Do you have a favourite? Do you use just one or do you rotate a few? And why do you use one?

Currently using the ultraceuticals c-10 serum in the mornings, and the even skintone serum in the evenings in the hope to clear up my skin. Really liking them so far.

I heard once that you should apply serum onto your face while its a little damp to allow the serum to penetrate completely. Is that true? :confused: or is applying on dry skin ok?

Currently using the ultraceuticals c-10 serum in the mornings, and the even skintone serum in the evenings in the hope to clear up my skin. Really liking them so far.

I heard once that you should apply serum onto your face while its a little damp to allow the serum to penetrate completely. Is that true? :confused: or is applying on dry skin ok?

Dry skin is fine but whenever you use a product that may be an oily base (like the Clarins facial oils or some serums) then having slightly damp skin (even tho oil and water dont typically mix) does encourage the serum into the skin. Give it a go!

Adding serums to a range is becoming more and more popular and most are happy to include this step in their routines.

I use the Alpha H vital C in the morning and the Christian Dior Capture XR60/80 serum at night. I also like SKII Essence, Alpha H Hydra Defense and Dr Lewinn's Hydrating Serum that contains sodium hyaluronate.

Why do I use them? The ones that I have in my collection are all designed to do or treat specific things so I like to inlcude them according my current woe!:o

Rosehip oil & Beauty & the Bees Rosehip C-ultra eye oil. I use these on my eyes, neck or all over if my face needs rehydrating. They are cheap & they out perform many other eye creams I have tried.
I just got (but haven't used yet) the Megan Gale Vitamin A Booster serum and thinking on the Ultraceuticals C10.

What are serums actually meant to do? I often ask myself this and never really bother to find out, and therefore never buy any. Are there different serums for different things?

Rosehip oil & Beauty & the Bees Rosehip C-ultra eye oil. I use these on my eyes, neck or all over if my face needs rehydrating. They are cheap & they out perform many other eye creams I have tried.
I just got (but haven't used yet) the Megan Gale Vitamin A Booster serum and thinking on the Ultraceuticals C10.

Medusa, I thought it was you who purchased the Bees Rosehip C eye oil! Check out the last few posts on "budget skin care". Pinkcupcake and I have just purchased a few of their products.

Any tricks on using the eye oil?:)

What are serums actually meant to do? I often ask myself this and never really bother to find out, and therefore never buy any. Are there different serums for different things?

Where do I start?! Lol!

Serums are usually an "extra" step you include in your morning or evening (or both) routines. They usually go on naked skin under your usual moisturiser or sunscreen.

Some have all manner of anti-oxidents - A, C and E, others are designed to help attract water to your skin (sodium hyaluronate), some are whitening, some have AHA's for a more even skin tone and others are regenerating.

Perhaps Allison or Kate can give you some advice as to which might be suitable for you if you are interested?

I'm ucrrently using the Natio skin firming serum and it is really lovely. Makes mt skin firm and soft. This is the second bottle i've purchased but i didn't buy it again i've got the Olay regenerist serum but i haven't tried it yet. Can't wait, i hope it gives me good results.

I alos love the rosehip oil if thats cosidered a serum.

The main reason i started to use a serum was because:
a) I felt my skin needed more of a boost
b) I have dry skin and now it is always hydrated and smooth without the grease.

I love a good serum because it feels delightful on my skin.

Go for it !

What are serums actually meant to do? I often ask myself this and never really bother to find out, and therefore never buy any. Are there different serums for different things?
Depends on the serum! Serums are a good way of adding some "actives" into your skin routine. You would choose a serum based on your skin concerns. For example, if you wanted to prevent accelerated ageing, you might choose an antioxidant serum (vitamins C, A or E, or perhaps idebenone or green/red tea). Alternatively if you wanted to reduce pigmentation, you might choose an AHA/BHA serum with a melanin inhibitor such as kojic acid or bearberry. Or if you had problems with breakouts you could choose something with BHA and/or retinol.

Ok that makes sense! Thanks for that info, I'll keep watching this thread and make note of peoples recommendations. I am prone to breakouts on my chin area so that's helpful.
Cheers Kate :waving:

I'm ucrrently using the Natio skin firming serum and it is really lovely. Makes mt skin firm and soft. This is the second bottle i've purchased but i didn't buy it again i've got the Olay regenerist serum but i haven't tried it yet. Can't wait, i hope it gives me good results.

