Best Skincare Products October 2018
The Standout Skincare Products Our Editors Are Loving This Month
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Despite what every grocery store owner or Starbucks seasonal menu would have you believe, the best thing about October has nothing to do with pumpkins. It's also not that you finally have an excuse to watch 10 straight hours of horror movies (because, hello, we've been binge-watching The Handmaid's Tale for weeks) or to dress up and pick far more apples than you'll ever eat.
No, the hands-down best thing about the month is the onslaught of Fall skincare launches hitting the market, which come every year to save your post-Summer glow-up. Not sure where to start? Ahead, we've asked our beauty editors to share the best skin products to try right now. Flannel recommended, but not required.
Eve Lom Radiance Transforming Mask
"My skin could give a meteorologist a run for their money — the moment temps drop below 65 degrees, my face forecast looks dull and lackluster. Not much has helped in the past, but then again, I had never met the Eve Lom Radiance Transforming Mask ($90). The thick, balm-like formula is packed with exfoliating AHAs and nutrient-rich algae and feels like flipping a light switch on my skin — every time." — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip
"Sunday Riley is announcing a big change to its iconic cleanser: it has a new formula, new package, new size and new price. Ceramic Slip is now $35 for 5 ounces (It was originally $45 for 4.2 ounces.) and uses green, bentonite, and white clay to help with impurities — hence the ceramic — while rice and olive oil esters balance your skin with hydration. I love this product because it effectively removed any caked-on makeup I might have from my shoots without making my skin feel dry and tight afterward." — Kirbie Johnson, host and senior beauty reporter
Sara Happ Lip Scrub Pumpkin Spice Latte Kit
"I fell in love with Sara Happ lip scrub years ago and haven't found a better scrub since. Considering my peach variety was getting a little old, I was thrilled to replace it with this Pumpkin Spice Latte ($50) edition. The scrub gently exfoliates your lips with Fall flavors and will create a smooth canvas for all your matte lipsticks. The kit also includes a Lip Slip nude gloss and a Plump and Prime, a lightweight cream that blurs lip imperfections." — Sarah Siegel, assistant beauty editor
Dr. Barbara Sturm Eye Cream
"For the past six months, I've been obsessed with Dr. Barbara Sturm products. The Dr. Barbara Sturm Eye Cream ($140) is perfect for someone like me who has kids, travels a lot, and works hard. My eyes often show my lack of sleep and stress, but with her lotion, they look much brighter — like I am doing something right to fight off some signs of aging. I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Sturm at our POPSUGAR Playground event, and she educated us about her ingredients, such as purslane and skullcap, which are nutritious plants with tons of omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. I use this cream morning and night, and rub it onto all delicate areas around my eyes, including the lids." — Lisa Sugar, cofounder and editor in chief
M-61 Vitablast C Serum Pad
"I've been trying to incorporate vitamin C into my daily skincare regimen for years, but let me be frank: I am lazy as f*ck. (Some days I'm surprised I muster up the energy to wash my face in the morning.) Then the glorious M-61 Vitablast C Serum Pad ($38) entered my life and made this step infinitely easier. Like a makeup wipe, this cotton pad comes soaked with good-for-you ingredients, like brightening vitamin C and exfoliating gallic acid. That means I can wipe my way to glowier skin while lying in bed, a glass of wine in hand, and Friends playing quietly in the background. . ." — KC
Indeed Squalane Facial Oil
"Thanks to the cooler weather making an appearance in London, I need to add extra hydration in my skincare routine, which means oils, oils, and more oils. Thankfully, the new Indeed Labs Squalane Oil ($20) does the job really well. It's my current ultimate product for soothing and moisturizing my dry but blemish-prone skin, and as it's noncomedogenic, it doesn't clog my pores." — Tori Crowther, assistant editor, UK
Kiehl's Youth Dose Eye Treatment
