15 cult beauty products that live up to the hype

I wore Clinique Black Honey lipstick throughout high school, back when every women’s magazine told me it was THE universally flattering shade (it is and was). Now, decades later, long after its 1971 debut, it’s become a TikTok phenomenon, both making it harder to come by and reigniting my love for it. Guess what? It’s still incredible and shockingly flattering.

–Shannon Vestal Robson, Senior Director of Content Strategy

With the most inclusive shade range on the market and the ability to provide a matte, long-lasting finish while still looking natural, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation has more than earned its cult-favorite status. It’s been called a total miracle worker by Motherly’s Trending News Editor, Cassy Stone and racked up over 9K 5-star Sephora reviews. According to Cassy, “Redness? Gone. Undereye circles? Gone. My gigantic pores? A lot less gigantic. Acne marks, sun spots, and any other post-pregnancy damage? Couldn’t be me! I also have a few facial and lip scars from a childhood incident that I’m still a little self-conscious about to this day, and this foundation made me forget all about them.”

I’m not one to shy away from expensive skincare products, but I’ve never been able to justify dropping serious coin on cleansers. They spend the least amount of time on your face and why bother when this drugstore hero checks all the boxes? A favorite among dermatologists, the Daily Facial Cleanser from Cetaphil is super effective without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight but gentle enough for sensitive, reactive skin. I’ve used it during bouts of eczema, oily summertime and during the winter when everything feels dry as the Sahara–it’s always a winner.

–Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

I have Cassy Stone, our trending editor to thank for turning me onto Cerave moisturizing cream. After having my second child, my skin looked like it did when I was 13 and my pre-kid skincare routine just wasn’t doing the trick anymore. Cerave moisturizing cream, which has received 5 stars and over 100K reviews on Amazon, to the rescue! My skin cleared up soon after using it and I love that it’s no-fuss, affordable and easily accessible. Plus, the big tub will literally last you months.

—Erin Lem, VP Content Strategy

The alpha beta peels from Dr. Dennis Gross are the most effective at-home treatments for dull, damaged and aging skin that I’ve ever used. I started using them at the recommendation of a friend (and the internet as a whole) when professional facials were off the table. After the very first use, I could feel a difference–my skin was extraordinarily soft and my pores had diminished considerably. They’ve been a weekly staple ever since.

–Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

When Glossier launched back in 2014, they seemingly changed the industry overnight. Their simple line up of just four products ushered in the “no make-up make-up” look that’s commonplace today and while they’ve since expanded to include dozens of products, my favorite is still one of the OGs, the Balm Dotcom. After a brief (and completely detested) formula change, the original is finally back! It’s the only lip balm that consistently fixes my chapped lips with one application and is formulated with castor oil, beeswax and lanolin. It’s thick and nourishing and doesn’t require reapplication every three minutes and even doubles as a cuticle balm! There are a bunch of sheer and clear options, but strawberry is my fave. It’s a sheer red tint that always makes me look a little healthier.

–Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

There’s a reason that Augustinus Bader’s The Cream has cult status–it will change your skin. It was created by a doctor and scientist who developed a groundbreaking product to heals severe skin traumas without the need for surgery or skin grafts. That’s the technique that inspired his skincare line, which was created in part to fund this research. I bought into the hype a few years ago, when I first noticed a resting forehead wrinkle. After a month of use, friends and family started asking me what I was doing to my skin. Yes, it’s pricey, but it does everything to the point where you can skip other serums and moisturizers entirely. Plus, a bottle lasts a good 3-4 months and you can feel good knowing that your purchase is helping further regenerative therapies.

Allie Litwak, Sr. Director, Brand Partnerships

A month ago I was blessed with a brand new skin saga. Eczema! A stubborn and unsightly patch on my inner elbow was quickly joined by a swath on my left side, followed by my entire torso becoming engulfed in itchy, hive-like dots. It was making me truly miserable, so of course I spent hours on the internet in search of the miracle solution. Spoiler alert: There isn’t one for treating eczema. But Vanicream is close. It came highly recommended by others who have suffered the same issues and after just a few uses, it got my issues under control as well. (The National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance helped seal the deal.) The gentle but effective formula is free from dyes, fragrance, parabens, botanical extracts and lanolin, so not only does it heal, it also doesn’t hurt when applied to aggravated and irritated skin. And you don’t even have to suffer from crummy skin problems to love it. It makes a fab face and body moisturizer for regular old dry skin!

–Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

I LOVE these. I keep them in the fridge and they are so refreshing and instantly de-puff my under eyes. On days I forget to use them I immediately notice a difference. (Price is for 5 pairs)

–Andrea Sexton, VP, Brand Partnerships

Osea Ocean Cleanser–this is the best thing I have ever washed my face with. It’s gentle and leaves my face feeling SO soft and smooth. You really only need a small dollop to do the trick. The small bottle lasted me months.

–Diva Anwari, Assistant Editor

I lucked into this beauty magic potion on Motherly’s 2022 Summit, and I will never be the same. This serum feels so light on my skin, and a little goes a long way! The first time I wore it, my husband even had to ask, ‘Are you glowing?’

–Hayli Craig, Editorial Operations

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream–the name says it all! It’s moisturizing, feels nourishing and definitely leaves a dewy look. I wear it under makeup (sometimes with primer and sometimes without) and it doesn’t feel heavy or cakey at all.

–Diva Anwari, Assistant Editor

This product does it all. It shrinks the size of my pores, and deep cleans at the same time. If I am breaking out this product will shrink the size of my blemish overnight. And it can be used am/pm, just make sure to use sunscreen if used in am!

–Melanie Dougherty, Social Media Strategist Facebook

When I breakout, I don’t seem to hold back–T-zone, cheeks, neck, chest, the works. This mask is my go-to for a quick fix. I don’t change up my skincare routine at all, but add this mask in 3 nights/week while my breakout persists (usually not more than the full 3 nights, thanks to this!) and I do see an immediate improvement. Fair warning, there’s a slight tingle when you first apply, but that’s how you know it’s working! After the first use, my skin is less inflamed.

–Hayli Craig, Editorial Operations

Perhaps the most raved about facial sunscreen in the game, the iconic Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is totally worth the hype. It was the brand that got me into the habit of wearing it daily thanks to the fuss-free formula which blends right in (on all skin tones), doesn’t pill and leaves skin feeling silky soft.

–Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor