Best skincare products of 2024, chosen by beauty experts
Take your skincare game to the next level with this top-rated (and award-winning) “holy grail” serum for seriously glowing skin.
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As a shopping journalist for six years, I’ve had a tonne of different beauty products land on my desk – and let me tell you, I have really put my skin through the ringer.
While the world of skincare can be fun, it can also be overwhelming, trying to figure out what sort of beauty products belong in your skincare arsenal.
That’s where we come in.
For each and every skincare product on this list, I’ve gone ahead and provided you with a handy product recommendation. Some of them may be a holy grail product from myself or someone else from the news.com.au checkout team. Others could be a must-have pick that has garnered thousands of five-star customer ratings.
One of our top picks has got to be the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. The humble serum has received glowing reviews from over 80,000 shoppers – some calling it their “holy grail” and others naming it the “best night serum ever” and a “miracle skin saver”.
Keep in mind that you don’t need every single product on this list – your skincare routine should be personal to you, your skin goals, your skin type and of course your budget.
BEST SKINCARE PRODUCTS
BEST MAKEUP REMOVER
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $22.99 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
This is a staple beauty product not just for me, but for so many beauty lovers around the world. On Google Reviews, the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water has an average rating of 4.8 out of five from over 40,000 reviews – wow!
It does an exceptional job at removing makeup and stubborn mascara. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and gently cleanses the skin, without the need for water and without stripping your skin’s natural barrier. While I usually remove my makeup with a cleansing oil or balm, I always like to keep this in my bathroom cabinet for emergencies.
BEST CLEANSING BALM
Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm with Wild Orange Leaf Extract, $69.95 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I’ve been double cleansing for years now, so I’ve tried a lot of different cleansing balms on the market. This one from Alpha-H is by far my favourite – a little goes a long way, it’s easy to travel with, removes makeup and sunscreen effortlessly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry and tight. It’s also lightly fragranced, but not in an overwhelming way, it just feels super relaxing and nourishing.
BEST CLEANSING OIL
Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, $62 at The Iconic
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Cleansing oils do a similar job to a cleansing balm, I would just say they’re a little less easy to travel with. Nonetheless, this one from Medik8 is a beautiful formulation – it’s soothing, gentle and feels amazing on the skin.
My face feels so clean and supple after using this cleansing oil. And that’s all thanks to the formulation of fatty acids to really nourish the skin.
BEST GEL CLEANSER
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $17.99 at Priceline
What You Need To Know
When it comes to your face cleanser, I don’t believe in spending big – because at the end of the day, it does go right down the sink. You can find loads of great affordable cleansers that clean your skin, without stripping it or leaving it feeling dry. The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser has won countless awards for its gentle and hydrating formula – it’s a great gel cleanser for all skin types and is well priced at just under $15.
BEST FOAMING CLEANSER
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel, $31.95 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Another great affordable cleanser, especially if you’re looking for a foaming formulation that’s more suited to oily or acne prone skin types, is the Effaclar Foaming Gel from La Roche-Posay.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of five from over 105,000 Google Reviews – that’s a whole lot of people. Happy customers note it’s “perfect for keeping breakouts at bay” and “works so well”.
BEST CREAM CLEANSER
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser, $32.95 at Priceline
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
One of my biggest gripes with a lot of cream cleansers is that they don’t do a very good job removing your makeup. But La Roche Posay’s Toleraine Cleanser is the exception to this – it’s actually my favourite cleanser of all time and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased it. It manages to cleanse without stripping your skin or leaving your face feeling tight or dry afterwards. It’s really, really good at removing makeup, sunscreen and sweat, giving you the perfect canvas for applying your serums after cleansing. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this!
BEST ESSENCE
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $14.58 at Amazon Australia
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au Shopping Writer
If you’re on TikTok, there’s a good chance you’ve seen someone rave about this “weird” snail mucin essence from K-Beauty brand COSRX. I couldn’t tell you how many bottles of this stuff I’ve repurchased over and over again – it is seriously just that good. It’s racked up an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of five on Google Reviews from over 108,000 ratings.
