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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Sweet skincare goodies tested and loved by the BuzzFeed shopping team.
"I’ve had pretty bad cystic acne for the past eight years and have tried everything short of Accutane and expensive, scary lasers to get rid of it. In an act of desperation following a particularly bad breakout, I decided to give Clinique’s Acne Solutions BB Cream a try, and let me tell you, IT CHANGED MY WHOLE LIFE. If I could legally marry a beauty product, this would be the one I’d choose. Not only does it look more natural than a regular foundation, it literally PREVENTS new zits from forming on your face. I’ve only been using it for three weeks (every morning in place of my usual foundation, which was clogging my pores) and I already see a significant improvement in my complexion. I usually apply it with my hands and then add a bit of concealer to some of the more ~aggressive~ acne scars around my chin for a little more coverage. The formula is pretty liquid-y so just a pea-sized drop is all you need! I haven’t gotten a nodule or a cyst in over three weeks, which is an actual freaking miracle in my book. I've had a few whiteheads pop up here and there but they disappeared more quickly than normal, so I ain't complaining!
Even if you don’t suffer from acne, I cannot recommend this product enough. It’s super lightweight, prevents oil buildup, and keeps you covered all day long. Plus, it contains SPF 40 to protect you from those harmful rays when you’re out in the sun, which makes it great for summer! Bottom line: acne sucks, but this stuff is legit magical." —Sarah Wainschel
Price: $38 (available in five shades)
"Full disclosure: I watch every single one of Eva Chen's (Instagram's head of fashion partnerships) IG stories and have witnessed her recommend this Supergoop sunscreen multiple times, so I knew I had to get my hands on it. I love the lightweight, serum-y formula, which means it blends in super easily and no white cast is left behind — plus, it has a bit of a cooling touch to it!
Its formula contains vitamin E, vitamin B5, and Hydroviton 24 for ample hydration, which is fab and more than I could ask for in a sunscreen! But y'all, I've read some reviewers, it is still SUNSCREEN and not an actual, standalone serum — let's get that straight. However, sunscreen *with* skincare benefits is really the only way to go, IMO! I also love the pump because it dispenses the perfect amount, whereas the squeezy format of other sunscreens can get a little tricky. It's undetectable after it's rubbed in and it wears so wonderfully underneath my makeup. I can't imagine life without this. (Maybe one day, it'll even have higher SPF? I can only dream.)" —Sarah Han
Price: $42
"I am very afraid of the sun and very careful when I go out in it. I don't just burn, I rash-burn, and it is deeply unpleasant. But I *also* have super-sensitive, acne-prone skin, and finding a non–pore clogging formula that also protects is super hard. So when I was working on a roundup of the best products for adult acne, I happened upon this Tatcha sunscreen. They're known for great skincare, a seriously cult-fave primer, and with all the glowing reviews I knew I NEEDED to try this sunscreen. All the benefits of SPF plus a whole slew of other skincare benefits? Sign me up.
It's formulated with silk extract, Japanese wild rose, and other skin-friendly ingredients that magically transform into a super-soft, smooth, matte canvas you can feel confident in. And boy, is it great as a base for makeup. And it REALLY protects your skin from the sun.
I know, I know, $65 is a lot! I really do — but this is truly, far and away the best facial sunscreen I have ever worn. And the bottle definitely goes a long way. I've been using mine for a few months, and I have a lot of sunscreen left to go." —Maitland Quitmeyer
Price: $65
"My complexion issues are currently a) dryness and b) redness. I’ve tried to address both issues with a slew of moisturizers, serums, and magical potions — some of which have been fine, but none memorable enough in which I would consider re-purchasing (the ultimate test of how good a product is, IMO). That is until I decided to finally try the First Aid Fab Beauty Pharma Arnica Relief & Rescue Mask. After twisting off the cap and squeezing some product into my hand, I was instantly put off; I’m very picky about scents and this one was almost medicinal. Thankfully, it disappeared within seconds so I slathered it onto my complexion anyway. I applied like I would a moisturizer (it goes on blue but becomes sheer once spread) and hopped into bed. In the AM? My skin was nourished, folks. And my usual redness had gone down.
