Now that winter is over, we can pack away all those extra layers. Not to mention all of those overly thick skin care products the season calls for. With spring’s arrival, we can really lighten up. Which is why we’re swapping our heavier serums for ultra lightweight beauty elixirs.
Elixirs can do anything serums can do. They’re excellent moisturizers adding just the right amount of hydration to keep you glowing straight through summer. Another big benefit? They help combat everything from fine lines to wrinkles and oversized pores.
The best ones have even more to offer. Certain formulas can replace your favorite makeup primer. Plus, a few can fill in for foundation on those days you feel like skipping makeup. Because who doesn’t want almost effortlessly dewy skin this time of year?
A word of warning. The best beauty elixirs don’t come cheap. You can easily spend several hundred dollars on one bottle. But, thankfully, there are more cost-effective alternatives. It really comes down to what you’re looking for. If your mission is to replace almost your entire skin care lineup, it’ll cost you. (Although it may actually be a bargain if you total up the price tags of all your current formulas.) If you’re just trying to supplement one or two products, you can afford an elixir for less.
Here are the best ones to swap into your warm weather skin care routine.
Elixirs
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Elixirs #1
Tata Harper Elixir Vitae Ultimate Wrinkle Solution, $475 at Tata Harper
This pick is pricey, but totally worth it. Designed for severe lines and wrinkles, the elixir also addresses elasticity and dryness. It accomplishes such feats with 31 sources to minimize the look of wrinkles, four sources to add volume, 11 sources of antioxidants and 26 sources of hydration.
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Elixirs #2
Perricone MD Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Rebalancing Elixir, $99 at Ulta Beauty
If you’re struggling with super sensitive skin, meet your new BFF. The formula boasts CBD for nourishment, a mushroom complex for correction and cherimoya fruit extract for maintenance. Everything works together to rebalance your skin to its optimal pH level with hydrated, smooth and radiant results.
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Elixirs #3
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, $49 at DermStore
Is your complexion in desperate need of a hydration pick-me-up? If you answered yes, you’re going to love this elixir. Made with all-natural ingredients, it evens your skin plus smooths fine lines and visible pores. Use can also use it as a makeup setting spray or store in the freezer for a cooling effect.
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Elixirs #4
Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir, $82 at Ulta Beauty
Reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles while imparting much-needed moisture with this best elixir. The concentrate includes hyaluronic acid for that hydration kick along with a unique blend of bio-actives. So all you’re left with is glowing, firmer skin.
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Elixirs #5
RÓEN Beauty Elixir Restorative Face Oil, $72 at RÓEN Beauty
This elixir will really get you glowing. It relies on 100 percent plant-based oils to promote cell turnover and collagen production to soften fine lines. So your skin will appear firmer and plumper. Simply apply several drops to the palm of your hand, then press said drops on your face, neck and décolletage.
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Elixirs #6
Rituel de Fille Thorn Oil Priming Facial Elixir, $68 at Ulta Beauty
Don’t let this elixir’s red hue scare you. It turns rose in the dropper and looks luminously clear once applied to your skin. It serves as a great base for makeup. But on those makeup-free days, it gives your complexion a lit-from-within radiance just like your go-to highlighter. In other words, you’ll use it every single day.
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Elixirs #7
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir, $80 at Sephora
We all want to lighten up this time of year and this elixir is a great way to do just that. It’s comprised of golden vitamin C, polyglutamic acid and niacinamide. The powerful blend tackles dark spots plus fine lines and wrinkles. As if that weren’t enough, the formula also brightens and plumps skin.
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Elixirs #8
LOLI Beauty Plum Elixir Organic Revitalizing Face Oil, $68 at Ulta Beauty
The definition of a multitasker, you can use this pick on your complexion, lips and even hair. It hydrates your skin immediately and helps brighten dark spots. On the hair front, it smooths so you can kick frizz to the curb. Or use it as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment. It also functions as a moisturizing lip gloss.
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Elixirs #9
Skyn Iceland Arctic Elixir With Raspberry Plant Stem Cell Complex, $50 at DermStore
Skyn Iceland’s cool elixir actually inhibits stress-induced signs of premature aging. It’s all thanks to raspberry stem cells that protect cell structures from environmental aggressors and counteract inflammation. Plus, it contains omega fatty acids to promote firmness and elasticity. It also refines the texture of your skin so it looks softer and smoother.
