The 7 Best Butt Masks of 2023 That Smooth and Calm Skin

We often pay special attention to our face and body, but neglect our bums. If you think about it: We spend countless hours on our bottoms, so it only makes sense that they deserve some self-care.

Butt masks may seem like a hoax, but since they endure a lot of the same skin problems that we experience on our face, including acne, hyperpigmentation, dryness, sagging, and rough texture, a butt mask is a secret solution. Using a mask, along with your trusty body washes and scrubs, will help keep your skin problems in check.

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mio Peachy Cheeks Butt Cream

What We Love: It contains nourishing ingredients like caffeine and niacinamide to firm and soften skin.

 What We Don’t Love: It has a slight floral scent that may bothersome.

Mio Peachy Cheeks Butt Cream is the crΓ©me de la creme of butt masks. Recommended by board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick, the mask contains caffeine, niacinamide, Indian fig extract, and monk’s pepper berry. The caffeine helps with the texture and firmness of your bum, leaving you with a silky soft bottom, and the Indian fig extract and monk’s pepper berry moisturize your skin. (No one wants a dry derriere).

Concocted with a magical complex of proteins and vitamins, this mask will transform a textured bottom into a smooth and hydrated surface. One thing to keep in mind is that the rich blend is formulated with a slight floral fragrance.

Yes To Booty-Ful Paper Mask

What We Love: You can tone your bum while lying down.

What We Don’t Love: The mask slides if you move.

We love nutrient-rich sheet masks, and now they make them for your bottom. This option works to improve the overall appearance and feel of your bum. The Yes To Tighter + lifted Bootfyful Paper Mask comes in two heart-shaped sheets that you leave on each cheek for 10 minutes.

Caffeine and coffee stimulate blood flow and help smooth the skin, while the antioxidant-rich guarana fruit provides a dose of hydration. After you slide the mask off, you can rub in any excess liquid to make the most of your masking.

The only downfall is that these sheet masks are single-use, but the benefits make it worth it. And, as a bonus, it is made of one hundred percent cotton and is free of parabens, silicones, and SLS.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

What We Love: Formulated with hydrating ingredients like coconut and aΓ§ai oils, this cream leaves your skin feeling like butter.

What We Don’t Love: It has a strong musky vanilla scent. 

You have probably heard of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream, and we are here to tell you it’s worth all the hype. With ingredients like guarana, cupuacu butter, and coconut and aΓ§ai oils, this thick cream instantly revitalizes dry and flakey skin.

The creamy texture melts into your bum, while also tightening the appearance of the skin, thanks to the Brazil nut oil. Rich in selenium, Brazil nut oil keeps skin looking healthy and firm. Plus, the guarana stimulates blood circulation, which will enhance the overall look of your bottom. After using this mask for a few months, I have noticed a huge difference in my derriere’s firmness and smoothness. Although I love the warm rich vanilla and caramel scent, others may be more sensitive to it.

Maelys Cosmetics B-Tight Lift And Firm Booty Mask

What We Love: This mask helps tighten the areas around your bottom and thighs. 

What We Don’t Love: It has a warming sensation that some may dislike. 

While you can’t wake up with an instantly firmer bottom, this mask comes pretty close. Maelys Cosmetics B-Tight Lift and Firm Booty Mask deliver just what it promises: A beautifully plump and taut bum.

Recommended by Dr. Garshick for its firming and hydrating ingredients, this mask contains pink pepperslim, hyaluronic acid, and guarana seed extract, and is clinically proven to visibly firm skin around the booty and thighs.

Start by applying a large amount on your bottom and thighs. Then massage the leave-on mask into the skin until it absorbs. The mask may initially give a slight warming sensation, which only lasts a minute or two. After the cream settles, you’ll find that the skin on your butt and thighs looks plump and supple.

Anese Down With The Thickness Booty Mask

What We Love: The clay mask removes excess oil and contains collagen to plump and strengthen skin. 

What We Don’t Love: You have to leave it on for at least 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off for best results.

Got some time to spare and want to improve the texture of your bum? Anese Down With The Thickness Booty mask covers all your smoothing needs. Formulated with clarifying and detoxing kaolin clay, this mask offers a deep and thorough cleanse, washing away pore-clogging buildup to keep skin clear. It also absorbs excess oil and reduces the appearance of stretch marks.

