The best beauty products and services hand-selected by myself and my team, derms, estheticians, and industry experts for every skin type:
After an extended intermission of living our daily lives, I have come to the conclusion that the pandemic has highlighted the delicate nature of self-resolve. Advancements in technology and sustainability has set forth a whole new era in the beauty and skin-care market segmentation.
We simply could not be here without having gone through the trials and tribulations of the last 2 years. You get the picture. The reemergence of beauty and skincare is has evolved with fresh products and new routines —as you prepare for office-time, dinners, events, and casual activities. Now, the beauty industry is ready to imagine, illuminate and inspire consumers with a plethora of well-designed product offerings tailored to consumer needs of today. The digital renaissance is now.
I know that shopping for skincare can sometimes be overwhelming unless you have a clear understanding of the product makeup and the desired results. Although it sounds simple, individual needs and requirements vary greatly therefore must be factored into the beauty equation. Not only are there thousands of products on the market today but rather so much to consider when purchasing new skincare products and services. Whether you’ve got dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin, these product offerings will address your needs.
The question is; are these products are actually worth the hype? To help eliminate the guesswork, myself and my women’s fashion and beauty editor Emma Cunnington have handpicked and tested (on ourselves) products that industry experts, estheticians, dermatologists and even a cosmetic chemist would recommend to their patients.
After an abundant number of face-to-face and digital meetings with product development teams here is my list of the best formulas and services to help you look and feel like your ready to take on life’s new challenges as well as enjoy your casual time with a new outlook on great things ahead.
It’s the start of a new world in beauty as we know it. It’s not just new, it’s what’s next. For example, K-Beauty brand takes inspiration from healthy food ingredients that are naturally rich in skin nourishing compounds and actives, like antioxidants and vitamins that boost the skin’s health. The new lineups are packed and enriched with nourishing and hydrating oils, extracts and vitamins so that you can get the most of your skin while being manageable through efficient products that reduce waste, increase in stem cell production, improvement in elasticity, and reduction in age spots, photo damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and deep-set wrinkles. This is skincare 2.0 created for people looking to clean up their beauty regimen with natural, organic, green ingredients that are easy to understand and trust.
My best picks include serums that nourish and protect the skin from drying out while helping to protect it from external aggressions effectively leaving skin smooth and rejuvenated while providing anti-inflammatory benefits and help reduce microbial content.
APTO:
Formulated with witch hazel, APTO’s Turmeric mist is a year-round beauty staple. More is more when … [+]
Courtesy of APTO
APTO-Founded by Marta Cros in 2015, APTO was born out of the belief that skin care should be simple, affordable and effective. In building out the product offering, APTO intentionally works to create one product within each category in order to keep skincare manageable through efficient products that reduce waste. In creating a mist, APTO’s Turmeric Mist was formulated using natural raw ingredients such as turmeric and witch Hazel in order to create a multi-purpose mist that’s anti-inflammatory, reduces redness, prevents dryness, and refreshes skin. Putting radical transparency at the forefront, all APTO products are vegan, cruelty free and packaged in recyclable aluminum. APTO formulas are also free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and formaldehyde-releasing agents. $6
Aseir Custom:
Aseir Custom’s Royal Blue Serum and Sky-Blue Cream Bundle’s science-powered skincare combination is … [+]
Courtesy of Aseir Custom
Aseir Custom’s scientific-born, luxury skincare formula creates a synergy between copper Peptide GHK-CU, one of the most useful therapeutic peptides, and its natural ingredients such as Goat Milk, Safflower Oil, Shea Butter, & Aloe Vera to help stimulate new capillary formation (angiogenesis) in the skin, increasing the biosynthesis of collagen, and the water-holding proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. This results in an increase in stem cell production, improvement in elasticity, and reduction in age spots, photo damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and deep-set wrinkles. $199.99
Avoila:
Avoila Nourishing Face Oil is an easily absorbed, spa-quality face oil that blends the restorative … [+]
Courtesy of Avolia
Avoila-Avoila Nourishing Face Oil was created for people looking to clean up their beauty regimen with natural, organic, green ingredients that are easy to understand and trust. Avoila is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petrochemicals, silicones, perfume, and color. This product is proudly CosmETHICALLY Active Certified, the first certificate to evaluate a cosmetic product according to the origin of ingredients, concentration of cosmetically active ingredients and cosmetic efficacy of the product itself. $72.00
