35 Skincare Products For Anyone Who Wants To Feel Fresh Every Day
Masks, lotions, and balms galore.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask you can use to enjoy your own a makeshift spa night at home. Fresh, moisturized skin and an opportunity to post silly selfies!
My sister and I have used this mask countless times while watching trash TV on my couch — it's a fun way to bond and improve our skin. A little goes a long way so this product will last quite a while.
Promising review: "I'm not joking, I thought this was just going to be a normal face mask but I was wrong. The application was smooth and easy. After waiting 10 minutes, I took it off and....my face was smooth as a baby's butt, no lie. This made my face so soft and feel refreshed and hydrated!!!" —olesya gordeyeva
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four versions).
2. La Roche-Posay Gel Cleanser to assist in conquering your acne and healing your cracked skin. See ya pesky pimples! Farewell dry patches!
Promising review: "I was lucky enough to have clear skin in high school so I never understood how awful acne really is. When I was about 21–22 years old, I switched to a birth control implant, and that thing wreaked havoc on my entire life. I suddenly had horrible cystic acne. Not only did it make me self conscious and uncomfortable, but it was actually so painful — lying on my pillow hurt my face! To top it all off, my skin was also dry, and irritated. I tried every skincare line on the market for about two to three years, with no, or very little, results. Finally, I found La Roche-Posay's skincare products. Within four days, the inflammation decreased, the redness was fading, and my skin felt less dry. By two weeks, my skin was practically clear! I have been using this product for about four to five years now, and I haven't had a single outbreak, EXCEPT for the time I wanted to try a different product to save money. Huge mistake, one I will not make again." —LadyHawke
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
3. Winky Lux Flower Balm you'll find simply magical when it goes on clear, then blossoms into the perfect shade of pink as it combines with your natural pH level. In addition to its lovely color, it'll keep you lips feeling fresh and hydrated.
My sister and I have this fun lil' lip balm, and we love it! The flower inside is as pretty as the shade of pink it creates. I like minimal makeup, so this product has been a slam dunk for me. My lips are *always* chapped (also I tend to chew on them, so that's on me) and this has been a solid solution to keeping them hydrated and looking cute.
Promising review: "This is the best for moisturizing your lips and it gives you a little hint of color. It has the prettiest flower 🌹 inside the lipstick itself. I really appreciate the look. It’s not overwhelming in terms of tint and it really doesn’t have an overpowering scent. I will definitely buy again." —MC Joseph
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in three flower colors).
4. Nivea Classic Cream your grandparents have probably sworn by for years because it doesn't have a strongly perfumed scent and can be used on your face, hands, and body to keep your skin feeling moisturized and soft.
My grandma used to slather this all over her face and neck every night before bed. It was her biggest piece of advice to me and one that my sisters, and all of my cousins have taken to heart. She always had super soft skin and I'm sure her constant use of Nivea had something to do with it!
Promising review: "I love this because in my climate the air is very dry and humidity is very low. I first learned of this product when an exchange student from Denmark used it to replace moisture for his skin that suffered from lack of the humid and rejuvenating ocean environment. This is a luxury that becomes a necessity for aging skin subjected to highly dry, hot, and windy conditions." —Pamela
Get three jars from Amazon for $16.44.
5. Glow Recipe's Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer you can count on to smell fantastic and leave your face feeling refreshed after the first application.
I've been using this product for the last few years and it has become one of my favorites. It's a brightening and lightweight moisturizer that really works! I like to use it in the morning for a fresh start to my day. The pretty pink hue and glass bottle also just looks gorgeous on my counter — no complaints!
Promising review: "Let me start on the smell....AMAZING it’s like real watermelon! This moisturizer feels very gentle on the skin and refreshing (it won’t be a problem for sensitive skin). I have combination skin, it’s oily and dry in some places, and this has made my oily places not so oily and my dry places are hydrated and moisturized!" —Marcelis
Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in three sizes).
6. Drunk Elephant Intensive Hydration Serum that'll have people saying "wow your skin looks amazing" and add a lil' pop of color to your counter.
This product is formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide (FANCY!) and does not contain parabens, sulfates, or pthalates. The company is a supporter of the International Elephant Foundation. This is one of my most-used products — it's lightweight and doesn't leave my face feeling greasy at all. Need I say more?
Promising review: "I do not think there is a Drunk Elephant product I have not tried. However, I always come back to this serum. It is very lightweight and can be mixed with marula oil, etc. without feeling heavy or sticky. I use it every morning and a heavier cream at night. I highly recommend this product and this whole line." —Liz
Get it from Amazon for $48.
7. A foot file to transform your scaly dragon-like heels into soft soles that'll be so smooth your S.O. won't even recoil if they accidentally touch their leg in bed.
Promising review: "To say the least, I was pretty apprehensive about using what is advertised as a 'Colossal Foot Rasp.' Pretty terrifying labeling if you ask me. But HOLY CRAP this thing works. I had to do a before and after shot. It looks Photoshopped but it absolutely is not!" —Derrick
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
8. InstaNatural Exfoliating Glycolic Mask that'll leave your skin glowing and looking softer and smoother than ever without the use of harsh chemicals.
InstaNatural's products are free of parabens, sls/sles, mineral oil, formaldehyde releasers, petroleum, synthetic dyes, polyethylene gylcol, DEA/MEA/TEA, and any unsafe preservatives.
Promising review: "My mom and I tested this product out together, and I ended up giving it to her as a gift because she love it so much! She has very sensitive skin and it did not cause any irritation. The mask smelled good and helped our faces feel fresh, moisturized and healthy after using it. I would definitely recommend it!" —The Mielocks
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 or Subscribe & Save for $12.59.
9. Sun Bum Hypoallergenic, Paraben-free, Gluten-Free Sunscreen that is available in an array of SPFs, so you'll rest easy knowing your skin is protected and hydrated at all times.
I'm very fair-skinned and typically burn with ease. I've tried many (many!) sunscreens and Sun Bum has become my go-to. It's affordable but truly works, keeps my skin protected, and smells INCREDIBLE. I also love their tinted face lotion and would 100% use it year-round.
Promising review: "Great sunscreen. The proof isn't so high that you won't get some sun and it's got good moisturizing lotion inside of it to keep skin hydrated. Also some of the better smelling sunscreen that I've used. The 3-oz. tube size is great for traveling with carry-on bags." —Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $10.45+ (available in two sizes and SPF 15–70).
10. Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist for when your skin feels dry but you don't have time to douse yourself in an oil or cream.
This sweet-smelling product has a base of organic coconut water and is infused with hibiscus flower petals. Not only will it make you feel fancy, but it's also paraben-, sulfate-, alcohol-, and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "I have severe cystic acne and this is one of the few products that I've seen noticeably transform my skin! I have oily/combo skin, but since I'm using acne products my skin has become relatively dry and patchy. This hydrates and tones my skin so beautifully, and I've gotten several comments saying that I'm glowing. This definitely helped add moisture back to my dull complexion. 10/10 would recommend!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.
11. OPI Lightweight, Fast-Absorbing Cuticle Oil made with grape seed, sesame, kukui, sunflower, and cupuaçu oils that'll soak into your skin and give it the spring refresh it deserves.
A fresh mani can change your entire mood if you ask me. However, long waits and high prices at a salon can often sour the experience. Enter the at-home manicure! Don't just slather on polish carelessly — set the scene with candles and calming music then get started by using this fancy (but inexpensive) cuticle oil.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this oil almost every night for several months now and it works great. My cuticles used to be so dry and cracked from constant hand-washing (I’m an elementary school teacher, so I’m always scrubbing my hands!), but I’ve seen a huge improvement since I started using this oil." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.95.
12. Blume Daydreamer Cleanser, a must-have for anyone looking to transform their dry skin to one that's supple and hydrated. It's filled with soothing plant extracts your face will thank you for introducing into your shower routine.
