27 Ulta Products That'll Make You Feel Like You Have A PhD In Skincare
Get ready to fling your skincare graduation cap into the air.
1. A TonyMoly Plump-kin retinol eye patch, because it'll make you feel like you have a PhD in both skincare *and* self-care. These hydrating and cooling eye patches are a fun staple in any Sunday skin reset routine.
Ulta
Promising review:"I have had puffy under-eyes genetically my entire life, and these have been game changers for me! Added them to my morning routine, and my under-eyes have never looked better. I did take the advice from another review and put them in the fridge for a cooling effect. So many come in the little jar, it's so worth the price. The toner by this brand is lightweight and amazing, too. I've purchased a ton of face products, this is the first one I've seen actually make a noticeable difference." — E
2. A Milk Shake facial toner mist is one of those formulas that provides a "before" and "after" effect with the ease of just one spritz. This bi-phase formula contains probiotic extracts, goat milk, and mugwort to help balance your skin's microbiome while squalene and hyaluronic acid create an instant radiant glow. Just shake the bottle and spritz to set your skincare routine, your makeup, or for a quick refresher throughout the day.
Ulta
Promising review:"Does exactly what I needed it to! As I'm getting older, my usual makeup routine is making my skin look drier and my makeup look more caked on. I wanted something that would add a glowy finish and make my skin look more hydrated. This is perfect! It also helps my makeup look better, longer. I definitely recommend this. I have sensitive skin and this hasn't caused any unpleasant reactions." — Globnar
3. A glycolic acid 7% toner by The Ordinary, because chemical exfoliation is a critical step toward glowing, smooth skin! This toner gently whisks away dead skin cells from the surface to help the rest of your skincare penetrate deeper. A lot of people also use this on their body to help brighten scars and reduce the appearance of acne!
4. An Anthelios Melt-In Milk face and body SPF 60 is perfect if you want to pack your beach bag with as few products as possible. This chemical sunscreen protects both your face and body without leaving behind a white cast.
Ulta
Promising review:"This was so light and sheer, it didn't feel like I was putting on sunscreen. It went on my skin like a moisturizer. Also, it did not have a heavy smell or leave sticky residue. I will definitely be rebuying this. It is now my go-to sunscreen and is light enough that I can apply it daily for car trips or other occasions where my skin is exposed to the sun." — Jamie756
5. A Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, because TikTok is all over this high-shine, buttery formula. Like a lip gloss, pout preserve offers a mirror-like finish in colors that'll go with all your makeup moods. Its formula sets it apart from other lippies, though, as it's full of peptides and kokum butter to soften the lips and help smooth fine lines.
Ulta
Promising review:"Love this lip balm / treatment. I bought the 'strawberry sorbet' color/flavor, and it smells and tastes delicious. The product itself is very moisturizing and hydrating. I can pop it on with just lip liner, wear it by itself, or with a full lip look. Very versatile. It's been a great purse lippie. I've been using it so much that I had to force myself to put it away to use my other lip balms/treatments in my collection. Would repurchase!" — Gogorama
6. A pack of Starface pimple patches, because even though having a pimple might not be fun, wearing a pimple patch can be — especially if you use it to give your look a whimsical touch. 💫
7. An Avène Cicalfate+ protective barrier cream that's the bee's knees when it comes to calming redness and irritation. If you're prone to psoriasis, eczema, or just need something to relieve acne- or sun-related redness, this is the one for you.
Ulta
Promising review:"If you have a broken skin barrier, sunburn, or got irritated after trying out a product, this is what you NEED. This is meant to restore and soothe the skin; it works wonders. A little goes a long way! Been using this for a year and it has helped my skin out so much. As an aesthetician, I approve. :)" — riah
8. A — no — THE snail mucin essence that has had a chokehold on the skincare world for years! Snail essence has long been a K-beauty secret to glowing, glass-like skin. Incorporate this into your routine after your toner and before your other serums to deliver a surge of hydration to your skin.
Ulta
9. A body glow gel with SPF 45, because there's no reason you should have to pick between body shimmer and skin protection! While the SPF 45 protects your skin from harmful UV rays, this lightweight gel soaks in immediately while creating a barely-there shimmer (no chunky glitters here).
