Best Skincare Products of May 2020, According to Editors
The Social Distancing Skin-Care Stars Our Editors Are Swearing By This Month
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Some of the best days, these days, seem to start when you're feeling down-and-out, wondering if the news alerts pinging your phone by the hour could get any weirder, and then in stomps a new skin-care product you've never tried before — all creamy or gel-like, ready and willing to lift you right up. At your service, you imagine them saying, as if that's not the scariest beauty equivalent to Toy Story ever.
You see, a good moisturiser or face mask (and no, not that one), or even a soothing sunscreen can work wonders at sparking joy or boosting your mood. Not even POPSUGAR beauty editors are immune. That's why we asked them to share the skin-care treatments that offer a dose of self-care on a less-than-perfect day — even though they all sort of blur together at this point.
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm
"You know how a pimple looks all open and raw after it comes to the surface from wearing an acne patch? The new Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm ($13) is designed for use at that phase. It's a balmy ointment that provides a protective layer over the pimple. This not only helps it heal faster but also allows for layering makeup overtop without causing any further irritation." — Jessica Harrington, associate beauty editor
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
"Even among my most beloved skin-care products, they typically fall under one of two categories: the ones I dig but am willing to share with my girlfriend, and the ones I slyly hide away so I can relish in every last drop. I've formally filed the intensely hydrating, wildly decadent Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream ($80) in the latter camp – but even she seems to be attuned to how damn soothing it feels on skin, because I've caught her on many occasions trying to grab it when she thinks I'm not looking." — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor
Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Mask with Moisturising Hyaluronic Acid
"When Dr. Jart launches a new face mask, I immediately add it to cart. This month, I'll be testing the Cryo Rubber Mask with Moisturising Hyaluronic Acid ($14). The brand's 'rubber' formulas have always felt extra special, and I love how the serum is separate so I can apply it on skin first before putting the cool-coloured mask on my face — it feels like the ingredients are really penetrating." — Lisa Sugar, editor-in-chief
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner
"Wearing less makeup these past few weeks has given me the opportunity to focus more on perfecting my skin-care routine, and I've been paying special attention to the oily areas on my T-Zone, around my nose, and chin. My shiny spots require a product that has both acids and humectants in it that can refine my pores without drying them out — and the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner ($34) has done just that. This formula touts itself as a Korean Aqua Peel Facial in a bottle, complete with PHA and BHA to decongest pores, plus cactus water and hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture. Since incorporating this into my at-home routine, I've noticed that my makeup glides on more smoothly (even if I'm applying less of it than normal) and my skin looks way less shiny every time I hop on my next Zoom." — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, associate beauty editor, Makeup.com
Bath & Body Works Vanilla Coconut Gentle Foaming Hand Soap
"Bless my roommate's heart because she has to put up with me and the bulk stock of this hand soap I keep in our apartment. I've been recently infatuated with all things coconut and vanilla, so finding the Bath & Body Works Vanilla Coconut Gentle Foaming Hand Soap ($8) that combines the two scents into one was a dream come true. The new packageing isn't too shabby either." — Samantha Sasso, associate native editor, Group Nine Media
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Moisturiser
"Shortly before we were all home-bound, I got a facial, during which the aesthetician told me that I have to work on brightening and hydrating my skin. It was that comment that made me almost immediately reach for the Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Moisturiser ($22) that I got not too long ago. It's a vegan product that uses vitamin C and collagen to moisturise and plump the skin on top of leaving you with a little glow. I use this every day after cleansing, and I personally love how it has not only made my skin feel so much softer, but it also doesn't leave me feeling super greasy like other moisturisers I've tried in the past." — Danielle Jackson, assistant beauty editor
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Action Milk Peel
"I love an acid — glycolic, salicylic, retinoic, I adore them all. But lately my skin has been a little less tolerant of the stronger acids in my medicine cabinet. So I'm using Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Action Milk Peel ($80) instead. It exfoliates with lipo hydroxy acid while hydrating with vitamin E, linseed extract and micelles. And it's called a "milk peel" — can you think of a more gentle sounding peel? I'll wait. After I use it, my skin feels silky, and I swear it's smoother after just a few weeks. Maybe I don't need a strong acid after all." — Dawn Davis, senior editorial director, Group Nine Media
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum
"The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum ($59) delivers seriously dewy, hydrated skin with a single use. The lightweight oil-serum hybrid layers well under a moisturiser or, if you want a glass-skin like appearance, wears well on its own when pressed into the skin. (This is my signature work-from-home beauty look on days without meetings.)" — JH
SLMD Skincare Dark Spot Fix
"I'm constantly on the hunt for products that will fade the acne marks and discoloration on my chin from old breakouts. I practically bathe in vitamin C every morning but the stubborn spots still stay put. The SLMD Skincare Dark Spot Fix ($50) from Dr. Pimple Popper herself is a maximum strength hydroquinone spot lightener that works on everything from dark spots to age spots and acne scars. I've only used for it a few days now and call me crazy, but I already feel like I'm seeing some progress." — JH
Renée Rouleau Moisture Infusion Toner
"Renée Rouleau is a true skin guru — she's a font of knowledge in legit everything having to do with skin-care and skin health. Much of my time during shelter in place has been spent poring over her skincare blog (yes, I'm a little obsessed with her). I love every product I've tried from her eponymous line, but the
Moisture Infusion Toner ($43) is a standout. Seriously, it's gotten to the point where I will rave about it to anyone who will listen. It's more like an emulsion than a toner, with a silky, milky texture that glides over your skin — the effect should be listed as the definition of dewy in the dictionary. It has especially been saving my skin as I experiment with a prescription-strength retinoid and has calmed all the dreaded redness and flaking." — Aviel Kanter, senior native content editor, Group Nine Media
Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer
"Normally, I'd wear this Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer ($52) under my makeup, but since I'm wearing a hell of a lot less of it these days, it's been my solo beauty step in the morning. Normally, that'd terrify me, but it gives my skin a subtle blur that's practically undetectable on Zoom calls. I'll take it." — KC
Beauty Stat Universal C Skin Refiner
"Many have already reported on the magic of Beauty Stat's Universal C Skin Refiner ($80), and while it is one of my absolute favourite products, I also want people to know about the brand's Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream ($50). The two together are the dynamic duo. My skin feels instantly smoother, firmer with the vitamin C, but then topped off with the light weight cream, it feels fully sealed in and quenched to perfection." — LS
Then I Met You Honey Dew Lip Mask
"As the days of coming home late and just-barely-wiping my-makeup-off before bed have minimized to about zero, my nighttime skin-care routine has gotten a lot stronger. Part of this ritual is slapping on a silky lip mask every night to help keep my pout hydrated and flake-free when I wake up in the morning. Enter: the Then I Met You Honey Dew Lip Mask ($22), which I haven't been able to go overnight without since it landed in my mailbox. This super slinky mask/balm comes in a mess-free silicone tube form that easily swipes on as much or as little product as you need to coat your lips. It also contains Vitamin E, plus squalane and lactic acid to gently exfoliate and smooth. After I do my makeup in the morning, I apply a lighter coat for a glossy-balm finish which complements any WFH makeup mood, from a bare-face to a little winged liner and mascara." — AMK
Chill Full Spectrum CBD and Kava Balm
