I’m thrilled to announce I’ve been selected as a judge for the 10th annual Clean Beauty Awards with CertClean. I’ll be specifically focusing on face serums on Valentine’s Day. It’s such an honor to be part of this milestone celebration and contribute to recognizing the best in clean beauty.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

I’m particularly passionate about skincare, and face serums are such an important part of a healthy routine. I’m really looking forward to diving into the entries and discovering some amazing brands that are formulating truly effective and clean serums. It’s inspiring to see the innovation and dedication within the clean beauty industry, and I’m thrilled to play a role in celebrating these achievements.

This 10th anniversary feels extra special, and I can’t wait to see what this year’s submissions bring to the world of clean face serums. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the process and the winners!

Taramar Men’s Active Serum: My Husband’s Take (and Mine)

My husband isn’t exactly the type to spend hours on skincare. His routine usually involves a quick wash and that’s about it. So, when I suggested he try the Taramar Men’s Active Serum, I was prepared for some resistance. However, I was pleasantly surprised by his willingness to give it a shot. The fact that it’s from Iceland, known for its pure and potent natural resources, definitely piqued my interest too.

His main concerns were dryness and redness after shaving. He also wanted something quick and easy to use, as he doesn’t have a lot of patience for complicated routines.

The Taramar serum ticked those boxes. The packaging is simple and masculine – no frills, which he appreciated. The serum itself is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky or greasy residue. This was a huge plus for him. He hates feeling like he has product on his face.

He’s been using it for three weeks now, mostly after shaving and sometimes at night. He’s noticed that his skin feels less dry, less irritated after shaving. I’ve also noticed that his redness has reduced. It’s definitely subtle, but there’s a visible improvement in his skin’s overall health.

What I like about it is the ingredient list.  It’s full of natural extracts, antioxidants, etc, many of which are sourced from Iceland’s unique environment. Knowing this adds to the appeal and gives me peace of mind knowing he’s putting good stuff on his skin. No harsh chemicals or questionable ingredients. The Icelandic connection just makes it feel extra special and pure.   

Pros:

• Lightweight and fast-absorbing: Perfect for men who don’t like heavy products.   
• Simple and masculine packaging: No fuss, easy to use.
• Noticeable improvements: Reduces dryness and redness and improves overall skin health.
• Natural and high-quality ingredients sourced from Iceland: Gives peace of mind about what’s being absorbed.
• Easy to incorporate into a routine: Quick and simple application.

Cons:

• Price: It’s definitely a splurge.
• Subtle results: Not a dramatic, overnight transformation. Results are gradual.
• Scent (if applicable): While we find it neutral.
• Availability: It is not be readily available in all stores.

Let’s talk about Lux Care Brands’ Serum No. 1. I’ve been using it for a while now, and here’s my honest take:

What is it? Serum No. 1 is a multi-purpose serum from Lux Care Brands, promising to address a range of skin concerns, from hydration and brightening to fine lines and overall skin health. It’s positioned as a premium product with high-quality ingredients.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

Key Ingredients (as advertised): The ingredient list boasts hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides, and various botanical extracts. These are all common and generally well-regarded ingredients in the skincare world.

Texture and Scent: The serum has a lightweight, slightly viscous texture. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue, which I appreciate. The scent is very faint, almost undetectable. This is a plus for me, as I prefer fragrance-free or lightly scented products.

My Experience: I’ve been using Serum No. 1 consistently for several weeks. My skin definitely feels more hydrated and plump. I’ve also noticed a slight improvement in the overall brightness and evenness of my skin tone. The fine lines around my eyes haven’t magically disappeared (let’s be realistic!), but they do seem a little less pronounced. My skin feels smoother and softer to the touch.

What I Liked:

• Lightweight and fast-absorbing: Great for layering under moisturizer and makeup.
• Very faint scent: Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Hydrating: My skin feels noticeably more hydrated and comfortable.
• Good ingredient list: Contains several beneficial ingredients.
• Elegant packaging: The bottle looks and feels luxurious.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Price: This serum is definitely on the expensive side. It’s a significant investment.
• Results are noticeable, but not dramatic: While I’ve seen improvements, they’re subtle. It’s not a miracle worker.
• Dispenser: The dropper works fine, but I sometimes find it a bit tricky to control the amount of product dispensed.

