HQ Hearts: Our Favorite Skincare Products
-
HQ Hearts

Skincare is something we are all obsessed with here at Newsette HQ. From the products that we get sent to the ones we’ve been using religiously, we are always trying out new serums, lotions, oils, cleansers, and creams. And we all know that a good skincare routine can improve breakouts and even slow down your aging process. Not all products work for every skin type so we’ve rounded up each member of the team’s top 3 skincare products below, with the hope that you might find a new favorite.
Daniella, Founder and CEO
- Lotion p50 “1970.” This bottle definitely looks more medicinal than magical, but the results will make you feel like unicorns really do exist. I went to Rescue Spa (which is a must-visit for facials) and the aesthetician recommended the Biologique Recherche line to me. I’m always skeptical when facialists try to sell me stuff, but since I had literally had the best skin treatment of my life, I decided to go for it. This product was one of the ones I purchased–and the receptionist even told me that it would change my life as I swiped my credit card. Guess what? It did. My skin has never been so radiant, blemish-free, and oil-free.
- Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. A few years ago, when I was still living in Boston I went to the Sephora at the mall to desperately find something that would cure my winter skin. I stumbled upon this jar and I’ve never looked back. It keeps my oily skin moisturized but not shiny, and creates a soft, supple canvas for makeup. Truly one of my favorite products of all time.
- Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish. I struggle with congested skin and blackheads on my forehead and nose, so scrubbing the dead skin and dirt out of my pores is essential for a clear complexion. I love this one in particular because it instantly makes my skin feel 10x cleaner and softer directly after I wash it off. I use it in the shower after cleansing my skin, and rub it gently (seriously, gently!) all over my t-zone for about 30 seconds. I recommend using this only 2 or 3 times a week, so that you don’t irritate your face.
- KIEHL’S Midnight Recovery Concentrate. When I moved from always-sunny Florida to Philadelphia for college, my skin withered in the harsh winter. My normally oily complexion turned into flaky, ridiculously dry skin, and the only thing that helped was this oil. Not only is it the best thing for hydration, it also smells like a spa. This product is one of the only things I’ve tried that actually works overnight–it’s a miracle-worker.
- Rose Quartz Roller. One thing that I always had trouble with was adequately rubbing serums and moisturizers into my skin. Though my skincare routine includes several different products, they all seemed to sit on the surface of my face, and I wondered if they were being absorbed at all. Then, I got this rose quartz roller. Not only does rubbing it on my skin have anti-aging benefits, it also helps make sure all of my products get soaked up by my pores. Bonus–it’s naturally cold, which makes it great for de-puffing in the morning.
- Coola Full Spectrum Sun Silk Drops. SPF during the summer is a must when you venture outside, but did you know your technology emits harmful rays too? That’s right, sitting in front of your phone or computer all day (which you’re doing right now…) can age you. Yikes. Luckily, this easy-to-use, non-sticky, non-sunblock-smelling Coola product helps prevents visible signs of aging from both indoor and outdoor daily aggressors. Phew!
Madeleine, Director of Partnerships
- Belif The True Cream. I haven’t been able to live a day without this moisturizer in a few years. Having skin on the oily side, I’d previously struggled with facial creams being ‘too’ moisturizing. But this one has the perfect combination of hydration without being too heavy, perfect for one application in the morning and one at night.
-
KIEHL’S Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask. This mask is my go-to for weekly skin detoxification. My boyfriend actually gifted this to me (he’s obsessed with all things Kiehl’s), and it’s now one of my favorite skincare rituals. Its formula of oatmeal and aloe vera is gentle on my skin, but really works to draw out oil and dirt to unclog my stubborn pores.
-
IMAGE Skincare Prevention + SPF 50 Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturizer. I tried a facial at HeyDay for the first time this week, and had such a great experience–especially learning about all the great products they use! This daily sunscreen hands down has the best scent I’ve ever smelled for an SPF product, so I bought it on the spot. It smells like ‘vacation’–and if you don’t know what that means, you’ll just have to try it out for yourself!
- Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Contour Cream. I have always struggled with dark eye bags. This product immediately wakes up my eyes in the morning and lightens my dark circles. Just pat a little bit under and around your eyes and watch your eyebags fade.
- Revision Hydrating Serum. This hydrating serum has changed my skincare regimen completely. There’s research behind it that shows if you put it on before your products at night and in the morning then all your products can penetrate deeper into your skin. Since I’ve used it, my skin has been extra hydrated and clear, with minimal breakouts. Since there is no oil in it, it is perfect for oily and dry skin.
- Obagi CLENZIderm MD Foaming Cleanser. I’ve been using this cleanser for years. It has always been the best cleanser and anytime I have tried something new, I’ve always come back to this one. The salicylic acid in it helps prevents breakouts and it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.
- Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector. This is always step one in my everyday skincare routine. Not only is this face cream formulated with naturally-derived ingredients not tested on animals, it is also free from any gross artificial stuff. Even more, it has SPF 30 in it as well as a skin shield that protects from pollutants–a must for any New Yorker! I also love that it includes a special echinacea variant that contains a potent antioxidant that helps even out skin tone. It’s light enough to use before putting on makeup without feeling too heavy, and great for putting on before bed to moisturize and even out your complexion.
-
Patchology Aquaflash Daily Gel Moisturizer. My skin is on the dry side so I usually double up on my creams in the morning and at night. I love the Aquaflash daily gel moisturizer because it includes Hyaluronic Acid and aloe, perfect for hydrating and soothing my skin. There’s also Vitamin B5 in here, which is great for preventing and reducing wrinkles (score!). On hot summer days, I like to leave it in my fridge for a few minutes. Once it’s nice and cold, it’s so refreshing to put on!
- Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask. Another one of my favorite clean beauty brands! This mask from REN is perfect to use on a weekly basis. It’s great for restoring radiance and lightening any hyperpigmentation or scars. There is a slight tingle as the glycolic and lactic acids work there magic, but after about 10 minutes of this, you’ll be able to wash it off and see an instant glow!
Camille, Summer Intern
-
Biore Charcoal Facial Cleanser. I have used this every night before bed for years and I love how clean and fresh it makes my face feel. The charcoal clears all of the bacteria out of your pores, leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. It’s a drugstore product but feels much more high-end!
-
Clinique Moisturizing Gel. My skin verges on the oilier side so I need a moisturizer that isn’t too thick. This one is hydrating, but also super lightweight. Two pumps at night give me the perfect level of moisture.
-
Lush Lip Scrub. It’s not exactly a skincare product, but nonetheless, I still love this stuff. I am someone who enjoys a bold lip and this scrub exfoliates your lips for a smooth and even-color application. Plus, it’s just flavored sugar, so you eat it afterwards!
Lauren, Summer Intern
- Goop’s Luminous Melting Cleanser. Gwyneth Paltrow’s natural skincare line has me hooked. This cleanser specifically has a great texture and seeps deep into my skin to take off excess makeup. The blend of different oils including almond, olive oil, coconut and shea and cocoa seed butters leave my skin feeling silky smooth and evenly toned.
- Glossier’s Super Bounce Serum. The Super Bounce Serum by Glossier is my skin’s secret weapon after a night out or day in the sun. The hot summer days pull may moisture out of my skin, but after dripping a few drops of my “secret stuff,” my skin is softer and feels better than ever. It’s also great to use before applying makeup for an even complexion.
- Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer by Eminence. This is the most hydrating step of my skincare routine (and has the best scent). After washing off makeup, my skin is desperate for a moisturizer, and it not only soothes it but calms looming breakouts. I wake up with the softest soft skin and reapply to prepare for the day.