Serums

Ladies, let's talk serums... My skin care routine before serums consisted of using a cleanser, perhaps a toner and a moisturiser. When serums came they seemed miraculous products, with nearly mystical formulations, and the perfect consistency - not too light or too heavy.

These are the ones that I love

Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Serum ££££

Based in Vermont, Tata Harper is a luxurious and nontoxic organic brand.

What it is good for?

A pore minimiser that illuminates and corrects the appearance of dark spots. This is a fantastic product that delivers instant glow in a dreamy texture.

What are the magical ingredients?

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice - an anti inflammatory

Jojoba oil - improves dryness and skin texture

Coconut oil- antimicrobial and moisturising

BIOEFFECT EGF SERUM ££££

Launched in 2005 by a group of geneticists, the brand uses a plant-based replica of EGF, a naturally occurring human protein, which can be found in barley.

What is it good for?

Non sticky and you need just a bit to get that fresh skin look. An anti-ageing treatment that will improve the appearance and overall health of the skin. I use it at night when I want a simple one step to bed routine. Face always looks better in the morning.

What are the magical ingredients?

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor,a polypeptide) - stimulates skin growth at cellular level

Barley extract- an antioxidant

Skin critical use antioxidant ingredients to correct hyper-pigmentation and prevent further damage. One of my favourite serums ever......... and a staple in my routine.

What is it good for ?

What are the magical ingredients?

KAHINA – Brightening Serum £££

An organic brand started by a lady from New York, whose intuition was to go to Morocco and help a group of women earn money by establishing their own production of Argan oil.

This is an incredibly lightweight serum infused with argan oil extract. Like a serum and an oil had a baby together, Kahina brightening serum delivers the intense moisturising properties of an oil without the oily finish.

What are the magical ingredients?

Japanese seaweed- helps with discolouration, hyper-pigmentation, post-acne spots

Argan oil - moisturises and hydrates

Green tea - heals blemishes

Neostrata Collagen Booster £££

The creators of Canadian brand NeoStrata Company use AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) in all their products to reduce the appearance of dark spots, early wrinkles and dulness.

What is it good for?

As we get older our skin needs an extra kick for producing collagen, as the body naturally stops producing it. I love putting it underneath my daily moisturiser as it gives that extra boost of collagen to my skin. A bit sticky, and not very moisturising, this products does what it says on the box... my skin feels and looks plumper.

What are the magical ingredients?

Gardenia Cell Culture - preserves existing collagen by inhibiting MMP enzymes which break collagen down

Glucosamine- stimulates the production of hyloronic acid

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin Plumping Serum ££

This organic brand from New Zealand uses raw fruit extracts combined with scientific ingredients.

Extract of mamaku black fern - helps foster cell renewal

NUXE Serum Crème Fraîche de Beauté ££

Nuxe is a French skincare brand with a pharmaceutical approach. Their most famous product is their oil Huile Prodigious which has a very distinctive smell and it’s miraculous on both skin and hair. All their products are plant based.

What is if good for?

This is a great simple serum to have in your handbag for an immediate skin lift effect. It is my go to serum to top up on moisture during the day, and I might apply it over whatever is left of my foundation to bring my face back to life.

What are the magical ingredients?

Macadamia oil- softens skin

Almond milk- protects skin cells from damage

Rice powder- exfoliates dead skin cells

Buffet multi-technology peptide serum by The Ordinary £

A part of the Abnormal beauty company, the Ordinary is a pharmaceutical brand that brings clever active ingredients to the public at an affordable price. They have different ranges for different skin issues: pigmentation and uneven skin, wrinkles and plumpness.

What is it good for?

A general good anti-ageing serum. This is a bit sticky and takes some time to absorb but you feel the active ingredients do actually work, giving the skin an immediate glow, fuller look.

What are the magical ingredients?

Very concentrated form of haliomnic acid - moisture-binding characteristic vital to keep the firmness of the skin

To maximise the effect of the serums consider using a derma roller, I am using a 0.5 needle, which will superficially break the skin and allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeper. For my derma rolling technique and tips go to this blog post. I usually buy my derma rollers on Amazon, I don't have a specific one I would recommend, just make sure it is titanium and is packed hygienically...

DISCLAIMER

The contents of this video are not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal direction should be provided by a qualified healthcare practitioner.