In our Routine Check series, we've covered the essentials, but now it’s time to level up with serums and masks—the true game-changers. If you’re looking to see real changes in your skin, these are the products you need to incorporate into your skincare routine consistently.
Serums: Targeted Solutions for Every Skin Type
Serums are concentrated formulas packed with active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to address specific concerns. They come in different forms, and depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose either water/gel-based serums or oil-based serums.
- Water/Gel-Based Serums don’t provide moisture on their own and should be layered under a moisturizer.
- Oil-Based Serums deliver both hydration and nourishment. For combination or oily skin, they might be enough on their own. However, dry skin types should layer with a moisturizer.
Serums should be applied before moisturizing for maximum absorption and we recommend using them twice daily for best results.
And here's the fun part: you can mix and match serums depending on your skin's needs. One of the most common questions we get is when to incorporate a certain serum. Below we list some of the most popular types of serums right now and when we would recommend using them in your routine:
AM Serums
We recommend using ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid in the morning, as they help protect and hydrate your skin throughout the day.
- Vitamin C defends against free radicals and brightens.
- Our favourites: Josh Rosebrook C Complex Serum, LILFOX Haute C Serum, Eminence Rosehip C+E Firming Oil
- Hyaluronic Acid locks in hydration, keeping your skin plump.
PM Serums
At night, use exfoliation ingredients like AHA/BHAs, retinol/retinol alternatives as they can cause photosensitivity (always use SPF the following morning, as well). Peptides, and stem cells serums help repair your skin while you sleep.
- Peptides and stem cells are great for overnight skin repair.
- Our favourites: Eminence Marine Flower Peptide Serum, Josh Rosebrook Ultra Peptide Cream, LILFOX Flower Goo Serum
- Retinol (+ natural alternatives) and AHA/BHAs renew cells.
- Our favourites: LILFOX Dewy Bean Dream, Eminence Bamboo Firming Fluid, Laurel Radiance Compound
Masks: More Than a Luxury
Masks aren’t just for pampering; they are powerhouses for your skin, concentrated with active ingredients that deliver results. We recommend masking 3 times per week, but truly you cannot overmask (exceptions: exfoliation masks should be done weekly)! If you’ve been skipping this step, here’s how to easily incorporate masking into your routine for real benefits:
- Gel Masks: Perfect for applying before a shower and rinsing off afterward.
- Cream Masks: Double as overnight treatments. Replace your night cream a few nights a week with a cream mask for extra hydration and repair.
Layering Masks
Yes, you can even layer masks! Be your own skincare mixologist by pairing masks to address multiple concerns at once. Some of our favourite combos include:
- Brightening + Hydrating
- Calming + Moisturizing: Perfect for soothing and restoring hydration.
- Detoxifying + Balancing: Detoxifies and nourishes simultaneously.
- Firming + Refining
- Pair: LILFOX Cupu Cool Treatment and LILFOX Moss Mask