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Business Insider
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I'm a beauty writer and these are the 60 best Prime Day beauty deals for a summer glow-up, starting at $6
Today is the first day of Amazon's Prime Day deals, meaning it's time to lock in on which products I need this summer. It wouldn't be a true haul if it weren't for the best Prime Day beauty of my desert island items are on sale, like skincare, sunscreen, makeup, and haircare. Today, savvy shoppers can save on everything from luxury serums by Sunday Riley to everyday items like shampoo, lip balm, and pimple Day is a big opportunity for K-beauty fans like myself, with deals on popular Korean skincare. My favorite lip balm is Laneige's Glowy Lip Balm, so I'm stocking up while it's $5 off in the shade "Berry." COSRX also has a Prime Day beauty deal on its best-selling Snail Mucin Essence for nearly half this hot weather, there are hot deals hot styling tools. Today, the notoriously expensive Dyson Supersonic Origin hair dryer is on sale for $80 off. Every woman I know who owns a Supersonic agrees it is by far the best hair dryer they've ever used. I've had my own Dyson hair dryer for over 3 years, and there's truly nothing quite like it. The award-winning daily face wash with cold-pressed antioxidants to remove makeup, prevent buildup in pores, and support pH balance. Compact in size, the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is great to bring on the go. It offers all-day hydration and a slight glossy sheen. Cure your whiteheads overnight with this 36-pack of hydrocolloid pore-cleansing stickers. This extremely hydrating 2-in-1 toner and moisturizer is a must for a complete skincare routine. Its gentle formula helps your skin feel more smooth and plump. The Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence uses snail mucin to repair and fortify your complexion. A dense, rich moisturizing cream that's safe for dry, sensitive skin. It's meant to help boost your skin barrier so you're protected from pollutants. Behold — a beauty editor's holy grail. This is one of the best, most effective vitamin C serums on the market, infused with cold-pressed ingredients to give your skin a natural, healthy glow. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is like a lip balm version of the brand's cult-favorite Water Sleeping Mask. It deeply nourishes the lips and smells delicious. There's not one, but eight types of hyaluronic acid in this sunscreen to pull moisture into your skin. Another unique feature is the color-correcting green tint, which helps to counteract redness and even out your skin tone. Wear this yummy serum-infused lip tint on its own, or as a topper with your favorite lip combo. The donut-shaped applicator helps it glide on smoothly. This hair oil provides intense hydration and nourishment for dry, frizzy hair. Known for hydrating skin and refreshing makeup, the Mario Badescu Facial Spray is made with aloe, herbs, and rosewater, and is suitable for all skin types. You can use it at a toner after cleansing or as a refresher for makeup. If you're a beginner to skincare, this serum is a great place to start. It contains vitamin C to brighten skin and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. Prime Day is and ideal moment to save on an otherwise-too-expensive hair styling tool. Our expert beauty reporters have tested several of the best blow dryer brushes and best hair dryers that are on sale today, so you can achieve a DIY blowout for of my favorite hair styling tools I've ever used, the Dyson Airwrap, is on sale for $100 off. For a limited time, it's priced closer than to the best Dyson Airwrap dupes we've tested. So if there were ever a moment to splurge on the real deal, it's now. This pared down version of the prestigious Airwrap has three styling attachments for salon-quality at-home blowouts. The Supersonic will cut your drying time in half. This package comes with the legendary blowdryer, plus one concentrator attachment for precision styling. The NuMe Octowand is a multi-purpose styling tool offing a variety of curl options thanks to the multiple interchangeable barrel sizes. Skip the trip to the salon and get the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer that blows hot air through a charcoal bristle brush. This updated version features a slimmer handle for better control, a smaller barrel for creating flips and waves, and additional heating settings for damage prevention. This Blowout Kit from T3 offers fast and gentle styling thanks to the Aire360 technology that channels airflow to thoroughly dry and curl hair safely. Use the cool shot feature to lock in your style for an extra bouncy blowout all day long. This blow dryer is especially great for folks with short hair thanks to its small barrel size (1.5 inches). You can use Prime Day to save on luxury skincare from French pharmacy staples like La Roche Posay. Serums from Sunday Riley and cleansers from Tatcha are also well below their typical treatments and hydrating creams are on my shopping list for Prime Day. My absolute favorite moisturizer for acne-prone skin is the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream, so I'm stocking up while it's marked down. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a physical sunscreen that protects from UVA/UVB rays and free radicals without making you look pale and shiny. This jumbo pack of barely-there blemish stickers will have you stocked up for any future breakouts. The top-tier Mighty Patch hydrocolloid bandages help erase whiteheads quickly. If you're suffering from bacne and want to clear up your complexion before the beach, here's a simple spray-on solution with B vitamins and Zinc-PCA. It curbs oil production and soothe redness. This K-beauty essential is a rich, dense cream that works to hydrate skin while helping its ability to absorb moisture. 'Using this everyday has visibly improved my very dry skin,' says associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. 'I never travel without it.' From the K-beauty brand with the best-selling snail mucin serum comes this lightweight facial sunscreen, infused with vitamin E to help strengthen the skin barrier while protecting it from UV rays. If you still have dull under-eye circles after a good night's sleep, try this brightening serum. This formula is made to soothe and tone sensitive skin, while still offering the myriad of benefits that come with vitamin C. This gel-to-foam cleanser creates a rich lather to lift grime from your pores and soften the skin's surface. These gel toner pads work to minimize pores while boosting skin elasticity. This gentle, lightweight foaming cleanser is good for oily skin types. It contains antioxidant-rich green tea extract to help clear pollutants. This clean-beauty best-seller is an exfoliating cleanser that helps brighten and even the tone and texture of your skin. After just a few days of using Good Genes, you'll notice your skin has a new glow. This product is without a doubt one of the quickest and most effective ways to achieve even, smoother, brighter, and plumper skin. This intensive moisturizer offers 120 hours of hydration and is designed for dry, sensitive skin. This serum is more effective than vitamin C, sun-safe, and nonirritating. It's also a great alternative for someone who might be sensitive to other formulas. Youth To The People's Age Prevention Superfood Cream is both green and hyper-moisturizing, making it perfect for ethically-minded folks. This super-fine cream mist helps moisturize and refresh your skin. "I keep mine in the fridge for a spritz of cooling hydration," writes style editor Gabrielle Chase. "It absorbs quickly, too." This cream is a deeply hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer designed for dry and sensitive skin, offering up to 100 hours of moisture retention and skin barrier repair. This fast-acting formula uses salicylic acid to exfoliate and clear pores, effectively reducing the size and redness of blemishes. An oil cleanser that you can actually wash off! this gentle cleanser transforms into milk upon contact with water, leaving skin soft, replenished, and hydrated. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil Serum is a gentle-yet-effective alternative to traditional retinols that may be too harsh for sensitive skin. This serum delivers deep, lasting hydration with its fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula. Featuring a 5D complex of hyaluronic acid molecules, it plumps and soothes dry or sensitive skin while remaining hypoallergenic and free from harsh additives. I get lots of recommendations for trendy makeup tricks on Instagram. For instance, I'm now blurring my Cupid's bow with lip stain instead of using a precise liner. Another good part about Prime Day: I can get the perfect pout (without any scary needles!) using one of our top-tested lip plumping gloss and are some Prime makeup deals on products that have been reviewed by thousands of Amazon customers. This shiny, sparkly formula is among the top five on Amazon's Most Wished For list of lip plumpers. It's a K-beauty favorite with a sheer color-changing finish. The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is a cult-favorite because its sweat-proof formula keeps makeup looking freshly applied for hours on end. This silky, glossy formula makes you tingle and swell into a lush pout. "It applies smoothly and leaves my lips feeling softer and fuller," according to style editor Gabrielle Chase. Inside it contains hyaluronic acid, jojoba and avocado oils. The Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer is a highly effective multi-purpose under eye concealer, which hides dark circles, brightens, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with instant and long-lasting flawless results. This non-sticky lip oil is the perfect lightly tinted, glossy topper for your lip combo. It has a gentle tingling effect that plumps your lips, and it smells divine. This travel-size compact comes with six neutral shades to create the perfect smoky eye on the go. As a beauty editor, this is one of my favorite long-wear lip stains. It stays on for a good few hours — even if you're eating and drinking. Just be sure to double-check the price, since different colors have different discounts. Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner gives your pout a luscious boost thanks to an invigorating formula full of peptides and hyaluronic acid. Here are a dozen soft pink eyeshadows including rich mauve, nude rose, and deep sparkly brown shades to create a range of looks. Get fuller, smoother-looking lips with this high-shine, non-sticky gloss that delivers volume, hydration, and a syrupy finish. With buildable pigment and 17 versatile shades, you can customize your look from natural tint to bold color without compromising long-lasting moisture. These enamel-safe strips are similar to the ever-popular Professional Effects 3D Whitestrips, but Crest claims they can make teeth up to 23 levels whiter. The kit comes with 20 Professional Effects treatments and four express treatments for speedier and more dramatic results. The original Wet Brush has flexible bristles that's gentle on detangling thick curls and waves in the shower, meaning less strands down the drain. This bond builder from L'Oreal Paris is a great budget pick for those looking for a deeply nourishing hair treatment. Massage this moisturizing treatment into your scalp and leave it in for 15 minutes before your "everything shower" for a soothing effect and stronger strands. Like No. 4, the No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is sulfate-free, color-safe, and vegan. Gentle enough to be used daily, it's recommended to first focus the conditioner on the ends and distribute evenly upward. Longtake's convenient, gel perfume, is designed to deliver a consistent, long-lasting sandalwood aroma with every use. For a long-lasting hold, body & fullness from mid-lengths to ends, style with SexyHair Powder Play Volume & Texturizing Powder. This powder provides body and lift while remaining transparent for up to 48 hours. This dry shampoo works incredibly well and smells amazing. It doesn't leave behind white streaks even on dark hair, and never leaves you feeling like you just sprayed chalk on your scalp. The SolaWave Wand is an anti-aging skincare tool that uses red LED light therapy to promote the stimulation of collagen and elastin. Keep an individually-wrapped hypoallergenic makeup-remover moist towelettes in your purse or luggage during travel. Keep all your favorite cosmetics and tools organized with this multi-functional makeup case. It has special sleeves for brushes and a detachable divider. Yes, especially for beauty products because they rarely go on sale. Additionally, we've consistently found that Amazon Prime Day offers the lowest prices on some of the best everything — but a huge amount does go on sale. In years past, we've reported on some of the top beauty brands participating in the event. That includes Sunday Riley, Dyson, Laneige, and Urban Decay. Read up on our top Laneige picks in our Laneige skincare July 8, through Friday, July 11, you need an Amazon Prime membership to shop on Prime Day. When you sign up, you earn free two-day shipping, plus access to countless shows and movies via Prime Video. Sign up for a free 30-day trial to test it out before you fully sunscreen use is one of the best forms of anti-aging skincare. For our guide to the best SPF lip balms, we consulted senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale, and Dr. Marie Hayag, founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics. Dr. Hale informed us about the two groups of UV-blocking ingredients: physical and chemical. The former include ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while the latter has components like avobenzone and octisalate. "Look for products with antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C," says Dr. Hayag. "They neutralize and boost protection from free radicals produced by UV radiation and visible light."Every swimsuit season, I'm reminded that the razor I use to shave my legs with is (literally) not going to cut it when it comes to maintaining my bikini line. We tested some of the best bikini hair removal products and found that Phillips Beauty BikiniGenie Cordless Trimmer is a great little device for touching up your pubic hair. To get a smoother shave, look for shave oils and creams that contain aloe vera and vitamin E.I have high-porosity curls, so the more I wash it, the more brittle it becomes. Ever since I started using a shampoo that contains the best rosemary oil for hair growth, I notice less strands going down the drain. Briogeo has a excellent pre-wash oil that also helps clarify an itchy scalp.
