Everything You Want To Know About Serums

A large part of adulting includes adding new words like ‘renovation’, ‘insurance’, and ‘serums’ to one’s vocabulary. While I’m no expert on the former two, when it comes to skincare, I know my shit. So today, I wanted to talk all things serums.

Frst and foremost, wtf is a serum? Listen, even if you own a serum and don’t know what it is, you’re not alone. It’s one of those buzzy products that most people are told they need but aren’t exactly sure why.

A serum is a product you apply apply after cleansing your face, before applying moisturizer. Its purpose is to deliver ingredients directly onto one’s skin because it is made of smaller molecules that penetrate the skin more easily and effectively than moisturizer. They’re great for addressing concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven skin tone.

Although a serum can be moisturizing, they aren’t the same as a traditional moisturizer. That being said, some serums can double as face oils (more on that later).

So, now that you’re acquainted with the world of serums, I wanted to share some of my favourite products:

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
A favourite amongst makeup artists and celebs, Vintner’s Daughter developed a powerful Active Botanical Serum, which is made from 22 luxury all-natural ingredients. The best part? It’s 100% organic. That means no fillers, no chemicals, no bullshit.

During my call with founder, April Gargiulo, she explained that she wanted to develop a product that delivered uncompromising results using the most nutrient dense plants and essential oils. Because of her dedication to quality, each serum takes weeks to produce, which is unheard of in the lightning-fast beauty industry.

Also worth noting that this product doubles as a face-oil. April explained that due to its oil-based nature, some people do choose to double it as a moisturizer. This, however, is a case-by-case preference. Although it is oil-based, I personally like to layer moisturizer on top – the more hydration, the better.

April also developed the push-press technique to apply this serum. I like to use this technique because not only does it ensure that my skin drinks up all the serum, but it’s also an opportunity to give myself a mini facial massage.

Guys, if it’s good enough for Gwyneth Paltrow, it’s good enough for me.

Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Serum
If you don’t know Dr. Dennis Gross yet, get ready to have your life changed. Dr. Gross is a dermatologist who has developed state of the art skincare to reverse-age the shit out of your skin. One of my favourite products from his line is the C+ Collagen serum. Quite simply, it works.

If you have dull skin, and are looking to plump and brighten, this is the serum for you. It successfully creates even toned skin and even has the power to get rid of dark spots in some cases. Apply 1-2 pumps once a day daily. I can tell you first-hand that I’ve been blown away by the results upon using it for just one month. You guys will love this one.

Pixi Beauty Overnight Glow Serum
People often complain that good skincare products are too expensive. What I love about Pixi Beauty is that it makes beauty accessible to everyone. The Overnight Glow Serum is an exfoliating gel which leads to more radiant and brighter skin after working its magic overnight. The consistency is thick, so be sparing with the amount you use – a little goes a long way.

This product is powerful – it contains 10% glycolic acid, so I recommend using it a few times a week as opposed to everyday, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s also super important to pair this with sun protection as it makes you very sensitive to the sun.

Oskia London Renaissance Brightlight Serum
Oskia London’s Brightlight Serum specifically targets hyperpigmentation. It contains 13 brightening actives which minimize melanin transfer to the skin and reduce the look of discolouration. Basically, a miracle worker to correct sunspots. It should definitely be a mainstay in your beauty cabinet especially during the summer when we all get plenty of sun exposure.

I love how smoothly it goes on my skin, and its delicate rose smell. But what I love most is the fact that it works, and is specifically designed to correct the lifestyle damage our skin has to endure daily.

Lancome Genefique Youth Activation Serum
This was my introduction to the world of serums. Basically, Lancome took their old serum formula, revamped it, and presented the world with an anti-aging masterpiece. This serum packs a serious punch – it makes skin more radiant, moisturizes, and promotes cell turnover.

I can bore you with the science behind its key ingredients, but instead, I’ll focus on my personal experience with it. Last year, during its relaunch, I was challenged to use this serum for a month to see if my skin got any brighter. I happily accepted the challenge – who doesn’t want brighter skin? To be completely honest, I was actually surprised by how much better my skin looked a few weeks into using it. I noticed that my skin was brighter and more hydrated. It was the first time I realized just how transformative serums can be for the skin.

Caudalie Premier Cru Serum
Caudalie has been a mainstay in my skincare routine for years. I first fell in love with the brand when I used their Beauty Elixir years ago, and the love affair has basically continued. The Premier Cru Serum is an anti-aging powerhouse. Packed with ingredients such as resveratrol (promotes the production of collagen), polyphenols (antioxidant rich), and grape seed extract (rich in vitamin E), this serum is a must-have for your anti-aging needs.