I alos love the rosehip oil if thats cosidered a serum.

The main reason i started to use a serum was because:
a) I felt my skin needed more of a boost
b) I have dry skin and now it is always hydrated and smooth without the grease.

I love a good serum because it feels delightful on my skin.

Go for it !

You will love the Olay regenerist serum. Makes your skin feel like velvet. Forgot to include that one in the Budget Skincare thread.

Thanks Luisa Brown for the thumbs up for olay regerist serum, i was a little worried. I thinki might have to start it now before my natio stuff is finished. Lol.i never finish a product

Elusian Rose Hip Oil is just fabulous. My skin has never glowed so much.

I can't recommend a Vit C serum highly enough! It helps with preventng ageing as it's an anti-oxidant (i.e sun damage), and also helps with pigmentation. Have to say it's the one thing I've used over time that has made the BIGGEST difference to the clarity of my skin. :encore:

However, you must ensure that you keep it out of the sun and that you buy it from a retailer that supplies it in a dark coloured bottle as it goes off very quickly (oxidises).

:sunnies:

Ok so I have been using Ole Henriksens Truth Serum for the last couple of days. It is rich in Vitamin C. It seems to be super hydrating which is just what I need at the moment (anaesthetic really dries out my skin). Anyone else used it?

I am in love with Mario Bedescu's Herbal Hydrating Serum and Cellufirm Drops. The hydrating serum is the absolute bomb! I love it and couldn't live without it. It is suitable for all skin types (even oily) and is really calming. The cellufirn drops are green and they firm and tighten your skin. You can actually feel it working. It's great to tighten up puffy eys as well!

I also have on the go Kiehl's Cryste Marine Firming Serum. My face really doesn't need firming as yet but I use it anyway and it feels good! This serum softens the look of lines and wrinkles and tighten up any saggy bits!

I've been using the Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum (Gentle formula) at nights for about 3 months now & I was a virgin serum user & am so glad I trialled this.
I'm loving it! :encore:
My skin hasn't looked this good in years!

Blonde Kittykat,
Everyone raves about the Ultraceuticals evenskintone serum. I recently bought it and am really looking forward to getting my treatment underway.

Blonde Kittykat,
Everyone raves about the Ultraceuticals evenskintone serum. I recently bought it and am really looking forward to getting my treatment underway.


Pcc, looking forward to hearing your comments on the product after trialing it. Give it a few weeks though before seeing any results. :waving:

hello blonde kitkat, i have just purchased ultraceuticals even skintone serum gentle formula and using it every other day (this is my second day and no allergic reactions at all, thank goodness!). i would like to ask if you are doing the same or you're doing it everyday? many thanks!

I use my even skintone serum every morning under my moisturiser (with spf of course!)

Havent really started using my even skintone serum yet! Just too many other serums on the go at the moment and I just can't seem to stay faithful to one long enough to continue using it for a few weeks to get the desired results.

Havent really started using my even skintone serum yet! Just too many other serums on the go at the moment and I just can't seem to stay faithful to one long enough to continue using it for a few weeks to get the desired results.

You're not the only one pcc! I have lots of serums, just pick what I feel my skin needs that day but have never used just one for more than a few days at a time!

You're not the only one pcc! I have lots of serums, just pick what I feel my skin needs that day but have never used just one for more than a few days at a time!

Phew so glad i'm not the only one Luisa!

hello blonde kitkat, i have just purchased ultraceuticals even skintone serum gentle formula and using it every other day (this is my second day and no allergic reactions at all, thank goodness!). i would like to ask if you are doing the same or you're doing it everyday? many thanks!

Hi ness822 :waving:
I'd keep using it every 2nd day for another week just to be sure...
After only about a week and a bit of using it every 2nd day I quickly switched to everyday application at night. If you do use it in the morning, remember to use sunscreen too.
Good luck! :)

many thanks blonde kittykat! truly appreciated! loving the even skintone serum!

many thanks blonde kittykat! truly appreciated! loving the even skintone serum!

ness822 is that your puppy? Too cute! We have a pet thread, if you haven't posted already would love to hear all about your little dawg!

hello raspberryberet! yes, that's my puppy! his name is miki potpot! i'll check the pet's thread! looking forward to have miki's new pup friends!

