Time Saver Beauty Awards The Best Fast, Efficient Beauty Products

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

If you’re looking to cut cleansing time by half, this gentle cleanser offers a rich lather to reveal soft, hydrated skin with just a quick rinse.

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skincare

There are products that look good on your vanity, and then there are the ones that actually earn their place. Our editors and industry experts tested hundreds of contenders to find the true standouts. These are the game-changers that prove great beauty doesn’t have to take all day, and the ones you’ll actually reach for morning after morning.

Our inaugural Time-Saver Beauty Awards celebrates the products that work smarter (not harder) to make your routine faster and infinitely more efficient.

We reach for this balm when we want clean, supple skin without the extra effort. It removes dirt, oil and makeup in one go–no need for a separate eye makeup remover.

"This 3-in-1 formula cleanses, removes makeup and hydrates. I recommend this for those with normal dry skin in the morning, or as the first step of a double cleanse. It’s powered by ceramides to restore the skin barrier, niacinamide to calm and brighten and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration." — Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose

Meet the Judges

For this year’s Time-Saver Awards, we handpicked a panel of experts who live and breathe beauty. Each judge was selected for their deep industry knowledge, credibility and diverse perspective on what really works and saves you time. Together, they selected the best in skincare, haircare and makeup, bringing both professional expertise and real-world experience to every decision.

Deena doesn’t gatekeep. Here are the time-saving products she swears by for busy mornings, late nights and everything in between.

Time-Saver Beauty Awards

DEENA CAMPBELL Fashion and Beauty Director-at-Large

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that time is the ultimate luxury. Between morning meetings, school drop-offs, workouts and whatever version of “me-time” we can squeeze in, the idea of a 10-step beauty routine feels incomprehensible. That’s why our panel of editors, along with industry experts, created the Time-Saver Beauty Awards–to celebrate the products that actually make self-care faster without sacrificing quality. We rolled up our sleeves and tested hundreds of formulas: serums that absorb before you can find your keys, hair tools that cut blow-dry time in half and even multitasking tints that let you skip foundation altogether. The winners are those rare unicorns that deliver instant results and help you do more with less. So welcome to PureWow’s first-ever Time-Saver Beauty Awards. May they give you a few precious minutes back, and the confidence to make them count.

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD is a leading cosmetic and medical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation at Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA. She also serves as a clinical instructor of dermatology at Cornell and is the founder of Skincare Junkie. Dr. Murphy-Rose is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. He specializes in treating medical conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, warts, psoriasis, moles, and skin cancer, as well as providing cosmetic treatments and other skin rejuvenation procedures.

Deena's Must Haves

Juanita Huber-Millet is the founder and creative director of Townhouse, a British luxury nail bar with newly opened international salons in Los Angeles and New York.

Gregory Patterson is a celebrity hairstylist and DIY Color and Styling Expert for Sally Beauty. Based in New York City, he has served as a lead stylist for Project Runway and has worked with celebrities including Britney Spears, Anne Hathaway and Julianne Moore.

Monaé Everett is a celebrity hairstylist, founder of the Texture Style Awards and spokesperson for Sally Beauty. With two decades of experience in the beauty industry, her work has been featured in film, television, print and on countless New York Fashion Week runways. Her clients have included Quinta Brunson, Mara Brock Akil and Method Man.

So welcome to PureWow’s first-ever Time-Saver Beauty Awards. May they give you a few precious minutes back, and the confidence to make them count. xx,

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Balm

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CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water

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Medhiheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad

This gentle toner helps soothe irritation while the key ingredient, madecassoside, works to calm redness and target blemishes for a more balanced complexion.

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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25 BHA Exfoliating Toner

This liquid exfoliant uses salicylic acid to clear pores, smooth texture and calm redness. And because it’s a leave-on formula, it doesn’t take all day.

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“This retinol eye serum is formulated for use on the skin around the eyes and contains a proprietary blend of two forms of retinol, ferulic acid, bakuchiol and rambutan for results without irritation.” — Dr. Brendan Camp

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum

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Grace + Stella Energizing Eye Mask

If you need a quick pick-me-up, these under-eye masks deliver in just 15 minutes, leaving skin looking refreshed and bright while minimizing the appearance of dark circles.

