Here it is—the MARA Algae + Moringa Universal Hydrating Face Oil. It includes wild-collected algae, moringa, and watermelon. The first plumps the skin and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The second contains nutrients and antioxidants to moisturize the skin and do away with dullness. Finally, the third hydrates the skin and provides fatty acids and vitamins.
The brand says you can use it on its own, or layer it on top of serums and creams to lock moisture in. You can even mix it with makeup for a dewy finish and use it as a natural light-reflecting highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones (we love a multi-tasking beauty product).
Welcome to Deep Reviews—your one-stop destination to discover the absolute best products and brands the beauty industry has to offer. The Who What Wear staffers you already know and trust will research, test, and review the market’s most sought-after and buzzed-about products to see which formulas (of the hundreds up for consideration) are truly worth your hard-earned money and attention. You can expect honest, completely uncensored feedback and no-BS recommendations our hard-to-please testers endorse without reservations.
Sometimes, wearing a full-coverage foundation feels like putting on a latex mask. And on the flip side, going totally bare-faced can feel daunting. For days when both sides of the spectrum feel impossible, it’s best to reach for a base product with flexible coverage that feels breathable and maybe even skincare-adjacent. That’s where BB creams come in.
BB creams are the perfect solution for skin-blurring, even-toned coverage that looks—and feels!—like your skin. Unfortunately, finding the right BB cream can quickly devolve into a Goldilocks and the Three Bears situation. You want a formula that has enough coverage (but not too much), feels hydrating (but not oily), and stays on all day (but doesn’t mattify). Basically, we want BB creams to do the most. We tried 13 BB creams and picked the top eight. Keep reading for our favorite BB creams and why we loved them, plus info on our rigorous testing process and insight from a celebrity makeup artist on everything you ever wanted to know about BB cream.
“To me, the formula is about as perfect as a tinted moisturizer can get. There’s no funky scent or heavy oily consistency, and it just blends into my skin so seamlessly without drying it out or making it break out. I can wear it every single day (and honestly do) and my skin is actually better for it. I’ve actually already been using this product for two or three years now, and it’s my holy grail. I love how seamlessly it glides on, and it blends flawlessly. The formula is just right for my skin so it never feels dry or flaky or, on the flip side, oily or heavy, like so many other BB creams I’ve tried have done. It also works as a wonderful base to makeup, and my cream blush, concealer, and bronzer all blend in well on top.” — Anna LaPlaca, Editor
“I have used many, many BB creams in my day, and I can honestly say that none have ever held up better than this tinted moisturizer from Chantecaille. I don’t know how they do it, but it genuinely looks like an eighth layer of skin—you can’t even tell you’re wearing any base makeup at all with this product, which is genuinely impressive. It does come with a steep price tag, but if there’s anything you’re considering splurging on, this is truly, truly worth every penny. The finish is dewy but not shiny, and it never pills over my skincare and sunscreen. Truly the holy grail.” — Katie Berohn, Beauty Editor
“Since I was test-driving this BB cream throughout New York Fashion Week, I knew I needed lightweight, long-lasting coverage for running around the city and being photographed. Lightweight and long-lasting usually don’t go hand-in-hand, so I was skeptical at best. But shockingly, Covergirl blew me out of the water. It settled on my skin flawlessly and gave me a radiant, skin-like finish. I’ll admit I was having much better skin days at the start of fashion week than at the end, so my first reactions were that it was incredible. Toward the end of the week, I was itching to get it off since my skin was starting to break out (too many slices of stress pizza will do that to you!), but sans textured skin or acne, it looked incredible. Given how low-cost the CG BB cream is, I’d recommend everyone try it out at least once—at worst, you’re out the price of a latte in New York. At best, you’ve found an affordable formula that you can wear without worrying about cost per wear.” — Ana Escalante, Assistant Shopping Editor
