To serum or not to serum – a eight-day sampling and testing indulgence and a conversion

To say that I have been sceptical about serums is an understatement – I’ve shown nothing but a stubborn refusal to indulge in yet another age-defying luxe lotion.

As my brow furrowed in defiance I caught sight of myself in the mirror and witnessed the reason why these formulas are so popular and I realised it’s not only my face which is adopting an old demeanour it is my way of thinking. Eight days on and I am a changed woman!

So what’s all the fuss about these light liquids in very small containers? What’s their miracle ingredient? How do I make my choice?

Until recently we were most likely to experience a serum during a professional facial than at home. They’re not cheap – anything from £18-£180 for 30mls. They’re chemically formulated to penetrate deep into the skin. Their intensity is to do with them having smaller molecules than the average moisturiser.

Active ingredients like anti-oxidants and vitamins help puff out fine lines (furrows, in my case) and help to treat some skin conditions: they promise to help rehydrate the skin, reduce redness, puffiness and frankly fill in those wrinkles.

You have to read the small print for when it’s best to apply them but generally after a cleanse and tone.

After my super-sampling I’ve had nothing but compliments: and this is a week when I’ve had little sleep and monster PMT. I was even told I was “glowing” (unless they said “glowering” but I’m erring on the side of positivity).

Protecting the skin against free radical damage and moisturising the skin; their formulations are plump with ingredients committed to discouraging signs of ageing, whether they contain Hyaluronic acid (Liz Earle & Avon), intense skin firming pro retinol complex (Boots No 7), or Activinol (Avon) or Creme de la Mer’s unbelievably priced and self-important sounding Blue Algae Lift Ferment (per-lease!) – Not that I was privileged enough to try it! I’ve only been seruming my skin for a week but most companies reckon you’ll see real results in two- four weeks.

When I held my Arbonne Foot Spa party in January, I learned that their vegan Nutri min RE9 Reactiviating serum was the one product customers opted for if they bought nothing else. It’s also been touted by Vogue bloggers. I found it a little watery, which put me off buying it.

The same could not be said for the huge word-of-mouth success that is Boots No 7 Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum. This mid-priced wonder liquid flew off the shelves quicker than you can say “fill my face” and sales went stratospheric after it was given a major thumbs up by a BBC documentary. I absolutely loved it and it loved me. I couldn’t ‘feel’ it once applied; its ‘silkiness’ almost made me purr!

Its sister product, the ‘velvety’ No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum, was a little too intense for my chops but my sister-in-law is reaping the benefits and loving it.

I’m great advocate of Liz Earle’s skincare products and while I like the packaging of the Smoothing Line Serum, and the effects were great visually, it didn’t feel as comfortable on, possibly because I smoothed it too near my very sensitive eyes.

As for Avon…if it’s good enough for the gorgeous Yasmin Le Bon, who is the face of Anew Reversalist Renewal Serum, then it’s good enough for me. Facially I’m a totally different ‘type’ to her (think Moggy verses Panther) so I couldn’t believe it would suit me. I haven’t suddenly morphed into a supermodel but I feel like one wearing it. It looks more like a moisturiser, comes in a snazzy dispenser and it equalled the Boots No7 serum, in my opinion.

I found the Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum less comfy but like the Liz Earle serum it contains Hyaluronic Acid, and I’m wondering if that ingredient just doesn’t suit my skin?

Since writing this many friends have told me they use them. They seem embarrassed about splashing the cash on themselves and most use them as a treat rather than routine. I don’t know if my skin’s sudden lustre was the serum or the fact I’ve allowed myself some ‘me time’ – who cares, I’m converted.

I think my usage will be more random, like wearing really pretty knickers when I remember I actually own some. My dressing table henceforth shall sport a serum with pride.