Facial Serums

It's a beauty misconception that serums are just a more expensive form of skin moisturizer. Yes, the price is more per ounce than your average skin care product, but that's because you're getting more concentrated ingredients (and deeper-penetrating effects). Get the low-down on why serums are worth every penny when you keep reading

Forget all those scrubs out of your kitchen cabinet, there's another type of facial exfoliator on the block: Rx for Brown Skin's Absolute Radiance Exfoliating Serum ($35). Developed by dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, the skin care line, including the serum, is formulated specifically for women with medium to dark skin tones. And as for this serum in particular, it brightens the complexion without beads or harsh granules. In just one week, it reveals a luminous complexion void of discoloration (but the best results are seen within six weeks).

The key ingredient is glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin cells. This gentle ingredient also helps remedy acne, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture. Just remember to wear sunscreen on top of this product because the acidic components increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Finally, apply foundation — but when you discover a more even and beautified skin tone, you may opt to go nude.

As an esthetician friend once explained, "Serums are like vitamins for the skin." And while that may be the case, for Yves Saint Laurent Beaute, they're more like the Fountain of Youth. The luxury brand has just come out with a new line of antiaging products, including the Forever Youth Liberator Serum ($150 to $200) that use synthetic saccharides to stimulate the skin's regeneration. (Editor's note: YSL's serum was sent to us by Neiman Marcus for review.)

Once applied using the perfect-amount-every-time dropper, you'll love the way this serum sinks luxuriously into the skin. The complexion is instantly brightened and plumped. After several uses, the face feels more smoothed out and even, but not tight or tacky. Perfumed skincare haters beware, though. This serum, while not overly strong in scent, still contains that perfumed essence many high-end department store brands possess. And unlike other premoisturizers of its ilk, Forever Youth is not sticky, won't cause pilling, and doesn't leave an oily residue on skin. But is it worth the price tag? If you have the cash to spend and are looking for a bit of luxury, then yes. The Fountain of Youth may not actually exist, per se, but today's technology might just be bringing us closer.

During his career as an esthetician, Marc Edward has performed literally thousands of facials. No surprise, then, that he has great advice on what kind of skin care actually works, and smart tips for soothing skin sensitized by cold weather. To check out his tips, just keep reading.

Marc Edward is one of skin care's rising stars. His facials have been voted Los Angeles's best, and he's scored features in magazines like Glamour and New Beauty; he even has his own product line. So I was glad to get a few minutes to pick his brain about spa care. He let me in on the newest skin care tech, what facials actually work best, and what kind of treatments you absolutely shouldn't try at home. To get the scoop, just keep reading.

Marc Edward has been voted top facialist in LA, his skincare line is in all the award shows' goody bags this year, and he'll be making appearances in next month's issues of both Glamour and Allure. Busy guy. Marc has the professional's take on what you can do to head a zit off before it becomes a big, gross problem, and he told me what supposedly "helpful" product that we're all using is actually a nightmare for your skin. For his acne advice, just keep reading.