25 Spellbinding Skincare Products That'll Have You Thinking, “Is This Actually A Magic Potion”
1. A glow-enhancing SPF 40 sunscreen that not only protects you from the sun’s cursed rays but also makes your skin glow like a goddess! It’s a 3-in-1 wonder – sunscreen, primer, and BB cream together in a lightweight formula that feels like you’re wearing practically nothing. Plus, it even protects you from blue light, which is perfect for all those hours in front of our screens.
Promising reviews: “This was a splurge for me but worth it. Love the way this feels on my skin. Smooth application.” —Caj9410
“I absolutely love this sunscreen. I’m always wary of “for everyone” tinted products because they aren’t usually made with us in mind. But this one hits the mark. It looks amazing on my brown skin. Non-streaky, no white cast. It gives my skin a subtle shimmer. For reference, I have combination, thirtysomething-year-old skin. Glowscreen is officially in my skincare rotation.” —Lovely91
Get it from Amazon for $38.
2. Or a SPF 46 EltaMD face sunscreen reviewers with sensitive and acne-prone skin types have been using as a soothing spell to help reduce redness and to restore that coveted suppleness to their skin. And the best part? It leaves no white streaks or greasy feeling. Just smooth, protected skin that feels like it’s been kissed by a skincare fairy.
Promising review: “My beauty splurge — WORTH IT. My derm recommended this for me since I’ve got super sensitive skin from using retinol for acne and anti-aging. I’ve TRIED to find a cheaper face sunscreen that is this calming, effective, non-pore-clogging and goes on smoothly under makeup — I just haven’t. This one is the best. I can’t live without it and I’ll just have to cheap out on other products because I’ve decided, ultimately, that this one is just worth its weight in gold. If you struggle with sensitive skin, you know what a nightmare it is when your skin is red, irritated, and flaky. Since I started using this daily, my skin stays calm and moisturized, and that is a HUGE relief.” —Shelby McCarthy
Get it from Amazon for $43.
3. An adorable hydrating eye stick, aka the perfect remedy for dehydrated skin. This treatment is made with Icelandic glacier water, giving your delicate under-eye skin the fresh hydration boost it needs on days when you’ve hit the snooze button one too many times.
It also helps tighten eye wrinkles if you’d prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here’s a tip! It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration.
Promising review: “This stuff is magic! I purchased this product on a recommendation from a BuzzFeed list and was not disappointed! I have not been sleeping well due to stress, and the first day I used it, my coworkers commented how well-rested I looked! I told them about it, and all of them ordered one for themselves. Very impressed!” —Saminyah Marcelin
Get it from Amazon for $9.90.
4. Antimicrobial facial spray with power that sweeps away all the nastiness without turning your face into the Sahara Desert. This little potion targets acne-causing bacteria, unclogs pores, and some reviewers even use it post-workout when their skin feels like it’s been through a battlefield of sweat and dirt.
Promising review: “The product is a great alternative to Tower 28, any HCl spray will have a bleach-like smell, but it fades right away. I spray it right after washing my face in preparation for my nighttime routine and after workouts. Just be careful when using it with skin and makeup products as if it’s not completely dry it will deactivate their properties. I use a fan to dry it out and it doesn’t take long. Also, the atomizer mists more than it spritzes so you get nice even coverage. I usually use 3–5 sprays to cover my face. Haven’t had any new breakouts since using it!” —Sophie
Get it from Amazon for $17.46.
5. A TikTok viral overnight collagen mask which starts as a milky-colored hydrogel mask and as the hours go by, it gradually turns clear, signaling that it’s working its wonders on your skin. It contains three kinds of probiotics that not only strengthen your skin’s barrier but also improves elasticity. It also refines the appearance of large pores and smooths out fine lines.
Check out a TikTok of this mask in action.
Promising review: “Oh…my god….🤯 No scent. It starts milky white and turns clear. I left it on overnight , woke up, and I was shook!! Pores? Where? Dry patch? Where? Fine wrinkles? Whheeerrrrrre??? Put it on over my lips as well, and it almost looked like a had fillers. It was so plump! 10/10 recommend. Holy grail of face masks <3" —Kichi
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $19 (also available in a 16-count).