Final Verdict: Lux Care Brands’ Serum No. 1 is a good quality serum with some noticeable benefits. It’s hydrating, absorbs well, and contains a decent blend of ingredients. My skin definitely looks and feels healthier after using it. However, the price is a major consideration. If you’re on a tight budget, this might not be the best choice. There are other serums with similar ingredient profiles available at lower price points. If you’re willing to splurge and you’re looking for a well-formulated, luxurious serum to add to your routine, then it’s worth considering. Just be aware that the results are likely to be subtle and gradual, not dramatic and overnight. It’s a good product, but the value proposition depends entirely on your budget and skincare priorities.

Let’s talk about the DALÚ Natural Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Youth Elixir. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and here’s my honest review:

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

What is it? This serum is a hyaluronic acid-based product designed for intense hydration. It promises to plump the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve overall skin texture. It’s marketed as a natural skincare option.

Key Ingredients (as advertised): The star ingredient is, of course, hyaluronic acid at a 1% concentration. DALÚ also highlights other natural ingredients, though the focus is primarily on the HA.

Texture and Scent: The serum has a lightweight, slightly gel-like texture. It absorbs quickly into the skin, which is a big plus. It doesn’t leave any sticky or greasy residue. The scent is very, very faint – almost undetectable. This is a huge win for me, as I’m sensitive to fragrances.

My Experience: Hydration is my primary skin concern, so I was eager to try this serum. I’ve been applying it morning and night after cleansing, followed by my moisturizer. My skin definitely feels more hydrated and plump throughout the day. It’s noticeably less dry and tight, especially in the colder weather. I haven’t seen a dramatic reduction in fine lines (let’s be real, those take time and often more potent ingredients), but my skin does look smoother and healthier overall.

What I Liked:

• Excellent hydration: This is where the serum really shines. My skin feels incredibly hydrated and comfortable.
• Lightweight and fast-absorbing: Perfect for layering under moisturizer and makeup.
• Fragrance-free: A big plus for sensitive skin.
• Simple and effective formula: Focuses on the key ingredient, hyaluronic acid.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Limited additional benefits: Beyond hydration, I haven’t noticed any significant changes in other skin concerns. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose serum, this might not be enough on its own.
• Packaging: The dropper dispenser is functional, but nothing particularly special.

Final Verdict: The DALÚ Natural Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Youth Elixir is a fantastic hydrating serum . If your main concern is dry, dehydrated skin, this is definitely worth trying. It delivers on its promise of intense hydration and leaves the skin feeling plump and comfortable. For me, it’s a great addition to my routine, especially during the dry winter months. It’s simple and effective – a winning combination for a hyaluronic acid serum. If you’re new to hyaluronic acid serums, this is a great place to start.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

Okay, here’s my honest and personal review of the LaVigne Natural Skincare Derm Immortelle Vitamin C Tri-Active Serum:

Let me preface this by saying I’m a big fan of Vitamin C serums. I’ve tried quite a few over the years, always on the hunt for one that actually delivers on its promises of brighter, more even skin. So, when I came across the LaVigne Derm Immortelle serum, with its “tri-active” blend of Vitamin C, I was hopeful, but also cautiously optimistic.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

What is it? This serum boasts three different forms of Vitamin C, along with other antioxidants like Ferulic Acid and some soothing botanicals. The idea is that this combination provides a powerful defense against environmental damage, brightens the complexion, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.

My Skin Type: I have combination skin – oily in the T-zone and drier elsewhere. I’m also prone to occasional breakouts and have some hyperpigmentation from past sun exposure. So, I’m looking for a serum that can address these issues without irritating my skin.

Texture and Scent: The serum has a lightweight, slightly viscous texture. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky or greasy, which is a big plus. The scent is very light and citrusy – pleasant but not overpowering. It dissipates quickly after application.

My Experience: I’ve been using this serum for about two months now, both morning and night. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Hydration: My skin definitely feels more hydrated after applying it. It layers well under my moisturizer and makeup.
• Brightness: I do think my skin looks a bit brighter and more radiant overall. It has a healthy glow.
• Evenness: I haven’t seen a dramatic change in my hyperpigmentation, but my skin tone does seem slightly more even.
• Fine Lines: I haven’t noticed a significant reduction in fine lines. They’re still there, but perhaps a little less noticeable due to the added hydration.
• Breakouts: Thankfully, this serum hasn’t caused any breakouts, which is always a concern with new products.

What I Liked:

• Lightweight and absorbs quickly: Perfect for my combination skin.
• Pleasant, subtle scent: Doesn’t irritate my sensitive nose.
• Noticeable brightening effect: My skin looks healthier and more radiant.
• Doesn’t cause breakouts: A huge plus!
• The price is wonderful

What I Didn’t Like:

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

• Results are subtle: While I’ve seen improvements, they’re not dramatic. It’s a gradual process.

