Whether you’re partnered up, in love with yourself, dating around, or happily spending Valentine’s Day with your friends, there’s nothing like new makeup, skincare, or else to make the holiday special. Sure, you could give someone a new face cream and call it a day. But instead of that, why not fully embrace the love fest and get something timely and, preferably, themed? Whether you want a perfume that smells like a floral arrangement, or some bath salts that guarantee a relaxing time, here are 24 beauty gifts you can get that special someone in your life.
Cheeky Rose Cream Blush
What’s the source of that rosy glow on your cheeks? Is it a late-night tryst, a few extra endorphins? Or maybe it’s this super creamy blush that gives you a flush straight out of a Disney movie?
Rose Eye Makeup Brush Set
Combine two great gifts into one: Roses and makeup brushes. The five-piece set is giving Beauty and the Beast vibes, but with more emphasis on beauty.
This lipstick effortlessly delivers a soft, plumped look to your lips. It’s the perfect accessory to wear on a date, or when you’re taking selfies to update your dating profile.
If your lips need a little plumping, these heart-shaped gloss sticks will get it done. They’re so easy to throw in an overnight bag, so in the morning you can re-apply and say, “I woke up like this.”
The Texture Tonic
You’ve scrubbed, buffed, and polished every inch of your body, but what about your face? A nice, gentle blend of AHAs and niacinamide will get you even, smooth skin that’s perfectly peckable.
Who knows which parts of you will be seen (or smelled) this Valentine’s Day? To cover all your bases, spray this vanilla and amber-scented body mist from head to toe.
Am I flushed from your sweet-talking or is it just my subtle blush? This fan-favorite lip and cheek stain is the only product you need on your face. Plus, it’ll last through all of your night’s festivities so you don’t need to worry about re-applying.
Hello, inspiration. This body-shaped candle is not only a chic desk accessory (it comes in seven colors), but it also sets the mood for what’s to come.
This travel-sized blush kit is the definition of aspirational. Whether you prefer a cream finish or a classic powder (Is this a euphemism? I’m honestly not sure), you can rock NARS’s favorite blush any way that you like.
It might not be prom night, but a spritz of Lost Cherry is never a bad addition to an evening. Far from innocent, notes of black cherry, liqueur, almond, and hints of Turkish rose, make for a super sensual and deep combination that adds an air of mystery to whoever wears it.
Have you noticed that cannabidiol, or CBD, has been blowing up your feeds lately? That’s because of changes in United States laws. Specifically, the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bill legislation ushered in a revival of hemp farming, research, and hemp-derived products, including oils containing hemp-derived CBD. As a result, CBD oil has exploded on the wellness market in the past couple of years, and consumers looking for natural approaches to support wellness have taken notice.
If you’re looking to try CBD oil but don’t know where to start, like myself, here’s a comprehensive guide.
HEALTH Magazine picks were made with the help of Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN, who is a medical advisor at Remedy Review, an independent CBD review site. All of the brands recommended here have been vetted through third-party lab testing for quality and safety. It’s also important to keep in mind that CBD products are not regulated by the FDA.
Before going any further, here are some common questions & answers of CBD confusion—the “ABCs of CBD,” if you will.
What is CBD?
CBD is a phytocannabinoid, a unique compound found in the cannabisplant. Cannabinoids encompass a large family of plant-derived chemicals, including cannabis bioactives like CBD, THC, CBG, CBC, CBDA, and CBDV (to name a few of the 100+), as well as terpenoids and flavonoids. THC, the first cannabinoid ever discovered back in the 1940s, is the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that induces a high. CBD has different actions in the body and does not provide a buzz.
CBD is an abundant cannabinoid in both hemp and marijuana, which are distinctly different varieties of the Cannabis sativa l. plant species. A major and important differentiator between the two is that federal statutes in the U.S. dictate that industrial hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC, or just trace amounts.
How does CBD work in the body?
CBD and other phytocannabinoids work through a complex signaling system known as the endocannabinoid system. We all have this vast, omnipresent biological framework in our bodies, but most of us have never heard of it.
Not discovered until the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system is the master regulatory system that mediates our physiological homeostasis, or balance. Research has revealed that cannabinoid receptors exist in most of the body. We’re talking about the brain, lungs, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive organs, cardiovascular system, immune system, spleen, liver, pancreas, bones, and skin—just to name a few areas.