Botanical Republic:
Revive tired eyes with Botanical Republic’s Renew Intensive Eye Cream, created to treat fine lines … [+]
Courtesy of Botanical Republic
Botanical Republic—Renew Intensive Eye Cream is made with certified organic ingredients such as Mango Seed Butter, Squalane, Blackberry Seed, Avocado, and Meadowfoam See to help plump the skin with moisture. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 and Niacinamide are added to help support collagen production for firmer, youthful-looking skin and help soften the appearance of pesky fine lines and wrinkles.$52
Celuí:
Celui’s Signature Fragrance, a Southern California perfume collection infused with plant-based … [+]
Courtesy of Celui
Celuí perfume is an infusion of exotic floral notes, natural botanicals and woody flavors to enhance each moment of your day. 50ml, $200
dermaGeek:
dermaGeek Smoothing Facial Serum
Courtesy of dermaGeek
dermaGeek-The smart choice for smooth skin. The dermaGeek Smoothing Facial Serum is a fast-absorbing serum formulated with 0.3% Retinoid to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture, leaving skin hydrated, nourished, and smooth. Use this serum in your evening routine for a boost of smoothing and hydrating power. It’s made with 0% Fragrances, Parabens, Phthalates, and Synthetic Dyes and is PETA Vegan and Cruelty-free. $26.99
Eighth Day:
The Regenerative Serum with Peptide-Rich Plasma® addresses the 10 visible signs of skin aging to … [+]
Courtesy of Eighth Day
Eighth Day-Formulated by Dr. Antony Nakhla, a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic skin cancer surgeon, scientist and innovator, this groundbreaking treatment features advanced skin science with clinical strength ingredients at highly concentrated levels. The bioidentical formula stimulates your own cells to create plump, youthful skin by penetrating deep into the dermis where cells are energized and renewal occurs. This all-in-one serum features Peptide-Rich Plasma®, a proprietary, patent-pending skincare technology composed of 24 bioidentical synthetic peptides, growth factors, and amino acids. It also contains key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, alpha lipoic acid, manuka honey, savage ginger root extract, and knotgrass flavonoids to protect, heal, and reset skin. Use this serum to target and treat the 10 most visible skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, dehydration, redness, dullness, loss of firmness and elasticity, and more. $325
Elaluz:
An oil-infused lip gloss created with hydrating Brazilian ingredients from Elaluz by Camila Coelho.
Courtesy of Elaluz
Elaluz-This pillowy, oil-infused lip gloss is your new must have for ultra-cushiony, high-definition color and serious shine with a mirror-like finish. Infused with beautifully hydrating cupuacu, sunflower and jojoba oils, this weightless formula delivers a luscious, full-lip look in 5 shades that range from nude to blush to berry in a natural vanilla scent. Made to play well with others, layer over the Elaluz Lip & Cheek Stain or your favorite lip liner for a multi dimensional pout. All Elaluz products are cruelty free, gluten free, vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified. $22
Erborian:
Erborian, Yuza Super Serum
Courtesy of Erborian
Erborian This new serum is enriched in vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties that act as a nourishing veil for your skin. Formulated in an ultra-light texture, similar to freshly squeezed Yuzu juice, this serum nourishes and protects the skin from drying out while helping to protect it from external aggressions. The super serum also contains a prebiotic to help maintain the skin ecosystem for a more hydrated complexion. The Serum is the latest addition to the existing Yuza line. $49.00
Fur:
Fur All Body Wash
POW Photography © 2021
Fur-This daily pH-balanced restorative oil wash cleanses all bodies, all over for hydrated, softer skin. With balancing & cleansing ingredients, it’s gentle enough for use on your pubic area, but effective from head to toe. As you lather, the oil transforms into a velvety soft, milky wash. $28
Jaci:
Jaci Hydration Duo
Courtesy of Jaci
Jaci-Developed by a former exec from The Honest Company, Jaci is a fresh, modern take on high-functioning hair care. Plant-based and free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and mineral oils, the brand’s fragrant blend of natural botanicals will turn your shower into an at-home spa, and their beautifully designed bottles will look super cute on your shelf. The Hydration duo is great for all hair types, and includes shampoo, which contains a proprietary herbal blend packed with coconut, quinoa and sunflower essential oils to hydrate your strands, while green tea extract gently cleanses and locks in long-lasting moisture, and conditioner that transforms frizzy, dry, flyaway hair with hydrolyzed quinoa protein, which penetrates into the hair shaft for powerful moisture benefits and protection against further dryness. $24 ea.