Sorry to drag up an old thread but hey, serums are always a good topic to discuss!! I started using Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum about two weeks ago....I thought it sounded like something that grandamas used, but the SA assured me that it would be a good extra step for my nighttime routine, and she was right! I honestly can see that my skin texture seems a little more refined and feels a bit softer. It's the first serum I've ever used and I'm really liking it.

Has anyone used the vit C serums in the Body Shop? There's a brightening one for daytime use, I was thinking about giving it a whirl....don't want to shock my poor skin with too many new products though.

Hi ozkat! Depite being an extra step (and an extra expense!), serums are so worth the splurge. I have never used the EL one but it almost goes down in skin care hall of fame for the amount that have been sold worldwide.

Vit C serum would be a worthy addition to your routine. It is an antioxident and a good free-radical scavenger. It has anti-ageing properties, collagen boosing effects and recent data shows that it can increase the effectiveness of your sunscreen. Sorry darl, dont know anything about the BS ones. Make sure you are purchasing one with at least 10% L ascorbic acid that is in a stable form.

So all you ladies using the even skintone serum... is this suitbale for oily skin, i am prone to break-outs around my chin.

[QUOTE=ness822;9357]yes, that's my puppy! his name is miki potpot! QUOTE]

Ness how did you come up with the name Miki Potpot?!?!?

I've been using the Ultraceauticals Ultra A Treatment Serum, this was a GWP but I went for it because of the retinol in it (I get breakouts around my chin). This is the first serum I've ever used so I have nothing to compare it to, but so far so good.

I combine Alpha-H Vital C & Alpha E and press into my skin each morning and the
Alpha-H A 0.05% each evening.
It is no use feeding your interior vitamins and forgetting you exterior. :makeup:

[QUOTE=ness822;9357]yes, that's my puppy! his name is miki potpot! QUOTE]

Ness how did you come up with the name Miki Potpot?!?!?

I've been using the Ultraceauticals Ultra A Treatment Serum, this was a GWP but I went for it because of the retinol in it (I get breakouts around my chin). This is the first serum I've ever used so I have nothing to compare it to, but so far so good.

I have been using this one for a little while and although I love it and the results, I wouldnt call this a "serum" as such. For me it has the texture of a light moisturiser. Infact I rarely use anything over this in the evening as it is just enough for my normal skin.

Does anyone else just use this alone?

I use it alone Luisa, it's the last thing I put on before going to bed, and yes it is rather like a moisturiser. I'm worried if I put more moisturiser over the top it might not work as well.

I use the Ultra A too but I really need to pop my Aesop Primrose creme over the top. The UC girl told I could layer even skintone, Ultra A, Vit C over the top of each other. I tried this once or twice but the tingleing was too much. My skin felt really itchy. :( So now I just alternate.

I use the Ultra A too but I really need to pop my Aesop Primrose creme over the top. The UC girl told I could layer even skintone, Ultra A, Vit C over the top of each other. I tried this once or twice but the tingleing was too much. My skin felt really itchy. :( So now I just alternate.

Thanks girls! Do feel as though the serum is enough at night. Last night used it on top of my Liquid Gold. I would keep your Vit C products for daytime use (unless otherwise instructed) as it helps to increase the effectiveness of your sunscreen too.

The UC girl told I could layer even skintone, Ultra A, Vit C over the top of each other. I tried this once or twice but the tingleing was too much. My skin felt really itchy. :( So now I just alternate.
Yowza! Well yes, technically you can layer those three... if you have skin of iron :)

The Vitamin C creams remain active in the skin for up to 72 hours, so it doesn't matter whether you use them morning or night.

Wow - 72 hours?! No wonder I can still smell it even after showereing! Lol!

yeah i hears that they stay for 72 hrs! so i guess its better to apply vit C creams every 3 days? or is it still ok to use every day? :confused:

yeah i hears that they stay for 72 hrs! so i guess its better to apply vit C creams every 3 days? or is it still ok to use every day? :confused:

You CAN use them every day but you don't HAVE to. Some people have sensitive skin and can't tolerate daily application so they just apply twice a week. But you can get better results by applying daily.

