Pros
- Glowing
Cons
- May not be suited for all skin tones
You might think you hate wearing sunscreen, but that’s just because you haven’t tried this one yet. It’s mostly invisible except for a subtle glow that makes you look like you just got a facial.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I wear sunscreen every day no matter what season it is, but in the summer, I always swap to Glowscreen. It provides a bit of extra coverage and gives you an insane glow (as the name might imply). I’ll wear it with just a bit of concealer on any areas that need more coverage, but I swear, I never get more compliments on my skin than when I’m just wearing Glowscreen.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- Not a lot of product in container
I mean, who has the time to deal with acne and wrinkles anymore? This nifty liquid gently exfoliates pore-clogging annoyances so you can have a Clear Face Summer.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “When acne was an everyday issue for me, this viral bottle was a mainstay on my vanity. It took more drastic measures to completely clear my blemishes, but I can’t deny that it did help to soothe and clear some of the irritation on my skin. Although I don’t deal with persistent spots these days, I still use the exfoliator when I’m dealing with some extra texture, and it makes my skin so much smoother and glowier.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can be messy
I love scrubbing the absolute hell out of my skin, but my skin doesn’t always appreciate it. This essence repairs the skin barrier so well that you can almost forget the key ingredient is made from snails.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “What can I say about this essence that hasn’t already been said? I never really thought it was weird to smear snail mucin all over my skin. My philosophy is that I’ll take whatever formulas actually work—and this does indeed work. You can feel your skin drinking in the moisture when you apply it, eradicating any dullness or dryness you might be combatting.” —Carol Lee
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Pros
- Non-drying formula
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
This spot treatment harnesses the power of benzoyl peroxide and a derivative of salicylic acid to target acne-causing bacteria and shrink blemishes. In fact, you may even be able to tell a difference within three days of using the product.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Benzoyl peroxide has proven to be a reliable ally in my acne journey. This spot treatment is formulated with a little over five percent of the potent ingredient, which helps zap away my breakouts in a matter of days—sometimes overnight if I’m lucky.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Protective
Cons
- Pricey
This is the favorite of supermodels and actresses for a reason. It’s invisible, barely there, and works. Similar to me in middle school.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “When I shop for sunscreen, I look for two things: An SPF of 30 or higher, and a formula that doesn’t pill over other skin care or under my makeup. This one from sun care expert EltaMD checks off both boxes while also feeling nourishing on the skin. If I didn’t have so many other sunscreens to test, this would be my go-to.” —Carol Lee
Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- May not be suited for oily skin
Just a quick explainer on how good this cleanser is: It’s so good that I actually get excited to wash my face at night just so I can use it.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Usually, I take my kale and my spinach in the form of a salad, but this cleanser is an equally beneficial way to work the superfoods into my routine. This cleanser is equal parts gentle and effective. With antioxidants and plant extracts, this cleanser is powerful enough to remove my makeup and any buildup without being too harsh on my sensitive skin. The gel texture also helps to keep my skin from feeling dry and stripped. It’s the perfect daily reminder to have your greens in whatever way you prefer to take them.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, ELLE beauty assistant
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Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suited for very oily skin
Makeup artists swear by using this moisturizer as a primer. It’s incredibly hydrating, but doesn’t clog pores or leave the skin feeling sticky. Instead, it gives complexions a smooth, hydrated finish.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I don’t know if I can put my love for this product into words, but I’m going to try my best. Back when this wasn’t as readily available in the States, I went to Paris with one mission: To stock up on as many tubes of Embryolisse’s classic cream as possible. Cooling and soothing, the formula is both a moisturizer and a makeup primer in one, and it lies beautifully on top of the rest of my routine.” —Carol Lee
Pros
- Healing
Cons
- May not be suited for all kinds of acne
Not only does this suck all the gunk out of a whitehead like it’s the IRS and sebum is your money, but it also stops you from picking at your skin. Two birds, one patch.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “There are a ton of choices for pimple patches these days, but these are one of my favorites. They’re no-frills and do exactly what you want a pimple patch to do—suck all the gunk out and look nearly invisible. My friends, who all swear by these, are always delighted when I gift a box to them.” —Carol Lee
Pros
- Exfoliating
Cons
- May not be suited for sensitive skin
In just four minutes, you can remove about a week’s worth of dirt and grime built up on your face from pollution, makeup, and anything else you forgot to wash off. Your face will go from dull to glowy so quickly.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Dry patches fear this Dr. Dennis Gross peel. But seriously, this is one powerful skin care treatment that eradicates flaky skin, texture, and excess sebum all in one go.” —Carol Lee
