New to retinol? These 5 serums make it easy to start without the peeling
Retinol is the most studied anti-aging ingredient you can buy without a prescription. These are the gentlest, best-value ways to start.
Style & Beauty Editor
Sofia Alvarez
Sofia covers fashion, eyewear and beauty, from everyday basics to the splurges that are worth it.
- Fashion
- Beauty
- Skin care
- Eyewear
Latest from Sofia
The face sunscreens people actually wear every day (no white cast, no greasy shine)
The best sunscreen is the one you'll use daily. These face formulas are light, comfortable and easy to wear under makeup.
Dull skin? These vitamin C serums brighten without the $180 price tag (mostly)
Vitamin C helps brighten dark spots and protects skin from daily damage. These serums are stable, effective and worth the money.
Tired-looking eyes? These 5 eye creams target dark circles, puffiness and fine lines
No cream erases genetics, but the right formula can brighten, depuff and smooth. These are the eye creams worth their price.
Noticing more hair in the drain? These shampoos help thinning hair look fuller
Shampoo alone won't regrow hair, but the right one can support a healthy scalp and make thin hair look fuller.
Sleek hair in one pass: the flat irons worth buying (and the one that skips the heat)
A good flat iron gives smooth, shiny results with less damage. These are the best straighteners at every budget.
The $12 drugstore mascara that rivals the $30 ones (plus 4 more for every lash goal)
Length, volume, curl or all-day hold: these mascaras deliver without clumps or flakes.
Skip the $50 foundation: these drugstore picks blend beautifully and last all day
These affordable foundations offer wide shade ranges, comfortable wear and finishes that rival luxury brands.
Chapped lips that won't heal? These lip balms actually fix them (one costs $5)
Some balms soothe, some protect, some just feel nice. These are the ones that heal dry, cracked lips.
Skip the salon gel bill: these 4 at-home nail kits are worth trying first
We compared 18 at-home gel nail kits and lamp-free alternatives on ease of use, wear time reports, removal and price.
The 5 everyday fragrances owners love most (and one costs under $40)
We compared 26 everyday fragrances on scent profile, longevity reports and price. These five are easy to wear and hard to dislike.
Ditch heavy foundation: these 5 tinted moisturizers are easier to wear every day
We compared 21 tinted moisturizers and skin tints on coverage, finish, SPF and shade range. These five suit most skin types.
The $19 drugstore cream dermatologists keep recommending (plus 4 more for dry skin)
We compared 24 moisturizers for dry skin on ingredients, texture, fragrance and price. These five are the ones owners return to every winter.
From a $45 JanSport to a $280 Peak Design: the 5 everyday backpacks worth carrying
We compared 20 everyday backpacks on comfort, laptop protection, organization and durability. These five fit different routines.
We compared 40+ popular gifts for women. These 5 are the ones people actually keep using
From a blanket owners call the softest they have tried to a mug that keeps coffee at the right temperature, five gifts with lasting appeal.
Is the $430 Dyson worth it? We compared 19 hair dryers, and these 5 are the smart buys
From a $35 Conair to the Dyson Supersonic, these hair dryers balance speed, heat control and price for different hair types.
Prescription glasses online for $16? Here's where it's actually worth it
We compared 14 online eyewear retailers on price, lens options, try-on tools and return policies. These five are the ones we'd order from.
We compared 18 women's rain jackets. These 5 keep you dry without the soggy-sleeve regret
From an $85 packable shell to a premium Gore-Tex jacket, these are the women's rain jackets that owners and independent reviewers trust most.
The everyday jewelry pieces worth wearing daily (including a $25 watch with a cult following)
We compared 30 everyday jewelry and watch picks on materials, price and durability. These five work with almost everything.
Zenni sells prescription glasses for under $30. Who it's great for, and who should skip it
Zenni is the cheapest major online eyewear store. We dug into owner feedback, independent reviews and its policies to see where the savings hold up.
Before you spend $100 on blue light glasses, read this. Then buy one of these 4
Blue light glasses won't fix eye strain on their own, but a comfortable pair can still be a nice upgrade. We compared 12 options to find the four worth buying.
The $10 tee that holds its shape (and 4 pricier men's T-shirts that are actually worth it)
We compared 20 men's T-shirts on fabric, fit, durability and price. These five are the ones owners keep rebuying.