Time to glow: 4 amazing serums that will visibly change your skin in just days

I have this thing about skincare.

To be fair – it kind of comes with the job when you write about beauty for a living, but seriously; I am obsessed with skincare like others are obsessed with makeup. Or Game of Thrones. Or whatever else people are in to. It might sound vain to be so consumed with looking after my skin, but think about it – don't you feel so much better when you feel like your skin looks good? Also, I have noticed that being mindful and taking the time to, for instance, deep cleanse my skin before doing some jade rolling or gua sha, it also makes me more inclined to look after myself in other ways too, like going to sleep earlier, eating well and making time for a yoga class or an evening run. Our face is the first thing others notice about us – it is, for all intents and purposes, our business card, the image we present to the world and the most important part of our bodies when it comes to interacting with those around us, be it with words or facial expressions or simply by meeting someone's gaze and looking into their eyes. The thing is – when it comes to looking after our skin, not all skincare is created equal.

If you’re going to get serious about your skincare routine and splurge on just one item, make it a serum. And don't just take my word for it – dermatologists agree, especially when it comes to anti-ageing. Sure, moisturizers and face creams are crucial too, but serums have a lighter formula and are specifically designed to penetrate deeper into the skin barrier to deliver the active ingredients, making them much more effective. In the name of research, I have been testing my way through a lot of new serums over the past few months, and right now; if you are to spend money on something that will make a difference to your skin, these four are not going to disappoint: 1. Skin Formulas Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum Being such a big fan of clean, natural beauty products, I was so happy to get to test out Skin Formulas new Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum recently. Bakuchiol is the hot new skincare ingredient that is a clinically proven plant-based alternative to retinol, and my prediction is that over the next few months, we will see this ingredient pop up in lots of products, from serums to night creams – and for good reason. Although incredibly gentle on the skin, this powerful ingredient helps stimulate collagen and elastin production that smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Visible results also include increased skin firmness, a more even skin tone and texture and an increase in the skin’s plumpness. My skin had been feeling a little dry and irritated after the summer and my sun holidays, but after 4-5 days of applying this to my skin every evening, I started to notice a difference. My skin suddenly seemed tighter and more radiant and glowy. After a week I had fallen in love with my new little evening ritual of applying the serum, and then giving myself a little face massage with my jade roller to help it sink into my skin. €79, Skinformulas.ie

2. Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum As we age, our skin starts to lose its firmness and bounce. Add to that some sun damage and some questionable lifestyle choices (relying a little heavily on coffee and vino...?) and the reality is that by our mid-30s, most of us should start paying some extra attention to our skin and how we can help it look its best and prevent it ageing prematurely. I have been a fan of Lancome for a long time, and believe that they manage to create products that deliver what they promise. Anyway, recently, the experts at Lancome launched a new version of their iconic Génifique serum in the form of Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum, and needless to say, I couldn't wait to try it. The serum is perfect for skin that is looking a little lacklustre, something I think we can all relate to from time to time. Gentle but effective, this advanced serum also helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as it refreshes, replenishes and revitalises, Lancome explains. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to maintain hydration levels, skin is left nurtured, nourished and healthy-looking following administration of the product. In fact, after applying it in the evening, I noticed a difference the very next day, with the skin around my cheeks and chin looking visibly tighter and more glowy. Having used it for a few days, I was getting compliments on my skin and I also noticed my makeup went on smoother and stayed put for longer. All in all, this serum was a real winner, and gave my skin a radiance I really could not remember having had before. €114, Lookfantastic.ie

3. Shiseido Waso Yuzu-C Glow-On Shot If a makeup-free glow and natural radiance is your vibe, you need this serum in your life, trust me. The new WASO range by Shiseido launched not long ago – but has already amassed a cult following, for good reason. The Glow-on Shot is literally just that – a pure shot of moisture and glow. Powered with 98 percent natural origin ingredients, such as grape seed oil and Rosehip, it is also perfect for those of us obsessed with clean beauty and a chemical-free skincare regime. Yuzu Japanese Citrus extract supports the skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid, while Japanese Shikuwasa helps strengthen the skin barrier and keep your skin healthy and strong. The Shiseido Waso Yuzu-C Glow-On Shot will intensely hydrate your skin, and restore radiance – perfect after summer and time spent in the sun, which I found out recently. I used it on my face morning and evening after coming back from a couple of weeks in Greece and Scandinavia, and the difference it has made in my skin is almost crazy. My face looks so glowing and healthy, I have completely given up on wearing foundation or even tinted moisturiser these days, and instead just opt for this serum and some day cream with SPF – and if needs to, add a little blusher to my cheeks (and a lick of mascara!) If you are new to serums as part of your skincare regime, this one is such an amazing one to try out, and I am can pretty much guarantee that not only will you see a difference almost straight away, but you will also become an absolute serum addict in no-time.

€45, Boots.ie

4. Trilogy Antioxidant+ Defence Serum

Trilogy is another personal favourite brand of mine, and one every clean beauty advocate knows about, I am sure. I pretty much love all their products, and I am not alone – heck, even the Duchess of Cambridge is said to be a fan of Trilogy's iconic Rosehip oil and I cannot even tell you the number of times I have had Trilogy's body oil recommended to me (FYI, I am a die-hard fan already). One of their latest product launches is the new Antioxidant+ Defence Serum, a hard-working skincare serum that contains a cocktail of powerful antioxidants, all designed to protect and nourish your skin. French maritime pine is rich in a range of antioxidant compounds that help enhance the skin's ability to produce more hyaluronic acid and helps with collagen production (vital for young-looking skin as we all know). Clinically proven Rosapene helps to nourish and hydrate as it visibly brightens and firms, while Hibiscus flower extract helps to rejuvenate as it purifies. I love that this serum is suitable for all skin types, and that it gets to work straight away – a real luxury buy with a much more affordable price tag. Having used it for a couple of days, I noticed my skin suddenly felt smoother, any ageing skin concerns were improved and my entire complexion just looked more radiant.

€35.95, Evergreen.ie