When to Pat and When to Rub in Skincare Products

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum

If dark spots and uneven skin tone have crept into your skin over the years, this serum tackles it all. It's formulated with a vitamin C alternative called viniferine that's 62 times more effective than vitamin C. Plus, it delivers a lot of moisture using olive squalene.

Promising review: "I have used this product before and I love it. It's a little costly, but it works great in eliminating dark spots, if you use it every day. I'm not a person that's big on smells, but this product has a nice light scent. It works great under makeup. I'm on my third bottle and highly recommend it."

Dieux Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum

Dieux's Deliverance serum packs a punch against discoloration using antioxidants, peptides, and 4% niacinamide. It goes on super lightweight and soaks in even faster, which is ideal for layering under other skincare goodies like moisturizer and SPF.

Promising review: "Loving this serum so much! It has a very lightweight and milky texture, that melts into the skin effortlessly. I’ve been using the serum for a few weeks and I can notice my fine lines look smoother and my skin overall looks firmer and more even toned! It also doesn’t clog the pores which I love! It has been my go to nighttime serum, the results are just so good!"

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

This youth-boosting serum is loaded with a fast-acting retinoid, a time-release retinol, and a retinol booster to really target fine lines. Not only will your skin look (and appear!) firmer, its tone will even out and be more hydrated with consistent use.

Promising review: "I have been using Murad products for several years. Some of their products are a little pricey but they work for me! Retinol I use every other night and it does not break me out or dry my face. I am in my mid 60's! Can tell a difference much smoother and lines not nearly as noticeable!"

Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream Level 1

Fig.1's commitment to clinically proven skincare is evident in this retinol-boosted serum. It's perfect for treating and improving fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots, plus it's helpful for clearing up acne-prone skin. The 0.15% encapsulated retinol is designed to release slowly, so you can apply it regularly without feeling irritated.

Promising review: "I have sensitive, dry and cystic-acne prone skin. It sounds like exaggerating to say that this product was the most impactful in calming my cystic acne, but this is the only product that resulted in a 80-85% reduction in cystic acne. I started using it once per week for about a month, then every other day for a month, then 5-6 days a week with one or two rest days with only minimal dryness (i increased moisturizing barriers underneath every other day and this quickly resolved). I have also seen overall improved skin texture and fading of acne scarring. Definitely recommend!"

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum

This nighttime serum includes 0.3% pure retinol, the "optimal concentration" for results. It calms the skin, too, using hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate. SPF is a must with any retinol product, so make sure to slather it on! This product in particular also comes with a small sample size so you can patch-test it for any irritation before applying it.

Promising review: "I have been trialing for a year now the best quality skin items for wrinkles, fine line and skin care. This is an absolute must! It helps decrease fine lines and dry skin. I have spent hundreds of dollars reviewing and buying skin care products over the year to find the right items for a daily skin care routine!"

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a powerhouse in combatting dullness and dark spots, and this serum is simply loaded with it. The formula is light and thin, so you only need to use a little bit at a time to cover your entire face. It also boasts hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to simultaneously smooth and hydrate the skin!

Promising review: "I love this product! I have used other Vit C serums and this one spreads more easily and does not irritate my face. I like the applicator because not too much comes out at one time so you don't waste any of it. I put about 4 drops in my hands and spread it out on my face. The only thing to be careful about is not to get it close to your eyes because it will burn. Otherwise, it has lightened and evened out my 67 year old skin. Will buy again."

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum

Hyaluronic acid should be your go-to if dryness is your main skincare concern. This formula is created with several different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin as well as leave a nice, dewy layer on top of it. Use it in conjunction with a good moisturizer, and you'll notice that your skin will be loads more hydrated!

Promising review: "Just purchased another 2 pack of the serum. I have been on a mission to find the best affordable skincare for many years, and so far this is the first hyaluronic serum I've been overjoyed with and purchased again. It does not take a whole lot to get a good coverage and my face ends up feeling soft and smooth all day after applying. Other ones I've tried would not moisturize that well for that long and I felt like I had to use a lot of product to get anywhere near the results I wanted."

