Amazon Prime Day comes but once per year, so as your friendly beauty editors, we take it as our responsibility to locate the best deals in everything from skincare to hair products. Because the truth is Prime Day is a little bit overwhelming. From the flash deals that have limited quantities to the true breadth of categories (we could spend half a day browsing the best discounts on supplements alone), it can be easy to want to skip the whole shebang. But the truth is, the discounts are actually substantial, and when it comes to beauty products you’re going to be buying eventually anyway, it makes sense to take advantage. That’s where we come in. Yours truly received a truly massive excel sheet ahead of the sale of every single deal, and I whittled it down to the 25 picks that our editors actually believe in. P.S. if you want even more expert picks, make sure to check out what a derm, makeup artist, and facialist have in their Amazon carts. From the lash serum that is “very rarely this cheap” to the cult-favorite serum from South Korea that is temporarily under $20, scroll on for an expert’s take on what to buy.
“Now is the perfect time to enhance your lashes with this tried-and-true serum that encourages the most fluttery fringes imaginable. It’s very rarely this cheap,” advises beauty editor Courtney Higgs.
“I’ll try any skincare product with vitamin C listed as a main ingredient, and this Sunday Riley face oil is no exception. I’ve been using it during the day under makeup and was surprised by how pretty it is. I typically only wear face oils at night, but I’ve designated C.E.O. Glow as my daytime one—it makes my skin significantly brighter and smoother,” says senior editor Allyson Payer.
“A great option for all hair types, this holy-grail dry shampoo from R+Co is strategic. It sucks up what you don’t want (e.g., grease and oil) while imparting instant grip and control for megawatt volume, texture, and stying opportunities,” according to senior beauty editor Erin Jahns. P.S.: Many R+Co products are part of the sale including shampoo, conditioner, and anti-frizz cream.
“Beloved French drugstore brand La Roche-Posay consistently wins awards for its top-notch sunscreen formulas. And within the mineral sunscreen bracket, this featherweight formula is my go-to,” says senior beauty editor Erin Jahns.
“OPI’s Nail Envy Strengthener deserves all the recognition it has already received and then some. I’ve used this nail strengthener after transitioning from acrylic nails or gel nails back to my regularly scheduled manicure, and after each use, my nails always get healthier, shinier, and more moisturized. This one’s got vitamin E (a nutrient recognized as the gold standard in nail growth and strengthening) and kukui nut oil,” says beauty writer Tameka Abraham.
The rosewater spray gets the most love on social media, but senior beauty editor Erin Jahns makes the case for the lavender: “I am pretty darn obsessed with this lavender-spiked elixir from Mario Badescu. The calming mix of chamomile, lavender, and aloe is what my sensitive skin craves. I love spritzing my Beautyblender with it (before and during application) to give my face some extra TLC and dewiness.” Why not try all three?P.S.: If you want to get started with just one, the single rosewater is on sale too.
“I use this stuff three times a day (first thing when I get up, right after my morning run pre-shower, and to take my makeup off at night before I cleanse), so I go through a lot of it fast. Some financial strategy is definitely necessary, so I make sure to take advantage when it’s on sale,” says senior beauty editor Erin Jahns.
If you’re looking for a whiter smile, look no further than this epic deal on Crest’s fan-favorite Whitestrips kit. I see noticeable results each time I commit to one of these kits, so I honestly wonder why people pay hundreds of dollars to whiten at the dentist.
“I’ve used this balm for my eczema before, and it’s one of my picks because it really stops my skin from feeling so itchy. You can apply it on your face or body, wherever you’re experiencing dryness or an eczema flare-up,” says managing editor Sarah Yang.
Razors are one of those things that are somewhat annoying to spend money on. Though with summer upon us, it’s certainly the season to get some fresh blades. So why not bite the bullet and score 32% off while you’re at it? These are our favorite for sensitive skin, just in case your legs haven’t seen a razor in a while. Oh, just us?
