Hydrating serums are a MUST for the summer – and here are my favourites

Beauty Pie is becoming a clear favourite of mine. My partner and I are guilty of placing monthly orders from the subscription service, which offers premium products at decent prices. Whether I need a top-up of a skincare staple or the chance to test a new beauty secret, Beauty Pie is always there to lend a helping hand to my tricky, combination skin type. The Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum is one of many beauty products I reorder from the brand time and time again. I'll tell you why.

Beauty Pie calls this Swiss serum a "miracle for super glowy, dewy, healthy-looking skin", which is a sentiment I 100% wholeheartedly agree with. It's packed with plumping Polysaccharides, smoothing Pro-Ceramides and gravity-fighting Peptides. It's so lightweight, totally hydrating and is perfect for all skin types, I'm sure. And, most importantly, it's clean, cruelty-free and doesn't dry out my face, but it doesn't feel too heavy. If your skin is going through it, enjoy dewy, glowing and plump results.

If you're looking for a bit of repair to accompany hydration at a budget price, you've found the right serum. The Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum is perfect for dry, sensitive or easily-irritated skin types (and works well for those who find 10% Niacinamide too strong). I've always found that Niacinamide has been really good for the oilier, blemished parts of my face - but this multi-action serum packs a punch, whether used day or night, thanks to the added boost of hyaluronic acid, bifida ferment lydate (for UV protection) and oat extract - which gave me silky-soft and plump skin.

Testing this serum came after a period of not using any active ingredients post-skin treatment, so, as you can imagine, my poor face was crying out for some love. And, it totally lapped this serum up. What I noticed was how soft my skin was. Usually, my combination, oily and blemished patches can be textured, but this serum helped me gain a little soft normality back to my visage. Plus, thanks to the thicker serum, it doesn't run down my face and sinks in within a minute. I usually pop three drops onto my face after I've used a toner; I love that it doesn't flare up my skin or clog pores.

Overall, I find this serum gentle and effective for my combination skin. It's a great bargain buy, with high-quality ingredients at an affordable price point. I feel as if it has started to repair my skin a little, improving the texture, glow, and elasticity. However, keep in mind that the concentration of niacinamide is a little lower than that of other products on the market; it may not garner results as quickly as you'd hope.

Repairs and hydrates, improves the skin barrier and balances out redness - yes, this TROPIC Rainforest Dew Hydrating Serum does it all. Multipurpose is the way forward, if you ask me. I've had such good results with a shampoo and body cream from TROPIC - and I love their organic ethos. Suitable for all skin types, this particular serum is also infused with lush botanical extracts and reparative plant peptides for an extra boost - everyone can feel soft and supple.

I was so looking forward to loving this - and I did. What's not to love? This product makes my skin look and feel amazing. I can apply it easily (despite it being a little runnier than other serums) and it leaves my face feeling comfy, hydrated, smooth and soft. It has made such a difference to my skin. It's part of my daily skincare routine now, absorbing so quickly with a lovely scent, and hydrating like nothing else. I've noticed a little more radiance and fewer blemishes, which is a relief.

Glow your own way with the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops. They deliver an instant, juicy, dewy glow while improving skin hydration. I was attracted to these e.l.f. drops because they've been primed for dry, oily and combination skin, thirsty for hydration and radiance. The formula is lightweight, non-greasy and gel-like, which can be used as a serum, primer, or mixed into foundation. So, this product was totally set for my skin type.

I'm holding space for the moisturising hibiscus complex, evening and brightening niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. It's a triple threat - and can sit under your make-up with no issues. I liked how lightweight it was and that it gave me a plump finish. Although it wasn't as hydrating as I'd liked it to be, it brightens my complexion and evens my skin tone a little. It sat under moisturiser and make-up well. Also, I appreciate how clean the formula feels - and that it's vegan and cruelty-free. However, I didn't see the glow as much as I did with other, higher-end products.

The Evolve Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum is another favourite of mine. It's ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, and it is super thorough at moisturising your visage deeply and taking care of any fine lines and wrinkles that are starting to appear. For me, it's another superstar serum, boasting hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract and organic rosewater (which smells amazing); all of these are responsible for my skin feeling soft and looking radiant. Girls, I'm literally glowing.

The formula is remarkably lightweight and absorbs quickly; however, I did find it a little sticky when I popped it on my face initially. I was surprised that this pick didn't come with a pump rather than a dropper, but I admire Evolve's commitment to sustainability; all of their products are vegan and cruelty-free. I felt a difference in my skin after a few days of use. My face was smoother, and my dry patches were history. If you're looking for a sustainable, vegan and effective formula, this could be the one for you.

Or, consider the BYOMA Brightening Serum for a multipurpose serum that'll do well for oilier or combination skin types (but is suitable for all). If you're prone to uneven skin tone, texture and hyperpigmentation, rest assured that this brightening serum will help your visage regain some radiance and glow. Many customers vouch for this serum, which is bursting with ceramides. It comes with a pretty fabulous 4.6 average star rating from Sephora customers, who find it nourishing.

Many users love how perfect it is for sensitive skin types - it's said to be smooth and lightweight. Customers agree that this serum has made their skin look brighter and healthier, reducing signs of pigmentation and any texture they didn't want. Others say it "actually works" and lasts a long time, despite being so affordable. And, more importantly, it doesn't irritate acne or sensitive patches. However, some customers were disappointed with the results. Be consistent and patient, we say.

