Sarah Jessica Parker’s Makeup Artist Preps Her Skin with My Favorite Serum for Soft, Glowing Skin

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I have a long-standing obsession with serum. At any given time, I’d approximate that there are at least 20 bottles and tubes in my skincare stash, waiting for their chance to be slathered on my face morning and night. Suffice it to say that at times it can be difficult to decide which one rises to the top of the heap.

Of late, though, there’s only one that’s making my heart flutter and my skin sing — and it’s the serum that Sarah Jessica Parker’s makeup artist used on her at the second season premiere of And Just Like That…. The serum in question? The Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, which Elaine Offers Woulard applied to prep the actress’s skin. Bonus: it’s under $40.

Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

Since my skin is on the drier side, I tend toward products that are formulated with hydrating ingredients, which this serum has in spades. The hyaluronic acid locks in hydration, niacinamide helps visibly brighten skin and refines texture, and cacao seed extract (a caffeine-rich antioxidant) helps stimulate blood flow to plump skin.

The serum has a more watery texture than others I’ve tried, but it also has a more unique application process. Simply shake it up to activate and blend the ingredients (before this, you’ll notice that they’re separated in the bottle), and then pump it into your hand. 

I squeeze two to three drops and massage it all over my face, neck, and décolletage in the morning, before following with moisturizer and sunscreen. Every time I use it, my skin is more plumped, soft, and luminous. My dryness has virtually disappeared, too, leaving it feeling bouncy.

I will say that it takes a bit of practice not to squirt product everywhere, but if you use short, targeted pumps, the dispenser works well. And because only a small amount is needed, the bottle lasts forever. I’ve been using the serum for a few months, and mine is still almost full. 

It has also racked up tons of five-star ratings, so I’m definitely in good company. One reviewer said it “surprisingly softened the texture of [their] skin” and added that it “gives a spa-like experience.”

“This product is divine,” another shopper wrote. “My skin was quenched and glowing, and I actually went the whole day bare-skinned, which I never do!”

If you’re as obsessed with serums as I am, the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum is worth adding to your daily skincare routine. Pick up a bottle for $38 now, and keep scrolling to shop more Merit products.

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