As a 42-year-old shopping editor who tests skincare finds and seeks out the best beauty deals, one of my deepest, darkest secrets is that as a kid and young adult, I spent way too much time in the sun. (Cue audible gasps!) While this led to a serious burn or two, I’m now much more mindful of my skin protection. Unfortunately, my face still had to pay the price, which led to sun spots around my eyes and cheekbones, and fine lines in similar areas along with my neck. 

Well, good thing I am a shopping editor because I recently had the opportunity to test a brightening, plumping serum, and it’s erasing the consequences of my actions with every pump. My first reaction to using Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum was that the consistency was ultra-lightweight and creamy versus the typically oily feel of similar serums. It absorbed into my skin within seconds without leaving any greasiness behind. From the first use, the hero ingredient vitamin C provided a dewy brightness, which was a welcome departure from my dull winter complexion.

Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum

My skin felt immediately softer and more hydrated thanks to hyaluronic acid, which, over time, gave it a plumper appearance, plus the formula also features antioxidants like green tea to protect skin against further damage. The most impressive and noticeable results appeared by the end of the first month of use. Discolored, uneven spots around my face were much lighter, and the crow’s feet and lines under my eyes had softened and smoothed out. And though I hate to admit that they were there to begin with, the creases in my neck also tightened up, bringing my skin back to my 30-year-old days. 

I apply the serum to my clean skin once in the morning and right before bed, and I love that it combines a few steps in my routine — moisturizer and anti-aging serum. It also fully covers my face and neck with a single pump. And I was so surprised by how glowy the Vital C serum made my skin that I started to skip makeup on casual days. As a side bonus, it smells like just-peeled citrus and gives my skin a fresh, spring-ready scent.

Celebs are also major fans of the hydrating serum, too. Jennifer Coolidge, Sigourney Weaver, and Margot Robbie have all previously prepped for red carpet appearances by incorporating it into their pre-makeup looks. Shoppers love it, too, with one person sharing that the “light, moisturizing” serum “helped even out [their] discolored skin,” while another reviewer noted that it provided them with a “tighter and more youthful glow.” One customer called it a “drink of water for your skin,” adding that “frequently people are surprised to find out [their] age.”

While I’m now doing my part to save my skin from even more signs of aging (SPF is my new best friend), I’m stocking up on Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum for a more youthful radiance. Grab it plus even more of Image Skincare’s Vital C items below.

Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Vital C Hydrating Intense Moisturizer

Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque

Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel