Finding that one beauty product that, for your skin, outshines the rest is like romance — Trial and error is mostly inevitable, but when you’ve finally met your match, you (well, your skin) just knows. By nature, beauty editors spend ample time testing the waters of the latest and greatest products on the market, and thus, landing on one they can confidently call a personal holy grail is kind of a big deal. There’s no harm in keeping up with the latest beauty products trending on TikTok, but sometimes, the best beauty products to try aren’t always the ones everyone is talking about online.
Skincare trending on social media is one thing, but a first-hand product recommendation from a beauty editor is one you can rest assured comes with the backing of having tried (likely) hundreds of products to vet new ones against, rather than hype alone. Of course, skincare community favorites such as breakout brand Topicals and aesthetician-loved ingredients such as Niacinamide make the list because when something works, it just does.
Ahead, five fellow beauty editors (Nerisha Penrose of Elle, Kiana Murden of Vogue, Annie Blay of Bustle, Tiffany Dodson of Harper’s BAZAAR, and Kayla Greaves of Instyle) share the one skincare product they haven’t been able to put down since they first reached for it. Sometimes, you don’t need to go on a spree resulting in 15 new pick-ups when just a few will do the trick.
01
Rose Ingelton MD Signature Moisturizer
“I've never paid close attention to the results a moisturizer claims to give, as long as my skin feels hydrated and looks plump, I’m pretty much sold. But RoseMd’s results are hard to ignore. The formula cocktails basically every ingredient you need to brighten the skin and strengthen your barrier. Not to mention the cream’s rich, yet buttery smooth texture that melts into the skin to unveil a healthy (not oily) glow. Don’t let the price tag deter you — It’s worth every penny, just let your skin do the skin talking.” – Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor, Elle
02
Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic with AHA and BHA
“Although Topicals' High Roller is only a recent addition to my body-care routine, I quickly realized how much I love it. The serum's roller application is so convenient to roll over my armpits and bikini line post-shower. And certainly I have the featured salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and zinc PCA to thank as I haven't had a single ingrown since I started using it consistently.” – Kiana Murden, Beauty Commerce Writer, Vogue
03
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
“Niacinamide has become somewhat played out and mainstream — in the best way possible of course, everyone is now hip to its amazing skincare benefits. Especially as someone with oily skin, niacinamide is essential in my routine to mitigate my oiliness, make my pores look smaller, and combat my hyperpigmentation. I tried many niacinamide serums before this one from Naturium, and ever since finding this I haven’t been able to use [another]. I love how this formula is potent, but non-irritating. It also features glycerin, which is ultra hydrating, and zinc pca, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help keep acne at bay. If you ever hear that this product has zero fans, then I've disappeared off the face of the earth.” – Annie Blay, Associate Beauty News Editor, Bustle
04
Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water
“Avène’s Thermal Spring Water is one of my holy-grail products to soothe my complexion when it’s red or irritated, and makes for a nice pick-me-up between Zoom meetings. It’s also perfect to keep in my bag when I spend extended time outside at the beach or on a hike for instant skin revitalization.” – Tiffany Dodson, Beauty Commerce Editor, Harper's BAZAAR
05
Rose Ingelton MD SuperFruit Exfoliating Tonic 8% AHA Solution
“This product launched a few months ago, and I have absolutely no idea how it hasn't gone viral yet. After only a few weeks of use, I noticed a huge change in my skin for the better. After continued use, my face has never felt softer, smoother, and any hyperpigmentation that may pop up gets cleared up in a few weeks. This tonic has become a staple in my routine, and it's not going anywhere. My only complaint is that I need it available in a travel size (and a jumbo Costco size!).” – Kayla Greaves, Executive Beauty Editor, Instyle