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Pros
- Gentle
Cons
- May not be suited for oily skin
Who else hates that super tight, face-cracking feeling after using a cleanser that’s way too strong? This lightweight and hydrating version from CeraVe leaves you so hydrated that you could probably go a few hours before noticing you forgot to apply moisturizer.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My skin has gotten dryer over time, and it’s sensitive to boot. Harsher cleansers may have worked for me when my face was oilier, but hydrating and gentle formulas from the drugstore like these are my bread and butter these days. I feel clean after but not stripped, which is always the goal.” —Carol Lee
Pros
- Soothes irritated skin
Cons
- Extremely dry skin may need more moisture
This moisturizer is one of the brand’s hero products and has garnered thousands of devotees. Its combination of squalane and glycoprotein moisturizes and calms irritation, making it a fine choice for any skin type.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Beauty lovers are obsessed with this moisturizer and with good reason. It is lightweight, hydrating, and performs as well (if not better) than more expensive options.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director
Pros
- Provides visible results
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of moisture, and sagginess are all inevitable as we age, but this serum helps to stave them off for as long as possible. The formulation includes date seed, which contains a naturally occurring retinol that assists the natural skin barrier and encourages skin cell regeneration to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Well, buying it the second time. It has become my must-have. The skin looks younger, fresher, and better. It is just [an] amazing product. Highly recommended.”
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Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can be messy
I think the biggest Disney myth we were fed is that Sleeping Beauty woke up looking great. But maybe that’s just because she slathered some of this nighttime oil on her face before being cursed or whatever.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is hands down one of the best retinol oils. Yes, it’s a bit expensive, but it truly works great. Face very smooth and moisturized.”
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Women have been swearing by this red jar for decades, and it’s not hard to see why. The formula features all the good stuff: Vitamin B3, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and more. The moisturizer does its default job of hydrating the skin, but it also encourages cell turnover for younger-looking skin.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been using this product for years now and just love the way it loves my skin. I live in the desert, so I have a problem with dry skin all over my body. But not my face. I use it every morning, and my face stays moisturized for the entire day. Want to keep your face looking young? Use this product. It’s amazing.”
Pros
- Anti-aging
Cons
- Takes time to see results
Designed to treat deep wrinkles–not just those cute crow’s feet–this serum utilizes retinol to tighten and lift aging skin so it’s youthful and perky again.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I wish I had taken before photos. I’ve been using RoC for less than two weeks. The lines around my lips are practically gone. The deep wrinkles in my forehead are faded and much less noticeable. It works better than I could have imagined.”
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Pros
- Brightening
Cons
- Pricey
This must-have cleanser uses probiotics to deeply nourish and care for stressed out skin. It is great to use right before bed so you can wash off the day and wake up to clear, happy skin.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My daughter has very sensitive skin, and this face wash not only helped clear up her skin but didn’t irritate or burn at all.”
Pros
- Exfoliating
Cons
- Pricey
Has being inside for a full calendar year diminished your skin’s glow factor? Yeah, same. This skin tonic gently exfoliates for a brighter complexion that will make your ex regret they broke up with you over Zoom.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love this toner! I love how it makes my skin feel deeply clean. After applying this toner, I can feel and see the difference. My skin feels so refreshing, and I also love the fact that it gives me a radiant glow.”
Pros
- Boosts collagen
Cons
- Pricey
For dark spots and pesky hyperpigmentation, this serum uses vitamin C, collagen, and antioxidant-heavy natural extracts to even tone for the best skin of your life.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Buttah Skin makes the best vitamin C serum! It’s so light yet intense and makes my face feel hydrated and vibrant!”
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Pros
- Comes as pack of three
Cons
- Contains fragrance
You say that you’re just going to keep one and give the other two to your friends, but we both know that’s a lie. Hoard them all and occasionally mist yourself like you’re a cold soda in an advertisement.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “One of the most gentle and refreshing facial sprays! Great as a primer for setting face makeup or when you need an energizing boost throughout the day.”
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can clog pores
If you’re on the slugging train, almost everyone agrees that this is the best product to use in your routine. If you aren’t a frequent slugger, this all-purpose ointment can be used on everything from cracked cuticles to dry patches on the skin.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I had some pre-cancer treatment on my face, and as a result, my skin was a mess. This ointment helped my face feel so much better.”
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