I think I speak for a lot of women when I say there’s not much time in our day for a good skin care routine. So instead of layering up on different types of creams, most of us are looking for that multifunctional one that works to resolve many of the issues we face (pun intended). When it comes to serums and creams I’m all about trying different formulas and brands though I tend to stick to a few favorites.

I generally have good skin that is combination, with quite dry cheeks and a T-zone that tends to oil up, so these products have been tried and tested and have worked wonders for me. And though all three include as a dark spot correctors it’s important to note that none will really eliminate them all together, just significantly reduce and prevent them. I also don’t use them all together at once nor do they replace my moisturizers and day creams, but rather they serve as a base.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

I was lucky enough to catch the Shiseido road show in Lebanon when the Ultimune was launched back in 2014. There’s a lot of technology that when into this serum and I can attest to the fact that it delivers on many of the promises it makes. I use it right after cleaning and toning my face and before my moisturizer. It works on minimizing fine lines, soothing skin and giving off a generally healthy glow. I also noticed a dewy and fresh-faced look and it has worked to improve the general appearance of my skin after 3 months of use. The formula is light and gelish and super easy to blend, it really feels like you have nothing on, which I appreciate as heavy textures bug me. It’s a little pricey but worth the splurge in my books.

Clinique Smart Custom Repair Serum

Though I have an overall good skin tone, I do have my share of skin blemishes and discolorations from the occasional popped pimple and sun exposure when I was to cool to use SPF in my teens. I discovered Smart Custom Repair at the launching dinner with Clinque last year and have been hooked since. Clinique Smart is all about repairing damages and dark spots. I’ve always resorted to Clinique Laser Focus for dark spot repair in the past and this one is no exception. The formula is also gel-like ( yes I prefer that texture over creamy ones) and lightweight and it doesn’t have to replace your daily moisturizer so a simple pump really goes a long way. I tend to concentrate it on discolorations and I’ve had noticeable results over a period of 2 months. But I find that it’s all about maintenance so I suggest you apply preventatively as well.

Clarins Mission Perfection Serum

I was introduced to Mission Perfection earlier this year during a breakfast presentation with Clarins. It focuses mainly on correcting pigmentation be it dark marks, acne marks or even a red or dull complexion which occurs more when the temperatures drop. It’s more creamy than the above two formulas but still on the gelish side of things and that works wonderfully for me. I’ve been using it throughout my pregnancy and I can safely say it’s managed to lighten up my dark spots significantly. I like to apply it before bedtime especially as it smells really good. It has a shimmer to its finish which gives a lovely radiance to my face especially when I decide to go sans makeup.