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27 Gifts For Anyone Who Wants Better Skin
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication. Hey! While we’re doing our best to make sure the products…
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Hey! While we’re doing our best to make sure the products we feature will arrive in time for Christmas, shipping times can vary depending on where you live, which product you purchase, and more. Be sure to double check the retailers’ websites for shipping information to ensure that your gift will arrive in time for the 25th!
1.
Youth to the People’s Glow Dream Mask — an overnight mask packed with super berries and vitamin C that can help with it all: dryness, dullness, uneven texture, and loss of elasticity. Basically, it’s heaven in a jar.
Promising review: “This sleep mask is a godsend. I have dry skin especially in winter and this has kept all flakiness at bay. It really seals moisture in and the vitamin C definitely makes my skin look brighter the next day. The smell is fantastic when you first apply it but it fades quickly which I actually prefer for a sleeping mask.” —Eileen2
Get it from Sephora for $48.
2.
Drunk Elephant’s The Midi Committee Kit is literally an adorable drawer filled with their best-sellers in travel sizes. Now they can take their favorites with them without the hassle of lugging the big stuff.
Sephora
Comes with their best-selling Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer, A-Passioni Retinol Cream, B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, and Bamboo Booster.
Promising review: “This set is awesome, absolutely worth it for the Protini, B-Hydra and Slaai alone, and perfect if you are someone wanting to try Drunk Elephant products without buying the full size. Plus with Drunk Elephant, a little goes a long way, you can’t go wrong. The set also comes in a cute little drawer that you can definitely reuse for storing other things. This is incredible value and I’m very pleased with this purchase.” —jd20
Get it from Sephora for $48.
3.
Dermal’s Sheet Masks are packed with a variety of ingredients, like collagen and vitamin E, that skin can’t get enough of. And this set comes with 16 (!!) masks, so they’ll be set for some much needed R and R.
Amazon
Promising review: “I bought these to send to my daughter as part of a care package. I tried one and they are amazing. They make your skin texture noticeably smoother and hydrated. This is not a fake review, I am just a random 45-year-old mom.” —Nina B
Get a set of 16 from Amazon for $9.99.
4.
Witty’s Rose Quartz Roller and Sculpt Tool helps tighten skin and reduce puffiness so they can skip the expensive spa trip and give themselves the ultimate facial at home.
Rose quartz rolling can help with eye puffiness, as well as tightening and brightening of your skin. BuzzFeed’s Rachel Miller investigated these claims herself to see how they held up, and spoiler — it worked:
“My immediate reaction was, ‘Wait, is this what my face is supposed to look like?!’ My eyes were suddenly so prominent in my face — in a good way!! — and everything looked visibly brighter and tighter — again, in a very good way. I suddenly just looked so awake, so healthy, so…Disney princess-like? (A half-black divorced American princess whose name happens to be Rachel, let’s say.) At 6:10 am with no makeup on? When just a couple of minutes ago I did not look that way at all? I was legitimately shocked.” —Rachel Miller
Read the rest of her review on rollers to learn more!
Get it from Amazon for $23.97.
5.
Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Rich calms down and preps skin for morning and overnight hydration magic — it’s super thick and perfect for winter dryness, but also sinks in super quickly!
Glossier
Promising review: “Leaves skin feeling like silk ribbons! I decided to splurge a little extra on this moisturizer and I’m so glad I did. I use this as a night cream when I’m feeling a little extra bougie (lol) and it’s quickly become a favorite of mine. It really sinks in well into your skin and makes your skin feel supple and soft. In comparison to the Priming Moisturizer, this has a much thicker consistency with a light lavender scent that’s not too strong — just right. Also the packaging is to die for — the acrylic pot? Yes.” —Vanessa
Read one BuzzFeed editor’s review on this awesome Glossier product (#9).
Get it from Glossier for $35.
6.
I Dew Care’s Sugar Kitten Mask comes formulated with hyaluronic acid to douse their skin with hydration so they can shine bright like the diamond they are.
Amazon
PLUS IT’S SHINY AND SHIMMERY! What more do they need?!
Promising review: “I really, really like this mask. When you apply the mask to your face it looks like shimmering pearls. What I really like about the product is that it is a peel-off mask. Depending on how thickly you put the product on your face it only takes 20-30 minutes to dry. That sounds like a long time but it is worth the wait. When you peel this off your face and then do a final rinse your face feels and looks wonderful. I then follow with a moisturizer (that’s just me). I use this product once a week. I highly recommend this product to anyone who wants younger- and better-looking skin.” —Grandma Fran
Get it from Amazon for $23.
7.
Clove + Hallow’s Hydratint is a gorgeous blush-serum hybrid infused with hyaluronic acid and meadowfoam oil for a subtle flush that’ll treat their skin lovingly. Hello, blush that elevates your natural skin!
instagram.com, Clove + Hallow
It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free. We love.
I actually use this stuff daily. It’s like this magical formula that seamlessly blends in with my skin, leaving me with a flushed look that’s the perfect amount of noticeable — not too bold, not too bright. It keeps my skin hydrated, which I am forever thankful for as my cheeks tend to get dry during colder months. But it also looks amazing when used with a setting powder on humid days. Plus, it’s in the cutest bottle and ya really can’t top an adorable product that gives stellar results.
Get it from Clove + Hallow for $20 (available in four shades).
Read my review on this here (it’s #9!).
8.
Mario Badescu Rosewater and Green Tea Facial Spray Duo wakes up and refreshes skin with a healthy dose of calming ingredients that smell just as good as they feel.
Promising review: “I’m so surprised at the effect this has had on my skin. The two are similar but I’ve been using the green spray after the shower or whenever I need to feel cooled down (it’s in my bag at work for a refresher, etc.) and I’ve been using the rose spray to set my makeup and in place of toner if I forego my typical toner. I have absolutely noticed softer skin in just a few days, which I am so surprised about!” —Jennifer Jacob-Freese
Get the set from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes).
Read a BuzzFeed editor’s review on the rosewater spray (#1)!
instagram.com, Nordstrom
Promising review: “This is it. This is the perfect sunscreen. Supergoop has done it. I’m calling it now that Unseen Sunscreen has just broken the final barrier of sunblock for all of us. A sunblock with strong SPF, that does NOT 1) make you pale/chalky, 2) make you super greasy/shiny, and 3) sit stickily on your skin and visibly in photos. Not only does it not do the above, which I NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE, it also comes with antioxidants and good stuff for the skin. It applies feeling EXACTLY like a primer, almost immediately feels invisible from the skin, gives a vague velvety blurring effect, and accepts makeup well. Thank you, Supergoop. I’m in my late 20s, and it has never been more important to remember daily sunblock. With this, I know I will.” —MsFourEyes
10.
Cocokind Tumeric Spot Treatment comes packed with *just* five organic ingredients known to rid skin of acne-causing bacteria, so they can feel just as good about what they’re putting on their skin as their skin feels.
Free People
Promising review: “This treatment works like a charm! I have struggled with pigmentation and breakouts, and I tried product after product. I’ve noticed evening of my skin tone and texture for the first time since I started using this regularly! Minimizes bumps and breakouts almost instantly! I’ve recommended this to all my friends who love it just as much!” —fpSaraNJ
Get it from Free People for or Amazon for $8.99.
11.
Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Cream is heaven for sensitive combination skin. It’ll keep their face hydrated, shine-free, and with a glorious matte finish from sunrise to sunset.
And I stand by that claim considering my coworker raves about this moisturizer!
“I can tell you that I have seen a significant difference in my skin since I started using this cream two months ago. When I bought it, I was in the midst of a cold, and I had the very fetching nostril dryness that accompanies excessive nose-blowing. After two days of twice-daily application, all trace of dryness had vanished. This stuff also claims to ‘alleviate signs of sensitivity,’ which, as a skin sensie, I can corroborate. I haven’t seen a trace of the garden of little red patches that used to bloom all over my face when I lotioned up.” —Jessie Gaynor
Read Jessie’s full review.
Get it from Sephora for $48.
12.
Foreo’s Luna Mini Facial Cleansing Brush thoroughly removes makeup and dirt while gently exfoliating the skin to make it super soft. Pat yourself on the back because this will be their favorite part of their skin care routine, guaranteed.
Foreo, Maitland Quitmeyer
One BuzzFeed editor swears by this cleansing brush:
“Look, I’m not new to face cleansing machines — I had a Clarisonic Mia, which I tried for long stretches of time over several years, but just never fell in love with.
*None* of the brush heads were soft enough to use on my sensitive skin every day. And whenever I tried to use it for a weekly exfoliation, more often than not the battery would have run out from just sitting in my drawer. The most annoying part? Buying super expensive replacement heads. But unlike the Clarisonic, this beauty stays charged for 300 uses (using it twice a day, that’s up to five months!), and requires 0.0 replacement heads. Ever.” —Maitland Quitmeyer
Read the rest of her review here!
Get it from Foreo for $139 (available in six colors).
13.
Tatcha’s Dewy Glow Set comes with four crowd favorites that’ll help makeup go on smooth, last longer, and leave skin looking glowy and radiant.
Promising review: “Such an amazing set and perfect for my nearly 40-year-old skin to give it back its glow! The dewy spray is amazing before and after makeup! I love the dewy cream, like the water cream but geared towards dryer skin which I love! The vitamin C mask is my favorite right now and gives you such softness and brightness immediately and the silk canvas is such a beautiful canvas for your foundation! My pores are shrinking, my skin is glowing and I feel like I’m getting my skin back! The best part is the lasting benefit and transformative qualities all of these products offer! Your skin is actually improving not just making it pretty for the day!” —mamabiggs
Get it from Sephora for $65.
14.
IT Cosmetics Confidence Gel Lotion takes moisturizers to an entirely new level with a cactus flower extract and glycerin (known to retain moisture) formula. It’s oil-free and can provide hydration up to 72 hours!
Sephora
Promising review: “This is the first product I have used from IT Cosmetics and I’m hooked. It glides on your face so smoothly and lasts all day! It feels soft and silky on your skin and is fabulous under your daily makeup or foundation. I felt younger looking and my skin felt super hydrated. I highly recommend this for any skin type.” —Marley0727
Get it from Sephora for $36.
15.
Natural Bamboo Oil Blotting Sheets are compact purse staples that are always ready to answer the calls of any unwanted shiny situations. Stocking stuffer idea, anyone?
Promising review: “I’ve had oily skin my whole life and have used countless types of oils blotting sheets because they’re life savers. THESE ARE AMAZING. Great deal, big sheets, and they pull out one at a time so easily. I used to use Clean & Clear sheets or knock offs of the same thing but I’ll never go back. Give these a try — completely worth it. They work well and are easy to use. No negative things to say at all.” —Kelsey
Get 100 sheets from Amazon for $6.95.
16.
AND! Mighty Patch’s Pimple Patch will draw out sebum and reduce irritation like some type of skin sorcery. I mean, just take a peep for yourself (sorry):
Amazon, amazon.com
Promising review: “I’m sorry if the picture is too graphic but I wanted to show how well this product works. It pulled out my whitehead in one piece and didn’t leave me with red/irritated area. It doesn’t blend well on the skin to go out in public with as other brands but this brand was definitely the most effective!” —Jessenia
Get a 36-pack from Amazon for $12.50+ (available in two sizes).
17.
SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic Serum is the equivalent to a magical potion designed to shield and protect skin from environmental aggressors. Not only that, it reduces the appearances of fine lines and promotes skin elasticity. TL;DR: It’s worth the splurge and the perfect gift for the beauty lover who already has it all.
SkinStore
One of my beauty counter staples and worth EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY.
Promising review: “I heard a lot about it, but I didn’t buy it because of the price. Finally I said I’ll just give it a try for once, seriously it’s the BEST. I tried different brand of vitamin C serum, nothing like this one. It’s been almost a month now, but I got a lot of good compliments about my skin how it looks tight and fresh. I really think it’s worth it. The bottle last for a few months. It’s amazing don’t look anywhere else. It’s the ONE.” —Ellen
Get it from SkinStore for $166.
18.
Soko Glam’s Best of 2019 K-beauty set is filled with mini savers that’ll help em’ repair their skin on the go, no matter what problems come their way — breakouts, dryness, cracked lips, dull skin, the list goes on.
Soko Glam
The set comes with all 10 of Soko Glam’s 2019 Best of K-Beauty Award winners!
Get it from Soko Glam for $47.
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Nip + Fab glycolic cleansing pads will resurface clearer skin with just the flick of a wrist, thanks to their 2.8% glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, and a light moisturizer. Acne is VERY afraid of glycolic acid, it’s simply no match.
Just so ya know, the witch hazel is there to soothe and tone skin, and to balance out the other exfoliating properties.
Promising review: “I am new to the world of AHAs and glycolic acid, so I’m not sure how this product measures up to others similar to it. But I’ll never go back to NOT exfoliating. I’ve noticed my stubborn acne scars fading drastically after only a week of using these nightly. My recurring acne in those areas seem to be dying down, and my overall skin tone seems to be brightening. I am really impressed so far!” —Mitzy McMillion
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
20.
Glow Recipe’s Let It Glow Set offers them and their skin the best of this wildly popular brand. Someone is definitely receiving the best gift-giver award!
The set comes with Glow Recipe’s best-selling products in travel sizes: Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask, Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser, Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer.
Promising review: “I love glow recipe! This isn’t the first time I’m using the sleep mask,but this is the first time I’m buying this value set and I’m so happy with it. The cleanser is amazing and refreshing. The moisturizer is light and perfect for combination skin. As usual, the sleep mask is great to put on before bed, then you wake up with skin as soft as a babies. I love glow recipe! You can’t beat this price! Buy this set! You will love it.” —kyrstal2989
Get it on sale from Sephora for $39 (originally $48).
Read our beauty writer’s review on the jelly mask here (it’s #1!).
21.
A powerful steamer because a DIY facial is just what they need to bring out those darn whiteheads in the fastest way possible.
It lasts for 12 minutes at a time and even features a UV light to sterilize the steam! It also comes with a blackhead extraction kit, but (cue mom voice) be careful with them! Or watch some tutorials first.
Promising review: “This is almost a life changer. I always steam my face in the shower so I can pop my pimples (I know, it sounds so gross but seriously). However, this steamer is AMAZING. I highly recommend it if you are suffering from acne and want to give yourself your own DIY facial. Overall, fabulous purchase.” —Anna
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two colors).
22.
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash feels like fluffy clouds and angels, in addition to being one of the most beloved and gentle brands out there — its hypoallergenic, soap-free formula replenishes hydration levels without any harmful side effects.
Amazon
Promising review: “I purchased this because essentially every review I read said it smelled like heaven, and the second I opened the box, I prepared myself for the first whiff. Despite all the hype, I really wasn’t expecting it to knock me off of my feet and make me want to cry like I’d just smelled an angel, but that’s what happened. This stuff smells like the mixture of a pretty cloud, soft pillows, and just a hint of sugar. I’ve always loved Dove body wash (and basically every product of theirs ever) because it doesn’t smell cheap and lathers like no other. I love the thick formula: it’s almost like an in-shower body lotion that I scrub onto myself via loofah. So go ahead, add it to your cart, and prepare to be engulfed by angel wings when you pop the cap open.” —Ophelia Amoret
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $18.33.
23.
Sephora Collection’s Makeup Wipe assortment has tons of different types of wipes each designed with a special benefit (like cleansing or exfoliating) so hopefully they can go to bed with a refreshed face, and not an overly irritated one. *Nudge, nudge*, another stocking stuffer idea!
Here’s what some of the wipes claim to do:
• Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes: Cleanse while soothing, relaxing, and softening.
• Rose Cleansing Wipes: Cleanse while brightening and providing ultra-hydration.
• Yuzu Cleansing Wipes: Cleanse while revitalizing and toning.
• Green Tea Exfoliating Wipes: Matiffy and fight the appearance of blemishes while cleansing.
• Charcoal Exfoliating Wipes: Purify and detoxify with charcoal, which draws out impurities and pollutants like a magnet.
Promising review: “The coconut water wipes are AMAZING! I was hesitant to try them at first because they are a little more $ than the regular drugstore brand wipes, but I fell in LOVE! Soothing and hydrating for my sensitive skin, and the smell is pleasant but not overwhelming. It gets all my make up off with no oily residue! Completely worth the money you pay for them! I will never use another brand again!” —LaceyPDX
Get them for Sephora for $8 each (available 10 six types and two sizes).
24.
Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector does exactly that — gently exfoliates skin, reduces redness and large pores, and targets blackheads and acne. Instead of simply exfoliating the surface, this solution actually removes dead skin to reveal a fresh complexion within weeks of use.
Glossier
Promising review: “I have been struggling with acne for as long as I can remember and Solution has SAVED my skin. Haven’t had a pimple since I started using this last month. My usually oily skin has been so soft and glowing and my years of acne scars are vanishing. 100% worth every penny.” —MRB
Get it from Glossier for $24.
We *also* love solution — learn why several BuzzFeed writers love it in Here’s Why The Mega-Popular Glossier Solution Is Totally Worth Your Money.
25.
Fresh’s Black Tea Gift Set includes — surprise — four of their black tea classics so your gift recipient can get their hands (and face) on some of the best out there.
The set comes with their Black Tea Kombucha Antioxidant Essence, Black Tea Firming and De-Puffing Eye Cream, Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask, and Black Tea Corset Cream Firming Moisturizer.
Promising review: “This is my first experience with this Fresh line. I wanted to try multiple parts of the line, so this was much more economical than just buying the overnight mask which was almost as much as this set. I have combination skin and this does not upset my skin. I break out easily even though I am mature. It is not overly moisturizing and I can feel the firming action. It’s a good feeling. Other moisturizers often make my skin feel too oily overnight. Made my bits of acne calm down faster than usual.” —mishimagirl
Get it from Sephora for $119.
26.
La Roche-Posay Gel Acne Cleanser is a salicylic acid formula that will STRONGLY encourage breakouts and excess oil to ~clear out~. In fact, they won’t really have a choice.
It’s gentle enough to use twice a day — and specifically works to target and control oil, and then treat blackheads and breakouts so their skin is left clear, clear, and clear.
Promising review: “I was lucky enough to have clear skin in high school so I never understood how awful acne really is. When I was about 21-22 years old, I switched to a birth control implant, and that thing wreaked havoc on my entire life. I suddenly had horrible cystic acne. Not only did it make me self conscious and uncomfortable, but it was actually so painful — laying on my pillow hurt my face! To top it all off, my skin was also dry, and irritated. I tried every skin care line on the market for about two to three years, with no, or very little, results. Finally, I found La Roche-Posays skin care products. Within four days, the inflammation decreased, the redness was fading, and my skin felt less dry. By two weeks, my skin was practically clear! I have been using this product for about four to five years now, and I haven’t had a single outbreak, EXCEPT for the time I wanted to try a different product to save money. Huge mistake, one I will not make again.” —LadyHawke
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
27.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion has salicylic acid, calamine, and other quick-drying ingredients for shrinking ugly whiteheads virtually overnight, meaning it’ll be a bathroom cabinet staple for years to come.
Promising review: “It’s cruelty-free and gets rid of my whiteheads overnight and it doesn’t dry my skin out too much, just enough to get rid of those pesky period zits.” —Gaunkle
Get it from Amazon for $14.15.
Your gift recipient’s face when they open up their present from you:
NBC
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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