This expansive footprint in the body explains why phytocannabinoids like CBD and THC, anecdotally and via research, have been reported to elicit wide-ranging health effects. Disruption in endocannabinoid tone (whether too high or low) is thought to have a negative impact on health and is linked to certain diseases. Indeed, targeted nutrition therapies like CBD oil phytocannabinoids from hemp can be leveraged to naturally support the endocannabinoid system.
What can CBD help me with?
A small but growing body of cannabinoid research points to CBD’s ability to positively modulate pain, anxiety, and sleep. These are the three areas with the most anecdotal support for CBD in health.
But in addition to these more studied applications for CBD, people buy hemp products to help with their mood, control nausea and appetite, offset the symptoms of migraines, and, through topical applications, treat psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.
All these health benefits of CBD have some backing in research—either through animal tests or more broadly in the study of cannabis with THC—but it’s important to keep in mind that there is no scientific consensus. CBD works differently for everyone.
How do you take CBD?
CBD products come in many shapes and sizes. Along with oil, CBD gummies, capsules, and topicals are common delivery forms on the market.
CBD oil is most commonly delivered in a tincture format. To take CBD oil, place the desired dose into your mouth or under your tongue (which is thought to increase absorption amount and speed), holding it there for up to a minute. You can also mix CBD oil into food and drink.
Full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum vs. isolate: What’s the difference?
CBD oil products come in three different formats. Full-spectrum CBD oil incorporates all of the compounds present in the hemp plant, other cannabinoids (including no more than 0.3% THC), terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids. This full spectrum of hemp bioactives is closest to nature’s design of the plant. It is often discussed alongside the “entourage effect,” a theorized phenomenon that describes the potential synergy that a full array of hemp plant compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) may provide. The entourage effect is beginning to be discussed in clinical research applications in, for example, mood and anxiety disorders.
Then there’s broad-spectrum CBD oil. By further distilling the hemp extract to remove traces of THC, broad-spectrum CBD products contain CBD, other cannabinoids that aren’t THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids. Often referred to as “THC-free,” broad-spectrum products are, simply put, full-spectrum minus the THC.
And finally, there’s CBD isolate. As the name implies, CBD isolate contains just concentrated CBD, with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or essential fatty acids.
How is CBD dosage determined?
Clinical consensus is lacking on CBD dosing, but generally, the prudent approach is to start low and go slow.
One rule of thumb is to take 1 to 6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight—so a 140-pound woman might take 14 to 84 mg of CBD. The amount and/or frequency of CBD can be increased over time or spread out through the day.
Dosing for general wellness versus for sleep regulation or anxiety will vary. Anecdotally, CBD users often share that single, higher doses are useful for supporting sleep, while regular and lower doses are more helpful for combating everyday stress.
Can CBD oil be personalized?
Our unique genetics influence how we respond to all kinds of inputs, including the things we consume like food, supplements, and medications—and CBD oil is no exception.
In conjunction with your healthcare provider, the CBD approach can be flexed based on individual results. In the growing age of personalized medicine, healthcare practitioners have an exciting opportunity and unique ability to tailor therapies (including lifestyle strategies) to the individual patient to improve patient care.
How Experts Determined the Best CBD Oil Brands in 2020
To identify the best CBD oil companies, the scope was limited to brands using hemp grown in the U.S., where regulations for industrial hemp farming are in place. The transport of international hemp provides several opportunities for potential introduction of contaminants.
Next, independent third-party testing and transparency of lab results were paramount. Batch- and lot-specific results, preferably from the last quarter but definitely within the last year, needed to be available. This lab testing is critical as it ensures that the oil’s cannabinoid concentration accurately matches the label; that the “terpene profile,” or array of plant compounds present in the product, is available; and that the limits for “bad stuff” like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants are not exceeded.
All of the CBD product recommendations below are from brands vetted for the quality parameters described above. For each CBD brand, the top CBD oil product pick, third-party lab information, and additional quality call-outs unique to the CBD company are provided.
Strongest CBD Oil: Spruce
Spruce has a worthy reputation in the CBD industry thanks to its third-party testing, lab-grade CBD oil, and strong relationships with its farmers and hemp suppliers. The brand focuses on small-batch CBD production, helping to achieve consistency and quality from product to product.