I've tried this cleanser and really liked it! I enjoyed the packaging and, honestly, the name of it. It looked super cute in my shower, but more importantly it really did leave my face feeling refreshed. I mainly used it at night to clean my face before bed and would absolutely buy it again. Blume is a POC- and woman-owned small business based in Vancouver, Canada that makes cruelty-free, vegan, and environmentally friendly products.
Promising review: "This cleanser is an absolute dream — it helps calm the redness in my skin and makes my skin look so hydrated!! It also helps with some of my acne spots, too! Truly works wonders — will definitely be purchasing again!" —Alyssa R.
Get it from Blume for $16.
13. Acure Ultra Hydrating Green Juice Cleanser aka a smoothie for your skin — it's formulated with kale, spinach, neem, and spirulina. Your face is going to drink those nutrients riiiiight up.
The cleanser is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. BuzzFeed editor Genevieve Scarano uses this product:
"Having dry skin is *not* fun and my forehead, T-zone, and cheeks feel like a desert sometimes. This cleanser is like H2O for my face. It's packed with adaptogens and supergreens that help lock in hydration. I use this 'super smoothie' to give my complexion a moisture boost and remove stubborn makeup."
14. Sonshine Bath Body Butter, which is specially handmade and jam-packed with natural ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, vitamin E oil, aloe vera gel, and your fragrance of choice. Your skin will be hydrated and glowing in no time.
Sonshine Bath is a Black woman-owned small business based out of Georgia. This whipped body butter comes in delicious scents like coconut and mango milk, vanilla, lemongrass, lavender, tropical coconut, and oatmeal, and honey.
Promising review: "This product smells amazing and is incredibly moisturizing. I used this to help my skin heal after being confined to a walking boot for over a month. This product has helped my skin gain back the moisture it lost and I’m very grateful." —Mandie C.
Get it from Sonshine Bath for $20 (available in six scents or unscented and two sizes).
15. Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream will give your thirsty skin all the hydration *before* the Queen Elsa does a number on it this winter. It's filled with moisturizing pygmy waterlily, amino acids, and proteins to refresh your skin and keep it that way.
I've tried this moisturizer and am a big fan. I like that it's unscented, because sometimes it's nice to combine a moisturizer with other products that are nicely scented. I don't want to slather too many different smells on my face before bed! Anyways, it absorbed nicely into my skin and didn't leave it feeling greasy or oily whatsoever.
Promising review: "I have super sensitive skin and I've been on a new acne treatment that makes my skin drier than a parched wasteland and peeling like a lizard. This polypeptide cream has turned my sandpaper face into the smoothest and softest it's ever been. I've been applying it morning and night and my skin has never been better. No more weird flaky skin for me!" —Velvetwine
Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in two sizes).
16. Tatcha lip mask filled with squalane and Japanese peaches that'll leave you with a perfect pout instead of cracked, parched, and flaky lips.
BuzzFeed writer Christine Forbes loves this product. She said:
"My ex used to kiss me just to get some of this mask. It's that good. I recently put my roommate onto this and she fell in love. Now, she swears by it. This mask was originally introduced in a box set, but Tatcha started selling it individually because there was such huge demand."
Promising review: "My lips are constantly dry, cracked, and peeling. I have tried EVERY type of lip balm and natural remedy without any improvement. I went out on a limb and tried the Tatcha lip mask and I am in LOVE. Within just a few hours of using the mask my lips were completely moisturized. The mask isn't sticky, greasy, or overly shiny. My lips now look more full, supple, and they are so so soft. I apply a liberal amount before bed and wake up with beautiful, smooth, healthy lips. I couldn't be happier. Unlike other products I don't feel the need to reapply it consistently to maintain the moisture." —tiffany mooney
Get it from Amazon for $28.
17. Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Serum is made with actual honey and hyaluronic acid, which are great for all skin types. Your lovely face will be filled with the happy glow of someone who just returned from a week long vacation (or, you know, a honeymoon...ha ha...get it?).
