It’s time to power up your skin – and call in some serums to boost your complexion ready for winter. I love serums – an extra layer of active ingredients in a formulation that’s designed to penetrate really effectively. So if you’re not already using a serum, now is a good time to start. Here are my current top five.

Éminence Organic Skincare products are handmade in Hungary. For winter, I’ve picked their Bright Skin Licorice Root-Booster Serum (£38), which is apparently a favourite of the gorgeous Thandie Newton. It’s great for sorting out patchy skin that’s had a bit of sun over for the summer – a real fresh start for the new season.

Origins have recently launched Plantscription Anti-aging Power Serum (£48). Apparently, it ‘teaches’ skin how to utilise powerful ingredients from nature. My skin doesn’t usually pay attention in class but this serum is a cracker – a real no-effort, easy to use power-house to go under your moisturiser and just do its job. “You look well” is guaranteed.

New brand alert: 001 Skincare. Founded by Ada Ooi, who grew up in Hong Kong, the range focuses on restoring equilibrium that is upset by city living. I’ve been using her Active Marine Power Concentrate (£47), which is a jelly-like serum packed with brown algae, green tea and omegas. Perfect for strengthening your skin’s natural defences ready for a winter in the city.

Another name that’s new to this column is Bryt. I’ve a feeling this range is for slightly younger women than me (think gifts for nieces and daughters) but I had to try the Boost Serum (£20), which I’m actually a little bit in love with. It’s an oil serum but it penetrates quickly with no greasiness, and I’ve been using it on my normal/combination skin as a kind of central heating beater, to get a bit more out of my day cream. Lovely stuff.

And finally, something posh: Gazelli White Oil Ultimate Firming Serum (£75). This is my new favourite thing and I’m wondering how I can make it last all winter. It’s full of all kinds of wonderful skin-boosting ingredients like pomegranate and something called Gazelli White Oil, which is completely unique to the range. I thought it sounded kind of oily and maybe a bit too much for my skin but it’s actually super-light and visibly lifts your whole complexion.