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La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Face Serum

“Its formula delivers antioxidant protection, brightens and evens skin tone, which is less prone to irritating sensitive skin than many other vitamin C serums. It contains 10 percent pure ascorbic acid to fight free-radical damage, plus salicylic acid to smooth texture and neurosensine to calm.” — Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose

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Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Serum

We’ve tried what feels like every brightening serum on the market, but getting one to deliver within a week is the kicker. For years this serum has become our go-to for fading post-breakout marks and evening out skin tone without irritation.

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SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0

“This line of retinol creams comes in three different concentrations to cater to those who are new to retinols, those with some prior experience and long-time users of this effective skincare ingredient.” —Dr. Brendan Camp

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This easy-on, non-greasy formula hydrates and soothes skin, while reducing any redness and preventing future breakouts.

Tower 28 SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

“In addition to collagen amino acids, this hydrating moisturizer is made with botanicals and algae for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to address fine lines, wrinkles and dryness.” — Dr. Brendan Camp

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Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide

This night cream feels like a full eight hours of sleep in a jar. The texture is rich but never greasy, and by morning, our skin looks noticeably smoother.

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Tone SPF 50

We’ve never met a tinted SPF that nailed the balance between protection and coverage quite like this one. No white cast. No pilling. No fuss.

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EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen

“Derms recommend it. Editors love it. What more can you ask for a sunscreen that's lightweight, offers zero white cast and protects you against the sun’s rays?” — Dr. Brendan Camp

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This mask does more work overnight than we do all week. It’s cool, bouncy and somehow makes us look like we drink two liters of water a day (we don’t).

Biodance Bio-Collagen Hydrating Overnight Hydrogel Mask

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Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Working its magic while you snooze,this rich formula offers a soft, supple pout—and the scents are always so delicious.

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Nauraé Harmonie The Oil

Powered by the patented resurrection concentrate (which helps skin feel less stiff and more elastic) and an oil complex (a mix of phyto-squalane, meadowfoam, moringa and camellia oils) it does serious repair work while we pretend we’re at a spa.

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SkinBetter Science Techno Neck Perfecting Cream

One pump of this cream and our horrid tech-neck starts to fade. We love that it absorbs quickly enough to use right before bed, usually some-where between brushing teeth and reading our kids a bedtime story.

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Shark Beauty Cryoglow Face Mask

It treats acne, redness, fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles…we could go on. But most importantly, the Shark is an easy tool to master and, once you do, only requires eight minutes a day to work its magic.

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hair

“Luxurious, hydrating and the most divine scent you will want in your hair. This shampoo is next level. The slip of this formulation is wildly magic, whilst giving your hair the biggest drink of water without weight.” — Gregory Patterson

Eva NYC Whoa Hydrating Shampoo

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K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner

This conditioner is one of the few on the market that softened our tester’s 4C curls without weighing them down or creating the need for even more products. She also loved that the compact bottle takes up minimal space in the shower.

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Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Scrub Shampoo

Why bother with two products? A scalp scrub and clarifying shampoo in one, this multitasker clears away product buildup while soothing the scalp with a refreshing tingle.

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Amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is one of the few items that can keep up with our hectic lives. Our testers consistently reached for this guy before a long day of meetings, a school pickup ora dinner event. A few quick sprays and you’ve saved yourself an entire wash and blowout.

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Living Proof Perfect Hair Day High-Shine Gloss

Despite admitting she’s lazy with hair treatments, our tester was sold on this high-shine gloss she can use in the shower between shampoo and conditioner. “It leaves my hair soft and even helps detangle before I add conditioner,” she says.

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“When hair needs restoration, this deep conditioner never fails me. The mint refreshes the scalp, while the babassu oil restores softness and strength, making it a must between protective styles or after heavy styling.” — Monaé Everett

Mielle Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioner

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L'Oreal Paris Blonde EverPure Shampoo

L’Oréal EverPure is our secret weapon for saving a trip to the salon. A stylist recom-mended it to us as a budget version of a salon toner and boy was she right. Our tester uses it about once a month to tone brassy highlights in mere minutes.

