I can't tell you much about serums beyond the fact that they really do seem to work if dry skin is a problem you call your own. Two winters ago, my face was literally peeling off (cicada style), and no product could keep up...until I started using serum. Admittedly, my routine at the time was pretty unsophisticated (simple cleanser followed by moisturizer—no toner, no essence, no 10-step process). But the additional layer of a serum (recommended by a sympathetic Sephora associate) made my face actually feel like a face again.

She told me first about the Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum, which actually did an amazing job of healing my face, so I was loyal to it for quite some time. But that’s the nasty thing about beauty products—even when what you’ve got works, you’re left wondering, “Could something work...better?” And so began my serum experimentation period in which I bought and sampled several different bottles. All seemed to work more or less, but none stood out.

Then one day, my friend told me about Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid, a Korean serum that she described as a miracle worker because of its key ingredients, ceramides. She said that ceramides (whatever they are) were not only extremely hydrating for dryness but would also help “plump” up your skin to prevent signs of wrinkles and aging.

She tagged me in one of their Instagram posts the next day, and (if we’re going to be honest), that’s what really won me over. I thought: this packaging is really great—the serum therefore must also be great. So I went ahead and ordered it (along with the cream). And presto—new favorite serum!

It’s lightweight (hence the product name “liquid”) so it absorbs into your skin without feeling greasy. I also like the smell a lot—it has a light herbal fragrance, almost medicinal but in a good way. And maybe it’s stopping wrinkles? I’m in my 20s without much experience with preventative aging products, but I’m comforted to know that I might be stalling future signs of aging. Potentially. Either way, the main point is that my face feels hydrated, brightened, and sans any flaky cracked patches. Enough to put an end to my serum experimentation period. And enough for me to finish the bottle.

—Casey Zhang

Photographed by Tom Newton.

More things we've finished, starting with Annie's gentle (but powerful) exfoliator and Claire's concealer for beginners.