It takes a lot for a beauty product to stand out from the crowd. These nine did just that and then some. Find them all in the March TestTube.
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Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum ($85)
A potent retinoid-meets-botanical blend that delivers all of the complexion-bettering benefits of a traditional vitamin A formula—think skin clarity and lessened lines and wrinkles—without irritation.
Editor’s tip: “I always top this heavy-duty cure-all with a hydrating oil to combat any dryness that may occur overnight. The result is always dewy, fresh skin come morning.” –Danielle Fontana, Digital Editor
Amorepacific Youth Revolution Radiance Crème and Masque ($200)
A two-in-one whipped formula—use it as a cream or an overnight mask—that boosts skin’s radiance, hydration and ability to protect itself by way of natural, potent ingredients. Green tea polysaccharides shield skin from external aggressors and environmental pollutants while peony helps brighten tone over time.
Editor’s tip: “I’m obsessed with this double-duty formula: a light layer in the morning keeps me hydrated all day. At night, I’ll slather it on as a sleeping mask and wake up looking like I just had an epic facial.” –Emily Dougherty, Editor-in-Chief
Purvari Organic Rose Petal Mist ($18)
A 100-percent organic mist designed to hydrate, reduce redness, control oil production and brighten tone with help from nutrient-rich rose petals. Organic rose petals are steam- distilled to allow for all of the nutrients, polyphenols and antioxidants to be carefully bottled.
Editor’s tip: “Tuck it in your carry-on to quench dry skin on a long flight or road trip—you’ll instantly feel refreshed. It can also help set makeup when skin is feeling a bit oily.” –Brittany Burhop Fallon, Beauty Director
A lightweight, skin-softening lotion that battles dryness and uneven texture using herbal ingredients. After cleansing and toning skin, apply gently and evenly across entire face. The JAUM Balancing Complex, a union of 5 specially chosen herbal ingredients, restores balance and provides antioxidant protection.
Editor’s tip: “On those extra dry days at the office when a basic face mist isn’t enough, I’ll press this hydrating emulsion (I keep a bottle at home and one on my desk) into my skin to keep it bouncy and happy.” –Emily Dougherty, Editor-in-Chief
Essentiel Elements Fresh Neroli Shower Gel ($29)
An invigorating shower experience: Pure botanicals gently cleanse and hydrate skin while expertly blended citrus notes add a therapeutic boost to your shower. Orange blossom, lemon and rosewood essential oils uplift your mood; a paraben- and phthalate-free formula gets skin clean without any harmful additives.
Editor’s tip: “It delivers a punchy citrus pop that lets you skip perfume!” –Liz Ritter, Executive Editor
Raeka Beauty Turmeric Cucumber Peel Off Mask ($29.50)
A pore-clearing mask best-suited for dry or combination skin. When used weekly, this peel-off treatment works to soothe skin, tighten pores and polish the top layer of skin. Naturally infused with vitamin C and caffeine, this blend of turmeric and cucumber helps wake up tired skin as it polishes and detoxifies pores.
Editor’s tip: “I like to use this mask before a night out on the town because it removes dull skin—peeling away impurities and dead skin cells—allowing my makeup to glide on flawlessly.” –Julie Ricevuto, Senior Digital Editor
Miracle Fruit Oil Miracle Fruit Seed Oil Treatment ($50)
Clinically proven to naturally condition, protect, strengthen and repair strands with each use, this featherlight oil is nothing short of a miracle-worker for damaged or weakened hair. Apply a small amount evenly throughout damp or dry hair, then style as usual.
Editor’s tip: “A tiny drop once a week leaves my hair feeling super smooth, and not weighed down or oily like a lot of other similar treatments.” –Zachary Clause, Senior Video Producer
VMV Hypoallergenics Grandma Minnie’s Boo-Boo Balm ($17)
Chapped lips, cuts and severely dry patches are no match for this salve. Its high efficacy has garnered a cult following among doctors, families, and health and beauty aficionados.
Editor’s tip: “I always warm up the product between my fingers before applying, which helps it spread further. A little bit really goes a long way!” –Carolyn Hsu, Head of Digital
Grande Cosmetics Hydrating Lip Plumper in Sugar Plum ($27)
A high-gloss, volumizing lip treatment that’s specially formulated to deliver both instant and long-term results. Click the bottom of the bottle to fill the applicator with product. Use on clean, dry lips. For maximum results, apply twice daily for 30 days.
Editor’s tip: “I love the way this hydrating gloss tingles so I know it’s really working. I like to glide it on before I put on my foundation and mascara to give it a little extra time to plump my lips for a fuller effect.” –Tatiana Bido, Features Editor