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TPH by Taraji Never Salty Scalp Scrub

“From application to exfoliation, this wonder product goes from scrub to balm by exfoliating your scalp whilst lifting impurities and buildup without any irritation” — Gregory Patterson

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Vegamour GRO Hair Serum

Thinning edges aren’t necessarily a fact of adulting, especially with this little pink bottle from Vegamour. The GRO Hair Serum combines caffeine, turmeric and plant-based phytoactives to stimulate sluggish follicles and bring life back to the roots. Results typically appear within a few months, which might mean more trips to the salon, but that’s a good problem to have.

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We found a serum that has all the key ingredients to encourage quick and healthy growth and fullness for fine hair (without weighing down locks). It may take eight weeks, but that’s enough to see some improvement.

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum

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Our judges reach for this oil again and again to style hair, provide heat protection and maintain hold. No additional styling products required.

Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Styling Creme

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Phyto Permanent Hair Color

Our tester swore off at-home hair dye after a tragic high school experiment that left her with brassy, uneven streaks and a broken ego. Ever since, she's let the professionals handle it…until now. “The shade payoff is rich and dimensional, not flat or fake-looking, and the color lasts a long time,” she says.

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ion Luxe Workable Shine Hairspray

“The GOAT of hairsprays. It’s a heat protectant, humidity blocker and texture-boosting, curl-holding formula that leaves every style with a brushable shine. I’ll never go without it.” — Gregory Patterson

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Bounce Curl Define Edge Lift Brush

Whether your hair is straight, wavy or coily, this brush is designed to detangle and style with ease. Its unique shape makes it easy to define curls and keep them looking polished.

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Freewill Volumizing Root Lift Spray

“The most perfected formula for volume that’s featherlight to the touch. It delivers full-bodied lift you can actually see” — Gregory Patterson

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Our tester started using these drops during a particularly stressful season when her edges were hanging on for dear life. Within a few weeks, she noticed her hairline didn’t look as sparse, and the little baby hairs that had gone MIA started making a comeback. The formula is officially part of her Sunday reset routine.

Cécred Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

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IGK Good Behavior Frizz and Flyaway Lightweight Gel

This guy isn’t crunchy and couldn’t be easier to apply. Plus, its slim design makes it perfect for tossing in our bags and taking on the go.

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The Doux Mousse Def

“I reach for this mousse whether I’m sculpting a sleek style or defining natural curls. It gives me the control I need on set, and everyday users can trust it for everything from wash-and-gos to smooth, molded looks.” — Monaé Everett

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Olaplex No.10 Curl Defining Frizz Reducing Hair Gel

This hair gel is longer-lasting than others we tried, plus is lightweight, defines curls and doesn't leave a weird crunchy feeling behind.

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Dyson Airwarp Coanda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

A multi-use hair tool that dries and styles hair? Yes, please. You can wear hair curly, go for a voluminous blowout or even try a sleek silk press.

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makeup

This gem is both a concealer and foundation, and it’s easy to blend, meaning you won’t spend precious time in the mirror trying to get the color just right. It also complements all complexions.

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

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Victoria Beckham Beauty by Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator

A primer you can wear with or without makeup, this two-in-one blurs imperfections and leaves skin glowing, plus it’s powered by Augustinus Bader’s TFC8 complex for a skincare boost.

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Typology Tinted Face Serum

This serum sinks in and becomes one with our skin. It's super lightweight, so it evens out redness without caking. And it only requires one swipe.

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Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner

This workhorse is heavily pigmented for a true one-swipe line, and actually stays put, even on oily skin. Our testers report that it doesn’t fade, even after hours of wear and comes in flattering shades like Eros, an inky burgundy we love for making our eyes pop.

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ILIA Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Highlighter + Lip Tint

A blush and a lip balm that's blendable, buildable and travel-friendly. Plus, no tools are needed. Just glide the chunky tube across the skin and dab gently for a rosy glow.

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The finish is out of this world. Whether applied on the cheeks or lids, our editors reported that the shimmer could be noticed from a mile away.

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

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Guerlain Terracotta The Bronzing Powder

This light formula warms up most complexions without looking orange or muddy, and the texture is so silky it practically melts into our skin. A quick swirl gives us that just-got-back-from-somewhere-sunny glow.