“This is the product I use daily, and I absolutely love it. Prior to trying it, I never used a tinted moisturizer or BB cream and just kind of went with whatever my skin looked like. From a product like this, I’ve only ever really wanted a dewy, barely there layer of coverage that looks like skin, and that’s exactly what this product provides. I’ve already bought it at least five times and will continue to for years to come unless they reformulate. It’s something I put on every single day and genuinely adore. I think if anyone’s looking for super lightweight, barely there coverage that still provides you with a glowy, fresh look, this is a great product for them to try. It’s much dewier and more natural looking than most BB creams I’ve tried. It also acts as a better base for makeup than I’m used to.” —Eliza Huber, Editor
“It did exactly what I wanted it to do. It glided onto my skin with ease, gave me a nice glow, and evened out most of my discoloration. I usually still go in with concealer for my under-eye area while using any BB cream, but I’d be okay with just applying this if I just wanted just a little something. Other BB creams either feel like they do absolutely nothing or they’re too close to a foundation. I think this product found that sweet spot right in the middle. And as someone with dry skin, I’ve had the issue of other creams cling to my dry patches and make my skin look even more dry, no matter how I moisturize. This makes it look like I have dewy and healthy skin, which I love.” — Yusra Siddiqui, Associate Editor
“As someone who typically shies away from skin tints or BB creams in fear of looking too oily or not having enough coverage, I was surprisingly excited to try this one from Fenty. I see a ton of content creators using this product, and it has pretty rave reviews from people of all skin tones and skin types. I was hoping for the glowy finish that I see all over my For You page. My biggest hope was for my skin to look like skin. It definitely met my expectations in terms of glow and finish, but I found that the product had such a red undertone that I looked a bit orange immediately after application. After a while, it oxidized and the match felt right, but if I were going to take a selfie immediately after finishing my makeup (like I normally would), I might look a little orange. I will definitely use this product for those light-makeup days. It gives just enough coverage where I feel like my skin can breathe while my blemishes are concealed. It’s super lightweight and perfect for those days when I’m running errands, hopping on a virtual meeting, or heading to lunch. I love that it’s available in so many different shades.” — Aniyah Morinia, Associate Editor, Branded Content
“The shade match process got me the correct shade on the first try. Since BB creams usually have limited shade options, I was so impressed that this one offered up to 25 options. It blended super easily and had the best coverage, while still being lightweight, of the other products that I tried. My mom has been looking for a new tinted moisturizer, and I’ve already pointed her in Fenty’s direction. It reminds me of a step back from my favorite natural finish foundation. That’s a huge compliment, by the way.” — Sierra Mayhew, Associate Editor
“Even though it met me at a rough time, it delivered. I was quite tired during fashion week after a late night and tried it in the midst of all the craziness. It is important to note that the shade range was impressive, and I loved seeing that it brought color to my skin and revitalized me after a rough night. While many BB creams disappear into my skin, this one sticks around with great coverage for a tinted product.” — Mayhew
“My skin truly looked impeccable after application, but during the process of blending it out, the cream was literally white. It changes color as the product is blended out, so it’s safe to say I had quite the jumpscare when the shade didn’t match. After giving it about five minutes, it magically matched my skin and had the most flawless finish. The product is silky smooth and blended in super naturally. It accentuates my natural features without covering too much or too little. I love that this has SPF 30 in it. I’m a huge fan of this product and would happily repurchase it. I will 1000% be keeping this product in my routine. It’s lightweight, easy to apply, protective, and surprisingly doesn’t transfer. I don’t feel like I need additional products to have a flawless base when I’m wearing this. It’s truly everything I’ve been looking for in a skin tint or BB cream. It’s light, slightly dewy, breathable, and creates a nice satin finish.” — Morinia
“There are three things I always look for in a BB Cream: sheer coverage, glowy finish, and blends well with the rest of my makeup routine. So far, we’ve hit the trifecta with the Cle CCC Cream. It brings such a healthy glow to my dull winter skin and feels weightless. After wearing all day long, the coverage has stayed intact with no powdering involved. Other glowy tinted moisturizers I’ve tried tend to transfer easily and wear off throughout the day. If you like decent coverage but hate the feeling of foundation, you need to try this product.” — Natalie Gray Herder, Associate Editor, Branded Content
“Unfortunately, I think my shade was a bit too light, making the product look a bit off on me. Apart from that, though, I actually think very highly of this product. It’s super natural and clean, making it good for sensitive skin like mine, and I love that it’s SPF 50, which is rare in a BB cream. I like how skin-like this product is and that it gives a subtle, realistic glow. My only other qualm is that I think it doesn’t give as glowy a result as I prefer. I probably won’t use it every day, but I think if I got a darker shade, it’d be great for the summer, when I need a daily higher SPF. It’s a great item to keep in your pool or beach bag when you want a bit of tint. I think it’s great for someone with sensitive skin who wants something natural and skin-like. It’s different from other similar products in that when it comes out of the bottle, it’s not colored, and it doesn’t change color until it makes contact with your skin. It has a little bit of a white cast, which is something I wouldn’t want daily, but I wouldn’t mind it at all if I was going to lay in the sun.” — Huber
“It’s definitely heavier than a lot of other tinted sunscreens on the market, and if you’re looking for more payoff and coverage without resorting to a thicker foundation-type product, it’s great. For people who prefer more lightweight formulas for their BB creams or with oily skin, I’d recommend something else. It’ll become my new non-foundation foundation.” — Escalante
“I have been using this product for a couple of years now, and it’s one of my go-to base products, particularly in the summer when I don’t feel like wearing foundation and want an extra boost of SPF over my face sunscreen. (Always remember base products with sunscreen never have all the SPF you need to stay protected.) This tinted moisturizer applies so easily and looks incredibly smooth on skin while giving you a juicy, skin-like finish. My only qualm with this formula is sometimes I find the finish a little too dewy—it can border on glossy.” — Berohn
“Believe it or not, this is the first BB cream I ever used. I never used to wear base makeup at all through high school and college (save for some concealer under my eyes and to cover any blemishes). In the summer of 2016, I wanted to try something with a bit of extra coverage. I was interning in New York City, and I was also broke. I went to Duane Reade and picked up the cheapest BB cream I could find, and it ended up being this one. I personally love the formula and always have—it is a really solid drugstore find that blurs and evens skin and leaves you with a radiant finish. My only qualm is that I found the shade to be a bit too dark and warm-toned for my skin, but it blends out enough to not be noticeable. I recommend applying this one with a brush for the most flawless finish. I wore this to dinner with my friends a few weeks ago for the first time since 2016 and got so many compliments on my skin—might be time for me to break this baby out of retirement.” — Berohn
“It got the job done, and it’s decent for its affordable price, but I wouldn’t reach for it on the daily. While it felt fairly lightweight on my skin, it did have a noticeable sunscreen scent that put me off, and it tended to pill when I blended it in. I just used my fingers like I do with other makeup products, but maybe it would have blended better with a brush or makeup sponge. I wouldn’t want to use it as a key part of my everyday routine because the sunscreen scent bothered me, and it felt too oily on my skin for my liking. I’d be nervous everyday use would make me break out. It holds up for being a drugstore find.” — LaPlaca
To get the lowdown on all things BB cream, I reached out to celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz who’s clients are Quinta Brunson, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Cynthia Erivo, Jaylon Barron, and Vanessa Rubio. Essentially, BB cream really is a do-it-all product—it’s moisturizer, primer, and foundation all in one. “[It’s] sort of like an all in one product that helps to hydrate, smooth fine lines, and brighten the skin,” Loiz says.
There are plenty of ways to apply BB creams. “You can apply like a moisturizer with your fingers, use a makeup brush, or a beauty sponge,” says Loiz. “I personally prefer to use a beauty sponge, as I feel I use the least product this way and get a seamless finish.”
Think of CC creams as a step above a BB cream—they share all the same benefits, but CC creams have the extra benefit of color-correcting added in. “Also, a CC cream is a much thicker formula and has more coverage than BB cream,” says Loiz.
A tinted moisturizer is the simplest of the three but still shares many similarities to BB cream. “A tinted moisturizer is a moisturizer and foundation mixed together,” says Loiz. “[It] has a very sheer coverage and usually no added skincare benefits.” When it comes to product names, the terms can be pretty interchangeable, which is why you’ll see some products labeled “CC cream” and “tinted moisturizer” on this list.
First, Loiz recommends looking for a BB cream with a wide-coverage range. After that, she recommends looking for BB creams that boast hydrating and skin-blurring benefits. With Loiz’s expertise in mind, I combed through 51 BB creams that had made other publications’ “best-of” lists, and landed on 13 formulas for our editors to test. From those, we chose and ranked the top eight based on coverage, blendability, finish, shade range, wear time, and more.
I’d first love to start by talking about your background as an aesthetician and why you decided to create your own brand.
I became a licensed aesthetician in 2010—which was well over a decade ago. When I was seeing clients, I essentially could not find the products I needed because I had various clients with different needs. I was in Los Angeles, in Hollywood at the time, and I felt like I was starting to see a segment of women (and men too, but mainly women) who were coming out of those teenage years, approaching their 20s and 30s, where they could not use the same skincare. They couldn’t use Neutrogena anymore, couldn’t use Clean & Clear anymore, but they were still struggling with hormonal imbalances and acne. They were also wanting to work their way into [using] some anti-aging [products]. They would say, “I don’t want to use benzoyl peroxide, but I want to jump into retinol.”
So when I decided to create Klur as a brand, it was a few years into [doing] treatments. I realized that there wasn’t really anything that was sophisticated enough that felt like a grown-up skincare brand. It needed to meet the clinical needs of what you could get from an aesthetician or dermatologist with high-performance ingredients as well as contain the soothing botanicals of a natural-care product. It really clicked with me in 2013 that after I had been seeing clients for a few years that there were no Black aestheticians with a skincare line on the market at all—not one. I just took a step back and said, “With all the knowledge that I have, the education I have, and my real life experience with people, I think I can do this. I think I should at least try to put a line out, even if it’s just sold in my spa. I can just sell it to my clients.”
That’s how it began; it actually just began focusing mainly on selling it to my clients. Eventually, I was called by Urban Outfitters in 2014, and that landed us on shelves. Very quickly, we did very, very well. This was my first foray into anything retail. I had no clue that there had never been a Black professional skincare line on the market. I’d never known that there wasn’t a Black aesthetician who’d ever had a product on a shelf, on a major retail shelf. I had no clue—I was just kind of going. At that point, I decided to close my spa and stop juggling all these things and just solely focus on building as a brand. Two years later, after a really good run and being in 200 stores, I voluntarily pulled out of Urban Outfitters to take care of my own health because I felt like I was compromising it by running a facial studio and trying to build the line. So I took two years off to rebrand and relaunch the line.
What would you say is the core ethos of Klur, and what is your brand mission?
As a founder, I believe that my personal mission is the same as the brand mission, and that is to inspire, educate, and guide individuals into making healthy decisions. Not only just skincare decisions but healthy decisions living holistically and showing them that by using skincare as a catalyst to inspire and cultivate a healthy lifestyle using holistic tools.
It’s so great to see so many women of color creating their own brands now—especially ones that champion holistic practices and ingredients! Would you say treating melanin-rich skin is different than treating those with lighter skin tones?
People of color come in all different skin tones, which is fantastic because speaking clinically, there is a difference in melanocyte activity. Some people have very robust melanocytes, which means they’re much darker, and then some people have melanocytes that are not as active. That’s one reason why we actually get hyperpigmentation is because the melanocytes rush to that one area and then they darken. They act as a sort of healing mechanism to the skin, and it ends up healing darker in an area. When we look at dark skin versus lighter skin tones, I think one of the main things is (besides all the science-y stuff), there is some thickness in the skin. I think that people don’t realize with darker skin, you must treat it quite gently.
Having that experience working with dark-skinned women and being a Black woman, of course, I realized that, for the most part, skincare brands were catering to lighter skin or white skin before they would cater to darker skin. We reversed the scale and actually made sure that we put dark skin at the forefront of the science, and we realized that fair skin actually can also take a gentle approach. There’s not a single person with skin that can utilize a harsh skincare routine. You don’t have to be sensitized or sensitive to have a gentle routine. It’s actually really, really important that all of us practice that gentle consistency. I think with dark skin, somehow people have believed that you can take this aggressive approach, and you really cannot, because the skin does hyperpigmentate. When you understand that, though, that’s actually really beneficial to all skin.
Stars, they’re just like us. Selena Gomez woke up early this weekend for a 6 a.m. flight and took to TikTok to share her (extremely) early morning routine.