New York Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Sunday Riley's Juno Face Oil is on sale — before Prime Day even starts
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Okay, skincare lovers, listen up: Sunday Riley's Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil — aka the face oil that will make you look like you drink eight glasses of water a day and sleep like a baby (even if you don't) — is on sale right now on Amazon. And, get this: Prime Day doesn't even start until tomorrow (July 8). This is your moment. Let's cut to the chase: Juno is that girl, the glow-giver, the skin savior. As a full-time beauty product tester and commerce reporter who has been testing the best formulas for more than 4 years religiously, I can say with certainty that this product is a favorite that I've been using for years. It helps bring my skin to a healthy complexion that honestly has me looking in the mirror on repeat. It's a luscious blend of cold-pressed superfood oils that hydrates and does your skin some good. Think: blueberry, blackberry, broccoli raspberry (yes, your smoothie's entire family tree) all packed with antioxidants, omegas and a one-way ticket to dewy skin heaven. Amazon What makes Juno so different? First of all, she feels luxe, sans that weird perfume-y scent and greasy mess. It's an elegant product that's filled with pure, nourishing goodness that sinks in like your skin's been waiting for it all its life. Whether you're dry, combo, sensitive or just chronically dehydrated because you 'forgot to drink water again,' Juno delivers. For 50% off, this product is worth it. And now, the part I'm internally screaming about. This face oil rarely goes on sale. Sunday Riley is powerful, consistent and not exactly known for discounting. So the fact that it's already marked down ahead of Prime Day? That's your sign from the skincare gods (and Jeff Bezos, I guess?) to stock up now. But let's talk results, because this oil isn't just pretty packaging. Juno feeds your face with nutrient-rich oils that brighten, even out texture and make you look suspiciously well-rested. The finish is *chef's kiss*, just the kind of radiance that makes people ask, 'What are you using on your skin?' and you get to smirk and say, 'Oh, just something with blueberry seed oil.' Humble brag, activated. This oil is a multitasking queen, too. When I use it, I press it in before my moisturizer or even mix a drop into my foundation for a juicy finish. Or, you can simply tap it over your cheekbones for the ultimate no-makeup highlight. If the ends of your hair are dry, dare I suggest running a drop through your hair? Juno's versatile, a little bit extra (in the best way) and worth every penny — even more so when she's on sale for just about 50% off. And while yes, Prime Day is tomorrow and you might be thinking, 'What if it goes on an even bigger sale?' Friend, don't play those games. The price is already better than usual, and this stuff sells out fast. If you wait, your cart might end up with a big fat 'currently unavailable' notice. No one needs that kind of heartbreak. So, if your skincare routine could use a little main character energy, grab the Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil now while she's still in stock and on sale. Your glow-up doesn't need to wait for Prime Day — it starts today. Your Prime Day FAQs, answered How long does Prime Day last? In a new twist for 2025, shoppers have 4 days to take advantage of Prime Day discounts. This sale starts on July 8 at 12:01 a.m. PT and runs through July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT. When does Prime Day end? Prime Day 2025 ends on July 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so east-coasters have until about 3 a.m. on July 12 their time to shop the deals. Do you have to have Amazon Prime to shop Prime Day? Prime Day is a member-exclusive sale event. Interested shoppers can grab a 30-day free trial to try Prime, and its many benefits, with no strings attached. What are the best Prime Day deals? From reporting on Amazon sales throughout the years, we can tell you for certain that it's the ideal period to stock up on household essentials, score great deals on vacuums, tech and appliances, refill your skincare empties, and comb through the massive catalog of Amazon best-sellers. Is Prime Day worth it? We certainly think so! Prime Day is a great chance to score Black Friday-worthy discounts on thousands of deals, including everything from big ticket items to Post reader-favorite trash bags. Our team diligently sorts through all the offers to find you the very best items to grab on sale. When is the next Prime Day? Already wondering when the next Amazon Prime Day is? Prime Day takes place in July each year, so it's safe to assume it will take place in mid-July 2026 — similar to previous years. Can't wait to shop more Amazon deals? Look out for Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, which typically runs in October for shoppers looking to beat the holiday rush of Black Friday. Don't miss Post Wanted's around-the-clock coverage. Click here to find all of the best deals. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
New York Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- New York Times
This Liquid Exfoliant Has Been My Holy-Grail Skin-Care Product for Years. Here's Why.
