Why it’s worth it: Aprilskin’s Carrotene IPMP Clearing Solution takes spot treatment to the next level. It combines salicylic and polyhydroxy acids to gently exfoliate, while niacinamide helps calm irritation and fade post-acne marks. Dab it on inflamed areas overnight, and wake up to clearer, calmer skin that’s ready for the day ahead. Unlike some spot treatments, this one won’t leave dry or flaky patches behind—so you can apply makeup worry-free.
Tester feedback from social media coordinator Lex Goldstein
“I use the clearing solution when I notice new breakouts or redness, and with a small (but relatively generous) pump I can see a difference within the day of application. I genuinely feel the my skin relax at the target spot after slathering it on. I haven’t had great success yet with acne scars, but that’s a more gradual change. I love how compact the tube is! It’s like a chic ointment. I also really appreciate that it blends in easily, as the yellow hue is a little daunting at first glance.” —Lex Goldstein, social media coordinator
Tester feedback from senior manager of analytics and audience development Monica Perry
“It’s one of those rare overnight acne treatments that actually works. I had a red, medium-size zit on my cheek, and 12 hours later, the redness and swelling subsided. It was like 90% gone. It’s that K-beauty magic.” —Monica Perry, senior manager of analytics and audience development
- Key ingredients: 2% BHA + PHA, 1% zinc oxide, 5% niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Best Clean Skin-Care
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Why it’s worth it: Even in winter, daily sunscreen is a must—and this mineral formula makes it easy to stick to the habit. Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 shields skin from UV rays without leaving that heavy, chalky feel behind. It glides on like skin care, thanks to hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalene and soothing Centella asiatica (noticing a trend here?), leaving a subtle, healthy glow. And, it has a barely-there green tint, which helps counteract redness while remaining invisible on the skin, so you get protection, a more even skin tone, and a naturally radiant finish in minutes.
“My biggest issue with mineral sunscreens is how they can sometimes interfere with my makeup. I was immediately drawn to this formula, not just because as someone with mild rosacea, I love anything that neutralizes redness, but also because when it dries down, it doesn’t leave a greasy film or chalky residue, meaning it doesn’t get in the way or react funny with anything you layer on top of it.” —Sophia Panych, content director
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (17%), hyaluronic acid, squalane, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Hair Product: I Dew Care Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder
I Dew Care
Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder
Why it’s worth it: This is the dry shampoo you want to keep in your bag. I Dew Care’s Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder is compact, mess-free, and made for quick touch-ups when your hair starts to look limp or oily. The Best of Beauty Award winner comes in a petite jar with a built-in sponge that dispenses just the right amount of powder—simply tap the puff onto your roots and go. The lightweight formula soaks up oil without leaving hair looking dry or stiff, and it’s available in both translucent and tinted versions for blonde, brown, medium brown, dark brown, and black hair, so it blends in seamlessly. It’s perfect for your purse, carry-on, or desk-drawer emergencies.