6. A cult-favorite TruSkin vitamin C serum that’s won over 94,000+ 5-star reviewers for working wonders left and right. This serum contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, and jojoba oil to help improve vibrance and reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, leaving you with a ✨ glowing ✨ complexion.
When it comes to vitamin C, this formulation is on the stronger side, so you should do a patch test before using! And make sure you use SPF after (tbh as you should every morning)! Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it’ll last you several months with daily use.
Promising review: “I should have started using this years ago! I’m in my mid-30s, and I’ve tried everything, including much more expensive brands, Korean skincare, Japanese skincare, etc., but I’ve always had breakouts and problems with texture. This is by far the best vitamin C product I’ve tried. I’ve tried vitamin C serums in the past, but they always broke me out or had a slimy or gritty texture. This serum has a smooth texture, soaks in quickly, does not pill with other products, and has noticeably cleared up my skin.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $38.99.
7. Rael Beauty’s miracle patch made specifically to draw out the evil toxins (aka pus) from your pimples. Unlike other patches, this one has edges that are so thin they practically blend in with your skin. This makes them perfect for those times when you need a little acne-fighting magic but still want to go about your day without anyone noticing.
Promising review: “I am a pimple patch fan okay. I have tried them ALL but i always was intrigued by this brand and was very skeptical on three things; effectiveness, visibility, and size. I LOVE the fact that Rael pimple patches have two different sizes, all with hydrocolloids. They are practically invisible on the face unless you are extremely close up. I would feel extremely comfortable wearing these to my childcare job because I know they are not visible, and if you work with kids you know how they love to point pimple patches out. 🤣 I left one on my face all night (9+ hours), and it completely erased the pimple on the side of my cheek. Best pimple recovery I’ve seen ever on my face. I love these and will buy more, and you should too!!!!!” —Brian Cage
Get a 96-count pack from Amazon for $16.99.
8. A pore-clearing cleansing oil that visibly sucks out sebum from your pores and removes makeup residue and blackheads, leaving your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother. Reviewers of all skin types swear by it, including those with acne-prone skin (who say it doesn’t cause breakouts)!
BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.
Promising review: “I don’t usually leave reviews, but this product is the best cleansing oil EVER!!!!! Worked flawlessly after first try and I can actually see the results immediately!! My gosh it’s lightweight, smells relaxing. Massage it into your skin 5–10 minutes and you can see the magic. Will definitely add this into my skincare routine. JUST GET IT !!!!!” —Vince
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
9. A Lancôme radiance-boosting face serum, which is seriously something out of a fairy tale — reviewers literally call it “magic in a bottle.” This serum has 10% bifidus prebiotic, which acts like a shield to keep your skin hydrated and resilient. Plus, it’s packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to plump up your skin, making it look firmer, while adding an extra sparkle and evening out your skin tone.
Amazon
Promising review: “Smooth as silk. It Tightens skin, firms wrinkles, and gives you bouncy, glass-like skin. Takes a good five years off of my face. Worth the money. Worth every single penny. Splurge material, but you are worthy — so treat yourself, sis. 🙌” —Macie Lanay
Get it from Amazon for $60+ (available in six sizes).
10. La Roche-Posay foaming cleanser guaranteed to clean your skin and leave it feeling enchanted and rejuvenated. The prebiotic thermal water is like an elixir of life for your skin since it’s soothing and packed with antioxidants. Its main focus is to help retain moisture, maintain your skin’s natural barrier, and even out your skin tone, reducing redness.
Promising review: “This foaming facial cleanser has changed my skincare routine FOREVER! The consistency is light and smooth, leaving my sensitive skin feeling unbelievably refreshed, hydrated, and CLEAN! I had struggled to find a foaming cleanser that wouldn’t break my skin out for YEARS, and La Roche-Posay understood the challenge. My skin GLOWS after I use this! It’s so gentle and hydrating, I have forgotten my moisturizer afterward and it STILL didn’t dry my skin out. Phenomenal product. My skin is FINALLY clear!” —Joshua Hopkins
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
11. Resurfacing pads complete with 20% glycolic acid, here to sweep away dead skin cells and reduces scars and fine lines. Infused with vitamins B5, C, and E, plus calendula and green tea — your skin’s little magical helper that won’t disappear at midnight. They brighten, boost collagen, soothe, and reduce inflammation, leaving your skin as radiant as Cinderella’s ball gown.