I'm a huge skin-care nerd, but whenever I'm feeling tired, sluggish, or lazy at the end of the day (which is, you know, often), it's a challenge to get through all the steps of my nightly skin-care routine. When that happens, I make a deal with myself: Just get to the part where you apply Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which I do after cleansing and toning, and you're good. That's because this super-gentle yet super-effective formula — one of Wirecutter's picks for the best exfoliant — gives my complexion a noticeable glow and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and healthy every time I use it, even if I use no other products after it. Should I manage to perform all of my facial ablutions before bed, I'll follow up the Paula's Choice 2% BHA with a serum (Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment) and a night cream (CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, one of our recommended moisturizers). But if I had to choose just one product to care for my skin after cleansing, it's definitely this exfoliant. I haven't found anything else that's as enjoyable to use with such dramatic, pleasing results. This Paula's Choice 2% BHA contains just eight ingredients. Its main active ingredient is salicylic acid, which is a kind of beta hydroxy acid. BHA is one of three types of chemical exfoliants often used in skin care — the other two are alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is a smaller molecule, and polyhydroxy acid (PHA), which is a larger molecule. BHAs are known for being 'exceptionally efficacious at sinking into pores and breaking down the sebum that causes oiliness and cystic acne,' editor Rory Evans explains in our exfoliant guide. That claim proved especially true among our Paula's Choice 2% BHA testers. 'More than any other BHA serum we tested,' Rory notes in the guide, 'Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant made us feel like it was really getting in there to lift away oils and grime.' The brand recommends applying one or two shakes of the exfoliant to a cotton pad and swiping it all over the face and neck. The experts I talked to concurred that this is the best application method, because the pad helps physically remove the excess sebum and dead, flaking skin cells that the product is formulated to help treat. But I must confess: Sometimes I shake the exfoliant into my cupped hands and pat it into my face and neck with my fingertips, because I just love how it feels. Other times, as a treat, I press it in with a jade roller so I can also enjoy a little facial massage. The thing is, my love for Paula's Choice 2% BHA has nothing to do with how much gunk I see on my cotton pad after I've applied it. I am middle-aged (ish?), so my face isn't the sebum-churning machine it once was. I still experience congestion, but big blackheads or gnarly zits are much more of a rarity for me these days. When I use a cotton pad with Paula's Choice 2% BHA, I hardly ever see any telltale grime on the pad afterwards (although my 12-year-old, who's just starting her battle with blackheads and pimples, also uses Paula's Choice 2%, and she sure does). Instead, what I love most about this product is how it's formulated to address a wide range of skin concerns in addition to clogged pores. Only use Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant once or twice a week to start. Your skin might feel a little warm and tingly or turn a little red for several minutes after you apply it. If you have a stronger reaction than that, this product might be too concentrated for you. Otherwise, you can slowly work up to using it as often as twice a day. Rose Lorre/NYT Wirecutter 'A product is more than just its active [ingredient],' Mary Lupo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology, said in a phone interview. 'The vehicle is crucial.' In other words, the overall formulation of a skin-care product can be just as important as the attention-grabbing ingredients that are usually highlighted front and center on its packaging. (Paula's Choice 2% BHA contains the fewest ingredients of any of our exfoliant picks, and the fewer ingredients a product has, the less likely it is to contain one that irritates your skin.) Of the five exfoliants we recommend in our guide, Paula's Choice 2% BHA is one of only two that contains green tea extract, an antioxidant-packed skin enhancer with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. (The other exfoliant with green tea extract in our guide, Shani Darden Lactic Acid Serum, costs about $89 an ounce, whereas the Paula's Choice exfoliant, depending on the size of the container, is roughly $9 an ounce.) Paula's Choice 2% BHA also contains methylpropanediol, 'a humectant that will help retain moisture and help to combat any potential dryness from the BHA,' Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, said in a phone interview. Combined with the green tea extract's soothing properties, she added, 'This product is really beneficial for those dealing with breakouts and redness.' And though I don't have definitive proof, I swear that I can actually feel all of those benefits in real time after I apply the exfoliant. Initially, it delivers a temporary flush to my skin along with a warming tingle — but never an uncomfortable burning or stinging sensation, which 'could be a bad sign of increased risk of skin-barrier damage,' Rambhia said. After a few minutes, my skin is calm and feels replenished and hydrated, which is why, even though I know I shouldn't, I occasionally skip moisturizer before bed. Even without that final layer, I'm pleased with how my skin feels when I wake up the next morning. Swiping a liquid exfoliant onto your skin with a cotton pad (as I'm doing in the first pic) helps get all that gunk off your skin. However, I also love how the product feels and performs when I pat it into my skin with my fingers or when I press it in with a jade roller. Rose Lorre/NYT Wirecutter Though I love my Paula's Choice 2% BHA, on paper I should prefer AHAs over BHAs. This is because AHAs are known to improve skin texture, address uneven skin tone, and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (So, you know, old-people stuff.) These two types of acids are sometimes discussed as if they're opposites that serve different demographics: BHAs are usually said to be best-suited