Oily and breakout prone
Not too dry, not too oily
Dull, dry, and flaky
How would you describe your skin?
1
2
Products need to fit your lifestyle. What's your biggest concern about your skin?
Fine lines and sagging skin
Wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness
Sun protection
3
What type of moisturizer do you prefer?
Rich, creamy moisturizers
Lightweight moisturizers
Moisturizers for sensitive skin
4
Every dermatologist stresses the importance of wearing sunscreen daily. Which do you prefer?
A sunscreen with sheer coverage
Oil-free sunscreen for acne-prone skin
A sunscreen for sensitive skin
Your Personalized Skin-Care Routine
RETAKE QUIZ
$
$ $
$ $ $
NYDG
Skincare Chem-Free Active Defense SPF 30
98
If you're looking for a mineral/physical sunscreen and also into really fancy dermatologist-created skin care (hi, us!) then this is the perfect "chem-free" pick for you. During formulation, the NYDG team specifically left out certain harsh ingredients, such as parabens, mineral oil, and sulphates, in all of its products. A little bit goes a long way, so about a nickel-size dollop of the stuff was all one Allure editor needed for full-face (and neck) coverage. The best part? The Chem-Free Active Defense SPF30 isn't scented, sticky, or tacky.
Dull and dry, maybe even a little flaky in places
For dry skin, look for a creamy formula with moisturizing ceramides or hyaluronic acid. It takes away the day's grime but not all the good oil (aka the stuff that makes you glow). In the morning, you can skip cleanser completely if you want to, but make sure to splash water on your face before applying moisturizer.
CLEANSER
Moisturizer
Step 3:
SPF
Step 2:
Pretty balanced, not too dry, not too oily
For normal or combination skin, wash your entire face with a gentle cleanser in the morning. At night, wash your face with the same mild cleanser. If your T-zone is very oily, you can go over it with a cleansing brush once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin. Just make sure not to overdo it with the brush, or you'll risk causing damage by overcleansing.
For oily skin, look for a cleanser formulated with salicylic acid or clay. Both ingredients help to remove buildup from your pores. A big mistake for people with oily skin? Overwashing. Stick to your morning and night routines; with the right products, that should be enough to fight oil and grime. TIP: If you still feel oily, try using a toner with 2 percent salicylic acid between cleansing and moisturizing.
Fine lines at the corners of my eyes and mouth, sagging skin
Peptides help plump up the skin and reduce lines. They also signal skin cells to produce more collagen, making them ideal partners for firming skin and smoothing wrinkles. And peptides are especially effective at softening crow's-feet. Serums penetrate the skin fastest when layered on bare skin, so apply your serum after cleansing.
SERUM
Peptides
Wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness around my face
Retinol: Call it the aspirin of skin care. Retinol fixes almost everything, including wrinkles, oiliness, sagging skin, and age spots. The vitamin A derivative boosts collagen and reduces pigmentation, and helps fight off new wrinkles. Serums penetrate the skin fastest when layered on bare skin, so apply your serum after cleansing.
Retinol:
Protection from the sun and pollution
Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals in the air. Free radicals are molecules caused by sunlight and pollution that can create damage, like wrinkles and brown spots, and can lead to skin cancer. Look for serums with vitamin C and E, ferulic acid, phloretin, and green tea, to name a few. The differences aren't noticeable instantly, but you'll be thankful in the long-term. Serums penetrate the skin fastest when layered on bare skin, so apply your serum after cleansing.
Antioxidants
I like using creamy moisturizers that feel super hydrating.
Rich and super hydrating moisturizers leave skin with a dewy finish that you can see and feel. Skin feels hydrated and looks glowy, so if you wear foundation, you may need less of it.
Rich and super hydrating moisturizers
I like creams and lotions that are barely noticeable on my skin.
Lightweight and oil-free moisturizers keep skin hydrated but not clogged, glowing but not greasy, and feeling fresh throughout the day.
Lightweight and oil-free
I'm sensitive to everything, so I rarely try new skin-care products.
Gentle and unscented moisturizers feature hydrators (think hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and soothing ingredients (like colloidal oatmeal and cotton extract). These scent-free creams and lotions leave skin soft and moisturized with zero irritation.
Gentle and unscented
I need a sunscreen that gives me both protection and sheer coverage in one step.
Tinted sunscreens are lightweight, excellent at evening out skin tone, and are ideal for touching up throughout the day. (Every two hours, remember?) Make sure to always look for an option with SPF 30 or higher.
Tinted sunscreens
sunscreen
I need a sunscreen that won't cause breakouts or feel greasy on my skin.
Oil-free sunscreens won't clog your pores, and layer nicely under makeup. They're usually made with dimethicone instead of petrolatum, which helps absorb oil on the skin's surface and can actually help it appear less oily.
Oil-free
I need a sunscreen that won't sting or irritate my sensitive skin.
Sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin are perfect for people prone to acne, rosacea, and/or irritation. They normally include physical sun-blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as opposed to chemical ones; although, mixed with the right ingredients, some chemical options can be gentle enough.
LA ROCHE-POSAY
Toleraine Double Repair Moisturizer UV
20
This oil-free SPF 30 face cream is ideal for sensitive skin and dries down clear on most skin tones. The sunscreen contains the highest concentration possible of the brand's Thermal Spring Water (which is a hydrating ingredient found in nearly every one of their products), in addition to soothing niacinamide and moisturizing ceramides to deeply hydrate the skin's top layer, called the "microbiome".
BADGER
SPORT SUNSCREEN CREAM SPF 35
15
Most sport sunscreens are chemical-based, so it can be tricky to find a non-chemical one that resists sweat and water without seeping into your eyes as soon as your forehead starts to glisten. This one does all of the above, plus it's non-comedogenic, fragrance free, and 98 percent organic.
CHANEL
Le Solution 10
80
This oil-free face cream for sensitive types leaves skin feeling soft and well-moisturized, not greasy or suffocated. Chanel spent five years finding a way to whittle down the ingredient list to as few items as possible — including the most potent form of glycerin they could find and silver-needle tea, a strong antioxidant — so that the formula would be as gentle as it is effective. They also took out any fragrances and dyes that could aggravate temperamental complexions.
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Cream
30
A jar of this cult-favorite cream is sold every minute. Designed for head-to-toe use, this heavy-duty moisturizer is packed with ultra-soothing ingredients, including hydrating shea butter, complexion-repairing ceramides, and colloidal oatmeal, which is FDA-approved for over-the-counter use as an eczema treatment.
Yes to
Cotton Comforting Facial Moisturizer
14
This moisturizer is a 98 percent natural face cream that's formulated for sensitive and allergy-prone skin. It uses cotton extract to condition the skin, making your skin so soft you will want to keep touching it.
SKIN BETTER
Alto Defense Serum
150
A dermatology professor called this serum "a milestone in antioxidant [skin care]." It is a lightweight, powerful, innovative serum that contains 19 different antioxidants to protect your skin from nasty cell-damaging, wrinkle-causing free radicals. Antioxidants are your best defense: By neutralizing free radicals, a good antioxidant serum acts like a kind of shield against pollutants.
Philosophy
When Hope Is Not Enough Serum
45
This serum hydrates, firms, and helps fight fine lines and wrinkles. It's hydrating enough that normal to oily skin might not even need to top it with a regular moisturizer. Plus, it doesn't irritate sensitive skin and is particularly good for plumping fine lines in the eye area.
AVEENO
Absolutely Ageless Intensive Renewal Serum
This is a fast-absorbing serum that hydrates, reduces fine lines, and leaves skin velvety soft. It also features a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin and works easily under makeup.
TATCHA
The Deep Cleanse
38
This is one of those cleansers you'll want to display front and center in your medicine cabinet — both because the packaging is gorgeous, and because it'll inevitably become an instant go-to. The oil-free, gel formula contains soft beads made with Japanese luffa fruit, which act as gentle exfoliants and help create a creamy foam for a super satisfying clean. Plus, this stuff smells ever-so-slightly peppery (in the best way possible).
BareMinerals
Clay Chameleon Transforming Purifying Cleanser
22
This is a mildly exfoliating clay-to-cream cleanser that deep-cleans and softens all skin types. The formula includes papaya and sea salt to exfoliate and also glycerin, a super humectant, so your skin won’t feel tight or uncomfortable after you pat it dry.
