We all know what a face moisturizer is and what it does, but serums, thanks to their price and texture variances, are in a more confusing category. Before you brush off this essential step in skin care, find out what serums do, how to choose one, and more, when you keep reading.
When a product makes you feel good not only because of the skin-enhancing benefits it provides, you know you've hit the so-called beauty jackpot. Such is the case with celebrity makeup artist Lina Hanson's new Global Face Serum ($85). The feel-good part? Several of the ingredients used in the oil blend are harvested by women all over the world to help support their economies.
Free of parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, and silicone, the eco-friendly serum smells like a dream. It's fresh, clean, and uplifting thanks in part to essential oils such as ylang ylang and neroli. Most of all, it's a multitasker, quelling redness as it brightens the skin, leaving the complexion nice and plumped up — but not oily. Argan oil (aka liquid gold) helps fight free radicals, while palmarosa helps ward off minor infections. You can't go wrong with this one. Besides, how often does one really get a chance to strike gold?
As mentioned before throughout the Prime Time series, most primers possess that telltale gel-like, slippery feel. And while it's rare to find a primer that's creamy, CoverGirl & Olay's Simply Ageless Serum Primer ($14) stands out from the rest for that very reason.
Touted as an antiaging moisturizer and foundation primer, this dual-branded prepper is perfect for those who love multitasking products. Its texture and look is similar to a white facial sunscreen, with a bit more of a satiny, rich feel. Because of this, the Serum Primer doesn't sit atop of the skin like many other primers, but soaks in. A little amount will also go a long way, taking some of the sting out of a $14 price tag. To find out the rest of the review, just keep reading.
Reader Humsoutloud has tried just about everything to help calm her sensitive skin. Upon discovering Origins Dr. Weil Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum ($110), she is now hooked for life. Here's what she had to say about this product:
I know people say they have tried every product, but I literally have — from the doctor to organic to high-end. My skin will break out if anything but water touches it, and I have blotchy patches and lines already. (I'm really young.) I read reviews of this product all over the internet so I decided to try it. This is the first time in six years that my skin looks beautiful! I'm not wearing any makeup because my skin looks like it's glowing and even. Seriously, it is worth every penny, and it lasts a really long time. I look my age again, and there is nothing "bad" in this product (sulfates, etc.).
Do you have a product that has worked miracles on your skin? Let us know about it on the Product Reviews website and you might be featured here on BellaSugar.
Throughout the month of October, the skin care brand Duchess Marden will donate 10% of all sales from their Damascena Neck & Décolleté Serum ($64) to the Young Survival Coalition. The YSC is the only international non-profit organization that helps to educate the medical community, research teams, 
breast cancer and legislative arenas.
For those of you who aren't yet familiar with the Duchess Marden Skin Care brand, all of its products come from pure, natural, plant based elements so not only do they smell great, but they are also great for you!
This special serum is a beauty booster for anyone looking to help firm, tighten, lighten and speed up the regeneration of their facial cells. It also restores serious moisture to dry, damaged and dehydrated skin. Whaddya say—Do you think you'd be interested in trying a new neck-nourishing solution like this?
With so many skin care products on the market these days, how can you possibly decipher what the best are to use on your face? So many of you write me and ask specifically about the purpose and function of facial serums, so I thought I'd create another BellaSugar Guide to help better explain this specific type of product.
Serums are stronger than moisturizers because they contain up to seventy percent of active ingredient(s). An active ingredient is the primary ingredient used to correct a problem and/or to enhance the complexion. Daytime moisturizers generally contain three to five percent active ingredient(s), and night creams contain anywhere from ten to fifteen percent active ingredient(s).
Check out my five-post list on facial serums to help you figure out what types of serums are best suited for your skin.
Welcome to part II of Serums, Serums Everywhere! This installment will focus on facial serums that contain Vitamin C as a primary ingredient. I hope you checked out part I which focuses on lifting and energizing serums.
Studies show the regular use of Vitamin C products can significantly help to regulate melanin production and hinder hyper-pigmentation in your skin. This means that Vitamin C can seriously fight early signs of aging on your face! Here are my top three picks for Vitamin C infused facial serums. Enjoy!
SkinCeuticals Serum 15 AOX, $75 for 1 oz. This serum combines 15% L-Ascorbic Acid with Ferulic Acid to provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. Apply four to five drops in the morning after cleansing your face and neck and follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen for best results.
The serum may tickle for a second when you first apply it because of the highly concentrated Vitamin C, but when it dries, it will leave your skin glowing.
For one more Vitamin C serum, read more