This serum and essence hybrid uses snail secretion to repair, soothe and hydrate, giving you that “glass skin” look that we all want. Highly recommend adding this to your skincare routine at least a few times a week!
BEST HYDRATING SERUM
Hada Labo Lotion No. 1 Super Hydrator, $35.95 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
Now don’t be confused by the word “lotion” like I was at first – in Japanese skincare lotion doesn’t mean moisturiser, it’s more like a serum or essence. It’s packed with Hada Labo’s signature ingredient “super hyaluronic acid” which is basically hyaluronic acid on steroids. It’s super hydrating and works so well to lock in moisture.
It’s not like your typical hyaluronic acid serum either, it’s fast absorbing and has got an incredibly lightweight texture (essence like so more of a watery consistency) so it’s easy to apply and can be reapplied multiple times during the day.
BEST PORE TIGHTENING SERUM
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Treatment, $9.50 at Myer
What You Need To Know
Niacinamide is one of those skincare terms you may have heard of, but have no idea what it does. It’s packed with vitamin B3 and address concerns such an enlarged pores, oily skin, uneven skin texture and overall skin blemishes.
This serum from The Ordinary is one of the best you can get, and it’s under $10. Thousands of five-star ratings show that it’s loved for being a “reliable old favourite” and helps to achieve “flawless smooth skin”.
BEST BRIGHTENING SERUM
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, $242 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
You don’t have to spend big on a vitamin C serum, but if you have the means to, you’ll see serious results from this one here.
The Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum is formulated with 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid, and is a high potency blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which all work together to hydrate, brighten and tighten the skin.
There’s a bunch of antioxidants packed into this bottle that work to protect your complexion from atmospheric ageing – think things like free radical damage from UV rays, infra-red radiation and ozone pollution.
Yes the price tag is high but this is a high-performing serum that creates a visible difference to your skin. So you’re getting what you pay for.
BEST ANTI-AGEING SERUM
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum, from $139 at Myer
What You Need To Know
If you’re happy to spend a little more on an award-winning serum that is adored by so many, you need to try Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Serum.
This fast-absorbing serum reduces visible signs of ageing, while leaving your skin feeling soft and looking totally radiant. It’s gentle enough to be used every night and the unique blend of peptides work hard while you sleep.
The humble serum has racked up over 80,000 five-star ratings on Google Reviews, with one customer calling it the “best night serum ever”, noting “the texture is so soothing for night time”.
BEST CHEMICAL EXFOLIANT
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $49 at Paula’s Choice
What You Need To Know
A chemical exfoliant is not the sort of thing you want to use every night, more so one to two times a week to keep your skin exfoliated and fresh. This cult favourite and award-winning formulation from Paula’s Choice is our top pick.
It works as a leave on exfoliant, infused with salicylic acid to unclog pores, smooth wrinkles and even out your skin tone.
The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has scored an average rating of 4.7 out of five from over 60,000 Google Reviews, with rave reviews calling it their “holy grail skincare product” and noting it has “saved” their skin.
BEST PHYSICAL EXFOLIANT
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $109 at Adore Beauty
What You Need To Know
If you prefer the feel of a physical exfoliant to really unclog those pores and remove those dead skin cells, go for the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It’s a really unique formula where the rice-based enzyme powder changes from a powder to a paste just by adding water. It’s gentle enough for daily use, exfoliating your skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight.
The “amazing” and “must have” Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is another cult skincare product with over 30,000 five-star ratings on Google Reviews.
BEST DAILY MOISTURISER
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane, $69 at Kiehl’s
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Kiehl’s best selling moisturiser is the Ultra Facial Cream and it is one of my favourite picks to use every morning.
This daily cream is perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, thanks to the inclusion of squalene. It works hard to not only moisturise and hydrate, but also help strengthen your skin barrier and leaving you with an overall healthy glow.
I also love that it’s fast absorbing and sits amazing under the rest of my makeup routine.
It’s not just one of my favourites – it has almost 10,000 five-star ratings on the Kiehl’s website, with an average rating of 4.7 out of five.