KEVIN.MURPHY:
SCALP.SPA TREATMENT – KEVIN.MURPHY products are designed to weightlessly deliver performance, … [+]
Courtesy of KEVIN.MURPHY
KEVIN.MURPHY-SCALP.SPA TREATMENT. A concentrated foaming masque designed to relieve a sensitive scalp and restore scalp health to promote healthier hair. Powered by advanced propellant technology that is VOC exempt, its compounds have low photochemical reactivity. This allows for a rich, silky foam that can remove dirt and excessive oils. To use, part clean, damp, or dry hair into sections and stripe along the scalp. Massage in and rinse after 20 minutes. Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Carrot Root Extract & Pro-Viron Mist. $38
La Chatelaine:
La Chatelaine Full Size Lavender Hand Cream, made in France with sustainable, organic ingredients.
Courtesy of La Chatelaine
La Chatelaine-Ultra-Rich hand creams are blended with organic, fair-trade Shea Butter, Vitamin E and organic Argan Oil to deeply moisturize, nourish and protect. The creamy texture absorbs quickly for immediate hydration and intense repair to effectively leave hands soft, smooth and rejuvenated. No BHT, Parabens, or Phthalates, Phenoxyethanol, DEA, or Propylene Glycol. $22
MAKE Beauty:
MAKE, Pink Matter Multi-Balm
Courtesy of MAKE BEAUTY
MAKE Beauty—This rich multi-benefit balm envelops lips with long-lasting nourishment and is the perfect addition to the brand’s lineup. $24
MGSKINLABs, Inc:
MGSKINLABs, Inc. Vita-C Advanced Serum for all skin types
Photograph Courtesy of Mary Jane Starke
MGSKINLABs, Inc. The ultimate anti-aging solution for skin that’s begin to exhibit changes in texture, color and tone, the exceptionally high concentration of Vitamin C in this serum helps promote skin cell renewal and support collagen synthesis. Ideal for patients with brown or red spots, and the onset of fine lines, this fast-absorbing serum revitalizes and moisturizes skin while improving texture and radiance. A potent antioxidant, vitamin C also helps neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. $85
Mixture:
Add more luxury to your day with Mixture’s handcrafted and handmade to order shower gel.
Courtesy of Mixture
Mixture’s Shower Gel and other bath & body products are always handmade to order and hand-mixed with your favorite fragrances like Grapefruit & Sweet Vanilla, Vat 9, Stargazer Lily & more. Enriched with nourishing and hydrating oils, extracts and vitamins so that you can get the most of your shower experience and indulge your body with the finest ingredients. $10
Naturally London:
Neutralize odor with ease with this lovely lavender lemongrass scent that will cleanse, hydrate, and … [+]
Courtesy of Naturally London
Naturally London-Clean your hands, feet and other surfaces on the go. Naturally London’s spray includes some powerhouse ingredients like organic cane alcohol, willow bark extract and aloe that can be used in a multitude of way like soothe bug bites, sanitize surfaces for yourself or your children or even deodorize smelly shoes, yoga mats, etc. $10
Petal:
Petal Starter Kit
Courtesy of Petal
Petal-Petal’s zero-waste hand soap kits feature refillable aluminum bottles and dissolvable soap pods – so every time you mix up a new bottle of their soap, you avoid purchasing and discarding a traditional plastic bottle (Petal reduces about 3.5 lbs of plastic pollution per person per year). The soap – in fresh Lemongrass and Citrus Ginger scents – features skin-loving ingredients such as grape seed oil, essential oils, and natural, plant-based surfactants, and is vegan, non toxic and cruelty free, and the pods completely dissolve in water and are made without any harmful parabens, phosphates, triclosan, sulfates, synthetic scents or dye. $25
Prose x Canopy:
Canopy Humidifier + Prose by Canopy Aroma Trio
Courtesy of Canopy
Prose x Canopy-As Prose’s first brand partnership, it was important to work with a like-minded brand whose core pillars also include beauty, wellness, and sustainability. Prose set a new standard of beauty with their hyper-personalized, apothecary-style, made to order, approach to hair care and wellness products and Canopy completely reimagined a humidifier that optimizes the home for beauty and wellness. Together they have created a new way to experience Prose’s exclusive fragrances, crafted by the brand’s skilled French perfumers: best sellers Botanica and Perle, and their latest creation, Arcadia, a limited edition fall scent with notes of cedar mixed with bursts of citrusy grapefruit and hints of herbal freshness. Canopy Humidifier + Prose by Canopy Aroma Trio, $150 ($125 with subscription), Prose by Canopy Aroma Trio, $40
Prospect Farms:
Naturally formulated with premium ingredients to promote targeted pain relief, decreased … [+]
Courtesy of Prospect Farms
Prospect Farms-Prospect Farms Balance Topical includes premium full spectrum CBD and naturally derived terpenes, including Limonene, Myrcene, and Nerolidol which are all-natural stress relievers that provide anti-inflammatory benefits and help reduce microbial content. Further enhanced by Beeswax, helping the skin stay hydrated and retain moisture along with featuring naturally occurring antibacterial properties, and Jojoba Oil, a great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin B, and Antioxidants. 750 mg, $75.00 USD
SERUMKIND:
The latest from SERUMKIND, Muscat Clearing Drop helps soothe and even complexion.
