I'm not going to sit here and write a long story about my love affair with serums—because you've heard it before. I'm also not going to tell you that serums are the only products you need to use because that just wouldn't be true. But to put it simply, serums are powerful. They're formulated with concentrated doses of hardworking active ingredients that can help improve a number of skin woes from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. But not all serums are created equally. In fact, Clinique's Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum ($71) is such an overachiever it makes other formulas seem like they're lacking in the ingredient department.
I'm not being dramatic—this serum is formulated to literally outsmart wrinkles from three different angles. It's what I like to consider a triple-threat formula: It supports natural collagen production with the brand's proprietary CL1870 Laser Focus™ Complex; it helps smooth the look of skin texture with a potent retinoid that leaves skin with a resurfaced appearance; and it gives skin a seriously big dose of hydration courtesy of hyaluronic acid so it's left looking plump and supple.
Just look at content creator Elaine Davis's skin. The 50-something New York native has some of the most youthful-looking skin I've seen, and it's all because of the lifestyle she lives and the products she uses. Here, Davis shares more about herself and why she's such a fan of the Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Serum.
Tell me about yourself.
I'm a blogger and digital content creator in my 50s. I live in New York City and love everything about it. It has been my home for my entire life.
How would you describe your style?
I would say my style is minimalist with a twist. I love to mix staple pieces with elevated basics.
Just by looking at you, I would never know your age. How the heck do you keep your complexion so glowy and youthful-looking?
I drink plenty of water to keep my skin hydrated, even more so now that I'm in my 50s. I also use the Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Serum ($71). It outsmarts fine lines and wrinkles and visibly repairs skin by hydrating and plumping it and boosting natural collagen.
Tell me more about your skin. What is your relationship with it? How has it changed with age?
My skin can be my best friend one day and my archenemy the next. It's become moodier as I age.
Having access to products like the Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Serum probably helps. What makes it so special and how has it helped improve your skin?
I'm a big fan of double- or triple-duty products that work hard for your complexion. The Smart Clinical Repair™ Serum does just that. It addresses multiple issues at once and is a product I can rely on for keeping my skin youthful-looking.
[Editors note: This is Clinique's most advanced anti-aging serum yet. It's formulated for high efficacy and is still gentle enough to use twice a day.]
When it comes to looking after yourself, what do you wish you knew or embraced in your teens, 20s, and 30s?
I really wish I practiced more discipline in the physical-fitness area of my life. Now that I'm older, I realize what an important role it plays not just in my overall health but in my skin's health and appearance too.
What are your diet and fitness routines like, and how have they impacted your overall lifestyle?
My diet plays a major role in helping me have more energy and stamina throughout the day. Exercising and/or moving my body in some way every single day is definitely a must.
What's the biggest misconception people have about aging?
I feel the biggest misconception people have about aging is that everyone wants to look extremely young. I just want to look like the best version of my current self.
What beauty words of wisdom do you swear by?
My older sister and my mom always taught me the importance of having a daily skincare routine no matter how simple it is. I think because of this, I've also learned to stick to what I know works for me and not what others think will work.
Shop More Favorites From Clinique
