Between cleansing balms, glow-getting serums and firming treatments (not to mention the 10 other steps in between), your skincare fund can really add up. To break the bank on a single product? You gotta know it’s good before you drop enough for a week’s worth of groceries. Here, we tapped five beauty-obsessed pros — makeup artists, a dermatologist, influencers who have their pick of all the products — to spill on their pricey-but-rewarding must-haves. From super-brightening vitamin C serums to a luxe face mist that you’ll want to apply all day everyday, these perfect picks get their stamp of spending approval.

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Sasha Exeter, content creator and entrepreneur

sasha-exeterInstagram: @sashaexeter

Elixir Face Mist, Caudalie Beauty

caudalie-mist

“This is just one of those products I could never live without. I’ve been using it for six-plus years and always have a full size in the fridge at home (I love to keep mine refrigerated so it’s refreshing when I apply) plus a mini travel size that I keep in my bag. I love to spritz it first thing in the morning. It tightens pores and brightens my skin, then I reapply throughout the day on the go. It’s also amazing as a setting spray and I layer it often between my foundation and powder to set my makeup.”

Price: $59

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Lotion P50T, Biologique Recherche

biologique-lotion

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve paid closer attention to my skin and learned the benefits of investing in some of the best products in the beauty game to help improve the look of my skin. I was introduced to the Biologique Recherche range of products from Tight Clinic founder, Karmen LaMer and the brand’s Lotion P50T was the first product I tried. It’s a bit pricey but worth every single penny. It single-handedly changed the texture of my skin. It does it all: exfoliates, hydrates and balances skin’s pH, which is why it’s considered a cult fave.”

Price: $124

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Jill Lansky, beauty content creator

jill-lanskyInstagram: @theaugustdiaries

Silymarin CF, Skinceuticals

Silymarin-Skinceuticals

“As someone who works in beauty, I truly think investing in your skincare is worth it, more so than with makeup products. Two of the most clinically supported ingredients in skincare are retinol and vitamin C, so I splurged on a good vitamin C serum. I’ve been using this one for about 9 months now and have definitely noticed a difference in skin texture, radiance and pigmentation, especially being postpartum.”

Price: $198

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Masque Vivant, Biologique Recherche

masque-vivant

“You have to know this balancing mask smells terrible  — my husband won’t even be in the same room with me when I have it on. But it works. It’s made with detoxifying yeast, witch hazel extract and cucumber, which is great for my acne-prone skin. lt always helps speed up the healing of a breakout.”

Price: $78

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Jaclyn Forbes, makeup artist and content creator

jaclyn-forbesInstagram: @jaclynforbes

Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50, Dermalogica

dermalogica

“Finding the perfect SPF for your skin needs can be challenging. I’ve been using Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 daily for almost two and a half years and this one is almost a perfect 10 in my books! It’s basically like if sunscreen and face moisturizer had a baby. It leaves your skin feeling beyond silky and supple, without that heavy sunscreen feeling. There’s no white cast, plus it layers beautifully underneath makeup. Using this product daily is such an effortless step in my routine, and it ensures that I don’t ever accidentally skip out on it (something that I’ve done in the past with thick and heavy sunscreens). It’s not your average sunscreen, and for a good reason!”

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Blemish + Age Defense, Skinceuticals

skinceuticals-blemish

“Being acne prone my whole life, acne-targeting products are one area that I don’t skimp out on. This Skinceuticals serum, which I’ve been using for three years, helps keep my acne at bay, plus it reduces excess oiliness and unclogs pores. Within a week of using this product, I could visibly see a difference in my skin. Whether it be emerging breakouts or routine blotchiness, my typical skin issues were noticeably reduced. I rarely get those painful, under-the-skin breakouts anymore since using it. It tackles every skin concern I have, and then some! It raised the bar for me on what a ‘good skin day’ is.”

Price: $118

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Dr. Katie Beleznay, dermatologist

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C E Ferulic, SkinCeuticals

CE-FERULIC

“I am a big proponent of topical vitamin C as part of a morning skincare routine since this antioxidant can deliver a number of benefits to the skin, including improvement in the appearance of fine lines and brightening the skin’s complexion. SkinCeuticals has some of the best vitamin C products on the market, utilizing l-ascorbic acid, which is the purest form of vitamin C. In order to protect your investment, it’s important to store C E Ferulic and all vitamin C products out of direct sunlight to keep them from oxidizing.”

Price: $198

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TNS Advanced+ Serum, SkinMedica

skinmedica

“SkinMedica has been refining its technology for 20 years and the Advanced+ Serum, which launched in 2020, is the latest innovation. The product includes growth factors and peptides, both of which can help to stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin, and has been shown in studies to help to firm sagging skin. It is a lightweight serum that is well tolerated by most people. It’s a personal favourite of mine and something that can be used in conjunction with retinol, which makes for a powerful anti-aging combination.”

Price: $330 (sold through dermatologist offices)

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Amy Shio, artist

amy-shioInstagram: @lesbest

No.1 De Chanel Revitalizing Serum, Chanel

chanel

“I usually get asked what creams I use on my face but I’ve been way more of a serum girl in the last few years. This one is worth it. One of the main ingredients — red camellia extract — supports skin’s vitality and protects against environmental aggressors. As the world changes, we should also be thinking about how we are saving our skin from things we cant see. After consistently using it for the first week on my face and décolletage, I would wake up with bouncier skin. What I love most is that it’s been tested on all skin types, including sensitive, and for me, that’s particularly important when dealing with eczema outbreaks.”

Price: $192

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Genaissance de la Mer The Eye & Expression Cream, La Mer

la-mer

“The area around the eye is the thinnest on the skin and, in my opinion, needs the most TLC. I love, love, love this eye cream. Though it comes with a hefty pricetag, it delivers. My eye area always feels more lifted and I can tell a big difference between using this product and other brands. The jar lasts me about three months, so when used twice daily, it breaks down to about $2.50 per application for a product that actually reduces dark circles, reduces puffiness, fine lines and plumps up loss of volume. The wearability with concealer is great, too — not tacky or gritty.”

Price: $565

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