Super serums and fabulous facial oils
From cleansing through exfoliating to moisturising, we girls all have our own daily beauty regime. If your skin is needs a post-winter boost or a little anti-ageing help, however, it might be worth adding a serum or oil to the mix.
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Serums and oils are made from natural ingredients, and despite what you might think, are lighter and more easily absorbed by the skin than your average moisturiser, and help to create a smooth base for moisturiser, sun lotion and foundation.
And since they're made up of smaller molecules, they are able to penetrate the skin more deeply too, giving your skin extra softness and nourishment. We check out some of the best on the market, and what they can do for you.
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Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate
As the name suggests, Clarins Double Serum is an intensive anti-ageing treatment, made with 20 plant extracts, including katafray bark extract and hyaluronic acid for moisturing, perilla and macadamia oils for nourishment, the protective qualities of quinoa and green tea extract, maritime pine and rosehip oil to oxygenise the skin and green banana, thyme and bocoa to help regenerate and rejuvenate the skin.
It's not cheap at £55 for a 30ml bottle, but the formula is designed to firm and even skin, reducing visible pores and smoothing wrinkles, leaving behind a soft, glowing complexion.
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Renew Super Serum
Readily available on the shelves of your local pharmacy, L'Oreal's Super Serum claims to target wrinkles and rejuvenate ageing skin with its Pro-Xylane ingredient. This naturally-derived miracle worker was the subject of a six-month study, which found it reduced the appearance of crow's feet, as well as boosting skin density.
Combined with exfoliating ingredient LHA and moisturiser Hyaluronic acid, it'll plump, reduce the appearance of visible pores, and create a smoother, more even skin tone.
It's not as lightweight as other serums or oils, but at just over £16, it's an affordable option that's well worth a try, particularly if you're already a fan of L'Oreal products.
Sanctuary Spa Power Peptide Serum
Equipped with the active ingredient Matrixyl Synthe'6, which has been clinically proven to 'stimulate production of the skin's six major building blocks', this Sanctuary serum is designed to tackle the deep wrinkles around the eyes, lips and forehead.
Hyaluronic acid and a combination of nourishing oils such as jojoba and pomegranate, it has a rich quality that will leave your skin feeling smoother and firmer, with a youthful glow.
Because of its richness it might not suit those with oily skin, but if it does work for you, you'll find your £25 is well spent as a little goes a long way.
Suti Rejuvenate Face Oil
Recently featured in Hello! magazine, Suti's Rejuvenate Face Oil is designed to do more than just moisturise. Evening Primrose oil, sandalwood and frankincense help to heal and repair the skin while promoting cell growth, while rosehip seed oil restores elasticity and argan oil calms irritated and blemished skin.
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Plus with the neroli and tangerine oils for a good-mood boost, you have the added advantage of reducing stress as well as enjoying firm, silky smooth skin. It costs £32, but the makers insist two to three drops each time is all you need.
Superico Vitamin Rich Face Oil
A blend of plant extracts that contain vitamins, omega oils, essential fatty acids and antioxidants are at the heart of Orico's popular face oil (£28), and this all-natural, organic product is perfect for those with very dry skin as the tamanu, rosehip and jojoba oils help to restore the skin's natural moisture balance.
As with Suti's face oil, not only will you get smooth, nourished skin, but aromatherapy too, and with lavender, patchouli, geranium and bergamot involved, you'll instantly feel calm and uplifted.
Do you use a face oil or serum? Which would you recommend? Leave your comments below...
