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If you’re not sure what face serum is or how to use it then you’ve come to the right place. Below we reveal what precisely a face serum is, how to apply it and how to find the right serum for you.

What is Face Serum?

Face serums are thinner and lighter weight than moisturisers but are packed full of active ingredients. In your skincare routine, serum is the problem-solver, where moisturiser is a skin nourisher that locks the serum ingredients, as well as moisture, into your skin. If your skin is smooth, hydrated and nourished you won't need to use quite so much makeup (which means your foundation won't run out so quick), plus it will glide on with ease.

How Do You Apply Face Serum?

Face serum should be applied after cleansing. If you are exfoliating, then serum goes on after that too. Exfoliating clears away the dead layer of skin that can block pores making way for the serum you apply, so it’s well worth giving your face a scrub a couple of times a week. But, back to serum. You should apply a few drops of your chosen serum into your hands and massage the product into your skin using upward motions. You can give your skin a little massage with your fingers, gua sha or jade roller to boost glow and help drive the serum into your skin.

Some complexions, especially oily, might find that serum is enough but if you need extra nourishment you would then apply your moisturiser afterwards. You can wait a few moments until your serum has sunk into your skin and then follow with your day or night cream (serum should be applied AM and PM).

Oh, and you can layer up your serums if you have a few different concerns. Simply apply one, let it sink in, and follow up with another to feed your skin with all the active ingredients it needs.

How Do You Find the Right Face Serum for You?

When shopping for a face serum, you need to think about what your skin concerns are. If it’s general ageing (read: fine lines), pigmentation and uneven skin texture then you should factor a retinol serum into your routine at night. We love Lixir Night Switch Retinol, €36, that you can mix with your moisturiser.

If your skin is seriously dry or dehydrated (think dull, bumpy, spot-prone or crepey) then you’ll want to factor in a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid like Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum, €259. It is packed full of highly concentrated long- and short-chain hyaluronic molecules that provide intensive hydration.

Dealing with redness or irritated skin? Look to a serum that is going to calm and soothe an unhappy complexion. Ren's Evercalm Redness Relief Serum, €51, contains fast-acting White Mushroom that is clinically proven to reduce redness after just 30 minutes, while soothing signs of sensitivity in seven days including, dryness, itching, discomfort, flakiness, tightness or burning sensations.

Now, check out how to cover pesky dark circles.