Gomez walked us through the products she prioritizes before boarding, taking extra care to douse her face in moisture. Remember, the air on planes can be extremely drying, so it’s extra important to take good care of your skin before and after a flight—no matter how long the wheels-up-to-wheels-down time is.
If you want to level up your next flight experience, we’ve compiled Gomez’s entire travel routine below. While we may not get the kind of luxe cabin experience that Gomez shared at the end of the TikTok, we can at least have glowing skin.
When it comes to skincare, I’m very picky about where I shop. There’s no denying that the skincare market is extremely oversaturated, and it can be hard to comb through all of the products out there to find the ones that are really worth spending money on.
That’s why when I heard about SkincareEssentials, the new ultra-curated skincare retailer, I couldn’t wait to browse the digital shelves. SkincareEssentials only carries tried-and-tested, professional-quality skincare that’s guaranteed to deliver results you can actually see. Each product has expert advice attached to it, so you know what the exact benefits are before you buy.
Below, I put together the ultimate lineup from SkincareEssentials. These are all the products that we’re FTFO over. Major bonus: Most of them are currently on sale.
While I’m not exactly looking to erase all signs of aging from my face, I am open to testing and trying out new ways to keep my skin looking its best. I’m not opposed to getting an in-office procedure one day, but right now, I’m a virgin in that department.
So I have been testing out those so-called anti-aging products that are supposed to lift, plump, sculpt… [insert good skincare thing here]. And lately, I’ve been very into trying out new eye products that can help that delicate area around my eyes and give it some oomph so my mom doesn’t have to tell me I look tired every time I see her (which she does without fail).
Since I noticed my eyes were looking a little saggy and tired, I’ve been looking for eye creams and products that are supposed to lift and firm up that area. I’ve been doing my research by reading reviews and asking around for product recs, and I’ve made a list of things to put on my wish list. Of course, I decided to share it with all of you. Take a look at the well-reviewed products that can rejuvenate your eye area below. They’re a great option if you don’t want to get a procedure just yet or just want to get a little prevention in. They won’t completely reverse any signs of aging, but they’ll help your eyes look a little brighter and more refreshed.
The majority of our Deep Reviews will feature our editors’ honest, ultra-hot takes on entire product categories or multiple products from a particular beauty brand, but every so often, we’ll sprinkle in a special single-product format called Honestly, I Love It. As the name suggests, these reviews will hone in on one standout beauty formula our editors quite literally can’t shut up about. This time around, I’m highlighting Glossier’s Deodorant ($22).
I’ve always prided myself on being a good judge of products that will make a difference in my lifestyle. It’s always a plus when one of those products may also make a difference in my environment. In the past few years, the beauty industry has made notable strides toward taking environmental responsibility. More brands have begun to create clean beauty products that are fully refillable, reusable, and recyclable, cutting down waste and promoting a system that relies on the participation of their consumers to shift the narrative.
One of the brands that has done this especially well is Glossier, with the recent release of its natural, aluminum-free deodorant. It comes fully assembled with a reusable deodorant stick and case with clear instructions on how to make the best of your product (including switching out your finished deodorant stick for another without needing to toss the whole thing away). Whether consumers decide to fully participate in this effort is up to them, but it does feel good knowing that there are options to change our habits when it comes to shopping for products we use every day.
When I’m on the hunt for a deodorant, one of the biggest things I look for is longevity. What good is a deodorant that’s aesthetically pleasing and smells good if it doesn’t actually last? I’m sure a lot of people have had the experience of reapplying deodorant throughout the day to combat odor and perspiration. I can personally attest to the matter, as I’m always on the move, and unfortunately, I have a wardrobe that’s at least 95% white and cream. That’s right: Deodorant stains have no mercy on your gorgeous garments. That’s where Glossier’s Deodorant comes in.
While everyone may have a slightly different way to skin flood, there’s a pretty methodical routine you can follow. First, cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. Then leave it a little damp or mist on some thermal water to dampen skin. “Damp skin can enhance the penetration and efficacy of the subsequent hydrating products,” says Garshick. “Next, it is best to apply a hydrating serum containing ingredients like humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which work to draw moisture in. After applying the serums, it is best to apply a moisturizing lotion, cream, or ointment to lock the moisture in.”