"If there's one thing I've been experimenting with lately, it's my nighttime skin routine. I could never really find a cream — even an oil — that lasted all night long, so I thought that maybe now would be the best time to play with every jar, tube, and bottle I own. Then, I found the Naturopathica Chill Full Spectrum CBD and Kava Balm ($76) sitting in my cabinet: completely unused. My initial concern about using it was the formula. Would it be too slippery and stain my pillow? Would it be so greasy that it would clog my pores? It did neither, luckily. Instead, night after night, it leaves my skin slick but hydrated — so much so that I can wake up and gua sha my face without any tugging or pulling. It's just an added bonus that I'm noticing how much the CBD is treating my acne — goodbye redness!" — SS
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
"Between being on my computer all day, the constant FaceTiming and IG scrolling on my phone, and TV binging, I feel like I've been staring at screens way more than I usually do. Meaning, I've been squinting way more than usual. So I've been hyper aware of keeping wrinkles and fine lines at bay, and just generally going overboard with all things hydration. Enter: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($128) and SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier ($100) — my two holy grail fine-line-combating and skin-plumping products. The HA Intensifier is thicker than your average hyaluronic acid serum and makes my skin immediately feel more elastic. The Triple Lipid cream is a true facial in a jar; it's thick without feeling greasy, and contains natural cholesterol, pure ceramides, and fatty acids to keep skin youthful AF." — AK
J.R. Watkins Detox Creamy Body Wash
"I feel like body wash is very underrated. My ideal formula lathers well, has a nice, light scent to it, and leaves skin feeling clean but not tight and uncomfortable — AKA, all the things that the J.R. Watkins Detox Creamy Body Wash ($15) does. The body wash (like all of the brand's products) is made with naturally derived ingredients and you can't beat the price. This was my first time trying J.R. Watkins and I'm impressed." — JH
M-61 Vitablast C 20% Cream
"Ever since I've been social distancing, my skin has looked a little lackluster. I've been clinging to this M-61 Vitablast C 20% Cream ($92) for its ability to brighten and illuminate dull-looking skin thanks to its formula with vitamin C. I also love it because it supports natural collagen production, promotes a more even skin tone and the rich, yet lightweight consistency adds a subtle lit-from-within-glow." — Genesis Rivas, assistant editor, Makeup.com
Cosmetic Gold Roll-CIT
"Warning: This Cure de Repos Gold Roll-Cit ($300) is a total splurge. Now that I've gotten that caveat out of the way, let me tell you that I've had this dermaroller sitting in my medicine cabinet for about three years. I had used it maybe five times total, but knew how expensive it was and couldn't part with it. Thank goodness I didn't, because this has become an integral part of my social-distancing evening skin-care routine. Dermarollering (also known as microneedling), for those who are curious, is a method used by aestheticians to help rejuvenate the skin and treat signs of ageing. The supertiny needles on these rollers gently puncture the skin, and while the injury is superficial and controlled, it triggers the skin's wound healing response to stimulate collagen production. So how do I use it? About once every three days on clean skin at night. I then apply my serum, followed by my moisturiser. It definitely doesn't tickle, but I wouldn't say it hurts, either — more of a gentle stink that quickly dissipates. Since I've started using it, my skin feels tighter and smoother and, call me crazy, but I feel like my products are more effective. This one is gold plated and meant to suppress bacteria growth, but you can buy more affordable options at a derm store." — Amanda Elser Murray, associate style director, Group Nine Media
MM Skincare Revive Serum
"When celeb dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur did my undereye fillers a few months ago (still obsessed, btw), there were a few wrinkles left over that the fillers didn't fix. When I asked Dr. Marmur if she could add more to make them disappear, she rightly told me I would look insane, and instead directed me to use her MMRevive Serum ($85) under my eyes every night. I'm a bit sceptical of eye creams and serums in general — none have ever given me real results and many, in fact, cause flares of perioral dermatitis around my eyes. So to say I'm shook at the results of the Revive Serum would be an understatement. Especially now when I have a lot more time on my hands to inspect the sh*t out of my skin and really keep tabs on results, I can safely say the wrinkles are visibly less deep, and my undereye skin is just generally smoother and more luminous. Maybe it's because it isn't just an eye serum, maybe it's the natural ingredients like thermus thermophilus ferment — whatever it is about this serum, trust me, the stuff works." — AK
