Honestly, I Bought This Hydrating Serum Because It Looked Pretty — but Now It's My Favorite

The iconic Carrie Bradshaw once said, "I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet," and while my tiny Brooklyn apartment makes that a non-option, I feel the same way about my skincare. Atop my vanity lives a curation of my most treasured products — some of which, if I'm being transparent, earned their spot solely because of aesthetics.

One such product that fell into this category is Kypris' Antioxidant Dew Quench & Glow Facial Serum. The first time I laid eyes on the precious blue glass apothecary-style jar, I really didn't care so much what was inside — I just knew it was beautiful. It just so happened to be my luck that the hydrating serum would double as a complete game-changer in my summer skincare routine.

After spending more time than usual in the sun (with sunscreen on, of course) my skin had been feeling extremely dry. And to add to that, my spots of hyperpigmentation had shown up to the party I never invited them to in the first place, leaving my skin looking dull and a little damaged. So after reading the reviews for the Kypris serum and its hydrating ingredients, coupled with the fact I wanted it on my vanity ASAP, I figured, why not give it a try.

When the beautiful little bottle showed up at my doorstep, I immediately slathered on the upper end of the suggested five to seven drops and waited for the lightweight serum to do its magic. Lucky for me, it lived up to the hype and then some: After just a few days of use both morning and night my skin looked noticeably brighter, more even, and much more hydrated. Plus, it left me with a subtle dewy glow that made me look much more rested than I felt. And really, what else could you want from one product?

The secret to the serum's power lies in its nutrient-rich formula of 26 natural ingredients meant to "restore moisture, vitality, and radiance" including sea algae, rose extract, and plant-derived ferulic acid. As is the case with the entire Kypris line, the serum is made with sustainably sourced botanicals and is free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, mineral oils, silicone, and synthetic fragrances, so it doesn't just look pretty on the outside — it's ethical at the core.

While I'll admit the antioxidant-packed serum made its way into my cart at first for its aesthetic appeal, it's solidified a spot in my skincare routine and I have a feeling it will stay there for quite a while. You can head to Nordstrom to get the hydrating serum I swear by, as well as other just-as-beautiful products from the brand.

Shop now: $90; nordstrom.com