Finding a beauty product you love is a double-edged sword: On the one hand, it’s a relief to find something that works for you, but on the other, you realise your obsession will cost you a pretty penny over the years. Several years ago, I got hooked on Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (£46) and have since purchased at least 15 bottles. No, I don’t want to do the maths and find out how much that’s cost me. I’m clearly not the only one smitten: In the brand’s recent Instagram post, Caudalie proclaims that it’s the best-selling serum at French pharmacies and that one bottle sells every 30 seconds around the world. Impressive.
So why do I love the serum? Let me count thy ways. First, the texture: it has a lightweight, milky feel that glides on very easily. It really wakes up my skin instantly, especially when my face looks as tired as I feel. It makes my face look glowy, fresh and more even. Over time, it also helps brighten my post-acne marks, which is what I originally sought out the product for. Be patient with results, though, as the marks won’t fade right away. The serum’s ingredient that helps with dark spots is called viniferine, which is derived from grapes. Last but not least, it basically doubles as a moisturiser for my oily/combination skin. If you have dryer skin, you’ll probably want to add a heavier moisturiser, but I have felt that it’s great on its own for me.
Without further ado, scroll down to shop the uber-popular serum as well as other best-sellers from Caudalie.
Other ingredients include soothing chamomile and moisturising grape water.
You simply can’t beat the price on this lightweight, hydrating £18 serum, which is packed with vitamin C, licorice root and palmaria palmata extracts, which all work to brighten skin and inhibit pigmentation. The formula’s niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, also helps to even out skin tone. It has a lot of the same great effects as Caudalie’s serum but at a much more affordable price point. What’s not to love?
While Caudalie’s serum is derived from grapes, this one by Paula’s Choice is made with other antioxidant-rich berries like raspberry, blackberry and magnolia berry to help repair sun damage, calm skin, brighten and protect against environmental damage.
Like Caudalie’s version, this serum also kills two birds with one stone, helping with both dark spots and dryness. This formula boasts sake to brighten and caffeine to detoxify.
There’s a reason that The Ordinary has a cult following: The brand’s formulas are packed with high-performing ingredients without the high price tags. Hyaluronic acid and L-ascorbic acid work together in this product to help with fine lines, wrinkles and dull skin.
While serums are great for everyday use, a mask is a great supplement to give your skin an extra boost every once in a while. This £10 one can be used for at least 12 applications, so it only costs about 83p per use. Tumeric is rich in antioxidants to brighten and even skin tone, while red kaolin clay helps exfoliate the skin.
This brightening mask has a cult following. It helps with dullness, dryness and dark circles with clean ingredients like bilberry extract.
Like other serums listed, this is also packed with vitamin C. It’s great if you’re looking to reduce dark spots, reverse sun damage and soothe redness.
You might remember that I waxed poetic about this salicylic acid serum last summer. It has done wonders in controlling my acne and is very gentle on my sensitive skin (and I’ve tried a lot of acne products). It also feels light and refreshing, which is especially great for warm weather. Don’t forget to follow it up with a moisturiser and sunscreen.
This is the salicylic acid face wash accompaniment to the above serum. It’s great for controlling acne and clogged pores in a gentle way.
This essence is designed to work in conjunction with the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum to boost its brightening effects. I have tried a few bottles of this stuff and can vouch for its moisturising and glowy powers.
This is the go-to cleanser I use every day. It’s a no-frills, gentle and soothing face wash for my acne-prone skin.
Everyone is washing their hands more than ever these days, so hand creams are important. This cream is designed to soften and moisturise your hands and nails using grape seed oil, shea butter and more.
Where my fellow acne sufferers at? This helps rid your pores of gunk, allowing for clearer skin.
This night cream has glycolic acid, which encourages cell renewal and smooths out your skin texture.
This serum has a slightly heavier feel than the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum yet is still lightweight and is formulated to focus on moisturising rather than brightening. A great buy if you have dry skin.
The right eye cream can help you fake a good night’s sleep, and this one will definitely do the trick. It boasts vitamin C, rose hip oil and grape water to brighten and moisturise.
