Glowy "Vacation Skin" Is My Goal—15 Products That Make Me Look Like I Spent 2 Weeks OOO

Pros: Infuses the skin with hydration as it cleanses

Cons: Not the best at removing heavier makeup, so I'll typically use a cleansing oil beforehand

Average rating: 4.9/5 stars at Sephora

It's like Dieux formulated a cleanser just for me. It's ophthalmologist-tested and safe for my sensitive eyes, deeply hydrating with a whopping 10% glycerin, and a subtle, calming aroma of juniper, citrus, pear, and amber. The gel-to-milk formula somehow makes my skin feel even more supple than before I wash, which is rare for a cleanser—even rarer during the winter. My skin typically turns red and itchy post-cleanse, but never with this number.

Customer review: "I really like this cleanser! During the colder seasons, I switch to more hydrating cleansers because my skin gets really dry. It lathers nicely and is very gentle on my skin. The fragrance isn't too heavy and I like that!"

Pros: Softens and smooths skin texture, brightens and hydrates, helps other skincare products absorb better

Cons: Dries down a bit sticky

Average rating: 5/5 stars at Sephora

Is toner downright essential for a glowy skincare routine? Not exactly, but it can be a total godsend during the winter. My skin can use all the extra hydration it can get post-cleanse, which is why I've introduced famed aesthetician Shani Darden's solution into my repertoire. (I'm obsessed with her Moisture Boost Plumping Serum, so I had high hopes for this skin-nourishing formula.) My complexion quite literally drinks it up. I notice an immediate difference in softness on days I use it, which means it has earned a permanent spot in my winter routine. To me, it's not a toner; it's holy water.

Customer review: "I’m almost 40! And my skin has become increasingly drier and drier. I can def tell a difference after two weeks, well worth it!"

Pros: Doesn't have a funky scent like other potent vitamin C serums, great for fading dark spots or for maintaining an all-over glow, gentle enough to use morning and night

Cons: A bit pricey for 1 ounce

Rating: N/A

To be honest, I was hesitant to test this brand-new vitamin C serum from Tatcha. My skin doesn't tolerate vitamin C well (think irritation and breakouts), so I'm very, very careful when it comes to using antioxidants. But vitamin C is such a dermatology darling, especially when it comes to skin brightening, and Tatcha's formula contains a 12-hour time-release vitamin C that provides a controlled release of the antioxidant to avoid a sudden flood of actives—so I decided to give it a whirl.

So far, my skin has responded well with a clear, even glow. No irritation for me! It also contains Japanese plum, ferulic acid, and a pro-glutathione booster for even more gentle yet effective antioxidant power. Whether you're a staunch vitamin C user or tread lightly with the ingredient (like me), you need to try this skin brightener. I expect it to reach best-seller status in no time.

Customer review: N/A

Pros: Effectively clears acne and smooths fine lines without aggravating sensitive skin

Cons: Single-use pads aren't the most environmentally friendly

Rating: 4.8/5 stars at Yse Beauty

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: These glycolic acid–soaked rounds are nonnegotiables for a clear, healthy glow. Since adding them to my routine, my skin has never looked brighter, tighter, or more even-toned. I use them two to three times a week, which is more than enough to keep my complexion clear and happy.

Customer review: "All I have to say is… where have you been all this time? My skin is glowing? My patients and colleagues are asking me if I’ve gotten a procedure done on my face and I would never!"

Pros: Multiple strength options depending on your skin type

Cons: Not a ton of product in the bottle

Rating: 4.7/5 stars at Dermstore

On the nights I don't exfoliate with the Yse pads, I'll use a retinol serum. (Never use acids and retinol in the same routine!) I've tried my fair share of OTC retinoids—like, hundreds at this point—and most formulas are either too gentle to actually yield results or way too harsh for my mildly sensitive skin. This Medik8 option falls squarely in the middle. It's technically level two in the brand's six-product Crystal Retinal collection (there's retinal 1, 3, 6, 10, 20, and 24), and I find it effectively keeps acne and fine lines at bay without throwing my skin barrier into panic mode (read: redness and flaking). I've been using it for the past few months with zero irritation—I may even upgrade to Retinal 6.

