Apologies to my Vitamin C, but this glow-enhancing glaze has become my new morning essential for radiant skin.

      (Image credit: @shawnasimonee) As a girl who cherishes her vitamin C, it’s almost hard for me to admit this, but I’ve discovered something even more extraordinary. *Gasp.* While vitamin C has established itself as the ideal solution for issues like dullness, uneven texture, dark spots, and lifeless skin, I recently tried Mara's Pearl Peptide Glaze ($54), and in my humble opinion, it surpasses all other brightening products in my collection. That’s no small feat! Just for context, my skin tends to be oily and prone to acne, and I occasionally deal with dark spots after breakouts. This product, which acts as a toner, essence, and serum all in one, has been remarkably effective for all these concerns. Its milky consistency absorbs effortlessly into the skin and reminds me of my favorite K-beauty toners and essences. It doesn’t sit on the surface of the skin or leave a greasy residue—just a luminous glow that you won’t want to give up! If you’re searching for a way to simplify your routine while enhancing your radiance, your search ends here. Below, I’ll share everything you need to know about this incredible product along with some of my other favorite Mara selections to get you started.

      To be honest, I usually don’t skip toner and essence. I consider both essential for maintaining my skin's hydration without adding unnecessary weight. However, Mara truly answered my wish with this product because it combines these steps into one. The brand claims it can also serve as a primer and a peptide-rich serum for brighter, calmer, and visibly plumper skin. While some essences only provide hydration and aid in absorbing subsequent serums, this one is packed with various skin-enhancing actives and one standout ingredient that gives you that radiant glow. Although vitamin C is fantastic for brightening, the pearl powder in this formula offers a dewy, sunlit appearance that I’m completely enamored with.

      The Ingredients

      (Image credit: @shawnasimonee) This product not only looks appealing but is also formulated with powerful active ingredients that reduce redness, firm and plump the skin, and provide hydration. Beta-glucan helps alleviate redness and irritation as it has anti-inflammatory properties, calms the skin, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier. Moreover, it stimulates the Langerhans cells in the epidermal layer of the skin, which are responsible for initiating immune and reparative actions. Marine collagen peptides enhance collagen production and fortify the skin barrier. Pearl powder brightens the complexion and diminishes redness. It’s also rich in amino acids that promote collagen production and aid in cellular repair. Pelvetia canaliculata extract, a type of brown alga, hydrates, protects, and supports skin resilience.

      My Review

      This highly effective product was an easy decision for me. Before trying this, it had been a while since I used anything from the brand, but the original Universal Face Oil ($72) has always been a favorite. As I mentioned earlier, the texture of this product is simply *chef's kiss.* It’s incredibly hydrating and feels delightful on the skin without being heavy or greasy. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you understand the struggle. Some essences can feel overwhelming for our skin, yet I adore how this one provides a dewy glow without leaving a shiny appearance. This effect undoubtedly reflects its thoughtful formulation. Achieving such a balance is no easy task, but Mara has succeeded! Most importantly, the ingredient list isn’t excessively long, which is great for my super-sensitive skin. In fact, it worked the opposite way. I sometimes experience redness due to a compromised skin barrier, but beta-glucan is one of my favorite underappreciated skincare ingredients. It calms redness within minutes, making it perfect if you're contending with inflamed breakouts. Additionally, it hasn’t caused any new breakouts—only a stunning glow. In fact, I've had people ask me, "What products are you using on your skin lately?" at least five times since I started using this. What a compliment! I look forward to applying it every morning and evening. When I use it at night, I wake up with skin that appears as if I just had a luxurious facial.

      More Mara Products I Love

      MARA

      Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil

      I enjoy a double cleanse in the evening, and this cleansing oil effectively removes any debris and makeup blocking my pores in no time. It also gently exfoliates using fruit enzymes instead of acids, making it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.

      MARA

      Aura Cleanse Foaming Gel Cleanser

      This cleanser is incredibly silky and hydrating. Unlike some gel cleansers that leave my skin feeling tight or dry, this one doesn’t!

      MARA

      Seadream Algae Creme Moisturizer

      This hyd