Best splurge face serum
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
- Price: $$$
- Benefits: evens out skin texture, helps with dark spots, improves skin tone
- Standout ingredients: Pitera (a proprietary ingredient that has more than 50 micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, according to the brand)
- Size: 5.4 oz.
- Skin type: normal, combo, oily, dry
- Pros: amazing reviews, big bottle
- Cons: expensive, might cause breakouts
OK, sure, this product is $$$$$. But the bottle is bigger than those of most other serums, at 5.4 oz., so it should last a while. It’s formulated to smooth out skin texture and tone, get rid of dark spots, and brighten you right up.
Its main ingredient is something called Pitera, a combo of micronutrients including vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and natural acids. SK-II calls it “pure power of nature harnessed by advanced technology.” Sounds fancy! But does it work?
Some say the hype’s not real. A handful of reviewers report experiencing breakouts after applying the essence. And some complain about the strong scent.
But most people rave about the product, calling it “life-altering.” One person even says they’ll use it till they die (intense much??).
A word of caution: This product isn’t free of parabens, which means it’s not safe for use during pregnancy.
Best face serum for glowing skin
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
- Price: $$
- Benefits: targets dryness and dullness
- Standout ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1.35 oz.
- Skin type: normal, combo, oily, dry
- Pros: contains skin brightening and hydrating ingredients, can be used as a highlighter
- Cons: contains artificial fragrance
Many Glow Recipe products tend to be less tacky than others, which might be the secret to their popularity. Looking for a dewy, vibrant look? This serum is your ticket to Glow Town — though, sadly, we’re not talking about another season of Netflix’s GLOW.
The gel-like formula contains niacinamide, a loved ingredient that’s got all kinds of benefits including reducing hyperpigmentation, brightening skin, reducing the appearance of pores, balancing oil production, reducing acne, and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
It also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep moisture locked in and watermelon for an antioxidant boost.
Reviewers say the serum delivers on its dewy skin promise. One reviewer calls it a “highlighter in a bottle,” though a handful of people found it sticky instead of dewy.
