Magic Goo

Raindrops on cherry blossom and whiskers on bunnies

Sludgy mink eyeshadows and my Swarovski sunnies              

Loving the band Sixx:AM and hearing them sing 

These are a few of my favourite things….

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a word that rhymed with ‘serum’ to include in my ditty and a serum is definitely one of my favourite things and I wouldn't want to be without one.

Anyway, enough of my silliness, let’s get straight down to business.  If you think that using a serum is even more expense to add to your ever-expanding skincare routine then I would recommend buying an inexpensive cleanser and moisturiser as a serum will target your skincare concerns tout de suite.  Concentrated formulas that penetrate deep and quicker into the skin than a moisturiser, choosing a serum for your specific skincare needs will form an essential part of your regime and it won’t be too long before you see and feel the benefits. 

There are so many serums on the market for every skincare challenge; prevent dehydration, that exfoliate, that improve the appearance of facial contours, tone, texture, pigmentation, oiliness, ingredients that get the nutrients flowing to give a more radiant complexion… to name but a few.  Some are expensive but there are some decent cheaper versions out there too (Superdrug-own brand and M&S is always a good place to start – Pure Super Grape Serum, anyone?).

Back in the 1990’s, my first serum was Clarins' Skin Firming Concentrate, a clear product that was applied (after toning) on to the face and neck in upward strokes and you could even use it around your eye area.  The concentrate sunk in very quickly and literally ‘lifted’ your facial contours immediately.  It was great.  I see now that Clarins do a (staggering) total of eleven serums and I am guessing that their Extra-Firming Tightening Lift Botanical Serum is the 2015 version of what I used to love.

Seeing as my weekly Blog is about what I am currently using on myself, I have had a few on the go (Shiseido, Nip+Fab, Vichy, REN and Soap & Glory) but it appears that I have found two favourites out of the above that I will be repurchasing once I have used them up).  Recently, I finished Shiseido’s time-fighting Bio-Performance Super Corrective Serum (€98 for 30ml).  The product is quite thick in consistency and I used two pumps and applied it after my Softener, avoiding the eye area.  Seeing as I am currently whittling about the lines down the side of my cheeks to my mouth and the laughter lines that fan out towards my hairline – I noticed that they are not as pronounced as they once were since using it.  Even though the results were great, I found the texture a bit thick for me (and un-serum-like) and there is no way to scrape out the container for the last remaining bits (the bottle just doesn't come apart), if there are any of course.

So now, in the mornings, I am using REN’s Instant Beauty Shot (€48 for 30ml) – a clear gel that sinks into the skin so fast that you wonder 'how parched is my skin?'  It reminds me of the old Clarins’ Skin Firming Concentrate and their Beauty Flash Balm all rolled into one.  Beauty Shot is a clear gel and it instantly firms, lifts and plumps to give a smooth complexion and I saw a difference straight away.  It’s extremely hydrating due to having a double dose of hyaluronans (hyaluronic acid* complex) oh and it smells of roses.  Gorgeous.  It comes in a glass bottle with a pipette and the label says to use two to three drops but I always find that one big drop will do and I apply it in upward strokes to my face and neck (and - naughty me - I sparingly use this around my eye area too).  Normally, I like to wait up to ten minutes before applying my day-time moisturiser (I apply my body products while I'm waiting) but with Beauty Shot, you don’t have to as it’s like me with a bottle of wine – it’s gone before I know it.  After a few days of using it, I found that while cleansing, my skin was very soft and smooth.  REN also say you can use this product during the day, over make-up as well if you felt that your skin needed a boost so if this is you, don't forget to keep the bottle or a decanted pot in your bag or on your desk.

*Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin but as we age, it diminishes so it’s the magic ingredient in beauty products that provide the moisture to our skin; it clings to water and holds it in.  So anyone who is oily or combination (me) but finds themselves dehydrated, this is a God-send – a healthy, bouncy look to the skin equals a youthful look.  Remember there's a difference in dehydrated and dry skin.  Dehydrated skins lack moisture and dry skins lack oil.

So my other favourite, Soap & Glory’s Make Yourself Youthful Super Serum, I use at night underneath my moisturiser.  I just love this and it smells great too.  The product comes in a silver tube but is pump-dispensed.  The serum is white and I use one pump all over the face before eye cream and moisturiser (I’ve noticed that skincare companies tell you to use far too much product on their labels, it would seem.  Less is more I think).  Youth Serum is anti-ageing (targeting existing lines and wrinkles and future proofing against the next generation of them), boosts collagen production and aids healthy cell activity.  I adore how my skin feels and looks after using this product.  It contains my favourite ingredient, vitamin C (for radiance) as well as coconut oil and hyaluronic acid.  I will definitely be Making Myself Youthful with this Super Serum again when I run out of this tube.

Serums aren’t just for people who already have lines and wrinkles, companies now are producing serums for the 20’s age-group – for those who want to have healthy skin that sees them into the next decade without any problems. 

Before I leave you, I have to mention a pre-serum that I have been using since December and I will be raiding my piggy-bank to re-purchase it as it has been so good.  I have to confess, when I was first introduced to it, I thought 'not another product to add to the routine - who is going to use a cleanser, softener, eye cream, concentrate, serum, moisturiser?  I'll have to get out of bed even earlier, sob....'  Anyhoo, I’ve noticed that my skin is smoother, more radiant than normal and I can’t wait to see how my skin reacts to the sun this summer as well (the sun brings out my freckles – which sadly are fading as I’m ageing.  It's funny as I used to hate my freckles as a kid, as they would merge into one big brown blob but now I think I would miss them if they were totally gone), to see if its become more resilient to the environment.  Apologies if it sounds like I’m back on the beauty counter but I have to tell you about it if you don’t already know; Shiseido have produced an award-winning concentrate that builds up the immunity in the skin called Ultimune.  Like when we have a probiotic for our tummy, Ultimune helps to build up the immunity in the skin by looking after some specific cells in the epidermis that get attacked by free radicals, pollution and the sun, which in turn leads to the ageing process.  Any age-group, any gender and any skin type can use Ultimune.  It comes in three sizes and prices start at €85 for 30ml and again, the box says use two pumps but I find one pump is enough for my face and neck (avoiding the eye area).  It is the first product of its kind and the chap that invented the technology behind it won a Nobel prize so proof that he’s on to something with regards to slowing down the ageing process a bit (because we all know it can’t be stopped) and looking after skin cells.

Since I’ve been using serums (and a pre-serum), I have noticed that I don’t have to use as much moisturiser or foundation as I once did as the skin has totally been resurfaced and smoothed out.  My skin is more hydrated (thank goodness, as I do love my red wine) and much more comfortable.  Therefore, I would totally recommend a (pre)serum at any age and there are so many to choose from, addressing different skin types, concerns and wallets.  Enjoy finding your favourite….