The formula is concentrated with soothing ingredients, like vitamins B3 and B5, to keep skin soft and moisturized. The mask’s creamy consistency feels nice on the skin, and it spreads easily without needing much rubbing.

More Anese… yes please!

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Bawdy Clay Butt Mask

What We Love: The kaolin clay draws out impurities and excess oil to keep skin clear and acne free. 

What We Don’t Love: Reviews say that it can take a couple of tries to get product out of the stick applicator.

β€œThis mask uses kaolin clay to draw out debris and oil, helping to improve overall texture and reduce breakouts, without leading to dryness or irritation of the skin,” says Dr. Garshick.

We love that this purifying clay mask is in stick form for an easy, mess-free application. The formula harnesses clean, non-toxic ingredients, including a blend of kaolin and montmorillonite clays to exfoliate, willow bark to tone, and glycerin to hydrate.

Simply apply the mask in a circular motion all around the butt and upper thighs, let it dry, and then rinse after 15 minutes. It’s great to use post-workout or to get a breakout under control.

Truly Buns Of Glowry Tighten & Glow Smoothing Butt Polish

What We Love: Watermelon extract helps to fade any discoloration and hydrates thirsty skin. 

What We Don’t Love: There’s not a ton of product in the packaging.

Although this is technically a body polish, it can be transformed into a mask by mixing a handful of the scrub with water and rubbing it into your cheeks. The mask is powered by watermelon extract, which is rich in vitamin C, amino acids, and antioxidants, to lightly exfoliate and promote cell turnover. It’s also formulated with wheat protein, which contains ceramides that attract and hold onto moisture to plump skin and fill in fine lines to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Together, these two powerhouse ingredients work to reveal a more radiant complexion. Our only complaint is that we love it so much, we wish it came with more products.

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What to Keep In Mind

Ingredients

When selecting a butt mask it’s important to consider the skin concerns you want to address. In general, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens recommends avoiding butt masks with potentially irritating ingredients, such as drying alcohols, fragrances, and essential oils.

If your bottom is feeling slightly dryer than usual, she says that masks rich in humectant ingredients, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, honey, and panthenol, can help to improve moisture retention in the skin. These ingredients also provide a soothing effect, which can be helpful for anyone who experiences ingrown hairs, acne, eczema, or folliculitis (especially after shaving).

If you’re looking to treat discoloration, acne, or keratosis pilaris, Dr. Stephens suggests looking for masks that contain chemical exfoliants, like lactic or salicylic acids, as these ingredients boost cell turnover β€” just be sure to use sunscreen, as these acids will make skin more sensitive.

Application

Instructions for how to use the mask will depend on what type it is. If your mask is a wash-off, be sure to thoroughly rinse until you no longer feel the residue on your skin. Alternatively, a leave-on mask is one that you rub into the skin until it absorbs and dries. It can be left on the skin until your next shower.

In general, Dr. Garshick says that butt masks can be used a few times a week, but it’s important to follow the directions provided by the brand, especially if you’re using an exfoliating mask.

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Your Questions, Answered

What do butt masks do?

β€œA butt mask is what it sounds like A mask to treat the skin on the buttocks that can often be left on for some time to help address certain concerns of the buttocks area,” says Dr. Garshick.

These masks can exfoliate and firm, or address an acne breakout or bumpy, uneven texture.

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Rosenthal is a commerce writer for BeautyLeeBar. She covers fashion, skincare, and beauty. With additional knowledge from professional stylists, Rosenthal collaborated with a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Marisa Garshick as well as a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Parkland Dermatology, Dr. Alexis Stephens to write this story.

Body Lotions Are Not Created Equallyβ€”These Will Leave Your Skin Glowing

There are several things you can do toΒ achieve glowing skin. Exfoliation can helpΒ get rid of dead skin cellsΒ and reveal a smoother, newer layer.Β Using toolsΒ like a gua sha can help with circulation. Applying aΒ vitamin C serumΒ can brighten your complexion and even out the skin tone. And just making sure your lifestyle habits are in check can help, too, like getting enough sleep and drinking enough water.

You can’t forget the crucial step of hydrating and moisturizing your skin, though. That is key toΒ radiant, glowy, and plump skin. But it can also be tough, especially if your skin is prone to dryness or if you’re exposed to weather or environmental factors that could dry out your skin. That’s why having theΒ right body lotionΒ is essential here. When you find one that works with your skin, it can work wonders for youβ€”leaving you with smooth, glowy, and radiant skin.

