BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
Menu
 
Gift Guides Apparel

Best beauty and personal care gifts from our beauty expert 2023

Expertly reviewed by Oscar Molinar

It's a great time to self-gift and indulge

Not too long ago, after a hot bath with Village Naturals Therapy Mineral Bath Soak, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I was 25 pounds heavier and looked 5 years older. I had several heart-to-heart discussions with family and friends and realized I was not alone. For many, this time at home over the past two years had added extra pounds and caused bad habits to return. Instead of continuing down this unhealthy path, I vowed to outsmart aging and refused to give up on myself. My name is Oscar Molinar, and I’m the BestReviews beauty expert. I have over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry working with high-profile clients. Here are the products I'm using as well as other ones that I highly recommend for the best self-care routines.

In this article: Elizabeth Arden Anti-Aging Ceramide Capsules Serum, Village Naturals Therapy Mineral Bath Soak and Oral-B Pro Smart Limited Power Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best skincare products

Meaningful Beauty Five-piece Starter Kit

Skin cells regenerate daily. The new cells grow from beneath, while the older cells near the top die and rise to the surface of your skin. When you begin a new skincare regime, make sure you commit to using the product for at least 30 days to see visible results. This five-piece starter set targets fine lines and wrinkles. Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty

OSEA Malibu Hyaluronic Sea Serum

Hyaluronic acid carries one thousand times its weight deep into the skin. You can use this serum with nearly any skin regimen as it plays well with others. Think of this product as aspirin for the skin. You can use it after a mask, after hair removal or to hydrate dry, dull skin. It is excellent when used with a humidifier for relieving dry patches or parched skin. The hyaluronic acid, seaweed and snow mushroom in this product allow it to be extra hydrating. Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty

Elizabeth Arden Anti-Aging Ceramide Capsules Serum

I began using ceramides when I was in my 30s. I was working in Central California as the first male in the cosmetics department. That's when I learned ceramides decrease with age. Ceramides help keep your skin barrier healthy and hydrated. This nourishing serum from Elizabeth Arden supports your skin’s natural collagen for a firmer look. It minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles to visibly improve skin tone and clarity. Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging and Intensive Repair Daily SerumThis intense serum is like Botox in a bottle. If you have premature aging due to sun exposure, this product is for you. It is the serum of choice to wear under your makeup. Sold by Amazon

Undaria Algae Body Oil

As soon as I step out of the shower, this oil delivers an instant rush of antioxidant hydration while also firming my skin. I recommend this product to my clients who are pregnant because it helps diminish the appearance of stretch marks. It eliminates the look of sagging skin and never feels greasy. Sold by Amazon

Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure

This foot mask dissolves dead skin on your feet with glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and citric acids. It is an intensive foot peel mask treatment and deep skin exfoliation that can help calloused and dry, cracked feet to give you a desirable baby-soft texture. Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty

OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream

OSEA's protection cream is a lightweight moisturizer and pollution barrier. It is vegan and cruelty-free and can be used as a makeup primer. Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty

Best makeup

Bobbi Brown Full Size Vitamin Enriched Face Base

When I'm on location, this is my go-to face primer. It acts as both a primer and a moisturizer. While it is hydrating, it’s also easy to blend with your foundation and other face makeup. In short, it is a vitamin-enriched primer that nourishes and preps skin with healthy hydration to improve the look of your foundation. Sold by Amazon and Sephora

Jones Road What The Foundation

This foundation blends easily and helps your complexion look smooth without being too cakey. It is great for anyone who wants to even out their skin tone and have a natural-looking healthy glow. Sold by Amazon

Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup with SPF 25

If you’re worried about varicose veins, stretch marks or other skin imperfections, the Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup can help. It gives your legs and body a flawlessly smooth and even tone. You can apply this makeup in thin layers, let it dry and build coverage as needed. It becomes transfer-resistant when set with Dermablend Setting Powder. Many people also use it to cover up tattoos. Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty

Dermablend Loose-Setting Makeup and Finishing Powder

This matte setting powder is well-known for its ability to set makeup and make it transfer-proof. It’s great at mattifying any shine on your face and hiding pores. It is great for flash photography and will turn any makeup sweat-proof, waterproof and transfer-resistant. Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty

Best beauty accessories

Back to Beauty Anti-Wrinkle Head Cradle (Beauty Pillow)

The company's motto is "Saving faces around the world, one pillow at a time." This foam-free wrinkle-prevention pillow is good for your face, neck, chest and breast. It keeps the desired body part in place to prevent it from getting wrinkles while you sleep. Sold by Amazon

Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt

An exfoliating mitt like this one removes layers of dead skin instantly without harmful chemicals. I bought an extra one to use for self-tanning, as it can be used on your face as well. Make sure to dry the mitt before each use. Besides getting rid of dead skin, this mitt can also increase blood flow to your skin and smooth out any rough parts. Sold by Amazon

Oral-B Pro Smart Limited Power Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Your teeth have a tremendous impact on how others perceive you. This offering from Oral-B includes a rechargeable handle, a charger, two brush heads and a travel case. The position detection lets you know where you've brushed while the pressure sensing technology keeps you from damaging your gums. Sold by Amazon

Lymphatic Massage Oil

This lymphatic massage oil blend includes arnica Montana, coconut oil and essential oils of geranium, cypress, orange, lavender, grapefruit and vanilla. These are all meant to support your lymphatic system and reduce water retention in your skin. Lymphatic massage oil is used with a lymphatic massage machine. You can also use it with Gua Sha, a face roller or a dry brushing body brush. Sold by Amazon

Large Gua Sha Tools Massage Set

This four-piece massage set helps improve blood flow, detoxes your body, reduces wrinkles and can even help relieve headaches. It is best when used in combination with lymphatic massage oil to help you look and feel your most radiant. Sold by Amazon

All Natural Soap and Dry-Brushing Body Brush Gift Set

A massage brush helps stimulate the lymphatic system, reduces cellulite and loosens tight muscles. The body brush in this set exfoliates dead skin and can be used with the included long handle, making it perfect for wet or dry brushing the back. By contrast, the facial brush is much more gentle on your skin, so it is best for delicate areas. These brushes are made with boar bristles that are soft yet firm enough to exfoliate without irritation or scratching. Sold by Amazon

Village Naturals Therapy Mineral Bath Soak

The aroma of this bath soak is subtle. Each jar has enough for 10 baths, so this three-pack set is suitable for relieving aches, pains and tension for at least a month. If you do not have time for a bath, just two capfuls in a foot bath will provide relief for your feet. Sold by Amazon

Electric Foot File Callus Remover

This rechargeable foot care kit removes calluses with three roller heads. It has two speeds, a battery display and is waterproof. Sold by Amazon

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. 

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

Share this post: