Best face forward: 6 skin serums, elixirs and cleansers from $29

September 5, 2026 — 5:00amBon Elliot’s Hydrating Performance Serum is designed to boost luminosity and skin texture. GENTLE VITAMIN CIf conventional L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is too much for your skin, Bon Elliot’s Hydrating Performance Serum uses AA2G, a stabilised form of it formulated to deliver antioxidant and brightening benefits; the formulation also contains the brand’s AMBR Complex of prebiotics, probiotics, ceramides and antioxidants. The result is a nourishing serum designed to boost luminosity and skin texture.Hydrating Performance Serum, $220/30ml; bonelliot.comMedik8 Total Moisture Daily Cleansing Gel. CLEAN, BUT NOT STRIPPEDMedik8’s Total Moisture Daily Cleansing Gel’s blend of gentle surfactants creates a soft, creamy lather that removes sunscreen, make-up and everyday grime without leaving your skin feeling tight. A prebiotic helps support the skin microbiome while moisture-binding ingredients maintain hydration.Total Moisture Daily Cleansing Gel, $62/145ml; medik8.com.auTronque Neck and Décolletage Elixir. NECK TIMEDespite being among the first areas to show signs of sun exposure, the neck and décolletage are often treated as an afterthought. Tronque’s Neck and Décolletage Elixir addresses this delicate area to support hydration and skin resilience. The serum-like texture absorbs quickly and is designed for morning and evening use.Tronque Neck and Décolletage Elixir, $130/50ml; tronque.comHydrafacial is a 30-minute in-salon treatment for smoother skin.WAKE-UP CALLAfter months of cold weather, indoor heating and lower humidity, skin can look congested and dull. Hydrafacial is a 30-minute, non-invasive, in-salon treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, gentle suction and hydration before infusing the skin with targeted serums. Skin looks fresher, smoother and more hydrated.30-minute treatments from $225; hydrafacial.com.auVita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector. BRIGHT-EYEDDark circles are rarely one problem, which makes the category’s one-size-fits-all approach somewhat optimistic. This treatment targets the blue, brown and red tones that can contribute to tired-looking eyes, with vitamin C providing antioxidant and brightening benefits. The lightweight formula is particularly suited to mature skin, where thinning can highlight discoloration.Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, $122/15ml; murad.comFrom our partners