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Pat McGrath Labs DARK STAR Mascara

When Mother does mascara, you know it’s going to be good. DARK STAR delivers jet-black, sky-high lashes that look like they belong in a magazine, but feel weightless enough for every day. Best of all, it stays put for over 12 hours, so no raccoon eyes in sight.

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e.l.f. Instant Lift Brown Pencil

This pencil quickly became one of our drugstore staples. It’s the must-have you’ll want to keep in your purse, car or vanity because it delivers quick, reliable brows without any fuss.

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Some lipsticks look good for five minutes and then disappear the second you eat. This one feels like a balm and somehow keeps our lips luminous all day.

Bobbi Brown Luxe Hydrating Lipstick

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We’ve tried hundreds of liquid lipsticks and we always come back to this staple. It’s the rare matte that doesn’t feel dry and goes on and off quickly. There’s always one rolling around in the bottom of our purse.

L'Oréal Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick

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Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss

Years ago, we thought lip gloss was one-size-fits-all. Then we discovered Dior Addict Lip Maximizer, and suddenly, there was a shade for every mood, outfit and skin tone. From soft pinks to deep mauves and luminous bronzes, the lineup flatters everyone.

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Violette_FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Shine Hydrating Lipstick

This sheer-shine formula strikes the perfect balance of gliding like a balm but wearing like a lipstick. It’s the ideal prep step before a bold lip–or can be worn solo for a polished pop of color.

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MAC Lip Pencil

Few products can claim icon status quite like the MAC lip pencil. For decades, this creamy blendable liner has defined and shaped lips everywhere, from ‘90s supermodels to today’s red carpet pros.

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Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Whether you have dry, oily or combo skin, this setting powder does wonders for blurring your complexion and brightening your makeup. You won't be dealing with an oily T-zone at the end of the day when this bad boy is around.

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We’re not kidding, this setting spray could probably survive a hurricane, or at least a humid NY subway ride. A few spritzes and our makeup doesn’t move or melt for the entire day.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

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Danessa Myricks Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette

It's a palette that works for the eyes, brows and lips. Also, the shades make it easy to go for a daily or dramatic look in seconds.

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Etoile Duo Vanity Case

This is what happens when organization tools decide to dress up. The Étoile duo vanity case looks like it should come with its own first-class ticket. Ideal for beauty lovers who crave a little time-saving order (and a lot of style) in their routine.

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Leatherology Small Train Case

With two zippered pockets and four open compartments, this case keeps our (seemingly) hundreds of lipsticks perfectly organized. It even comes with a free fold-out compact mirror for touch-ups and a dedicated section for brushes so they never get caught in the zipper.

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Calpak Clear Train Case

We’ve traveled around the world and never leave without packing our Calpak train case. Our editors love that they can see all their items in one place, saving time and energy. Bonus points for the small compartments, which ensures eyeliner and lip liner don't fall into the abyss.

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nails

A pen with a padded applicator that lives on our nightstand for a quick swipe over our cuticles before bed, it’s easily the least messy, most effortless cuticle treatment we’ve ever used.

Olive & June Cuticle Serum

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DIGI Beauty Press-On Nails

If you want to rock different press-ons all year (and constantly get compliments for your quick manicure), these babies should be on your radar. They’re durable, comfortable and super chic–and save a trip to the nail salon.

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Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in 111 Ballerina

Because the formula is built for longer wear (thanks to enriched pigment and camellia eco-ceramides), you’ll spend less time re-touching chips and more time enjoying your mani.

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KISS Powerflex Pink Nail Glue

Our press-ons only last because of this nail glue. “I can be typing furiously or accidentally bang my hand, and my nails don’t budge,” says our tester.

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Zoya Remove+ Nail Polish Remover

Part nail polish remover, part nail prep, this cult-favorite formula does it all. We love that it quickly erases our polish without stripping nails or cuticles.

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This is one of the few hand creams that keep our hands soft. We love the fragrant botanicals and skin-softening emollients, which is why there’s always a tube on our desk and bathroom sink.

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

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Currentbody LED Hand Mask

“This LED gadget is like a mini facial just for your hands. It helps fade pigmentation and leaves my skin looking younger than it has any right to.” — Juanita Huber-Millet

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body

This fan favorite has been a staple in our editors’ households for years. It’s gentle, hydrating and leaves skin feeling clean without ever stripping away natural oils.

