Five Products Worth Their Hype (and Their Price)

Plenty of products go viral. Fewer actually earn a spot in your routine. These five have earned theirs, and here’s why they’re worth the splurge.

Dr. Esthé Sun Protection Ultra Repair SPF 50 | $65
There are countless affordable and viral SPFs out there, but not all sunscreen is created equal. This one was using bemotrizinol (BEMT) before it was cool. BEMT is the long-trusted European filter the FDA finally approved this summer. It’s a chemical SPF, so it goes on as a seamless canvas with no thick white cast, and it works for nearly everyone, acne-prone skin included. It also does more than protect: peptides and soothing botanicals hydrate skin and calm redness. The best SPF is the one you’ll actually wear every day, and the texture on this one makes that easy.
How to use: Always the last step of your skincare, before makeup.

House of PLLA Caviplla Premier Caviar & O2 Multi Serum | $90
A true unicorn serum. It’s packed with caviar extract, growth factors, and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible, biodegradable ingredient best known from injectable collagen stimulators like Sculptra. If you want more glow, more bounce, or a pick-me-up for tired-looking skin, this is your serum. Results build over time, so consistency is key.
How to use: Every day, on toned skin or after your active serum. Let it foam, massage it in, and don’t rinse.

TAHNYC Lux Collagen Luminescence Cream 30g | $128
Finally, a rich, moisture-packed cream that’s friendly to acne-prone and sensitive skin! Lux is emulsifier-free, so it melts on contact and contains only what your skin needs: jojoba esters, peptides, vitamin C, and rosehip oil. Dry or overstimulated skin can’t heal properly, which makes a cream that truly calms and replenishes worth every penny.
How to use: The last step at night, and under SPF in the morning.

Vivant Pure C+E | $114
Vitamin C is non-negotiable, but finding a formula that truly gets the job done isn’t easy. Pure C+E uses pure ascorbic acid, the most potent and well-researched form of vitamin C, along with vitamin E and lactic acid, for brighter, firmer, more even-toned skin. Many brands avoid pure ascorbic acid because it’s tricky to formulate and can cause some temporary irritation. Vivant knows the right formula is worth acclimating to.

How to use: In the morning, after cleansing and before moisturizer and SPF. Start every other day and build up to daily.

Celluma Mystique LED Mask | $995
LED has gone from trend to tried-and-true, but there’s a lot of science behind it, and you aren’t guaranteed results without a reputable device. Celluma is the brand we trust in our own treatment rooms. The Mystique treats wrinkles, acne, and hair loss in one cordless, hands-free mask, using red (640nm), blue (465nm), and near-infrared (880nm) light. It’s safe for almost everyone, but check with your doctor first if you’re pregnant or nursing, light-sensitive, or prone to seizures.
How to use: Up to 30 minutes a day on clean skin, before serums.