Customer review: "It does what it promises. My skin really looks fabulous. It is moisturized and has minimal fine lines and I am over 50. It has also helped diminish and heal any small blemishes. Highly recommend as someone who has rosacea and sensitive skin!"

Pros: Tightens and brightens the eye area without any irritating acids or retinol

Cons: Thicker in consistency, so it's best for nighttime (but amazing during winter!)

Rating: 4.4/5 stars at U Beauty

Considering how much I love U Beauty's Super Hydrator and newly launched Flash Peel, I shouldn't be surprised by how hard I fell for the brand's eye cream. Just like the aforementioned formulas, it contains a signature Siren Capsule technology to draw compromising free radicals to the skin before neutralizing them and delivering repairing, complexion-renewing ingredients exactly where your skin needs them most. For the eyes, this means brightening up dark circles and boosting collagen production for tighter-looking skin.

Customer review: "Love this eye cream! I use nightly and I already see a difference. My eyes look smoother and tighter. The texture is wonderful. Absorbs quickly. I highly recommend…"

Pros: Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, contains high-tech growth factors, peptides, and amino acids, brightens and evens skin tone

Cons: Pricey for a smaller size (1 ounce)

Rating: 4.1/5 stars at Nordstrom

I flew through this moisturizer faster than any other beauty product I've tested in the past year. (That's why I don't have a picture; I'm completely cleaned out!) I was literally scraping the sides of the bottle to salvage just one more application. It's deeply hydrating yet not too rich; brimming with antioxidants such as resveratrol, ferulic acid, and CoQ10; and features peptides, growth factors, and amino acids to help with skin regeneration. In short: It's perfect. I will be restocking ASAP and using it all winter long.

Customer review: "I had read the reviews on another site and I thought this was another "overly priced and hyped" moisturizer. Within three days using day and night, I saw 'wow' results. Can't wait to try the serum!"

Pros: Doesn't clog my pores, instantly sinks into skin

Cons: It's pretty thick, so I will only use it at night

Rating: 5/5 stars at Retrouvé

I don't always use face oil, but when I do, it's during the winter when my skin desperately needs the extra protection against transepidermal water loss (aka when water evaporates from your pores—fun!). I've been loving this cult-favorite number from Retrouvé, as it has a silky texture that doesn't clog my pores. I'll dispense just a few drops in my palm, rub my hands together, and then press them against my cheeks, forehead, and sides of my nose, where I face the most dryness.

Customer review: "This is the best product I’ve ever used in skincare. It melts into your face and gives you a natural glow. It’s super light and you hardly need any. My favorite new product!"

Pros: Simple design that perfectly hugs the contours of your jaw and cheekbones, made of naturally cooling rose quartz

Cons: If you drop it, it will shatter (speaking from experience!)

Rating: 4.3/5 stars at Sephora

If my skin is looking puffy (which, let's be honest, is most days during winter), I'll quickly use a gua sha to coax my cheekbones out of hiding. The Retrouvé face oil provides great slip, so I'll grab this handy tool to help massage in the liquid gold. I've tried plenty of gua sha tools on the market—some that cost upwards of $250—but this $16 find does just the trick. Just be careful using it over porcelain sinks or hard tile floors; if you drop it, the stone will shatter into a zillion pieces.

Customer review: "I love the way it sculpts my face. It feels so good after putting it in the fridge. Super sturdy and cute."

Pros: Fragrance-free, has a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association

Cons: I don't love using it on my whole face (more for precise areas), as it's very thick

Rating: 4.9/5 stars

On nights I'm really dry, I'll spot-treat flaky areas (like my eyelids and around my nose) with Rhode's Barrier Butter before tucking into bed. As such, the buzzy launch has earned a permanent space on my nightstand. Hot tip: It also doubles as a pretty fantastic rich hand cream, especially if you struggle with mild hand eczema like me. Thanks, Mrs. Bieber!

Customer review: "As someone who struggles with dull and dry skin I have found this product to be incredibly hydrating, and to give a nice glow to my skin that lasts for hours. I’ve tried both the BRC and now BB and if you’re looking for the glass skin effect I would recommend this product."