CLEAN & CLEAR
ACNE TRIPLE BUBBLE FOAM CLEANSER
8
Formulated with salicylic acid, soothing aloe, and peppermint, this oil-free foaming wash has a knockout combination of powerful ingredients that treats current blemishes and also prevents future ones.
Dermalogica
Oil-Free Matte SPF 30
53
This ultralight sunscreen will never, ever cause your makeup to cake, and it works well with other skin-care products. Every dermatologist in the world stresses the importance of wearing SPF daily (even when you're indoors) to protect skin from harmful, damage-causing UV rays. This product glides on like a dream, won't disrupt makeup, and most importantly, ensures you won't burn to a crisp.
Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
This chemical sunscreen with SPF 60 doesn't clog pores or feel greasy. It's oil free and strong enough for a day at the beach, but doesn’t smell like a day at the beach.
Neutrogena
Sensitive Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 60
10
This oil-free sunscreen for sensitive skin is water- and sweat-resistant with a high SPF. The Best of Beauty winner provides broad-spectrum sun protection and dries to a shine-free finish.
Perricone MD
Pre:Empt Series Oil-Free Hydrating Cream
75
This oil-free cream hydrates skin and is packed with natural antioxidants derived from turmeric, olive leaf, green tea, and cress sprouts that protect against environmental oxidants that can advance aging. With the power of an antioxidant serum and the oil-free moisturizing effects of a rich cream, it leaves skin plump and dewy, but never greasy.
Estée Lauder
DayWear Matte Oil-Control Antioxidant Moisture Gel Creme
54
This moisturizer is the ideal solution to the oily-skin-that-turns-dry-and-then- oily-again-by-midday problem. It has the delicacy and absorbing prowess of a gel, with a creaminess and a richness to it that feels pampering and skin-plumping. The refreshing, coddling formula blurs pores and imperfections and helps makeup go on without a hitch.
Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer Pink Grapefruit
This nondrying, acne-fighting moisturizer hydrates and softens skin, fights pimples and helps prevent future breakouts. The product contains salicylic acid, which is a proven acne fighter (it increases cell turnover, which means it helps stop gunk buildup in your pores). Initially it feels wet, but it absorbs after two minutes, leaving a dewy look.
SKINCEUTICALS
RETINOL 0.5 REFINING NIGHT CREAM / RETINOL 1.0 REFINING NIGHT CREAM
76
Retinol is effective against fine lines and wrinkles, boosts collagen production, helps banish hyperpigmentation, comes recommended by nearly every derm on the planet, and can even help with acne. Just a few drops of serum or dollops of cream of very potent formulations can leave transformative effects on your skin. We like SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 for summer, and change to the SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 for drier seasons.
PAULA’S CHOICE
Resist 1% Retinol Booster
52
This retinol combines a slow-release delivery system with soothing extracts (like oat and willow bark) to smooth fine lines without scorching skin.
THE ORDINARY
GRANACTIVE RETINOID 2% SQUALENE
This serum fights hard against fine lines. The 0.2 percent formula is a great starting point for retinol newbies, but the brand also offers three higher concentrations if you need a lil extra strength — or if you want to eventually work your way up as your tolerance increases.
ERNO LASZLO
Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar
This soap came out 75 years ago and has been a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Greta Garbo, Madonna, and Uma Thurman. The Dead Sea mud and charcoal powder pull oil and dirt out of pores like a magnet. It's great for all skin types, but those prone to oiliness and breakouts are its most vocal fans. Our editors with oily complexions like to wait a few minutes before rinsing it off so the soap can act more like a mask. The result? Skin that's softer, smoother, clearer, and more radiant after each use.
GLOSSIER
Milky Jelly Cleanser
18
This cool, quivery cleanser dissolves makeup, hydrates like a night cream and smells like dreamy rose water. Its jelly consistency still feels luxurious — rich and bouncy all at the same time.
Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser
This gentle facial cleanser with antioxidants removes makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping moisture from the skin itself and helps prevent free-radical damage triggered by pollution and sun over the course of the day.
