Treat yourself right with these standout beauty pics, straight from the people who’ve tried everything.
It’s cliche, but it’s true: Your skin is your largest organ. When you think about it that way, does it really seem like that much of a stretch to adjust your budget for skincare products?
And while a $91 oil may be out of the question, investing in products that come highly recommended by the people that really know, is totally do-able.
We reached out to some beauty editors and freelance beauty experts to tell us what their personal favorites are. Those products they swear by above all else, despite being offered new stuff on the daily.
NeoGen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine
I got this as a PR sample from SokoGlam a few years ago. I have sensitive, rosacea-prone skin so I’m always cautious about exfoliators. But now these exfoliating pads are my go-to for whenever my skin is feeling a little ruddy. I swear, after I do a few swipes (each pad is single-use), my skin feels super smooth, but still hydrated. It also has resveratrol, which comes from red wine and helps with anti-aging.
— Jamie Stone, founder of Honestly Jamie
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Moisture Modeling mask
It’s an evolution of the Korean ‘modeling masks,’ aka rubber masks, that combines an algae-based activating powder with a hyaluronic gel (instead of the standard water) for a double shot of moisture. Mix it up, smooth the goo on your visage and then let it set and firm up.
Because it molds to your face, it forces the hydrating molecules deeper into the skin and gives you a smooth, velvety soft, dewy complexion. Bonus: It also diminishes the look of those post-breakout marks. Also, it’s all jiggly and bouncy feeling which for some reason I find endlessly amusing.
— Megan McIntyre, freelance beauty writer/editor
Foreo Luna Play cleanser
Foreo has been around for years, but it wasn’t until a few months ago that I fell in love with the Play. I’ve never really been a big multi-step cleanse kinda gal (a.k.a I’m lazy as hell), but my skin was acting up and I wanted to incorporate something extra into my skincare routine beyond my trusty ol’ Neutrogena makeup wipes. Enter the macaroon-size cleansing device, which now has me hooked.
This tiny guy takes less than a minute to give my hormonal, acne-prone skin a deep cleanse, so it’s a huge win. No more little bumps! And it leaves my face feeling shiny and fresh every single time. Oh, and the $39 price tag is way more doable than the original $199 version.
— Julianne Carell, former Glamour beauty editor
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
I first came across thisat Isetan, a department store in Tokyo. I was probably 20. Now, it’s the only makeup remover I will ever use. It takes everything off—I mean everything from waterproof mascara, liquid lipstick to glittery Halloween makeup—without all the tugging and scrubbing. It’s seriously so gentle yet so effective. I know it’s kind of pricy but a big jar lasts me a year. All you need is one pump.
— Tomoko Takeda, former People Style Watch senior beauty editor
Flawless Finishing Touch
This $20 hair removal tool has changed my beauty routine. I discovered the gadget during a desk-side (a meeting where a beauty company presents their latest launches to editors) in the fall. I haven’t put it down or stopped talking about it ever since.
It makes an annoying, painful task (facial hair removal) essentially stress-free. Instead of running to a salon to get waxed or threaded and then potentially dealing with red bumps, you simply massage this over dry skin (I use it on my upper lip, cheeks, and chin) in circular motions. It buzzes off peach fuzz so your skin looks and feels smooth (my foundation has never gone on so seamlessly).
When you’re done, unscrew the cap and use a cotton swab to clean out hair—quite possibly the most satisfying thing ever. And just for the record, your hair doesn’t grow back differently.
— Heather Muir Maffei, beauty editor at Real Simple/Health
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
I’m really into this oil. It is perfect to apply at night—especially during the winter. It makes my skin so glowy and moisturized (but doesn’t feel super greasy). Plus, it smells so freaking good. I’ve been using Biossance for at least two years now.
— Kara McGrath, deputy editor of Fashion and Beauty at Bustle