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash

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Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub

“I don’t usually like vanilla fragrances, but now I get the hype,” says our tester. This ultra-fine scrub leaves skin insanely smooth and glowy, and we love that the jars, caps and discs are all recyclable.

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Necessaire The Body Lotion

“Powered by clinically proven ingredients, this fragrance-free body lotion takes a science-backed approach to skin health. he peptides help stimulate collagen production for improved elasticity, while niacinamide works to calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.” — Dr. Brendan Camp

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Kiehl's Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter

We’re super picky when it comes to body butters, but this one’s a winner. It’s rich (but not too heavy) and absorbs quickly enough that our clothes never feel greasy.

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Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum

Shani Darden has been the go-to skin whisperer for some of Hollywood’s best faces, so when she launched her own skincare line, we were all in. Everything she creates is golden, and this serum is no different. It firms and brightens skin with the same level of precision she’s known for in her facials.

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Osea can officially make you a body oil converter. Somehow this product makes your skin feel like satin without the stickiness. We even use a few drops to soften our hair.

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil

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PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

We’ve been using this acne-fighting classic for over a decade to both prevent breakouts and clear existing ones fast—thanks to its dermatologist-strength benzoyl peroxide formula that gets to work on contact.

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Vacation Classic Lotion

Skip the body lotion when you use this SPF 50 2-in-1 deal. No white cast and total hydration and protection all year long (yes, even when it’s not summer, folks!).

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Corpus Third Rose Natural Deodorant

This natural deo understands sweaty pits. It keeps us fresh through long days (no mid-day reapplication), workouts and stress sweats. And we love that it has plant extracts clinically proven to significantly reduce body odor and zero baking soda.

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Gone are the days of battling with ingrown hair bumps. This treatment soothes the itching, calms the bumps and honestly almost convinced us to skip lasers altogether. Almost.

Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic

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This five-blade razor glides seamlessly along the skin and removes any body hair in its wake. It has a nice grip, so no slip-ups in the shower.

Flamingo Shaving Razor

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

While the main goal is to remove body hair, this shave oil takes it a notch by protecting our skin against razor burns and accidental cuts. It has a blend of shea, argan and cocoa butter that leaves our skin silky smooth. Plus, the notes of caramel, vanilla and musk linger long after the shower, so you can skip a body fragrance.

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Simple Human Sensor Pump Foam

A sleek little upgrade for your sink, this dispenser gave our testers the perfect dollop every time—hands-free. The motion-sensor design means no messy pumps or germy handles, just a fragrant wash that feels oddly satisfying.

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OXO Good Grips 3 Tier Shower Caddy 2.0

Designed to keep your essentials in reach, not in your way, this clever rack offers three spacious tiers for shower must-haves. Thoughtful features like drain slots prevent nasty water build-up, while built-in hooks hold loofahs and razors for added convenience.

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From play dates to board meetings (and yes, even a back-of-the-cab swipe), those lashes aren’t just playing catch-up, they’re running the show with this mascara.

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The first time I sprayed Homecourt’s Cece Room Deodorant, I didn’t expect a full-on mood shift. Now, it’s my secret reset ritual. Bad day? Cece. Company coming? Cece. Existential afternoon crisis? Definitely Cece.

The first time I smelled Amouage Guidance, I stopped mid-sentence. It’s one of those rare scents that doesn’t just smell beautiful, it feels like a story. The creamy almond milk and pear pull you in softly, then suddenly you’re wrapped in this cocoon of rose, saffron and warm amber.

From play dates to board meetings (and yes, even a back-of-the-cab swipe), those lashes aren’t just playing catch-up, they’re running the show with this mascara.

The serum’s multitasking formula replaces multiple steps (brightening, firming and hydrating) in one, cutting down your routine while still delivering spa-level results.

I despised Sunday wash days until the Pattern Hair Steamer entered my life. One rainy afternoon, I let the cloud of steam roll through my curls and within minutes my ends came to life. Now I understand why Tracee Ellis Ross always looks like she woke up from a hair spa dream.

All shine, no stick. This glossy balm makes your lips look plumped and perfectly done in three seconds flat.