BEST NIGHT CREAM
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, from $149 at Augustinus Bader
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
To call the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream simply a moisturiser would be reductive — this iconic product is an absolutely powerhouse. It’s also an investment, with the 15ml bottle costing $145. But is it worth it? After testing it for a month (with a heavy dose of scepticism) I have to say yes, it definitely earns its hefty price tag as it exceeded my expectations in every way.
For me, I’ve seen the greatest improvement in my skin barrier and my skin is also super hydrated with no dry patches or flaky skin. I’ve honestly never been able to get hydration like this from a single product and would usually rely on a hydrating serum, face oil and moisturiser to keep my skin from getting dry. But The Rich Cream does it all with a small pump that also doesn’t leave your skin looking oily or shiny. It truly is a miracle product.
BEST EYE CREAM FOR DARK CIRCLES
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème, $64 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème has icon status for good reason.
The yellow undertones of the eye cream promise to counteract darkness under the eyes, and that’s exactly what it does.
After immediate application, my under eye looks brighter and more illuminated. I also love how hydrating and nourishing the formulation is, it really does a great job at prepping my under eye before makeup. I’ve been using this eye cream on and off for years, and I don’t see myself every stopping!
BEST EYE CREAM FOR FINE LINES
Dr Naomi Catfish Blurring Eye Cream, $119 at Dr Naomi Skin
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
In the last few years I’ve developed fine lines under my eyes and while I know that ageing is normal (and a privilege) it’s something I’ve felt self-conscious about at times, as my makeup now doesn’t sit quite as well as it used to.
Catfish Blurring Eye Cream not only smooths out your lines instantly thanks to its balm texture (making it a great under-eye makeup primer), but with consistent use I’ve noticed an improvement in the appearance of my fine lines in general.
The only downside is the price, $119 for 15ml (or $89 for 10ml). It is at the more expensive end, but a little really goes a long way – you really only need the tiniest amount.
It’s also the best performing eye cream for targeting fine lines that I’ve used and I’ve tried a lot. So if it’s a concern of yours and within your budget, I can’t recommend it enough.
BEST FACE SUNSCREEN
Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF50+ Ultralight SKINSCREEN, $52 at The Iconic
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Iconic Australian skincare brand Ultra Violette has released a brand new sunscreen – dubbed their “lightest formula ever”.
Fave Fluid is a lightweight, fragrance-free sunscreen that delivers a soft natural finish on the skin. It’s been developed with a bunch of skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C and vitamin E to give you that glow-from-within.
The waterlike consistency blends like an absolute dream, absorbing quickly and feeling super comfortable on the skin.
Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
BEST FACE OIL
Go-To Face Hero Face Oil, $45 at Go-To Skincare
What You Need To Know
Boasting over 5500 five-star ratings from Go-To customers who describe it as their “holy grail”, “perfection” and the “best part” of their skincare routine, Face Hero is one of our top picks when it comes to looking for a fabulous face oil.
The powerful yet lightweight oil is designed for all skin types and promises to hydrate, soothe, revitalise and protect your skin from outside factors.
It’s formulated with 10 different plant and nut oils, including sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, macadamia oil, brazil nut oil and more. Your skin is going to drink this up!
BEST FACE MASK
Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 25% Acid Flash Facial, $65 at The Iconic
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
When I say this product is literal magic in a tub, I mean it! This face mask has worked wonders on my skin – it smooths, brightens and rejuvenates my skin and reduces the appearance of pores all in just five minutes, leaving my skin looking flawless. It also has a really pretty iridescent look to it. Do be warned though, it is quite strong so it may sting at first but it’s nothing too crazy or unbearable and it smells of lemons.
BEST EYE MASK
James Cosmetics 24K Gold & Collagen Crystal Eye Mask, $35 at James Cosmetics
What You Need To Know
If you ever want to treat yourself to a luxe eye mask, the 24K Gold and Collagen Crystal Eye Mask from James Cosmetics is the way to go. It combines 24k gold, hyaluronic acid, vitamin A and grape seed oil to leave your under eye area feeling super hydrated and glowing.
It’s one of the brand’s bestsellers with an impressive average rating of 4.9 out of five, and countless happy shoppers calling this product “amazing” and a “must have”.
