Whether or not following a better skin-care and wellness routine was on your resolution list for the year, it is always a good time to give a little “makeover” to your beauty lineup—and January’sTestTube is the perfect place to start, morning and night.
Neostrata Comprehensive Retinol Eye Cream ($54)
What it is:
Combining the anti-aging and barrier-boosting effects of retinol with the hydrating benefits of an eye cream, this under-eye healer targets fine line and dark circles for a brighter appearance.
How to use:
Gently pat this cream around the eye nightly.
Editor Feedback:
“A powerful one-two punch for pretty much every around-the-eye aging concern.” —Liz Ritter, executive editor
Key Ingredients:
The three main players in this eye cream’s game are pure retinol to smooth wrinkles, peptides for lightening dark circles and neoglucosamine for radiance. After four weeks of nightly use, in a clinical trial, 94 percent of users saw a decrease in fine lines.
Expert Insight:
“Comprehensive Retinol Eye Cream has the perfect combination of ingredients to address anti-aging and dark circles for the delicate under-eye area. It contains a combination of pure retinol, plus Neoglucosamine, which work synergistically to target lines and crepiness around the eye. A dual peptide blend was added to target dark circles, too.” —Marisa Dufort, director NeoStrata R&D
Grande Cosmetics GrandePRIMER Pre-Mascara Lengthener & Thickener ($25)
What it is:
A pre-mascara lash-booster that coats your lashes to prepare them for mascara application and boosts its effects. This lash primer is the perfect foundation for your eyelash routine.
How to use:
Apply to eyelashes like you would a mascara. Follow immediately with mascara on top.
Editor Feedback:
“The magical primer that makes any and every mascara better.” —Liz Ritter, executive editor
Key Ingredients:
Infused with no-flake mini fibers and peptides to help fortify lashes. GrandePRIMER consists of a natural wax blend to promote volume and extend lashes to their full length, your lashes will never look better.
Expert Insight:
“The unique molded brush is designed specifically for lash priming to ensure proper separation of the lashes, resulting in a flawless application.” —Alicia Grande, founder
Onekind Dream Cream Nighttime Moisturizer ($38)
What it is:
If your skin is craving a sip of water, Onekind’s ultra-hydrating cream is the answer. Rich in soothing extracts and oils, this non-greasy formula feels like a smoothing dream before bedtime.
How to use:
Apply nightly to clean, dry skin after layering on the rest of your nighttime products.
Editor Feedback:
“The perfect balance of fresh and light and rich and hydrating, this cream contains all the nutrients needed to replenish your skin like a full eight hours of REM sleep.” —Sarah Eggenberger, senior editor-at-large
Key Ingredients:
Filled with skin-nourishing squalane, brightening and anti-aging rosehip oil and ultra-soothing aloe vera and chamomile, a cream this powerful is what you need in your pre-snooze lineup.
Expert Insight:
“Our skin puts up with a lot on the daily and does its most intense repair during sleep. That’s why it was so important to make a night cream that would undo the damage—even when you can’t squeeze in a full eight hours. Naturally nourishing squalane and rosehip oil are the literal dream team for repairing thirsty, stressed-out skin overnight, so you wake up glowing.”—Madison Ruggieri, co-founder
LivOn Labs Liposomal Vitamin C ($37)
What it is:
Shown to effectively raise Vitamin C content in white blood cells, Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C provides a powerful way to support the immune system.
How to use:
Take one to two times per day by tearing the packet and squeezing the contents into one-to-three ounces of a cool beverage.
Editor Feedback:
“I did a podcast with fellow Brain Trust member Jennifer Hanway who says this is the best vitamin C on the market. The liposomal technology allows it to work in a unique way to protect our skin and bodies.” —Amber Milt, senior video director
Key Ingredients:
Choline-dense phospholipids wrapped around 1000 mg of Vitamin C enable superior absorption — with no flavor-enhancing or artificial ingredients added.
Expert Insight:
“If you want the full immune support and anti-aging benefits of vitamin C, LivOn Labs is a great option because of its superior efficiency to deliver a solid dose.” —Dr. Kien Vuu, triple Board-Certified MD
Miss Spa Pore Sure Double Detox Peel-Off Mask ($15)
What it is:
Both detoxifying and exfoliating, this double-duty peel draws out toxins from the skin, making the pores appear smaller. As an added bonus, this mask also adds a burst of brightness for a fresh-faced, just-left-the-spa glow.
