But there are some credible alternatives elsewhere. Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil (35 for 145ml) is one that's a delight to use. NIOD's Hydro-Ester Cleansing System (42) was among my favourite launches of last year. Massaged into dry skin, this fragrance-free, skin-softening oil removes everything before breaking down, lifting dead skin to be rin
The words acid exfoliant scare the bejesus out of those with more sensitive skin, but they can be a godsend in making texture more even and makeup smoother and more long-lasting. In fact, a liquid containing the right blend of dead-skin-sloughing alpha or beta hydroxy acids will be infinitely more gentle, effective and even than those gritty physical scrub exfoliants many still reach for.
Pore size is just genetic (meaning there's really no changing it) and that what many of us think of as blackheads are actually just sebaceous filaments, which are a natural part of healthy skin.
Mark and Kira Walton's journey with Voya began without a grand plan, as they candidly admitted, 'Both of us were clueless, let's be honest. We didn't know what we were doing.' Their success story is remarkable, with Voya now recognized internationally for its seaweed-based skincare products.
I caught myself doing it again last week-meticulously applying sunscreen to my face while completely ignoring my neck. It wasn't until I saw a photo from my friend's wedding that I noticed the difference. My face looked smooth and even-toned, but my neck? Let's just say it was telling a different story. The fine lines and slight sagging made me realize I'd been treating my neck like it was somehow immune to aging. Turns out, I've had it backward this whole time.
Need a moisturizer? Here are 800 options to choose from with ingredient lists that sound nice, but what the hell is bakuchiol, and do you even need it? At Scary Mommy, we turn to our group chats and each other for product recommendations all the time - it helps narrow down the endless options to a few really good ones. In that spirit, these are the beauty products Scary Mommy editors have actually been reaching for all January long.
Wavytalk: Hair Tools Create salon-quality hairstyles at home with one tool. Wavytalk's Curlmaker rotating curling iron comes with three interchangeable barrels, so you can make tight ringlets, loose waves, and more. The award-winning Blowout Express combines a brush and curler. Its fast, dual-heat design saves time and smart technology adds shine for a smooth, frizz-free look. Silk'n: Hair Removal Devices Remove hair at home easily and comfortably.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently received a facial from one of my friends, who works at a spa. Everything went smoothly initially, but the next day I woke up and my skin was dry and peeling. I called her and asked what was happening to my skin. She asked what I had used on my skin the previous night, and I told her my nightly skin care routine, which includes retinols.
I've worked at Costco for 20 years, and always love browsing the aisles for the best new items. One of the best things I bought there this year was the Odessa lift-top vanity. I'm glad I bought the Shark CryoGlow mask, designer fragrances, and Oikos vanilla protein shakes.
Soft-baked, individually wrapped, and full of flavor - Amazing Cookies are Gluten-Free, Nut-free, Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO & Certified Plant-Based. A perfect on-the-go snack that everyone can enjoy. Taste and see... They're amazing!$32 per dozen; nanisweets.com EpiLynx all-natural, gluten-free skincare EpiLynx uses simple, clean formulas to support healthy skin and a natural glow. Every product is truly gluten-free and made to be safe for people with celiac disease, so you can care for your skin with confidence.Use Code BFCM50 and get 50% off on your first order; epilynx.com
Beauty has never been superficial. It's always been about self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-expression, knowing that how you're feeling inside is reflected on the outside. Today, the boldest expression of that confidence comes from beyond the makeup bag: It's a full night's sleep working with a skincare routine, balanced hormones supporting a healthy glow, nutrients fueling both energy and radiance, and gut health supporting complexion.
if you're traveling for the holidays, beauty and skincare gifts are easy to pop in your luggage, wrapped or unwrapped, to give when you reach your destination. From rejuvenating Rhode lip glosses to the L'Oreal mascara that more than 40,000 shoppers bought in the last month, we gathered 10 travel-friendly beauty stocking stuffers under $25 that your giftee is sure
This month's lineup covers the full spectrum, from drugstore steals to the kind of splurges you can write off as a gift to yourself. Reusable under-eye patches that will make you look more awake, a lip stain-serum hybrid that somehow survives your third coffee and keeps your pout from cracking in the wind, and a festive satin pillowcase that protects your hair and doubles as holiday décor - it's all here.
The LED Series 2 is the best red light therapy mask on the market. Crafted from medical-grade silicone, it hugs your face with 236 bulbs, ensuring direct contact. It delivers three wavelengths-red (633 nanometers), near-infrared (830 nanometers), and deep near-infrared (1072 nanometers)-to target skin rejuvenation at multiple depths. I'd recommend this splurge to people who'd like to target fine lines, wrinkles, or sun damage. Reviewer Nena Farrell also noted visible improvements in her acne scarring.
And in 2025, they really did. Brands embraced innovation and personalization in a major way: tools became infinitely more intuitive, skin care turned more tech-forward, and makeup leaned into buildable pigments that work for you, not against you. So, when it comes to figuring out which products are actually worthy of gifting (or, let's be honest, keeping for yourself), consider this your cheat sheet to the very best in beauty from 2025.
Amazon is a treasure trove of weird, but genius finds that you've probably never heard of but immediately need to add to your cart. From everyday tools with oddly specific purposes to inventions that seem too quirky to work (but totally do), these clever finds fix problems, boost vibes, and just generally improve your life. They can also blur the line between practical and absurd - and that's exactly what makes these items so irresistible.
As a shopping editor, my ultimate test for how much I love a product is if I ask myself: What did I ever do before this? My latest can't-live-without-it travel accessory is this new extra large toiletry bag from Parallelle. It's called The Kit, and I promise I love it for more than just its good looks. I've been reaching for it nonstop over the past month to carry my very extensive skincare routine with me wherever I go-and it's made packing easier than ever.
