Brilliant pick me ups for thirsty skin: four great serums from Kiehl's, Avène and Trilogy

I don't seem to remember a time when I didn't include a serum in my daily skincare routine, though in reality I probably introduced them into my regime only a few years ago. Serums or oils are ideal for delivering active ingredients to the skin and targeting specific skincare concerns.  Here's the four that I'm loving right now.

Avène Soothing Hydrating Serum (€25, 30ml)

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin like mine, Soothing Hydrating Serum has a thick, comforting consistency, spreads easily on the skin and feels immediately soothing. Glycerin is the wonder ingredient here that hydrates and calms the skin, along with the famous Avène Thermal Spring Water.

If you're not a big fan of using oils on the skin, this is an ideal alternative as it's easy to apply and sinks right in, so there's no waiting around afterwards to apply makeup. In fact I find it makes a great makeup base, though I have to be careful when applying it not to use too much product, or it starts to rub off in little bits (the dreaded balling).

Trilogy Age Proof Nutrient Plus Firming Serum (€29.99, 30ml)

This has been a favourite of mine for a good few years now - I've posted about it before and you'd be forgiven for thinking I'm being paid to promote it, but the honest-to-god truth is that I just really, really love it. I try other products every now and then, but this is the one that is constantly present in my bathroom cabinet and when my skin acts up this is always what I reach for to fix things. It has a light, almost watery texture that my skin drinks up and although it leaves no trace of product on the surface, my skin does feel and look smoother and more hydrated after applying it. If you're looking for a product that hydrates without clogging pores, this is a good one.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (€42, 30ml)

Another one that's had much Beaut.ie love in the past, but I recently rediscovered it and have to rave about how much of an improvement it can make in one night. The light texture initially makes it seem as though it wouldn't be as nourishing as something like the Trilogy oil, but the presence of moisturising squalane in addition to the nourishing evening primrose, coriander and rosehip seed oils makes a visible difference to my skin after just one night.

The addition of lavender essential oil has the added aromatherapy benefit of encouraging a good night's sleep when applied before bed - I'm often a bit iffy when I see lavender in the ingredient list on my skincare, but this version smells gorgeous and doesn't bother my sensitive skin. This is slightly pricer than the rest, but if you have a bit of money to spend and want something that works and also feels lovely and pampering, this is what I'd go for.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ (€32.95, 30ml)

Yes another pick from Trilogy - but they  make such great skincare I had to include it.  I tried the original Trilogy Rosehip Oil a few years ago and didn't find it worked for me at the time - it felt too heavy on my skin and seemed to leave me a little itchy after using (though I loved it as a treatment for my bump when pregnant). But I was inspired to try the latest and greatest version recently when my skin was in dire need of some nourishment after giving birth and it works really well for me now. It feels rich and comforting going on but also spreads very easily on the skin and it visibly plumps up my skin overnight. Perfect for very dry skin that will appreciate a rich, nourishing oil.

Have you tried any of the above or do you have your own favourite serum to recommend? Let us know in the comments!