I immediately thought it was placebo (I can’t help that I’m a skeptic) so I decided to continue using it near nightly over my moisturizer and...ugh, I just love it so much. My complexion feels dewy without feeling greasy, cystic chin zits are gone, I no longer have that “I’m parched” tightness when I wake up, and my naturally rosy cheeks are now mildly flushed and not tomato red by the time I hit snooze. If you’re struggling with redness, winter dryness, or tend to travel a lot, take my advice and invest in this leave-on mask. It works." —AnaMaria Glavan
Price: $32
"I have pretty finicky skin so I've been on the hunt for a toner for a while. Originally I was using Mario Badescu's Rose Facial Spray, but eventually my skin decided it didn't like it, leaving me with big blotchy redness. After some trial and error, I found a toner so mild, even my dry and very sensitive skin likes it. Kiehl's calls their Cucumber Herbal Toner the "mildest of all our toners," and I can definitely believe that.
This calming and gentle solution leaves my face feeling refreshed and soothed. This toner is non-drying, alcohol-free, and has just a hint of a cucumber smell. I like to put this in a glass spray bottle and give my face a spritz after washing my face in the morning and at night. If you have dry, sensitive skin and need a good toner, this is a great option!" —Bek O'Connell
Price: $18
"Winter wreaks havoc on my skin. It always feels SO dry and dull (especially around my nose, under my eyes, and on my cheeks), and I really struggle to keep it feeling moisturized. Until now. Let me introduce you to the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. Yes, the one you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. Honestly? Holy moly, it is so good.
This fast-absorbing mask has a fresh and minty scent that feels super clean on your skin — which makes sense considering it’s free of parabens, sulfates, and dyes. It uses chestnut extract that acts as a mild exfoliation to combat dullness, but it also contains niacinamide and vitamin C to hydrate the HECK out of your complexion. You can use it as an overnight mask OR as a primer for your makeup. Does it work? YEAH. My skin hasn’t felt dry in months, the smell is absolutely lovely, and it gives my complexion a dewy glow. I also love that I can use it as an eye cream/mask when that area is feeling particularly dry.
The first time I used this, I was actually shocked at how dewy my complexion looked. Even a friend commented on how “I was having a good skin day” and asked what I was using. Is this pricey? Yes. But skincare is an investment, and this is definitely something to have in your product arsenal." —AnaMaria Glavan
Price: $48
"I love Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream and have been using it every morning for over a year! It didn't take long to see results and I started noticing the changes within the first weeks of using it. What I love most about this product is that it's made with caffeine and also has a natural highlighter mixed in. It has truly made a huge difference in reducing the puffiness and dark circles under my eyes.
Now I barely wear any makeup (picture above is makeup free)! Plus, the highlighter in the cream actually brightens your under eye and gives the appearance of big, awake eyes — which is much needed every morning!" —Brittaney Trent
Price: $25+ (available in two sizes)
"Everyone, I have finally found THE ONLY moisturizer that soothes my sensitive combination skin. I applied some onto my hand, and to my surprise, the cream instantly turned into a water-like consistency — it absorbed quickly and didn’t leave a sticky residue, and the smell was incredibly fresh and not too perfumey. According to its description, the product is oil-free, noncomedogenic (aka it doesn’t block pores), non-irritating, non-sensitizing, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free. It also doesn’t contain mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. I decided to give it a try, and within a week, my skin was noticeably less irritated. The pimples were still there (because this is not an acne-treating moisturizer), but new ones stopped popping up. The formula was gentle enough that it didn’t make any existing zits inflamed (which happens a lot when I try new products). It was light enough that my T-zone didn’t get too shiny, but also hydrating enough that my cheeks felt properly moisturized. My makeup went on smoothly too — no more random dry patches.