Promising review: “I love these pads. I’ve used them and ordered them several times. Now I use them on a daily basis: once in the morning and once at night. They really keep my face clear in addition to my retinol and topical spironolactone that I use at night. They are super easy to use. Just wipe the pad over your face, and you’re done — I really like that. They are also very cost-effective. I have fairly sensitive skin, and they don’t really agitate my skin. However, I would probably work up to using them every other night before I use them every night or twice twice a day so as to avoid irritation.” —alex
Get it from Amazon for $25.95.
12. Glow Recipe Dew Balm Stick — if you’re already obsessed with their bestselling glow serum, you’re going to love this little beauty. This balm stick is a hydration powerhouse. It glides on smoothly, giving you that coveted dewy glow without any white cast. Over time, it actually helps brighten your complexion, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even out your skin tone. Talk about a multitasker! Oh, and did I mention it has SPF 45??
13. A NanoSteamer 3-in-1 Facial Steamer offering a gentle, warm mist to open up your pores and give them a deep cleanse — like your skin is Sleeping Beauty waking up with a magical kiss. Plus, it doubles as a humidifier, filling your room with soothing moisture, making it feel like an enchanted forest. And(!) It triples as a towel warmer.
Note that this does come with a five-piece stainless steel tool kit as well, but please be careful if performing extractions on yourself as these can injure your skin if not used properly.
Promising review: “Worth every penny!!! Perfect for facials and moisture, this steamer is AHHH-MAZING!!! I’ve gotten into the ritual of doing facials once a week. I used this product while doing a deep cleanse, and it worked marvelously!!! The steam blows very well, but you can turn it up a notch by covering your head with a towel to help trap even more moisture. It has different settings, including a humidifier setting, which has really helped my daughter with her post-nasal issues. The towel warmer is incredible and provides just the right amount of soothing heat! I haven’t needed to use the blemish toolkit as of yet, but I’m sure it’ll come in handy.” —KlassyLadee04
Get it from Amazon for $32.95+ (available in three colors).
14. The cult-favorite Cosrx snail mucin repairing essence formulated with 96.3% snail secretion that’s perfectly lightweight and hydrating for all skin types. This essence leaves a nice glow and keeps skin visibly smooth after a few uses. No wonder it has over 69,000 5-star ratings!
Promising review: “My skin dries out severely during the winter, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn’t work on me). Imagine my surprise when my SO tried to put snail goo on me. Eww!! I resisted for weeks, refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month, I finally gave in, and boy, it was amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer, and it doesn’t leave a disgusting, greasy feel like Vaseline. Take it from a once-nonbeliever: You have to try this. Even if it doesn’t work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would’ve paid for any other name-brand moisturizers.” —Kyoko Ozaki
Get it from Amazon for $12.
15. A pack of two dark spot corrector soap bars packed with collagen, retinol, and vitamin C. A powerful trio that can even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, scars, and blemishes. It *also* contains turmeric, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E to leave your skin feeling cleansed, revitalized, and oh-so-glowy.
As far as skincare goes, this is stuff is basically pure gold in bar soap form. ✨ You can use it on your face, neck, and all over your body as needed.
Promising review: “So I initially started using another kojic acid soap to help with my hyperpigmentation due to shaving my face because I have PCOS and have developed hirsutism. I’m usually a ‘full face of makeup at all times’ kind of girl because of my insecurities, but this soap has given me a new confidence. I used it for the first time Saturday night and instantly saw the results of this soap. My skin looks so much more even.” —Adrienne Jerkins
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
16. Good Molecules Yerba Mate eye gel that seems like it’s been concocted by a fairy godmother herself. This little miracle worker contains Yerba mate, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine that quenches your skin’s thirst, invigorates skin, and banishes puffiness and swelling. And to top things off, it’s ONLY $6.