Ulta
Promising reviews:"I love this product and have been using it for years. As someone with dry skin, I love the glow and hydration this gives my skin. I prefer this texture compared to standard sunblocks." — LG
"This is my second bottle of this stuff. I really like it. It smells nice, it's silky on my skin, and it just seems like a luxurious sunscreen. Something fun to use! I don't notice the shimmer, which is fine because I don't want to look glittery. It's pricy, so I only buy it when it's on sale." — RLTH
10. An Elemis pro-collagen cleansing balm that melts all types of pollution and makeup (even waterproof!) with just a few swift swipes. It's chock-full of lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus oils to create a calming aroma, while sweet almond and coconut oils leave behind a soft, moisturized feeling.
Ulta
Promising review:"I've been using this product for a few years and I swear by it. It smells good. It leaves your skin so clean and soft. I can notice the glow on my face every time I use Elemis cleanser. The large size lasts a looooong time." — Madi
11. A skin-refining serum will take you one step closer to achieving your glass skin goals. Ingredients like peach extract and hyaluronic acid help to plump and hydrate, while niacinamide helps to brighten the complexion and a peptide complex helps to firm up your skin. Basically, it gives you a lot of the benefits of a 10-step routine without all the... err... steps.
Ulta
Promising review:"I have never left a review in my life. However, I originally bought this in August 2024. I use it every single day, and I am still shocked when I do my skin care in the morning and night, and it's still not out yet. I have several backups for when I'm finally out because I never want to go out now that I've had it. A little goes a long way here. One pump and your whole face, neck, and chest are good to go. Gives you the most beautiful glow and is even more amazing when you pair it with other Peach & Lily products, like the Glass Skin Face Polisher in particular and the Wild Dew Treatment Essence. It's also amazing to pair with their other serums." — Never ending glass skin
12. An Osea hyaluronic sea serum that's one of my favorite serums for giving my dull skin an instant refresh. This soaks in pretty immediately with its gel texture and helps to plump and hydrate all skin types with hyaluronic acid and Japanese miru seaweed.
Ulta
Promising review:"My face completely changed after using this product. My lines have gotten better, and my skin is more glowy. If I had to pick one product, this would be it. I use the cleanser, plus the atmosphere protection cream to follow, and just love it!" — PhRomo
13. A Buttah Skin charcoal detox mask that's basically like spring cleaning, but for your pores. This mask, like other detox masks, uses charcoal to soak up excess oil and grime from your pores. What sets it apart from others, though, is its moisturizing texture that leaves skin feeling fresh and soft — never tight or stripped!
Ulta
Promising review:"I have very sensitive skin and severe allergies to some preservatives in cosmetics. Although I am 50 and post menopausal, I still have slightly oily, clog-prone skin. This simple formula seemed like it would be safe when I checked the ingredients. I couldn't believe how soft, smooth, and radiant my skin looked after the first use. I was hoping it would help address the clogged pores on my chin that even topical prescriptions can't seem to keep clear. Now, I can't imagine being without this. I experienced no irritation or dryness whatsoever from this formula. It's so gentle. I hope they keep making this for a long time. I don't want to be without it!" — K
14. A Tatcha rice wash cleanser is basically your next glow-up in cute purple packaging. This creamy, foamy wash is packed with Japanese rice powder to help gently exfoliate, Okinawa algae to help flood the skin with moisture, and hyaluronic acid to plump things up before the rest of your routine.
Ulta
Promising review:"I bought a value kit to see if I liked this brand. I ABSOLUTELY love this!! My skin feels and looks amazing! There is a slight exfoliation, but I use the hydration cream afterwards and have had no issues. I'm in my late 30s and had my teenager use this and immediately saw a difference. Skin looks clearer and brighter." — Tiff
15. A Shiseido Benefiance eye cream, because it's the creamy, dreamy, and superrrrr moisturizing answer to all my dry under-eye woes. This eye cream applies like butter to hydrate my skin while working fantastically under makeup. (No pilling here!)
Ulta
Promising review:"I am absolutely obsessed with this eye cream. It is so moisturizing and feels amazing. I cannot recommend this enough!" — Julia
17. A Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide cream, because not all peptides are created equal! This cream has a whopping NINE different signal peptides that all work together to help restore plumpness, radiance, and moisture to your skin. It also comes in a handy airless container to ensure your skinvestment stays fresh 'til the last drop!