By the time the sample ran out, most of my pimples had healed on their own and my face looked clearer than it had in a long time. I took a leap of faith and ordered the full-size jar, and I haven’t looked back since! Even though it's pricey ($68!!) and I hate spending a lot on cosmetics, I do believe it’s worth it since NOTHING ELSE has achieved the same effect for me. Plus, a little goes a long way with this cream." —Yi Yang
Price: $68
"I'm embarrassingly stereotypically girly, so when I got the My Little Pony Purple #GlitterMask Gravitymud by GlamGlow, the eight-year-old Limited Too-addicted girl in me leaped for joy! I don't even do masks that often because my K-Beauty skin care routine is already so extensive, but this mask was purple and glittery, so I gave it a whirl. I stirred the mask with the mini spatula applicator it comes with and then spread it on my face, like the instructions advised. Then I let it dry, which took about 20 minutes, and took a lot of selfies while bumping Janelle Monae's Dirty Computer album. When it dried, I peeled it off, starting at an edge near my chin that was already lifting. If you thought peeling masks was satisfying before, wait until you peel a GLITTER mask. It's practically skin care meets DIY meets Frida Kahlo painting; it's ART, people!
The benefits claim to firm, like the original Gravitymud treatment, and my skin did feel cleaner and tighter after. I wiped away the excess with a damp wash cloth and followed up with my toner, essence, serum and moisturizer. (I'd already cleansed my face beforehand, which you're supposed to do.) I recommend it 1000%, especially if you're looking for a cute and fun beauty thing to do with your friends or bridal party." —Essence Gant
Price: $59 (available in three colors: purple and pink)
"Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it to friends of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I've put it on every night and most mornings for years and have no plans of stopping anytime soon!" —Rachel Dunkel
"This winter has been unusually brutal for my skin, especially for my T-zone. My forehead, nose, and chin are constantly peeling and there are days when I seriously feel like I’m shedding out of my own skin. I tried doubling up on moisturizing and hydrating masks, but nothing was keeping my face from peeling throughout the day. I’d put my makeup on and by midday the flakes were back.
I finally asked my coworkers for some recommendations and per their direction decided to give this Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb a shot. It’s on the pricier side, but given that my cheaper moisturizers weren’t doing the trick, I figured it would be the worth the splurge. Well thank heavens I WAS RIGHT. This baby right here is a long-lasting moisturizer that makes my thirsty skin feel like it was dunked in a cooling bath of rich water concocted by the gods themselves. And then — yeah, I am not done yet — it dries, and leaves behind the most refreshing, cooling sensation. To top it all off, the flakes are gone. I use it before makeup application and before bed, and just like that, my face has stopped peeling, even on the coldest days. I could go on and on about this, but I’ll wrap this up with a good ol’: BUY THIS, YOU WON’T REGRET IT." —Kayla Suazo
Price: $38+ (available in two sizes)
"After hearing a lot of people rave abut the Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream, I decided to try it — and within one day my face was feeling baby-soft and looking hydrated and flake-free. It also smells really good! I originally used it in the mornings and at night, but thanks to this product's effectiveness, my skin has been so moisturized that I only need to apply it in the a.m. now. A little goes a long way, so it'll last me a very long time.
Since I'd been using a very matte foundation, my skin had to adjust to this new amount of moisture — I didn't break out, but my makeup needed some reapplying throughout the day. However, now that my skin's gotten used to the moisturizer, my foundation goes on a lot more smoothly and even lasts longer. And without makeup, this product keeps my face feeling soft and hydrated, and it reduces redness. I'd say it's definitely worth the hype." —Angela Krasnick
Price: $42
"I am on a constant quest for *the* perfect moisturizer. As someone who writes about them quite a bit, I'm always curious about the 'next best thing' in skincare. So when Dr. Roebuck's introduced me to their No Worries Hydrating Moisturizer, I was game to try it. And let me just say, w o w. Usually there's at least one thing about a facial product that doesn't agree with my ever-so-finicky skin. But this? THIS? Nada. It's super hydrating (which, coming from someone whose skin can reach Sahara levels says a lot), but still feels super lightweight all day. The first thing I noticed was how soft and moisturized my skin still felt when it was time to wash my face at night.
My skin has a nice, subtle glow without any irritation. It's loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, rosehip oil, and macadamia oil to not only moisturize but *improve* your complexion over time. Seriously, my skin is singing me praise every day and night for wearing this. I even saw a major reduction in appearance of a small scar on my face.
And most importantly: this brand is cruelty free and vegan! Which is always a MAJOR win for me. You know exactly what ingredients are going into your skin, and that no cute, fluffy animals were harmed in the process of your beauty routine." —Emma McAnaw
Price: $45