If you need help choosing the right one, below are some of our favorite body lotions for that otherworldly glow.

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1. Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream

Sol de JaneiroΒ Bom Dia Bright Body CreamΒ ($45)

Sol de Janeiro’s body cream contains fruit alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin C to reveal brighter and smoother skin. It’s also formulated with cupuaΓ§u butter to provide intense moisture.

2. Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

Summer FridaysΒ Summer Skin Nourishing Body LotionΒ ($26)

You don’t have to worry about reapplying this lotion throughout the dayβ€”it melts into the skin and has you covered all day long.

3. Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Paula's Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Paula’s ChoiceΒ Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHAΒ ($28)

This body lotion is formulated with 10% AHA, so it works to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve any clogged, red bumps on your arms and legs. 

4. Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion

Burt's Bees Radiance Body Lotion

Burt’s BeesΒ Radiance Body LotionΒ ($14)

The key glowy ingredient in this body lotion is royal jelly, which is a nourishing, light-reflecting mineral. Your skin will be left radiant and softer.

5. NΓ©cessaire The Body Lotion

NΓ©cessaire The Body Lotion

NΓ©cessaireΒ The Body LotionΒ ($25)

NΓ©cessaire’s body lotion is an editor favorite. The fast-absorbing formula contains niacinamide, vitamins A, B3, C, and E, omegas 6 and 9, and antioxidants. It’s also fragrance-free, which is a bonus if you are allergic to scents.

6. Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion

Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion

Mario BadescuΒ Summer Shine Body LotionΒ ($10)

Mario Badescu’s body lotion has a subtle shimmer and is enriched with vitamin E and moisture-retaining ingredients like beeswax and peanut oil.

7. Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream

Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream

GlossierΒ Body Hero Daily Perfecting CreamΒ ($22)

Glossier’s popular Body Hero contains tiny light-reflecting particles and brightening plant extracts for a glowy finish. It also doesn’t leave an annoying greasy feel.

8. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant

Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant

VaselineΒ Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa RadiantΒ ($18)

This ultra-moisturizing body lotion is infused with 100% cocoa and shea butters to boost radiance. And even though it’s a rich formula that doesn’t mean it’s greasy or super heavy.

9. Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion

Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion

GlytoneΒ Exfoliating Body LotionΒ ($43)

Glytone’s body lotion has 17.5% glycolic acid for exfoliation benefits, meaning you’ll see improved skin texture and smoother, radiant skin. It also contains vitamin E for antioxidant protection.

10. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion

Sheamoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion

SheamoistureΒ 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body LotionΒ ($5)

This body lotion will give you that sun-kissed glow that we all dream about. It’s infused with organic raw shea butter to moisturize; coconut oil and coconut milk to condition the skin; and acacia Senegal to lock in moisture.

11. Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Body Lotion

Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Lotion

Love Beauty and PlanetΒ Delicious Glow LotionΒ ($7)

With a name like Delicious Glow, this product is bound to deliver. The formula contains murumuru butter and rose to soften the skin and leave it glowing.

12. Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion

Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion

Alpha Skin CareΒ Renewal Body LotionΒ ($17)

Alpha Skin Care’s Renewal Body Lotion is always a bestseller with our readers. It’s formulated with 12% glycolic acid to gently remove dead skin cells, encourage collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

13. Farmacy Honey Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum

FarmacyΒ Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body SerumΒ ($40)

This body resurfacing serum is formulated with 12% AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate to reveal smoother and brighter skin. Other ingredients include a proprietary honey blend and shea butter which act as humectants (aka they draw water in).

14. Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

Drunk Elephant Sili Body Lotion

Drunk ElephantΒ Sili Body LotionΒ ($20)

Drunk Elephant’s body lotion is just packed with amazing nourishing ingredients: marula butter, a five-ceramide blend, and shea butter. Your skin will be hydrated and softer.

15. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body Cream

Glow RecipeΒ Watermelon Glow AHA Pink Dream Body CreamΒ ($28)

Glow Recipe’s body cream is lightweight and has a delicious watermelon scent, so it’s so soothing and refreshing. The hibiscus AHA in the formula smooths and exfoliates to reveal glowy skin.

