When beauty brands branch out into a new category, my reaction tends to include a mix of surprise and hesitation. It’s not an outwardly negative reaction but my stubborn brain tends to associate brands with specific products I love and use in my daily routine. One example that comes to mind? Merit’s ultra-creamy, easy-to-use Bronze Balm stick. So, when I got wind that the Best of Beauty-winning brand was launching skin care, I knew it was a move that technically made sense — but I was still skeptical.
Luckily, this story ends well. Before I even got my hands on Great Skin Instant Glow Serum itself, I appreciated the fact that the price ($38) seemed fairly reasonable for a serum. I’m the type of person who always tells my friends to put more money towards a serum than a cleanser or moisturizer — since they tend to be a lot more highly concentrated with active ingredients.
Courtesy of brand
That being said, my morning skin-care routine is pretty minimal. But as the weather becomes a bit nippier, I find myself reaching for a serum before diving into my usual moisturizer and SPF. (I’m currently loving Good Days for All’s On the Bright Side Moisturizer and D’Alba’s UV Essence Waterfull+ SPF 50+ Sun Cream.) The first time I used Great Skin, I noticed a slight glow immediately after I shook the bi-phase formula (more on that in a second) and applied it, but it wasn’t until I looked back at the mirror and let out a small gasp. Somehow, my skin looked even smoother and glass-like than it had a few minutes prior.
I couldn’t stop admiring my skin and decided right away that I could totally skip my usual foundation (and I love my Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin, so this was unexpected). I dabbed on the slightest bit of concealer in a few key areas before finishing up my brows, liner, blush, and lips — and, just like that, I was set.