Some people may also want to mix in a niacinamide serum or a serum containing other hydrating ingredients. If you’re skin flooding in the morning, always finish with sunscreen—remember, none of your other products work as well if you’re not protecting your skin from sun damage.
I like to play the long game in my beauty routine. That means I don’t necessarily go for products that provide instant results. Instead, I’m interested in using time-tested things like retinol, peptides, and most importantly, sunscreen. Sure, these things might not provide instant gratification, but they offer long-term benefits that accumulate with age.
I take the same approach when it comes to bodycare. To me, daily moisture is one of the simplest, easiest ways to care for skin and keep it firm, plump, and supple. That’s why I’m loyal to using body lotion and body oil (sometimes at the same time—layer the former under the latter, and I promise you’ll have the smoothest, softest skin).
I’m no stranger to thick and greasy formulations, and to be completely honest, I don’t mind them, because they tend to offer the most intense moisturizing benefits. However, I get it when people say they want something residue-free. After all, if you’re a morning-shower person and you’ll be getting dressed shortly after using body oil, you want something that sinks into your skin fast. (Is there anything worse than trying to pull on your jeans over oily legs?) That’s where dry body oil comes in. This category of body oil is lightweight and fast-absorbing and often leaves a matte finish on the skin. Translation? It won’t leave your skin feeling like an oil slick. Keep scrolling to see the eight best body oils in the game.
I allot myself about 10 minutes of TikTok time every day: I watch TikToks while I brush my teeth and do my skincare routine, and anything longer makes me feel like I’m melting my brain. I’m not exactly the friend that you can make a TikTok reference to. Still, as a beauty editor, I like to keep up on the trends—these days, TikTok is the place to find out burgeoning beauty trends before they really hit the mainstream.
I took to TikTok to learn some of the most popular beauty trends of spring 2023. From white eyeliner to “angel eyes” to bright lipstick, this year is certainly set to be a fun one in the makeup realm, according to TikTok.
While it may be fun to watch TikToks on beauty trends, the real question is if they’re actually wearable in day-to-day life (or if they even look good outside of a phone screen). I enlisted the help of my three best (and most honest) friends to tell me which trends are hit or miss in the real world. Keep reading for the trends I tried and my friends’ unfiltered thoughts on each of them.
Finding skincare options that work takes a lot of trial and error. But lucky for us, there are brands touting clinically-backed formulas that *actually* do what they claim, like StriVectin. The brand—launched in 2002— has always centered around cutting-edge ingredients, science, and innovation, and that laser-focus earned it 21 beauty awards in the first 18 months of being in the beauty marketplace. Not to mention, its patented, barrier-boosting NIA-114™ technology (a patented form of Niacin)—is infused in all of its products—and is backed by over 35 years of research, 30 independent clinical studies, 150 published papers, and 90 global patents. There’s a reason anyone who’s ever tried a product from StriVectin is impressed—the stuff works.
When one of my friends was struggling with patchy skin and discoloration, I gifted him with a bottle of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. The skincare brand is consistently one of the most dermatologist-recommended brands out there, so I felt confident that the beloved serum could help him, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much of a difference it could make.
Over the course of a few weeks, I watched his skin transform each time I saw him. After a month, his skin had gone from blotchy and uneven to bright and even-toned. I couldn’t believe how clear the difference in his skin was. It looked like he’d gotten a treatment done.
Despite my love for both RéVive and Marino, I wasn’t holding my breath for any major kind of skin transformation. My skin had been in a rut, and no matter what I was throwing at it at home, nothing seemed to change. (Also, between us, I’ve experienced plenty of lovely and fluffy facials that don’t actually do much to improve my skin.) So the fact that my skin looked and felt unbelievable—albeit slightly red, which is normal—post-treatment and looked even more unbelievable the next day, shook me to my core.
“The Masque de Brilliance instantly renews and resurfaces, visibly reducing dull, dehydrated skin and the appearance of fine lines,” Brown tells me. “Over time, you’ll also notice an improvement in the skin’s texture and overall radiance.” A product that offers instant and long-term gratification? Yes, please!