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More Glowy Body Products to Try

Neutrogena Body Oil

NeutrogenaΒ Body OilΒ ($15)

A body oil is an easy way to get dewy skin. This one from Neutrogena absorbs easily and deeply hydrates the skin.

Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer

Fenty BeautyΒ Body Lava Body LuminizerΒ ($59)

For extra shimmer you can apply a body luminizer, like this one from Fenty Beauty which has a high-shine finish.

Supergoop Glowscreen Body SPF 40

SupergoopΒ Glowscreen Body SPF 40Β ($42)

I’m already obsessed with Supergoop’s Glowscreen face sunscreen so this one is on my wishlist. It gives you the same sun protection and shimmery glow all over your body.

Goop Goopglow Body Luminizer

GoopΒ Goopglow Body LuminizerΒ ($48)

Goop’s body luminizer is formulated with light-reflecting minerals for a radiant finish. Other ingredients include Australian kakadu plum (which is rich in vitamin C), hyaluronic acid, and squalane.

Next: THE VERY BEST BODY OILS THAT WILL LEAVE YOUR SKIN SO DANG GLOWY

The Very Best Body Oils That Will Leave Your Skin So Dang Glowy

If you were to ask me a few years ago if I wanted anyΒ skincare oilsΒ in my beauty routine, I would say not. That’s because I automatically equated oils with a slimy, greasy, and uncomfortable mess. I didn’t want my skin to appear oily, thank you very much.

But I’ve come around toΒ skincare oilsΒ in the past year after learning from experts that some of them don’t make yourΒ skin more oily. Certain ones can nourish, strengthen, and protect the skin, in addition to keeping it hydrated.

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For me, when I tried body and face oils for the first time, I was amazed at how quickly they absorbed into my skin, which meant that I felt the effects pretty quickly, too. My skin instantly felt softer, smoother, and it had aΒ nice dewy, glowΒ to it. What more can you ask for with results like that?

While I still turn to myΒ moisturizersΒ andΒ lotionsΒ more, whenever I want to give my face and body a little more radiance, I use oil. This is especially true in the summer months with body oils, as I’m showing more skin and I want my skin to look good and glowy.

Take a look at some great body oil options below. And the bonus is that these are all lightweight, so it really will feel like you aren’t wearing any product.

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NΓ©cessaire The Body Oil

NΓ©cessaireΒ The Body OilΒ ($35)

I’ve been reaching for this body oil a lot lately. It’s fast-absorbing and so lightweight. My skin always feels so smooth after I apply it. The formula contains omegas 6,7, and 9, plus vitamins C and E and minerals.

Neutrogena Body Oil

NeutrogenaΒ Body OilΒ ($15)

The main ingredient in this product is sesame oil, which moisturizes dry skin and goes on so smoothly.

Mutha Body Oil

MuthaΒ Body OilΒ ($104)

The great thing about Mutha’s body oil is it has a 100% botanical formula. It contains rosehip oil to minimize the appearance of stretch marks; grape-seed oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity; and apricot oil to make the skin increase suppleness.

SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil

SheaMoistureΒ Daily Hydration Body OilΒ ($10)

Made with 100% virgin coconut oil, SheaMoisture’s body oil is fast-absorbing and gives the skin a natural glow. You can use it as a bath or shower oil, too.

Kayo Body Care Nourishing Body Oil

Kayo Body CareΒ Nourishing Body OilΒ ($42)

Infused with cannabis seed oil, this product really targets inflammation while drawing in moisture. The formula also includes antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn oil to restore the skin’s moisture barrier.

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Versed Keep It Supple Moisturizing Body Oil

VersedΒ Keep It Supple Moisturizing Body OilΒ ($15)

Versed’s body oil is non-sticky and non-greasy, so it really feels like second skin because it absorbs quickly. It’s a blend of coconut oil, sweet almond oil, ylang-ylang essential oil, calendula flower extract, and vitamin E.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Bio-OilΒ Skincare OilΒ ($26)

This might be the hardest working oil on the list. Not only does it lock in moisture, but it also improves the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.

Avène Skin Care Oil

Avène Skin Care Oil ($26)

You can use this oil all overβ€”from your hair to face to body. It’s a combination of hydrating thermal spring water and nourishing plant-based oils like shea, camelina, and safflower.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Anti-Aging Body Oil

Tata HarperΒ Revitalizing Anti-Aging Body OilΒ ($120)

For an anti-aging treatment, take a look at this body oil. It’s enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to nourish and soften the skin so it’s absolutely glowing. Ingredients include evening primrose oil, camellia oil, and a complex of 11 vitamins, 18 nutrients, and six minerals.

