February | The Edit

Brighten Up

From anti-ageing products using organic and wild-harvested ingredients to moisturising, science-led formulas, serums are the beauty hack our winter skin needs to glow into spring

Morgane Nyfeler

After the past few months of winter hibernation, cold weather and sun deprivation, our skin is in deep need of a refresh to restore that inner radiance. Enter illuminating serums, the beauty hack to help you – and your skin – get through the last stretch of winter and achieve a healthy, lit-from-within glow. These highly concentrated formulas contain potent antioxidants that help diminish dark spots, refine skin texture and create a luminous complexion for longer. Choose from our eight picks and add to your routine before moisturising for an instant radiance boost that will have you looking and feeling spring-ready.

Susanne Kaufmann serum

L: Hyaluron Serum (30ml), £110, by Susanne Kaufmann, available from susannekaufmann.com R: Queen Serum (30ml), £110, by Omorovicza, available from omorovicza.co.uk

1

Powered by a sustainable and performant combination of hyaluronic acid molecules and brown algae, Susanne Kaufmann’s Hyaluron Serum leaves the complexion looking plumped and healthy, even in the last of these darker nights.

2

Omorovicza’s new Queen Serum is the little secret to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin elasticity and firmness. It’s all thanks to Mediterranean microalgae, a natural, sustainably sourced biotech breakthrough inspired by the latest generation retinoids.

L: Frankincense Intense Lift Serum (30ml), £84, by Neal’s Yard Remedies, available from nealsyardremedies.com R: Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (30ml), £15.90, by The Ordinary, available from theordinary.com

3

Harnessing the power of frankincense, treasured for centuries in Oman, Neal’s Yard Remedies’ Frankincense Intense Lift Serum uses active and certified organic ingredients to target the signs of ageing and help you feel relaxed before bedtime.

4

By employing four peptide technologies, skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic-acid complexes, the “Buffet” Serum by The Ordinary helps significantly improve the appearance of crow’s feet, as well as the feel of skin elasticity and firmness.

L: Tulip Dew Drops (30ml), £54, by Bloomeffects, available from oxygenboutique.com R: Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide (25ml), £49.99, by Alpha-H, available from alpha-h.com

5

Bloomeffects’ story is as beautiful as its products, which are upcycled from tulip bulbs and petals. Founder Kim van Haaster fell in love with a tulip farmer and discovered the hydrating and rejuvenating benefits of the flowers, which led her to create sustainable skincare such as the multinutrient Tulip Dew Drops serum, which adds an immediate dewy finish to skin.

6

The glow-bestowing formula of Vitamin B Serum by conscious Australian brand Alpha-H features five active ingredients that boost the skin’s radiance while enhancing hydration, smoothing texture and regulating oil production.

L: Chebula Active Serum (30ml), £75, by True Botanicals, available from cultbeauty.co.uk R: Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum (30ml), £98, by Allies of Skin, available from uk.allies.shop

7

Pairing nutritive, natural-bioholistic active ingredients and antioxidants from the chebula plant, True Botanicals’ anti-ageing Chebula Active Serum leaves the skin looking hydrated and regenerated with a natural glow.

8

The overnight, cruelty-free Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum by Allies of Skin is an effortless, speedy and efficient supporter in battling stubborn pigmentation, large pores and other uneven texture, thanks to a hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and essential fatty acids from organic rosehip and tamanu oil.