"I am the first to tell you that I think most eye creams are a sham, mostly because I think we purchase them in hopes of experiencing miracles, and one will rarely get rid of wrinkles, puffy bags, or dark circles completely. Kiehl's Youth Dose Eye Treatment ($39), however, has delivered for me, and I'm stoked. First, the unique applicator is fun to use, and the texture of the formula feels almost like a primer. This eye treatment includes pro-retinol, a retinol derivative. Most people advise you don't put retinol products near this delicate area, but in this case it's gentle enough to make a difference without being too aggressive. It also includes a vitamin C derivative and grape seed extract, meaning it packs a huge punch: it smooths, brightens, and prevents. I've noticed my under-eye area is smoother in just a few weeks — I'm obsessed." — KJ
Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit
"When I discovered acne treatment dots, small circular stickers that you place on a zit until it absorbs out all the pus and oil, I was floored and they became a skincare staple. That's why I was eager to test out Patchology's Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit ($20), which includes three treatments for all kinds of acne. The kit includes the traditional hydrocolloid dots that suck out impurities overnight, as well as salicylic acid ones that work on cystic acne that hasn't come to a head. Blackhead-eliminating nose strips are also included, so you can cover all your pimple bases." — SS
Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30
"Tell a beauty editor you don't wear sunscreen, and she'll throw the closest one she's got on hand at you. That's how I was introduced to Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30 ($66), after all: I had a few bottles from the office in my bag to bring home and was having dinner with someone who mentioned they don't like wearing sunscreen. Cue the flinging; eventually she left with one. When I tried it, I knew I dug the tinted, lightweight formula, but the real confirmation came three days later, when I got a text from said friend that read: 'OMG, this stuff is good. I literally skipped all other face makeup.' Yeah, it's that good." — KC
Odacite All-Embracing Serum
"I'm a big fan of Odacite and the story behind the brand, when usually I'm a bit hesitant about oil with my combination skin. Odacite All-Embracing Serum ($95) smooths the skin with a mix of natural acids from hibiscus, gives a glow from lightweight watermelon seed oil, and helps calm it down with colloidal oatmeal. I've noticed my skin looks bouncier and better under makeup since testing it the past few weeks." — KJ
Herbivore Rose Quartz Illuminating Body Oil
"I haven't met an Herbivore product I didn't like, and the Herbivore Rose Quartz Illuminating Body Oil ($48) is no different. It gives the prettiest glow to the skin without leaving a greasy finish. If you need an excuse to give your body a little extra TLC this Fall, consider this your perfect excuse." — TC
Summer Fridays Overtime Mask
"If you want to feel really cozy, it's time to pile on the Summer Fridays Overtime Mask ($44), which smells like an actual pumpkin pie. The clarifying formula includes oat kernel proteins to soothe irritated skin and antioxidants to brighten your complexion. The mild apricot seed powder in the mask is a gentle but effective exfoliant." — SS
Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier | Paula's Choice
"Pollution is on many people's minds when it comes to skin care recently. I'm certainly hyperaware of the effect it is having on my skin, so I welcomed the Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier ($31) with open arms. The formula does what it promises and has kept me hydrated without clogging my pores." — TC
Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water — Kiehl's Since 1851 | Sephora
"Call me basic all you want, but I swear by the church that is micellar water to cleanse my sensitive skin. For the most part, I appreciate that these formulas don't come with any bells or whistles (read: fancy ingredients), but when I start to feel especially boring, I prayer-hand emoji that Kiehls Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water ($28) exists. It's gentle enough that it won't cause a reaction but is also loaded with calming thyme essential oil and lemon floral water to give the stuff a little something-something." — KC
The Inkey List Lactic Acid Serum
"The Inkey List is the new ingredient-focused brand on the scene with prices ranging from $7 to $14, and, boy, do the products deliver results. This Lactic Acid Serum ($11) works great on my combination and sensitive skin to slough off the dead skin and keep me feeling glowy." — TC
