What serum really makes you glow ?

[PeacheyPeach]

Ive been using boots advanced serum for the past few weeks and i have to admit that im a bit disappointed so far! My skin doesn't look that much different than when i started! What serums actually work on a 40year old . I thought id be all glowy by now but I look as patchy and grey as i usually do in the winter 🤣

Aurelia Revitalise and Glow serum had it in a try me kit, really good. Bit expensive for me though so didnt buy the full size one

A good vitamin C serum - I use Skinceuticals when feeling flush and Garden of Wisdom when not. The Ordinary ones work, but I found them very unpleasant to use.

It needs to have over 10-15% of L-Ascorbic acid to have much effect

I've been using Aleph serum which is also a primer since xmas. At 47 my skin has never looked so good. Brought down dry patches and rosacea. Worked instantly. Don't need anything else! No moisturiser. Three drops in the morning. 4 at night. Made here in NZ so I'm not sure it's available in the UK but will look. I couldn't recommend it enough!

alephbeauty.com/collections/shop/products/serum-primer

They do do international orders but no idea how much shipping would be! $69nzd so about £35. Judging by my daily use I reckon a bottle would last about 4 months and it replaces any moisturiser, serum, night cream, primer.

OP, might not be the serum but the time of year.

I read that in winter you need to exfoliate more to get rid of the grey look. Try an acid toner or scrub to remove dull skin, otherwise you’re just pasting down the dead bits with your new serum 🤢

Fake tan or bronzer and Sunday riley good genes...

I like the dragons blood one (Nip and Fab not the expensive Rodial version - although I understand its the same company and a similar product)

But I also use it after liquid gold which will make a difference

@shangpie your right about the time of year i always look rubbish in the winter! I have ordered a light exfoliating balm amd peel from body shop. So hoping that might get rid of all the dead skin!!

@ladyofthecanyon can i ask why you find the ordinary unpleasant to use. I've not used any of their products but always see them recommended xxx

It was just a formulation issue for me - I didn't like the way it applied and sat on my skin. The powder is gritty and doesn't dissolve into the carrier creams and oils I tried to use to apply it. The cream Vit C felt like it was burning my skin. Overall it had the same effect as the GOW serum I use, but is just more pleasant to apply!

A Vit C serum and Medik8 Liquid Peptides, my vit c serum is also from Medik8 as it goes.

Have you thought about a subtle gradual tanner? If it’s just that you look a bit washed out and you’re pretty happy with the texture of your skin it could be the answer. I really like Tan Luxe and I’m sure it’s on QVC so less of a gamble splashing out on it if you don’t get on with it.

I’ve found the Elemis Glow Priming Moisturiser to be good for this. But definitely need exfoliation at this time of year.

Funnily enough, just last night I came across some photos from 2 years ago of when i first used Clarins double serum. I loved it but it was soooo expensive I soon moved onto other things and happily get along with Avene Hydrance serum.

However, the glow on my face in these photos is amazing. I even remember messaging my sister with a photo at the time to say, "hey, I tried this sample and look at my glow, but can I spend £60 on a serum?". she told me to buy it.

I'm now thinking i must return to it 😱 so if anyone knows of anything as good as this for less money, please let me know!

Samantha Sona Kakadu & Quandong serum is amazing. My skin has never looked better. I buy it from here: banish.com.au/collections/all-natural-beauty/products/kakadu-plum-quandong-day-serum

I got a sample of Bioeffect EFG serum in a beauty box once...it was like a magic wand. Much too spendy to rebuy though.

I like Tropic Fruit Peel as a good dead cell remover for this time of year.

In summer I like Decleor Neroli Oil but it is a bit spendy....

Definitely vit C.
I notice the glow within a few days.
Currently using a La Roche Posay but not that keen. Will go back to Vichy LiftActiv.

Vitamin c serum for me and glycolic acid to exfoliate

Not a serum but a facial oil - Elemis Superfood Facial Oil

Bit pricey and was a present but I love it

Ronseal

All Nip and fab
I use the daily Glycolic acid gel on a morning sometimes with Clinique moisture surge on top
Vit c gel on a night
Twice a week I use the extreme Glycolic acid (the pipette one) overnight.
My skin looks decent (and glows) for being 42 and a smoker but that's also because I have oily skin. The clinque lady who told me, while I was in my early 20's, that I'd be grateful for it one day was right! I'd have way more wrinkles without it.
Also agree with another poster about The Ordinary - lots of their products are great but the Vit c I couldn't get away with.

@curlytops21 that post has totally sold the clarins double serum to me!

[quote FreshFaceTime]@curlytops21 that post has totally sold the clarins double serum to me! [/quote]
Sorry - I don't even want to sell it to myself! It's so expensive.

I thought i was over my ex-serum. I thought i could move on and be happy with the new serum in my life. It's gentle, smells good, doesn't cost much and has fit into my routine perfectly. It was all going so well until I saw that photo.

It's made me remember how great DoubleSerum and I were together and I'm now wondering if we should have tried to make it work.

My heart is telling me it's not too late to go back. Avene will understand, right?

[quote FreshFaceTime]@curlytops21 that post has totally sold the clarins double serum to me! [/quote]
I've been sitting on my hands since I read it 😂
I will if you will
I'm going to scout round and see where it's cheapest.