To look beautiful, you should take care of your skin. Skin care product reviews give the required information about which product will suit your skin the most.
“Taking joy in living is a woman’s best cosmetic.”
― Rosalind Russell
Whether you have puffy eyes, those horrible crow’s eyes, or pigmented skin, there is a skin care product for just about everything. Estimated at a whopping $43 billion, the skin care industry seems to be churning out more and more products that aim to give you that flawless complexion and beautiful glow.
However, when you are walking down the shopping aisle or looking for the perfect skin care product for yourself, you are bound to get confused. The hundreds, or rather thousands of skin care products all make similar claims like even and radiant skin tone and a glowing complexion. So, how do you know what to spend your precious money on and how to avoid a “dud”? Differentiating between the good products and marketing hype can be quite an impossible task. This is why we list out some of the best skin care products and the reasons why they have made it into the list.
Face Products
If it was confession time and women had to list an emergency that would never make them move out of the house, it would have to be a zit on the face. Strange as it may sound, simple things like zits or a skin rash on the face can make even the sanest woman behave in quite a comical manner. This is because we are desperate to put the best “face” forward at all times. After all, isn’t our face the first thing that people judge us by? Here are some excellent face products to deliver a beautiful, perfect complexion.
Best Cleansers
How many of us have complained of tight and flaky skin after using a cleanser? Cleansing is an essential part of the face care routine. Unfortunately, most of the cleansers in the market have harsh chemicals like parabens and soaps that can make the skin dry and stretched. Here are some good facial cleansers that promise you squeaky-clean skin without dryness or skin irritation.
› Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed
Price: $22.00 for 4.4 oz.
This creamy, luxurious face cleanser removes excess oil and impurities without causing any skin irritation. A tiny pea-sized amount of this gentle cleanser is needed to work up a good lather and clean the skin. Coconut oil and fatty acids in it keep the skin healthy and moisturized.
› Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Cleanser
Price: $19.50 for 5 oz.
The price of this one may be a bit jarring, but this cleanser works really well to clean the skin and remove traces of even the most stubborn makeup. Apricot kernel oil, vitamin E oil, and avocado oil nourish the skin, while the gentle foam removes dirt and impurities.
› Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, Normal to Oily Skin
Price: $8.99 for 8 fl oz.
The mild and gentle Cetaphil cleanser, which was originally formulated for dermatologists, is perfect for sensitive skin. This noncomedogenic cleanser removes impurities and makeup without leaving behind any residue.
› CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Price: $13.59 for 12 oz.
This is one of the best cleansers for dry, sensitive skin. Containing patented Multivesicular Emulsion and ceramides, this cleanser restores and balances the skin’s natural protective function and moisture while removing dirt and impurities.
› L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Foaming Gel Cleanser
Price: $7.99 for 8.0 fl oz.
An excellent oil-free cleanser, the L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Foaming Gel Cleanser is a pink gel that lathers well and removes dirt, makeup, and skin impurities with ease. The salicylic acid in this cleanser exfoliates the skin and reduces acne. However, the ingredient can irritate extremely sensitive or dry skin. So, use it with caution.
Best Face Scrubs
Most women meticulously follow skin care routines wherein cleansing and moisturizing are involved. However, what we often forget is to exfoliate the skin as well. Facial scrubs slough away the dead skin cells that tend to clog the pores and reveal a youthful glow. When choosing the best face scrub, it is important to watch out for big granules that cause skin irritation and other chemicals. Opt for gentle face scrubs with the finest granules so that there is no skin irritation.
› Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
Price: $26 for 8 oz.
The hefty price tag of this product can hit a budget buyer really hard, but for a really good product that can be used every day thanks to its sulfate-free formula, it is not a bad bet. The ingredients in this gentle scrub remove the blackheads and provide a glow to the complexion while protecting the skin with antioxidants.
› Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Price: $52.00 for 2.6 oz.