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

This gentle exfoliating serum includes both AHAs and BHAs, which help improve the look of pores, blemishes, and fine lines. With aging skin, it's important to opt for chemical exfoliants like this rather than skin-damaging methods of physical exfoliation which can further perpetuate uneven tone and texture and fine lines.

Promising review: "This serum is a staple in my routine. It brightens my skin tone and smooths out any texture issues I might have. It's never irritating. It goes on a bit sticky if applied alone, but give it a minute to sink in and dry and the sticky texture goes away. Great staple acid serum."

Pacifica Vegan Collagen Complex Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Since we produce less natural collagen as we age, it can be uber-important to supplement the skin with it in order to boost its overall hydration and retention capabilities. This 100% vegan formula also packs in hyaluronic acid, floral extracts, and Japanese camellia oil to further hydrate and soothe your complexion.

Promising review: "I've been using this serum for a while now and iI can really tell a difference when I sit using it for a bit. I try to stay on top of ordering it so I don't run out! It's so lightweight and absorbs well. I love how firm and even toned my skin looks because of it. I get compliments on my complexion and I know it's because of this serum."

Mutha Hyaluronic Serum

This "skin barrier-loving" serum may be notably lightweight and oil-free, but it delivers intense results in terms of hydration. It includes 4 different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin is hydrated, inside and out. It also features anti-inflammatory aloe vera and botanical extracts and ferments that protect the skin's natural barrier.

Promising review: "I am in my mid-40s and want to do what I can to prevent the signs of aging, so I've been looking for a good Hyaluronic serum. This one by Mutha is exactly what I needed! It is gentle and soothing, absorbs easily with no greasiness, is unscented and not at all irritating to my skin. It works well under makeup and with the rest of my skincare routine. A little goes a long way so one bottle will last a long time. I just wish I had this sooner!"

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Facial Cleansing Towelettes

These face wipes are my absolute go-to, especially when I'm traveling and don't have room in my carry-on for an entire bottle of micellar water. They leave my skin feeling so fresh. Plus, they deliver tons of moisture since they're formulated with hyaluronic acid – no stripped skin around here!

Of course, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Facial Cleansing Towelettes are impressively effective at removing every single trace of makeup, from foundation to eyeliner and mascara. I find that I only really need one wipe to fully clean my face!

up&up Unscented Facial Wipes

B+C Head of Content, Ali, adores these face wipes from Target because they're capable of wiping stubborn mascara right off and don’t ever leave her skin feeling stripped of its moisture. They're formulated without fragrance, making them one of the best face wipes for sensitive skin. They're friendly around the eye area, too. The best part is they're super affordable at just $3 a pop!

Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Face Wipes

Cetaphil is the bomb when it comes to skincare products for sensitive skin. Their fragrance-free, makeup-removing face wipes are made with aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea that help further soothe the skin after your makeup's gone. They are also amazing at removing dirt, excess oil, and other impurities.

Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes

I am capital 'o' Obsessed with these face wipes from Ursa Major. The pack comes with 20 individually-wrapped wipes, which are perfect to take on-the-go for a little refresh. I use them most frequently after the gym, especially if I have somewhere to be right after a workout.

The Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes simultaneously clean, exfoliate, soothe, and hydrate using Ursa Major's 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic, which is lightly infused with uplifting scented notes of orange, lavender, and fir. They're truly a treat for the skin.

Honest Beauty Fragrance Free Cleansing Makeup Remover Facial Wipes

These face wipes are as gentle as can be. The formula is certifiably hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, and non-comedogenic. Plus, they don't dry out the skin!