for younger people who worry more about acne and clogged pores, while AHAs are better for more-mature skin-care issues. In my experience, though — and according to the known science behind these acids and the experts I spoke to — your age shouldn't stop you from incorporating a good BHA into your skin-care routine, since clogged pores can be an issue at all stages of life. (In your later years, they may be more likely due to a pile-up of dead skin cells, as opposed to an overproduction of sebum in your earlier years.) Plus, if you use a BHA, you can still use an AHA, as I do. The serum I use after Paula's Choice 2% BHA in my skin-care routine contains AHA in the form of lactic acid. There's nothing that says you can't use the two in tandem, or even simultaneously, so long as they're not too irritating to your skin. (In fact, another exfoliating product we recommend, Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads, contains both.) But I often find AHAs a little too irritating for me to apply every day, and after years of use, I just feel that BHAs are more my jam. Turns out, I'm not the only one. 'If push comes to shove, I'd say that the AHAs are a little inflammatory to the skin, whereas the BHAs are anti-inflammatory,' Lupo said. Unlike many AHAs, BHAs are also lipophilic, she added, which means they're better at preventing transepidermal water loss — a concern that might be particularly acute as skin ages. Rambhia added, 'For mature patients, your skin isn't turning over as robustly as it was when you're younger, so things like dullness can tend to be more prevalent; that's where I think a BHA is really useful. It can help revive the skin and improve dullness by exfoliating the top layer of skin cells.' As with any skin-care acid, the only trick to using Paula's Choice 2% BHA is to make sure you're not using too much of it. Both experts I spoke to recommend applying it twice a week to start, to ensure your skin isn't irritated by it. If your skin can tolerate it, feel free to gradually start using it more often. The brand recommends up to twice daily, which is how often I use it, because sometimes, you really can't have too much of a good thing. I purchased my first bottle of Paula's Choice 2% about two and a half years ago in a trial size. Now I buy it in bulk, in the biggest size available, when it's on sale. I always have multiple bottles stashed away, waiting for their call of duty. Each one will get its turn atop my sink vanity, I know, because I am not moving on from this product anytime soon — quite possibly never. For smoother, glowier, healthier skin, it's the choice I make again and again. This article was edited by Megan Beauchamp and Hannah Rimm. For clearer, brighter skin, there's no quicker route than a few swipes of an exfoliant. We tested 22 and found five standouts in a range of effective concentrations and textures. If you're new to exfoliation, start with just once a week for one month. Then consider bumping that up to twice a week if your skin can tolerate it. The dermatologists we spoke with give hypochlorous acid the green light for face and wound care. We tested seven popular brands, but only three won us over. Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for skin care. We tested 28 over-the-counter contenders to find five true standouts.
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Shoppers say new Medik8 buy made skin visibly brighter in days
'My skin drinks it right up. I see a visible improvement in the glowy-ness and bounce of my skin after about one week' The Mirror's shopping team is always on the lookout for beauty launches worth shouting about - from Laneige's Maple Glaze Lip Serum (£19) to Merit's Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen (£34). So when we caught wind of Medik8's new C-Tetra Advanced 20% Vitamin C Gel-Serum, the excitement was real. Medik8, best known for its science-led formulas and results-driven skincare (hello, Crystal Retinal), is already a staple for many glow-chasers. So naturally, we assumed this new serum would be a hit - and early reviews prove us right. Shoppers say the gel serum gives them a 'visible glow' within a week, with one saying it 'gives a nice radiance to the face.' In clinical trials, 100% of users reported visibly brighter skin and a reduction in fine lines within seven days. So, what makes this serum different from your standard vitamin C dropper? It uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stabilised form of vitamin C that penetrates deeply to brighten and even skin tone. Fans can also expect hyaluronic acid to hydrate, as well as phyto-exosomes, which are plant-based ingredients known for calming inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier. Basically, it's like a regular vitamin C serum - but turned up to 11. If you're starting your glow-up journey, there are plenty of other radiance-boosting formulas to explore. We also rate Sunday Riley's C.E.O Glow Oil (£68), which is ideal for dry skin. Otherwise, Ole Henriksen's Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum (£44.25) is a cult favourite that helps fade dark spots and improve fine lines. However, as mentioned, Medik8's C-Tetra already has a solid 4.8-star rating. One person said: "This is such a beautiful silky serum. My skin drinks it right up. I see a visible improvement in the glowy-ness and bounce of my skin after about one week." Another said: "I'm enjoying this so far. It has a smooth consistency, white in colour, and smells like a juicy tangerine. It doesn't burn or sting my somewhat sensitive skin. I trust this brand and feel confident that I'll get good results and protection from it during the day." However, another noted: 'I'm not a fan, sorry. I prefer the C-Tetra Lux, as I feel this one leaves my skin less hydrated and does not give that glow.' It's very smooth and sinks in quickly, leaving my skin more even and poreless, but I prefer a more hydrating vitamin C." But someone else chimed in: "The C-Tetra advanced is the perfect consistency that goes onto the skin nice and smoothly and is not greasy. It has a lovely smell and gives a nice radiance to the face." Meanwhile, a happy buyer said: "I've been using the normal vitamin C for some time and just stepped up to this one. It's as good as ever, and you can see the results in a week. As a matter of fact, all Medik8 products are excellent."
