Serum recommendations: Low to mid price range, or actually just low. Which to buy or blag testers?

[JoyceDivision]

Have normal / combination skin prone to slight spots or blem ishes when due on my period, and every once in a while when my skin is looking rather ropey I slather some serum on a night to give it a much needed repair and boost.

However, my teeny tiny Clarins serum sample tube is now officially scraped dry, so I think I need to buy some.

But which to get? I use a moisturiser on a day, rthe serum is to use once every now and again at night to give my skin some quality time so it doesn't need an spf.

Any recommendations?

I can heartily recommend pure vitamin C.
Buy a jar of Solgar vitamin C crystals. Get a little medicine measuring cup. Put a small amount of crystals (less that quarter of a teaspoon) in the pot and dissolve in a small amount of hot water.
When cool apply to your face.
Great for improving tone, texture and helps heal the odd spot.
It lasts for ages.
Beauty companies are all trying to get on the vitamin C bandwagon but it degrades in any ointment. If it is made fresh it is always potent. It stays in the skin for about 4 days I believe.

Oh wow, I would never have thought of that! Will google it, should I look just for the Solgar ones or would any vit C crystals do, Beckamaw?

You need L-ascorbic acid. There is another type of ascorbic acid that is not so well absorbed.
It's bloody amazing! I have taken small bags to friends to try and they have been astounded by the effectiveness.
You can also chuck some in the bath. Makes your skin feel ace.

Boots Botanics Night Serum is good.

I was going to post this, so will watch with interest. I like the Boots Protect and Perfect. I'm currently using L'Oréal Youth Code as it was on offer - I'm not a huge fan as it's too fluidy for my liking.

Im using the Youth Illuminate one from Loreal too! peggy ATM, its good but not great! I also bought it because it was on offer.

I am looking for a new one, but determined to use that one up.

Yep, it's very unconvincing isn't it Kate?

Cmon S&Bers you must have some suggestions...

Beckamaw, do you make the 'paste' or cream lotion, smooth it on and jut leave it on like a normal face cream? Do you get yours offf the tinterweb or a high street store?

Yes, i agree i dont think its 'illuminating' my face at all.

Their is a new Clarins one, its a Hydra-quench serum i spotted in boots. Anyone who has used the Hydra-quench cream knows the cream is amazing. I am tempted to try that out & if you buy it you get a free gift!

How do you apply beckamaw? With a cotton pad dipped in the vit c water?

You can do it with a cotton pad. I just tip some into my hand and pat it on IYSWIM.
It is just the same consistency as water.
Tastes bloody awful though. Do not apply prior to intimate behaviours.

I also mix some into body lotions and shampoos. It's very versatile!

Avons luminosity has been a pleasing surprise for me and often under good offer. I got it for 12 quid plus a hand cream last month.

Beckamaw - silly question probably but could you do the same with those vit c tablet that you dissolve in water to make a drink?