The Mat Finish: Serums, Simplified

A note from Mathew — co-founder of Greenbriar Market + Refillery

Let’s talk serums.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you actually need one, the short answer is: yes—if you care about your skin acting its age (or younger).

Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids packed with high concentrations of active ingredients. Think of them as the heavy lifters in your skincare routine—doing the hard work without the greasy aftermath.

We’re not here to sell you a 10-step routine. Just to help you find your serum. Here’s the cheat sheet:

🟣 Soften + Smooth

Serious hydration, zero weight.
Hyaluronic acid + vitamin B5 team up to deeply hydrate and plump your skin. Great if your face ever feels tight, dull, or like it just drank three coffees without water.

Best for: Dry, dehydrated, or “I haven’t had 8 glasses of water in 3 days” skin.

🟣 Soften + Restore

Strengthen skin that’s ready for anything.
Tiger grass and matcha help soothe irritation and rebuild your skin barrier. Bonus: a little salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation.

Best for: Red, sensitive, or unbalanced skin that’s easily annoyed.

🟣 Soften + Refresh

Clear things up—for your skin and your day.
Pine bark and tea tree extracts help clarify and tone. Leaves your skin feeling fresh, not shiny.

Best for: Oily, blemish-prone, or “Why am I breaking out again?” skin.

You only need one. Use it after cleansing and before moisturizing. If you think your skin could benefit from more than one, you can use different serums for morning and night.

✨ Not sure where to start?
Stop by. We’ll help you test the textures and figure out which one your skin’s been asking for.

– Mat