Models backstage during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020. Photo by Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images.

Tearing into a fresh skincare product is one of life’s many joys. The promise that comes with applying a new serum before bed is an adrenaline-inducing activity I partake in often. Will I wake up with baby skin, or red and blotchy? Who knows! But I’ve been put on this Earth to find out. Skincare roulette is a big part of being a beauty editor, but the end goal is to separate the good from the bad, and the exceptional from the good, which is what we feature here (testing comes with vigorous research and education, but you get the gist). This time of year is notorious for big, bold skincare launches. It’s the turning of seasons, and everyone is looking to amp up glowiness for the summer months. For that reason, there’s been a stack of really special new products rolling out from all the big players like La Prairie, Dermalogica, Elizabeth Arden and so on. From ceramides to squalane, there’s something for everyone. See all the best in skincare below.

Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules

Ampoules are tiny capsules that contain a single-dose of concentrated skincare – typically a serum or essence. While they’ve gained major traction this year, Elizabeth Arden has known of their benefits for years, as demonstrated in its best-selling Ceramide Capsules. Designed to maintain potency and efficacy, ampoules are great as they don’t spoil, make application a breeze, and are 10/10 to travel with. Most are either held in recyclable glass vials, or a biodegradable vegetable gum material (as is the case with Elizabeth Arden). The latest EA innovation has been coupling the lipid-rich powers of ceramides with vitamin c for a product that’s both brightening and super nourishing. Ceramides reinforce skin barrier function and keep moisture levels intact, while vitamin c is a potent antioxidant that protects against free radicals, and brightens the skin (it’s also notoriously unstable, making a vitamin c-loaded capsule a very logical thing to do). Used every morning, they will brighten and nourish.

Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules, $150. SHOP NOW

Chanel Le Lift Sèrum 

Made up of 93 per cent natural ingredients, Chanel’s new Le Lift Firming And Smoothing Sèrum is as effective as it is beautiful to use. It heroes alfalfa and peppermint extracts to both speed up cellular regeneration, and protect existing cells from environmental stressors that will adversely affect your face. It’s light, milky texture is a dream under makeup and will soften features too for instantly gratifying results. As per the Chanel ritual, apply the serum with gentle upwards strokes, starting at the neck, and ending at the forehead.

Chanel Le Lift Smoothing And Firming Sèrum, $227. SHOP NOW

Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Firming Serum

Hyaluronic acid, camu camu, peptides, Moroccan rockrose and green coffee been come together in this dual-chamber serum to firm up the appearance of sagging, ageing skin caused by lifestyle and environmental factors. It’s silky and lush – like a dry oil – and immediately leaves you looking hydrated and glowy. It’s also packed with goodies like lavender and turmeric, so smells slightly floral and very expensive. Overall, it’s the perfect mix of efficacy and a beautiful skincare experience.

Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Firming Serum, $220. SHOP NOW

Bioeffect EFG Essence 

Skincare aficionado’s will be thrilled to learn that Bioeffect has launched an essence containing the brand’s signature growth factor extract. Inspired by K-Beauty, the essence is designed to hydrate and prep the skin for serums and creams to follow, while simultaneously plumping thanks to glycerin and Icelandic water. The EFG extract in particular is produced from barley, and in simple terms, encourages the body’s cells to produce more collagen and elastin, or “grow” (hence the name growth factors). Press the essence in after cleansing for juicy, super plump skin. I actually like mine refrigerated for 10 minutes before application to nix tiredness.

Bioeffect EFG Essence, $135. SHOP NOW

Lancôme Advanced Génefique Serum

Lancôme’s Advanced Génefique has been a cult favourite for years, but the youth activator has recently been reformulated to include pre and probiotic fractions to benefit the skin’s microbiome. The serum uses patented technology to turn on youth-boosting proteins in the skin that slow as we age, as well as strengthening the skin’s barrier. It’s super light and gel-like, so works for all skin types from oily to dry. With daily use, you can expect skin that’s calmer and more radiant.

Lancôme Advance Génefique Serum, $210. SHOP NOW

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

Squalane is iffy to some because a quick Google-search will inform that it often comes from sharks, but Biossance uses a sustainable version that’s actually derived from sugarcane. The brand, and this product in particular, has reached cult status overseas, and its recent Australian launch has been no different. Squalane is an emollient, meaning it will lock in moisture. It’s also an antioxidant, so will protect the skin from free radicals (along with vitamin c, that’s also included in the efficacious mix). Coupled with rose, it’s a decadent oil that melts into skin, leaving it soft and glossy. Over time, expect a brighter complexion.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, $112. SHOP NOW

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream

If you’re after an eye cream that melts like butter and essentially gifts you with an additional three hours of sleep without the need to actually close your eyes, this heavenly La Prairie option is it. Formulated to lift and firm delicate skin above and below the eye, it uses premiere caviar extracts and the brand’s signature cellular complex to really tighten. Apply with the supplied spoon, and gently pat in (moving from the inside of the eye out) until absorbed. While it costs a pretty penny, the absence of under-eye bags is priceless, right?

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream, $520. SHOP NOW

La Mer Neck and Décolleté Concentrate

If slackened skin, or tech neck, is something that bothers you, this rich, balmy mix from La Mer should be on your radar. It’s thick and sumptuous, and loaded with La Mer’s iconic Miracle Broth to help nourish and restore sagging. It comes with a beautiful brush that is best used in upwards strokes, so not only are you utilising the ingredients, but also the power of gravity to restore youthfulness.

La Mer Neck and Décolleté Concentrate, $385. SHOP NOW