BEST LIP BALM
Dermal Therapy Lip Balm, $6 at Priceline
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Don’t feel pressured to spend your coin on a good lip balm – this one is well-priced at just over $5 and is seriously the best I’ve ever tried.
The Dermal Therapy Lip Balm is a super concentrated formula, containing 2.5% urea, softening and hydrating the driest lips in just a matter of hours. I’ve purchased this over and over again and don’t plan on ever stopping. It also comes in a bunch of different yummy flavours like berry, mint and honey.
BEST SHEET MASK
Go-To Transformazing Sheet Mask, $11 at Go-To Skincare
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
It’s hard to look past the Go-To Transformazing sheet masks. I’ve been using them for years whenever I have an event or feel like my skin needs a bit of extra love and they always deliver. It leaves my skin looking so glowy and works so well under makeup. A ten out of ten from me – and it looks like others agree, with over 1800 five-star ratings on the Go-To website.
BEST SPOT TREATMENT
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, $7.90 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
These pimple patches are a literal lifesaver. Made using hydrocolloid, a type of wound dressing, these patches work best when your spots have already come to a head as they work to draw out any gunk. They’re also a godsend when it comes to stopping you from popping and ending up with an annoying scar.
I normally leave on at night while I sleep but you can really apply at any time of day. It’s super satisfying to take off and see everything come off your skin plus it also helps the pimple go away in next to no time at all. I also like to follow this up with the Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream. It helps to reduce inflammation and heal any damaged skin to help reduce the risk of scarring.
BEST OINTMENT
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $24.95 at Priceline
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
The multipurpose cream from La Roche-Posay can be used all over the body or to target specific dry patches of skin, as well as roughness and redness.
It contains five per cent panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, shea butter, glycerine, madecassoside and copper-zinc-manganese.
If your skin is really dry or your skin barrier is screaming for some extra attention, this is the best cream to use. I recommend applying it like an overnight hydrating mask as it’s super thick and tends to leave a white cast. But when you wake up in the morning, you’ll notice how healthy, plump and juicy your skin looks.
BEST FACE MIST
Charlotte’s Magic Hydrator Mist, $80 at Charlotte Tilbury
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
Another sort of skincare product that is certainly not necessary, especially at $80 a pop, but makes a visible difference to my skin is this face mist from Charlotte Tilbury. It’s infused with a combination of both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide and wow – the glow this gives my skin is out of this world. Even when it dries down, my skin looks so glowy and healthy.
I love to use this throughout the day or will even mist my face before applying my hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in the morning, as I find it really makes a difference to my overall skincare routine.
BEST BODY WASH
Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Fragrance Free Body Wash, $28.99 at Priceline
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I’ve been using this body wash for years, after seeing a beauty influencer recommend it, and I’ve never looked back. It creates the most gorgeous lather, lasts me ages and really helps to make my skin feel super clean, all without drying it out.
It’s formulated with a prebiotic triple oat formulation, all without fragrance and specifically designed for all skin types.
BEST BODY SCRUB
Frank Body Glycolic Body Scrub, $28 at Frank Body
What You Need To Know
This glycolic body scrub is one of Frank Body’s top sellers, and for good reason. It’s racked up an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of five on their website, with rave reviews on how it “keeps bumps at bay” and helps to “smooth out” their skin.
It’s formulated with glycolic acid, witch hazel and niacinamide – a powerful combination to exfoliate the skin, all while keeping it soft, smooth and tight. This is the ultimate body scrub solution to annoying body breakouts, as well as dry patches.
BEST BODY OIL
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $42 at Adore Beauty
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
This is hands down the most luxurious shower oil I’ve ever used. There’s a reason it sells every 15 seconds worldwide. It has a beautifully sweet almond scent that transforms your everyday shower into a spa-like experience. Honestly, you have to smell it to understand just how lovely it is! It comes out as an oil but once you lather it onto your skin it turns into a decadent milky cleanser. And best of all it leaves your skin feeling so smooth, so soft and so silky. I’ve been using this for the past few years and while I don’t use it every day, whenever I feel like I want to up my shower game or treat myself, I’ll reach for this body oil. It’s not cheap but a bottle lasts a surprisingly long time and it’s one of those quiet luxury items that somehow makes you feel infinitely better.
