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28 Splurge-Worthy Skincare Products From Sephora To Really Step Up Your Routine
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. If you really think about it, these products cost about the same (if not less) than a facial, and give you the *same* results. I am a contributor and former resident writer who has been writing for BuzzFeed shopping for over two years and who covers a wide range of topics, but especially loves writing about unique and quirky finds, beauty products, and trendy fashion pieces. Promising review: "Great product with outstanding results. I love this product. It is really effective and easy to use; I noticed my skin is cleaner and feels very fresh after using it. Having never heard of the brand, I was curious about ground rice as an exfoliant. To my surprise, I saw results after daily use within a couple of weeks. My complexion brightened in tone, and some dark patches slowly began to fade." —edujapa70 Price: $69 (also available in two smaller sizes and a refill pouch) Promising review: "I’ve been using the Caudalie Vinoperfect serum for a few weeks now, and I can already see a difference. My skin looks brighter, more even, and has a natural glow. It’s very lightweight and absorbs quickly without feeling sticky. Definitely worth the investment!" —RJPG Price: $82+ (also available in a larger size) Promising reviews: "The L’Occitane Body Oil is easily one of the best I’ve ever used. Out of all the oils and baby oils I’ve tried, this one is completely top-tier and worth every dollar. The scent, the feel, and the glow it gives your skin are unmatched. I love mixing it in with my lotions — it creates the most beautiful, long-lasting fragrance without ever being overpowering or too much for others." —AnitaY "After using this product for the last few months, my skin has been hydrated and moisturized to perfection, and don’t forget the aroma. The aroma is intoxicating and pairs well with any perfume you may want to add. The great part is that a little goes a long way, so it lasts." —SkincareNikki Price: $55 (also available in a mini and refill size) Learn more about the importance of adequate sun protection by reading the AAD’s Guidelines/Sunscreen FAQ’s and BuzzFeed’s post on Sunscreen Myths. Promising reviews: "Truly the best lightweight tinted moisturizer. I have acne-prone skin, and this was recommended to me by my esthetician! I have repurchased this item several times. THE BEST!" —AlyssaWild "I tend to get overstimulated with the feeling of foundation on my face. Plus, my skin is pretty sensitive, so I have been looking for something lightweight that you can barely feel on your face. THIS IS IT. It has that barely there feel and still provides coverage. It leaves the skin beautiful and dewy. Plus, it doesn’t break me out the way previous foundations have." —alyssamarieput Learn more about the importance of adequate sun protection by reading the AAD’s Guidelines/Sunscreen FAQ’s and BuzzFeed’s post on Sunscreen Myths. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown is a proud member of the Supergoop fan club: "I've been using this sunscreen at least once daily since my mom gifted it to me two Christmases ago, and have every intention to keep using it for years. A dime-size amount covers my entire face, because it's translucent, it leaves absolutely no white cast, and 10 minutes after putting it on, my face just feels like I applied a little bit of a nice moisturizer or makeup primer, not anything that's grease-central, like sunscreen usually is. After several years of stubbornly trying (and failing) to find a decent, oily-skin-friendly, non-greasy drugstore option, I've caved to this pricier kind because literally none of the six or seven other options I tried even compared to this. Every time I've worn makeup since I got it, I've been impressed by the way my matte foundation glides over it, looks with it, and lasts with it. You can see the texture and color in the photo above; it really does go on completely clear. And it's water- and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes!" Promising review: "Been using this one for years, and they'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands before I let it go. Balked at the price before I finally caved the first time, and the mileage is genuinely amazing. Completely invisible, and the texture is perfect as a primer, too." —hotcryptids Price: $38 (also available in a mini and larger size) Promising review: "It will NEVER leave my face care routine. I’ve religiously been using this face wash for almost three years. It is my favorite face wash I have ever used, and this is coming from someone who is acne-prone. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and actually clean, unlike some other face washes. My breakouts have almost completely stopped, and I love that it's all clean ingredients!! I don't care how much this face wash costs. I will ALWAYS repurchase. In my opinion, it's the best product from their line." —violetmjingram Price: $39 (also available in a mini and refill size) Promising reviews: "These pads are incredibly saturated with product. I don’t even use a whole pad at once. There is so much product; I use one side, then hang it over the tongs that come in the package to use the other side at night. It smells great, and all of the reviewers' high scores totally reflect how great this product." —nicfromca "A must-have! I love the way my skin glows instantly. These pads are cooling, calming, and give my skin this beautiful glow. If you want an instant glow like you were born with it, get it." —Jadior24u88 Take a look at this TikTok user's glowy skin after spritzing it on their face! Promising reviews: "My skin is ridiculously dry due to taking Accutane years ago. This product seriously helps keep my makeup from looking crusty. It's expensive but well worth it, in my opinion. A little goes a long way!" —saracote "I LOVE this product. I have gone through at least six bottles now. This makes my skin look so dewy and fresh. It really sets my foundation and powder nicely and makes everything look so much more natural. This product is a must-have IMO." —nicole6200 Price: $50 (also available in a mini size) Promising review: "I literally signed up just to leave this review: This is the GREATEST product I've ever put on my face!! Dear Drunk Elephant, please never ever stop making this marvel of a serum!! It's truly outstanding! My skin feels SO nourished after using it for like a day; I would say the results are immediate. People literally think I'm 15 years younger. :D You can mix it with anything, it's sooo versatile, too. It's expensive, but a little goes a long way. Highly highly recommend. Honestly, it's the Best Drunk Elephant product out there, along with their B-Hydra, which is a miracle in itself. Amor!! ;)" —ballerinaforev Promising reviews: "I really love this serum, my skin has never felt so nourished and beautiful. I highly recommend it. The fine lines on my face have disappeared, and the spots on my skin have lightened. I think it's the best serum." —karlaglam21 "This is my fourth time purchasing this serum, and each time I size up because I can’t get enough of this product! I have very sensitive and acne-prone skin and have had zero issues with this serum morning and night. I can’t get enough of it!!! Part of my daily routine that will never stop!" —samaugruso Promising review: "A staple in my routine! I love what this has done for my skin. Super moisturizing, clearer skin tone, and less redness. I rarely repurchase anything. I'm always looking for something new, but I’ve repurchased this twice." —cupcakesforall Price: $39 (also available in a mini size, two larger sizes, and a refill size) Promising review: "I always thought spending money on a high-end moisturizer was overrated, but this is a must-have for me now. My skin is much more hydrated, and it lasts all day. It also evens out my skin really well for makeup application. Please never discontinue this." —keb1992 Price: $64 (also available in a mini size) Read more about facial massage at Cleveland Clinic. It comes with: a FacialPro Glow Power Hub, an exfoliating attachment, a de-puffing attachment, a bottle of Derm Detox, a bottle of Hydro Infuse, four tips, a self-rinse cap, a cleaning brush, a USB-C cable, and a storage case. Promising review: "I’ve been using this device periodically for a month now, and I love it! It’s a two-step process: once with serum and once with essence, and I see blackhead removal in both steps. Clogged pores, I didn’t even know were clogged. I can't afford monthly facials, and the nearest esthetician is too far — this is the best alternative." —patsyjo Price: $299 (originally $399; hydrator and exfoliator gel refills also available) Promising review: "It really works. The first time I used it, it left my skin cleaner and softer. I definitely see a change in my pores after two weeks of use." —sabrinaC5 Promising review: "The Deliverance Trinity Serum is a true staple in my routine. 🤍 It’s lightweight, calming, and layers beautifully with everything else I use. Whenever my skin feels irritated, red, or out of balance, this helps soothe and support my barrier and bring my skin back to a nourished, even glow. What I love most is how much it does on its own. There are days I can use just this with a moisturizer and feel like my skin has everything it needs. I’ve repurchased it and genuinely notice when it’s missing. It's definitely something I don’t like to be without." —Jdscribner Caffeine can brighten skin and may reduce redness and swelling if that’s something you’re looking for in a product. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic. Promising reviews: "Amazing for de-puffing your face! I left it on for 15 minutes, and it looks like I got a lymphatic drainage massage." —skinbeaut "I didn’t want to like this, but I’m in love!! Using it in the morning is such a wonderful experience. It makes my skin feel so soft and hydrated. I definitely recommend this!" —heatheralain Promising review: "I know it’s way too expensive, but this is an amazing face oil! I have very sensitive skin, and this oil never irritates my acne-prone face! I’ve noticed a significant difference in my overall appearance. My skin tone looks more even, and it has a very nourished glow! I’ve tried many oils that are a little cheaper, but either broke me out or didn't make a difference. But this oil is magic. Use three drops in the morning and three drops in the evening with moisturizer, and your skin will feel great! I’ll continue purchasing as long as I can afford it. Best oil in the market. Thank you, La Mer." —TanzilaC Promising review: "I’ve used this product for a month, and I’ve seen a great improvement in how my eyes look. It helped to reduce puffiness under my eyes and made my under-eye area look brighter. Buying another tube." —Becksdivabk Promising review: "This is genuinely one of my favorite skincare products ever. I would repurchase this time and time again. It has a beautiful cooling sensation without the annoying menthol feel or smell like most cooling products. It’s like a breath of fresh air for my skin, and it leaves my skin feeling so smooth and hydrated after. Clarins really outdid themselves with this one, and it’s so underhyped, imo. <3" —graveyardbabyx Promising review: "This serum is a total game changer for my skincare routine! After just a couple of weeks, my skin feels smoother, more radiant, and visibly healthier. It absorbs quickly with no sticky residue, and layers beautifully under moisturizer and makeup. My skin feels more resilient and hydrated throughout the day. It has a lightweight texture and a subtle, refreshing scent that feels luxurious. Definitely worth the hype and investment!" —Mywish123 Promising review: "I wanted to leave a review so there is someone who isn’t incentivized telling others how amazing this moisturizer is. As someone with combo skin that can get very dry, I sometimes have difficulty finding moisturizers that nourish my skin without breaking me out. This checks all my boxes and feels so luxurious. While it is more expensive than other options, it lasts forever, and a small amount covers my whole face. The smell is also very light and calming. I would strongly recommend this product." —klr9 Price: $160 (also available in a mini and larger size) Promising review: "Until today, I thought I wasted my money. But my lips were very dry and cracked, so I applied it at night before bed. When I woke up in the morning, my lips were so well moisturized, it was like I'd had lip fillers." —iesgo Promising review: "I am not one to usually write a review about anything. I suffer from eczema all over my face and neck. I was using all kinds of eczema creams to help, but nothing was working. I was still very dry and flaky. I started using this a week ago, and it has significantly improved my skin. I don’t think I'll ever stop using it! So if you need a sign to get this product here, it is. My skin feels so amazing and hydrated." —paytonp1 Promising review: "It is fascinating how this moisturizer immediately calms down my inflamed acne and provides enough moisture to keep my skin hydrated and not make me oily. It has never broken me out or clogged my pores, and I tend to get those very easily! Will forever be a staple in my routine." —pipicaca Price: $54+ (also available in mini, larger, and refill sizes) Promising reviews: "Wow! This product is excellent. I haven’t had such good luck with a skin product in a while. My skin is much more even, looks brighter, and has reduced redness after about a month of use. I’d highly recommend!" —draztastic "I have very acne-prone skin, and I noticed a visible difference in my pores in less than a week — they looked noticeably tighter and more refined. A little goes a long way with this product, so you really don’t need much. I’ve found that patting it thoroughly into the skin and allowing it to fully absorb before applying anything else makes a big difference in how well it performs. It’s also incredibly gentle, which is something my skin really appreciates, and it sits beautifully under makeup without pilling or feeling heavy." —valeriesv Promising reviews: "I’ve tried retinol and tretinoin several times, tried many different ways, tons of tricks, and lengths of time. I think it was just too harsh for me. I tried a sample of this, and finally, I can get retinol results without my skin barrier being compromised." —NurseGraves "I try A LOT of products. I work in a dermatology office. I get free samples and products from the best skincare brands. This product is BY FAR one of the best products I have tried. I have seen a visible improvement in my skin! It is100% worth every penny!!" —Dermgeek101 Price: $84 (also available in a refill size) Promising reviews: "Smells amazing! It's very similar to Santal 33, but better in my opinion." —lolitabeauty "Best scent! Nice application that absorbs quickly and stays hydrated. The smell is amazing and warm without being overpowering or cheap, and lingers throughout the day. Will repurchase." —Siobo Price: $49 (also available in a mini size) Promising reviews: "Great for dry and sensitive skin. I use the product in the winter to improve my skin." —DishaMoody "All-time favorite! Love applying it in the shower versus waiting to put lotion on after the shower when you're freezing. I can feel the effects of the moisturizer the next day." —CallieJane * Take Comfort In Knowing That None Of These 31 Skincare Treats Are Over $10 * Shopping For Skincare Can Feel Intimidating — Here Are 23 Products To Get You Started * Korean Skincare Products So Effective, It’s No Wonder They Went Viral On TikTok * Products If You Want Your Skin To Stop Acting Up And Start Acting Right * Skincare Products Reviewers Say They’ll Use For The Rest Of Their Lives (Or Until They’re Discontinued, At Least) Plus, gentle cleansers, moisturizers for sensitive skin, and finds from Amazon and Walmart. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.