Buzz Feed
17-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Wait, Before You Restock Your Pricey Name-Brand Beauty Products, Check Out These 30 More Affordable Versions That Provide Stunning Results
A Briotech spray with results rivaling that of the pricier Tower 28 spray. Packed with the same key ingredient, hypochlorous acid, this little gem can be your go-to whenever your skin feels like it's on the brink of a meltdown. Just a quick spritz, and it'll get to work soothing inflammation, calming angry red patches, and fortifying your skin's barrier like a protective spell. The cult-fave Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence formulated with 96.3% snail secretion, which is perfectly lightweight and hydrating for all skin types. This essence leaves a nice glow and keeps skin visibly smooth after a few uses — so you're getting expensive-looking *results* without the hefty bill of name-brand moisturizers. And SeoulCeuticals Snail Repair Cream, a non-comedogenic moisturizer that can help reduce fine lines and dark spots. It contains shea butter, aloe, and jojoba oil to help your skin feel smoother and more rejuvenated than ever. Think of it as your wallet-friendly secret weapon against pricier brands like Sunday Riley and Drunk Elephant. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment, which will have your hair feeling like it's on cloud nine. This hair mask is infused with collagen and protein extracts — after applying to wet hair and sitting for only five minutes, your hair will be completely transformed. It's giving Olaplex (without the $$$). A long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint boasting over 18,000 5-star ratings. Reviewers say it's so pigmented that you only need one swipe and you're good to go — and the *amazing* part is this tint stays on all day. Drawing comparisons to Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, YSL Velvet Cream, and Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint, it's giving 10s across the board! E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, a lightweight base that won't have you feeling like you're wearing a mask all day. This primer also has a blurring effect that reduces the appearance of pores and gives you a velvety smooth canvas for your makeup. Tatcha Silk Canvas, I've got your competition on the phone. A pack of two Venus Visage teeth whitening pens because come on, who doesn't want pearly white teeth? These easy-to-use pens brush the whitening gel onto your teeth so you won't have to struggle with the awkward feeling of Crest Whitestrips. (Besides, these are a fraction of the cost.) A bottle of Fanola "No Yellow" purple shampoo as the ultimate solution to your brassy hair problems. Not only will it neutralize those unwanted yellow hues in gray or blonde hair, but it'll also help blend out darker roots as they grow in — now you can put off that expensive salon visit for a little longer! Peach Slices acne spot dots ready to shrink your problems overnight. OK, I'm not talking student loans or awkward first date type of problems, but they do help with pimples! These patches, which are comparable to (and cheaper than) Mighty Patch, not only cover up your zits, but they also suck out all the gross gunk, leaving your skin looking fresh and clear. A L'Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment created with the same key ingredients as salon-brand versions (like Redken's). It instantly smoothes and detangles, making it a breeze to brush through your hair. No more annoying knots or tangles to deal with! Plus, when you dry your hair, you'll notice much less frizz than usual. LilyAna Naturals eye cream so you'll look more like you got a full eight hours of sleep (even if you only got three). With restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E, this cream helps tackle dark circles, fine lines, and puffy under-eye bags — and a little goes a long way, so you won't need to break the bank to see results. A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel capable of achieving results so good, the pictures speak for themselves. It's like a spa pedicure in a bottle! Just apply the gel and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then finish up with a foot scrubber to ensure there's no dead skin left behind. If you love the results of Baby Foot but can't rationalize shelling out $25, snag this instead. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion so you don't have to burn a hole in your wallet rebuying Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. This moisturizer has light coverage, so it feels amazing on your skin, and it also helps to lightly color-correct any little blemishes you might have. It was MADE just for you to bask in the glow of fabulous skin. Essence's Lash Princess mascara that gives instant volume and length while also being smudge-proof, so you don't have to worry about looking like a hot mess by the end of the day. And the best part? Reviewers say this $5 mascara delivers the same (if not better) results as options from high-end brands like Too Faced and Benefit — no wonder it has over 260,000 5-star ratings! A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer 2.0 so you can dry