BEST BODY MOISTURISER
Urban Jungle Midas Touch Body Lotion, $38 at Sephora
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
The Midas Touch Body Lotion is a new release from Urban Jungle and is formulated with apricot seed oil and niacinamide to both nourish and visibly brighten your skin.
I was lucky enough to try out this moisturiser ahead of its launch, and I am seriously impressed.
My skin looks and feels so fresh after using this every night after my shower – it’s soft and hydrated, while still looking super radiant and glowy. This is an absolute must-have, especially in the summer time for that serious body glow.
It also comes with a matching body wash – the Grime Fighter Body Wash – that I also really enjoyed.
BEST FACIAL DEVICE
FOREO LUNA 3 Facial Cleansing Massager for Sensitive Skin, $329 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
With a cool average rating of 4.7 out of five from over 800 reviews from The Iconic customers, the FOREO Luna 3 is our top pick when it comes to facial cleansing devices.
This one is pretty in purple, and specifically created for sensitive skin types.
You get 16 varying intensities in a waterproof design, that offers up to 650 uses per charge.
Users are “obsessed” with this gadget, noting their skin feels “so smooth and looks so shiny” after using.
BEST LED MASK
LED It Glow Light Therapy Device For Skin, $595 at Dr Naomi
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
LED masks are not a must-have in your routine, but if you have the means to splurge, they can give you some serious results.
The Dr Naomi LED face mask is a staple part of my skincare routine and I am blown away by the results – I can confidently say it works to seriously brighten my skin. My persistent acne marks have faded and my skin looks so glowy and not as dull as it looked before using it.
This innovative and non-invasive LED light treatment gives you a salon-quality facial from the comfort of your own home. It’s also one of the easiest beauty devices I’ve ever used. The silicone mask feels so comfortable and is flexible enough to curve around your head with ease.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds and thousands of skincare products available, it’s impossible to test every single product out there. To help you find the best type of skincare product, we tested well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best skincare products for your beauty arsenal.
WHAT SKINCARE PRODUCTS DO YOU NEED IN YOUR ROUTINE?
When it comes to building the ultimate skincare routine, there’s a few products that I recommend you absolutely include.
For starters, you need a cleanser – even better if you’re starting off with a cleansing balm or oil to remove your SPF and makeup and then following up with your regular cleanser, also known as double cleansing.
You’ll also need a good moisturiser. Feel free to opt for a different one for day and night, or just use the same. There’s hundreds of moisturisers on the market, so find one that’s suitable for your skin type and budget – and yes all skin types needs to be moisturised, even if you have oily skin.
The final must-have step I recommend is an SPF. Especially if you’re living in Australia, you need to be wearing sunscreen every single day.
If you’re looking for a basic skincare routine, a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF is the way to go.
And if you want to jazz things up, that’s when you can start adding different serums and things to your routine – hydrate skin with a hardworking hyaluronic serum or use a retinol serum to address specific skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. Improve uneven skin tone with a vitamin B serum like niacinamide.
You can even keep it going with more fun things like face masks, eye creams, face oils and skincare devices. The world is your oyster!
WHAT ORDER SHOULD YOU BE APPLYING YOUR SKINCARE?
This is the best way to layer your skin care routine to get the most out of your products.
The general rule of thumb, especially when it comes to different serums and treatments, is to apply the lightest first and the heaviest last. That’s because the thinner products will have a harder time penetrating through the thicker ones.
In the morning:
- Cleanser (optional)
- Toner
- Serums
- Eye Cream
- Moisturiser
- SPF
At night time:
- Cleansing balm, oil or some sort of makeup remover
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serums
- Eye Cream
- Moisturiser
- Face Oil
HOW DO I WORK OUT MY SKIN TYPE?
When it comes to working out your skin type, there’s a few things you can keep an eye on over the course of the day, and when you first wash your face.
If your skin looks shiny, there’s a good chance you have oily skin.
If your skin feels tight and has dry, flaky areas, you may have dry skin.
Does your complexion look red, irritated and may be painful to the touch? It may be sensitive skin.
And if you have a combination of both oily and dry patches, you may have combination skin.
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