I love the Green People Scent-Free Hyaluronic Booster Serum, too. I was especially excited to try this Green People pick, since I love their shampoo and conditioner (they work wonders for my curly hair). Just like their hair care, this serum is so hydrating and helps you look fabulous. What's so special about this one? Well, it'll help even your skin tone, soothe skin, and boost suppleness, too. Not only can you wear it under moisturiser, but it can also be blended with facial oil as a primer.

I liked this pick. The bottle feels very expensive, and I appreciate a cheeky dropper. The formula is lightweight, and I love that it's scent-free for the sensitive gals. Thanks, Green People. Maybe I wasn't using enough, but I found that this wasn't as hydrating as other serums I've used. However, it sunk in well and made my skin noticeably soft within minutes (which is a positive). I've used it under a moisturiser, and it didn't make application or removal any trickier. It does dry a little quickly, so I have to move it around my face at top speed - but it's lush.

Or, why not try Cat Deeley's fave? The Ella & Jo Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is award-winning, multi-functional and fabulous. It combines the magic of hyaluronic acid (hydrating and plumping by locking in moisture), peptide Matrixyl 3000 (for collagen and elastin production, which reduces wrinkles and firms), niacinamide (minimises pores, evens skin tone, fades dullness), jasmine extract (balances skin) and green tea (anti-ageing support). It's packed with goodies to help your skin look and feel its best.

You want to hear that a serum is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and ideal for use under makeup. Ella & Jo boasts that it smooths lines, refines texture, hydrates, restores the glow and calms redness and irritation. I was lucky enough to try Cat Deeley's favourite vegan, multi-functional serum. I appreciate the anti-ageing effects - and feel as if it's given me a renewed glow and a little less redness, come morning. My fine lines have smoothed a little, and my skin feels very hydrated. The serum did feel a little liquid-y and quickly slipped down to my lips, which dried out fiercely. This was really unexpected. But, luckily, a handy Laneige Lip Mask came to the rescue. I'll be using it occasionally because I'm not quite ready to embrace the world of anti-ageing skincare just yet.

The Dr PawPaw 4-in-1 Serum combines all the goodness of four different serums into one affordable and effective product. It's a one-stop shop for anti-ageing, soothing, hydrating and brightening, no matter your skin type. Looking for results in one step? Here's your next new skincare BFF. I've tried a handful of Dr PawPaw's range over the years and love their serum, night cream and sheet masks. I have picky, tricky combination skin, and they never fail to hydrate my skin and balance excess oils.

I've tried this a few times before and like how light it feels - a gel is perfect for my skin type. And, I love that there are eight types of hyaluronic acid and a dose of papaya extract. It helps my skin feel a little softer and smoother, brightens my blemishes and plumps my face a little, too. I love how lightweight and versatile this vegan (and cruelty-free) serum is. It arrives in an easy-to-dispense squeeze bottle and can help replace a few steps in my skincare routine, which is a big PLUS when on a budget. A little goes a long way, too. My skin looks vibrant and bright when I use this pick. However, the yellow packaging is a little tricky to read if you are curious about ingredients.

I loved this Skinsense Bi-Phase Cell Renewal Serum, which contains a mix of plant-based actives and probiotic-based technologies. All of these fabulous elements (from hyaluronic acid, to sweet almond oil, to acacia collagen) have helped my skin to appear more radiant. I knew that this all-in-one "miracle" face oil serum from Skinsense would be a revolutionary product in my routine, due to its smoothing mushroom extracts. I didn't know how thirsty and textured my skin was until I tried this.

It's so lovely to see skincare brands embrace the power of mushrooms, which are adaptogenic powerhouses, capable of cell protection and improving skin smoothness, in this case. And, although it's an oil-in-water serum, I found it absorbed well, and even though it felt a little slippery/heavy, I felt hydrated. I also really appreciate how clean and fresh it feels, with a water-like texture. Just make sure to shake it. Strengthening, brightening and hydrating, this Skinsense Serum is a great option for dehydrated skin.

Or, consider this Oscar Charles Advanced Anti-Aging Serum for its super-star ingredients, vegan formulation and guaranteed improvements on mature skin. It's a multi-purpose, anti-ageing serum to help reduce wrinkles, improve firmness, brighten and deeply hydrate skin. A quadruple threat. I love that the key active ingredients are niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides, ceramides and castor oil. Despite containing so many ingredients, the formula is lightweight, non-greasy and absorbs well.

Another fabulous option, the grace & stella Hyaluronic Acid Serum is your go-to for hydration on a budget. It's ideal for dry, dehydrated skin, especially effective for those who experience dullness, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Not only is the formula lightweight, but it's fast-absorbing and ideal for layering under moisturiser. You're set for a summer day out with this budget-friendly pick. I was lucky enough to try this grace & stella product myself and am very impressed with it.

Thanks to the hyaluronic acid and pathenol, I am safe in the knowledge that my skin is getting the VIP treatment it deserves. Not only is the moisture locked in, but it plumps and smooths. How cool is that? Plus, I love that it contains a cheeky extra ingredient to deal with blemishes and dead skin cells. For a brighter, even complexion and plumped skin on a budget, this is a good pick. Glass skin vibes. Just make sure to be consistent and patient for results to appear - hydration takes a while.

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and designed for sensitive, normal and dry skin, this Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Serum is another budget-friendly pick on our list. It's been clinically proven to soothe, nourish and fortify the skin's moisture barrier. It boasts hydration for 24 hours after just one use. I love that it's been formulated with a triple oat complex, which is soothing, nourishing and protective.

I appreciated the serum for its sleek, stylish bottle, budget price and hydrating qualities, but didn't find it to be enough alone for my dryest patches of skin. Nor was it the most soothing serum I've ever used. I liked that the serum was light with a silky, smooth consistency, though.