SUPER SERUMS

Behind every effective skincare routine, there’s a hard-working serum doing all the heavy lifting. We scoured the shelves for the best of the best.

- Liesl Robertson

AS much as you swear by your favourite moisturiser and how plump and dewy it makes your skin feel, the real power players are the middlemen: the layer you apply after you cleanse your face, before you lock it in with said moisturiser. These are the products working their magic behind the scenes, and choosing the right one is key.

We asked around, did some research and checked with the experts — and these are the ride-or-dies, latest launches and cult classics.

PERFECTLY PLUMPED

1 THE ORDINARY VOLUFILINE 92% + PAL-ISOLEUCINE 1% (R295)

Volufiline is described as ‘filler in a bottle’ – and this is The Ordinary’s first targeted formula to address volume loss and to plump under-eyes, smile lines, cheeks and temples. The trick to using it is to smooth hyaluronic acid serum onto damp skin first; then layer on The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA Moisturiser; and finally, apply the Volufiline serum, pressing it gently into skin.

2 ELIZABETH ARDEN HYALURONIC ACID + PEPTIDES CERAMIDE CAPSULES HYDRA-PLUMPING SERUM (R1700 FOR 60)

Skincare with a twist – literally; you twist the tip to open each pod. Formulated for maximum potency and encapsulated for purity, the silky serum combines two essential youth factors in a single-dose biodegradable capsule: hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture, and skin-strengthening ceramides to lock it in.

3 SORBET PLUMPING SERUM 2% HEXAPEPTIDE-8 (R199) CLICKS