Final Verdict: The LaVigne Derm Immortelle Vitamin C Tri-Active Serum is a good quality serum that delivers on its promises of brightening and hydration. My skin looks and feels healthier after using it. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a Vitamin C serum to improve skin radiance and overall skin health. However, the price isn’t bad because I have gotten similar results with more expensive products. I’ll give it a try! since I love the results and price.

Let’s discuss the Natana Naturals Fountain of Youth—Aging Defense Serum. I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’m ready to share my honest thoughts.

What is it? This serum is marketed as an anti-aging product designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and boost overall radiance. It’s positioned as a natural alternative, and that’s something I always look for in skincare.

Key Ingredients (as advertised): The serum boasts a blend of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, Swiss Apple Stem Cells, Retinol, Vitamin E, Organic Oils/Essential OilsThese are all commonly cited in anti-aging products, so the ingredient list seemed promising.

Texture and Scent: The serum has a lightweight, almost gel-like texture, which I appreciate. It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. The scent is very mild, almost undetectable, which is a plus for me as I’m sensitive to strong fragrances.

My Experience: Here’s the honest part. I’ve been using this serum consistently for several weeks, and while I haven’t seen any dramatic “fountain of youth” results (let’s be real, nothing short of a time machine will do that!), I have noticed some subtle improvements. My skin feels slightly smoother and more hydrated. I also think it looks a little brighter overall. However, the fine lines around my eyes haven’t diminished significantly.

What I Liked:

• Lightweight and fast-absorbing: Great for layering under moisturizer and makeup.
• Mild scent: Doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
• Hydrating: My skin feels plumper and more moisturized after application.
• Natural ingredients: Appeals to my preference for natural skincare.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Subtle results: While I’ve seen some improvements, they’re not dramatic. If you’re looking for a miracle cure, this isn’t it.
• Packaging: The dropper dispenser is a little fiddly and doesn’t always dispense the product easily.

Final Verdict: The Natana Naturals Fountain of Youth Serum is a decent hydrating serum with some potential anti-aging benefits. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a lightweight, natural serum to improve skin hydration and overall radiance. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. It’s not going to magically erase wrinkles, but it might contribute to a healthier, more youthful-looking complexion over time. Whether it’s worth the price depends on your budget and your individual skin concerns. If you’re looking for dramatic results, you might want to explore other options or consult with a dermatologist.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

Imbibe Collagen Jelly Peptide Serum Review

The Imbibe Collagen Jelly Peptide Serum is a skincare product that combines the benefits of collagen and peptides in a unique jelly-like serum. It claims to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ingredients

The key ingredients in this serum include:

• Collagen Peptides: These are small chains of amino acids that can penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production.
• Peptides: These are also small chains of amino acids that can have various benefits for the skin, such as reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production.
• Hyaluronic Acid: This is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.
• Kakadu Plum Extract: This is a natural source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can brighten the skin and protect it from damage.

Texture and Scent

The serum has a lightweight, jelly-like texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. It has a light, pleasant scent.

How to Use

Apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck after cleansing and toning. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Results

Results may vary depending on individual skin type and concerns. Some users have reported seeing a noticeable improvement in skin hydration and elasticity after using this serum for a few weeks. Others may not see any significant difference.

Pros

• Contains a combination of collagen and peptides for optimal skin benefits
• Lightweight, jelly-like texture absorbs quickly
• Contains hyaluronic acid for added hydration
• Includes Kakadu Plum Extract for antioxidant protection
• Pleasant scent

Cons

• Can be a bit pricey
• Results may vary

Overall

The Imbibe Collagen Jelly Peptide Serum is a well-formulated serum that contains a variety of beneficial ingredients for the skin. It may be a good option for those looking to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, it is important to note that results may vary and that this serum can be a bit pricey.

Recommendation

If you are looking for a high-quality collagen and peptide serum and are willing to invest in it, then the Imbibe Collagen Jelly Peptide Serum is worth considering. However, if you are on a budget or are not sure if a collagen and peptide serum is right for you, then you may want to explore other options.

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE

The Clean Beauty Awards 2025 results are still under wraps, and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see which brands will take home the coveted titles. The judging process is rigorous, with a panel of over 100 clean beauty advocates meticulously evaluating each product. I can’t wait to see which serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and more will rise to the top and be recognized for their exceptional quality, innovative formulas, and commitment to clean ingredients.

The big reveal is coming soon! A press release will officially announce all the winners. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

My gift guide for 2025 is HERE