Now that we are all slowly emerging back into the real world, it's time to give our beauty routines a serious refresh. You might have invested a bit in your skin care routine during the months you spent at home, but it's time to prep your skin, hair and makeup routine for what feels like a "normal" summer.
Maya Allen, InStyle Beauty Director, stopped by TODAY to share the top beauty finds that InStyle editors and experts approve of for a routine refresh. Out of all of the products out there, they narrowed down 229 gamechangers that no beauty routine is complete without. From hair brushes to foundation to perfume and everything in between, these are the "Best Beauty Buys" of 2021.
Keep reading for the eight must-haves for your hair, skin and makeup regimens that you won't want to live without this summer.
Makeup
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
This medium coverage cream boasts a satin finish in over two dozen shades. Ingredients such as caffeine and hyaluronic acid work to keep your under eyes bright and plump, so you can feel your best whether you're on a Zoom call or an errand run. Not only is it a concealer, but it also acts as a spot treatment, making it an effective multitasker for anyone looking to keep makeup to a minimum this summer.
Glossier Boy Brow
Dreaming of bold, fluffy brows? This top-rated creamy formula is like pomade for your eyebrows, sculpting them into place and making them appear thicker without making them stiff. It is available in five different shades to match a range of hair colors and holds a 4.4-star rating.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara
This durable formula can give your lashes an instant lift without clumping, flaking or any of the other inconveniences that come with wearing mascara. It comes in colors such as cobalt blue and deep violet to make every eye color pop.
Hair
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner earned the MVP title in InStyle's rankings. It's ideal for all hair types and lengths, including color-treated hair. It can be used as a conditioner, frizz-tamer, moisturizer or heat protectant, so you can spritz some in your hair before your next beach day to keep it protected.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
Sulfate-free and color-safe, SheaMoisture's shampoo has earned praise for its clean ingredients and impressive results. It is formulated with hair-loving ingredients such as hibiscus flower and coconut, which help tame frizz and keep locks hydrated.
Skin
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Moisturizer
Retinol, a popular anti-aging ingredient, shines in this moisturizer. The gentle formula is a great pick for first-time users of the ingredient and is also fragrance free. Just apply it at night to your face and neck and let the cream get to work by the time you wake in the morning!
Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50
This glow oil is formulated with SPF, so you can stay protected but also make way for radiant skin. Despite being an oil, its lightweight feel makes it feel as invisible on the skin as it is nongreasy.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum
Another skin care MVP for inflamed skin, this serum is a must for anyone looking to soothe irritation and hydrate the skin (goodbye, sunburn!). It is not only hypoallergenic, but it is safe for sensitive skin and won't clog pores.
More InStyle Best Beauty Buys 2021
Maybelline New York SuperStay Ink Lip Crayon
Maybelline's longwear lip crayon provides up to eight hours of matte perfection, so you don't have to worry about smudging or transferring when you wear a mask. It comes in over two dozen different shades, so you can go for a bold or neutral (or both!) lip this summer.
Laura Mercier Natural Skin Protector Tinted Moisturizer
A Sephora "community" favorite, this tinted moisturizer provides light coverage and a natural finish for easy summer makeup looks. It is formulated with SPF 30 and features skin-loving ingredients such as macadamia seed oil and tamarind seed extract, which both help to lock in moisture and hydrate the skin.
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo
Crafted specifically for dark hair, this dry shampoo will help absorb oil without getting in the way of the dark tones of your hair. Not only will it help give your locks a much needed refresh, but it protects hair from UV damage too.
Black Girl Sunscreen
This formula was made for melanated skin, and it won't leave a white cast behind after you apply. Though it is dubbed a sunscreen, it can be used all over the face and body as a moisturizer and as a base for face makeup.
Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Moisturizing Cream
This cream is formulated with bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that works to firm, rejuvenate and brighten the skin. It can be used as the last step in your anti-aging skin care routine, after you shower and apply your favorite serum.
For more stories like this, check out:
- These women are shaping Asian American representation with their beauty brands
- This K-beauty sunscreen sold out in a week — and now I get the hype
- These skinfluencers are using their platforms to empower their AAPI communities
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