I've almost finished my bottle of EL Advanced Night Repair and am not noticing a difference at all......should I keep perservering with it, switch to another brand, or give up on serums altogether?

Haha like anyone on this forum is going to suggest the last option!!!

Here are my stats: I'm 24, fair skin but a bit oily, very even-toned, no blemishes, no real lines to speak of, no dehydration, a little bit of t-zone congestion....I'm generally just after something to take my skin up a notch. The chick at Estee Lauder swore that Advanced Night Repair would do it for me, but I dunno. I can't see it.

Serums are a great addition to your skin care routine but as you have few skin cocerns may not notice a difference with many of them. They are usually an adjunct to what your are already using - to give it a boost.

Not wanting to bag, but I think the EL serum relies on hype and mega sales (and they are quite happy to quote how many are sold - worldwide). I am yet to learn exactly what the ingredients are and what it should do?? Been there, not doing again :redcheeks:

No, I wouldnt bother continuing with it. I've used good serums and bad serums, and the god serums have shown a marked improvement in my skin texture or overall appearance in two to three weeks. I love just a basic vit C serum, or a mixture of C and A. I also use hyularonic acid to improve the moisture level in my skin (two "serums" if you like), and I am LOVING what they do to my skin!! You can have that too!!:hearts:

No, I wouldnt bother continuing with it. I've used good serums and bad serums, and the god serums have shown a marked improvement in my skin texture or overall appearance in two to three weeks. I love just a basic vit C serum, or a mixture of C and A. I also use hyularonic acid to improve the moisture level in my skin (two "serums" if you like), and I am LOVING what they do to my skin!! You can have that too!!:hearts:

Which ones are you using Melissa9419?

Which ones are you using Melissa9419?

Hey Luisa:waving:


I think I mentioned them before, but I am using IS Clinical at the moment, their Active Serum (pm)and their Pro-Heal serum (am), and the HA serum on top. These are brilliant so far - have gone through a whole bottle of all almost, and am seriously going to fork out the $$$$. Have thought of going back to just the basic Vit C, but these serums contain a mixture of actives, and my skin is MUCH clearer, as well as having that smoothness and softness to it. I've had hardly any breakouts, and my skin looks really nice,smooth and almost flawless with foundation on. It is quite expensive though, and I need to order it from OS. Otherwise I will go back to my Pure Skin Formulations Vit C (15%), which is also lovely.:bunny:

Hey Luisa:waving:


I think I mentioned them before, but I am using IS Clinical at the moment, their Active Serum (pm)and their Pro-Heal serum (am), and the HA serum on top. These are brilliant so far - have gone through a whole bottle of all almost, and am seriously going to fork out the $$$$. Have thought of going back to just the basic Vit C, but these serums contain a mixture of actives, and my skin is MUCH clearer, as well as having that smoothness and softness to it. I've had hardly any breakouts, and my skin looks really nice,smooth and almost flawless with foundation on. It is quite expensive though, and I need to order it from OS. Otherwise I will go back to my Pure Skin Formulations Vit C (15%), which is also lovely.:bunny:

Hey, thanks for the rundown! You are obviously very happy with the results. Where do you get IS?

Forgot to ask...you use the UC serums, dont you?? or is it the Cellex-C???

What do you think???:question:

Forgot to ask...you use the UC serums, dont you?? or is it the Cellex-C???

What do you think???:question:

The one I am loving at the moment is the UC Ultra A serum. I use it at night over the Eventone serum.

Still continue with either SKII Essence or Capture Rx60/80 serum in the morning. Want to get one with hyaluronic acid in to retain hydration.

The one I am loving at the moment is the UC Ultra A serum. I use it at night over the Eventone serum.

Still continue with either SKII Essence or Capture Rx60/80 serum in the morning. Want to get one with hyaluronic acid in to retain hydration.