Christine Forbes (clearly our resident skincare queen) has tried this and said, "This serum has never burned or broke out my skin. It has a slight scent but nothing too overwhelming. It pairs nicely with the oil too!"
Promising review: Let me tell you I put this Farmacy Honeymoon Glow on and the next morning I noticed some improvement in skin texture. I have combination skin, oily T-zone, and dry cheeks. When I first put it on the first couple minutes it tingled, but I've done chemical peels before and it is nowhere as uncomfortable. I started out using it three times a week, but now use it every evening. I had dry, patchy cheeks, but with this product it's barely there and it's only been two weeks of using it. My skin has a glow, looks smooth, and I apply less makeup. I feel more confident about my skin since using this product. I am excited to see what this will do in 30 days." —Butterfly
Get it from Amazon for $12,99+ (available in two sizes).
18. Dr. Teal's "Soothe and Sleep" Foaming Bath for the ultimate spa night soak that'll also help soothe your skin (whether it's dry or burnt). Convince your S.O. to feed you grapes while you lounge for the full royal treatment.
Dr. Teal's Epsom salt and bubble bath are an important part of my pre-bedtime ritual. I'm a bath aficionado and have tried many (many) products in my tub — nothing compares to this classic. It has a heavenly lavender scent, relieves any aches and pains in my body, and helps me to relax overall while hydrating my skin from head-to-toe.
Promising review: "I usually buy Dr. Teal's in the store but now that I know I can get it an Amazon I can get it cheaper. The bath soak which is really bubble bath is fantastic! The bubbles last a long time and it does not dry out my skin." —Patricia
Get them from Amazon for $4.87.
19. O'Keeffe Hydrating Hand Cream designed specifically for people who work with their hands all the time. It'll absolutely help banish your dry skin for good.
With over 13.4K 5-star ratings, you can buy this without thinking twice.
Promising review: "Plumbing in Michigan gets downright brutal on the hands at times. My hands constantly are getting wet or washed many times a day. My hands are like Velcro to any tactile contact. It's like nails on a chalk board. My knuckles are split/cracked and bleeding. Ouch. This stuff heals your hands in no time. Immediate relief. No more Velcro hands. No smell. Not greasy when rubbed in completely. A little goes a long way. Also restores fingertips." —joetheplumber
Get it from Amazon for $10.98.
20. And the foot version, O'Keefe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream — it'll transform your heels into what I imagine Cinderella's looked like *before* she started prancing around in glass heels.
Promising review: "Significantly cuts down on the dry skin on my feet and subsequently saves me money on visits to the nail salon. I don't need to get pedicures as often because this cream keeps my skin so soft and hydrated! It took a couple of nights in a row of application to see a significant change in the dry skin, but keep applying and you will see a difference." —Kathleen M.
Get it from Amazon for $6.41.
21. Weleda Skin Food is filled vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, and calendula flowers that'll help rehydrate your skin and leave it looking healthier than ever. Use it on your arms, legs, face, feet, and hands — why not?!
Promising review: "This is a MUST-have! A MUST! I am always looking for that rich moisturizer that leaves your face so hydrated that you look fresh and rejuvenated, that is this stuff!!!! This is the most luxurious cream that truly continues to work, I never break out or become too greasy, yet my skin looks HYDRATED and beautiful! I have tried many expensive products, this one tops them all! I won't go without this stuff!! I LOVE IT!!!!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $17.68 or Subscribe & Save for $16.80.
22. Olive & June "Slumber Party" set, complete with cozy socks and a heel balm to help hydrate your dry, cracked skin — you'll want to buy a few sets as gifts for your friends, trust me.
I've tested this out and am a big fan! I, like many of us, have cracked and dry heels in the winter (even though I basically live in Uggs). I've been wary to try one of those intense products that causes all of your skin to peel off like a snake (ew) so I was super excited to hear about Olive and June's latest product. I'm always hesitant to get any lotion or product inside my socks, so I love that it comes with a designated pair of socks to use with the balm! Olive & June is a woman-owned business based in California.
Get it from Olive & June for $26.
23. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, so you can change your wardrobe over to your all-black attire without fear of flakes dusting your shoulders. Dry skin isn't just limited to your arms, legs, and face!
Promising review: "I wish I discovered this product earlier. Took me six months of suffering from severe dandruff and white spots on my face. I was a week away from a visit to the dermatologist. After trying a lot of products and creams that didn't work, I decided to give it a try. And with just one wash, my life was changed. This is my only shampoo now. Been using it for almost a year now and no more white spots on my face (itchy, flaky, and terrible) or the worst, thick itchy dandruff." —Beverly Ramirez
Get it from Amazon for $14.84 or Subscribe & Save for $14.10.
24. Beauty Strike Pineapple & Papaya Exfoliating Mask that'll feel like treating your skin to a tropical vacation — you both deserve it. Apply it and watch as it removes all the dead skin you've accumulated on your precious face over the colder months.
The mask is meant to work for all skin types and is vegan. In addition to making skincare products, Beauty Strike is a Black- and woman-owned business run by third-generation beauty enthusiast and esthetician, Emani Mone Jeter. Her studio offers monthly yoga and wellness classes, occasional book clubs, and skincare classes. The brand also has a recycling program that'll give you a 15% discount off your next order if you return one qualifying empty container and 25% off for two or more.
Get it from Beauty Strike for $24.
25. CeraVe moisturizing cream you've most likely seen parading around on TikTok. Its claim to fame is how it comes in a large, investment-worthy tub — which you'll be thrilled about after you see how nicely it heals your dry skin.
The moisturizer is fragrance- and oil-free. It's also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. BuzzFeed editor Marquaysa Battle is a big fan:
"Since the spring, I've been dealing with stress acne that I never had before in my life. I resorted to an acne cleanser and spot treatment but those products are typically drying (because they're literally meant to dry out the blemishes) SO this moisturizer has been super key for ensuring my skin doesn't dry out while I try to clear up the pimples. Aside from it living up to its 24-hour hydration promise (game-changer), it has also never broken out my sensitive skin and actually helps soothe the many skin irritations that I experience. In short, it's my holy grail and CeraVe better not ever stop making it. 😊"
Get it from Amazon for $16.08 or Subscribe & Save for $15.28.
26. Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb, because with a name like that how could it *not* leave your skin feeling like you just stood out in the rain? It's a lightweight, gel-cream consistency you'll find yourself recommending to everyone you know.
Promising review: "I love this product. Everything I try to moisturize and minimize wrinkles give me those little bumps under the skin (oil glands). I love that the Aqua Bomb is a gel. It absorbs quickly and my face feels smooth and silky. It works well with my primer and my foundation. And no more bumps!!" —Julie
Get it from Amazon for $38.
Check out our full Belif's True Cream Aqua Bomb review.
27. Bathing Culture Face and Body Oil that'll nourish your skin from head-to-toe with vitamin C, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants while locking in moisture. AND! The bottle is glass so you can reuse it once you've used all the product.
Bathing Culture is a small business based out of California.
Promising review: "Obsessed with this and plagued with extremely dry skin. I use this all over including my face, which I was concerned about because oil usually tends to clog my pores, but this one doesn’t. It’s honestly a triple threat, it’s got the scent (amazing), hydration and the amber color gives you a slight glow. highly recommend." —Elizabeth
Get it from Bathing Culture for $32+ (available in two sizes).
28. Kate Somerville Recovery Cream you can count on to help revive your skin after a long winter or a summer in the sun. It's made up of peptides, ceramides, and ginger root that are known for calming dry, red skin. You're welcome, friends.
BuzzFeed writer Christine Forbes loves this product. She said:
"I love that it's thick because I apply it after rinsing off Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial or The Ordinary's Peel when my skin is completely raw. My skin is oily, but I use this during winter because the air is so dry.
