Out of every beauty category, skincare might be the most daunting. We’ve eliminated the guesswork by selecting 27 multitasking all-stars that will streamline—not complicate—your morning and nighttime skin rituals. With just a couple of these in your arsenal, we’re convinced you’ll have the best skin of your life.
Best Facial Cleanser
Dieux
Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
This gentle gel cleanser gently removes dirt, oil, sunscreen, and other impurities from the skin’s surface without stripping its much-needed moisture. In fact, the fragrance-free formula gives moisture back to the skin with 10% glycerin and 2% amino acids. It’s the key to a gentle yet effective cleansing ritual.
Best Cleansing Oil
Curel
Makeup Cleansing Oil
Stubborn sunscreen and waterproof makeup are no match for this cleansing oil. It transforms into a lightweight, milky texture upon contact with water, washing away dirt, oils, sunscreen, and makeup—no pulling, rubbing, or dirty washcloths required.
Why experts love it: “Cleansing your skin without causing irritation or stripping the skin’s natural moisture is more than enough reason why everyone needs this product. It contains ceramide protection to retain moisture, it’s gentle for sensitive skin, and the brand has a commitment to skin health, which makes it deserving of an award.” — Vanessa Marc, Celebrity Aesthetician and Founder of Vanessa Marc Spa
Best Face Mist
iS Clinical
Copper Firming Mist
Most face mists hydrate and refresh the skin. This one does too, while also protecting it from environmental pollution and preventing signs of aging, thanks to antioxidants and copper PCA. The former neutralizes damaging free radicals. The latter balances the skin’s pH level and stimulates collagen, resulting in a smoother, firmer appearance.
Why experts love it: “I’m a huge facial mist junkie, and I think they’re one of the most underrated skincare products out there. For me, refreshing my skin throughout the day feels like a mini moment of self-care, whether I’m stressed, on a plane, or running between clients. What sets the iS Clinical Copper Firming Mist apart is that it’s more than just water. It’s packed with powerful skincare ingredients like Copper PCA to support collagen and elastin, resveratrol for antioxidant protection, aloe vera to soothe, and Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate. It feels amazing, and actually does something to correct and protect the skin.” — Candace Marino, celebrity facialist
Best Acne Spot Treatment
Differin
Power Patches Fast Fix
These ultra-thin and nearly invisible acne patches provide visible results in just six hours. Salicylic acid helps shrink breakouts, while centella asiatica and Canadian willowherb visibly reduce redness. They come in two sizes (small and large), and they’re makeup-friendly, waterproof, and sweatproof. Need we say more?
Why experts love it: “These patches are ideal for when you first start to feel a pimple forming under the skin. Salicylic Acid is one of the best ingredients to minimize inflammation and tackle breakouts, and the Differin Power Patches Fast Fix are a fun and easy way to reduce breakouts when they happen. The patches are thin and are mostly undetectable on the skin. The combination of salicylic acid, centella asiatica (a plant extract that can soothe skin) and Canadian willowherb (a plant extract used for its anti-irritant properties) helps reduce inflammation and minimize the appearance of early stage acne.” — Corey L. Hartman, MD, dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama
Best Chemical Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This is a best-selling, TikTok-viral product, and for good reason. The watery liquid exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid and green tea. It’s clinically proven to unclog pores, prevent breakouts, minimize enlarged pores, and control excess oil in as little as one week.
Why experts love it: “A skin staple for proven results! It delivers clearer, smoother, and more refined skin. Made with salicylic acid, it penetrates the pores to break down buildup, oil, and prevent breakouts. It’s science-backed, gentle, and powerful! It deserves a beauty award not only for what it does but how many people’s skin journey it has transformed.” — Marc
Best Eye Masks
YSE Beauty
Overachiever Brightening Eye Masks
Imagine eye patches that *actually* brighten dark circles, reduce puffiness, and smooth fine lines. These are it. Packed with vitamin C, peptides, and allantoin, they make a big difference in the under-eye area in as little as 15 minutes. Thanks to a nonslip hydrogel material, they stay put. You can wear them anywhere at any time with no finagling or readjustments.
Why experts love it: “Eye patches are part of my daily morning ritual. Starting the day with something that feels good—and helps me look good—instantly lifts my mood. I love the YSE eye masks because they target all the major concerns around the eyes: discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness. Plus, they actually stay in place, unlike a lot of other eye masks that tend to slide off. These stick-on pads let me go about my morning without interruption while still treating my skin.” — Marino
Best Eye Cream
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT
Extreme Cream Eye Firming & Contouring Refillable Eye Cream
This high-performance eye cream is clinically proven to decrease puffiness, wrinkles, and sagging skin in (wait for it) one week. Yep. It’s thanks to biomimetic peptides, retinol, and amino acids—all of which work together for a 360° approach to lifting, contouring, and smoothing the delicate eye area.
