Every year, Allure rounds up the best skincare products in a neat list and this year’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards features all the products we truly love and stand by. Whether it’s daily moisturizer to keep hydrated, sunscreen to protect against environmental damage, or eye cream to keep dark circles at bay, here are beauty and skincare picks from Allure’s 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards and why people totally stand by these products.
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra-Dry Skin
So many women (and men!) all over the world swear by this holy grail of moisturizers: Neutrogena’s Hydro-Boost Gel-cream that features a (you guessed it) gel formula that’s instantly absorbed by skin to quench and hydrate it. This moisturizer is formulated with hyaluronic acid that boosts hydration and locks it in to stay moisturized all day. It is easily applied and leaves no oily or greasy feeling behind. It’s powered by purified hyaluronic acid and olive extract, which is known for its protective, moisturizing and anti-oxidant qualities. This moisturizer has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and a 91% recommendation rating at Ulta.
Promising review: “I have very sensitive skin and tend to get acne. This moisturizer doesn’t clog my skin or make me break out but it always deeply moisturizes. The gel-cream is awesome in the winter months to combat the dryness from the harsh weather. I’ve used many expensive products too but this is a great daily standard. I recommend it to everyone!” Meg from Connecticut
2. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
When it comes to serums for daytime use, Drunk Elephant has a total advantage over other skincare brands because it focuses on pH levels and safety, and all of their products are formulated without essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS. Instead, this super potent vitamin C serum is packed with antioxidant complex, essential nutrients, fruit enzymes, and a chronopeptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D. Together, these ingredients firm, brighten, and improve the signs of photoaging on skin. It is 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% vitamin E so you get the goodness of its natural products. It also contains pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme, C-Firma™ that dissolves dead surface skin cells. Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer is also present for ultimate hydration. This product is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars at Sephora.
Promising review: “I have pretty uneven skin, acne scars, and pigmentation. After using this product for 2 weeks I started seeing results, my skin was brighter and my complexion started evening out. 3 months in now, and my skin has never looked this good! I say the product lasts about 3 months, and I use it once a day in the morning.” Opi
3. GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment
This clarifying mask is set to address skincare concerns such as pores, dullness and uneven texture, and oiliness to reveal clearer skin. It’s great for acne-prone skin thanks to its Kaolin clay, activated-x charcoal, and the Super Six Acid Blend that together target skin congestions, clogged pores, and the buildup of dead skin cells. The best part? It’s formulated with no sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, and triclosan. It’s also vegan, so you know it’s good for you and for the environment. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars at Sephora.
Promising review: “This is my favorite face mask of all time. The first time I got this, I had no idea how powerful it was at cleaning my pores and clearing my acne. My face was so smooth and renewed! I was shocked! I use it ritually every week. When I ran out, I knew I needed to get more, so I restocked in the biggest size because I know I will be using it in the future for all my skin problems.” Amy
4. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
When it comes to cleansing the skin gently yet effectively, nothing seems to come close to Cetaphil. It’s so safe that you can use it on babies! It’s also very versatile, as you can use it with or without water. It’s fragrance- and soap-free, so you know it won’t irritate the skin. It features a non-alkaline, non-comedogenic formula that won’t dry the skin either. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars with a 91% recommendation rating at Ulta.
Promising review: “I used this product as part of my morning and evening facial wash routine. I like how it cleanses and moisturizes dry skin. I use it after I remove my makeup with a different wash, which can sometimes cause dryness. I also use this to cleanse my baby’s skin when he has rashes.” Verified buyer from Buffalo Grove, IL
5. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Exfoliating is an integral part of any skincare routine. Those who do it often, recommend the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, which activates upon contact with water and releases Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that together smooths the skin and accelerate cell renewal. It features a unique skin brightening complex composed of Bearberry, Aspergillus, Grapefruit and Licorice that helps balance uneven skin pigmentation. It also features Rice Bran and Rice Extract that regulates melanin production and micro-exfoliates dead skin cells. Meanwhile, Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal work together to calm irritated skin and leave it refreshed. This product has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating and a 95% recommendation rating at Ulta.
Promising review: “I love this product! It’s a great exfoliant and while it’s a little pricey, it lasts for quite a long time! My skin feels clean and clear after use and it’s great for ridding dirt from my pores on my nose and chin. I tried a different, less expensive product but ended up coming back to this because it wasn’t as effective.” Jessica from Michigan
6. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff
The skin around our eyes often betrays us, telling the truth about how much sleep we get at night and how much stress we’re going through. Erase all that with Origins’ eye cream that features the brand’s proprietary complex of caffeine from coffee bean, panax ginseng, magnolia extract and natural optic brighteners that work together to rapidly wake up, refresh, and restore radiance to tired eyes. Shop at Ulta.
Promising review: “I have always had an issue with my eyes looking tired, puffy, [with] dark circles, and worse of all were the bags. I wasn’t sure about this product only because I don’t like buying into the hype but this stuff is awesome. I really love how it feels on my skin and the fact that I don’t hate my eyes anymore. It definitely makes me feel good when I’m wearing it.” Abbie from Raleigh, NC
7. Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid-Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55
Sunscreen is vital in fighting the signs of aging. This facial sunscreen from Neutrogena is not only affordable and perfect for daily use, it’s also ultra lightweight, oil-free, and waterproof. It’s clinically tested on acne prone skin to not cause breakouts. It’s non-comedogenic, waterproof, sweatproof; fragrance free, and paraben free so you know it’s safe on skin. It is formulated with helioplex that provides superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection against environmental damage. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, with an 85% recommendation rating at Ulta.
Promising review: “I used this because all other sunblocks feel so greasy on my face and I breakout. This, however, went on really well and while I was at an all day festival I had people asking to use this instead of their own sunblock! I was sweating like crazy but somehow this stuff prevented me from getting too much of a sunburn! I have super sensitive and pale skin and would definitely recommend. Would recommend reapplying as much as possible as that worked well for me! Especially with sweat.” A. Martin from Texas
8. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Caring for the skkin on your body is just as important as caring for the skin on your face. Good thing there’s CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which is developed with dermatologists to create a unique formula that provides 24-hour hydration. It features three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), together with hyaluronic acid that helps restore the protective skin barrier and maintain hydration. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, with 96% recommendation rating at Ulta.
Promising review: “This moisturizing cream is one of the best. It’s non greasy, very quenching, doesn’t clog my pores or cause any breakouts. My skin has done a complete turn around since using CeraVe. I honestly couldn’t be happier.” Chase Adams from Bristol, VA
9. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
Care for your hair the proper way with this deep conditioning mask from Briogeo. It effectively restores essential hydration and natural vibrancy to dry, brittle, over-processed hair, to bring back life to hair. In just five minutes, this weekly treatment protects against future damage with its unique NOVA complex formulation. It has 95% naturally-derived ingredients, including B vitamins, rosehip oil, argan oil, collagen, and silk that transforms hair to make it shiny, healthy, and lustrous. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars at Sephora.
Promising review: “I just bleached my hair and as a result, my hair became horribly dry! This mask was a lifesaver! I have thick, course hair and I wanted a deep condition so I followed Brigeo’s instructions and wrapped a plastic cap and kept it for 20 minutes under my hair dryer. I highly recommended this product to anyone who needs moisture back in their hair.” Steph
10. Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
If you love kale, you’re going to love this cleanser from Youth to the People. Think of it as a daily green juice cleanse for your face, with cold-pressed antioxidants that effectively remove makeup and prevent build-up from clogging pores. It’s powered by kale, which is rich in skin-loving phytonutrients and vitamins C, E, and K for glowing skin, spinach for its cooling properties, and green tea for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Free from alcohol and sulfates. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars at Sephora.
Promising review: “Drastic difference in my skin in just 10 days. Before using this I had very large pores, cystic acne/hormonal acne, redness, textured skin and oiliness. All of those are no longer an issue. Now I just need a miracle cream for acne scars. But this is by far the best skin care product I have ever used, definitely went above and beyond my expectations.” B. Wilson
More beauty stories await you in the links from our archives below. For the ultimate deals on skincare and beauty, make sure to follow our blog.
What’s Inside the May 2019 Allure Beauty Box (Plus Product Ratings!)
Say Goodbye to Pimples Forever: 10 Best Acne Spot Solutions
The 10 Best SPF Products According to Consumers
10 Most Affordable Foundations for Keeping Flawless on a Budget
5 Benefits of Castor Oil for Your Skin and Hair + Our Recommendations!
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