Ulta
Promising review:"This is my can't-live-without daytime moisturizer! It's the perfect texture, and not too rich to wear under makeup. I get that the price can be a lot, but I've tried to find cheaper alternatives and I keep coming back to this. Gotta love the packaging too!" — Carrie
18. A Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm that I use on my post-adult-acne dark spots, which I thought would never go away. This formula contains panthenol that will hydrate the area while beta-glucan works overtime to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Ulta
Promising review:"I've been picking my face for the past five years due to anxiety, and this product has been such a holy grail for me. Any time I pop a pimple, I wash my face and apply this. I've seen a lot of improvement in the marks left behind by the pimples, and it's cleared my skin so much. It also has protected the open wounds from the pimples from makeup and other bacteria. I highly reccomend for anyone who picks a lot or has acne scarring." — Carl E
19. A beachy-scented Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 spray, because you apply sunscreen every day — but how often are you really reapplying it? This makes re-application as easy as a quick spray. The best part? It also helps add antioxidant protection with pongamia seed extract and niacinamide!
Ulta
Promising review:"I LOVE IT!!! This sunscreen is perfect; it gives my skin a hydrating look and feel. I was also not expecting it to smell exactly like their 87 perfume. 1,000% recommend to everyone." — Emma
20. A squalane facial oil if you like your skincare routine to feel à la carte. This facial oil is made with just one ingredient: 100% olive-derived squalane. It's a great noncomedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores!) ingredient for helping fortify your moisture barrier while upping your overall ~glow.~
Ulta
Promising review:"I have been looking for a product that would make my skin not dry out in the cold winter here in the Northeast. This does the trick. My skin is not tight after washing and feels good throughout the day. I use it right after washing my face before applying sunscreen." — Sie
21. A hydrating rose sleeping mask, because the key to hydrated skin is locking moisture in while you sleep! Think of this mask as slugging in a jar — it creates a moisture seal to help hold all your replenishing skincare ingredients close to your skin!
Ulta
Promising review:"I have used this cream for slugging with skincare products a couple of times a month. I love this product; it is very lightweight and absorbs well. Does not cause breakouts in sensitive skin. Great product and smells like natural roses" — Goardenorgohome
22. A Dermalogica vitamin C serum so that dull skin can be a distant memory, once and for all. This serum contains ultra-stable vitamin C to help brighten and protect from environmental aggressors, plus lactic acid and peptides to help firm the skin.
Ulta
23. A bottle of Magic Molecule's The Solution that you can spritz on whenever you sense that a breakout or redness is coming on. This spray has hypochlorous acid, which, while it can sound scary, is actually one of the top ingredients for relieving redness and soothing sensitive skin types!
Ulta
Promising review:"I have more dry/sensitive skin and use a low-dose retinol. I needed something to help with sporadic breakouts without dying my face. I use this most days on my face and upper back, and my skin has never been clearer. It's made a huge difference. I'm getting more compliments on my skin, too. It doesn't strip it dry when I use it." — Steph
24. A Kiehl's microdose retinol serum, because retinol, while it's great for stimulating collagen and elastin production, can sensitize a lot of skin types! Retinol is typically synonymous with dry skin and irritation — but this retinol serum aims to neutralize those effects with moisture-rich ceramides and skin-firming peptides so that you can enjoy plump, clear skin without the downtime.
Ulta
Promising review:"I am able to use this product. It works well to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. It is not drying, and I've experienced no irritation. I do use it at night and use sunscreen during the day. I will purchase again and highly recommend." — Kay
25. A Fur Oil that is, honestly, pretty necessary if you're an adult human with body hair. Whether you shave, wax, or go au naturale, this oil helps to minimize ingrown hairs, smooth skin, and soften hairs.
Ulta
Promising review:"Despite my extensive experience with body care products, this one is the best. The texture is opulent, the aroma is delicate yet refreshing, and it absorbs well without leaving any residue. OUTSTANDING JOB, FUR! Love this stuff." — Liv
Price: $28+ (available in two sizes)
26. A personal microdermabrasion tool so that you can say farewell to expensive in-office treatments. Much like a microdermabrasion treatment at your local MedSpa, this tool whisks away dead skin cells while sucking gunk from the pores.
