InStyle Editors Picked Their Favorite Beauty Products of 2024, Starting at $9

From hair growth serums to TikTok-viral blushes.

Tamim Alnuweiri
·12-min read

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Ulta / Sephora / Danessa Myricks / Innbeauty / InStyle

Ulta / Sephora / Danessa Myricks / Innbeauty / InStyle

Oftentimes when I talk to common folk about anything beauty, I see their face turn into a question mark. Not everyone knows what volufine is, let alone that it’s finally becoming easier to find stateside. But you know who does know what I’m talking about? My colleagues and fellow editors. I love talking shop with them, and as I’m reflecting on 2024, I wanted to know what their favorite beauty products of the year were. (I have sprinkled in a couple of my favorites, but you can find a complete list here.)

Thus, I present to you the 38 best products InStyle editors tried in 2024—including everything from hair steamers to hand creams, all starting at $9.

Olay Vitamin C Super Serum

Amazon

Amazon

Editors’s Picks: Best Skin Care of 2024

Clarins Anti-Aging Double Serum

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

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I’ve been a longtime fan of Clarins’s iconic Double Serum, renowned for its two-phase formula blending water- and oil-soluble ingredients to mimic the skin’s natural barrier. Last year, it was upgraded to include 22 potent plant extracts (including anti-inflammatory turmeric, hydrating avocado, and a new Provençal reed extract to protect against environmental stressors). I love how much work it does to nourish and protect my skin in one fell swoop; a true boon to my nightly skin care on my laziest days. — Lauren Valenti, Beauty Director

InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream Moisturizer

innbeauty

innbeauty

I tried this cult-favorite moisturizer for the first time in 2024, and it not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it. The texture is luxurious, the finish is perfectly glowy without being greasy, and it sits perfectly under makeup when you need it to. After less than a week of use, I noticed acne scars had started to disappear, discoloration was minimized, and my skin looked genuinely healthier and firmer. 10/10. — Zizi Strater, Associate Social Editor

La Mer The Eye Concentrate Eye Cream

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

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I started using eye cream religiously after turning 30 and struck gold with this brightening, depuffing formula. It awakens my under-eyes akin to a double shot of espresso, making me look like I routinely get eight hours of sleep (surprise: I do not). The lifting and firming effects rival those of Botox, so much that I pushed off an injection session after seeing such prominent plumping results. IMO, that alone justifies the price point. — Zarah Kavarana, Associate Editorial Director

Clearstem Cellrenew Collagen Stem Cell Serum

Clearstem

Clearstem

Clearstem’s Cellrenew Serum is the perfect formula for anyone in the in-between phase of acne and wrinkles (i.e., anyone in their late 20s to early 30s). When I start using a new serum, I typically break out—that was not the case with Cellrenew. After a few weeks of using it, my skin was more even-toned, clear, and tight. And because it’s such a gentle serum, I can use it on even the driest, coldest days of the year without seeing flakiness. — Christina Oehler, Senior Editor

Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Amazon

Amazon

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I have picky skin, and serums either break me out or just don't do much for my face. This one is different; it hydrates, fades dark spots, and gives me this irresistible glow. I'm even using it to prep my skin ahead of my wedding day! — Ruby McAuliffe, Associate Fashion Editor

Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Moisture Cream

Glow Recipe

Glow Recipe

With its whipped, fancy butter-like texture and light fruit scent, this moisturizer is like a dessert for the face. But don’t be fooled by its sweet exterior; this formula is all about business, working hard to keep my dry skin bright and bouncy. It combines Vitamin C-rich cloudberry seed oil, CoQ10—an antioxidant that supports cellular energy—and a peptide lipid complex to strengthen the skin barrier. — Lauren Valenti 

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

Rhode

Rhode

Editors’s Picks: Best Body and Lip Care of 2024

Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream

Amazon

Amazon

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I am cursed with both very sensitive and very dry skin, prone to cracking, rashes, eczema, etc. Starting in the fall of last year, I realized that a standard lotion just wasn't going to cut it anymore. After plenty of research, I landed on this derm-backed drugstore staple. It's rich, but not heavy, and it glides on smooth, but not greasy. My hands have never been happier. — Danielle McNally, Executive Editor

Cyklar Nutrient Rich Body Cream

Amazon

Amazon

Maintaining a body care routine is significantly less cumbersome when it feels like an indulgent treat. I learned of this luxurious lotion via Hailey Bieber, who included the brand in her (now-deleted) 2023 holiday gift guide. I'm partial to each of its elevated scents—which have gourmand, woody notes—though Sacred Santal has my heart. In addition to its rich, remarkably greaseless texture, the formula boasts brightening niacinamide and smoothing squalane, leaving my skin looking as sexy as it smells. — Sophie Wirt, Writer

Retrouvé Hydrating Lip Serum

Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus

This airy, fast-absorbing treatment is packed with hydrating squalene and antioxidant-rich vitamin E and has become my go-to for keeping lips healthy-looking this winter. I wear it all day and overnight to ensure my lips stay smooth and plump. Plus, it’s the perfect base under gloss or lipstick, helping my lips stay hydrated against the elements. — Lauren Valenti

