Fave Serums

Ok, this post has been a long time coming… a really long time!  I love a good serum and so does my skin.  Why use a serum?  Oh boy, don’t get me started.  There are some areas where you can skimp but a good serum is not one of them.  If there was one skincare product I would recommend investing in it would be a good quality serum.  Serums are different then traditional cream moisturizers.  Instead of adding in all the extra thickeners and emollients they pack them full of anti-aging antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients.  Serums are more concentrated to treat the skin, whether it’s for anti-aging, hyper pigmentation, eczema or just overall moisture renewal.  Are you getting why I invest in a serum?  This is also why they typically cost more than other skincare products, because they are so potent-full of  ingredients that can really help steer your skin in the direction you want it to go.

A lot of people think if they have acne, then they should stay away from serums because they’re an oil-couldn’t be farther from the truth!  Most of the time with oily skin, serums are the better option than a traditional moisturizer.  As I mentioned, traditional moisturizers have a lot of added fillers that could clog pores, and serums just contain the pure oil and antioxidants.  Serums since they’re so potent, can target specific areas, so if you do have acne, there is a serum for you.  Plus, gone are the days where people starve their skin of any moisture as to dry out their acne.  No more peroxides and harsh ingredients needed.

I’ve tried out a good number of serums in my day and I’ve come across some favorites for all skin types and issues.  And good thing, considering most conventional serums are filled with toxins like mineral oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol PEG’s and a lot more junk that you don’t want anywhere near your skin.

Here are my findings, there will be more to come-for sure, but for now these are tried and true.

Acure Seriously Firming Facial Serum-

This is another great serum that really works and doesn’t break the bank.  Full of all organic ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, borage oil and argan oil, this little bottle packs a punch.  It’s heavier then some serums, definitely more of a rich oil.  It smells so good too-the scents that stick out to me are lavender and orange.  This felt like a drink of water for my skin.  I would wake up in the morning and my skin would just feel so plump…in a good way.  Borage oil is actually known for soothing skin and calming redness…hello!  I didn’t use this in the day under makeup because it was too heavy for me.  Over time I noticed a glow to my skin and just balanced skin.  My skin felt firmer and I attribute it to all the moisture my skin was getting from the potent oils.  Remember, dry skin lends itself to wrinkles, hydrated skin equals happy plump skin.  This is great for those with dry to combination skin.  At $19.99, a no brainer for anyone sticking to a budget and wanting a natural serum!

Skin Owl Beauty Drops-

These are such great affordable serums too.  I used the Geranium Beauty Drops and it’s almost gone-that’s how good it is peeps!  I love one of Annie’s(the creator of Skin Owl) concepts on skincare-she said, “I wanted to provide more than just skin care, I wanted to deliver a core component of total self-care too.”  And who can argue with that?  Total self care is what you get with this beautiful serum.  First off, it smells amazing and has two ingredients raw organic argan oil and organic geranium oil.  Just pure stuff people-it really doesn’t take much!  The geranium is best for combination skin types that need to decongest, enhance radiance and give overall moisture.  My skin feels so moisturized when I use it.  Not greasy- it literally melts into my skin.  I wake up in the morning with supple and even skin-no redness.  I also used it underneath my makeup.  I would apply 5 minutes before my foundation application-it went on so evenly.  They also make two other Beauty Drops, one for oily/acne skin called Lavender and the other for dry/mature skin called Clary Sage.  She also has a nighttime oil called Mangosteen, which I haven’t tried but can only imagine how wonderful it is.  Bottom line if you’re looking for a serum that does the work on your skin but want an affordable option, then this is it!  It retails for $30.

Wonderland Organics/Sublime Serum-

The Sublime Serum is great for sensitive skin.  I have dry skin, but it can be oily sometimes too, and this was just what my skin needed.  With organic ingredients like pomegranate oil, apricot kernel oil and argan oil, this truly is a moisturizing serum.  What I love about the serum is that it melts right into my skin and doesn’t leave an oily residue.  It smells amazing too, with notes of rose in it.  Upon waking up in the morning my skin feels supple, moist and revived.  My redness has gone down and I felt my skin looked even and awake.  This also works great underneath my makeup.  I would highly recommend if you have dry to normal skin. I also have a full review on the other two serums from Wonderland Organics on the blog here. $39.99.

May Lindstrom Youth Dew-

This is a luxurious serum and I love it.  First, it smells insanely good, I get hints of rose and citrus-perfectly blended together.  The serum melts into my skin and feels weightless while at the same time perfectly balancing my skin.  My skin absorbed it all-no oily feeling…something I just love about this serum.  It’s not as heavy as some serums I’ve used.  After using it for a while I noticed a glow and dewy look.  I never felt my skin was dry…it’s hard to explain, it was just so balanced.  I used it underneath my foundation and it created a perfect even complexion.  Don’t even get me started on the ingredients- it’s just packed with over 20 botanical plant oils that are anti-aging, as well as CoEnzyme Q10.  I recommend this for all skin types.  It’s not too heavy for blemish proned skin, yet moisturizing enough for dry/combination.  The creator May puts so much into her products, if you’re looking for a luxurious skincare experience that is not only pure to the core but produces results, then this is it.  The price is steeper but you also have to consider how many active ingredients are packed in it…it’s chockfull!  $120.

Kahina Beauty Brightening Serum-

This has been in my skincare routine for a while-a must have product for me.  Just like the name says, it brightens and lightens spots on your skin.  From sun spots, hyper pigmentation, acne scars, elasticity, and firmness-it gives an overall radiance.  It’s not like a typical oil serum that’s heavy but lighter.  It doesn’t even look like an oil, it’s a whitish color.  It does take some time to see results as far as brightening spots but it does work over time.  I feel an even look to my skin.  A lot of times people say their skin doesn’t feel even or their complexion is dark in one area and light in another…well this is the product you need!  I’m a pretty big fan of anything Kahina, her cleanser is amazing too and I think she has the best night cream I have tried.  Anyone could benefit from the brightening serum…that’s all.  $72

Kypris Antioxidant Dew-

This is a water based serum.  It is the perfect serum to apply pre-makeup application.  It hardly feels like an oil to me, because it’s so much lighter than what you think of traditional oils.  My face doesn’t look oily or greasy at all but moisturized.  It just settles in my skin perfectly, leaving the perfect canvas for foundation.  This is especially great for those who have unbalanced complexions.  I’ve just been using this since the summer, and I imagine in the winter I’ll need more moisture for sure, since this is so light.  But this is the perfect serum for day time.  Just like the name suggests, it helps to protect skin from environmental damage and pollutants.  All of Kypris products are great for sensitive skin types- the serum doesn’t really smell like anything to me.  They also have two other serums Moonlight Catalyst and Clearing Serum.  As well as 3 Beauty Elixirs.  They all serve a different purpose and can be combined together for the ultimate skin cocktail.  $67

These are my current faves when it comes to serums/treatments.  This only the tip of the iceberg of all the serums out there.  I will definitely be reviewing more to come (I currently am) but for now I wanted to share what I’ve used and loved.  Have you used any of these or do have other faves?  Let me know in the comments, I would love to hear!