Cosmo Beauty Editors Reveal Their Top Must-Have Skincare Savers
Inside Cosmo's beauty closet: Editors share seven essential products, game-changing advice, and how to build your own glowing skin routine this season.
Sh*t We Stole From the Beauty Closet: Cosmo Editors’ Skincare Obsessions
Every season, Cosmopolitan’s beauty editors raid their enormous beauty closet to unearth the latest must-haves. In episode three of their hit YouTube series Sh*t We Stole From the Beauty Closet, Beauty Director Carly Cardellino, and senior editors Lauren Balsamo and Chloe Metzger break down seven leading skincare products. With hundreds of samples arriving daily, these are the select few worthy of Cosmo’s coveted stamp of approval.
Why Trust Cosmo’s Picks?
By the editors’ own accounts, their shelves overflow with every trending potion and serum. Only the products that truly deliver on skin health make it to their top shelf. These picks transform lackluster skin, fight breakouts, shield from weather, and, most importantly, leave you with a radiant, healthy glow—all tested firsthand by professionals.
The 7 Essential Skincare Products for Healthy, Glowing Skin
If you’re seeking to upgrade your regimen for winter or target stubborn concerns, these seven editor-endorsed products provide targeted solutions. Here’s what to use and why.
- TIZO 2 Non-Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
This mineral sunscreen stands out for its gentle, non-tinted formula that doesn’t leave a white cast, offering high SPF protection without compromising skin comfort. It’s ideal even for sensitive skin and offers broad-spectrum defense against both UVA and UVB rays—a daily must to prevent premature aging and pigmentation.
- Glossier Futuredew
Futuredew is a cult-favorite lightweight oil-serum hybrid. It imparts an instant dewy glow without residue, offering hydration and subtle luminosity. Whether used alone or layered under makeup, it’s adored for delivering the popular ‘glass skin’ effect that’s never greasy—just healthy and radiant.
- Shani Darden Retinol Reform
Retinol Reform merges gentle but effective retinol with lactic acid to smooth texture, fade dark spots, and boost collagen. Editors advocate the ‘retinol 1-2-3 rule’: start with one application weekly, gradually increase to two, then three, letting your skin adjust. The advice here demystifies retinol use, making this powerhouse ingredient approachable even for beginners.
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm
An ultra-soothing repair balm packed with Vitamin B5 that calms irritation, rebuilds the skin barrier, and works wonders on dry patches, red zones, and post-procedure recovery. Its accessible pricing and dermatologist credibility make it the perfect fix for stressed winter skin.
- Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser
This sulfur-powered cleanser targets acne without stripping your skin. Editors recommend it for those dealing with hormonal breakouts or texture irregularities, praising its gentle exfoliation and calming effect even for daily use.
- Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35
This CC cream doubles as makeup and sun protection. With a flexible shade range and a lightweight feel, it evens tone, disguises redness, and keeps your complexion safe from sun damage. It’s their shortcut to flawless skin on busy mornings.
- DHC Olive Concentrated Cleansing Oil
A Japanese classic, this olive-based cleansing oil melts away even waterproof makeup while nourishing your skin. Editors love it as a first cleanse in the evening, followed by a gentle foaming wash for a complete double-cleansing regimen.
Skincare Ingredients Decoded: What You Really Need to Know
Cosmo editors believe good skin starts with good information. This episode breaks down commonly misunderstood ingredients and routines.
| Ingredient/Term | What it Does | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc | Soothes irritation, acts as a mild antibacterial, and offers physical sun protection. | Look for mineral sunscreens and balms for sensitive or breakout-prone skin. |
| SPF | Shields skin from UV rays, which age and damage the skin—and trigger hyperpigmentation. | Use daily—indoors and outdoors. Not just for sunny days or summer! |
| Retinol | Speeds cell turnover, fades dark spots, smooths wrinkles, and refines skin texture. | Follow the 1-2-3 rule: start slow (once/week), build to three times weekly. Always use SPF! |
| Treatment Cleansers | Formulas with actives (e.g., sulfur, AHAs) treat acne or exfoliate dead skin cells. | Use as second cleanse or alternate nightly. Avoid over-stripping by following with calming products. |
| Cleansing Oil | Dissolves makeup and excess oil, leaving skin soft and clear. | Apply on dry skin, massage in, emulsify with water, rinse, then use a gentle foaming cleanser. |
Your Step-by-Step Editor-Approved Skincare Routine
For glowing, resilient skin, especially in the cold season, combine the essentials above into a simple regimen tailored to your needs. The beauty team suggests:
- Start with DHC Olive Concentrated Cleansing Oil for makeup removal.
