1.
A strawberry body scrub because after a day in the sun, you sometimes just need to scrub your body to get all the sand off. You can use this all over to remove dull skin, leaving you with glowing skin. The scent? You ask. Picture fresh strawberries, ripe pineapples, and perfect peach blossoms. Name a better combo for the warmer months — I’ll wait.
Target
This is my favorite body scrub of all time. It smells amazing, and it works incredibly on my skin. It really does a good job of softening, cleansing, and exfoliating my skin. This scent is my favorite, but all of these are brilliant.
Promising review: “I look forward to getting in the shower just because of this body scrub. The smell is amazing and lingers on your body. The scrub is not too harsh on the skin but enough to exfoliate. This is my favorite scrub, and I don’t think I would buy a different brand.” —Daniela
Price: $7.99
2.
A L’Oreal powder foundation to leave your skin looking like an IRL filter. Lightweight, breathable, and lasts up to 24 hours (trust me on this one) — this might just be the product that converts you to a powder person.
I love this product so much, I am about to hit pan, which never happens! I am not a huge powder foundation person but this has seriously changed the game for me. It’s super long-lasting and has survived a number of hectic weather days and chaotic subway rides. Also, the coverage is everything! I highly recommend it.
Promising review: “I absolutely love how smooth it goes on. I have oily/combination skin and it doesn’t cling to any dry patches, plus it lasts all day. I really recommend this product! The hype is real!.” —Jenny
Price: $13.99 (available in 25 shades)
3.
A pimple patch that’ll change your skin forever in the best possible way. All you need to do is apply these to your face, and overnight (or throughout the day), and your zits may ~magically~ disappear!
Target
I don’t often get breakouts, but when I do, I always turn to these. I usually leave them on throughout my day and take them off before bed, and I’m always impressed with how incredibly they work — they truly do a great job of reducing the size of my pimples and getting out all the gross gunk.
Promising review: “I kinda wish I had more pimples to get the satisfaction of using these more often. It sucks all the gunk out and relieves any swelling and redness. Especially if you like to squeeze at your zits and they get red and puffy, this will fix the red and puffy.” —mp
Price: $7.99+ (available in three sizes)
4.
A L’Oreal hyaluronic acid tinted serum because it looks like your natural skin but better. If you’re still trying to master that natural beauty look but are on a budget, this is perfect for you. Fun fact: It’s the first tinted serum with 1% hyaluronic acid, so as you wear it over time, it *actually* can help hydrate and smooth your skin. Talk about magic?!
Target
Promising review: “Wow. I did not think I would like this as much as I do, but it’s really beautiful. It has a light, natural coverage that is definitely buildable. It feels moisturizing and has a slightly dewy finish but nothing over the top. I used it with a green color-correcting concealer underneath, and it looked so natural and fresh. The dropper sucks, but for the price, it is absolutely worth it, and the foundation is so good I don’t care. Definitely give it a try if you are looking for a light coverage foundation!” —Anna
Price: $15.19 (available in 14 shades)
5.
A Maybelline mascara that has the whole beauty community and me shook. If you’ve always liked the look of falsies but *hate* the feel of them, this baby is about to be your BFF. Created with bamboo extract and fibers that’ll make your lashes long and voluminous, this cult-favorite mascara will have your eyelashes practically fluttering in the breeze.
Target
I love this product so much, and I get tons of compliments whenever I wear it. It does an amazing job of lengthening and curling my lashes and has, honestly, saved me money because I no longer purchase higher-end mascara. This is all I need!
Promising review: “I love this mascara. I have very short lashes, and this mascara gave me length and even made me appear to have fuller lashes. I love it, and it’s now my official go-to mascara. I use fractionated coconut oil to remove it because it does not come off easily, which I love because that’s what you want from a waterproof mascara.” —MPed
Price: $9.99+ (available in seven shades)
6.
A hydrating and gripping primer to keep your look lasting all day and night long. You might’ve just met your next go-to primer in this gel-based, hyaluronic acid–enriched formula. Imagine having flawless makeup at the end of a summer night — incredible!
