It's the age-old question: Why do I need to use a serum and a moisturiser? Editor Trudi Brewer sets the record straight, sharing some new skincare innovations too.
Avene’s new Hydrance Serum and Rich Cream.
Skin thrives if it's nourished and protected, and to do that; you need to use a serum, and moisturiser combo. Both improve the texture of the skin, however, serums are (non-aqueous) without water, and contain smaller ingredients in a concentrated form. Apply after cleansing, but before moisturizing, think of serums as your skin correcting treatment. While moisturizers are full of H2O, so they are super hydrating and designed to sit on the skin's surface to repair its barrier and be your skin's first line of defence against damage - including dehydration. For anyone who may be curious, if you should mix skincare brands know this: Each company uses a variety of ingredients in their formulations, and in serums, these ingredients are super active. If you brand buddy your serum and moisturiser, not only will you get double the dose of compatible goodness, you won't run the risk of reaction.
Here are the perfect partners for both day and night.
New Avène Hydrance Rehydrating Serum, $60.
The brand calls this a pre-moisturiser treatment, for anyone with parched, sensitive skin. A refreshing gel-like texture (ideal for use in the heat) that sinks in super quick. But it's the cohederm in the formula, which maintains optimum hydration levels in the skin (it's much like hyaluronic acid, but more potent), as it helps form water reservoirs in the skin to prevent dehydration during the day. Oh, and like all Avène products, it all starts with the thermal spring water as it's base.
New Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream , $57.
As the name suggests, this rich cream is packed with Avène's thermal spring water, leaving your skin feeling like you've been drinking those three liters of water a day - that I never manage to do. It can be worn during the day if you have dry skin or layer it on thick at night, much like a sleeping mask.
NEW Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, 30mls $134.
Targeting dark spots, age spots, and acne scars, this new corrector (targeted serum) contains brightening and damage erasing ingredients. The brand says it‘s the 'CL302 equalizer technology' that along with soothing botanicals (to prevent minimize irritation), that help boost radiance and skin clarity. Read our full review here.
Clinique Superdefense Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 20, $102.
Worn over the new brightening Even Better Clinical Corrector, the SPF and skin-loving antioxidants in this nourishing moisturiser protect the skin why you’re out and about under the sun.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate, $145.
Post-summer this combo is ideal if you feel like your skin needs a brightening reboot. An overnight treatment, it contains concentrated hyaluronic acid boosting moisture in the skin, encouraging luminosity - and who doesn't want that, right?
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, 50ml, $190.
This famous little brown bottle of goodness is part of most 'it girls' nighttime routine. Why? It helps boost that natural renewal process, which helps boost radiance, smooth fine lines, and (I swear by its skin-soothing ability if you have caught the sun during the day it wipes out the look of redness within hours), and it absorbs in seconds. I use it under makeup as well as before bed.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate, $145 & Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, 50ml, $190.
Too Faced Hangover Good In Bed Ultra-Hydrating Replenishing Serum, $57.
For those weeks when you feel like you're spent, have low energy from too much partying, if that fatigue is showing on your face, then the combination of coconut water, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant-rich dragon fruit, helps to give skin back a well-rested-looking glow.
Too Faced Hangover Pillow Cream, $72.
I need a nourishing night cream, and if it helps promote good sleep, I am sold. This bedtime skin treat contains a bounty of restorative ingredients, including coconut water, sea kelp, mango seed butter, avocado, and the brand says its' secret glow-giving power is 'meteorite powder' - who knew?
Eve Lom Intense Hydration Serum, $163.
Made from a new generation of hyaluronic acid, (the well-known moisture magnet) once blended with skin-loving pro-vitamin B5, this serum will quench the most dehydrated skin - so if that sounds like you, give it a whirl.
Eve Lom Moisture Cream, $233.
This is one of the brands top sellers, partly because it’s so hydrating thanks to the blend of skin firming ‘PrimalHyal ‘and ‘Ultrafiller,’ (both derived from hyaluronic acid). It’s a day cream that anyone can use regardless of your skin type.
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum, $145.
Once you get a taste of this silky serum, you won't want to be without it. With clever 'ReNeura technology,' the brand says it helps to 'reawaken the skin's sensory receptors that decline overtime.’ That technology once blended with Japanese Ashitaba tree and Natsume seed extracts as well as the addition of an antioxidant-rich algae, your ageing skin is in very safe hands.
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, $115.
I think it's the energizing blend of ingredients and the high tech ReNeura Technology that ticks all the boxes for smoothing fine lines, and keeping skin feeling nourished all day long.