Promising review: "I use this as my night cream because it’s thick and it would be too heavy to use twice a day. This was a game-changer for me. When I wake up in the morning my skin feels great. I would recommend if you have dry skin. This is cream gold for us dry girls!!" —CarolinaGerck
29. The Body Shop Cleansing Butter, capable of removing waterproof makeup (wow???) while also enriching your skin with the soothing effects of camomile tea. Soothing in so many ways.
This product is paraben-free, gluten-free, silicone-free, and 100% vegan.
Promising review: "A great size and inexpensive! The chamomile scent is amazing and it takes my makeup off like a pro. I can compare it to the Good Molecules cleansing balm for $20 and it's up there. I especially love how easily it takes off my mascara. I don’t have to keep rubbing. Not to mention it helps moisturize my skin in the dry season. I highly recommend!" —Alexis
Get it from Amazon for $15.08 or Subscribe & Save for $14.33.
30. Erno Laszlo Firmarine Night Cream, perfect for applying right before bed (or the three hours you spend in bed scrolling through TikTok). It contains bio-actives, vitamins, and other great oils to keep skin looking supple.
Promising review: "The moisturizer felt really smooth without being oily and had what I consider to be a light fragrance. I do appreciate the fact that it also has sun protection in it of SPF 30 since my skin seems to be either very pale or burned. Even though my face has a combination of dry and oily areas, I am happy with the results of using the moisturizer on my face. I saw results of smoother skin in less than a week. Since it worked well on my face, I decided to try it on my hands. I love to clean and although I usually wear gloves, my hands do suffer from being dry. I guessed correctly – it worked even better for me on my hands!" —Autumn Sage
Get it from Amazon for $120.
31. Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser that'll feel soooo good when your skin is dry and cracked from a fresh sunburn — it'll cleanse your pores and moisturize your face as well.
Promising review: "I love this stuff. It's great for taking off makeup and leaving your skin fresh and hydrated. I have very dry skin. It even takes off my waterproof mascara that doesn't come off easily. It smells nice and fresh. I just apply it with my fingers and wipe it off with a cleaning wipe. Very essential part of my makeup removal routine!" —Moriah
Get it from Amazon for $5.29.
32. An exfoliating lip brush to remove any dry skin from your precious pout before applying lipstick.
Promising review: "Game-changer. Way better than my previous method of fingers then a washcloth. This scrubs away all the dry lippy skin, especially in the winter months, so that your balm can really penetrate and make your lips super moisturized and soft." —Travis Reese
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors).
33. Dermal Korea Collagen Sheet Masks so you don't ever have to fret about whether you have a quality mask on hand after a particularly stressful day when you're looking to unwind.
Promising review: "These masks are amazing!!! Having 'ice pick' scars left over from acne I was told that I'd have to pay for expensive laser therapy because the body can't produce enough collagen to heal deep scars. I've been using these masks for two months and I've seen SIGNIFICANT reduction in my scars. They are almost completely gone!" —Shaun
Get them from Amazon for $11.99 for 16.
Read what another BuzzFeeder had to say about these collagen sheet masks!
34. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub that'll use sea kelp and French green clay to soften and cleanse your skin.
Promising review: "I LOOOOOVE this scrub! I saw it in a BuzzFeed article about affordable facial products that really work, and had to buy! It’s eco-friendly, and gentle enough to use a couple times a week. My skin glows!!!" —MelbaToasty
Get it from Amazon for $8.39+ or Subscribe & Save for $7.97+ (available in three versions).
35. And Kylie Skin Good Night Skin Bundle, a perfect starter-pack if you've been wanting to create a skincare routine but don't know where to start.
This simple kit comes with Kylie Skin's Makeup Melting Cleanser, a face moisturizer and a Kylie Skin headband. The cleanser has a magical oil-to-balm texture to it and is made with glycerin, olive oil, and a blend of botanical oils. The moisturizer (which I have and love) is filled with shea butter and a blend of banana, oat, and orange peel extracts. It's not greasy *at all* and leaves my face feeling nice and renewed.
Get it from Kylie Skin for $55 (originally $62).
When someone asks what my skincare routine looks like:
Note: Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!