Pros: Doesn't leave a white cast, makes skin look dewy (not greasy)

Cons: You need to shake it before applying, otherwise it comes out super watery

Rating: 4.3/5 stars at Sephora

I'm such a sucker for a glow-inducing sunscreen, and this serum-like Caudalie number does just the trick. Every time I use it, I'm floored by how plump and dewy my skin looks. (I likely have the signature grapevine sap to thank, as it's full of brightening antioxidants.) It blends exceptionally well for a mineral sunscreen (no chalky residue) and provides a nice, slightly tacky base for makeup—not unlike a primer.

Customer review: "Loving this for my summer. Lightweight and non-greasy. Does not break out my combination skin! Such a rarity for me! And the packaging is cute!"

Pros: Firms, tightens, and brightens skin, dries down effortlessly with no greasy residue

Cons: Not a ton of product comes out at once, so you'll have to shake it many times to get head-to-toe coverage

Rating: 5/5 stars

I've recently been introduced to New Zealand–based bodycare brand Tronque, and let me just say, it is gorgeous. The bottles are sleek and high-quality, the fragrance is heavenly yet subtle, and the formulas are truly out of this world. Each time I use this potent, vitamin C-infused body oil, my skin looks instantly brighter and smoother. It also contains a special lipid complex that has been scientifically shown to make skin behave younger, resulting in firm, plump, deeply hydrated skin from head to toe.

Customer review: "I am obsessed with this entire line of products. I always order two of everything for fear of running out. This line has changed the quality of my skin and scars dramatically ever since I started using them."

Pros: Super anti-inflammatory formula with azelaic acid, chlorophyll, and mevalonic acid, instantly soothes skin upon application

Cons: Can be kind of messy!

Rating: 5/5 stars at Personal Day

Here's another newer addition to my winter skincare arsenal. I'm always skeptical when it comes to celebrity-founded brands, so trust me when I say that Lili Reinhart's acne-safe collection is top-of-the-line. I'm obsessed with the Dive Deep moisturizer, but I'm head over heels for this chlorophyll calming mask. The first time I slathered it on, I sighed in relief—that's how cool it feels on the skin. I love applying it right after giving myself an at-home peel or any time my skin is feeling super inflamed (which, during winter, is pretty often).

Customer review: "This mask instantly soothes and calms any redness or irritation, leaving my face feeling soft and refreshed. The formula is super gentle but works so well to hydrate and restore my skin’s balance. It’s perfect after a long day or whenever my skin needs a little extra TLC. I love how it leaves my skin feeling relaxed and healthy—this mask is a must-have!"

Pros: More LED bulbs (236 compared to 132), new contoured shape with multiple secure straps, offers red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm) and deep near-infrared (1072nm) wavelengths

Cons: I wish the LED lights didn't directly touch my skin (less hygienic)

Rating: 4.6/5 starts

How does LED light therapy help with glowing skin, you ask? It's a little process called photobiomodulation, or re-charging your skin cells' "energy battery" so they're better able to repair and rejuvenate. I try to use mine at least three times a week (you won't see results without regular use), and I've noticed such transformative effects from Currentbody's newest device. In addition to red and near-infrared light, the mask delivers deep near-infrared light in targeted areas which is shown to be even more effective for cellular renewal. The result? Firmer, smoother, glowier skin.

Customer review: "I'm loving this LED mask for the upgraded light coverage and the fit is perfect, including under the chin!! It's also a bonus to not have a split nose coverage...no more lines after use!"

Pros: Changes from cold to hot in seconds, portable and easy to use, depuffs and helps with product absorption

Cons: While you can use it on dry skin, it works better with some slip underneath (otherwise it can tug)

Rating: 4.7/5 stars at Sephora

The holiday season for me means lots of travel (I'm going back and forth from NYC to my family's home in Texas), and all that stale, airplane air can easily sabotage my plans for bright, dewy skin this winter. I've been bringing this handy tool in my carry-on ever since it launched earlier this fall, and it has become my biggest MVP. The cool setting instantly depuffs my swollen eye area (who doesn't get puffy after a long plane ride?!) and the gentle heat helps with product absorption and gives me a natural, healthy-looking glow. I also am always cold on flights, so I particularly love the warm sensation on my skin.

Customer review: "This depuffing wand is fantastic! I love using the cold setting in the morning when I do my skin care routine. It helps wake me up and gets rid of the puffiness from overnight. At night, I use the heat setting before my serum and moisturizer to help it penetrate deeper."