Augustinus Bader The Body Oil

Augustinus BaderΒ The Body OilΒ ($95)

Augustinus Bader’s body oil leaves the skin so glowy and supple, but it has added benefits, too. It also targets the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. The formula contains a complex of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules, plus olive oil, argan oil, squalene, and vitamin E.

Osea Osea

OseaΒ Undaria Algae Body OilΒ ($48)

TheΒ star ingredient in this oil is undaria algae, which is soaked in botanical oils for two months to distill the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. It’s blended with acai, babassu, and passion fruit oils. It will hydrateΒ and firm the skin, while also reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

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Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil

Patrick TaΒ Major Glow Body OilΒ ($52)

For subtle shimmer, you’ll want to go with this pearlescent body oil. Stabilized vitamin C, vitamin E, magnolia bark extract, olive oil, and squalane, moisturizes and protects the skin as well. It comes in three different finishes rosΓ©, champagne, and bronze.

L'Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil

L’OccitaneΒ Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin OilΒ ($50)

With over 50% almond oil, this body product is rich in omega 6, which helps firm and moisturize the skin. It’s formulated to hydrate the skin for up to 48 hours, so it has staying power.

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Ultra Hydration Body Oil

Herbivore BotanicalsΒ Coconut Ultra Hydration Body OilΒ ($36)

This coconut oil will transport you to a tropical vacation. Oh, and it will rid the skin of any dryness, too.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

Tom FordΒ Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body OilΒ ($100)

This body oil has so much to offerβ€”it’s smoothing, smells so good, and leaves a shimmery glow. The scent has warm and spicy notes of bergamot, cardmom, pistachio, ylang-ylang, and coco de mer accord.

Rahua Body Oil

RahuaΒ Body OilΒ ($57)

Rahua’s body oil is a fine mist that’s enriched with guayusa to defend the skin; rahua to nurture and strengthen; and quinoa to promote healing and moisture retention.

RMS Beauty Beauty Body Oil

RMS BeautyΒ Beauty Body OilΒ ($64)

This concentrated formula is a blend of jojoba, buriti, and organic coconut oils. It’s good for all skin types, including dry, mature, and sensitive skin.

Next: Shop the newest items fromΒ the BeautyLeeBar Shop here.

5 “Meh” Beauty Products You Really Don’t Need in Your Routine

As a beauty editor, I spend a lot of time telling you about the stuff you need. You know, the game-changing lotions and potions that willΒ smooth your skin, give youΒ shiny hair, make yourΒ hands hella soft, and a whole host of other beauty wish list items. But today, I’m coming at you with a cold, hard fact you might not be ready to hear. Here’s the truth: Mediocrity abounds in the beauty industry. That’s right. So much of the stuff out there marketed as miracle workers don’t do much at all.Β 

As you can imagine, I get an up-close, firsthand look at the ploys and truth-stretching that takes place, but as a consumer, I’m sure you’ve also had your suspicions. If I’m being totally honest, there are too many products that fall short of their trumped-up claims to even count. I suppose that’s not the most terrible thingβ€”it offers choices and opportunities to indulge in the extras in the name of self-careβ€”but if you’re anything like me, pointless products take up valuable vanity real estate I’d much rather reserve for products that will help me look and feel my best. 

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Of course, it’s true that carrying out prolonged skin, hair, and makeup regimens can be super relaxing and, on the whole, can make us look and feel fab, even if only temporarily. I’m not disputing that at all. But when it comes down to it, there are some beauty products that, on their own, are just mediocre. I sure hope this is a safe space because I’m about to put it all on the line to share five beauty products you can absolutely skip and still be a Megan Thee Stallion-level hot girl. (Okay, maybe not Megan levelβ€”she’s in a league of her own.) Without further ado, scroll on for the five mediocre beauty products you can skip and five great ones to hold onto.

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Skip: Essence

Keep: Chemical Exfoliator

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($30)

Let’s face it: Essence is extra. The charged liquids are heavily featured in K-beauty skincare lines and are said to hydrate and rebalance the skin and essentially prime it for moisturizer. But if your routine is already stacked with serums and moisturizers that leave your skin feeling adequately hydrated, this is a step you can skip without consequence. If you’re looking for a liquid to swipe over your face that will actually make a discernable difference, reach for a good chemical exfoliator to boost your glow by keeping dead skin cells at bay. Makeup artists swear by prepping the skin with gentle versions of these liquids for the most flawless application.