Spruce offers high potency, full-spectrum tinctures derived from organic hemp in two strengths: 25 mg or 80 mg per serving. It’s important to note that most people would graduate up to these doses over time. Things like body size and health impact (like the level of pain you’re trying to control) will help determine which Spruce variety is right for you. Third-party lab data from ProVerde Laboratories and ACS Laboratory is available here.
Are you stressed or anxious? If so, you’re not alone. A whopping 8 in 10 Americans report being afflicted by stress during their day. CBDistillery put time into asking customers whether their products are calming: In a questionnaire sent to 2,000 customers, 88% reported that CBD helped with mild or temporary anxiety, and 76% said they preferred CBD to alcohol when they needed to relax.
The brand makes several strengths, which allows people to personalize their dose and avoid drowsiness if taking CBD during the day. Buyers can choose from strengths ranging from 33 mg to 83 mg per serving, and the brand carries both full spectrum and THC-free tinctures.
If you are interested in a full array of cannabinoids and terpenes in your CBD oil, Fab CBD delivers with a comprehensive and creative line of full-spectrum CBD oils. Its tinctures include whole-plant hemp extracts from organically grown Colorado hemp that features a unique blend of cannabinoids and terpenes. Along with the clearly labeled bottles, the 1 ml dropper is marked with measurement guides for easy dosing.
With 4 strengths ranging from 5 mg to 40 mg per serving and 5 premium flavors (natural, peppermint, citrus, berry, and vanilla), you have lots of tincture choices. Fab CBD also offers gummies, topical CBD cream, and CBD dog treats. Fab CBD tests all of its products through ProVerde Laboratories, and third-party lab results are accessible online.
NuLeaf Naturals packs a punch with a full spectrum of synergistic cannabinoids and terpenes in a high-potency formula. Each bottle delivers 50 mg of full-spectrum CBD per 1 mL of oil. This consistency across all of its CBD oil formulas allows you to easily find the dose that works for you. Then you can purchase the bottle size that aligns with your needs and budget—available sizes range from 240 mg to 4,850 mg of CBD per bottle. It was picked as the best product for chronic pain relief because it is a strong, full spectrum oil.
NuLeaf Naturals’ products are made with USDA-certified organic hemp seed oil, and they are free of additives, heavy metals, toxins, chemicals, and flavors. The company also offers a full-spectrum pet tincture. You can find product-specific third-party lab reports from ProVerde Laboratories on Nuleaf’s website.
Charlotte’s Web CBD oils feature whole plant extracts. This means in addition to terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids, they contain a range of cannabinoids. Users of Charlotte’s Web have said the brand’s combination of CBD, CBC, and CBG support healthy sleep cycles. The overall sense of calm and relief that its products provide are another benefit that could potentially aid in better sleep.
In addition to whole plant CBD oil extracts, Charlotte’s Web also has isolate tinctures, capsules, gummies, balms, creams, pet products, and even swag. The U.S. Hemp Authority Certified company has a long history of robust quality control, and it uses MS Bionalytical and various Eurofins testing labs to ensure products are of the highest quality. Its third-party lab test results are easily accessed online by entering the specific lot number from a CBD oil bottle or packaging. Without additives or dyes, these full-spectrum oils use natural flavorings like mint chocolate, lemon twist, orange blossom, and olive oil to meet the taste preference for a variety of palates.
Looking for zero THC? Medterra’s CBD isolate products provide a THC-free guarantee, and they are also U.S. Hemp Authority Certified. This could be a great option for anyone who may have to undergo regular drug testing. Dosages range from 16 mg all the way up to 100 mg per serving.
Derived from Kentucky hemp, Medterra’s unflavored CBD tinctures are made with 99% pure CBD extract, as well as organic MCT oil. In addition to these CBD isolate oils, Medterra also makes broad-spectrum CBD oils, CBD capsules, topicals, and pet products. Medterra utilizes ProVerde Laboratories and Green Scientific Labs to test all of its products and provides access to these third-party lab results online.
When shopping for CBD oil, you may notice that it can become very expensive, and cheap options may not have the same trusted quality as ones with higher price tags. At cbdMD, however, you get the best of both worlds with products that are truly high-quality but come at an affordable price. Its broad-spectrum CBD oil comes in a variety of strengths and flavors (like mint, orange, and berry) so you can personalize your CBD experience.
