Michael Murtaugh/NYT WirecutterA juiced-up brightening serumA hearty gel, this ascorbic acid formula noticeably brightened skin during our testing. But the powdery scent is a bit off-putting.These orange-tinted vitamin C drops are juiced up with skin-care all-stars like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid. Testers loved how the formula perked up their complexions.Read more: The Best Vitamin C SerumsThe original (and best) beauty spongeWith a soft exterior and a flexible, bouncy feel, this makeup sponge is often imitated but never duplicated. You can’t beat the flawless finish the surprisingly luxe foam delivers.This egg-shaped sponge is pricier than its (many) competitors, but worth it. Its signature shape, superior foam, and nuanced elasticity help it create an almost airbrushed finish.Read more: The Best Makeup BrushesA melt-proof, portable sunscreen stickThis firm stick glides on easily for a refined matte finish.This 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. Plus, it didn’t melt in a hot car.Read more: The Best Korean Skin-Care ProductsA potent retinol without the irritationThis serum features one of the strongest versions of the active ingredient retinol available. Yet it softened and smoothed lines without irritating skin.At 1% concentration, this serum is among the strongest you can buy without a prescription. One tester in her mid-50s used it for five days a week without suffering dryness or redness — and she was encouraged by the line-smoothing benefits.Read more: The Best Retinol ProductsA flexible, travel-friendly red light maskDon’t let the name mislead you: Anyone can use this mask with deep-reaching 1,072 nm wavelengths, and not just on the face. Getting a good fit on your face takes a little practice, though.The flexible design means you can place this on your face, neck or chest. It doesn’t come with protective eye shields, so it’s best used while closing your eyes next to your favorite podcast — maybe a guided meditation for a full self-care moment?Read more: The Best Red-Light DeviceA soothing, calming, and fast-absorbing serumThis gel-like serum, powered by fermented red rice, glycerin, panthenol, and squalane, provides “a noticeable surge of hydration,” as one tester put it.As hydrating and soothing as this feels, it never pilled under other moisturizers or makeup. The frosted glass bottle earned major praise, too.Read more: The Best Hydrating SerumsA shiny-sheer wash of colorLightweight and non-sticky, this comes in mouthwatering flavors.Sugary flavors like caramel latte and whipped cream add just a touch of *whimsy* to your everyday lip balm. It has just a hint of color, so mirror-free touch ups are easy with this one.Read more: The 5 Best Lip Glosses and OilsA lightweight lotion for the whole familyThis light lotion earned solid marks for its ease of use and non-cloying scent options. But it might not be hydrating enough for drier skin.Native’s lotion comes in several fun scents, including limited-edition fragrances. It’s lightweight despite its inclusion of shea butter, and it’s in a bottle that looks a bit more elevated than standard drugstore options.Read more: The Best Body LotionsA voluminous solve for limp, fine hairSparse or thin strands will benefit from this volumizing shampoo, which cleanses without weighing hair down. It delivers luxe-looking fullness but has a price tag to match.$44 $28 from UltaFree Ulta Rewards membership required, use promo code PRIMETIME, with store pickup (16-ounce pump bottle)This was one of the few shampoos we tested that hydrated fine hair without weighing it down. In fact, it added serious lift and shine, reducing the need for additional styling products.Read more: The Best Shampoos for Different Hair TypesA rich shampoo with aromatherapy-level scentThis luxe wash transforms your shower into a sensory escape. It’s no surprise that this chic bottle isn’t cheap.This luxurious shampoo has a delightfully foamy lather, an aromatherapy-level herbal scent, and sleek packaging. The niacinamide, ceramides, and rosemary help keep your medium and thick hair looking shiny and healthy.Read more: The Best Shampoos for Different Hair TypesA featherweight detangling cream for fine hairThis managed to make testers’ hair look more voluminous than usual.Our top pick conditioner for fine hair, this formula has smoothing and shine-enhancing ingredients. A nickel-sized amount is all you need for easy detangling.Read more: The Best Conditioner for Different Hair TypesA milky, non-stripping cleanserThis milky liquid becomes a sheer froth that efficiently cleans without robbing skin of precious moisture. The formula is decidedly no-frills, though.Not too slippery or too gummy, we like a lot of La Roche-Posay’s cleansers, but this was our favorite for its creamy cleanse that’s especially great for people with dry skin.Read more: The 8 Best Facial CleansersA non-greasy, yet moisturizing, wash for daily useThe soft, rich lather rinses easily and leaves skin clean and moisturized, not greasy. It contains fragrance, which may be a concern for some people.Soybean oil and hydrogenated vegetable glycerides left our skin feeling smooth and hydrated, even after showering. Plus, a little goes a long way.Read more: The 5 Best Body WashesA milky, non-stripping cleanserThis milky liquid becomes a sheer froth that efficiently cleans without robbing skin of precious moisture. The formula is decidedly no-frills, though.Not too slippery or too gummy, we like a lot of La Roche-Posay’s cleansers, but this was our favorite for its creamy cleanse that’s especially great for people with dry skin.Read more: The 8 Best Facial CleansersThis lotion soaks in fast, feels smooth going on, and adds a chic and minimalistic aesthetic to your routine.A fragrance-free lotion that still feels luxeThanks to humectants, emollients, and seed oils, this fragrance-free, delightfully spreadable moisturizer absorbs quickly and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It looks like it belongs in an upscale spa.Read more: The Best Body LotionsAn ultra-blendable, fragrance-free sunscreenThis lotion absorbs well and leaves no white cast. Panelists noted that it felt nice — nearly imperceptible — and easily absorbed into their skin.Even testers with facial hair found this lotion-like sunscreen rubbed in easily and absorbed quickly. It blends well on a range of skin tones, it’s moisturizing without being greasy, and it’s almost completely odorless.Read more: The Best Face Sunscreens and SPF MoisturizersA quiet, uniquely vibrationless hair dryerIt’s expensive, but the unique design makes it extraordinarily nice to use: There’s no vibration whatsoever, and the simple-to-switch magnetic attachments make styling easier.This high-priced hair dryer has consistently been our favorite since 2016. The motor sits in the handle, making the nozzle shorter and easier to maneuver. The five magnetic attachments, including a diffuser, are exceptionally easy to add or remove mid-blowout.Read more: The Best Hair DryerA quick-dry drugstore polish in quirky colorsThis low-cost polish stood out for its color selection, even coverage, 60-second dry time, and five to six days of wear time.This nail polish beats out other quick-dry drugstore options due to its long-lasting coverage and broad, offbeat color selection. It applies evenly and dries hard in a minute.Read more: We’re in a New Age of Quick-Dry Nail Polish. But They’re Not All Created Equal.
Source link