and style your hair in one fell swoop, which means you can hit snooze a few more times in the morning and still come out looking like you just stepped out of the salon. Nice try, Drybar Brush, you're not breaking any banks over here! A pack of soft and bouncy makeup sponges — people are saying they're better than Beauty Blender and Real Techniques at a fraction of the cost. Their soft texture allows for a smooth and even application, whether you're blending out foundation, concealer, or contour. Reviewers also love how durable these little sponges are and that they don't easily rip or tear when you wash them. And a bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo to give your glam tools a good refresh in case they're starting to look like you used them for an art project. Packed with gentle, plant-based ingredients, this removes all that gunky makeup and oil, leaving your brushes squeaky clean. A super juicy Nyx lip oil that reviewers are saying is even better than the *much* more expensive Dior lip oil. With just one swipe, this magical lip oil will turn your desert cactus lips into a lush oasis. It ALSO has staying power so you can sip your coffee, eat your lunch, and smooch your S.O. without worrying about losing that perfect pout. 👄 A pack of bamboo oil-blotting sheets to help you avoid looking like a greasy mess by 11 a.m. They're perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the day and won't mess with your makeup! With 100 sheets in a pack for under 10 bucks, they're a steal compared to pricier brands like Tatcha. A popular pack of Skin1004 8-in-1 treatment masks ready to give you similar (if not better) results as the v expensive Hanacure, if you don't mind looking like a zombie for 15 minutes in exchange for (*takes a deep breath*): reduced fine lines, lifted skin, cleared acne, tightened pores, deeply hydrated skin, improved skin texture, balanced pH level, and a brightened complexion. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks because sometimes our wallet can't handle the splurge of a Laneige lip mask. A little goes a long way with this gem, and it will have your lips feeling soft and moisturized in no time. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette complete with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades for less than $10! This single palette offers endless possibilities for creativity, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to simplify their makeup collection. And if you noticed this looks similar to the James Charles x Morphe collab, well, you're not the only one. A tube of the cult-favorite Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eye primer that'll help enhance the pigment of your eyeshadow, giving it that ✨ pop ✨ you crave. It also helps control oil on your lids to make your makeup last all day. Why spend more on Urban Decay's Primer Potion when this exists (and half the price at that)? A Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa '68 — reviewers are buzzing about how similar it is to the super luxe and famously coveted Baccarat Rouge 540, but with a lighter twist. It's a blend of sultry jasmine, playful hibiscus, and that warm, sun-kissed musk. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush, which is so simple to use that even the newest of newbies can handle it — just dab it onto your skin for the prettiest pop of color. This blush lets you play around until you get the look that's just right for you — add a little for a natural flush or layer on more for a dramatic rosy look. Reviewers say if you're into Glossier Cloud Paint, this is totally up your alley. A paraben-free self-tanner perfect for summoning a sun-kissed glow without ever needing to step outside. This dreamy mousse glides over your skin smoothly, ensuring an even application without those awful streaks *and* you don't have to wait ages to see the magic happen — just one hour, and you'll be glowing like you've spent a day basking in the sun. CeraVe's Retinol Serum — if you're diving into the retinoid pool for the first time or if your skin usually throws a fit with stronger stuff, this serum uses encapsulated retinol to help reduce the appearance of scars and pores *without* making your skin flake or turn tomato red. Some folks have even started to ditch their pricier potions (yeah, I'm looking at you, Murad's $92 Retinol Serum). A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray that every makeup enthusiast should have in their arsenal. A few spritzes of this miracle elixir will lock your makeup in place, preventing it from smudging, melting, or fading away. It's perfect for those days when your foundation seems to have a mind of its own. A bottle of Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, which is capable of taking off every last bit of makeup and excess oil without any rough scrubbing or risk of irritating your sensitive skin. So long, Bioderma, you will *not* be missed. Physicians Formula Diamond Dust translucent powder so you can shine bright like a diamond without sacrificing your wallet. This highlight is similar to the $40 Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb, but for the people on a budget who also prefer a more subtle shimmer.
