The ultimate guide to radiant skin
Serums are face saviours; packed with high concentrations of active ingredients, these silky formulas can offer glow-giving, pore-perfecting and deeply moisturising results, as well as targeting signs of ageing, blemishes and discoloration.
If you’re not sure whether you’re seeking a serum to brighten or hydrate skin, book a free in-store consultation with one of our experts for advice that’s specific to your skin type. Already know what you’re looking for? Read on for 9 of the best face serums to invest in.
Best serum for brighter skin: Guerlain Abeille Double R Renew & Repair Advanced
Expensive, yes, but Guerlain’s Abeille Royale range draws on 15 years of research to brighten, plump and lift your skin. Powered by 96% naturally-derived ingredients, this brightening serum delivers potent nourishment to renew the epidermis, leaving skin smoother and pores refined.
Best serum for mature skin: Trinny London Plump Up Peptide HA Serum
A much-loved serum from Trinny London. Packed with powerful peptides and hyaluronic acid to champion your skin’s collagen and elastin production, it helps restore bounce and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Intense yet lightweight, it’s gentle enough to use AM and PM.
Best serum for anti-ageing: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
Like a filler in a bottle, Medik8’s pioneering anti-ageing serum combines powerful peptides with Dual MiniProteins™ for wrinkle reduction, and Growth Factor MiniProtein™ to improve the appearance of skin structure by supporting collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid levels.
Best serum for dry skin: CHANEL Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum
Got dehydrated, dull or sun-scorched skin? CHANEL’s serum is like a tall glass of water for thirsty skin. The first hydrating serum using microfluidic technology to infuse two types of micro-bubbles, it is deeply nourishing and balancing. Extra kudos for the pump bottle.
Best affordable serum: Fenty Skin Dew N Plump Hydrating Nectar Glow
Yes, Fenty does skincare as well as makeup. A great all-rounder, this lightweight serum provides all-day hydration to brighten and boost skin's moisture barrier. Powered by SuperQuench Juice Complex, polyglutamic and hyaluronic acids, it’s an affordable secret to achieving glowing skin.
Best Korean serum: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
This K-beauty powerhouse from Beauty of Joseon deserves a spot on your beauty shelf. Formulated with acne-prone skin in mind, it draws on high-performing ingredients, including anti-inflammatory propolis extract and niacinamide, to reduce the appearance of pores, perk up tired skin and leave your face as smooth as silk.
Best serum for beginners: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
For entry-level serum, suitable for all skin types, you can’t go wrong with The Ordinary’s reformulated bestseller. Containing five forms of hydrating hyaluronic acid, ceramides to lock in moisture, and pro-vitamin B5 to support the skin barrier, it transforms tired-looking skin.
Best luxury serum: Dior Prestige La Micro-Huile de Rose
The ultimate investment for your skin, this micro-nutritive supplement from Dior is enriched with nourishing nutri-rosapeptide, repairing omegas and plumping hyaluronic acid to repair and protect. It’s the skincare equivalent to plumping a cushion to restore it to its original pillowy fullness.
Best anti pollution serum: Skin Rocks The Antioxidant
Vitamin C serum is a staple for keeping your skin healthier for longer. Skin Rocks’ advanced formula amplifies vitamin C with acetyl zingerone, a next-gen antioxidant, alongside acetyl tetrapeptide-2 and green tea extract to shield your skin while smoothing fine lines and brightening the complexion.
How and when to apply face serums
Apply serum to your face every day after cleansing and toning, but before moisturising; application on slightly damp skin aids absorption. Apply 2–3 drops – avoiding the under-eye area – and use your fingertips to gently pad your serum in. Allow a minute for it to absorb before adding your layer of moisturiser or sun cream. Be sure to read each product’s guidance, but most are gentle enough to use both morning and night.