“There are so many serums that are heart-stoppingly expensive—especially in the brightening and vitamin C arena. Do your bank account a favor and opt for this one from Perricone MD instead. Your skin won’t know any difference between this one and other options that are six times the price,” says senior beauty editor Erin Jahns.
My idea of hot girl summer hair definitely includes some volume. We especially love how this one is humidity resistant. Perfect for those warm nights out.
The roommate of our senior beauty editor Erin Jahns is smitten with this dry shampoo. ” I have very oily, thin hair which means skipping wash days is not really an option. I’ve dabbled in dry shampoo for years and nothing has ever seemed to make the slightest difference without leaving a cakey residue on my scalp. The only product that ever actually worked for me was baby powder, which, again, is not ideal given it’s formulated with talc. Discovering this dry shampoo has been a complete game-changer, allowing me to extend my hairstyle for much longer than I normally could, ” she said.
“This lip plumper delivers injection-level results. And yes, I’m saying that as someone who has gotten injections in the past and knows what they look like!” says senior beauty editor Erin Jahns.
The reviews on this face wash are outstanding. Almost 500 reviews, and an average score of 4.8 out of 5. One enthusiastic customer raved, “I use this every other day with a face scrub pad. I literally buff away lines, dead skin, and discoloration. I spend a good five minuets really scrubbing my face and neck. I do this in the evening. Then, my face is ready to absorb my skincare products while I sleep. I see a huge difference in how my skin looks younger, more even, diminished lines, and rough patches. Can’t live without it.”
One happy reviewer shared, “This oil absorbs into my skin quickly and doesn’t leave my face feeling greasy or slick at all. It leaves my skin feeling dewy and fresh all day long without having to reapply moisturizers and makeup. But I also don’t need to apply powder to tame an oil slick either. As with all things Baby Bear, this one is ‘just right!’ Great moisturizer, and it doesn’t break me out, nor does it irritate my skin, or leave it blotchy. It’s the perfect oil in a bottle for me.” P.S.: The popular U.F.O. face oil from Sunday Riley is also on sale.
One reviewer noted, “I need a moisturizer that keeps my skin moist all day. This one does the trick. It feels really nice. Great, (mild) fragrance.” P.S.: The version with SPF 30 is on sale too, and if hope is not enough, step it up with the brand’s firming serum, which is 30% off.
“I’ve been using this bronzing mousse from St. Tropez the past few weeks to keep my sun-kissed look going strong. It’s easy to apply (no need to worry about streaks!), and it looks quite natural if I do say so myself,” says senior beauty editor Erin Jahns.
“I mean, the name itself says everything you need to know about the heavenly concoction. A 30% concentration of hyaluronic acid at three different molecular sizes has the ability to hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours. Ceramides also help to lock in even more moisture,” says beauty editor Courtney Higgs. P.S.: The brand’s popular pumpkin enyzme mask is also 30% off.
According to Katie Jane Hughes, makeup artists to celebs like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, the most important step in any makeup routine is a little bit of gentle exfoliation. She loves these easy-peasy swipeable pads from Elemis, which contain a strategic mix of lactic acid and a unique probiotic ferment complex. They take away dead skin so the makeup will sit more smoothly on the face, and she gives extra care around any areas with “creasing” (like around the nose, chin, etc.) where excess oil and dead cells are more likely to accumulate and dull the complexion.
What’s your cleanser done for you lately? Just taken off your makeup? Pssshhh! The glycolic acid in this cleanser helps soften fine lines and evens skin tone. At 30% off, what are you waiting for?
One reviewer said, “I really like this product. I use it for a little lift around my jawline and under eye area. It does not get dry or flakey, like some other firming products. I use it sparingly and I know it will last months, easily.”
This is senior editor Allyson Payer’s go-to brow serum for the past five years (at least). Our beauty editor adds, “Starting from the bottom with thin, sparse brows? This will help them get growing.” P.S. the eyelash serum is on sale too.
While this isn’t technically a beauty product, who doesn’t want to have a beautiful smile? I recently ordred an electric toothbrush full price, and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t wait for 40% off! While you’re at it, make sure to check out the best fashion deals too.
