The beauty desk literally overflowed this week with serum-y goodness. This wonder product is packed full of antioxidants, and is the next step up from a basic 3-step skincare routine. So how do you use it? Apply sparingly to fine lines and problem areas and leave for about 5 minutes (so it can work its magic!) before applying your usual morning or night moisturiser. It's thick, gloopy and potent, and we've got one for every budget.

There were lots of contenders we had to sift through, but with some hard work, a little (read: lots of) testing and some product savvy, we've brought together our top 18 serums based on price, quantity, packaging, uber-cool features and, of course, whether they work, for you to have a look-see. As with all skincare goodies, we recommend chatting to the girl at the beauty counter (and maybe asking to test the product) before you buy.

under $40
Products, left to right: 1. E Z Blitz Serum Bellaboo RRP $15.99 2. Skin Firming Serum Natio RRP $17.95 3. Vital Triple Action Soy+ Firming Serum Nivea Visage RRP $19.95 4. Coastal Hydrating Fruit Fibre Facial Treatment Mask (pk. 4) Coast to Coast RRP $24.95 5. Aloe Protective Serum The Body Shop RRP $27.95 6. Pure Alchemy Cellular Radiance Serum A'Kin RRP $39.95.

under $100
Products, left to right: 1. Age Proof Nutrient Plus Firming Serum Trilogy RRP $53 2. Firmology Benefit RRP $54 3. Enchanted Serum Purestuf RRP $60 4. Erase Those Fine Lines™ Serum ModelCo RRP $65 5. Purely Age-Defying Facial Serum Jurlique RRP $85 6. Tourmaline Charged Radiance Fluid Aveda RRP $99.95.

over $100
Products, left to right: 1. Advanced Night Repair Recovery Complex Estée Lauder RRP $105 2. Red:juvenous Concentrate Shu Uemura RRP $110 3. Thalgogive Densifying Firming Serum Thalgo RRP $127 4. Queen Bee Firming & Restoring Serum Apivita RRP $129.90 5. Megadose PM Skin Fortifying Serum with Retinol Cosmedicine RRP $130 6. Vitamin C Complexe Pevonia Botanica RRP $165.95.