Michael Murtaugh/NYT WirecutterA high-potency vitamin C serum at a great discountThis bright yellow bottle dispenses a tingly serum powered by an effective mix of fast-acting L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. It evens out skin tone and improves texture, and our testers noticed benefits very quickly.Other things to know: Shares most of its ingredients with the old-school proven classic SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum. Smells vaguely sweet. The tingling means it’s working (or rather, absorbing), but the 20% concentration may be too strong for people with sensitive skin.Read more: The Best Vitamin C SerumsA luscious vitamin C serum that’s great for thirsty skinThis nourishing serum is powered by THD ascorbate, a form of vitamin C that stays stable in creamy suspensions. It contains moisturizers including squalane, jojoba, and glycerin, but dries to an almost matte finish and layers well under other products. Testers loved the luxe bottle and zippy scent.Other things to know: THD ascorbate doesn’t have research-proven power, but the creamy formula may be worth the trade-off for those with dry skin.Read more: The Best Vitamin C SerumsA face wash that left testers refreshed and impressedTesters loved the way this juicy gel left their skin feeling bouncy, firm, and, as one put it, looking “snatched.” It contains a hefty dose of hydrating glycerin, plus three coconut-derived cleansing agents that elegantly whisk away schmutz and surface gunk.Other things to know: Fragrance-free, but the ingredients have a joyless, nearly medicinal aroma. The suds are passable but not plush. We think it’ll drop a bit lower at some point, but this is still a great time to buy.Read more: The Best Facial CleansersA mild, milky go-to Korean moisturizerThis smooth, hydrating Korean moisturizer is an everyday all-star. The alcohol- and fragrance-free formula is mellow enough for sensitive faces and contains skin-fortifying ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol. We loved the convenient pump and sheer, dewy results.Other things to know: Ounce for ounce, it’s a bit expensive, though this sale helps.Read more: The Best Korean Skin Care ProductsA bouncy, fresh-scented gel for oily skinWe love this ice-blue hybrid cream-gel moisturizer, a Korean skin-care favorite. It hydrates and gives a subtle glow without clogging pores, making it a favorite among testers with oily and acne-prone skin.Other things to know: Refreshing botanical fragrance. Expensive, but a little goes a long way. Those with dry skin may prefer something creamier.Read more: The Best Korean Skin Care ProductsA convenient sunscreen stick with a delightful matte finishThis handy, totable SPF stick is one of our favorite Korean skin-care products. Its remarkably smooth texture glides on easily for a refined matte finish, and the neat little case stashes easily in a bag or pocket.Other things to know: Uses UV protectants homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and avobenzone.Read more: The Best Korean Skin-Care ProductsLightweight, nearly invisible sunscreenGood sunscreen is worth its weight in gold, and this formula is a longtime favorite amongst Wirecutter staff. It’s great for protecting skin from harmful UV rays but still delicate enough to be used on your face, and comes in a cost-effective 18-ounce jug size.Other things to know: None of Wirecutter’s testers experienced a white cast, but some reported that it left them feeling greasy. Use our exclusive code WCPLAY to get the deal.Read more: Supergoop Sunscreen Is Worth the SplurgeAn everyday lip gloss for a plush, pretty poutThis tinted gloss’s lightweight and non-sticky formula delivers hydrating shine and comes in a number of sheer colors that flatter a variety of skin tones. Our mature testers especially liked how the glassy finish floated above texture and lines.Other things to know: Vegan formula. Flavors and fragrances are sugary, but the scent fades quickly. The hole in the angled tip dispenses a generous dollop… too generous for some testers. Use code FRESHKISS20 to get the deal.Read more: The 5 Best Lip Glosses and OilA scalp-soothing shampoo bar that smells great, tooOur testers with itchy, flaky scalps were universally impressed with this solid shampoo bar, which contains a bit of salicylic acid for mild scalp exfoliation. The citrus-and-honey scent smells amazing, and its unique teardrop shape helps the bar sit upright and dry faster in the shower.Other things to know: Those with serious skin conditions may prefer an even more neutral formula. Not tested on animals. Our only pick that isn’t vegan (contains a honey derivative). Use our exclusive code WIRECUTTER.Read more: Our Favorite Solid Shampoo BarsA teardrop-shaped shampoo bar to bust greasy rootsThis light-scented shampoo bar contains gentle cleansers and moisturizers for plumping up fine hair without stripping it — testers reported that it left hair bouncy and soft. The teardrop shape and angled tip are particularly great for targeting oily scalps, and help the bar sit upright in the shower.Other things to know: Most testers liked the shape, but some found that this bar easily slipped out of their hands. Contains four citrus oils for fragrance, one of which the National Eczema Association says can be irritating to some people; however, the scent itself is light. Use our exclusive code WIRECUTTER.Read more: Our Favorite Solid Shampoo BarsA standout straightener at a jaw-dropping priceOur top flat iron pick is lightweight and fast-acting. It’s easy to wield, and includes premium features like nine heat settings, a large, easy-to-read backlit display, and an audible on/off chime. It was overwhelmingly favored during our price-concealed testing.Other things to know: Heats up to 450 °F. Plastic housing feels a bit cheap. Clamp mechanism pinched some testers before they could fine-tune where to hold it. Heat lock is unintuitive.Read more: The Best Hair Straightener
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