Choose from strengths like 10 mg, 25 mg, or even upwards of 100 mg of CBD per serving. If you want to switch things up or are seeking convenience, check out cbdMD’s gummies, capsules, topicals, or even bath bombs for a more immersive CBD experience. On cbdMD’s product pages, you can access third-party test results from SC Labs by clicking on the “COAs” tab.
When it comes to broad-spectrum CBD oil, Green Roads has everything that you’re looking for. CEO and co-founder Laura Fuentes is a licensed pharmacist who formulates the products with innovation and quality, and the company ensures that each batch of CBD oil is thoroughly tested by third-party labs. You can easily scan the QR code provided on the packaging with a smartphone to access the lab results for your product.
These broad-spectrum oils are available in three flavors—natural, mint breeze, and apple kiwi bliss—and feature three easy-to-understand strengths: mild (10 mg CBD), moderate (25 mg CBD), and mighty (50 mg CBD). Green Roads also offers a 1-milliliter daily dose product for on-the-go convenience.
To buy: 750 mg Mint Breeze Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, $90; greenroads.com
Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN is the Senior Editor of Health & Wellness Strategy at Remedy Review, an independent CBD reviews site. Dr. Ferira completed her PhD in Foods & Nutrition at The University of Georgia, where she researched the role of vitamin D in pediatric cardiometabolic disease. The products featured in this article were tested at ProVerde Laboratories in Milford, MA and Avazyme, Inc. in Durham, NC.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before consuming or using any of the products mentioned on this site.
Dryness, dullness, signs of aging, or acne? There’s a toner for that.
Toners are one of skincare’s most fiercely debated topics, right next to physical exfoliators and eye cream. Here’s the thing: I would be skeptical of toners myself had I not witnessed their miracles firsthand. Honestly, I don’t feel like my skincare routine works effectively if I don’t prep my skin with a toner first.Toners act as the next nourishing and replenishing step after cleansing, and are meant to prep and prime your skin for skincare products to follow. Plus, with skincare technology getting better and better, toners are integrating ingredients that are clinically known to be effective. Just like hyaluronic acid in your serum will give your skin amazing hydration, the same ingredient in a toner will give you those skincare benefits in a lightweight, easy step.
For Problem Skin: Eve Lom Rescue Toner
For skin that comes with all the relatable concerns—redness, acne, unwanted bumps, irritation–this toner is a great solution for those issues and more. Formulated with AHAs and natural extracts, skin is gently exfoliated and soothed for great all-over improvement.
If you have the fun problem of dry skin that’s also sensitive, this hydrating spray toner is gentle enough to use daily. It comes in spray form that can either be spritzed directly on the face, or onto a cotton pad to be swiped on. With witch hazel, water, and cucumber extract, this toner feels lightweight but still offers a necessary dose of hydration.
For Dull Skin: Goodhabit Rescue Me Texture Magic Exfoliating Toner
This toner has a powerhouse of ingredients that work hard to resurface and brighten skin. With AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, it might seem like this product isn’t gentle enough for sensitive skin. On the contrary, however, even those with sensitive skin can use this toner daily. An amazing bonus? This toner helps blocks the effects of blue light on the skin.
For anyone trying to get ahead of aging concerns and control unsightly breakouts, this toner was made for you. Formulated with lipo hydroxy acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid, this toner sloughs off dead skin while also purifying clogged pores. With daily use, you can look forward to firmer, brighter skin.
If toners seem to always cause sensitivity to your skin, this aloe vera-infused toner is the perfect pick. Irritation and redness have been historically treated with aloe vera, and this product utilizes the ingredient’s soothing properties.
For Irritated Skin: Feuillete Smooth Water Essence
If you’re a newbie to the whole toner business, this product is a great beginner product. There’s nothing this toner doesn’t do–it brightens, hydrates, and soothes. Whether your skin is sensitive, oily, or dry, this toner can treat all concerns. As an added benefit, it’s also fragrance-free for anyone with perfume sensitivity.
For Uneven Skin: Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softener
For skin that is suffering from dryness, aging, or an uneven texture, this product is the key to solve all those issues. With a myriad of Japanese superfoods, this gentle toner plumps the skin and softens roughness caused by these skin concerns.
