Fixing dull and lacklustre skin on a limited budget.
Splurge: Serum Concentrate, Tom Ford Research
Tom Ford is synonymous with luxury, and his followers buy into that. But just how special is the Serum Concentrate? Essentially, it’s a lightweight concoction that protects the skin with potent antioxidants such as gyokuro and white porcelain cacao extracts. There’s caffeine to energise skin cells, while AHAs and hyaluronic acid even out the skin tone.
Damage: $503 (20ml)
Available at Tom Ford counters
Save: Goals Serum, PSA
We daresay this serum showed visible results in a shorter time than the Serum Concentrate. The formulation is similar in that it contains extracts from both white and green teas to provide antioxidant benefits, as well as AHAs to dissolve dull dead skin cells. This formula also has hyaluronic acid and bisabolol to hydrate.
Damage: $58 (30ml)
Available at Sephora
Save: Caffeine Solution 5% + eGCG, The Ordinary
Aside from cell-energising caffeine, this silky formula is concocted using epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG), a green tea derivative to provide antioxidant benefits. There is also lactic acid to provide exfoliating benefits. It’s targeted at eye contours, but we can vouch that it works for the rest of the face too.
Damage: $12 (30ml)
Available at Escentials
Save: Bright Future Sleeping Facial, Allies of Skin
Not only is this intensive overnight treatment packed with a slew of skin-refining acids, it is also infused with potent botanical extracts such as geranium, lavender and honeysuckle to mimic the Serum Concentrate’s skin-enhancing properties. Honey supports the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid in this formula.
Damage: $175 (50ml)
Available at Sephora
More on vitamin C here.