What Our Editors Are Testing and Trying for Our 2022 Beauty Awards

Hand Signal

“I have always been rather remiss in applying body lotion on a regular basis, but it wasn’t until I could see what resembled a dehydrated road map on the back of my hands that I decided to change my ways. Enter La Roche-Posay’s new Lipikar Baume AP+M ($20), the brand’s first launch of the year that’s a ceramide-infused version of the original (the derms who created it are very proud of the fact that it provides 48 hours of moisture in clinical testing). While it works effectively on more serious skin conditions, it’s safe to say it also delivers some serious hydrating help wherever you need it most.”

—Liz Ritter, executive editor

Double Time

“Here, I’m doing a two-in-one test, with Klorane Smoothing and Soothing Eye Patches ($26) under my eyes and Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Hair Mask ($35) through my hair.”

—Steffanie Attenberg, chief brand and content officer

Hydration Station

“I’ve struggled with keratosis pilaris (KP) for as long as I can remember, and I’ve tried just about everything, but it’s somewhat of a forgotten skin condition. What I love about KP Away Daily Moisturizer Ultra Hydration ($40) is the in-depth research that went into developing it. The formula, designed by a dermatologist with KP, focuses on hydration for smoother skin.”

—Allie Hogan, staff writer

Special Treatment

“Getting the Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure Moisturizing Lift facial featuring the brand’s signature antioxidant-rich seaweed from CEO and founder Lydia Sarfati was a real treat. Laminaria digitata seaweed contains amino acids, vitamins and trace elements and minerals that work to calm and restore aging skin. ‘We sustainably harvest it from the coast of Maine and it’s extracted by a proprietary process in order to ensure maximum potency,’ Sarfati told me. My favorite from the Hydra Dew Pure line is the Facial Moisturizer ($70), which gives my skin a smooth, pampered and ultra-nourished feel.”

—Tatiana Bido, features editor

Strong Point

“Raising the bar in noninvasive body-sculpting treatment is Cutera’s new truBody muscle sculpting and fat reduction treatment. This is the first time I saw results immediately that continued to last. It reduces fat by 24 percent and rebuilds muscle in stubborn areas in just 30 minutes. Sign up now!”

—Sarah Eggenberger, senior editor-at-large

Plump Zone

“I’ve recently been combining my go-to hyaluronic acid serum with PCA Skin’s ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum ($140) for a double-dose of line-plumping action. Not only does my foundation catch a whole lot less on my forehead as I apply it—a sure tell of how dehydrated my skin is—but I’ve noticed a serious reduction in finely etched-in lines, too.”

—Danielle Fontana Dooley, senior digital editor

Smooth Criminal

“Crown Affair’s The Oil ($40) won me over the moment it met my hair. Formulated with Japanese tsubaki seed and meadowfoam seed oil, it immediately combated my not-so-submissive frizz and added a burst of silkiness and shine to my 2C curls without any weight. As an added bonus, it’s wonderfully scented with naturally-derived Italian bergamot, yuzu and lemongrass for an irresistible scent that lasts from shower to shower. If I could slather this all over my body, I would!”

—Olivia Wohlner, editorial assistant

Tight Squeeze

“I’ve spoken to many top derms and they all agree that Ulthera is the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening. In order to help stimulate collagen production, I do this treatment once a year—depending on the desired outcome, you may need to do more than one treatment, but for preventative measures, once a year works for me. The procedure takes about an hour and with the numbing cream and a Tylenol the pain is tolerable. I love that there is virtually zero downtime with this—immediately after, you look a little red but could go back to the office if you needed to and there is no swelling or peeling afterwards. Results take three to six months to see but are gradual. For me, this is truly a preventative procedure.”

—Amber Milt, senior director of video & multimedia

In the Clear

“When my skin was feeling congested, the mix of calamine powder—an ancient skin remedy—two types of clay and blemish-busting salicylic acid in First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma CalaminePore Purging Mask ($30) delivered the pore-clearing power I needed. It’s the perfect quick-fix for baby-soft skin and tighter pores.”

—Brittany Burhop Fallon, beauty director