These 18 Beauty Products Work Incredibly Well, According To A Shopping Reporter

For as long as I can remember one of my biggest insecurities has always been the very noticeable swaths of keratosis pilaris (or KP as it's more commonly called) on my arms. This super common skin type results in red or dark bumps and a rough texture that persists, no matter what you try.

A few years ago I started using this exfoliating scrub , which has earned a cult following among people with all types of skin. It's a fine pumice-based formula that functions closer to a microdermabrasion treatment than those rough coarse scrubs that feel like theyre scratching the epidermis. It's ability to soften my rough skin is probably primarily due to its 10% concentration of AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids, a category of chemical exfoliants that can work to refine skin texture and slough off the dead skin cells that are responsible for those pesky bumps. The formula is also enriched with natural bisabolol , an antioxidant that offers soothing benefits post-exfoliation, something I deeply appreciate as someone with very sensitive skin.

Heads up: This baby is available at Amazon and Sephora but you can get a few extra dollars off on the First Aid Beauty website using the code "FRIENDS" at checkout for 25% off.

If you buy one thing from this list, let it be this. The It Cosmetics CC+ cream has been my exclusive foundation of choice for a number of reasons, namely that it makes my skin look absolutely flawless and virtually imperceptible. I also have keratosis pilaris on my face and this is the one perfectly finished foundation that hides all imperfections without looking cake-y or unnatural in the slightest. Plus, the color-correcting formula is also infused with broad spectrum SPF 50 and a whole slew of skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide so it never feels overly drying on the face. It comes in 22 shades.

This $17 French moisturizer has been suggested to us by makeup artists and dermatologists and has been integral to TikTok -viral trends like skin flooding. I was persuaded to try the all-purpose wonders of this face cream several years ago, and I can confirm the hype is well deserved. If youre a makeup-wearer, you know that when your base isnt right, your foundation can pill, products will separate and dry patches will look woefully exaggerated. Many claim that the shea butter-based formula functions both as a nourishing hydrator and the perfect makeup primer thanks to the rich and emollient texture that prevents foundation from sinking into fine lines. This also makes it a great option for mature skin, one makeup artist previously told HuffPost.

Less than $20 will get you a tube of one of the most un-sunscreen-like sunscreens I've ever had the pleasure of slathering on my face. This Korean-founded and SPF 36 lotion feel like a lightweight moisturizer that soaks perfectly into the skin. Best of all, as a chemical sunscreen, it's formulated without mineral-sunscreen filters that can leave a white cast or chalky finish on certain skin tones. And though the hydrating finish is slightly dewy, it's far from greasy-looking and actually layers excellently beneath liquid, cream or powder products no pilling or product separation to speak of. It also contains soothing green tea extract and centella asiatica, which can help address irritation and redness.

Looking back on much of our previous beauty coverage in which we sought the expert opinion of board-certified dermatologists, Elta MD's UV Clear tinted facial sunscreen was one of the top recommendations by those who know best. Its zinc oxide- and octinoxate-based formula features SPF 46 along with high-purity niacinamide, a well-known anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and helps to restore damaged skin. Plus, the tinted aspect of this formula (which comes in two flexible shades) can also shield skin from visible UV rays in overhead lighting.

Although I have yet to try this out for myself, my good friend who suffers from rosacea uses it and absolutely swears by the stuff, which is all I need to hear to justify its over-$40 price tag.

It's very unlikely that you could ever sway me to use another facial cleanser other than the CeraVe hydrating facial cleanser , a drugstore icon (in my opinion) and a heavily endorsed wash that will only set you back $15 for a value size.

It may be one of the most recommended cleansers at HuffPost and, as someone with extremely troubled skin who can't handle the oil-stripping effects of most foaming washes, I truly appreciate its comforting and hydrating formula. The creamy, fragrance-free and milky texture effectively gets rid of dirt and buildup all without leaving the skin feeling dry and avoiding the use of any harsh surfactants. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin as well as ceramides to support and strengthen the skin barrier.

You will never catch me washing my face in any other way other than using the double-cleansing method , a dermatologist-approved approach that typically involves the use of cleansing balm first to break down oil and makeup, before following up with a more traditional cleaner. I've literally tried just about all the balms of note from luxury to drugstore and this nourishing product by Farmacy is truly the best in the bunch. This widely revered formulation features an unctuous texture and contains a blend of nourishing oils, extracts and gently exfoliating enzymes that clean skin without leaving it stripped or tight. Plus, it truly does break down everything from stubborn foundation to sunscreen to mascara without leaving a stitch of greasy residue behind. Dermatologists have also recommended it to us several times.

Peptides are an often-spoken-about and sought-after ingredient here at HuffPost, especially when it comes to their capacity for improving the skin's barrier and plumping skin. The second I made the switch to this night cream , I was surprised at its gorgeous thick texture that comforted my parched skin and felt significantly more high-end than its $20 price tag let on. And before you shudder at the thought of a moisturizer that's greasy or overly heavy, know that this stuff sinks into skin like an absolute dream, without any kind of slick residue left behind. The formula is also unscented, which is a huge plus in my book, and I highly suggest this to anyone who doesn't want to spend a fortune on a good quality face moisturizer that'll actually do what it says.

Ive tried my fair share of expensive hyaluronic acids which I had always believed earned their price tag because theyre composed of different molecular weights, a factor that helps to ensure the HA can actually perform its full range of hydrating, skin-plumping benefits on different layers of the skin. Then I learned about the Hado Labo Premium Lotion , a well-regarded Japanese beauty staple that will only set you back around $18 for a good-sized bottle. Its formulated with seven different types of hyaluronic acids that have actually helped my very dry skin retain moisture and feel comfortable all day and night. I make sure my face is a little damp before pressing this unctuous, yet fast-absorbing serum into my skin, and immediately my complexion looks dewy and fresh.

And for even more bang for your buck, I always order this two-pack of refills whenever I'm running low that's just over $20 for nearly six ounces of product.

I still have yet to try out the magic of this "skin lifting" serum myself, however it comes with tons of promising claims, including one describing the Iope PDRN serum as "filler in a bottle." If that isn't enough to sway you, then the mention of one unique ingredient might do the trick: This Korean formulation contains PDRN , an anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing proprietary drug that's normally injected in the hopes of improving the overall skin appearance and skin firmness of the recipient. Normally extracted from the sperm cells of salmon, Iopes version of PDRN is developed from plants, so the formula is completely vegan. This innovative feature may mean a complexion that has less fine lines, is more plump and has greater elasticity.

For the longest time I refused to try this popular dry shampoo from Living Proof because I couldnt fathom spending that much on a product that I literally used on a daily basis. Eventually I caved and now, I don't bat an eyelash at the exorbitant price tag because it really is just that good. Not only does it smell perfectly fresh (without being overwhelming), it really does refresh roots, absorb oil and add a boost of volume to my tresses. The best part, I love that it doesn't feel heavy, textured or really present in my hair at all so I feel ok about going a couple days in between washes.

I used to be one of those Beauty Blender devotees that was totally fine with shelling out $20 for a single makeup sponge. That is, until I tried my luck at one of these equally well-performing lookalikes that make my makeup application process fast and flawless. This five-pack of soft and bouncy sponges won't soak up all your liquid and cream products and mimics the exact shape of the Beauty Blender: a round body and a pointed precision tip. They are made from a high-density foam that leaves absolutely no trace of its existence on my face and genuinely makes my foundation look airbrushed.

If you're done with those thick, overtly obvious and creasy concealers that you've been convinced to try in the past, please end your search with this drugstore hero: Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind multi-use concealer. Despite its unbelievably thin and imperceptible texture, it manages to cover dark spots and brighten the under eye to a degree I find nothing short of magic. Available in tons of shades, the formula is infused with goji berry and haloxyl to hydrate and add radiance.

When it comes to achieving natural brows that don't look penciled in, I stand by this ink-like brown pen by Nyx to give me a set of perfectly bushy caterpillars that look like actual hair. Not only is the waterproof formula smudge- and sweat-proof, the micro-thin applicator makes it an absolute breeze to mimic hair strokes and fill in sparse areas that don't look like they're bleeding into one another. You can find this in 10 shades, but espresso is my go-to favorite.

I highly recommend this high-dose retinol serum to anyone who wants to up their retinol dosage without over-sensitizing their skin. What makes Sunday Riley's A+ serum so great is that it uses a 6.5% retinoid blend composed of encapsulated retinol, retinoid ester and retinol-alternative extracts that can work to dramatically improve skin tone and texture. This alone is enough reason to spend what is, admittedly, quite a lot on a serum. My skin has never looked better since making this a regular feature in my lineup.

There arent many luxury-priced items on this list, but the Luminous Silk foundation by Giorgio Armani is one high-ticket item that definitely deserves its staggering hype, especially if you were to ask the opinion of makeup artists. Plenty of those most knowledgeable in makeup have suggested this foundation, especially on mature skin, because it won't settle into fine lines and wrinkles. As someone who was convinced to try it out for myself, I agree that the wildly popular and hydrating formula blurs imperfections and offers a glowy finish with the perfect level of seamless coverage that doesn't look too cakey. It's available in 40 shades and, if the $69 a bottle scares you, take comfort in that a little bit does go a really long way.

Not only has this literal tub of intense hydration cream by First Aid Beauty come highly recommended by dermatologists, it's been a recurring favorite in my routine because of how well it avails me of my chronic eczema symptoms. Slightly medicinal in scent (but not in an unpleasant way) its rich and custardy texture is formulated with colloidal oatmeal which relieves irritation, and shea butter, which protects and maintains our skin barrier. Allantoin also helps calm and soothe the skin.

For all the fuss we often hear about Olaplex, I'm not surprised that more people arent talking about the Alterna Caviar hair care line because they really should be. As someone who wants to be as low maintenance as possible when it comes to their hair routine (I spend enough time on my skin as it is), this replenishing CC cream has been my holy grail product for several years now. This leave-in formula contains a luxe blend of omega-3s, antioxidants, proteins, minerals and even caviar extract to perform a number of wonders on my unruly tresses, which are dry, color-treated and often face the hot and damaging blast of the hair dryer on a regular basis. It promises to offer everything from heat and UV protection to manageability and strength and truthfully, I believe it lives up to the claims.