When it comes to wanting brighter skin, vitamin C serums are always a good idea. As an ingredient, you'll find stronger levels of vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, in serums to help tone, firm and brighten any signs of dullness. While I save the more heavy-duty retinol serums and exfoliating treatments for the darker winter months (when the sun is a little less relentless), brightening serums become my warm-weather skincare obsession. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum with Vitamin C Ole Henriksen Price: £48 www.lookfantastic.com Shop now One of the first vitamin C serums I tried and still love. The brightening vitamin C complex is combined with softening aloe juice and nourishing orange and green tea extract to promote firmer and glowing skin.