Ulta
Promising review:"I'm so happy with the results, even after one use. I made sure to watch a tutorial and read instructions to avoid a burn, which is from user error, not the product. I noticed right away how much brighter my skin is — even my husband commented on how my skin was glowing. Afterwards, I definitely noticed I had to use less product because my skin had better absorption. I had been going back and forth for a while on purchasing, and finally did when there was a sale. I wish I had purchased this long ago!! Totally worth it. If you're contemplating, go for it, read instructions — you won't be disappointed." — Sara
Price: $159 (available in two colors)
27. And an advanced night repair serum, because your skin does most of its recovery while you're asleep — this serum just helps it out! It contains a proprietary Night Peptide to restore firmness, plus hyaluronic acid to add a juicy glow. Even though this serum has the word "night" in its title, you *can* totally use it during the day for extra antioxidant protection!
Ulta
Promising review:"I recently added this serum to my daily skincare routine and it has made my skin so incredibly soft, moisturized, balanced, and blemish-free. I will continue to buy this product!" — Cam
Price: $55+ (available in four sizes)
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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- Newsweek
Mom Notices Baby Has Birthmarks on Back, Then Comes Heartbreaking Diagnosis
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. What began as concern over birthmarks on her newborn's back unfolded into a journey of unexpected medical challenges for one mother online. In a TikTok video, mother Mackenzie Dodd summed up the whiplash of noticing something minor about her newborn baby, only to discover a shocking diagnosis. Dodd, 31, told Newsweek about her daughter's medical trajectory, and how she has had to adjust from typical parenthood to being a "medical mom"—that is, having a child with one or more medical complexities. "I wonder why she has so many birthmarks on her back," Dodd captioned the video of her newborn. "Spinal cord injury … Little did we know." Photos from Mackenzie Dodd's TikTok video of her baby. Photos from Mackenzie Dodd's TikTok video of her baby. @kenseacarolin/TikTok What initially appeared to be a cluster of birthmarks on her newborn's back was, in fact, a critical indicator of a significant spinal cord injury, launching Dodd and her family into the complex world of pediatric disability. Dodd recounted the earliest moments of her unease when her husband noted the birthmarks. "As soon as my husband glanced at me, I felt a pit in my stomach," she said. "He asked the nurses, and they assured us it seemed to only be birthmarks." Despite the initial reassurances, though, their gut feeling persisted. The gravity of the situation became clear as they prepared for discharge from the hospital. "We were getting ready to get discharged when the lead peds [doctor] decided she needed an ultrasound, which confirmed something wasn't 'right,'" Dodd said. "We then were told she needed to be transported to a bigger hospital an hour away. They did an emergency MRI and a neurosurgeon came in and told us the news. She was 1 day old when she got her diagnosis." The diagnosis revealed that her daughter had a spinal-cord injury. She suffered from Tethered Cord Syndrome, a neurological disorder where the spinal cord is abnormally attached to surrounding tissue. She also had Caudal Regression Syndrome, involving the abnormal development of the lower spine and spinal cord. This meant a future far different from what Dodd and her husband had imagined for their newborn. 'She Is Thriving' This unexpected journey profoundly reshaped Dodd's perspective on motherhood and health-care advocacy. "This journey has changed my perspective on motherhood completely," she said. "I have two older children that are neurotypical and never needed a doctor other than for checkups. It's given me a glimpse of the disability world—and being able to advocate, educate and push for inclusion has been so close to my heart ever since." Dodd's experience has fueled a deep commitment: "I urge any and every parent to advocate for their child's health," she added. Now 3 years old, Dodd's daughter continues to navigate her complex medical needs, yet thrives against the odds. "We are still learning all about her disability, and her future is still fuzzy, but she is thriving and doing so much better than doctors said," Dodd said. The family's life is marked by frequent medical appointments, sometimes over three per week. Despite the constant medical oversight, Dodd said that her daughter is, at her core, a typical toddler. "She is still a 3-year-old learning about the world, and it's so beautiful to see the relationship she has with her brothers, and seeing them protect and nurture that side of her as well," she said. This sibling bond is a highlight amid the challenges. Dodd documents her journey on TikTok as a "medical mom" sharing the importance of parental intuition and persistence in advocating for a child's health.
