You’ve heard about them time and time again — but are they actually as good as everyone says they are? Certain skin care products seem to have a legendary quality to them — whether it’s because your mom used to keep it out of reach when you were a kid or because it’s been featured in just about every Instagram #shelfie ever.
Suffice it to say, each one of the skin care products featured in this list is iconic in its own way — and they’ve all earned the icon status. Read on for 13 cult-favorite skin care products that easily clear the bar of high expectations.
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This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
13 Cult-Favorite Skin Care Products
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Sunday Riley
Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $105 at Sephora
We can't get enough of all the great lactic acid treatments out there and this one is particularly stellar. In addition to that gorgeous packaging, it works wonders on a dull complexion and packs a major exfoliating punch without overstripping or overdrying your skin.
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Bioderma
Sensibio H2O, $14.90 at Dermstore
Micellar water is a full-on movement at this point and it's all thanks to this one: Bioderma's iconic micellar water was the first to really get the ball rolling and it's easy to see why. The formula disappears your daily makeup in just a few swipes — no more scrubbing at your eyes to remove that stubborn mascara. It's pretty easy to get your hands on now, but it's totally understandable that people used to beg their traveling friends to bring this home from France.
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SK II
Facial Treatment Essence, $179 at Sephora
You've heard celebrities and beauty bloggers sing its praises for ages but were never sure if you could believe it. The story of the sake brewery-inspired essence and the Cate Blanchett-worthy results sounded almost too good to be true — but rest assured, this essence delivers, if not a Cate Blanchett-worthy complexion, then the next best thing. A few simple swipes pave the way for a brighter, clearer complexion. In fact, the results are so good that you'll almost (almost!) forget the hefty price tag.
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Embryolisse
Lait-Creme Concentre, $28 at Dermstore
Embryolisse's mega-popular moisturizer first appeared on our radar as a backstage beauty secret: It's so moisturizing, nourishing and gentle, it's ideal for prepping models' oft-overworked complexions at fashion week. Now, the French cream is a staple for many, especially in drier winter months when skin needs a little extra TLC.
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Mario Badescu
Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, $7 at Nordstrom
It's not hard to see why this face spray has achieved cult status: It's cute, convenient, super affordable and it smells amazing. Mario Badescu recently came out with different versions (each prettier and more gloriously scented than the last) but this one will always hold a special place in our hearts.
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DHC
Deep Cleansing Oil, $28 at Dermstore
Much like Bioderma's micellar water, you could argue that this was one of the first cleansing oils to really hit it big. Fast-forward to 2018 and oils are a must-have in every double-cleansing regimen. The emollient texture gently removes even your toughest liquid eyeliner near instantly, then lightly emulsifies when you add water, making it a cinch to remove (without a smidge of residue).
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Estee Lauder
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, $68 at Ulta
Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair has been around forever for a reason: Put simply, it works. Add a couple drops to your nighttime skin care routine and it'll add that extra glow to your complexion — plus, it really does help protect and repair, just like the name promises.
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, $35.99 at Dermstore
This stuff just got top marks from Consumer Reports for the fourth year in a row, a well-deserved honor. The lightweight texture sinks in near-instantly which makes it so easy to use — and the water-resistant, broad-spectrum coverage is nothing to sneeze at, either.
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Glossier
Balm Dotcom, $12 at Glossier
The Glossier zeitgeist is huge and while its new launches are plenty exciting (we still can't get over the Glossier Lash Slick Mascara), we'll always be ride-or-die for the brand's multi-purpose balm. It soothes and protects even the most chapped of lips — seriously, it's one of the best lip balms around.
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Pixi
Glow Tonic, $15 (100 ml) at Target
Glow tonics are quickly becoming a staple skin care product and this one is particularly effective. With a botanical-packed formula, it gently exfoliates your skin to reveal a lovely, natural glow. Plus, it happens to be quite affordable (not to mention photogenic).
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Clinique
Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, $29.50 at Ulta
Clinique has a lot of cult favorites and this one might just be tops (though it's definitely a tough call with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, $27). This cleansing balm is fragrance-free and oh-so-gentle, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It feels quite nice and relaxing as it "takes the day off" and the balm formula makes it ideal for travel.
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CeraVe
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, $15.49 at Ulta
Looking for a dermatologist-approved night cream that won't break the bank? This formula is a winner: It hydrates like a treat and the niacinamide in the formula helps soothe skin while also providing some anti-aging benefits.
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Aquaphor
Healing Ointment, $11.39 at Target
Last but not least, we leave you with Aquaphor: Unglamorous sure, but so, so good. What else out there can be used for everything from cuticle repair to eye cream? If you don't have one already, do yourself a favor and go buy one of the giant family-sized jars and keep it on your nightstand.