Target
Promising review: “I’m fairly new to primers, but I got this one because of TikTok, and it’s such a good price. I really love it! It definitely makes a difference with how my makeup sits, especially around my eyes. I have dry skin, so my eye area tends to cake up after a while. I’ve noticed it definitely doesn’t do that now. And it has a good grip even while I wear a mask all day. At lunch, my makeup looks pretty much the same!” —Britlz
Price: $10
7.
A micellar water that cleanses your skin as it removes your makeup because I love a multi-use product. No rinsing is needed. This wonderful product might actually make you believe in magic.
8.
A hydrating serum because your skin could always use an extra boost of hydration. Lightweight and plumping, this serum uses a dreamy combo of volcanic water and hyaluronic acid to help your skin barrier while keeping it hydrated.
Target
Promising review: “I have SO many hyaluronic acid serums/moisturizers and was never impressed by any! They always left me feeling dry or made my am face sting a little. I had totally given up on hyaluronic acid anything and figure it was just not for me. I got this by accident (thought I was graving the prebiotic niacinamide serum) and decided to keep it. Let me tell you…I have no idea what they put in this bottle, but my skin absolutely loves this. It’s plump, hydrated and for some reason more even toned. This has done wonders so far and I’m hooked. Definitely recommend splurging on this one!” —Sindi
Price: $32.99
9.
A CeraVe under-eye cream to help you conquer your under-eye bags. Full of three types of ceramides to help restore and repair your skin barrier, this moisturizing eye cream works like a magic potion.
Target
Promising review: “How? HOWWWWW?? I just might be in the running for the world’s puffiest, baggiest under-eyes. Genetics, a toddler, and my love for salt aren’t helping to combat the issue. I’ve tried chilled spoons, eye masks, ice globes, caffeine, tea bags…NOTHING made a dent in my eye luggage. I read an article on this magic stuff, figured it was cheap enough to gamble upon, and have been applying religiously in both the a.m. and p.m. I can say with absolute conviction that this cream has substantially reduced my bags. Do I look like I had surgery, or am I 20-years-old again? Nope. But I, as well as other people, have noticed and commented!! I haven’t changed a dang thing in terms of sleep or diet. This is worth every single penny, in my opinion!!“— Target_Customer22613579
Price: $20.49
10.
Or a retinol eye cream that’ll help with dark circles, puffy eyes, and fine lines. Nongreasy and hypoallergenic, this cream deserves a spot on your wish list and mine.
Target
Promising review: “I’ve only started using this and see such a difference already. I’ve tried so many under-eye creams over the years with mediocre results, nothing even close to what I’m seeing already with this. I have some health issues which show heavily under my eyes. I’ve had constant black bags for years with varying shades of black. I assumed that with my medical issues, I was stuck with them. I am so pleased to see them clearing up, and my skin looks radiant. Very happy.” —BAG
Price: $25.49
11.
And a set of under-eye patches to make it look like you’ve slept a full eight hours, even though we both know you were busy rewatching Bridgerton for the millionth time. These use coconut and cucumber, which helps nourish, strengthen, and soothe skin. They also use caffeine and hyaluronic acid to help de-puff.
Target
Promising review: “The first time I put the depuffing eye patches on, my eyes instantly depuffed and cooled down! Also, my eyes feel more hydrated and awake!! I love this product. The price is yet not too expensive but not too cheap either. So you’re buying a product that is worth your money. I highly recommend this product to anyone who needs to depuff and brighten their eyes. This is the product to invest in!!” —Lillian Tran
Price: $24
12.
A mini makeup-dissolving, dark spot-targeting cleanser because your skin deserves it. The niacinamide-based product can make your skin look more even and feel a bit softer.
Target
Promising review: “This is my holy grail! I had terrible cystic acne for years, and this was helping me maintain my skin with less severe acne. Now I’ve gone to derm and treated it, but I still use this. Used to buy these, and they would last me a long time, but now I just buy the big bottle because it lasts longer.” —jz
Price: $4.99+ (also available in a larger size)
13.
An antibacterial cleanser for acne-prone skin that can be used on both your face and body. Here’s how it works: It uses benzoyl peroxide, which can help unclog your pores while also getting rid of acne-causing bacteria.