MORE FACE:

Pixi Glow Tonic

Pixi Glow Tonic ($18)

Moon Juice Acid Potion Resurfacing Exfoliator

Moon Juice Acid Potion Resurfacing Exfoliator ($42)

Skip: Two-in-One Shampoo and Conditioner

Keep: Hydrating Shampoo

Davines Momo Shampoo

Davines Momo Shampoo ($29)

I’m all about saving time and shower space, but not at the expense of my hair. That’s why I’ve taken a pretty firm stance against products that combine shampoo and conditioner in the same bottle. I’ve been known to carry out the occasional conditioner-only rinseβ€”known in the curly hair community as a co-washβ€”to keep my hair from drying out, but beyond that, shampooing and conditioning my hair happens in two very separate steps. I’m sure two-in-one hair cleansers can get the job done when you’re in a pinch, but the product buildup situation just isn’t worth it in my opinion. I even learned from a dermatologist recently that decoupling shampoo and conditioner is essential for combatting some inflammatory scalp issues. Hydrating shampoos like this famous Davines one help to infuse nutrients into the hair without weighing it down as certain shampoo and conditioner hybrids can.

MORE HAIR:

Function Beauty Hair Customizable

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo ($12)

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Skip: Sheet Mask

Keep: Serum

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166)

My love of sheet masks is well documented, which is why it truly pains me to acknowledge their endless online scrutiny. (Skincare Twitter is a brutal place!) In all honesty, the thing I love most about these cloth or hydrogel face coverings is that you can’t really walk around while you wear them, so in essence, they force you to sit still and fully indulge in the act of boosting your skin’s hydration. While I’ve seen the plumping effect of these masks firsthand, I’m woman enough to admit that dropping them from my routine wouldn’t be detrimental to my skin in the slightest. Reaching for my favorite serums with hydrating, plumping, brightening, and tightening ingredients (the same stuff these masks are soaked in) is totally sufficient. And between us, I’m keeping my sheet masks on hand for those days I just need a little luxuriating. 

MORE SERUMS:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7)

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

TruSkin Vitamin C Serum ($20)

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Skip: Foot Cream

Keep: Body Butter

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter ($40)

Yes, feet have entered the chat. This topic isn’t at all glamorous, but footcare is important, too! The only thing worse than dry, cracked heels is investing in a special cream that doesn’t work any better than the thick body butter you already use on your other body parts. As with any skincare woe, smothering creams or oils over dead skin is pointless, so keeping the thick skin on our feet exfoliated is a good start for making sure any product is able to do more than just sit on the surface. Real ones know about the disgusting satisfaction of the Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel ($25), but of course, if you’re experiencing foot dryness that’s severe or concerning, be sure to check in with a trusted healthcare professional.

MORE BODY CARE

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter ( $15) $11

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($45)

Skip: Shaving Cream

Keep: Inexpensive Hair Conditioner

FUNCTION OF BEAUTY Take the hair quiz and get yours today!

Shaving cream does its job just fine, but it’s just not theΒ onlyΒ product that adequately softens and conditions hair ahead of shaving. Hair conditioner, a product most people already have readily available in their showers, also gets the job done. The day I learned conditioner was the perfect substitute for the thick, mousse-like cream I’d been beholden to since the day my mom armed me with my first razor, I stopped buying shaving cream and haven’t looked back. (This happened by accident, by the way.) I like to use Nair Hair Removal Aloe Lotion ($5), it is more gentle than using a razor which causes irritation to skin. But, if I’m ever out of that, I reach for conditioner without a second thought. This hack has come in especially handy for those conditioners I’ve purchased only to discover they don’t agree with my hair. Rather than tossing them in the trash,Β I instead repurpose them for shaving.

MORE PRIMP TOOLS:

CURLS Coconut CURLada Conditioner ( $10)

Dove Nutritive Solutions Oxygen Moisture Conditioner

DoveΒ Nutritive Solutions Oxygen Moisture ConditionerΒ ($4)

Herbal Essences Shine Collection Conditioner

Herbal EssencesΒ Shine Collection ConditionerΒ ($6)

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