What we love about serums: They’re lighter than creams, but still heavy on the benefits. Here, associate beauty editor Moh Shuying recommends the best serums that brighten and give skin a natural-looking glow.
This silky serum leaves skin feeling significantly smoother as an immediate effect. But even better things come to those who wait: Over time, its exclusive Jasmonate complex helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores, while plumping and firming skin, so your overall complexion feels more even.
This badass multitasker excels at what many of its peers struggle with: It hydrates, soothes and brightens at the same time, so much so that you can use less of – or even (gasp!) skip – your usual moisturiser. It supposedly works by activating cells’ natural self-purification process to induce the self-degradation of melanin, leaving one’s complexion with a significant glow after just two weeks.
This works on a simple premise: Give your skin cells a stable environment to grow, and they’ll be healthy. To nourish the complexion, it boasts a cocktail of ingredients, including amino acid-rich yeast extract and Chai Hu herb extract. The result is a fix-all that works on everything from blackheads to breakouts, and leaves skin fresh and glowing. Bonus: The lightweight gel texture spreads on like water and gets absorbed just as easily. For the holiday season, the brand is releasing a limited edition Rosalie version of this popular serum, with its bottle dressed up in a ruby shade.
The time-release formula of this watery essence means it continuously infuses skin with moisture for up to 12 hours. Gentle enough for all skin types, it hydrates even the driest of complexions, allowing makeup to go on better and last longer. Meanwhile, the addition of royal jelly extract and antioxidants like grape leaf extract soothe and protect skin.
Our go-to product whenever we feel that our complexion is out of whack. Using traditional Chinese herbs such as Siberian deer antler, angelica root and acanthopanax bark, it reportedly infuses skin with protective antibodies, as well as detoxifies, balances and improves energy levels to boost cell turnover and repair.
An adapted version first appeared in Female’s November issue, out on stands now.
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