Target
Promising review: “When I tell you that I’ve tried every acne face wash, I mean every. I never broke out until I was in my 30s. Assuming it’s hormonal, and the cystic pimples are painful. This is the ONLY thing that cleared them up. For good.” —Net lights
Price: $12.49
14.
A La Roche-Posay moisturizer with SPF 30 that’ll help you get through the next heat wave. Lightweight, non-greasy, with up to 48 hours of hydration. Why isn’t this in your collection? I’ll take 20.
Target
Promising review: “I bought this because I wanted a daily moisturizer with SPF. I have tried several others and continue to try others, not because I dislike this one but because I like having a couple of different moisturizers in my face care routine to mix things up, but none of the other ones pass the test. Every other SPF moisturizer is greasy or sticky or pills. This one is perfect. My face feels clean and refreshed, and I can easily apply makeup afterward without pilling. I think I’m giving up on having a second daytime moisturizer and will just leave my variety to nighttime non-spf moisturizers and use only this one for daytime. I also love that it is within TSA allowances for liquids, so I can take it when I travel.” —Steph
Price: $23.99
15.
A nourishing coconut milk shampoo to hydrate your hair post-pool all summer long. Another reason why I love this shampoo so much is because its designed to help with frizz and breakage.
Target
Promising review: “This is my #1 favorite shampoo I’ve ever tried. First of all, the scent is amazing. I was wary to try this because coconut scents are not my favorite, but to me, this smells like yummy cake batter with just a hint of coconut. Secondly, and most importantly, I can see and feel a noticeable difference in my hair when I use this. I use several different shampoos throughout the week because I have color-treated hair (purple shampoo, Olaplex), but only when I use this OGX one does my hair feel noticeably silkier/softer. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve never found a shampoo that has such an immediate effect on my hair and makes it feel so healthy. I will be using this shampoo (paired with the conditioner) for the rest of my life. Wish I had discovered this sooner!” —Hello
Price: $6.99+ (also available in larger size)
16.
And a clarifying conditioner that will give your hair the beachy waves you’ve been dreaming of. Inspired by athletes, this will cleanse and condition your hair while also leaving it smelling like mint and vanilla, aka the scent of my hopes and dreams.
Target
I have a hair treatment, so I do not often get to experiment with shampoo, but I love trying conditioners, and this has been super game-changing for me. Not only does it make my hair feel clean, but it also does a great job of enhancing my waves. It always leaves my hair feeling lighter and looking ~soo~ freaking good!
Promising review: “The smell is amazing! Subtle and not overpowering but still good. It gets my hair SUPER clean without stripping all the moisture. Definitely the best brand of shampoo and conditioner I have ever used!” —QuinnDelaneyJames
Price: $11.99
17.
A glowy toner because it’s alcohol-free, and your skin will thank you. I love this product because it gives you an incredible glow while exfoliating your skin and making you shine brighter.
Target
Promising review: “Literally day and night difference!! I had so many cystic breakouts in my chin area, and just adding this to my skincare completely cleared my skin and has given me a glow.” —Mnmtz
Promising review: “I have been using this toner for a week, and I absolutely love it. I am already seeing a difference in my skin, and I love how it feels. I am def buying this again.” —MJ
Price: $15+ (also available in a larger size)
18.
A Mario Badescu drying lotion that might be the most magical beauty product of all time. This iconic drying lotion uses salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide to unclog pores and absorb oil, leaving your zit a lot smaller than it was the day before.
19.
Some Clearasil acne control pads because this 5-in-1 product is designed to fight blocked pores, pimple size, excess oil, acne marks, and blackheads. Your skin deserves this salicylic acid treatment, TBH.
Target
Promising review: “I had really stubborn acne that would NOT go away on my chin. I tried many other treatments with no results. I started using this twice a day, morning and night, and saw results within two days!! I have a good portion of my head shaved as well, and I’m prone to ingrown hairs and pimples there, too. I started using these on the shaved parts of my head, and I don’t have any more scalp problems either!! This stuff is amazing. I’d recommend it to anyone. I also like how it’s not so harsh to where I need to use a moisturizer afterward!” —Kitty
Price: $8.39
20.