The Rootist Densifying Serum For Thinning Hair

The Root Ist

The Root Ist

Editors’s Picks: Best Hair Care of 2024

Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo

Amazon

Amazon

As I've been getting older, it feels like my hair texture and density changes every month. I'm always trying affordable under-the-radar hair loss shampoos, but I decided to finally splurge on a name brand like Nioxin, which seems to actually work, according to thousands of Amazon users and stars like Alyssa Milano. I've been using its Fall Defense shampoo since the end of November 2024; it takes about 12 weeks to see results, per the brand, but I love the way it volumizes my hair. It doesn't weigh down my strands, and has a delightful clean scent, too. I swear I'm seeing less fall out in the drain, too—so I think it's working. — Christina Butan, Senior Editor

Pattern Hair Steamer

Ulta

Ulta

My hair is naturally dry and brittle, and I've used countless deep conditioners, oil treatments, and more to get my strands to retain moisture and nothing has worked as well as this steamer. It feels like products are actually penetrating my strands, not just sitting on top. For everyone with dry hair, consider this a must-buy. — Kara Jillian Brown, Beauty Editor

LolaVie Exfoliate & Detox Scalp Shampoo

Credo Beauty

Credo Beauty

I take washing my 3b curls extremely seriously, as weighty build-up from oils and styling products is completely at odds with my desire for perpetually voluminous roots. Adding this time-saving, 2-in-1 scalp scrub and clarifying shampoo to my regimen has been so satisfying with its potent ingredients–from exfoliating activated charcoal powder to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to conditioning ceramides–and silky lather feel. It ensures my scalp microbiome stays happy (clean, moisturized, and balanced!) while my lengths are cleansed and still soft to the touch. — Lauren Valenti

Derma E Scalp Relief Conditioner

Amazon

Amazon

I struggle with itchy, flaky scalp year-round and this relief treatment is the only product that has provided lasting results. I love that you can use it as a pre-shampoo to get rid of buildup before washing or as a topical treatment when you need instant relief. It has made my scalp woes way more manageable and allowed me to keep my protective styles in longer. — Essence Wiley, Beauty and Style Writer

Gucci Glow Multi-Use Illuminating Gel-Powder Highlighter

InStyle

InStyle

Editors’s Picks: Best Makeup of 2024

Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Luminous Matte Foundation

Sephora

Sephora

Most shoppers over 30 are looking for one thing when it comes to foundation: a cake-free formula. YSL’s All Hours Foundation is just that—it looks natural, doesn’t settle into my fine lines, and offers protection thanks to the SPF 30 included in the formula. And, as the name suggests, it has serious staying power—it looks fresh on my face all day long. — Christina Oehler

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Blush Balm

InStyle

InStyle

I love how pigmented this Danessa Myricks Beauty blush is—it's truly a dream for deeper skin tones. Thanks to the blurring properties, it helps me get that airbrushed makeup look. Plus, it looks great on my lips! — Essence Wiley

Saie Sun Melt Bronzer

Saie

Saie

I’m kind of a bronzer snob, so I’ve tried practically every formula and best seller that’s talked about, and this one is slept on—it’s hands-down the most natural finish I’ve ever found. With just a few dabs from a dense synthetic brush, the product effortlessly melts into the skin like a dream and leaves behind a lit-from-within glow that I can even pull off on my palest days in the winter. — Olivia Cigliano, News & Deals Editor

Roxanne Rizzo Bronze Glow Face and Body Mist

Amazon

Amazon

I've yet to try a product comparable to this skin-enhancing mist, which delivers a sunkissed glow in seconds, sans mess. Suitable for all skin types and tones, the formula is a go-to for Martha Stewart's makeup artist, who uses it to "give life back" to the 83-year-old's skin. I, too, use it to enliven my complexion when it's looking sallow or tired—or, as a foundation refresher throughout the day. Makeup minimalists will love this mist, too, as it delivers a dewy, smoothing glow that looks skin-like—and never cakey. I've stocked up on this stuff by the literal caseload, and intend to do so indefinitely. — Sophie Wirt

Rhode Pocket Blush

Rhode

Rhode

Every time someone asks me, "Why is your skin so glowy?" the answer is one of these blush sticks. The formula is smooth and creamy and gives my skin a dewy flush that lasts all day. I always apply after I've set the rest of my face with powder so I can take advantage of the glowy finish. — Kara Jillian Brown

Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Luminizing Drops

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant

I've never been a gal who enjoys wearing a full face of makeup. In fact, I prefer to find the sweet spot of the least possible steps I can take for maximum reward. These Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops have been my star companion in achieving just that. It is the single product I need when my skin looks lifeless and dull. I just add a few drops onto my face and massage into the skin for a dewy, glowy, glittery complexion that is immediately Zoom-ready while still looking natural. If I do want to add a bit more oomph, the Merit Flush Balm comes into play by adding light color to my cheeks and lips. — Erika Reals, Senior Beauty Editor

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