A hardworking serum or oil should be part of anyone’s skincare regime. Unlike moisturiser which looks after the skin’s surface, serum is designed to be absorbed by the deeper layers of the skin to plump it from within as well as target other concerns such as age spots and acne. It’s the product we tend to invest in the most as we age – and we want to see our money’s worth on our skin. We’ve handpicked our favourite ones to grace our bathroom cabinets thus far this year.
Cult 51 Immediate Effect Serum
This one is set to be a game-changer if you believe the hype. Following on the back of last year’s sought-after night cream, this is only the second product in the range, designed to be worn in the morning to firm and tighten the complexion – applied around the eyes and on other prominent lines and wrinkles. Created by Richard Mears (formerly a chemist for many major beauty brands), the original Cult 51 night cream enjoyed a lot of hype on its launch and contains (you guessed it) 51 potent ingredients – although those with sensitive skin might want to do a patch test first. This new serum has an innovative new ingredient up its sleeve, which is 99 per cent pure collagen as well as five anti-inflammatory extracts and a potent cocktail of anti-oxidants. It claims to boost skin elasticity by up to 82 per cent in just an hour. Your plastic surgeon might want to learn a new trade. £95 at Cult Beauty.
Cult 51 night serum
Zelens Intense Defence Anti-Oxidant Serum
If you’re concerned about sun-damage, this clever concoction is geared around fighting free radicals– which to the uninitiated are unstable molecules that attack healthy tissue and lead to premature ageing – and which are primarily caused by UV rays. Zelens’ founder Dr Lens has created a blend of ingredients to help fight the following free radicals: reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) which can lead to inflammation; as well as reactive carbonyl species (RCS) which causes glycation that damages collagen and elastin. The result? The skin is more hydrated and its texture is vastly improved. £125 at Space NK.
Zelens Intense Defence Anti-oxidant Serum
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
This overnight treatment works on firming, repairing and reducing wrinkles and is set to steal the crown of similar treatments such as Estee Lauder’s popular Advanced Night Repair. A sapphire blue liquid (which goes transparent on the skin) it gets its colour from Blue Tansy oil which helps to repair skin damaged by the sun and pollution. It also works to reduce inflammation, making it ideal for those suffering with dermatitis, acne and other serious skin complaints. It contains a special wrinkle-fighting retinoid: Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, which is more stable than other kinds as it doesn’t oxidise as easily. Expect reduced wrinkles after several weeks and firmer, plumper skin from the get go. £85 at Space NK.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
by Viola Levy