I never look as happy applying anti-aging products as this lady does, but, man, her skin looks great! (Getty Images)(brizmaker via Getty Images)
At 51 — and a half, yikes! — I'm now squarely middle-aged, which means I wake up every morning to a fresh getting-older beauty surprise. This time of life is filled with joy (I'm happier and more confident than I've ever been) but also loads of humbling moments, at least in the vanity department. From eye bags to a crepey neck to "Wait, what happened to my jawline?" I often don't know where to start — even as a beauty editor who tests skin care for a living. That's because my options are overwhelming, and frankly, most anti-aging products are ineffective or at least highly oversold.
Knowing which lotions and potions are actually worth your hard-earned cash is a challenge for all of us, but, over the years, I've begun to winnow it down by testing products each week and scouring the internet for the best sales. Right now, I've got my eye on ultra-hydrating creams, serums and masks to help soothe cold-weather skin, particularly those that work well for aging faces and necks. I'm also seeking high-quality ingredients I recognize and trust with a proven track record of results. The Amazon beauty deals below represent some of my all-time favorite products: Most are clinically proven or, at the very least, wildly well-reviewed.
While it's not exactly meant as a face cream, this ultra-rich moisturizer is used for that purpose by most every seasoned beauty expert I know. It's extremely hydrating, packed with nourishing plant-derived ingredients and is especially good as a nighttime treatment for faces, hands, feet, necks and the décolleté area.
Add them to your cart while you can get 'em for a steal — don't forget to redeem both on-page coupons for a rare double discount.
Who knew the lowly snail would turn out to be 2024's self-care superstar? This beloved elixir is excellent for evening-out skin tone and making your face look softer and brighter overall. It's won multiple awards, garnered nearly 60,000 five-star Amazon reviews and impresses even the most scrupulous beauty editors.
There are loads of pricey treatments and potions meant to decrease facial puffiness, promote collagen growth and improve the texture of aging skin, but the ancient art of face rolling is the easiest, least expensive and arguably the most relaxing.
This high-quality jade roller and face massager tool set has almost 26,000 five-star reviews and, right now, it's more than 50% off.
After testing dozens of mascaras earlier this year, I named Maybelline's Lash Sensational the best mascara of 2025. The no-smudge, zero-flake formula lengthens and thickens lashes without being a hassle to apply (I did not have to remove globs from the applicator brush once in the last month — a first).
In addition to having this beauty editor's vote, more than 80,000 five-star reviewers rave about it on Amazon, all stating something along the lines of, "10/10 would recommend, I've ordered this six times now ... it's the best mascara I've ever used." Truly, it's that good.
If I could, I'd buy every person I know a bottle of CosRx snail serum — it's truly a favorite product, one of the most effective skin-care items for complexion smoothing, skin softening and dark-spot lightening I've ever tried. But, because handing over a bottle of snail mucus on a major holiday might seem a wee but strange, these sheet masks are a quality alternative.
They contain the award-winning snail slime, are highly hydrating and work for most any skin type. Users report they help with skin inflammation and even rosacea, and this pack of 10 is a solid entry point into the famous K-beauty line — and you can't beat the price.
Albolene's inconspicuous, no-frills moisturizing face cleanser is one of those in-the-know beauty secrets, a product you'd never think to buy for yourself until a friend says, "YOU MUST GET THIS. IT'S CHANGED MY LIFE." Well, I am that friend, telling you this lush, velvety, mild, no-fragrance cream is about to transform your entire night skin-care routine and make your face a whole lot softer and happier in the process.
The gentle, century-old cleansing product removes makeup effortlessly, without water (though you can choose to take it off by using a damp washcloth or cotton pad). It's particularly effective for older women concerned with damaging delicate under-eye areas and causing fine lines by scrubbing away mascara and eyeliner. It's also safe for all skin types. Trust me, if you buy it now (for just $10!) it will become a can't-live-without beauty staple on your bathroom shelves and — if you're a good friend — those of every woman you know.
This is the cream you want if you're, like, "I think tightening creams are BS but I also want to believe they are true because I currently hate my neck." The Gold Bond firming cream is no frills but gets the job done (the job being tighter jowls and a less reptilian neck). The formula is lightweight and on the thin side, but the product absorbs well and is gentle enough not to irritate sensitive skin.
Note: You'll need to use it consistently for about a month to see results, and it won't, of course, magically make you appear 25, but being able to snag this ample size for less makes this product worth a go.
I've been loving this extra-firming eye cream from Derma E, a truly quality brand that makes natural, vegan and cruelty-free products that won't cost you a week's pay. Made of skin-revitalizing ingredients like copper peptides and plant stem cells, it's clinically proven to improve elasticity, firmness and lighten a darker under-eye skin tone. I especially like it for my upper eyelids, where I've seen a noticeable difference in improved texture over just a few weeks.
More than 1,600 five-star reviewers also praise its lifting and tightening merits, calling it: "A miracle for your eyes—no time travel required!"
Exfoliants are essential for turning over dead skin cells and promoting skin health and collagen production no matter your age. However, they're particularly important in your 40s, 50s and beyond to keep your face from looking dull and tired.
This Bliss serum is an excellent entry point — it's gentle yet effective and good for all but the most sensitive skin types. It smells good too.
Retinol is one of the few ingredients that's clinically proven to help smooth wrinkles — including crow's feet — and brighten dark under-eye circles. This affordable eye cream uses a stabilized form of the retinoid that actually releases slowly over time, which means there's less chance of skin irritation, even for beginners. We've also found that this drugstore pick is effective at reducing puffiness and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
It's among the most highly rated eye creams on the market, with 15,000 five-star Amazon reviews. It's dermatologist-recommended too. Right now is a good time to give this popular cream a try — it's over $10 off.
If you're looking for an all-over tightening, brightening, hydrating, complexion-smoothing night cream for the face, neck and decolleté, you can't do much better than this clinically proven version by trusted brand RoC — especially at this price.
The popular cream is nongreasy and noncomedogenic and beloved by both dermatologists and celebrities alike (Sarah Jessica Parker is a fan). And, according to the more than 4,000 five-star reviews, ordinary folks are all over it too: "I'm in my 70s and this cream has been my go-to for years. It works on my skin!"
Tens of thousands of Amazon shoppers have experienced impressive results with this top-rated serum, which contains vitamins, peptides and amino acids to help thinning lashes appear fuller and longer. Just apply once daily, and you could see improvement in as little as four weeks, with the full effects kicking in after about three months, according to the brand.
We haven't seen it dip lower than its current price in years.
Check out our full GrandeLash review for more.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.