- Follow with Kate Somerville EradiKate Foaming Cleanser for deeper cleaning.
- Apply Shani Darden Retinol Reform according to your tolerance and the retinol 1-2-3 rule.
- Layer on La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 for soothing and repairing overnight.
- Each morning, use TIZO 2 Mineral Sunscreen (or Supergoop CC Cream for SPF plus coverage).
- Finish with Glossier Futuredew for hydrated, luminous skin.
Editor Tips for Flawless Winter Skin
- Double cleanse at night: Removes sunscreen, makeup, and the day’s buildup for clearer pores.
- Use retinol wisely: Patience is key. Start slow, build up, and always follow with sunscreen to avoid sensitivity.
- Never skip SPF: Even in winter, UV rays damage skin. Mineral formulas suit sensitive types too.
- Balance actives with hydration: After acids, always apply a calming, barrier-repairing cream.
- Customize coverage: CC creams and tinted SPFs are editor shortcuts for even, natural-looking skin.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why do beauty editors recommend mineral sunscreen over chemical?
Mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) offer broad-spectrum protection and less irritation for sensitive complexions, making them editor favorites for daily wear.
Q: Is retinol suitable for beginners? How do I start?
Yes—follow the ‘retinol 1-2-3 rule’ the editors recommend: apply retinol once a week, then step up to twice, then three times as your skin acclimates. Always use SPF and pair with hydrating products to minimize dryness.
Q: What’s the difference between cleansing oil and foaming cleanser?
Cleansing oils dissolve makeup and sunscreen, while foaming cleansers remove sweat, impurities, and leftover residue. Combined, they remove everything gently for clean, balanced skin.
Q: Are CC creams a good stand-in for foundation?
Absolutely! CC creams are lighter and contain SPF, offering coverage, complexion correction, and protection in one sweep—an editor go-to for busy mornings and natural looks.
Q: How can I fight winter dryness?
Layer hydrating serums like Glossier Futuredew and apply a soothing balm like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. Avoid harsh exfoliants and use gentle cleansers.
Editor-Approved Skincare Shopping List
- TIZO 2 Non-Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
- Glossier Futuredew
- Shani Darden Retinol Reform
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm
- Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser
- Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35
- DHC Olive Concentrated Cleansing Oil
Why These Picks Earned Cosmo’s Seal of Approval
Cosmo’s editors field endless products and only keep the best: formulas that deliver real results for every skin type. From gentle mineral sunscreen to versatile CC cream, this curated selection covers everything—protection, repair, cleansing, and radiance. Their honest, practical advice lets you build a skincare routine that’s not just on-trend but genuinely effective for you.
Want More? Stay Tuned
This insider guide is only the start of Cosmo editors’ ongoing product discoveries. For more expert tips, seasonal must-haves, and deep dives into skincare science, catch each episode of Sh*t We Stole From the Beauty Closet—and let Cosmo’s team take your skincare routine to the next level, every season.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a29701114/cosmo-beauty-youtube-show-skincare-products/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9fFpg7_tXQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0BXbP5jcvc
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/skincare/a19887/video-cosmos-favourite-skincare-beauty-products/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cOcaYPFonw
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx9huiKCzT6D07mvRxq6thfHs_ISu_MoZ
- https://www.youtube.com/user/cosmopolitanuk
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2guzg4M1ZZw
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owvSkO4SeUg
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9WYAGwZ9SFJgtuCM4f2Gxw
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