For Bumpy Skin: Sisley Paris Botanical Floral Toning Lotion
Formulated with natural extracts, this toner turns irritated, rough skin into a softened, hydrated textured. It is alcohol-free, which makes it a good option for dry and sensitive skin that is suffering from bumpiness, roughness, or redness. To truly immerse yourself in the French lifestyle, use this toner twice a day and soak in the goodness.
For Inflamed Skin: Truly CBD Jelly Toning Solution
This jelly-textured toner, which contains glycolic acid and CBD, is a hero for skin that needs effective exfoliation but is prone to inflammation. Glycolic acid effectively exfoliates while CBD calms the skin. For anyone that has sensitive skin and is hesitant to use chemical exfoliator but wants to be free of the pollution and dead skin cells that clog pores, this product is for you.
For Severely Dehydrated Skin: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid
If your dry skin leaves you with flakes, rough patches, and uncomfortable tightness or cracked areas, this toner is the perfect solution. Packed with moisturizing ceramides, this toner soaks into the skin to deliver long-lasting hydration.
For anyone who wants to carry summer with them wherever they go, this watermelon-scented toner delivers tightening and exfoliating effects without stripping the skin. With PHA and BHA acids, it gently exfoliates and reduces the appearance of pores. Not to mention, it’s also incredibly hydrating thanks to the hefty amount of hyaluronic acid.
For Aging Skin: Guerlain Abeille Royale Anti-Aging Fortifying Lotion Toner
This toner is water-light and formulated to treat signs of aging. Guerlain Royal Jelly, black bee repair technology, and honey all work together to protect the skin from future aging, while also reversing fine lines and wrinkles. Even better, Guerlain partnered with Brittany Black Bee Conservatory to sustainably source their ingredients while protecting the bee population.
For Oily Skin: Shani Darden Skin Care Sake Toning Essence
While toners and essences often get lumped into one category, this product takes the best of both to treat oily skin. With sake water, niacinamide, and natural extracts, this toner brightens skin, controls oil production, all while diminishing the appearance of pores. A cult-favorite product, this toner has a host of fans that rave about its effectiveness.
No matter how much beauty ads promise, there really is no such thing as a magical cure-all that’ll make you look like a woman who always drinks enough water and clocks eight hours of sleep each night. Even if you are that woman (secrets, please?), dark circles can still be hereditary.
However, there really is some truth to the best eye creams. No, they won’t entirely get rid of that puffiness and blueish tinge or erase wrinkles overnight, but there are a handful of options with ingredients that actually do tighten, brighten, and generally make your need for concealer a little less. Since the skin under our eyes is more delicate, targeted formulations with active ingredients like retinol (or bakuchiol), vitamin C, and caffeine can pack more pick-me-up power than your average face cream or serum.
Best Overall: Tata Harper Boosted Contouring Eye Balm
It’s not just that Tata is the queen of formulating with the cleanest ingredients—it’s that she pushes the envelope so we can have clean ingredients and clinically proven skin rejuvenation in one little bottle. This eye cream is gentle on my reactive skin and highly effective in softening lines and hydrating that thin, delicate, and previously crepey skin around my eyes. —Katey Denno, celebrity makeup artist and Glamour Beauty Awards judge
Best Luxury: La Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Eye Cream
I made it all through my 20s without undereye issues, but I swear the second I turned 30, the effects of a late-night Netflix binge (or God forbid, a night out) started to manifest on my face. And that’s when I decided it was time to call in the big guns. La Prairie’s Platinum Rare Cellular Eye Cream gets its muscle from a potent blend of peptides and hydrators to brighten, smooth, and tighten your skin. It’s basically Spanx for your eyes. —Lindsay Schallon, senior beauty editor
For someone who spends way too much time up late in front of a computer screen, this serum is like the equivalent of a cup of coffee for my eyes. It’s formulated with caffeine and green tea to jolt awake their appearance and minimize the look of dark circles and puffiness. Best $7 I ever spent. —Aimee Sy, contributor
Best for Puffiness: Sisley Paris Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid
After a few rotations around my eye socket with this mysteriously cold ceramic applicator, I was hooked. Like all of the products in the Black Rose Collection, this formula smells (no essential oils, just May Rose water) and feels amazing. Best of all, it depuffs, hydrates, and brightens and instantly makes me look more rested. —Robin Black, makeup artist and Glamour Beauty Awards judge
Best for Tired Eyes: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex
Since I’m still in my 20s, I usually just need moisture under my eyes, but when I need something more (like when I’m hungover) this is what I reach for. I love the classic Night Repair serum, and this eye treatment is just as effective. It has a cooling gel texture, and it instantly makes me look more awake, less puffy, and as if I could be the kind of girl who meditates and drinks green juice every day. I’ve even noticed that if I use this one consistently, my dark circles look slightly better (it’s a cream, not a miracle) thanks to the brand’s ChronoluxCB complex. —B.C.
