Think of it as the skincare equivalent of chia seeds in your smoothie.
A basic skincare routine typically consists of a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, with essence, serum and/or face oil occasionally thrown into the mix. But there’s a relatively new skincare category that has been taking up a fair share of the beauty limelight recently: boosters.
As its name hints, a beauty booster is made to boost or supercharge the benefits of your skincare regime. Thus, it is usually formulated with higher concentrations of potent ingredients to target specific concerns as and when you face them. Think of it as the skincare equivalent of chia seeds in your smoothie.
Used after applying toner and serum, the lightweight product and can either be applied directly onto the face or mixed with your face cream or moisturiser. Customisability is one of its plus points, so it may be a good idea to stock up a few for a rainy day. (Skin can be as unpredictable as the weather, from our experience).
Here are some of our top picks for a beauty boost.
For dull, tired skin: Dior One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum
Despite the ‘serum’ in its name, this new Dior booster does more than your regular serum. Formulated with hibiscus, lily extract, seaweed extract and vitamin C, it’s a skin superfood that is designed to detoxify, hydrate and reenergise the skin. It also creates a protective barrier with amino acids, peptides and proteins for stronger and revitalised skin overall. W dior.com
For aging skin: Swissline Cell Shock Youth Booster – Retinol + Retinyl Palmitate
Regular use of small concentrations of pure retinol has been shown to be more effective than higher concentrations applied over a short period of time. With that in mind, Swissline’s next-generation Youth Booster is made with 0.4% pure retinol (just below the recommended maximum of 0.5%) in an encapsulated formula to enhance the effects of retinol while ensuring the skin’s tolerance to the potent ingredient. When used daily in the pm, it helps to reduce signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration. W swissline-cosmetics.com
For dehydrated skin: Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
Some days, your skin may need an extra hydration boost after long hours in dry conditions (including air-conditioned rooms), heavy use of makeup and/or other environmental stressors. This lightweight yet professional-strength super serum is made specifically for dehydrated skin to feel plump and fresh. It contains moisture-boosting properties from hyaluronic acid and marine algae as well as barrier-sealing protection from Watermelon Extract and Centella Asiatica, all working together to promote a soft, dewy complexion. W sephora.my
Read more: The skincare glossary: Our ultimate guide to understanding beauty labels
For dry skin: /skin regimen/ 1.85 HA booster
You may be familiar with hyaluronic acid’s hydrating benefits, but did you know that different molecular forms of the acid lock water into the skin at different levels? That’s why this hydra-plumping concentrate is made with micro-, macro- and cross-linked hyaluronic acid at 1.85%, intensively delivering moisture and hydration from the surface to the deeper layers of the skin. It also contains the brand’s signature Longevity Complex™ to counteract stress and other aging accelerators. W skinregimen.com
For uneven skin tone: Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%
There’s a reason this booster is one of Clinique’s best-selling products – it simply works. Formulated with a high concentration of pure vitamin C (10%), the super potent fresh-pressed skin juice brightens, evens and retexturises skin at the same time. Just mix two drops into your moisturiser in your morning and evening skincare regime and you’ll notice an improvement in your age spots, skin tone and signs of aging over time. W sephora.my
Related: Everything to know abut Vitamin C skincare – the current beauty obsession
For rough, bumpy skin: Bybi Bakuchiol Booster
Those with sensitive skin types that get irritated by retinol can try its milder, plant-derived counterpart, bakuchiol, to enjoy similar benefits. Independent Australian skincare brand, Bybi’s natural oil-blend bakuchiol formula is not only vegan and cruelty-free, it also comes in sustainable packaging – making it safe for human, animals and the environment! With regular use, it can help to smoothen skin texture and soothe dry and flaky skin or inflammation. W sephora.my
Photos courtesy of respective brands and Sephora