, skin will look clearer and more even.
Tom Ford Radiant Moisture Soufflé (€85, from May 2nd): T
his is the most divine skincare I’ve encountered for a long time. From the heavy, elegant packaging to the rich, highly moisturising concoction, it is perfection. Shot through with fine, radiant particles, it creates a perfectly prepared base for make-up and leaves skin looking candlelit.
