Want to know the difference that makes the difference in a skincare ritual? We spoke to key industry experts who tend to the skin of beauty editors, actors, and models to spill the tea on the why, what and how of this fundamental elevation of your ritual.
Serums: Why + How
From Jeannie Bourke, Founder Venustus (Skin whisperer to the stars)
“Serums belong in every modern skincare routine, do not leave these out! No matter what skin type, they are the most active potent product within the range. Ingredients are brought into the skin in a very concentrated way, including active ingredients.” Jeannie Bourke, Founder Venustus Skin (and skin whisperer to the stars) shares.
Now that we’re sold on the serum life, how do we actually use it?
“First prep the skin with a thorough cleanse.” Bourke shares, continuing, “At the end of day, remove make-up and sunblock I use a solid balm exfoliant. Massage with your fingertips for 2 minutes, removing with warm towels (this can take 5 years off simply, by this first step). The next step, misting the skin, is key to hydrate the epidermal layer of the skin. This allows the richer serums to penetrate deeper. Finally, serum application is all about the massage, working it into the skin with love, care, and fingertips (lifting and lymphatic movements – only out and up gently).”
But don’t stop there! Bourke shares, “Serums need a minimum of 10 minutes to be able to absorb. I believe a separate eye serum is required, applied with your ring fingers, and then piano movements under the eyes so lightly to stimulate circulation in this delicate area. Dark circles and puffy eyes will benefit here with a jade roller straight from the fridge. Using the smaller end of a dual-head jade roller from the centre of the face out under the eye to the temple then from under the brow from the centre to the sides, let all this absorb during the evening.”
Finally, if you want to try on a few different products, you can. Our skin whisperer advises, “Don’t be afraid to switch your serums, seasonally, both eye and facial serums, to give your skin a boost, often in winter and summer, but whenever you feel your skin needs a change.”
Shop the entire range of serums and jade rollers from Venustus here.
Serums Editor Road Test: Your Glow Up Starts Here
Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum
OK so the name is looong and sci-fi, but the premise is simple and effective. It’s a precise dose capsule that you burst open daily for mega plumping power. The claim is pure, potent, and precise and we have to agree. I love the addition of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that attracts and binds water, supports collagen and elastin fibres.
This latest addition to the famed Ceramides range by Elizabeth Arden naturally contains Ceramides to fortify the moisture barrier in addition to Ginger extract for a firmer appearance and emollient oils for skin moisturising and softness. Skin feels juicy and bouncy from the very first application.
Dermatologist, Dr. Annika Smith advises “Don’t overcomplicate your regime”. She’s a big fan of the purity and potency of these capsules and recommends it as a perfect base serum in the morning where it can be layered with an anti-oxidant serum and SPF. Dr. Smith also advises that this serum “works very well with retinoid and AHA products as a prep to hydrate and desensitise the skin from more active ingredients. We love to layer this serum over the new Elizabeth Arden Ceramides Essence for deeper absorption and skin softness.”
Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules, 60 Piece RRP $150 from Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies. www.elizabetherarden.com.au
La Mer The New Concentrate
This classic powerhouse has been updated with even more potency, anti-oxidant benefits, and multi-tasking goodness. I have used this healing potion post-cosmetic treatments to instantly soothe and replenish my skin, on my daughter’s cuts and burns and as a booster or primer when my skin feels blah. It’s not called the Miracle Broth for nothing! The update is simply magnificent. Treat yourself!
I asked Fiona Pereira, National Education Manager, La Mer for a little more information on exactly how this impressive serum works.
“La Mer serums are designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients, gently to the skin through their unique delivery systems to target concerns such as wrinkles, pigmentation and redness. They are a crucial step in a regime and should be applied just before the moisture step – so in a La Mer regimen, this would be after your treatment lotion and eye cream.
The New Concentrate should be applied using the wand, by smoothing a small amount onto fingertips and pressing gently onto the face and neck to soothe the skin.”
La Mer The New Concentrate 30mL RRP $555, cremedelamer.com.au, David Jones, Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au
BIOEFFECT EGF Serum
Long before it was fashionable to be a clean brand, Bioeffect from Iceland entered the beauty sphere with an audacious and cult status serum the Bioeffect EGF Serum with epidermal growth factors and a formula that helps increase skin density, thickness and restores radiance. Of course, it’s also a winner in the battle against fine lines and wrinkles. The silky texture is legendry as are the results which we noticed were visible in as little as 3 days.
Expert application advice: This serum can be applied to cleansed skin at night without the need to complicate the routine with any additional product layers.
BIOEFFECT EGF Serum RRP $70.00, Mecca Cosmetics and mecca.com.au
La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Fusion
This impeccable glow getter is our pick for lifting your complexion to zoom ready heights. We love the super-light fluid texture which absorbs instantly, with the added benefit of light reflecting pearl pigments to impart an immediate evenness of skin-tone and glow.
Belinda Bessant, Education Director of the Swiss Luxury Brand shared the secret behind this wonder serum:
“White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion is like infusing your skin with light! Its illuminating formulation targets age spots, redness and greyness – the three chromatic light-barriers to a glowing complexion while Golden Caviar extract firms the skin. The shell of the caviar pearls in the serum also offers anti-pollution protection by forming a protective ‘second skin,’ allowing active ingredients to penetrate the skin while shielding it from particles that can cause a dull appearance. This serum should be used day and night after cleansing and toning, before your moisturiser to reveal luminous, firm skin.”
La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Fusion, RRP $850, David Jones, select Spas, and La Prairie.com