If you thought the Philosophy scrub was expensive, you would definitely not want to know the price of this one. However, if you set aside the whopping price tag, this scrub or rather exfoliating powder is one of the best ways to get rid of dead skin cells and have beautiful, polished skin. Containing rice enzymes, papain, and salicylic acid along with green tea and colloidal oatmeal, this face scrub is gentle enough for everyday use even for acne-prone skin. To use it, make a paste of half teaspoon of the powder with water, and apply it to the face and neck. Scrub in a circular direction and wash off.
› Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream
Price: $19.50 for 3.4 oz.
Finding a good scrub for dry and sensitive skin can be quite a pain. The Clinique scrub cream is a gentle, fragrance-free skin polisher that works like a dream for dry-skinned women. The polyethylene beads in the scrub remove flaky, dry skin, thus, leaving your skin smooth.
› Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Price: $7.99 for 5 oz.
Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub is a no-frills, affordable scrub which exfoliates, cleanses, and improves the skin tone. It is hypoallergenic, oil-free, and noncomedogenic. The round microbeads in this scrub exfoliate your skin gently, while the soy extracts keep your skin smooth.
› The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator
Price: $15.00 for 2.5 fl. oz.
This soap-free cleanser deep cleanses clogged pores and removes dirt, impurities, and grime. The gel-based texture with the jojoba beads and olive stone help in cleaning and exfoliating your face.
Best Moisturizers
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of skin care is moisturizers. Moisturizing creams and lotions are essential in any skin care kit especially if you have dry, rough skin. The creams and lotions protect the skin and replenish the moisture. Some of the moisturizers have added features like sun protection and pigmentation control.
› Boscia Restorative Day Moisture Cream SPF 15
Price: $48.00 for 1 fl. oz.
This is a cream that moisturizes, guards against sun damage, and helps in even skin tone. It is great for allergy-prone skin as the formulation is free of parabens, synthetic dyes, fragrances, triclosan, phthalates, and GMOs.
› Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion
Price: $7.89 for 4 fl. oz.
This noncomedogenic face lotion with SPF 30 is free of any fragrances and great for sensitive skin. The lotion gently hydrates the skin, while ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect the skin against sun damage.
› Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15
Price: $20.59 for 2.5 fl. oz.
This lightweight lotion is perfect for normal to slightly dry skin. Its anti-aging skin care ingredients like amino peptides help in skin renewal and regeneration, while the sunscreen helps in preventing tanning and skin lines. The lotion also boasts of some great antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, and green tea extracts.
› M·A·C Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15
Price: $31 for 1.7 fl. oz.
M·A·C may be known more for its makeup and accessories, but this brand also has a great skin care range. The Studio Moisture Fix provides intense hydration and leaves the skin looking flawless with a matte finish. It also contains a good dose of antioxidants and emollients that keep the skin soft and plump all day long. This would be great as a makeup base as well.
› Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Price: $16.99 for 2.5 fl. oz.
This is a multitasking moisturizer that provides UVA sun protection, thanks to the presence of stabilized avobenzone. Moreover, ingredients like mica and titanium oxide add a shine and brightness to the skin. The fragrance in this product can, however, irritate sensitive skin.
Best Facial Masks
Facial masks are a great way of providing the skin with a healthy glow. They are a must-have in every skin care kit as these masks help in providing considerable benefits to dehydrated and aged skin.
› Derma E Hyaluronic Hydrating Mask
Price: $29.50 for 4 fl. oz.
Containing some intensely hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, avocado, olive oil, and cupuacu butter, the Derma E Hyaluronic Hydrating Mask is the perfect facial mask for dry skin. It soothes the skin and makes it plump and soft.
› Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque
Price: $34 for 4.20 fl. oz.
A good facial mask for normal to dry skin, the Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque reduces the pore size and keeps the skin looking soft and glossy. It contains tourmaline, plant oils, glycerin, water, lycopene, and emollients to keep the skin fresh and beautiful.
› Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
Price: $23 for 3.4 fl. oz.
A deep cleaning clay mask containing charcoal powder, bentonite, and kaolin, this mask helps in removing the dirt and grime from the pores, thus, leaving your face very clean. This clay-based formula is soft to touch, but when applied, it hardens and tightens the skin. The mask helps in shrinking the pores without aggravating the skin.
› Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque
Price: $35.00 for 2.5 fl. oz.
This is a great gel mask that infuses the skin with moisture without irritating the skin with artificial fragrances and color. This mask is believed to be ideal even for delicate eye areas. It contains glasswort that improves cellular lipid production, and the carrot root extracts are a great source of vitamin A.
› Yes to Carrots Softening Facial Mask
Price: $14.99 for 1.7 fl. oz.
This mask contains a host of beneficial skin care products like Dead Sea mud, aloe, carrot root, oats, green tea, honey, avocado, minerals, sweet potato, along with vitamins and other antioxidants. This clay-based pack can be used on dry skin as well, thanks to its moisturizing ingredients. It purifies the skin well, leaving it tighter and with considerably less pores.
Skin Care Products for Body
We have to admit that skin care for the body is almost nonexistent. Apart from using the soap and slathering on moisturizer, sometimes on the hands and legs, there is not much that we do to keep our skin from looking fresh and healthy. Here are some great products that will help in smoothing and rejuvenating the skin.
Body Wash/Soaps
› Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash
Price: $6.99 for 8.4 fl. oz.
Eucerin body wash is a soap-free and fragrance-free body wash that suits sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin. The best part, of course, is that this body wash is non-greasy and leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized due to the presence of olive oils and natural lipids in it. Although it does not have a very pleasant smell, it is an excellent body wash for problem-prone skin.
› Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash
Price: $7.79 for 23.60 fl. oz.
The mild and pleasantly scented body wash is great for normal to dry skin. It moisturizes the skin well and does not leave behind any residue like other body washes. On the downside, it contains sodium lauryl sulfate, which can make the skin dry. However, the quantity is not too much to cause any problems.
› Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash
Price: $8.99 for 24 fl. oz.
The glycerin-infused formula of this body wash leaves the skin smooth and clean without stripping off any essential moisture. The white body wash works up a gentle lather and smells just like the famous bar soaps from Dove. Other ingredients in this body wash include stearic acid and soybean oil.
› Burt’s Bees Honey & Shea Conditioning Body Bar
Price: $4.99 for 5 oz.
The Burt’s Bee bar soap is excellent in every sense of the word. Not only is it inexpensive for a huge bar of soap, but this is one soap that leaves the skin hydrated, squeaky-clean, and supple. The honey and shea butter nourish and moisturize the skin.
› Crabtree & Evelyn Heritage Black Sea Mud & Seaweed soap
Price: $10 for 5.3 oz.
Apart from the beautiful packaging and the wonderful musk smell, this vegetable-based soap is great for the skin as well. The shea and cocoa butter moisturizes the skin while leaving the skin squeaky-clean without any residue. The soap also contains algae and coconut. The fragrance as described by Crabtree and Evelyn is “a medley of fresh sea air, classic marine notes, a splash of citrus, and a woody accord featuring cedarwood.”
Body Lotions/Creams
› Kiehl’s Creme de Corps
Price: $18.00 for 4.2 fl.oz, $29.50 for 8.4 fl. oz., $48.00 for 16.9 fl.oz
This cult body moisturizer has received many rave reviews from beauty enthusiasts and bloggers around the world. The yellow-colored thick lotion is excellent for extremely dry and itchy skin. The cocoa butter and sesame seed oil moisturize the skin, making it smooth and beautiful. Although the consistency may appear extremely thick at first, the lotion spreads well and is absorbed quickly.
› Jergens Original Scent Cherry Almond Moisturizer
Price: $6.50 for 10 fl. oz.
Jergens Cherry Almond moisturizer is a great body lotion to give you silky, smooth skin. This lightweight lotion absorbs fast into the skin without leaving any oily residue. Moreover, the smell of bitter almonds is heavenly.
› Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Price: $9.26 for 18 fl. oz.
The shea butter and colloidal oatmeal in this lotion soothes dry, itchy skin. It is mild and completely safe for you.
Apart from these skin care products, there are also products for special needs such as products for anti-aging, acne, or night repair. Special creams such as BB and CC creams that combine the best of all skin care products have also become quite popular in recent years.