SHOP NOW
ELIZABETH ARDEN
PREVAGE CITY SMART SPF 50 HYDRATING SHIELD
68
This three-in-one minerial sunscreen is the one product you need for flawless skin. First, it guards your face from UV rays. Second, it contains a healthy dose of idebenone, a dermatologist-beloved antioxidant that protects your skin against pollution. Third, the product offers a lightweight wash of color — a universally adaptive tint that eliminates the chalkiness associated with physical sunscreens, especially on deeper skin tones. The consistency is like water. You’d forget you were wearing it if you didn’t look so damn radiant all of a sudden.
SkinCeuticals
Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF50
34
This mineral facial sunscreen is broad-spectrum and has a high SPF of 50. It has a sheer tint for fair to medium skin tones — its coverage level is equivalent to a tinted moisturizer — so it helps even out redness and dark spots, and even does a decent job of hiding smaller pimples.
Shiseido
Bio-Performance Advanced Super Restoring Cream
127
This nondrying, acne-fighting moisturizer includes vitamin B and yeast extract to promote cell turnover and collagen production, and Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid N to moisturize skin. The thick, slightly pink-toned floral-scented cream has the rich texture of custard and provides deep hydration for the driest, coldest, most miserable days and nights of the year.
ERASA
XEP 30
160
This serum is a truly fast-acting anti-aging lotion that visibly softens lines in two weeks flat. The star ingredient is XEP 30, a neuropeptide that's a synthesized version of cone-snail venom (yeah, ew). As crazy as it sounds, it actually helps block the receptors that relay messages for face muscles to contract. In clinical studies, applying the concentrate twice daily for 14 days reduced lines and wrinkles by an average of 64%.
Laneige
Water Bank Moisture Cream
35
Laneige is a big-in-Korea skin-care line that’s based on a special type of water pumped up with minerals. This moisturizer is its signature hydration treatment for normal to dry skin, but the most surprising thing about it is how quickly it goes from feeling heavy and slippery to light and watery as it sinks into your skin.
N°7
LIFT & LUMINATE TRIPLE ACTION SERUM
This lightweight serum smooths wrinkles with peptides and brightens skin with antioxidant vitamin C. It's also a great product to layer under moisturizer, sunscreen, or foundation.
Beautycounter
CLEANSING BALM
This power-packed cleansing balm has anti-inflammatory raspberry and cranberry-seed oil to deflate puffiness, while vitamin C brightens dark patches. Also, we're awarding brownie points for the effective muslin washcloth that comes with. Sayonara, scratchy washcloth.
Rodan + Fields
Soothe Gentle Cream Wash
43
A mild, milky facial cleanser for sensitive skin that dissolves makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping skin dry. Plus, the formula can double as a genius eye-makeup remover — smooth it on and tissue it off (no rinsing) to whisk away mascara and liner without sacrificing lashes.
Australian Gold
SPF 45 Sheer Coverage Faces with Self Tanner
This all-in-one product is simultaneously one of the best sunscreens, bronzers, and self-tanners we've ever used. It's moisturizing but not too thick, provides UVA and UVB protection, and lends a pretty, natural-looking tint to skin that builds into a warm glow after several applications.
GARNIER
SkinActive Moisture Bomb the Antioxidant Super Moisturizer
17
This moisturizer combines goji berry, an ingredient loaded with antioxidants, with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that works like a sponge allowing every molecule to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. So while it’s protecting your skin from free radicals, it’s also smoothing and plumping up fine lines and wrinkles.
OLAY
Regenerist Renerating Serum
15- 21
This serum makes your skin dewier, and brighter, and a whole lot smoother. It has the same type of peptide for collagen building as far more expensive products. It also contains niacinamide, which strengthens the skin's moisture barrier and soothes inflammation, and panthenol, which pulls moisture to the skin.
Cetaphil
Gentle Skin Cleanser Face & Body
9.99
This mild face wash dissolves dirt, unwanted oil, and most makeup without stripping skin of all the good oils (aka the stuff that makes you glow). The bottle may have changed its look several times, but it’s still the same multiple-award-winning, eight-ingredient formula inside. And all those awards keep rolling in for a reason. This face wash is crazy gentle.
READ MORE
Cleanser
Step 1
Serum
Step 2
MOISTURIZER
Step 3
SteP 4
Step 4
