I buy most products myself. This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure

My serums at a glance:

• Morning: Hanyul Pure Artemisia Hyal Moisturizing Serum, Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum
• Night: d’Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum, Trader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum, VT Reedle Shot 300
• Morning and night: Arencia Holy Hyssop Serum 30
• The one I use despite the scent: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum

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Why Serums Matter So Much for My Dry Skin

My skin is on the dry side. At work, the AC or the heater is always on, and my skin feels it.

Cream alone doesn’t fix that for me. I need water in my skin first. That’s what serums do.

And when my skin is full of moisture, it looks glassy. Smooth, dewy, and bright. That’s the look I’m always going for.

One tip before we start. After I put on a serum, I give it about 20 to 30 seconds to sink in before the next step. Don’t rush it.

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Morning Serums (Before Makeup)

1. Hanyul Pure Artemisia Hyal Moisturizing Serum: Best Before Makeup

In Korea, this one is known as a serum that makes your makeup go on really well.

And it’s true. My makeup sits so much better on top of it.

It’s so hydrating. While I wait for it to sink in, I can actually feel my skin filling up with moisture. I love that feeling.

This is my first bottle, but it’s already my go-to on days I wear makeup.

2. Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum: Best for Redness and Hydration

I tried this one because it says it helps with acne marks, redness, dark spots, and uneven tone.

What I noticed most was the moisture. It’s really hydrating.

For me, hydration matters more than anything else. So on that alone, I recommend it. I honestly can’t find anything to complain about.

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Night Serums

3. d’Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum: Best Oil and Water Balance

This one gets mixed reviews. So let me tell you how it works for me.

It’s a spray, so my hands never touch the product. That feels really clean to me.

It has two layers, an oil layer and a water layer. You shake it to mix them, then spray. For my dry skin, that balance of oil and moisture feels just right.

I looked into the ingredients. It has niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and white truffle extract. It also has a few plant oils, like avocado and sunflower oil. The scent is light and doesn’t bother me.

Those oils are probably why some people find it heavy. My friend said it made her face too oily, so she uses it as a body serum instead.

It leaves a little shine. Not a lot, but enough that I keep it for night. If your skin is oily or breaks out easily, I’d be careful with this one.

4. Trader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum: Best Retinol (Use With Care)

This is not a serum you use casually.

It has 0.3% retinol. Like the instructions say, use only a small amount, 2 to 3 times a week. And give your skin a lot of moisture after.

Retinol only works if you take care of your skin barrier and wear sunscreen. My husband learned that the hard way.

My husband didn’t listen to me. He thought his skin was thick, so it could take more. He put it on generously. The next day, his whole face felt like it was burning, and he struggled for a while.

(This is the same husband who went too hard on the Reedle Shot. He’s learning.)

So please be careful, even if your skin feels tough. Here’s how I use it:

• Only at night
• 2 to 3 times a week, when my skin is in good condition
• A small amount, followed by plenty of moisture
• The next morning, I wash my face well and put on sunscreen generously

The results? Amazing. I can’t use it often, but I always keep one in stock.

5. VT Reedle Shot 300: Best for Pores and Texture

This one has tiny needle-like particles, so it stings. That’s why I only use it at night.

After about 3 weeks, my pores looked smaller and my skin felt smoother.

One rule: never use it on the same night as retinol. Both are a lot for your skin. I wrote everything about it in my Reedle Shot 100 vs 300 review.

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Morning and Night

6. Arencia Holy Hyssop Serum 30: Best Everyday Hydration

This is the serum that replaced my Estée Lauder. I’m on my third bottle now, so it’s the serum I’ve used the longest. I use it both morning and night.

It’s a gel texture. Very hydrating, absorbs quickly, and not sticky at all.

If you’re in your 20s or early 30s and want something cost-friendly that focuses on hydration, this is the one. More in my Korean skincare routine post.

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The One I Use Despite the Scent

7. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum: Best for Even Skin Tone

I am going to be honest here. The scent is really hard for me.

But the results are so good. It evened out my skin tone and texture.

So I keep using it, scent and all. Lately, the results have been even better. Honestly, I’ll probably buy it again when it runs out. If strong scents don’t bother you, I really recommend it. (I talked more about the scent in my fragrance-free post.)

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My Serum Rules for Glassy Skin

• Hydration first. Watery serums in the morning, especially before makeup.
• Give it 20 to 30 seconds. Let each serum sink in before the next step.
• Strong stuff at night only. Retinol and Reedle Shot never go on in the morning.
• Never retinol and Reedle Shot on the same night.
• Sunscreen the next morning. Always, after a retinol night.

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Final Thoughts

I love every serum on this shelf. They all help my dry skin, and together they give me that glassy look.

If you only pick one for the morning, go with Hanyul. If you want one that works day and night, Arencia. And if you’re ready for retinol, start slow.

Which serum can you not live without? I’d love to hear!

Serum FAQ

What’s a good serum for dry skin before makeup?

For me, it’s the Hanyul Pure Artemisia Hyal Moisturizing Serum. It’s very hydrating, and my makeup goes on so much better.

How often should I use Trader Joe’s retinol serum?

I use a small amount 2 to 3 times a week at night, only when my skin is in good condition. I always follow with moisture, and sunscreen the next morning.

Is the d’Alba spray serum too oily?

For my dry skin, no. It leaves a little shine, so I use it at night. If your skin is oily, it might feel heavy. My friend uses it on her body instead.

Can I use retinol and VT Reedle Shot on the same night?

I never do. Both are a lot for your skin. I keep them on separate nights, and I only use retinol when my skin is in good condition.

How long should I wait between serums?

I give each serum about 20 to 30 seconds to sink in before the next step. It doesn’t take long. Just don’t rush it.

Want to Read More?

💧 My Korean Skincare Routine for Dry Skin (and the Serum That Replaced My Estée Lauder)
💧 VT Reedle Shot 100 vs 300: Which One to Start With
💧 Red, Bumpy Skin Out of Nowhere? How I Calm a Damaged Skin Barrier

Thank you for reading my post today! Hope you found something helpful 🙂

Sincerely,

Hazel 🙂

Disclosure: I buy most products myself. Some were gifts from friends or family, and I’ll always tell you when. No brand has ever paid me or sent me anything to review. Some links in this post are affiliate links, so if you buy through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what I recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.