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Beauty/Skin

Top 10 Cult Skincare Products

10 Skincare Products That Prove Magic Does Come In A Bottle

10 Skincare Products That Prove Magic Does Come In A Bottle

In a skincare-obsessed world filled with fads and pretty packaging, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine which products are actually worth it. There are those that sit untouched on our bathroom shelves for months until we finally throw them out, and then there are those that we use until the bottle runs dry and constantly rebuy—the latter is what we'll be covering today. Ahead, we've rounded up an ultimate list of the best cult skincare products in the beauty biz, from an all-in-one treatment that plumps fine lines in three minutes (no, we're not kidding) to an essence that promises youthful-looking skin for life. Backed by best-seller lists, editorial mentions, real user reviews, and the bloggers and celebs that consistently swear by them, the cult skincare products below—some originating more than 90 years back—deserve all the buzz they get. Keep scrolling to discover and shop the Top 10 skincare products that boast top-shelf status. Opening image: @sephora

Love our 10 Best Cult Skincare Products? Check out our 10 Best Sephora Readers’ Favorites next!

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November 5, 2019

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum
Rank & Style Approved

sephora.com

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum

WHY YOU NEED IT: Packed with hyaluronic acid (the miracle ingredient that can hold 6,000 times its weight in water), this serum is one of the most game-changing products you can add to your skincare routine, and yes—that includes you oily-skinned gals. Not only does it provide both immediate and long-term hydration, but it also helps prevent wrinkles and leaves the complexion looking fresh and radiant.

LOVED FOR: While this is definitely one of the priciest hyaluronic serums out there, reviewers rave that the super-fast results are well worth it—we're talking fewer fine lines and reduced acne scars in just three days, people.


Weleda Skin Food

USERS SAID: "This is the most nourishing cream I've ever tried in my life. I have chronic dry hands, and this stuff REALLY helps. I even use it on my face at night for an overnight moisture mask, and somehow it absorbs nicely and leaves my skin looking plump and refreshed rather than causing acne breakouts. Cannot say enough good things about this!"

FUN FACT: Reviewers and editors alike agree that this intensely hydrating cream is a fabulous dupe for the culty La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, which—in case you don't already know—can cost up to $2,400 a pop.


Augustinus Bader The Cream

WHAT IT DOES: Formulated with vitamins, synthesized molecules, and amino acids, this night cream works by activating stem cells and boosting them into recovery mode. The result is skin that's restored, regenerated, and glowing. Consider it a bottled-up version of the fountain of youth.

AS SEEN ON: When Ashley Graham, Victoria Beckham, and Kate Bosworth all swear by a skincare product, it's probably a good one.


SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

WHAT IT DOES: There's a reason this editor-approved serum is continuously touted as the key to anti-aging. Not only does the 12-ingredient formula contain a potent blend of antioxidants that protect skin from the environmental causes of aging, but it also boosts brightness like nobody's business.

AS SEEN ON: Brooke Shields says she's obsessed with C E Ferulic. Supermodel skin is just a few clicks away.


Glamglow Supermud Activated Charcoal Treatment Mask

LOVED FOR: We can confidently report that this is not just another mud mask, people. The consistency is far creamier than most, and when it's removed, it leaves skin feeling supple and soft rather than dry and tight.

USERS SAID: “I cannot speak enough good of this mask. I struggled with painful cystic acne for 10 years. I tried different pills and every remedy, cream, and face wash in the book. This is the only thing that has helped both shrink my bigger blemishes and prevent new ones from showing up. My skin has not been this clear in a decade."


SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

WHY YOU NEED IT: Packed with 90% Pitera, this J-beauty gem is notorious for transforming skin. Whether it's dullness, dryness, uneven texture, dark spots, or painful cystic acne, this essence is the key to achieving a crystal clear complexion in a cinch.

HELPFUL TIP: We know the price seems steep, but keep in mind that a little goes a long way—all it takes is two to three drops to cover the face completely.


Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

WHY YOU NEED IT: If you've ever wanted to wake up without the urge to apply makeup, this is your fix. Formulated with 22 active botanicals and over 60 bioavailable nutrients, this serum delivers the most powerful skin-beautifying nutrition in one single step. The result is less money spent on heavy, blemish-hiding makeup products, making the $185 price tag well worth it.

AS SEEN ON: This serum is a key step in Gwenyth Paltrow's nighttime routine.


Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

BEST FOR: If fine lines and wrinkles are your primary concern, look no further. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, algae and yeast extracts, and alkyl guanine transferase, this nighttime serum significantly reduces the signs of aging.

LOVED FOR: Reviewers rave about the hydrating powers of this serum. In fact, you might not even need to layer a moisturizer on top.


La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream

WHAT IT DOES: Commonly referred to as "Miracle Broth" this cult-favorite moisturizer is the cream of the crop. It's formulated with hand-harvested sea kelp, and just a few uses is all it takes to support the five facets of natural healing: moisture, regeneration, soothing, smoothing, and radiance.

HELPFUL TIP: To activate La Mer's powerful formula, warm it between your fingers until it becomes translucent to the eye, then apply.


Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

WHAT IT DOES: Though the price tag may elicit temporary sticker shock, this multi-tasker pretty much takes the place of every other serum in your medicine cabinet. Powered by gently exfoliating AHAs, the skin-changing treatment takes care of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, dullness, dryness, and dark spots. Name something it can't do—we'll wait.

FROM THE EXPERTS: Good Genes is clinically proven to plump the look of fine lines and wrinkles in as few as three minutes. Not kidding.

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