Saje Peppermint Halo Cooling and Soothing Oil Blend
"I've been holding a lot of stress in my neck and shoulders these last few weeks and it's really messing up my sleep schedule. Then, I started using this Saje Peppermint Halo Cooling and Soothing Oil Blend ($22) on the back of my neck and along my hairline, and wow. Within seconds the essential oil goes to work, quickly cooling down all my pressure points. It's the perfect companion piece to my reading-in-bed routine and now I don't think I can live without it." — SS
Jafra Royal Defy Lift Express Eye Treatment
"Either I can't seem to find the most flattering lighting for a Zoom call or I'm just really frickin tired, because my under-eye circles are out in full force. That is until I started using this eye cream under my concealer. Jafra Royal Defy Lift Express Eye Treatment ($44) is made with concentrated royal jelly (the food the queen bee of a hive eats — yes, really) to nourish skin over time, but I'm most impressed with the immediate smoothing benefits. It glides on, feels completely weightless, and makes my makeup look flawless even when I slap it on in three seconds. I guess I can stop watching lighting tutorials now." — DD
Miami Gorgeous Vitamin C Serum
"My skin has been nightmare-ish the past few weeks. I feel like I spoil it with an excess of face masks, moisturisers, and serums, but for reasons unbeknownst to me, it's been seriously acting out. Dullness, dryness, acne — you name it, I've had it. While I've been trying pretty much everything to glow-up my skin, the Miami Gorgeous Vitamin C Serum ($36) is the only thing that's really worked. It's packed with antioxidants, aloe vera extract and hyaluronic acid to brighten, hydrate, and soothe the skin. Within just a few days of use, my complexion perked up, looked plump, and had its radiance back. In short: I'm obsessed." — Samantha Holender, assistant beauty editor, Makeup.com
Renée Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Cleanser
"My skin is fussy, but I never expected it to turn against me as quickly as it did when I began staying at home. Naturally, I ran to Instagram to seek help from Renée Rouleau, my fairy skin godmother. Within days I rotated her Rapid Response Detox Cleanser ($41) into my morning and evening routine and after the first couple of uses the inflammation from the army of acne on my chin and jawline reduced. The unwelcome presence of so many breakouts was putting a damper on my mood. Thanks to this cleanser, I feel like I can look in the mirror and breathe again." — SS
Lumasol Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Mist
"I never go a day without wearing sunscreen, even when I'm staying indoors like I am now. I've tried my fair share of formulas, but the Lumasol Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Mist ($50) is unique in that you can re-apply it over makeup. It comes in a mist applicator and goes on similar to a face mist or setting spray — perfect for midday touch ups when it's time to go back to work." — JH
Vitaclean HQ Handheld Showerhead + Filter
"OK, yes, I realise this is a shower head, but hear me out here. Since being at home for an extended period of time, I've made sure to only partake in the steps of my beauty routine that I actually enjoy, and while I'm certainly not showering more (in fact, uh, quite the opposite) I want to make sure it's the most luxurious it can be. The Vitaclean HQ Handheld Showerhead + Filter ($70) adds to the overall self-care experience, with its citrusy scent that steams from the head and impressive water pressure. The filtering system also means my skin is getting fewer harsh chemicals from the New York City water. Win-win." — KC
Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum
"I follow a thorough skin care routine daily, but during this time at home, I decided to add one new product to my lineup. The Dr. Barbara Sturm Scalp Serum ($100), because your scalp is skin too right? And if you want healthy hair that grows fast, it all starts from the root. The blend of hyaluronic acid with purslane, which is Sturm's secret weapon ingredient that acts as anti-irritation and soothes the skin. Since I've started using it my hair has this silky shine that I never knew I was missing." — Krista Jones, associate shop editor
Bobbi Brown's Evolution18 Beauty Collagen Shot
"Yes, I am down to ingest beauty supplements. My current go-to is Bobbi Brown's Evolution18 Beauty Collagen Shot ($13). The taste reminds me of a blue raspberry snowcone, so even if I am still waiting to see the results on my skin, at least my sugar cravings are curbed by the sweet treat." — LS