What I like most about the Honest Beauty Fragrance Free Cleansing Makeup Remover Facial Wipes is the cheerful packaging – day or night, using them feels like a dream and offers the perfect dose of self-care.

up&up Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

B+C Head of Content, Ali, also loves these Target face wipes and can't leave the store without grabbing 4 at a time. The gentle, calming scent allows for such a luxurious wind-down experience when it's time to remove your makeup at the end of the day. They're so good at removing long-lasting makeup — including waterproof mascara. Score!

Burt's Bees Rose Water Face Wipes

Since I typically rely on micellar water to remove my makeup when I'm posted up at home, I really love these Burt's Bees face wipes infused with it. They get the job done super quick, while the rose water helps soothe my skin so it's not dry or inflamed at the end of the day.

1. Full Coverage Foundation

There was a time where wearing full-coverage foundation was all the rage. From drugstore to high-end brands, it seems like they were consistently shoved in consumers’ faces to help us achieve a ‘full beat’ without sitting in a makeup artist’s chair. Also, those of us with dark spots or hyperpigmentation may have relied on them when we were in the thick of our skincare woes.

But these days, wearing too much foundation isn’t as popular as natural and skincare makeup are prioritized. If anything, more people are interested in wearing light-to-medium coverage foundation, skin tints, or tinted moisturizers.

2. Too Much Concealer

It wasn’t until I watched this video by makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes that I realized some of us have been too heavy-handed with our concealers. There’s no reason we should be slapping products under the thinnest parts of our face, but we didn’t know any better!

Now that you know you can still get the desired effect with a minimal amount of concealer, don’t revert back to painting your under eyes!

3. 'Baking' Your Setting Powder

Before you throw away your setting powders, step away from your makeup drawer and have a sit-down chat with me. There isn’t anything wrong with applying them to your face to help ‘set’ your foundation and concealer. However, spending over 10 minutes ‘baking’ your powder (AKA letting it sit untouched) doesn’t work for everyone.

It can lead to creased makeup which can derail your look, plus it’s a pain to correct when you’re halfway through your routine!

4. Overlining Lips

I love a good lip liner, especially if it mirrors my favorite ‘90s makeup look. But, there’s such a thing as overdoing it. The key to lining your lips is following the natural flow of them. Going out of your way to draw above and under your lips’ lines comes off as comical and exaggerated. If anything, use a lip plumping gloss to help your lips look fuller.

5. Overtweezing Your Eyebrows

I don’t even have the words for this outdated makeup look besides wanting to say “no” 20 times in a row. But, I’ll bite and say why this shouldn’t be on your 2025 beauty moodboard.

Some people naturally have thinner eyebrows which is A-okay! However, purposely tweezing your eyebrows to smithereens is cringey. If you truly want to wear this look, here’s what you can do instead of tweezing:

• Create a faux bleached look by applying a skin tone colored setting powder all over your brows.
• Once they’ve ‘disappeared,’ take an eyebrow pencil or eyeliner to draw a thin line over them.

I’m…wondering what the ramifications of telling you how to do this will be, but only use go for this look if it’s a part of a themed party…like Halloween.

6. Exaggerated Highlighter On Cheeks

The shimmery look is in since it’s winter, but please don’t make it look like you dipped your cheeks into a vat of glitter. You can lightly dust highlighter onto your cheeks for a more natural glow that flows with the rest of your look. Otherwise you’ll look like a walking disco ball which could be the opposite of what you were going for.

7. Heavy Contour Or Bronzer

I know the ‘sculpted’ look is popular, but too much contour or bronzer can overpower the rest of your makeup and face. While it’s not impossible to fix if you do it by mistake, using the wrong shade of contour or bronzer may still peep through no matter how much you try to buff it out.

When in doubt, be gentle with your contour or bronzer application!

8. Incredibly Matte Makeup

Matte makeup that didn’t budge was the ‘It Girl’ look for oily and combination skin girls! We thought it was the answer to our skin’s incessant need to hydrate our faces instead of actually using skincare products that focused on combatting that issue (psst…Vitamin C serums help!).

But now’s the time to break up with this look for good for one reason: dewy skin looks healthier.