More and more serums are coming with HA - the PSF Vit C has its own HA in it, but I actually LOVE the feeling of HA and the plumping effect it gives - highly recommend the HA either over your serum (is a pusher innerer if that makes sense) or included...you'll love it!!:p

More and more serums are coming with HA - the PSF Vit C has its own HA in it, but I actually LOVE the feeling of HA and the plumping effect it gives - highly recommend the HA either over your serum (is a pusher innerer if that makes sense) or included...you'll love it!!:p

Sounds good but where do I get it?!:chuckle:

Sounds good but where do I get it?!:chuckle:

The IS Clinical and PSF I get usually from essential day spa .com - they have an excellent forum too which I've been part of for a few years. In fact, this too encourages me to spend more, but at least it makes the purchase a little wiser.....:confused:

Take a look and let me know what you think....

Oh, and both IS and PSF sell seperate HA serums - PSF is very reasonably priced too, and gets good reviews there, although Ive not tried this one.

The IS Clinical and PSF I get usually from essential day spa .com - they have an excellent forum too which I've been part of for a few years. In fact, this too encourages me to spend more, but at least it makes the purchase a little wiser.....:confused:

Take a look and let me know what you think....

Oh, and both IS and PSF sell seperate HA serums - PSF is very reasonably priced too, and gets good reviews there, although Ive not tried this one.

Thanks for that!:bunny:

Oh my God I'm having a brain explosion with all this serum talk!

Just tell me what to use people!!!

I've almost finished my bottle of EL Advanced Night Repair and am not noticing a difference at all......should I keep perservering with it, switch to another brand, or give up on serums altogether?

Haha like anyone on this forum is going to suggest the last option!!!

Here are my stats: I'm 24, fair skin but a bit oily, very even-toned, no blemishes, no real lines to speak of, no dehydration, a little bit of t-zone congestion....I'm generally just after something to take my skin up a notch. The chick at Estee Lauder swore that Advanced Night Repair would do it for me, but I dunno. I can't see it.
Ozkat, when you say "take your skin up a notch", can you explain what you mean? What result would you like to see when you use a serum? This will help us suggest something for you :)

Oh my God I'm having a brain explosion with all this serum talk!

Just tell me what to use people!!!

Ha ha i know what you mean Ozkat. Sometimes I think people are right when they say we have to much to choose from :penguin:

I need your help guys!

I am researching serums which contain sodium hyaluronate (or hyaluronic acid). Can anyone give me any recommendations. Have not had this thread active for a while so hoping for some new news!

Luisa,

Here are a few for you:
http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewItem.asp?idproduct=3742
http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewitem.asp?idproduct=3782
http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewItem.asp?idproduct=4358
http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewitem.asp?idproduct=5291
http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewItem.asp?idproduct=5631

I need your help guys!

I am researching serums which contain sodium hyaluronate (or hyaluronic acid). Can anyone give me any recommendations. Have not had this thread active for a while so hoping for some new news!

Hi Luisa,
Go and check out www.mariobadescu.com under serums. Quite a few have hyaluronic acid in them. I have cellufirm drops and Hyaluronic Emulsion with vitamin C.

Thanks guys. Was also looking at the Joey one, anyone tried?

i was wondering if I should buy the UC sheer vit c or not , looking around there r cheaper ones but i am worried about whether the vit c would be stable in another brand or not
what r your experiences ??

fusspot, I am yet to come across a high-strength stabilised ascorbic acid formula that's anywhere near the price of Ultraceuticals. (And I am not saying that just because Adore sells it - we sell a number of vitamin C products across a number of brands and they are all more expensive.)

i was wondering if u should buy the UC sheer vit c or not , looking around there r cheaper ones but i am worried about whether the vit c would be stable in another brand or not
what r your experiences ??

I already have this one fusspot and use it on alternate days. I am specifically after a serum that contains sodium hyaluronate (or hyaluronic acid) that helps attract moisture to the skin. They are sometimes known as B5 gels (Cellex C has one). They dont really add any noticeable moisture and are thus good for layering.

[QUOTE=Kate (Staff);30991]fusspot, I am yet to come across a high-strength stabilised ascorbic acid formula that's anywhere near the price of Ultraceuticals. (And I am not saying that just because Adore sells it - we sell a number of vitamin C products across a number of brands and they are all more expensive.)[/QUOTE

that is why i was a bit worried , thanks Kate
i know u don't "favour " things", u r so good like that, a true beautyista

your advice has always been spot on :hugs: