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Raise your hand if bitter temps and winter winds have left your skin looking…not so great. We’ve got good news: Brighter days are ahead, and we’ve rounded up some products that’ll give your skin the kick-start into warmer weather that it’s ready for. From serums to lotions, we’ve rounded up the skincare items to help you say ‘see ya’ to red patches, dryness, and pore-clogging dead skin cells brought on by the cold. Bonus: They won’t break the bank. Glowing skin, we see you.
A moisturizer that’ll help you get that sunkissed glow (without the sun)...
This moisturizer with SPF 20 will be your skin’s best friend during transitional weather. Apply an even layer in the AM or PM and let it work its subtle magic. After seven days, you’ll wake up to a natural-looking, sunkissed glow — no spray tans needed. Psst…it’s available for fair to deep skin tones, and also derm-tested and cruelty-free. Summer, we’re ready for you. ($8.64, Amazon)
A 40-minute face mask for glowing skin…
We’ve tried this mask, and we’re convinced it’s literally magic. It comes with an ampule full of product (there’s A LOT in there, but make sure to use it all) and a gel mask that you’ll probably want to pop in the fridge before use for a cooling sensation. We love the brightening mask that delivers serious vitamin C to the areas that need it most. Pro tip: After you take it off, roll the leftover product into your skin with a gua sha or jade roller. ($12.99+, Amazon)
A sunscreen that’s worth the hype…
Supergoop’s Glowscreen won the Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2020 for good reason. Its slightly tinted, pearlescent finish is perfect for minimal makeup days or as a primer under your foundation. If you’re more prone to oily skin and a little worried about the added shine, try the Unseen Sunscreen version for a natural, invisible finish or the Matte Screen for a mattefying, blurring finish. Either way, they all have SPF 40 so you can take on the sun feeling protected. ($20+, Sephora)
Or one for the person who hates the feel of sunscreen…
Because you can never have too much sunscreen. La Roche-Posay Melt-In Sunscreen with SPF 60 works on your face and body, and is oil-free, fragrance-free, and water resistant. The broad spectrum cream works for all skin types (sensitive skin included), and won’t leave you feeling greasy. It’s fast absorbing and non-comedogenic. ($24.99+, Amazon)
An oil serum that’ll give you that perfectly dewy look…
This serum might become your new holy grail skincare product. Just add a drop or two as the last step in your skin routine. You won't feel greasy, and your shine will last for up to 12 hours. For a little more coverage, you can throw on some foundation or concealer on top. It’s non-comedogenic, vegan, moisturizing, and dermatologist-tested for all skin types. Basically magic in a bottle. ($24, Glossier)
An overnight mask that’s like a big glass of water for your skin…
We swear by Laneige’s sleeping lip mask (not only to combat chapped lips during the winter, but also to keep our pouts hydrated all year long), and we love the brand’s Water Sleeping Mask for our faces too. It’s formulated to hydrate, boost clarity, and brighten. The texture is almost gel-like, and it’s super light on your face. Toss it in the fridge for a refreshing cool right before bedtime. Sleep tight. ($25, Amazon)
A spot cream that’ll zap your blemishes without drying out your skin…
This Mario Badescu Drying Lotion puts salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide to work to absorb excess oil and unclog pores. We like to dab it on our problem areas and leave it on all day (or night). Keep in mind that this product shouldn’t be shaken — separation is natural and necessary. Time to bid adieu to those annoying blemishes. ($17, Amazon)
A two-in-one toner approved by the queen of glowing skin…
From RiRi herself comes Fat Water, a pore-refining toner and serum all in one. It’s not water and not gel, but something in between. Simply squeeze it in your hand (no cotton ball needed) and press firmly into your skin for maximum absorption. It’ll even out your skin tone over time, and kick those pesky dark spots to the curb. ($30, Sephora)
A barely there acne spot treatment you can leave on all day long…
You’ll feel comfortable leaving the house with these acne patches on. These pimple patches are see-through and meant to blend in with your skin (and they're inconspicuous enough to feel comfy running errands in). They use 100% ADF dressing hydrocolloid to heal your blemishes ASAP. With 96 patches in three different sizes, you’ll be able to tackle whatever your skin throws at you. Say ‘buh-bye’ to popping and picking. ($13.50, Amazon)
A dynamic duo for glowing skin on a budget…
The girls who get it, get it. The Ordinary has an all-star line-up of quality, affordable products, and this duo is no different. Hyaluronic acid works to hydrate, while AHA and BHA come together to exfoliate and bring fresh, dewy skin to the surface. The silicone-free products are great for all skin types, especially acne-prone skin. ($22.85, Amazon)
A non-greasy body oil for glowing skin from head to toe…
Your face isn't the only thing that deserves to shine. This body oil from Patrick Ta will give you an allover glow so good, even the sun will be jealous. You won’t feel greasy, and the product won’t rub off on your clothes or sheets. Choose between three different shades to best compliment your skin tone and glow away. ($22+, Sephora)
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