I’m all about serums, folks. I’ve said bon voyage to lotions and creams entirely over the past year, and my skin is pretty damn happy, if you ask me. So what’s the deal with serums? Why would you want to use one?
Well, serums are multi-taskers, for sure. They reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce inflammation and skin irritation, impart hydration, improve complexion and restore elasticity, and most absorb quickly into the skin. As you can see, I have a few, and I wanted to give you my opinion on some of my favorites. I obviously don’t use all of these all the time, but they all serve a purpose for different skin situations.
Lina Hanson Global Face Serum* – This serum wins for best scent, hands-down. Ladies, the sustainable, ethically sourced essential oils in this blend are simply amazing – baobab, marula, argan and frankincense protect the skin from environmental damage and prevent dryness, and the texture of the oil is perfect. Not too thick and not too thin. I only need this serum after cleansing and I’m good to go.
Kypris Clearing Serum – If you haven’t heard, Kypris is really the darling of the green beauty community right now. I’ve tried many of the Kypris products, and I enjoy using the clearing serum sporadically on bumps and/or blemishes on the the skin, especially around that time of the month. The serum includes tea tree oil, quinoa, zinc, and lilac leaf stem cells, to name a few. For those of you with angry, blemished skin, I highly recommend this one.
Yuli Liquid Courage – I bought this sample and used it for a week or two. It’s a photostable, regenerative, health-boosting, concentrated antioxidant serum suitable for all skin types. I really like the way it feels on the face, and the unisex scent is very pleasing. It’s great as a prep before makeup. However, the $125 price point is a little too much for me, considering I love other serums more.
Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum – Oh, this is a good one. Of all the serums I use, I find this one to be the most active on the skin. It has won tons of awards and is a best seller from Tata Harper, boasting the benefits of 7 anti-aging products in one serum. It’s super concentrated, and contains Hyaluronic Acid, antioxidants and vitamins for a visibly healthier, more radiant appearance. My skin feels super firm after using this, and it’s obvious it’s working. However, I do need to use another layer of moisture after applying the serum. I usually follow up with the Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex. This serum is my go-to when I’m needing a boost.
Kypris Antioxidant Dew – Another Kypris product, this serum works very well in the mornings as a layer of hydration and as a prep before foundation. I love the way this serum smells – a bit like pumpkins. Reminds me of autumn. Also, this serum doesn’t contain any essential oils for those of you who are sensitive.
Lotus Wei Quiet Mind Balancing Serum* – I love Lotus Wei products so much. In fact, I’m going to write a separate post on what the oils and mists have done for me. I can’t say enough about Lotus Wei…this serum helps to quiet the mind and bring balance. Honestly, I don’t really use this one on my face, but I rub it on the back of my neck, heart, and pulse points when I’m feeling like my brain is going ninety-to-nothing.
Mun Brightening Youth Serum – Last, but certainly not least, this amazing serum by Mun. This is what I use every. single. day. I can’t sing enough praises about this serum. First off, it only has 3 ingredients, which I truly appreciate. (“Try this serum! With 354 botanical extracts!” Personally, that gets really old.) The Mun serum has Prickly Pear Seed oil, which instills radiance and resilience, and Rose and Argan oils, which transform the appearance of your skin. I’m obsessed with this serum. OBSESSED. It is my holy grail product. It is the perfect texture – light enough that my face doesn’t feel congested, but moisturizing enough that I don’t need additional products for hydration. I use this in conjunction with the Mun No. 11 Anarose Toner* every night before bed. (And will post about this brand exclusively in the near future because these two products are my favorite in regards to skincare.)
If I had to pick my two favorite out of this bunch it would be Mun first, followed by the Tata Harper serum. Honorable mention going to Lina Hanson. (Seriously, please smell that serum if you get the chance. psst – she just came out with a perfume.)
I hope this helps you in your green skincare search. I will be posting my specific morning and evening skincare routines soon, and as always, if you have any questions, please leave in the comments!