Courtesy of SERUMKIND
SERUMKIND—A ‘Clearing Serum’ that contains 80% of Shine Muscat Grapes and 2% of PHA to help minimize and soothe the appearance of acne spots and blemishes for a smooth and even complexion. SERUMKIND offers simple, yet effective skincare solutions made with ingredients sourced from around the world. $46
Smashbox:
SMASHBOX WAS BORN IN A LOS ANGELES PHOTO STUDIO AND PUT TO THE TEST BY PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTS … [+]
Images courtesy of Smashbox
Smashbox—A primer-infused, illuminating skin elixir. What no-makeup makeup dreams are made of. This powerful radiance booster plumps skin with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for 24-hour moisture and a super dewy finish—with or without makeup. It’s primer-infused for long-lasting, comfortable wear – so you can go hard, and glow soft.$39
Surface Deep:
A moisturizing cleanser powered by fruit based Glycolic Acid and a rich formulation of antioxidants … [+]
Courtesy of Surface Deep/Lindsey Swedick Creative LLC
Surface Deep-Dermatologist developed brand Surface Deep introduced the first-to-market glycolic based deodorant to “cleanse” away body odor vs. blocking it, reimagining healthy hygiene from a clean skin care standpoint. Surface Deep Skin Wash Is an all over wash for face, hands and body, that fights odor and helps to restore clear skin. It contains 10% Glycolic Acid that helps normalize skin pH often altered by high alkaline soaps and body washes. Fruit-based glycolic acid removes bad bacteria from the skin’s surface and restores skin’s natural acidic protective coating. And, powerful Antioxidants nourish and protect the skin. $28
Sweet Chef:
The NEW Celery + Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Sweet Chef, Available at Target.com
Keith Greenbaum/Courtesy of Sweet Chef Skincare
Sweet Chef—Sweet Chef, an vegan, cruelty-free, K-Beauty brand takes inspiration from healthy food ingredients that are naturally rich in skin nourishing compounds and actives, like antioxidants and vitamins that boost the skin’s health. One of the big K-Beauty skin principles is to double serum, or to cocktail serums to the skin’s unique needs. The Celery + Hyaluronic Acid Serum Shot adds to our existing range of serums perfectly to use either on its own or in combination with others.
This bouncy serum shot is infused with cold-pressed celery, antioxidant-rich mixed green sprouts, and a blend of plumping hyaluronic acids. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly and floods skin with intense, long-lasting hydration for glowing, supple skin.$20
The Feelist:
JUICE SHOT Smoothing Facial Polish is a wellness & immunity boost for your skin.
Copyright 2021. All rights reserved/Courtesy of The Feelist
The Feelist-This gentle exfoliating cleanser is like a JUICE SHOT & immunity-boost for your skin – packed with vitamins and superfoods such as Cranberry Seed Powder, Papaya Extract, Baobab Seed Extract, Turmeric, and a combination of supercharged botanical ingredients including Marula Oil and Tea Tree Oil, the nourishing and hydrating polish deeply cleanses, revitalizes dry skin and removes dead skin cells to reveal a healthy, glowing, baby-soft complexion from the outside-in. $48
TO112:
Tamanu & coconut oil bind to offer a delicate, refreshing cleanse, leaving skin soft to the touch.
Courtesy of TO112
TO112 Hand & Body wash + lotion is a twofold practice intended to elate and enrich the surface and soul, granting symmetry to all skin types. Uniting tamanu, olive and coconut oils, TO112’s luxurious hand & body formulations delicately cleanse and cultivate supple, smooth skin. $21
UMA:
A luxurious mixture of soothing frankincense, sandalwood, and rose, this toner cleanses impurities … [+]
Courtesy of UMA
UMA Oils—UMA is a luxury beauty and wellness collection made of rare, precious botanicals grown in India and built around the 5000-year-old wisdom of Ayurveda. This luxurious rose toner is made from legendary fruit extracts and UMA’s most precious essential oils, formulated to balance skin and restore radiance. $60