Why experts love it: “One of the best, most affordable and effective eye creams on the market. [It] plumps out fine lines and is deeply hydrating for not only under the eye but around the eye. [It] gives you glass skin, depuffs, and makes makeup lay beautifully!” — Kelli Anne Sewell, celebrity makeup artist
Best Lip Mask
LANEIGE
Lip Sleeping Mask
What can we say about this lip mask that hasn’t already been said? It coats dry lips in soft, soothing moisture. Wear it while you sleep (or anytime, really), and the formula’s antioxidants, berry fruit complex, murumuru seed, and shea butter will go to work, giving you better lips by morning.
Why experts love it: “I am so obsessed with this lip sleeping mask that I keep the minis in every purse. I wear it to bed every night and on the go whenever my lips need serious hydration.” — Justine Marjan, celebrity hairstylist
Best Serum for Redness
Shani Darden Skin Care
Rescue Serum With 10% Azelaic Complex
This serum reduces redness, fades dark spots, and minimizes post-blemish marks with azelaic acid, oat kernel, aloe, and licorice extract. It’s a soothing, skin glow-up in a bottle.
Why experts love it: “I love the blend of azelaic acid, licorice root, and soothing ingredients in this serum to help even discoloration and calm the skin.” — Caroline Robinson, MD, Dermatologist and Founder of Tone
“This serum is my go-to—it’s incredible at evening out my skin tone and making my complexion look flawless, sans dark spots and redness!” — Bridget Brager, celebrity hairstylist
Best Light Moisturizer
OLE HENRIKSEN
Strength Trainer Skin Barrier Moisturizer
A moisturizer doesn’t have to be thick to pack a punch. This lightweight formula is spiked with eight amino acids, eight peptides, and three ceramides. Expect softer, smoother, and firmer skin on the double.
Best Rich Moisturizer
SOFIE PAVITT FACE
Omega Rich Moisturizer
Rich moisturizers are notoriously pore-clogging, but not when that rich moisturizer is from the acne-clearing esthetician Sofie Pavitt. The deeply moisturizing, skin-soothing, and glow-boosting formula is acne-safe. Promise.
Why experts love it: “I’ll have anything Sofie is having, and this moisturizer is like a reset button for your skin. It’s rich in omegas to calm, hydrate, and strengthen without ever clogging your pores. I love that this is fragrance free, safe for all skin types, and packed with ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier.” — Marino
Best Face Oil
The skin is vulnerable to everything from environmental pollution to emotional stress, but this oil is the ultimate soother and balancer. With a combination of precious oils, it boosts the skin’s resilience, elasticity, and luminosity. It’s basically the skin’s version of a fluffy blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book.
Best Sheet Mask
SK-II
Brightening Facial Treatment Sheet Mask
This sheet mask is beloved by beauty editors and makeup artists alike. Soaked in the brand’s proprietary ferment filtrate, it’s essentially a facial in mask form, revealing brighter, smoother, and plumper skin in just 15 minutes.
Best Soothing Face Mask
Personal Day
Everybody Stay Calm Recovery Mask
Angry, irritated, acne-prone skin? Start with this soothing mask. It calms inflammation, hydrates dryness, and reduces redness in one go. It’s all thanks to Mevalonic Acid, an active ingredient that kicks the skin into repair mode at the molecular level.
Best At-Home Peel
U Beauty
Resurfacing Flash Peel
This exfoliator promises professional-level results in as few as five minutes. The fast-acting formula resurfaces the skin for a brighter, tighter, and more even complexion on the fly.
Why experts love it: “This flash peel is in my monthly rotation at home. It lifts away dead skin cells that can make my face look bumpy, dull, or uneven. It really allows beautiful, fresh skin to shine through!” — Brager
Best Collagen Mask
Mediheal
Hyper Collagen Real Deep Mask
With four types of collagen (each small enough to penetrate the skin), this mask boosts plumpness and elasticity, while delivering a dose of hydration. Each mask contains a full firming ampoule for maximum benefits.
Best Serum for Lines and Wrinkles
SkinCeuticals
P-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
This peptide-packed serum is clinically proven to reduce expression lines and improve lines and wrinkles. Inspired by actual injections, it dramatically improves skin texture and radiance.
Best Multitasking Serum
EIGHTH DAY
Regenerative Serum
Sun damage? Check. Wrinkles? Check. Enlarged pores? Check. This do-it-all serum uses peptide-rich plasma, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to target 10 signs of aging.
Best Retinol
Mother Science
Retinol Synergist
This serum amplifies the results of traditional retinol by combining it with a powerful antioxidant called malassezin. Together, the all-star ingredients target lines, wrinkles, texture, discoloration, loss of firmness, and more. It’s like retinol on speed dial.