*these products were provided c/o the brand
Erin in CA
November 4, 2015 at 8:13 pmHi, I’m wondering about the scent of the Mun serum. I’m sensitive to florals (they often make me sneeze!), and one review I read talked about its “heady rose scent.” I love the idea of it, but not if I can’t stand the smell. What’s your take on the scent? Thanks for the round up!
whoorl
November 9, 2015 at 12:13 pmGreat question, Erin. Since it only has three oils (rose, argan, prickly pear) in it, the scent is definitely rose-like. (I’m not a fan of rose scents, btw.) However, I don’t find the scent to be overpowering, and once it absorbs in my skin, I don’t notice the scent at all. It’s not my favorite scent in the world, but I can’t say enough about the texture and absorption of the oil. Love!
Erin in CA
November 9, 2015 at 4:11 pmThanks — coincidentally I just ran out of the Eminence Organics moisturizer I was using, so I took a chance and ordered the Mun. As long as the scent fades quickly I should be fine. I’ll let you know what I think!
The Choosy Chick
November 5, 2015 at 6:33 amWe vote for MUN! Great wrap-up!
Christina
November 5, 2015 at 7:54 amThis is perfect timing…I am currently researching for a new routine and have been talking with Citrine Beauty to help figure out what will work. Have you tried the May Lindstrom Youth Dew?
Also, you deal with redness, right? I’m trying to remember what you have said in the past. What is your skin type?
Can’t wait to read your post on your morning and evening routines!
Victoria B
November 7, 2015 at 8:20 amYes, what is your skin type?
whoorl
November 9, 2015 at 12:14 pmMy skin is normal/sensitive. I don’t deal with oiliness or super dryness…but I do get red around my nose and cheeks. I haven’t tried the Youth Dew yet.
So glad you are working with Citrine! They are so knowledgeable and helpful.
Christina
November 16, 2015 at 9:02 amMine is combination/sensitive. I also deal with redness around my nose and cheeks :(
I think I am going to go for the Kypris Clearing Serum first (especially since I am dealing with a not so nice visitor on my chin today!).
They recommended so much awesome stuff, but it’s just hard to pull the trigger!
Ali
November 5, 2015 at 12:45 pmGreat write up, I really enjoyed reading! I am a huge fan of Kypris too (specifically the Moonlight Catalyst – totally skin-transforming for me). I liked the Mun serum a lot but, as one other reader mentioned, the scent is very strong and personally I felt it was a bit much. Have you tried any of the Laurel Whole Plant Organics serums? The anti-inflammatory one is my favorite <3 the Mahalo Vitality Elixir is also incredible.
whoorl
November 9, 2015 at 12:15 pmDefinitely want to try the Laurel line, Ali! (Sadly, the Moonlight Catalyst was too active for my skin. Sadness.)
Ali
November 9, 2015 at 12:21 pmOh that is too bad about Moonlight Catalyst! I hope you enjoy Laurel!
Megan
November 5, 2015 at 1:57 pmThis is so intriguing… Do you wonder if it’s better to buy the raw main ingredient of one of these products instead? What’s your take? Like, if a main ingredient is argan oil, is it better to just use that instead? It seems like the up-charge for so many of these products is unreal. I haven’t tried them, so maybe it’s worth it! Finding an ace product that can work for my skin in the winter makes it tempting.
whoorl
November 9, 2015 at 12:17 pmI think it all has to do with where the product is being sourced…that’s where you can see differences in price points. I trust where the above brands get their oils from, and wouldn’t feel comfortable using an oil from a company that I hadn’t researched lots.
April
November 6, 2015 at 7:53 amDo you know if it’s possible to order a sample of the Mun and if so, how? My bathroom is littered with beauty products I bought and hate so I hate to shell out if I can’t try first.
April
November 6, 2015 at 7:56 amactually just poking around on their site I saw the travel set so I may order that. Do you want to send me the referral so we both get $25 off? http://munskin.referralcandy.com/
whoorl
November 9, 2015 at 12:18 pmApril, online boutiques such as Citrine and Spirit Beauty Lounge offer sample programs. I think they both carry Mun.
sarah jones
November 9, 2015 at 2:25 pmthank you! I just gave my bottle of the very wonderful, yet VERY expensive, Vintner’s Daughter oil to my daughter. It helps with her congested skin. I was jussst about to pull the trigger on another bottle, but am thinking I’ll try something new from your list.
Tata Harper Team
November 19, 2015 at 11:49 amSarah, we are so happy to hear how much you love your Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum and Replenishing Nutrient Complex! Thank you for sharing with your readers!
xoxo The Tata Harper Team