Best for Dark Circles: It Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream
I have pretty bad dark circles (genetics, unfortunately) and have tried everything from very expensive products to drugstore brands. It wasn’t until this one that I noticed a difference—literally, after a day of using it. It’s super lightweight and makes it look as though I hit snooze just a little longer each morning. —Azadeh Valanejad, contributor
Over the years I’ve tried various eye creams, from drugstore buys to mysterious potions I’ve picked up from the Glamour beauty closet, but Dr. Barbara Sturm’s was my first foray into a luxe product line, and man, did it not disappoint. Just a slight tap of the cream every night has made the fine skin around my eyes look tighter and more youthful. The cream feels indulgent and rich on my skin, while still having a super-light, airy consistency. I don’t know what kind of voodoo magic Dr. Barbara Sturm works with, but consider me all in. —Caitlin Brody, entertainment director
Best for Fine Lines: Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream
Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but they’re also the first place to show signs of aging. That’s why I’ve been using eye cream since I was a teenager. But as you get older, you need different formulas, especially if you wear makeup. The key is an eye cream that will help act as a barrier so concealer and foundation won’t settle into fine lines, but will also still hydrate. I’ve found that with Tatcha’s Silk Peony, which has a unique melting texture to smooth and blur the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It contains 30% Hadasei-3, which is the brand’s signature trio of pure Japanese superfoods, including Uji Green Tea (to detoxify), Okinawa maluku algae (to help retain moisture), and protein-rich Akita rice to nourish and go on smoothly. And as with all Tatcha products, it’s cruelty-free and formulated without sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. —Jessica Radloff, West Coast editor
Best Multitasker: Glossier Bubble Wrap Eye and Lip Plumping Cream
Wrinkles aren’t my top concern yet, so when it comes to eye cream, I’m looking for something no-fuss that hydrates, plumps, and is a great base for the gobs of concealer I need to hide my sleeping habits. Bubblewrap is the answer to my prayers; if I could bathe in it, I would. It’s a cushiony eye and lip cream that has a thin yet lush texture and is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and avocado oil. Tapped on my undereyes, it made me look more awake, refreshed, and made my concealer glide on crease-free. While it’s a fab eye cream, I’m also obsessed with it in place of lip balm at night for full, plush lips by morning. And of course, the packaging looks perfect in my medicine cabinet. —B.C.
Best Soothing: Volition Beauty Helix AM/PM Eye Gel
I’m one of the people who think eye creams are kind of B.S.—a regular light moisturizer does that trick just fine for me—but I’ve recently noticed how damn puffy my area looks. Blame it on an excess of salt and not enough water, but I started using this collagen-rich gel, which I keep in the fridge, and found it actually works to depuff and hydrate. It also promises to blur fine lines, though I don’t have those yet, but I’m planning to stick with it, mainly thanks to its powerful helix complex, an organic compound rich in allantoin, collagen, elastin, and glycolic acid. —Perrie Samotin, digital director
Best Brightening: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Eye Serum
I’ve been obsessed with finding the right treatment for the dark circles under my eyes, and this is definitely the winner. This serum doesn’t have the stinging retinol sensation that a previous eye cream had, nor does it leave my skin feeling tacky. I’ve been using it for the last two months, and the difference is noticeable. I’m already dreading the day I have to replace it. —Khaliha Hawkins, producer
Best Primer: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base
My undereyes are regularly dry, and my concealer always creases no matter what, until I tried Bobbi Brown’s new Vitamin Enriched Eye Base. Its creamy shea butter formula means a pea-size amount is plenty to go around both eyes. I use my fingertips to gently pat this soothing primer into my skin before concealing my uninvited dark circles for a smooth canvas that never creases. —Talia Gutierrez, beauty assistant
I’ve been slowly replacing the skin-care products in my beauty routine with ones that are plant-based—and my latest fixation is Haoma’s Eye Cream. Rich in skin-brightening ingredients like yarrow, licorice, mulberry, and CBD, this balm has an airy, velvety texture that goes on smooth and absorbs in no time. I dab a pea-size amount under my eyes after cleansing, and it straightaway makes the purplish circles feel lighter and brighter. That, and it’s the perfect second step in my morning routine to trick my mind into instant “awake” mode. —Talia Abbas, commerce writer