Why experts love it: “Mother Science Retinol Synergist is ideal for patients who are new to retinol or have sensitive skin. Retinol is my number one most recommended ingredient in skincare, and Mother Science conducted research to show that when retinol is paired with Malassezin, the brand’s patented ingredient, it minimizes the risk of irritation from retinol. I’ve found that patients tolerate the product well and can use it multiple times per week and are impressed with their results – an overall reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and smoother skin texture.” — Hartman
Best Serum for Brightness
Allies of Skin
Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment
Make no mistake—this isn’t any old serum-moisturizer hybrid. It’s supercharged with 13 skin-brightening ingredients, nine antioxidants, seven peptides, and an algae complex. Together, they dial up brightness while protecting, firming, and smoothing the skin.
Why experts love it: “I love this formula because it addresses multiple signs of aging and delivers corrective ingredients in a results-driven formula. It hydrates, firms, brightens, and protects the skin.” — Marino
“With peptides to support firmness and antioxidants for environmental protection, this daily treatment is a nice option for those looking to up their skincare game. Consistency is key, so use it regularly and consult a pro if you have specific concerns.” — Robinson
Best Serum for Dark Spots
Brownkind Store
Dark Spot Corrector
This dark-spot-correcting serum walks a fine line between gentle and effective. It uses natural phytonutrients to brighten the skin, so it’s safe for all skin tones. There are no harsh lightening ingredients that could do more harm than good.
Best Serum for Hydration
Dr. Diamond’s Metacine
Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum
This serum is chock-full of growth factors and peptides that help repair the skin at a cellular level. The addition of sodium hyaluronate is what will give you plump, juicy, hydrated AF skin.
Why experts love it: “This is skincare on another level. The InstaFacial Plasma makes my skin feel tighter, brighter, and just better overall. It’s like a pro-level refresh in a bottle. My skin drinks it up.” — Brittney Boyce, celebrity nail artist
“This plasma is perfect for getting Dr. Diamond’s signature touch at home. It firms, tightens, and lifts the skin for a more even and smooth complexion.” — Marjan
Best Mineral SPF
The Outset
Hydrasheer 100% Mineral Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
This 100% mineral sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum SPF 30 with a light, serum-like texture and serum-like ingredients (think niacinamide, snow mushroom, and ceramides). It’s also lightweight, plays well with makeup, and doesn’t leave a white cast.
Why experts love it: “I’m super picky with sunscreen—especially when it comes to layering it under makeup—and this one just works. No white cast, no weird texture, and it disappears into the skin. I’ve used it on every complexion, and it never disrupts foundation or changes the tone. Plus, it’s clean, lightweight, and doesn’t have that heavy SPF smell.” — Renée Loiz, celebrity makeup artist
Best Chemical SPF
EltaMD
UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
This SPF is hydrating enough to be a daily moisturizer and offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 with a lightweight and transparent finish. It’s everything you want and nothing you don’t. No wonder it’s recommended by so many derms and estheticians.
Why experts love it: “This is a great lightweight sunscreen that pairs well with makeup and offers reliable broad-spectrum protection. If you’re curious about tinted sunscreens (which I personally love), check out my Reel for hacks to seamlessly blend coverage and protection.” — Robinson
Best Facial Essence
Eminence Organic Skin Care
Pineapple Refining Tonique
A spritz of this will hydrate, brighten, and gently exfoliate the skin. It’s formulated with PHA, tranexamic acid, and bromelain (enzymes found naturally in pineapple), so it gently and mildly renews dull, textured skin.
Best Lip Balm
Summer Fridays
Lip Butter Balm
This lip balm lives up to—nay, exceeds—the hype. Shea and murumuru seed butters cushion dry lips in moisture, while vegan wax smooths rough skin. It’s shiny, never sticky, and every single flavor begs to be collected.
Why experts love it: “My most consistently used lip product. The smell is heavenly, the hydration is great, and the shine is gorgeous. A product that leaves your lips better than they felt before, and it’s addictive to apply. My favorite!” — Sewell
“This rich balm delivers a silky layer of moisture with a subtle sweet scent. It’s a desk-drawer essential for me. Use it day or night for soft, comfortable lips, especially in dry or cold climates.” — Robinson
Best Tinted Sunscreen
Kosas
Dreambeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
This mineral SPF uses non-nano zinc to protect the skin with SPF 40. There are also peptides and ceramides to plump and smooth, plus hyaluronic acid and allantoin hydrate and soothe. The universal tint erases the potential for a white cast, giving the skin a smooth, glowing base.
Why experts love it: “I’ve been a longtime fan of Kosas, and DreamBeam Sunlit is a standout favorite. It’s the perfect multitasker—offering SPF protection, skin-loving ingredients, and a flattering tint all in one. I love how it wears beautifully on its own for a radiant, no-makeup glow, or seamlessly under foundation as a primer. It’s skincare-meets-makeup at its best.” — Boyce
“I’m such a fan of this product. It delivers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection in addition to a beautiful bronzy glow. The mineral-based formula hydrates and brightens the skin without clogging pores or leaving a white cast. Lightweight and non-greasy, it blends seamlessly and works well alone or under makeup, making it an excellent choice for clients seeking effective sun protection with a natural, radiant finish.” — Marino
