Tried & Tested: This Lightweight Serum Is Perfect For This Summer & My Dull, Oily Skin

Serums have deservedly earned a reputation as one of the most hardworking beauty products out there. That’s why beauty experts will often tell you never to skip this important step in your skincare routine. Whether it’s fine lines, pigmentation, acne or dullness you’re trying to tackle, there’s sure to be a serum that’s just right for you.

I must confess: I have always been sceptical of serums (cue the horrified gasps). As someone with perpetually oily skin, I take a less-is-more approach to skincare by only using a gentle cleanser, light moisturiser, and the occasional purifying mask. When I tested serums in the past, they made little difference to my skin and felt like an unnecessary extra step in my daily routine. Needless to say, my search for the perfect serum always proved unsuccessful. 

So when I heard about the renowned Ceramide Capsules Collection by Elizabeth Arden, I was intrigued. Touted as an essential skincare hero by many beauty insiders, this range offers different serum capsules that are infused with active ingredients to target various skin concerns.

The new Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum, in particular, is specially formulated to nourish, brighten, and strengthen the appearance of dull skin. The best part? Its lightweight formula makes it ideal for oily and combination skin types – like mine.

So does the Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum live up to its claims? Eager to see if it really works (and to quell my inner sceptic), I decided to test it out for myself. 

Read on to find out more about this game-changing serum and how it transformed my skin in just two weeks!

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

A petite yet potent serum in a capsule

Elizabeth Arden is a name that needs no introduction. A legendary innovator, the brand is also a pioneer in incorporating ceramides (essential lipids that keep the skin barrier intact and healthy) into skincare. 

Besides skin-identical phytoceramides, which help to replenish your skin’s ceramide levels, the Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum also contains patented cyclopeptides and hemisqualane. Together, this potent trio of ingredients strengthens your skin barrier, tightens pores, and visibly reduces fine lines.

In a clinical study of 32 Asian women, the testers experienced a 28% stronger skin barrier after a single use of one capsule, and 100% of them agreed that their skin felt healthy and re-texturised after four weeks.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

My experience testing the Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum

I tested this product for two weeks, using one capsule in the morning and another one at night. 

Upon receiving it, I was first impressed by the unique single-dose delivery of the serum. Pioneered by Elizabeth Arden in 1990, each sealed capsule contains just the right amount of serum needed for my face and neck. This is especially beneficial for a serum novice like me; it takes the guesswork out of my skincare routine and ensures no wastage.

After twisting off the cap and applying the serum all over my skin, I was immediately blown away by its texture. Unlike other serums which can feel overly rich and sticky, the Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum felt incredibly luxurious and velvety smooth on my skin. Even in the unbearably hot and humid weather we’ve been experiencing recently, the serum’s lightweight formula quickly absorbed into my skin without leaving an oily or greasy residue.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

I especially enjoyed incorporating the Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum into my new nighttime routine. After a week of testing, I woke up to a healthier and more radiant complexion despite having late nights and occasional bouts of insomnia.

Most noticeably, this serum has improved my skin texture. Before, my cheeks were riddled with rough patches, bumps, and enlarged pores. Thanks to the serum, those flaws have now reduced and my skin looks clearer and more refined – providing a smoother base for a more flawless makeup application that lasts all day.

Two weeks on, I can safely say that the Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum has changed my attitude towards serums. This serum actually delivers on its promises by giving me a subtle and healthy radiance I never knew my skin was capable of. My oily skin also loves the serum’s lightweight, fast-absorbing formula, which makes it a must-have skincare staple in the summer and all year-round.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Lifted and firmer-looking eyes in just two weeks

What use is a diligent skincare routine without an eye cream? By the time you approach your 30s, it is important to protect the delicate skin around your eyes from fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness.

For many years, I had an off-and-on relationship with eye creams. Many of them were too rich – causing the dreaded milia seeds – while others had little effect on my eye bags and dark circles. But now as I’ve hit my 30s and fine lines have started cropping up around my eyes, I knew it was time to get expert help.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The expert in question? Elizabeth Arden’s Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Eye Cream. A lightweight yet silky eye cream, this powerhouse product is packed with five times the amount of ceramides (compared to other eye creams), as well as tetrapeptides, Edelweiss extract, red algae, and vitamin E. The unique 3D FIT Technology works to intensely hydrate and replenish moisture levels, firm, lift, tighten, and tone the skin around the eyes for a firmer and more youthful look.

In fact, in a consumer study of 69 women, 90% of users who tested the Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Eye Cream saw lifted, firmer-looking eyes in just two weeks.

For the best results, I decided to pair the serum with the Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Eye Cream to double up on the effects of ceramides for a more all-rounded skincare routine. I was also curious to see if the Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Eye Cream could help remedy my pesky dark circles.

After trying it for two weeks, I was thoroughly impressed by the before & after photos. Previously dull and sunken, the skin around my eyes is now more lifted and supple-looking. Applying the eye cream has become an enjoyable part of my nighttime ritual. The silky cream glides on beautifully and absorbs quickly into my skin with just a few taps of my finger. The best part? Friends and colleagues even asked me if I started using a new under eye concealer, commenting that I now look more awake and alert.

Photo from Elizabeth Arden

Get started on your ceramide skincare journey with Elizabeth Arden!

Mark your calendars: Elizabeth Arden will be holding an event at Metro Paragon from now until 8 June.

Here’s your chance to try out the Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum for yourself and speak to their beauty advisors for skincare tips. Enjoy 15% off with every $100 spent. New members can also redeem a free trial kit (worth $215) when you purchase the serum (60 capsules); limited to only 100 sets.

The Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum ($82 for 30 capsules; $154 for 60 capsules) and the Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Eye Cream ($109) are available at Metro Paragon, OG Albert Complex, OG People’s Park, and online on Elizabeth Arden’s official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Follow Elizabeth Arden on Instagram (@elizabetharden_sg) for the latest updates and promotions.

This post is brought to you by Elizabeth Arden.