A LaRoche Posay balm/cream to revive your uber-dry and red skin. Nourishing and soothing, this product has become my go-to and will be yours, too. I could write an entire essay on my love for this product; it’s just that good.
Target
I bought this while I was in France and let me tell you, I use it every single night, and it’s changed my skin. I have sensitive skin with a lot of redness, and this product does not irritate my skin at all and does reduce the redness a bit. I’ve been using it as a moisturizer at night, and I love it. I highly recommend this product.
Promising review: “This stuff is magic. I used a pimple patch on my face, and it ripped off a layer of skin, leaving me with a huge red spot on my forehead. It was so embarrassing and looked terrible. I put this on the area religiously for 2 days, and it’s now new, fresh skin and looks almost back to normal. I live in a dry climate and will now be using this as my overnight moisturizer. Worth every penny.” —Erin w
Price: $15.99
21.
A serum body wash that smells as good as it works. It’s friendly for all skin types, and consistent use could help fade dark spots. Once you slather this on, you might never go back to another brand. It’s that amazing.
22.
Or a delightful-smelling body wash because it’s time to step up your shower routine. Warming and cozy, this coconut, rice milk, and shea butter butter–scented body wash is sure to bring you joy.
Target
Promising review: “After years of debating, I’m glad that I took the leap. For the longest, I have been using Dove body wash and always felt a little dissatisfied with the outcome; my skin didn’t feel moisturized. It felt like a film was placed on my skin after. However, after using this Method body wash, my skin has never felt so soft before moisturizing. The smell is amazing. I can tell that this is a quality product that I will forever be buying from now on.”—Christine
Price: $7.99+ (also available in a larger size)
23.
A post-blemish recovery balm to help your skin heal post-breakout. This helps with red spots, bumps, scaly patches, and dark marks. All you do is apply post-zit popping or post-pimple patch and let it do its job.
Target
Promising review: “I don’t know why or how, but Hero’s products have worked like absolute magic for me. They’re magical — that’s all! Honestly, they make my inner teenager both super happy but jealous that I didn’t have these products way back when. But, even as I’m in my late 20s, I still deal with hormonal breakouts. And all of Hero’s products, especially this one, have been a skin-saver. I’ve had a few spots of very, very stubborn acne. I used the patches and the aloe gel — which both will work — but in these couple of spots, I’ll have one or two stubborn (almost below the skin) pimples that just WON’T go away. With this cream, OMG, it’s only been a few days, but these spots have actually cleared up significantly.” —Nicole
Price: $6.99+ (available in three sizes)
24.
A hair and scalp oil that uses 30 essential oils and extracts to magically repair and nourish your hair and make it shine brighter than the sun at 2 p.m. on a summer afternoon.
Target
Promising review: “I have moderate psoriasis on my scalp, which gets really itchy, irritated, and painful in the winter. I was hoping this rosemary oil might provide some relief to my most recent flare-up, and I knew it would to some degree…but I didn’t think it’d be overnight! I applied almost 2 droppers’ worth onto my scalp, then dispersed it further with a scalp massager. Slept with it on my scalp and washed my hair the next morning. My scalp dramatically improved.” —L
Price: $9.99
25.
A morning treatment designed for stubborn acne. Not only can you use it first thing in the morning, but this product also claims to work on reducing the size and redness of stubborn acne within the first four hours of treatment. 🤯
Target
Promising review: “I use this with the p.m. Treatment, and I can honestly say my skin has never been clearer. I struggled most of my life with poor acne, and while a few get through, It’s nothing remotely as bad as it was before. Absolute lifesaver. Been using this combo for about two months.” —ACustomer42
Price: $13.59
26.
And the p.m. version of this, so you can create your very own routine. This treatment uses retinol which will help reverse the post-acne marks/scarring on your face and can even help tone your skin.
Target
Promising review: “I have been struggling with hormonal acne for few years. I am now 41. On my jawline and down towards my neck. I’m talking cystic like acne. I’ve tried lots of products and this is the only product that has helped tremendously. I put it on every night. It definitely helps keep the acne away. Highly recommend.” —Robyn
Price: $19.99
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
