Serums and masks help to target the major skincare concerns you have, whether it’s dehydration, pigmentation, dullness or wrinkles. Ahead, we picked out the best ones you should add to your skincare routine.
The first step of Clé de Peau Beauté’s Key Radiance line, this serum contains algae complex Kelplex to activate skin’s regenerative powers so that it’s able to bounce back from damage. Skin appears healthier, smoother and more supple with continued use.
Unlike other anti-acne serums which dries out the pimple and its surrounding skin, RE:ERTH’s Barrier Control contains key actives like Lysozyme, Colostrum and water-soluble vitamin A to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and aid skin healing without causing skin to flake.
This serum contains the highest concentration of Edelweiss and it’s for good reason. Firstly, Edelweiss extract has 46 percent more powerful antioxidants than retinol, making it a powerhouse against environmental aggressors. Skin is protected against damage, helping it look smoother and healthier.
Besides the Vanilla Planifolia extract found in all of Chanel’s SUBLIMAGE range, the L’essence Lumiere boasts another active ingredient found in the anthyllis —a resilient flower that thrives in the harshest conditions. Its extracts, when processed into an active ingredient found in this serum, was found to aid in the expression of SESTRINE-2, a protein responsible for protecting skin against oxidative stress, as well as regulate melanocytes to prevent the formation of dark spots. With use, it’s able to blur away pigmentation and brighten the overall complexion.
The star product from RE:ERTH is fast becoming a cult favourite amongst beauty editors—having won more than seven Beauty Awards in the last five years (including BAZAAR’s!). The Multi-Targeted Elixir contains a proprietary Japanese White Turmeric which is only found in the Kyushu region of Japan, as well a Japanese Spring Turmeric. Combined with other active ingredients like APPS (a stabilised vitamin C), this serum helps to brighten skin tone, improve collagen synthesis and firm the skin.
First developed in 1992, the Liposome Advanced Repair Serum have multi-layered time-release microcapsules called multilamellar bio-liposomes, that penetrate deep into skin to imbue it with hydration over time. Once they’ve reached the deeper layers of the skin, they’re able to lock in the hydration, seeking out dry areas of the skin and adhere to them with their Source Targeting Technology. Skin appears more plump, with hydration that lasts for hours.
Every day, the skin is subjected to an onslaught of aggressors including UV rays, blue light and free radical damage—often inflicting damage or an inflammation response. Over time, these damage will end up manifesting as fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots and other skin imperfections. The IDS Skincare’s Rejuvenating Complex+ contains their proprietary technology Neulastin which acts to restore and regenerate skin so that these micro injuries are addressed and treated before they escalate.
Coupled with the ENHANCE delivery system, these active ingredients are absorbed deep into skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production so that skin is plump and smooth with continued use.
Made with 97 percent pure hyaluronic acid, this serum does some serious plumping action on your skin. Short-chained hyaluronic acid penetrates deeply into skin to form a reservoir of hydration for skin to draw from, optimising skin healing and tissue repair in the process. Skin instantly feels comfortably hydrated, especially dry patches or sensitive spots, and fine lines and plumped out and less obvious.
Any beauty junkie will attest to the use of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to purify and resurface skin. As it turns out, the lactic acid found in the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is the gold standard for AHAs, helping to improve skin cell turnover while revealing a smoother and brighter complexion. Licorice, prickly pear extract and lemongrass then help to soothe, refresh and rejuvenate the complexion.
There’s nothing quite like a skin SOS—angry, red and itchy skin can really put a downer on your mood and make it really uncomfortable, and in some instances, embarrassingly visible to others. Keep the ActivCalm Quick Soothing SOS Serum close to you for skin emergencies like this—its active ingredients are able to reduce skin sensitivity and redness by up to 60 percent within one hour.
Alkaline amino extract is able to reduce erythema, skin rash or reaction caused by injured or inflammed blood capillaries, while French Polynesia Alteromonas ferment extract, hydrolysed yeast protein and sodium hyaluronate balances skin, improve resistance against external aggressors, and hydrate skin.
If you haven’t gotten into the serum stick bandwagon, you are seriously missing out. This handy stick dispenses just the right amount of product without needing you to go in with your grimy fingers to spread it out—perfect for a flight when your skin is parched and your hands are possibly riddled with germs.
The Supercharged Basil & Cassia Face Serum Stick contains hyaluronic acid and natural humectants to keep skin hydrated and happy. If you’re going makeup free, you can even concentrate the application on the cheekbones and high points of the face just to give it a little more glow.
Made with green clay sourced from Southern France, this purifying mask is able to rebalance skin’s sebum levels while keeping it hydrated. Botanical extract, brewer’s years, vitamin F, squalene and essential oils keep skin’s microbiome healthy, while imbueing it with necessary nourishment for healthier skin.
It’s a treat, but for your skin, not your tummy. The Cookies N Clean Whipped Clay Detox Face Mask helps to tighten pores, reduce excess shine and refine skin’s texture without drying out the skin. A combination of clay, charcoal, salicylic acid, rhubarb and ginger extracts purify the skin and pores so that skin is smoother to the touch.
Chantecaille has always been about harnessing the power of plants and this mask is no exception. Powered by potent botanical extracts and hexapeptides, the Bio Lifting Mask is able to reduce the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles, while hydrating parched skin to give mature skin a smoother and more lifted visage.
Conceived by Dr Stephen Chu, this mask is specially designed for daily routine use as well as aftercare for post-laser and aesthetic treatments. Each of this biocellulose mask adheres comfortably to skin to deliver a potent mix of centella asiatica extract, codium tomentosum extract and soy isoflavones to restore skin barrier, balance skin’s hydration levels and improve collagen production.
The material for this sheet mask is more than meets the eye—the AHC-exclusive micro-embossing fabric boasts improved absorption while adhering perfectly to the skin. Rosemary leaf extract and centella asiatica extract help to soothe irritation while improving skin healing.
There is nothing like putting on a mask, going to sleep and waking up with refreshed skin—and our mask of choice is the Sublime Replenishing Night Masque from Aesop. Containing vitamins B, C, E and F, along with emollients, this gel-cream mask helps to replenish essential hydration, strengthen the skin, and even out the complexion. Skin is left feeling supple, soft and brightened—like you had a good night’s rest.