Glowy serums are the ultimate winter complexion saviour
I was half tempted to put up posters: “Desperately seeking lost glow. Last seen in early October. Kindly return to owner.” I sheet masked and exfoliated, amped up my moisturizer game and still this face of mine refused to emit even the faintest light. “Closed for winter. See you in the spring,” it seemed to say, like some beachfront seafood shack.
Clearly, I needed a new plan. That’s when I turned my attention to an emerging category in the beauty world. I’d been noticing pearlescent elixirs christened “glow drops” or “glow serums” sprouting up on skin care shelves of late. Merging skin-coddling actives with light-reflecting pigments, they vowed to provide immediate gratification to anyone running low on glow.
I tried one out and was practically blinded by my cheekbones, but not in a sparkly highlighter way. Rather it was like I’d flicked on my face’s light switch. Eureka, an answer to my winter skin woes! I tested out a few more, searching for the glowiest glow drops of them all. See the light for yourself with one of these brilliant contenders.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, $45, sephora.ca
THE WATERMELON ONE: Glow Recipe welcomes a new member to its famed watermelon range. Blending buzzy niacinamide — an ingredient said to help brighten and even out skin — with hydrating watermelon and hyaluronic acid, the lightweight formula leaves skin dewy and oh-so-fresh. Even better, it’s clean, doesn’t contain any mica or glitter and flatters all skin tones.
Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum, $43, sephora.ca
THE PRIMING ONE: It looks lovely on its lonesome but gets along famously with foundation. That’s because the formula locks in moisture while also keeping oil in check, helping makeup go on smoother and stay put longer. It’s also sprinkled with reflective mineral pigments to rev up radiance.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops, $190, sephora.ca
THE CELEB-APPROVED ONE: If you’ve ever watched one of those Vogue Beauty Secrets videos, chances are you’ve seen this little bottle. Everyone from Hailey Bieber to Liv Tyler swears by dermatologist Dr. Barbara Strum’s Glow Drops. The vegan formula banks on anti-aging plant extracts like polygonum bisorta root and wild rose as well as luminous pigments to keep skin looking gleaming and youthful.
Lancer Skin care Dani Glowing Skin Perfector, $125, sephora.ca
THE GOLDEN ONE: While most glow serums are either rosy or pearly white, this “illuminating skin finisher” boasts a warmer hue — somewhere between bronze and champagne. It’s also creamier than the others yet doesn’t feel heavy. Instead, it helps balance sebum production and blurs pores so skin appears rested and revitalized, never shiny. Bonus: The formula also works the long game, firming and smoothing over time.
Milani Glow Drops Radiance Boosting Serum, $28, shoppersdrugmart.ca
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THE DRUGSTORE ONE: It’s been called a dupe for a lot of pricier formulas and with good reason. Powered by coconut water, squalane and hyaluronic acid, it quenches thirsty skin on contact while bathing it in a pretty, shimmer-free glow.
Glossier Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid, $30, glossier.com
THE EXTRA-NOURISHING ONE: A cross between a face oil and a serum, this formula feels divine on dry winter skin. That’s because it swirls sugarcane squalane as well as jojoba, grape seed, evening primrose and rosehip oils to make skin all plump and juicy. And the finish! Glossy and gorgeous. Tip: If your face is feeling parched, go ahead and smooth it on all over, but if you’ve got more of a combination or oily complexion, avoid the T-zone and apply it on your cheekbones or anywhere you want to glow.
Rodial Soft Focus Glow Drops, $58, shoppersdrugmart.ca
THE ANTIOXIDANT ONE: All it takes is a few drops to deliver a stunning, soft-focus glow. That’s the instant benefit, but because the rosy formula is spiked with potent antioxidants, it also safeguards skin from free radicals and helps boost your complexion’s natural radiance.
Farsali Liquid Glass Radiance Serum, $60, sephora.ca
THE GLASSY SKIN ONE: You may know Farsali as the makers of the YouTube-famous Unicorn Essence (previously dubbed “Unicorn Tears”), a sparkly pink potion makeup vloggers streaked on their cheeks with abandon a few years back. But this top-rated radiance serum from the Canadian brand is just as worthy of attention. Laced with hyaluronic acid and light-catching pigments, it’s just the ticket if you’re looking to nab that translucent, glassy skin effect.
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