Not too long ago, skincare was fairly streamlined. You had your cleansers and toners, your moisturizers and SPFs. But today, you’d be a fool not to use a serum. And what about a pre-serum? You must use a pre-serum—not to mention an eye cream, a spot treatment, an exfoliant, a lip mask, and a retinol. Oh, and don’t even think about using just one moisturizer! You’ll need a daytime and a nighttime moisturizer if you expect to stay properly, well, moisturized.
Right about now you might be thinking about the mess of tinctures and tonics occupying every nook and cranny of your bathroom, and wondering, Do I need all of this? Probably not: Some studies have shown that the more you pile on, the less effective each product becomes as the various active ingredients—oils, acids, vitamins, ceramides—mix and commingle like the colors of a Jackson Pollock painting (only on your face). Luckily, a growing number of skincare brands are developing new multitasking products that pull double—or triple, even quadruple—duty to provide the maximum benefits in the fewest steps.
Guinot Crème Protection Réparatrice
While this rich cream is primarily used as a daily moisturizer for those with delicate or sensitive skin, it comes with an abundance of secret powers for every kind of skincare scenario. Lather it on to repair skin after too much sun exposure. Put it on your cheeks before you hit the slopes to prevent windburn. And keep it at the ready in your carry-on to battle the dreaded dryness and redness that accompany long-haul flights. $48; guinot.com
Odacité Le Blue Balm Repair Balm
The single most important thing you can do for your skin is fight inflammation, says Odacité founder Valerie Grandury, who has brought her French sensibility to this LA-based indie brand. Infused with soothing blue chamomile, antioxidant-rich turmeric, and anti-inflammatory triterpenes (abundant in shea butter), the regenerative multipurpose complex does everything from moisturizing face, lips, neck, and cuticles to removing makeup and comforting sunburnt skin. Its non-greasy formula won’t clog pores, making it perfect for all skin types. $48; odacite.com
Mary Allan Infusion of Youth Beautifying Oil
Whatever phase of life your skin is in, this oil—which is more effective than a water-based serum—should be a go-to. Made with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a highly absorbent form of vitamin C, it has been clinically tested to boost collagen production, lighten dark spots, treat acne, and brighten overall. It’s a game-changer for all ages. $140; maryallan.com
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream
British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury used to splash this across her clients’ faces to instantly transform them before television appearances and fashion shows—and now the average Jane and Joe can use it to combat just about everything. It smooths, tightens, plumps, and moisturizes. It also reduces fine lines, evens out tone, and leaves skin dewy, without weighing it down. $100; charlottetilbury.com
Augustinus Bader The Cream
If the idea of dropping all of your other skincare products for a single miracle worker has you dubious, consider The Cream: Professor Augustinus Bader’s moisturizer is packed with more than 40 ingredients, including vitamins and amino acids, making it a highly effective healer that can tackle everything from fine lines and dehydration to redness and pore size. Bader is a leader in stem-cell biology and regenerative medicine, so it’s no wonder his years-in-the-making solution has convinced skincare junkies and countless celebrities to ditch the bulk of their regimen for this one-and-done cure-all. From $89; augustinusbader.com
IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream
Get 30 seconds of your life back every day with this two-for-one product that delivers the anti-aging benefits of a serum plus the nourishing relief of a cream. And the addition of retinol takes multitasking to the next level: The blend of free and encapsulated retinol is said to deeply penetrate the skin within an hour. Meanwhile, the creamy rich texture packed with tone-evening niacinamide and vitamins E and B5 ensures that powerful retinol won’t dry you out. $70; itcosmetics.com
May Lindstrom Problem Solver
May Lindstrom’s antioxidant-rich mask is an overachiever in every sense of the word. Starting with the theatrics of applying—mix it with water and watch it bubble like a science experiment into a light (and all-natural) mousse that somehow does it all. It brightens, heals inflammation and irritation, fades hyperpigmentation, prevents breakouts, and stimulates collagen production. Best of all: The results are noticeable after only one use. $100; maylindstrom.com
Furtuna Skin Porte Per La Vitalita Face and Eye Serum
Italian skincare brand Furtuna has created the solution for those of us who feel, shall we say, imprecise (fine, lazy) first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Made with 10 wild-foraged plants handpicked from a certified organic farm in Sicily, this serum does away with the need for a separate eye treatment and gives that coveted air-brushed look all over—lifting, toning, plumping, and reducing puffiness. From $98; furtunaskin.com
M-61 PowerGlow Peel Gradual Tan
If you’re treating your skin right, you’re avoiding the sun like a vampire. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to look as pale (or dry) as Count Dracula. M-61’s pads for face and body aren’t just the most subtle and effective way to self-tan; they’re also proper skincare products, providing deep exfoliation to resurface, clarify, and firm the skin, while building a streak-free glow. $32; m61labs.com