How to use:
Apply the mask to clean, dry skin in one even layer. Relax until the mask has dried before gently peeling it off, starting at the edges. Notice any residue? Simply rinse any excess product off with warm water.
Editor Feedback:
“This mask is the perfect pick-me-up for your pores. With volcanic ash to absorb excess grease and orange oil to boost collagen production, Miss Spa’s must-have is a one-two punch.” —Allie Hogan, staff writer
Key Ingredients:
Packed with charcoal for detoxification, allantoin for moisturization and orange oil for a boost of vitamin C, this mask isn’t slacking on hard-hitting ingredients with results.
Expert Insight:
“My Pore Sure Double Detox Peel Off Mask is the quick and effective solution for any age and skin type. In just 15 minutes, the detoxifying volcanic ash and purifying orange oil will gently exfoliate skin and leave it feeling bright and refreshed.” —Kate Kimmerle, CEO and founder
T.Taio Esponjabon Mother of Pearl ($5)
What it is:
This soap-soaked sponge is formulated for daily use and keeps the skin looking even and bright post-shower.
How to use:
In the shower, wet the soap-sponge and apply it in circular motions to the body. After use, rinse and let it dry.
Editor Feedback:
“This dual-sided sponge is a new mainstay in my shower routine. It’s gritty but not abrasive, and really improved the tiny bumps on the backs of my arms that I’m self-conscious about.” —Danielle Fontana Dooley, senior digital editor
Key Ingredients:
Used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, mother of pearl extract has been tapped to stimulate skin cells to promote collagen production, repair the cells and protect the skin from harmful elements.
Expert Insight:
“Catering to a country in which 80 percent of the population are bar-soap users, we felt the strong necessity to create a multifunctional soap-sponge that could exfoliate and be used as a regular bar of soap with the clarifying benefits of mother of pearl. Who could have possibly imagined we were going to be a viral sensation in 2021? In three words: This product works!” —Emilio Smeke, CEO
Doll 10 Lip Genius Self-Sharpening Lip Liner ($19)
What it is:
Ultra-smooth and soft in texture, this always-sharp lip liner not only melts into the skin like a dream, but it also provides vibrant color that lasts throughout the day.
How to use:
Twist the tip of the liner gently until you hear a ‘click’ to get the perfect sharp tip. Then, line your lips using your natural shape as a guide before topping it off with your favorite lipstick or gloss.
Editor Feedback:
“There’s nothing quite like a lip liner that always stays sharp, and this one also has the added bonus of locking in color. My makeup looks are not complete without this!” —Olivia Wohlner, editorial assistant
Key Ingredients:
Sulfate-, paraben- and cruelty-free, this liner is made with mineral pigments to make the lips pop without any harsh additives.
Expert Insight:
“Lining my lips is a step I never skip. Not only does it make my lips look fuller and plumper, it also extends the wear time of my lip color. I was frustrated that traditional lip liners would dull down and lose their point, so I created this one. The formula is creamy and rich, and the sharpener is built right into the cap!”—Dr. Doris Dalton, creator and founder
Manna Kadar Lip Balance Color Chemistry Lip Balm ($19)
What it is:
A color-changing balm that is fueled by the pH of your lips, this moisturizing formula is made to suit any skin tone and keeps the pout looking naturally luscious all throughout the day.
How to use:
Apply this balm to clean, dry lips as needed to add a light burst of color and lock-in moisture.
Editor Feedback:
“Super hydration and a pop of color all in one—this nourishing lippie changes color based on your body’s pH and gives a ‘your lips but better’ hue that’s perfect for looking pulled together in a flash on my Zoom calls.” —Tatiana Bido, features editor
Key Ingredients:
Inside the formula, you can find softening meadowfoam seed oil and hydrating beeswax, the perfect combination for a simply irresistible finish.
Expert Insight:
“We did extensive research to create a lip balm that was not only hydrating, but also works with your body’s own chemistry to produce a perfect lip tint that compliments your skin tone.” —Manna Kadar, founder
