Latest news with #SK-II
Tatler Asia
26-05-2025
- Health
- Tatler Asia
Why fermented skincare products are the latest luxury must-have
A byproduct of sake fermentation, galactomyces first gained traction when Japanese brewery workers were observed to have unusually youthful hands. Rich in amino acids and enzymes, it's a staple in fermented skincare for its ability to brighten tone, refine pores and boost hydration. SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence remains the most well-known example, though newer luxury lines have moved beyond this single-ingredient heroism. Bifida ferment lysate: barrier support Used by brands like Estée Lauder and Lancôme, bifida ferment lysate is a fermented strain of Bifidobacteria that bolsters the skin's natural defences. It's particularly effective against UV-induced damage and pollution, making it a strong player in anti-ageing formulations. Within the landscape of fermented skincare, this ingredient offers tangible protection alongside soothing benefits for sensitive skin. Saccharomyces ferment: the skin energiser This ferment, derived from sugar and yeast, is loaded with peptides, minerals and enzymes. It's commonly found in fermented skincare serums and essences to stimulate cell turnover and improve hydration. Brands like Tatcha and Amorepacific incorporate it for its nourishing, revitalising effects, particularly on tired or dull skin. Lactobacillus and aspergillus ferments: the new wave Lactobacillus ferment, long used in probiotic health, now lends its anti-inflammatory benefits to creams and masks. It supports microbiome health and helps reduce redness. Aspergillus ferment, meanwhile, is gaining attention for its ability to inhibit melanin production, making it ideal for hyperpigmentation concerns. These emerging ferments are pushing the boundaries of what fermented skincare can deliver. Fermented skincare is no longer a novelty, but a legitimate pillar of performance-driven luxury beauty. With enhanced bioavailability, improved skin tolerance and benefits that go beyond surface-level results, these ingredients are proving their worth in modern formulations. As luxury brands continue to refine their approach, expect to see fermentation take centre stage.
Daily Mail
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How Japanese actress Mei Nagano got caught in wild cheating scandal with TWO of her co-stars
One of Japan 's most popular young stars has been swept up in a cheating scandal with not one but two of her male co-stars, which all of them have denied. Mei Nagano is currently one of Japan's most sought-after actresses, landing major hits in both film and television as well as racking up lucrative endorsement deals with luxury brands like Prada and SK-II. At just 25, she's already been nominated for three Japan Academy Film Prizes (Japan's equivalent of the Oscars), and her Netflix series Burn the House Down topped the streaming charts in 2023. Known for her squeaky clean image, Nagano was caught in a mammoth scandal this week when Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun claimed that she has been having an affair with married actor Kei Tanaka - who is 15 years her senior. Tanaka, who shares two children with his wife Sakura, previously starred with Nagano in the 2021 film And So the Baton Is Passed, in which she played a high school student and he played her stepfather. The tabloid released a selfie of the pair posing cheek-to-cheek together on Halloween and another image of them holding hands. They also published photos of Tanaka leaving Nagano's apartment, where he had spent the night after they went out drinking together. Making things more complicated, Shukan Bunshun also claims that Nagano has been romantically involved with South Korean actor Kim Mu-jun, 26, who has a supporting role in her latest drama series, News Anchor, which is currently filming. They also claimed that Mu-jun had been staying in Nagano's apartment while he was in Japan to film the series with her. Both men have denied being involved with the young actress. When confronted by a reporter from Shukan Bunshun outside of Nagano's house, Tanaka said that he had only spent the night because he'd drank too much, according to Nante Japan. His agency then put out a statement, refuting allegations of an affair. 'We want to believe that there was no affair. Kei Tanaka has been with our agency since he was 15 years old. He's never been involved in any scandals with women before,' the agency said, according to Channel News Asia. 'This is a situation where excuses are difficult to make. As an agency, we deeply reflect on what has transpired and strongly urge him to exercise restraint and self-awareness.' Mu-jun's agency followed suit, stating that the actor and Nagano were nothing more than 'close colleagues.' Nagano's agency offered a similar statement, saying, 'there is no truth to any romantic involvement.' 'However, we have sternly conveyed to Mei Nagano that her actions this time could easily lead to misunderstandings,' they added. For now, Nagano will continue filming News Anchor, although there is speculation that her screen time may be reduced as a result of the scandal. There is also the question on whether or not the scandal will affect any of her endorsement deals. The actress is currently an ambassador Prada and is the face of countless other brands in Japan. Last month, Prada was forced to terminate their contract with Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun after his secret relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron was exposed shortly after her suicide. One of Nagano's major fan accounts has already closed down in the wake of the scandal. Despite the furor, Nagano has a busy year ahead with several projects in the pipeline. Her new film Kakukaku Shikajika premieres in May, and then she will star in a big budget historical drama Kakukaku Shikajika due for release in 2026.
Buzz Feed
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
You Don't Need To Spend An Arm And A Leg On Moisturizer: Check Out These 31 Amazing *And* Affordable Skincare Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. "An amazing option at a fraction of the price" —just one of the many happy reviewers excited to find good products that don't break the bank. 1. A Cosrx snail mucin serum, a lightweight face serum to help repair, hydrate, and rejuvenate skin. It's designed for all skin types, and reviewers love how gentle yet effective it is. *All Cosrx products are dermatologist tested, cruelty free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Former BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jordan Grigsby has this and says, "All right friends, I am here to confirm that the hype surrounding this stuff is SO real. I've had acne since I was literally 8-years-old (don't ask, my cousin was a face painter and practiced on me so I broke out BAD) and I'm JUST now starting to get it together. My skin this past year has completely changed, I have gotten super serious about my skincare routine, and I am now ✨ pimple-free ✨. Now, I am grateful that my skin has cleared up, but it was still kinda dull, uneven, ya know, the little nitpicky stuff. That is until I cracked and bought this little miracle worker. My skin is now ra-di-anttttt! It's never looked better. My only regret is not taking before and after pics but glass skin, I know her. I haven't gone out in public without makeup since I was like 12 because I was so insecure about my skin. Now, chiiiilld, I go out all the time free of makeup. I also bought this for my cousin for Christmas, she's obsessed, a friend slept over and I let them use this, they're now obsessed, I guarantee you'll fall in love after your first use." Promising review: "I have bought and repurchased this already a few times. I replaced my SK-II, which is extremely expensive, with this and it works even better. It's a staple in my skin care and will be from here on out. My skin looks amazing. I would use a facial spray before you use this to help it absorb and glide over your skin. Honestly, my skin loves it as much as I do!! Anyone who tries it won't regret it, that is for sure. If you love SK-II which is a couple of hundred dollars, then you'll definitely love this cheaper alternative." — Brooke & Jason Wood Get it from Amazon for $18.13. 2. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil that nourishes and hydrates your skin with natural ingredients to give you that same ✨glow✨ you get with Tarte Maracuja Oil, just for a ~fraction~ of the price. Amazon Promising review:"I came across this looking for a cheaper replacement for my Tarte Maracuja Oil. I tried a few cheaper maracuja oils, but never any that made my skin look or feel anywhere near as good as this one does. I was a little hesitant as I hate the smell of cocoa butter. This has no cocoa butter smell to me at all. It actually works better than the Tarte oil at a fraction of the price. I can't see ever being without this product. Definitely one — if not the best — budget-friendly beauty or skincare products I've ever tried." – Jennifer Salley Get it from Amazon for $9.87. 3. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum designed to help (stay with me here…) smooth wrinkles, brighten dark spots, firm skin, add moisture, reduce under-eye puffiness, and give you a beautiful glow. Not to mention it is more than 10 times (!!) less expensive than the highly sought-after TNS Essential Serum, but just as effective! Promising review:"So far I have used about four bottles of this product. I use it like a serum and put a few drops on my face and décolleté before I apply moisturizer in the morning or night cream. I see the same outstanding results I did see with the TNS Serum — just for a fraction of the price!!!" — nana bendick Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in two sizes). 4. A tea tree and peppermint remedy soap made with aloe vera and vitamins C and E to help combat a plethora of skin irritations. (We're talking dry skin, acne, athlete's foot, jock itch, and more!) Plus, it's just overall nourishing for everyday use. Dare I say we have found the holy grail of soaps?! Learn more about the many uses of tea tree oil at Cleveland Clinic and learn about how it can help with athlete's foot at Mayo Clinic. Promising review:"I absolutely love this eucalyptus soap! It has so many benefits, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing and skin-friendly option. ✔ Blocks bad odors – Keeps me feeling fresh all day, even after workouts. ✔ Helps with skin issues – Great for acne, athlete's foot, candida, and ringworm. It also soothes irritations. ✔ Leaves skin super soft – Doesn't dry out my skin like other soaps. ✔ Relaxing scent – The eucalyptus fragrance is refreshing and calming, perfect for a spa-like shower. ✔ Affordable but high quality – Works better than expensive soaps, and the price is great! This soap is solid and long-lasting. It doesn't get mushy or dissolve too quickly in the shower, and it doesn't leave a messy residue. I 100% recommend this soap for anyone who wants clean, soft, and healthy skin!" — Victoria Matías Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (also available in a two-pack). 5. A bottle of fan-favorite Bio-Oil with sooo many potential uses — fading scars, soothing cracked skin, moisturizing without clogging your pores — try it out, and you may just discover the next big thing to put it on. Once your friends find out about this, it's gonna be like the sisterhood of the traveling oil!! Promising reviews:"This is a an affordable and effective alternative to the costly Mederma for scarring. When used twice daily, it also makes a great all-over moisturizer!" — EvaW "Acne scars? Read this. I found out about this product while scrolling through TikTok last week. It came highly recommended, so I decided to look up the price on Amazon. After reading several reviews, I figured I might as well try it out. Today is the fourth day I use the product on my face. My skin looks dewy and nice. The discoloration on my cheeks from a few years-old acne scars is improving. My skin looks younger — it's hard to describe, but I can see a difference. It looks less rough. I've been using it morning and night." — Yasmin Rodriguez Get it from Amazon for $10.26. 6. A powerful snail repair cream that may sound a bit off-putting, but it'll help brighten dull skin, fade discoloration, and add plumpness. It uses snail mucin extract and is rich in hyaluronic acid (hydrates) and glycolic acid (stimulates collagen production). Promising reviews: "I've been using another product for years and was hoping to find something more affordable with the same results, and this definitely delivers! Offers tons of hydration without feeling greasy. Amazing texture, smoothness, and high quality ingredients. This is now my everyday day and night moisturizer." — Christina Lee "I'm 55 years old, and my skin is a bit sensitive. I don't have a lot of wrinkles, but I'm definitely noticing a few more laugh lines and forehead crinkles than I had a few years ago! I've tried several moisturizers and have not been terribly impressed with any of them until now. This stuff really is great — incredibly hydrating without feeling greasy, and it absorbs quickly. It feels great on my skin. In just a few short weeks, I definitely noticed an improvement in my skin tone and fewer lines and wrinkles! Plus, the customer service is great. I had questions when I first received the product and got a follow-up response immediately. I will definitely be ordering this product again. I use it in the evening and morning; no need for two different moisturizers. Very pleased!" — sbakey Get it from Amazon for $20. 7. A tub of Honeyskin Ultimate Face and Body cream designed to help fight rosacea, dry skin, flaking, and acne while soothing and rejuvenating your skin. What could make this better? Oh, just the ahhmazing anti-inflammatory ingredients — manuka honey, Australian cehami, and shea butter. Promising reviews:"I have been using this cream for years as a night cream on my face. I love it. It is not stick and my skin looks great. People ask my all the time what products do I use. I like it because it is effective and affordable." — Judy Blizzard "Simply the best healing, refreshing cream anywhere. This cream is simply magic. I have some rosacea, and since I have been using it, I seldom have any breakouts on my face. I had mild psoriasis on my elbows, and it is all but gone. One day, I got a sunburn and put this on, and all the stinging was gone immediately, and it never peeled. I have tried many top-of-the-line products before this. This is simply fabulous. A friend told me that he had been recommended this by his dermatologist, and it was wonderful. I believed him! Glad I got it." — Carole Ciraulo Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes). 8. A dark-spot-removing soap bar formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, collagen, and turmeric to help soothe and brighten your skin while also protecting its moisture barrier. You can use this on your face, hands, neck, bikini area, inner thighs, underarms, or wherever else you may experience hyperpigmentation. 👏🏼 One product for alllll those areas means you can ditch the multitude of other bottles on your counter, each only intended for one small portion of your body. Promising reviews: "I love this product. I wish I would have known about this a long time ago. My dark spots anywhere are fading and it is absolutely the most affordable product. I'll continue to use always. Thank you." — Melanie Norman "If you're someone who has sensitive skin like me, this product is for you! I highly recommend it. I learned about this product on TikTok and decided to try it out. It's worth the money. The smell is not overbearing, and it reminds you of a refreshing citrusy fruit. I'm very particular about trying skincare products, but this is your go-to. It will have your face feeling refreshed and clean, and there's no white cast." — Elisabeth L. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in different quantities and bundle options). 9. A multifaceted CeraVe cleanser for rough, bumpy, acne-prone skin. It uses salicylic acid to help reduce inflammation while gently exfoliating to remove dead skin that might clog your pores. It also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help prevent that annoying tight-skin sensation. Promising reviews:"Cheap and works great.. been using it for like three years." — nick t "I've struggled with incredibly sensitive, acne-prone, textured skin for a lot of my adult life. I stumbled onto this cleanser via TikTok (I wish I was kidding) and bought this in conjunction with CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream and, LET ME TELL YOU, these products have become holy grail skincare items for me. Prior to this, I was using homemade soap and an exfoliating mitt to wash my face, but my skin would quickly develop uneven texture in between exfoliations. This cleanser makes my skin smooth, and it doesn't irritate it. My breakouts are already a lot smaller and I've noticed a huge difference in the overall appearance. This is a holy grail cleanser." — C. Hallgrimson Get it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in two sizes). 10. Or a luxuriously creamy CeraVe facial cleanser that's just as gentle but better for anyone who has dry to normal skin that's a bit more sensitive. It's made with powerful enough ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin) to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oils while still hydrating your skin. Promising review:"A week after noticing that the skin on my forehead looked irritated, oily and bumpy, I saw some dry flaking along my cheeks and beard line -- both oily and flaky skin developing, so something was clearly going wrong. I purchased this CeraVe hydrating cleanser and used it before bed. My skin looked noticeably better the next morning, but I thought there was no way the cleanser could've been effective after a single application. I used it yesterday morning and night. Now, today, my skin is completely back to normal! I had to leave a review. This CeraVe is some kind of magical elixir — because I've tried far more expensive products with far weaker results. I'm awarding this cleanser SIX STARS. Not only is it incredibly effective, it's amazingly cheap." — Poetic Justice Get it from Amazon for $12.37+ (available in two sizes). 11. Or! A purifying foaming cleanser by La Roche-Posay great for combination skin. This gel will foam up into a sudsy lather that'll help remove excess oil while maintaining your skin's natural protective barrier and pH. This is a good choice if you're prone to redness or irritation. Promising reviews:"Initially I doubted it because it is so cheap. But after using it for several months, I do notice it is much more gentle compared to my other expensive face wash. It also removes my grease effectively." — CYC "I have found the HOLY GRAIL of face wash for sensitive skin. This product cuts through a full face of makeup with just one pump and lather. Leaves my skin smooth and soft. I have had less acne since using this for a month or so. This entire bottle has lasted me for three months (one pump per day)." — Kat Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and different styles). 12. OR! A medicated gel cleanser that targets excess oil and helps clear breakouts and reduces surface oil by up to 47%, while still being gentle as heck. My oily-skin friends, it's time to say hello to a breakout-free and mattified face that'll make people think you have a full-coverage foundation, but you'll be bragging that it's actually just your skin!! Promising reviews: " Great daily face wash and affordable. I've been using for over a year now." — Eduardo Ceja "I have been using La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Face Wash for cystic/hormonal acne, and it has seriously been the best product I have tried so far. I have very sensitive and dry skin, so I also follow up with an eye cream and moisturizer (because this product can be drying if you don't). This cleansing gel has completely changed my skin in just 10 days; it is more clear, smooth, and even-toned. I think this product is great for all skin types that struggle with acne, as long as you follow up with the proper moisturizer/skin regimen according to your skin type." — Chelsea Get it from Amazon for $16.99. 13. OR!!! Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Cleanser, which is here to prove your cleanser can be effective *and* gentle at the same time (AKA this is a great choice for all skin types)! It uses matcha and hemp seed oil to help restore hydration and antioxidants. Tight-feeling skin post-wash, you've just met your ~matcha.~ Krave Beauty Krave Beauty is a Korean woman-owned small biz that believes in simplicity and aims to make skincare easy and stress-free in an oversaturated and complicated industry. They believe in respecting the skin and restoring it back to health. Promising review:"I've been on a mission to find the best affordable, eczema-friendly cleanser for a few years now and I've finally found the One. The Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser has been absolutely wonderful for my moderately barrier-compromised skin due to its promised non-stripping capabilities. It's gentle enough to use as a double-cleanser too and gives me that clean, but not squeaky-dry feeling. After two years of continuous use, I can safely say this cleanser is a Holy Grail staple in my skincare routine. Thanks Krave Beauty!" — Mai Get it from Amazon for $16 or Krave Beauty for $5+ (available in two sizes). 14. Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil that'll nourish with antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids to help hydrate and soothe your skin. This amazing concoction can also help brighten your skin tone and banish blemishes — *cue infomercial voice* — but that's not all! You can also use it on your hair and cuticles or in your lotion! Promising reviews: "The glow up is real. I didn't even have bad skin but the transformation has been killer. Softer, more clear, dewy skin. No noticeable scent, no staining of clothes. A couple of drops in the am and a few more at night. This stuff is so cheap, just slather it on. Be sure to take before pics so you can see the progress." — Duncan "My new holy grail! I have super sensitive, acne-prone skin in a very dry climate. This stuff is seriously so amazing. I use it from my face to my toes. It's completely eradicated any dry skin I had and makes me glow. I've gotten so many compliments on my skin since I've started using it, even my boyfriend noticed! I love it after chemical peels too. It gets rid of peeling and dry patches as well as soothes any redness. It's a decent-sized bottle for what you pay!" — Brynnieb09 Get it from Amazon for $14.95. To learn more, check out this facial oil review. 15. A skin-clearing salicylic acid treatment from Paula's Choice, which is a non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant designed to unclog and reduce the appearance of large pores, loosen dead skin cells, and brighten and even out skin tone. Check out this TikToker's review here. Promising reviews: "Magic in an affordable bottle? Yes, please! Seriously, where was this when I was in high school?! I've been battling the acne fight for about 15 years. Products always work at the beginning but then within a month stop. I also usually have a bad reaction to those at first, too. I've been using this product for about four months and my skin is beautiful. Finally! With how clear it is now, my old scars are able to start healing, too. Now, I will say my skin isn't 100% blemish free. I know that I'm contributing to that but this product has cleared it by at least 97%. It really is worth your money." — April Cantwell "I have always struggled with blackheads on my nose. It was something I was super self-conscious about, always. I tried pore strips, masks, scrubs, etc., and nothing ever worked for me. But after using this product, I saw results after 10 days! I have been using it for about a month-and-a-half, and now I can barely see the pores on my nose. The redness around my nose also went away." — T Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in three sizes). 16. A tube of Roc retinol night cream that you'll have to see to believe — put it on at night to help you wake up with smooth and radiant skin. Retinol is designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while lifting and firming your skin by boosting the production of elastin and collagen. It can also help make your skin tone more even and fade dark spots. Promising review: "I did a lot of research on retinol anti-wrinkle face creams before purchasing this product. It consistently got high ratings and at a price I could afford. I was not going to pay $100+ for comparable products. Much to my surprise, I saw visible results after only one week of use. Wow. Highly recommend." — Lisa Get it from Amazon for $10.84+ (available in two sizes). 17. A tub of Aquaphor healing ointment — if you're only gonna buy one product, let it be this because it can do basically anything you could ever want. Buckle up and stay with me here…you can use it on chapped lips, dry hands and cuticles, cracked heels and feet, minor burns, and more! There's even a trend on TikTok for this being the only makeup product you need — put some on your brows to keep them in place, layer a bit on your lashes for a natural mascara look, put some on your lips for the shine, and BOOM, your full face is ready for the day. Amazon Psst: Try it on new tattoos to keep the color from fading while they heal! Promising reviews:"You get a lot of product for an affordable price! Very happy with my purchase i still have it after months." — lily "Awesome!! I'm on Accutane, so I use this for my lips to keep them from getting super chapped, and they really help! It's super moisturizing, and I love that it's in a big tub, so I don't have to keep repurchasing! If you have chapped lips, I definitely recommend it; it's super moisturizing and hasn't caused any breakouts around my lips so far." — M Get it from Amazon for $18.37. 18. An outrageously popular Differin gel beloved by reviewers for helping get rid of existing acne *and* working to prevent new pimples from forming with its prescription-strength retinoid. Go ahead and order a couple of bottles, this is now a staple in your beauty routine. Because of the prescription-strength retinoid, make sure to consult your dermatologist before introducing this into your skincare routine. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown has tried this out on her own skin! Here are her takeaways: "1. One pea-sized application per day is all it takes. 2. It's just as effective over moisturizer as it would be if you applied it directly to your skin. 3. Apply it at night, and you MUST wear sunscreen every day when you use this!" You can read the rest of her Differin gel review to learn more! Promising reviews:"My teenager has horrible acne and this is a miracle. Better than any RX and so cheap!!!" — beckie_a " This product is a MAGIC ERASER on acne. This is the only product that works on my acne. It dried up my hormonal acne within one night! So I have mild hormonal acne due to menstrual cycle but after using this gel every night and following the directions in the package, it has really helped me get rid of acne and dark spots. This product did not break me out in initial use or even later. This one tube lasted me for a couple of months and a few days over. I love the results and I will buy another tube if my acne acts up again but for now I have clean and clear skin. Thanks Differin!" — KARTHICK RAVI Get it from Amazon for $13.25+ (available in two versions and four quantities). 19. The extremely beloved Mario Badescu Drying Lotion that will help dry up blemishes while you sleep. Just dip a cotton swab into the pink solution, dab it on your pimples, and watch them shrink!! Promising reviews:"I have tried everything else. I wish this product existed 20 years ago. It is the best thing that I have tried. All of the other drug store products do not work. I would advise buying this product. It is cheap and it works!" — Unknown "Honestly, I assume that this dainty bottle is powered by some sort of magic, because this stuff is truly ah-mazing! Not long ago, I had a deep pimple that was building to a slow crescendo of awful (important to note, I usually have clear skin), and my mother-in-law recommended this stuff to me. She promised that it would drastically reduce the pimple, if not zap it altogether, overnight. I was wary, but I also had a business trip coming up and I was worried that the tender mound was going to blossom into a third eyeball by the time I stepped off the plane for client meetings. I dabbed a tiny amount of this stuff on the zit after my nightly facial routine (it kind of looks like calamine lotion) and went to bed not expecting much. No joke, this miracle elixir managed to shrink the nasty little sucker so much that the tenderness had gone away!" — Caerley Hill Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in a glass or plastic bottle). 20. A tube of a celebrity-beloved moisturizer you can use as a lotion, apply before doing your makeup for a smoothing primer, or layer on as a nourishing face mask when you need a liiiittle extra hydration. Amazon Promising reviews:"Read about this moisturizer for years but I honestly thought it was cheap and didn't have an extra purpose (wrinkles, dark spots, etc) outside of being a moisturizer, that it just wouldn't be that great. I was wrong. My makeup tends to cake by end of day. No matter how lightly applied — just have that skin. Not with this. Makeup applies easily, doesn't peal and stays on app day without caking." — Kuser2008 "This is an amazing moisturizer! I use it as a nighttime moisturizer and in the morning as a makeup primer. My skin used to be incredibly dry, but this has made a huge difference. I have already purchased a second tube, and I am now on auto-ship. It's a product that I can not live without! I highly recommend it." — asjdws Get it from Amazon for $17+ (available in two sizes). 21. A jar of Aztec Secret healing clay mask that is basically a vacuum for your pores. In just 5–20 minutes, it'll leave you with smooth and firm skin. And, if you're interested in a ~full~ spa day, you can even use this mask on the rest of your body, your hair, or even to create foot soaks. Talk about a product going above and beyond! Many reviewers advise mixing the mask with apple cider vinegar for best results. Promising reviews:"I never write reviews on Amazon but I need to give this stuff a 5-stars. I have been looking for something to get rid of my oily skin and this is the one, cheap and effective. It works very well on oily skin and the mask feel really good like something it tighten the skin. Fan it to help speed up the drying process." — LB "I used this mask for the first time last night with a facial steamer I had also gotten off of Amazon, and my skin is HAPPY! Woke up this morning with my face feeling soft, toned, and moisturized. My face can be sensitive to masks, and I had no reaction to this other than a little redness after taking off the mask, and per the instructions, that's normal. I followed with my cleanser and moisturizer, and it ended up being a perfect combo. I plan on doing the mask a few times a week. I've always seen this mask before and was hesitant on giving it a try (trying new things and having reactions to them is soo not worth it to me), BUT it exceeded my expectations." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.95. 22. A pack of Avarelle Acne Cover Patches so you can stop spending your time picking at every zit you see (seriously, your derm will thank you). Just apply a patch and watch it help flatten out the pimple, reduce redness, and pull out allllll the gunk. Promising reviews:"O.M.G!! I absolutely, 100% did not understand the raving reviews of these. Bought some different off brand ones at the store and they were plastic and terrible, didn't stick, did nothing. My coworker told me she has these and encouraged me to try them so I was like, 'Bet, why not, they're cheap I guess.' Put them on overnight and went to bed and legit my pimple is gone the next morning. The stuff that comes out is so gross, yet satisfying. I seriously did not believe these, but these are AMAZING. Buying stock, for real. BUY. THESE." — Erika "I love this product! Whenever I have a pimple that is ready to burst (whitehead), I put one of these stickers on for a day and BOOM, it flattens and sucks up all that yucky junk. It feels really comfortable and can be barely noticeable if you have a small pimple that needs to be removed. There were times where I wore these out to school. Great product!" — Jenny Get a pack of 40 from Amazon for $7.64 (also available in a pack of 80). 23. A bottle of Tend Skin Solution to reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs and make shaving less of an irritating task and more of a part of your self-care routine. Just apply a thin layer after shaving and stop dealing with the painful aftermath. Promising reviews:"BUY THIS. I've had razor burn issues for YEARS. I've tried EVERYTHING. This is the ONLY thing that's ever made even a slight difference let alone fixed the issue COMPLETELY. I don't even have to apply it every day. Just buy it. It's cheap, extremely effective, and doesn't have a weird chemically or gross perfumey smell when it dries." — Sarah "This product is a lifesaver, simply amazing!! My before picture (above) is from two months ago without using Tend Skin after shaving. That's how bad my thighs used to get two to three days after shaving. I used to cry so much because EVERYTHING hurt my thighs, including my silk covers. My after picture is from two months later. As you can see it's a tremendous difference. Although I still have scars, my shaving doesn't bring tears to my eyes anymore. It's helped with razor bumps, ingrown hairs, dark spots, and my sensitivity to denim." — Kim Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in four sizes). 24. Nip + Fab daily cleansing pads that'll reveal brighter and clearer skin by using 2.8% glycolic acid, which provides a chemical exfoliation. And to balance that out, it also has hyaluronic acid for moisture and witch hazel to soothe and tone. These are designed to resurface and retexture your skin, revealing an exfoliated and brightened complexion beneath! Promising reviews:"Wow! This is my new holy grail product. I often get little pimples around my chin and nose. I have seriously tried everything. These pads have made the biggest impact on my face! I am already on my second order and will be buying more every month. And they are so cheap! Everyone should try them." — Amazon Customer "I'm really impressed with these pads. I've suffered from adult cystic acne for about a decade now and have tried countless products over the years. Adding these things to my skincare routine has made my skin look bright and clear, like porcelain. I still get the occasional blemish, but they're always very small and go away in a day or two. I highly recommend them." — Caroline Powell Get a container of 60 pads from Amazon for $14.25. 25. Nyx's Pore Filler Targeted Stick to give your skin the ultimate ~blurring~ effect that'll help smooth and reduce the appearance of pores. It's pretty much the closest you're gonna get to Photoshop in real life and won't even cost you 10 bucks. Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Pore Filler in action. Promising reviews: "This stuff is fantastic!! It literally fills in your pores so your skin looks like a Barbie doll! And it's cheap too. I was worried it might clog my pores and make me break out but it doesn't. I love it and get so many compliments on my skin/face." — Mars Alexandria "This is a life-changing product for me. I have HUGE visible pores as well as incredibly acne-prone skin that makes me break out from just about every product. I've started to use Nyx Pore Filler on my face with some regularity, and it doesn't seem to cause any irritation or breakouts. It does an AMAZING job filling in and smoothing out my face texture. The difference to my skin consistency is astounding. My skin looks so smooth when I use this product." — Jenny Penny Get it from Amazon for $9.56. 26. A nourishing Etude House eye cream designed to keep the delicate skin around your eyes moisturized and firm while helping prevent fine lines. It's packed full of concentrated collagen to keep your skin bouncy and dewy. ✨ Soko Glam Soko Glam is an Asian-owned business based in New York City. It was founded by a wife and husband team, Charlotte and Dave Cho, who curate the products on Soko Glam by traveling regularly to Seoul to scour the Korean skincare market. Promising reviews:"I absolutely love this eye cream! I have a dry skin type and am prone to darkness under eyes when I'm tired. After I use a small amount my under eye glows and feels so hydrated. I am on my second jar and will absolutely repurchase it!" — Makayla "I really wanted an inexpensive eye cream just to moisturize and keep my skin feeling soft and subtle during winter. This did the trick. I've bought it over and over again." — Mary Get it from Soko Glam for $27.60 or from Amazon for $19. 27. Orr LilyAna eye cream to help lighten those dark circles and decrease puffiness under your eyes just as well as Lancôme creams. Both of these are packed with vitamin C (and LilyAna with a bunch of other natural ingredients), which can help improve the appearance of fine lines or dullness in your skin. Promising review:"I have been using this daily for about eight months now. I am 60 years old. It reduced the puffiness and bags under my eyes. I am Sicilian and had dark circles. It has brightened up my eye area. I am very surprised as I have paid much more for eye creams that have done so much less. I recently had pre-cancerous cells removed at the bridge of my nose. After healing, I was left with a dark scar. The dermatologist told me that it would heal over time. Since I began to apply this eye cream, the mark has almost disappeared entirely. I shop constantly from Amazon. This is the first time that I have taken the time to write a review. That's how impressed I am with this product. If you decide to purchase this, you won't be sorry." — Lynda M. Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two styles, three sizes, and a two-pack). 28. OR a hydrating eye stick formulated with Iceland glacial water to help tighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles. I mean, come on, the adorable little bear PLUS fancy glacier water from Iceland, all while making me look like I actually slept last night?! That just sounds like it would cost a small fortune. Promising reviews:"This is cheap, easy to apply, travels well, and I'm noticing a measurable difference in my dark undereye circles. I also happen to like the smell." — Emma S "I HAD to write a review. I use this in the morning and night after my whole face routine and putting on moisturizer. I don't have dark bags however, my under-eyes do get a bit puffy and I was noticing fine lines. DUDE, those fine lines are fading. Last night I went to a party and woke up looking like the crypt keeper, and this stuff normalized my creepy zombie eyes in about 20 minutes. It's $9. Do yourself a favor and buy it." — Jasmine Deatherage Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles and multipacks). 29. A container of Albolene moisturizing cleanser reviewers are loving as an equally effective — and much more affordable — makeup remover compared to Clinique Take The Day Off balm. Massage this balm on your face and watch your makeup melt away. Promising review:"I usually wear a full face of makeup and I used to take it off with the Clinique Take the Day Off balm, which is superb, but I find this one to be an amazing option at a fraction of the price. I don't have breakouts, it's easy and simple to use." — viewer Get it from Amazon for $9.74. 30. An illuminating moisturizer to instantly give you a ✨glow✨ while also hydrating your skin. The subtle tint will provide you a nice, light coverage on those days when you absolutely *cannot* with a full face of makeup. Added bonus? Reviewers compare it to Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops which are like 3x as expensive, so grab this instead and spend the leftover 💵 on another lil treat for yourself. Promising review:"Ok so last summer I took the plunge and bought that expensive Drunk Elephant glowy tan drop stuff. I used it a fair amount, it was okay, but in my opinion, not anywhere near the price I paid. It had to be mixed into my foundation to look remotely normal, which defeats the whole point of the product, which was supposed to be for an 'effortless no makeup glow'. I bought this stuff instead in the Deep shade this summer after a beach trip. This is not only an alternative for Drunk Elephant, it's a better product. It doesn't make you look like a glowing orange Oompa Loompa. It's a very natural ACTUAL skin shade and sinks into your skin as you blend it in. As my tan fades, I will combine it with moisturizer but that's all that's necessary. If you were between this and just finally spending the money on the Drunk Elephant, get this. I wish I found it a summer sooner and saved myself the moolah." — Emily W. Get it from Amazon for $12.15+ (available in six shades and two-packs). 31. TruSkin Vitamin C Serum with over 95,000 5-star ratings from customers who experienced benefits like brighter and firmer skin. A lot of them even noticed a difference within just a few days! Promising review:"I was looking for an alternative for the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum [a 1 oz. bottle costs $182] and this one did not disappoint. My only complaint is the scent, but it isn't super strong." — Pablo & Brittney Cruz Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes). The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