“When you add on the Moisturizing Renewal Oil, you’re provided with immediate hydration, environmental protection, and over time, optimal skin renewal thanks to our signature Bio-Renewal Technology,” he continues. According to Brown, the new mask marks the first time the brand has ever used a blend of three acids in a product, and while it had created a peel years ago, this new launch is an upgraded version that harnesses the power of a chemical peel you can use at home without the downtime.
“We know that more than 80% of our customers are getting professional treatments, so we wanted to offer them something to achieve similar results at home,” says Brown.
It’s also worth noting that while I’ve typically never been a facial-oil girl, the new Moisturizing Renewal Oil has officially turned me into a facial-oil girl. Namely thanks to its decadent, serum-like texture that leaves your skin looking like a glowing orb of light and a carefully chosen blend of ingredients that feel lightweight on the skin and play nicely with oily and acne-prone skin types, like me. “It’s the only oil on the market that addresses hydration, environmental protection, and skin renewal through our signature Bio-Renewal Technology,” Brown confirms.
It feels like there are so many beauty brands out there that it’s impossible to keep track of them all. Every week, there’s a new brand, a celebrity launching a beauty line, or a makeup brand introducing skincare. Put simply, the beauty market is oversaturated.
Because of this sheer volume of brands, it’s important to pay attention to the ones that are actually landing with their audiences. That’s why when Cosmetify released its 2022 Cosmetify Index, the industry immediately perked up its proverbial ears. This index measured the world’s biggest, most popular beauty brands of 2023 based on a wide variety of factors: Instagram followers, Instagram engagement, Instagram mentions, and Google searches and change in searches.
There’s no doubt about it—people are clearly prioritizing factors like efficacy, sustainability, and simplicity in their beauty buys. Keep reading for the world’s most popular beauty brands of 2022, which are sure to keep gaining momentum this year.
Unlike my zippy morning and evening skin prep, my mom’s is more extensive. She loves to double-cleanse and also creates cocktails of her favorite serums and moisturizers to make sure she’s covering all her bases. She looks for products that are clean, affordable, user-friendly, and highly efficacious, so I knew she’d love Who What Wear’s sister skincare line, Versed, but I needed to put my hypothesis to the test. A couple of weeks ago, I brought home a checked bag full of Versed formulas for her to try and review. My mom was just as (if not more) obsessed with the products than I thought, and even though we each have different formulas we favor, her general consensus speaks volumes of the brand’s quality and lovability for all ages, not just younger generations:
“What really impressed me about these products was the ease of use. I thought it was truly brilliant to have concise, clear, and easy-to-read information on each product about what it’s made for (e.g., problem skin, aging skin, etc.), how to use it, how much to use, where to use it, and when to use it,” she explains. “You’d think this would be standard information on most skincare products, but this doesn’t seem to be the case. And this information is not buried in small print along with a mile-long list of ingredients. The label literally has the words how, where, when and made for (and the answers, of course) in easy-to-read type on each product. For me, it seemed like a stroke of genius since so many skincare products leave you guessing about how much to apply and when to apply them.
“In addition, the price point really impressed me since it will make the products more generally accessible. I also greatly appreciate the focus on natural ingredients and the emphasis on nontoxic ingredients.”
Curious to see which products my mom and I loved most and our honest reviews? Keep scrolling! We’re diving in below.
First things first: Biostimulatory fillers aren’t actually fillers, at least in the traditional sense, according to Julie Russak of Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York City. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, these injectables aren’t made to plump up skin or mask volume loss—instead, they target deeper signs of aging like declining bone mass, skin sagging, and less elasticity.
As the name suggests, these fillers work to encourage cell regeneration. “When they’re injected close to the bone, they actually stimulate regeneration in those tissues, and when they’re injected close to fibroblasts, the cells in our body that produce collagen and elastin, they stimulate regeneration there,” says Russak. The two types in the U.S. right now are Sculptra, which increases energy production in cells, and Radiesse, which is essentially calcium that improves bone structure.
Skincare is difficult in a cold climate, and you have to be proactive about it. Neglect your skin, especially on your face, and you’ll end up with a host of ailments that are harder to cure than they are to prevent. I’ve been lucky enough to have wonderful skin, but I also put a lot of time and energy into ensuring my skin stays hydrated and well taken care of. So I thought I’d share my wintertime beauty regimen with you.
Eat well. Diet has a major impact on your skin. Eat too many greasy or fattening foods and you’ll notice unwanted or unexpected breakouts (even at our age!). So eat lots of colourful fruits and veggies – not only will your skin thank you, but your immune system and overall health will benefit too.
Hydrate. It’s easy to remember to drink water in the summertime when it’s hot and humid, but all too often, we forget to heed the same advice in the colder months. Keep that bottle of water on you at all times. Add some lemon, cucumber or fresh herbs for some refreshing flavours.
Moisturize every.single.day. Yes: EVERY SINGLE DAY. Don’t miss even one day of moisturizing. The cold, dry air will suck all the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry, flaky and itchy. Find a face cream that works well with your skin type and apply it regularly.
Keep applying that sunscreen. Sunscreen is just as important in the wintertime as it is in the warmer months. Wear it every.single.day.
Go for a facial. A great face treatment could really help to keep your skin on track (and give you a little R&R too). Visit our beauty vendors to find great locations all around the city where you can book a facial and save money.
Don’t forget about your lips. Winter wreaks havoc on our lips in the winter months. Apply lipbalm liberally throughout the day to stave away cracked, dry puckers.
Melany xx
Married with three kids, MList’s Melany is a jack-of-all-trades. Not only is she a hardworking mom but she’s a serial saver (she loves her MList Card!), she loves to cook, she is very spiritual, and she is very organized. She is also chronically busy. Get her take on what to see, do and buy in Montreal and beyond.
If you’re even slightly into skincare, you’ve probably heard of squalane by now. It has popped up on label after label in the beauty industry over the past few years and with good reason. Squalane is one of those rare ingredients that seem to be well-tolerated by all skin types. Derms love it, editors love it, and if you haven’t given it a try for yourself, let me have a minute of your time to convince you. Still not sure what I’m talking about? No worries—this article will explain everything.
I asked a couple of my favorite derms to give us the full scoop on this one. According to them, squalane is a hydrogenated form of squalene. “Squalene is a naturally occurring, organic compound in our skin, but it is unstable in its pure form,” says board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD. “It’s also found in plants, including olive, palm, wheat germ, amaranth, and rice bran. In order to stabilize squalene and harvest it for use in skincare products, it is converted to squalane.”
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know on this ingredient, including the benefits of using it, the whole squalane-versus-squalene debate, and the best products to buy containing it. Keep reading.
If there’s one thing I know to be true, it’s that thick, rich, and (dare I say?) slightly greasy body creams are the best. I know that last descriptor might make people turn away in disgust, but I’ve found the thickest body creams create the most occlusion on the skin. In other words, they lock in moisture better than other, more lightweight lotions. And that, in my experience, is the key to smooth, soft, and plump skin.
In fact, during a conversation with the other Who What Wear beauty editors, I admitted that I basically hoard these body creams, and I use them all year round. In the winter, I use them to smooth my skin and prevent the dreaded tightness and flakiness resulting from freezing temperatures. In the summer, I use them to soothe razor burn and give my skin a healthy-looking glow. So, without further ado, keep scrolling to see my 10 favorite rich body creams; these are the ones I’ve personally vetted (and recommend).
Now, here is the $12 product that I’m convinced is a good, all-around dupe. It’s from a brand called Saltair, which specializes in bodycare and haircare products. (If you haven’t seen it already, you’re sure to see it everywhere soon; the brand just launched at Target, but I digress.)
Not only does it contain good-for-skin ingredients like monoi oil, cupuaçu butter, and kukui oil to moisturize the skin, but it also contains ascorbyl glucoside and niacinamide to help brighten the skin. Then, there’s the scent, which the brand calls Santal Bloom. Sure, it’s not a perfect match for Santal 33 (the scent is ever-so-slightly brighter and more floral, like a beachy take on Santal 33), but it has a similarly intoxicating scent. When I use it, it feels just as luxurious and spa-like as the Le Labo pick, only I know it’s a fraction of the cost.
