Some people take immense pride in attaining ‘wine connoisseur’ status; a title that whilst often given to one by onself after one too many glasses, conveys a deep appreciation for the subject with a deep knowledge to match . However, as one of the few people on the planet who couldn’t care less about Cabernet and is truly only interested in wine for itsskin care benefits, my pride instead rests on my comprehensive grip on an entirely different liquid subject: Serums.

Yep, I take my (similarly self-proclaimed) status as a serum specialist pretty seriously, because I know that whilst we may have a handle on the science-y stuff (in a nutshell, they get all the good stuff deep down into the dermis), sometimes it can be hard to get a handle on which ones really do work wonders.

That’s where I come in. As bh’s skin care editor, I’ve swatched, pumped, droppered and applied just about every serum formula in the game – and whilst the excitement around a new launch rivals Christmas Day in my books, a fresh formula has to be real good to lure me away from my tried and true topicals. Because whilst I’ve tested about a zillion, there are still a few standouts that keep me coming back time and time again.

So without further ado, here’s bh’s edit of the best face serums – apply now, thank me later.

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A serious saviour in those dire (but common) ‘I-watched-Netflix-til-3am-and-have-to-be-at-work-by-8’ scenarios, this bad boy works like a piccolo for the skin – in other words, it makes you look awake, even if you don’t feel it. It’s designed specifically for overnight use, but I tend to apply a few drops in the A.M. as well to put some etxra pep in my skin’s step. It works to smooth stress lines, fight visible signs of ageing and get you glowing quickly when you need it the most.

Read L’OCCITANE Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum reviews…Raww Light Beam Radiance Serum

If the search for radiance is on your radar, look no further. This serum is supercharged with Raww’s own Tropical Fruit Harvest™ bioactive complex, a combo of AHA rich fruits like mango, papaya and pineapple – I know they sound like they would better suit a smoothie, but a few drops in you’ll understand why they belong in a serum. It’s as if someone’s turned up the brightness, but like not on your phone, on your real-life face. It also smells like paradise, so that’s a perk.

Read Raww Light Beam Radiance Serum reviews…

Paula’s Choice RESIST Omega + Complex Serum

The way I feel about Paula’s Choice is probably akin to the way the rest of the world feels about Beyonce. This superstar serum is all about strenghtening the skin’s barrier, and boy does it deliver. Enriched with a robust and rejuvenating blend of omega fatty acids like flax, chia and linoleic acid, it protects against signs of ageing, works to combat dehydation and even protects against environmental damage – phew, talk about an overachiever.

Read Paula’s Choice RESIST Omega + Complex Serum reviews…

Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum Concentrate

Gaining cult status in the serum space is no easy feat, but trust me, this Ultraceuticals formula is worthy. It’s pretty much the ultimate brightness booster, formulated with bearberry extract and vitamin B3 to improve elasticity, even tone and remove dull dead skin cells. The AHAs and BHAs featured within the mix also help to soften and smooth your complexion, whilst also refining pores and balancing excess oil. If it sounds powerful, that’s because it is: we recommend a professional consultation with an Ultraceuticals expert before use to ensure it’s the right fit for your skin needs.

Read Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum Concentrate reviews…

Ella Baché Hydra Hyaluronic Cellular Serum

Keen to claim back the hydration the wind stole from you throughout winter? This serum is up to the challenge. Packed with hyaluronic acid, which as we all know, is the gold standard in moisturising ingredients, it can hydrate the heck out of even the dullest, driest, most dehydrated complexion. The nourishing formula also includes apple peel polyphenols to aid with antioxidant protection, so it’ll even work to keep skin guarded against environmental aggressors. We’ll take ten.

Read Ella Baché Hydra Hyaluronic Cellular Serum reviews…

Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum

A hydrating serum so lightweight that even the oiliest of skin types needn’t be afraid, this clever concoction is formulated with 3D3P Molecular Matrix technology (a legit name for a legit structure) – it draws moisture from the atmosphere and locks it in, forming a personal water reservoir on the skin’s surface, allowing your parched complexion to drink up the moisture it requires. It’s also non-comodegenic and clinically tested on all skin types, so it won’t clog your pores or irritate your sensitive skin. Enjoy.

Read Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum reviews…

Lellure Micro Radiance Serum

If you can’t be bothered with a daily contour in a bid to restore definition to your face, allow this gravity-defying formula to do the work for you. It actually performs some kind of lifting/firming miracle to improve the look of facial contours. The blue micro-pearls burst upon contact with skin, releasing the brand’s PRO Peptides Complex™, which encourages collagen production, smoothes the skin and aids regeneration whilst heping your face look more defined. In other words, hello cheekbones – we missed you.

Read Lellure Micro Radiance Serum reviews…

freezeframe® BOOST SERUM

Billed by the brand as the world’s most powerful long-term wrinkle relaxer, this fragrance-free formula is pure active peptide with minimal carriers, so the active ingredient is ready to get right to work. The results are impressive, yes, but it’s the rollerball applicator that sealed the deal for me – it takes even the hastiest of applications to spa-like levels of serenity, whilst also boosting circulation and assisting with ingredient penetration. It’s very effective, – honestly, have your licence at the ready next time you hit the bottle shop, just to be safe.

Read freezeframe® BOOST SERUM reviews…

#9 Lancome Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate

Lancome’s most iconic serum is known if its age-defying formula that uses cutting edge technology to create healthy and youthful skin.  Enriched with millions of probiotic fractions (including yeast and bifidus extracts) it helps to strengthen skin’s barrier and improve skin’s texture, radiance, elasticity and firmness.

Read Lancome Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate reviews…

#10 Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Repair the look of fine lines in as little as three weeks with Estee Lauder’s ANR serum. The formula fights multiple signs of ageing and leaves the skin plumped with hydration. After just one bottle you’ll notice visibly diminished pores and skin that has a new bounce and vitality. Suitable for all skin types, this serum can take pride place in anyone’s nightly routine. It was even rated 4.5 stars in our Trial Team. See what our members had to say here.

Read Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex reviews…

Main image credit: @esteelauder

*This article has been updated since it’s original publication date. 

Which serum is your favourite? Have you tried any of the formulas mentioned in this article?