Promising review: “This product works!! Helps with puffiness and dark circles. I wear it every day. Tap it on gently under eyes and let it dry. As it dries you can feel it working. Such a great product, natural ingredients at a great price! I love this so much and bought it for both of my daughters. Now they love it too! Helps the skin under eyes feel so soft and smooth. The three of us notice a difference under our eyes after we use this product. I am a repeat customer.” —kimber hirt
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
17. O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair from the wizards behind the legendary Working Hand and Healthy Feet creams — so powerful that it can turn dry, cracking, chapped lips into the softest, most kissable version of themselves overnight. Reviewers rave about its almost supernatural ability to heal and repair like nothing else on the market.
Promising review: “When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It’s painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I’ve used other O’Keeffe’s products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn’t get chapped at all. This stuff is magic and I won’t go anywhere without it now.” —Anna C. Adams
Get it from Amazon for $7.51.
18. An affordable prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel that “normalizes” skin cell turnover and targets acne’s two main culprits: clogged pores and inflammation. It’s like having a fairy godmother for your face, ensuring breakouts get the boot, inflammation is tackled head-on, and future acne? Consider it vanished before it can even say “hello.”
Promising reviews: “Look I don’t know what kind of magical potion is in this little bottle, but I’ve used it approximately four times in the past week and my skin is GLOWING. My pores are suddenly nonexistent and my blackheads have shrunk. This stuff is amazing. Also, it’s really moisturizing and not as irritating as other retinoids I have used in the past. The bottle is smaller than I was expecting but it is worth every penny. Great stuff. 11/10.” —Demi
“This stuff actually works. I work in a spa, and I’ve tried dozens of different products that cost five times the price to try to clear up my acne-prone skin and NOTHING has worked as well as Differin gel. One of my esthetician coworkers recommended it to me and dang if she wasn’t right. It will dry out your skin pretty badly, so make sure you have and use a good moisturizer, but my skin cleared up in less than two weeks, and I’m still amazed.” —Rin Wisell
Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in four sizes).
19. A popular pack of Skin1004’s pore tightening and lifting mask if you don’t mind looking like a zombie for 15 minutes in exchange for your skin being deeply hydrated and dead skin cells being removed.
The kit includes eight Zombie Pack sets (powder and activator), plus one applicator brush!
Skin1004 claims each treatment will help: reduce fine lines and wrinkles, visibly lift skin, clear small breakouts and acne, tighten enlarged pores, hydrate your skin, improve skin texture by gently removing dead cells, balance the epidermis pH level, and brighten your complexion with a “just-came-out-the-spa” glow.
Promising review: “When you put it on, the smell hits you hard. As it is on your face, the smell is not too bad, and the mask tingles as it dries. Wash it off and reveal clean, smooth skin. Plus fun to take pictures looking like a cracked mess.” —raine
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $23.81.
20. Retinol body lotion brimming with powerful ingredients (vitamins A and E, ferulic acid, shea butter, and green tea) working in harmony to diminish the look of deep wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, crepey skin, and even sun damage — all while boosting your collagen production to help with firming.
Promising review: “I have had light to moderate eczema my entire life. On top of that, I turn 60 next year. As a sun baby of Cali during my teens and twenties, I have a lot of sun-damaged skin, including crepe paper skin. I started using this product every morning on my arms and legs. After about six weeks, as long as I use it daily, it has DRAMATICALLY reduced (by 85%) the crepe paper skin. One of the big issues with eczema is your skin does not retain moisture, thus the constant itchy feeling. This product has 90% reduced [my eczema] and as time goes on, my skin is healing and getting much better at holding the moisture.” —Bobby Ford
Get it from Amazon for $18.99.
21. The Dewy Skin Cream by Tatcha touched with the mystical allure of Japanese purple rice that’s packed with antioxidants, acting like knights in shiny armor to protect your skin from environmental stressors. It’s also infused with a plumping botanical extract and a hyaluronic acid-algae complex that hydrates your skin to the max.
Promising reviews: “Tatcha products are the best! I love all of them. This moisturizer leaves your skin feeling so good. Definitely worth the splurge.” —T.
“So far I am IN LOVE. The texture is rich and creamy but not heavy. Scent is very lightly floral (almost lavender) but not strong at all. Absorbs super quickly and doesn’t pill under my rosehip oil topcoat. Leaves my skin plump and literally silky soft, almost buttery. It feels so luxurious and glides on like liquid satin. No adjustment period for my sensitive skin (my sensitive gals know what I mean…). I have sensitive combination/mostly oily skin with hormonal breakouts, and I have noticed a drastic difference in both balance as well as breakouts. The breakouts are minimized, my dry/rough spots are gone and the oily areas remain dewy and moisturized but not greasy. This stuff is magic, honestly. It’s my first pricey skincare product, but honestly, it’s SO worth it, even for someone like me.” —Madison
Get it from Amazon for $23+ (available in two sizes).
22. A powerful Paula’s Choice 2% BHA salicylic acid exfoliant useful for clearing out pores and evening your skin’s texture and tone. It’s gentle enough to use daily, unlike those other gritty face scrubs that feel like you’re sandblasting your skin.
Promising review: “This product helped clear my skin after I struggled with many other products. I was struggling with what I thought was milia on my forehead. I have tried exfoliating with all sorts of different products. I read a review on Reddit and thought I would give it a try. So glad I did. I put this on and saw results in one night. I honestly love how well this product worked for me.” —Nicole
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
23. A gua-shroom that looks like it’s been plucked from a forest in another realm. This mushroom-shaped gua sha is derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine to encourage lymphatic drainage, relieve tension, and promote more toned-looking skin. This uniquely shaped Gua-Shroom was carefully designed so that you can easily smooth over your skin at every angle and curve.
If this isn’t already unique enough, this gua-shroom comes in different stones (Dalmatioan and Unakite) that are believed to offer unique benefits.
Herbar is a small business located in Germany that specializes in skincare and wellness products created with fungi and adaptogenic formulations.
Promising reviews: “For years, I’ve been really bad with clenching my jaw, meaning my face muscles are always tight. I use the Gua-Shroom before bed, and it’s perfect for relaxing and de-stressing my face. Love the way it’s so icy cold and then heats up. It’s just heavenly!” —Daisy Cleeve
“The best bday gift as a mushroom fan! My friend got it for my birthday and I carry it with me everywhere! I clench my jaw a lot and it helps so much with my TMJ pain.” —Anna S.
Get it from Herbar for $37.93 (available in two different stone finishings).
24. Centella ampoule — a highly concentrated potion crafted from the finest Madagascar Centella, known for its incredible ability to soothe, calm, and hydrate even the most sensitive skin. The formula is also slightly acidic to help keep your skin’s pH balance in check.
Promising review: “Liquid gold! I’m obsessed with this. It’s one of the first products I purchased when starting my glass skin journey. Centella asiatica is known to calm sensitive skin, reduce redness and inflammation. My skin barrier was damaged from all the actives I used in the past. Since I started using this ampoule in the morning and night, my skin is a lot more hydrated and less red and irritated. It absorbs beautifully into the skin and doesn’t leave tackiness. My skin is left glowing after every use. I’ve recommend this product to friends and family and they all feel the same. It’s a must for any skin type!” —frugalANDfeminine
Get it from Amazon for $15.97.
25. An exfoliating mitten that’ll have you shedding dead skin cells like a snake, revealing softer skin underneath. This mitt is made out of a fiber that’s rough enough to visibly lift dead skin away but also buffs and smoothes, preventing ingrown hairs and helping reduce KP. Reviewers also use this mitt to remove spray tan!
Several reviewers say they just throw theirs right in the washing machine to clean it! They also make a smaller one designed for the bikini area.
Promising review: “MAGIC. HOLY CRAP I LOVE THIS MIT! This cleared up 80% of the ‘chicken skin’ I have INSTANTLY after one use. Also, it took off way more dead skin than any scrub I’ve ever used. I never write reviews, so I had to when I got this and loved it.” —Cheyanne
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available with one or two mittens).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