I’ve always been a fan of Embryolisse’s skin-care products. They’re a staple in makeup artists’ kits. The same goes for this undereye stick. It’s multifunctional: It refreshes tired eyes, diminishes signs of fatigue (like puffiness), firms, is highly hydrating, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also brightens your undereye area and improves texture. Not to mention it’s incredibly cooling when you glide it on. I like to use it right before I put on makeup, during skin prep. —Carola Gonzalez, celebrity makeup artist and Glamour Beauty Awards judge
Best Eye Serum: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Yeux Light Pearl Concentrate
There’s nothing I love more than popping a jade roller in the fridge and running it under my eyes in the morning to wake up. This is the eye serum equivalent. The metal applicator is cool and refreshing as you glide it on, and the gentle but tough-acting mix of caffeine, prebiotics, and vitamin E go to work to jolt life back to your undereyes. Bonus: You can use the serum on your lashes to make them look more nourished. —L.S.
I’ve tried tons of eye creams that do literally nothing, but Belif’s eye cream doesn’t have that problem: This spin-off of its moisturizer leaves my undereyes looking smooth and way less crepey within minutes. —Sarah Morse, contributor
Best Hydrating: Hada Labo Tokyo Age Correcting Eye Cream
Hada Labo makes reliably excellent skin care, and this eye cream is no different. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, caffeine, collagen, and light-diffusing pigments. Smooth it on and it’ll blur and diminish your dark circles while giving your delicate undereye area a noticeable boost. —Sarah Wu, beauty contributor
CBD in skincare – the beauty industry has become obsessed with marijuana/cannabis/CBD promotions over the last year or two. The claims of skincare products, in particular, with this ingredient, include calming inflammation and irritation, helping with sebum production and oil regulation, as well as anti-aging benefits.
A lot of CBD oils are made at home and sold at a higher price range through websites like Etsy, which brings into question the authenticity of it.
The formulation process of making a product with CBD isn’t very straightforward and easy – the extraction & stabilization of it. In order to acquire and incorporate this ingridient, a licence must be obtained. There’s a lot more research needed in order to fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of topical CBD.
Cbd Oil
Celebrity skincare lines – we don’t need any more skincare brands for no reason (because let’s be honest, most, if not all, celebrities don’t spend hours in labs caring to gather the most beneficial ingredients)! They add nothing to the skincare realm, sometimes the celebrity themselves don’t even use their products.
Of course, with the celebrity name comes a ridiculous price tag. Some of these lines are successful due to their marketing strategies of promising that we too can achieve that standard of beauty that we are so used to holding celebrities to.
Full face waxing – seems to be mostly a male trend that picked up popularity because “it’s something fun to watch”. The entire face is covered in wax in order to remove unwanted facial hair and peach fuzz, be used as an exfoliating treatment and blackheads remover.
The best way to wax your face is in sections – apply wax evenly in the direction of hair growth, then once it’s dry, peel it off quickly in the opposite direction. Working in small sections prevents irritation and ingrown hairs!
Full face waxers do not hold the skin when ripping off the wax layer, which leads to extreme irritation and even ripping of the skin, causing irreversible damage. The skin on your face is extremely delicate so please don’t do this!
Skincare tools – extraction tools, derma rollers, sonic peels, etc. might help with certain concerns when used by professionals on you (they know the level of pressure to apply and how to properly work with these tools).
Social media can really mislead people into using these tools improperly and do more harm than good in the end. Again, click-bait works its wonders here at the expense of proper use of tools that can irreversibly damage the skin. Bleeding, peeling skin, irritation, breakouts, and acne are some of many negative effects.
Not all tools are even necessary to achieve a result you’re seeking – another product can do so more safely.
Kassy Rose Makeup Artistry 