I am already very discerning in relation to the merchandise I like to recommend and assessment as a magnificence editor, however I am much more specific in relation to TikTok megahits. The truth is, I am borderline skeptical. Is the cult favourite actually price its reward? Or is it merely a meh system housed in fairly, vibrant-hued packaging? What is the secret sauce?
Glow Recipe is arguably one of the vital revered manufacturers on the app—it is launched viral sellout after sellout—and I examine (that’s, personally check) every smashing success with a wholesome dose of skepticism. And every time, I am dazzled. Belief, the hype may be very a lot actual in relation to this Okay-beauty model. I have not met a system I did not like (and, sure, I’ve tried each single product!), however for the sake of your pockets, I am whittling them all the way down to my prime 10 favorites. Under, discover the very best Glow Recipe merchandise to take house—a minimum of in my very choosy opinion.
The Finest Glow Recipe Merchandise, at a Look
- Plum Plump Refillable Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
- Cloudberry Vivid Essence Toner
- Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
- Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
- Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum
The ten Finest Glow Recipe Merchandise, Examined by Me
1. Plum Plump Refillable Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Glow Recipe
Plum Plump Refillable Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Execs: Supplies a dewy, healthy-looking glow with out feeling greasy; refillable; wears unbelievable beneath make-up
Cons: Very light-weight in case you’re on the lookout for a denser face cream to make use of at evening
Key components: Polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, plum and ice willow herb
If I had to decide on only one favourite from the model, it could be this Plum Plump moisturizer. The feel is juicy and bouncy (not in contrast to Jell-O), which is precisely the way it makes my pores and skin look. Along with its skin-plumping properties, it offers a shiny, dewy sheen that is noticeable but would not really feel sticky or “moist,” which is spectacular given the quantity of hyaluronic acid pumped into the system. I am at present on my fourth refillable jar, and I do not plan on swapping it anytime quickly! I additionally lately satisfied my buddy to present it a whirl, and now she’s begging me for my additional jars.
Buyer Evaluate: “Fast outcomes. I’m choosy. This cream impressed me. I’ve dry, mature pores and skin with flakiness from tretinoin use. This cream instantly gave my pores and skin a hydrated, nourished look with out being greasy. I’ve delicate pores and skin however this doesn’t trigger me to breakout. It does initially have a cheesy really feel that adjustments to a barely waxy really feel, however I apply a heavy quantity.”
2. Cloudberry Vivid Essence Toner
Glow Recipe
Cloudberry Vivid Essence Toner
Execs: Helps with hydration and general glow, fades darkish spots, makes subsequent serums simpler
Cons: Some reviewers do not love the scent (it is somewhat citrusy)
Key components: Cloudberry focus, CoQ10, glycerin, rice water
Oh my god, this toner. I’m of the opinion that toners are extra “nice-to-haves” than routine necessities, however that is the one exception in my e book. You merely have to see its brightening energy for your self. I are inclined to wrestle with cussed darkish spots post-breakout, and this antioxidant-rich liquid helped velocity the fading course of tenfold. I flew via my first bottle and am at present on the previous couple of treasured drops of my second.
Buyer Evaluate: “This product is definitely the very best factor everrrr. I’ve repurchased this factor extra occasions than I can rely!! It smells sooo good and it makes my pores and skin really feel so good. I LOVEEEE IT. it’s vital in my routine!!”
3. Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
(Picture credit score: @jamieeschneider)
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
Execs: Provides pores and skin a natural-looking glow, would not stain clothes or fingers, offers an additional layer of moisture with good-for-skin components
Cons: Very dewy end; these with oily pores and skin tones may need one thing extra matte
Key components: Niacinamide, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid
In case you’re ever within the temper to pretend a post-vacation glow (who is not?!), say hiya to your new secret weapon. I first tried these drops smack-dab in the midst of winter earlier than they launched in February 2023, and I used to be floored by how a lot life they immediately gave my complexion. The system options the identical skin-loving niacinamide and hyaluronic acid because the model’s viral Watermelon Glow Dew Drops (we’ll get to these in a second!), simply with a sheer, buildable tint. I like to use one pump throughout my face earlier than my make-up routine, then faucet a tiny quantity instantly on my cheekbones for some additional heat.
Buyer Evaluate: “Provides my pores and skin the proper golden bronze whereas making my pores and skin so dewy and delightful. Already buying my second bottle!”
4. Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
Glow Recipe
Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
Execs: Nice for pimples, uneven pores and skin texture, and nice traces; superb scent and person expertise
Cons: Smaller measurement
Key components: Retinal, retinol, retinyl ester, blackberry extract, glycerin, ectoin
Introducing a retinol serum that does not really feel like a retinol serum. Like all Glow Recipe merchandise, the feel is a dream, and it would not have that funky stench I’ve seen with many different potent retinoids (a time period I’ve dubbed “retinol reek“).
“We have heard suggestions from our neighborhood that retinol remedies haven’t at all times been pleasing to make use of, and we needed to rethink the expertise by creating a light-weight, milky gel texture that’s infused with a small quantity of 100% naturally derived, important oil–free perfume,” Christine Chang, co-founder and co-CEO of the model, beforehand instructed me in regards to the formulation course of. Do not let the joyful expertise idiot you into pondering it isn’t potent; this serum comes with a 0.16% triple retinoid mix of retinal, retinol, and retinyl ester.
Buyer Evaluate: “My pores and skin was so unhealthy earlier than and I used to be continually breaking out. After utilizing this product I noticed outcomes inside 2 weeks! It has left me with barely any pimples!!!”
5. Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Glow Recipe
Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Execs: Has an prompt plumping impact, layers effectively underneath skincare and make-up
Cons: Texture is a bit sticky earlier than it dries down
Key components: Hyaluronic acid mix, three antioxidant-rich plums, vegan collagen, silk proteins
This superpowered serum accommodates 5 (yep, 5!) weights of hyaluronic acid to deeply shimmy into pores and plump the pores and skin with hydration at each degree. I’ll say, it’s a bit sticky because it dries down, which is one thing to notice if texture is a giant deal breaker for you. Nevertheless, I will even say that it’s totally tough to keep away from tackiness with such a big dose of HA. It nonetheless layers extremely underneath the remainder of my skincare and make-up, and I instantly discover its plumping impact.
Buyer Evaluate: “My pores and skin has been trying somewhat uninteresting as a result of some drying pimples merchandise. I positively see a distinction in including this product to my morning and night routine. My pores and skin regarded hydrated with out trying greasy.”
6. Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm
Glow Recipe
Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss Balm
Execs: Has refined plumping results (with out stinging!), deeply hydrates the pores and skin
Cons: Will be tough to scoop product from the jar when you have longer nails
Key components: Hyaluronic acid, Kakadu plum mix, raspberry extract
Are you able to inform I’ve a factor for Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump line? I merely could not neglect about this hyaluronic acid–infused balm, because it’s one of many solely lip masks that really hydrates my lips (versus merely sitting atop the pores and skin). You recognize these fast plumping results I talked about with the moisturizer and serum? This child has these perks, too. I immediately discover my lips trying softer and juicier with a contact extra quantity. I take advantage of it each single evening earlier than mattress, and I am already on my third jar.
Buyer Evaluate: “This product beats some other lip balm in the marketplace for me! I’ve at all times had dry lips to the purpose I continually needed to reapply no matter lip balm or gloss I am carrying. It was tremendous annoying and may very well be painful as a result of dry lips can result in cracked lips which isn’t any bueno. Then I attempted this product…and my lips stayed tremendous hydrated plus delicate for hours earlier than I’ve to reapply it! I even have very delicate pores and skin…I’ve used lip merchandise prior to now which led to full dermatitis. Not solely does this product hold my lips tremendous delicate, it has by no means irritated my lips or pores and skin in any respect. I am unable to be with out these things to the purpose I stock-up on this lip balm so I’ll by no means run out of it!”
7. Guava Vitamin C Darkish Spot Brightening Therapy Serum
Glow Recipe
Guava Vitamin C Darkish Spot Brightening Therapy Serum
Execs: Superb scent, nice for delicate pores and skin, fades darkish spots
Cons: It is a gentler vitamin C serum, in case you’re on the lookout for one thing stronger
Key components: 5 types of stabilized vitamin C, guava extract and seed oil, tranexamic acid
My pores and skin would not normally tolerate vitamin C, so this potent brightening serum should include some form of sorcery. My pores and skin not solely laps it up however appears to be like clear and even toned (not a darkish spot in sight) inside days. Along with 5 types of the traditional antioxidant, it accommodates guava extract and seed oil for much more brightening energy, plus tranexamic acid to assist fade hyperpigmentation.
Buyer Evaluate: “Not like most vitamin C’s, this one would not odor offensive. It is also nice for my delicate pores and skin, I additionally love the feel. It is an ideal introduction to vitamin C, but in addition for the novice. It does brighten the complexion over time, particularly any post-acne marks. Nevertheless, it’s not robust sufficient for my sunspots, however they positively have light during the last 5 months since I’ve began utilizing this product, together with different actives in my routine. I want it got here in a much bigger bottle as a result of I’m going via these 1oz so shortly.”
8. Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum
Glow Recipe
Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum
Execs: Brightens, plumps, and hydrates; light sufficient to make use of morning and evening
Cons: Some reviewers say the perfume is powerful
Key components: Polypeptides, pomegranate seed oil, hyaluronic acid
Talking of brightening serums, this pomegranate-infused quantity is divine. Since my pores and skin would not love vitamin C, I’ll usually slather on one other antioxidant serum within the morning to fend off free radicals and goal uneven tone. I’ve gone via two bottles of these items, and I am unable to get sufficient. It additionally accommodates peptides for pores and skin restore and plumping nice traces, so it is like a one-two punch for vivid, wholesome pores and skin. My very own complexion has by no means regarded smoother.
Buyer Evaluate: “Love this product! Making use of it within the morning underneath the moisturizer. Makes my pores and skin look glowing and youthful. Repurchased many occasions already!”
9. Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Execs: Straightforward to use underneath and over make-up, noncomedogenic
Cons: A bit sticky because it dries down
Key components: Niacinamide, watermelon, hyaluronic acid
Informed you I would not neglect about these Dew Drops! These completely took the TikTok crowd by storm after they first launched due to their capacity to supply a dewy, glass-like end. “This primary-of-its-kind highlighting skincare-and-makeup hybrid can be utilized in versatile methods, together with as a niacinamide-infused brightening serum, a dewy primer earlier than make-up, on eyelids for a dewy look (it’s ophthalmologist-tested!), or combined in with basis for a lit-from-within glow,” Sarah Lee, the model’s co-founder and co-CEO, beforehand instructed Who What Put on. “It will also be used to realize a reflective complexion instead of merchandise like highlighters.” I really like the aforementioned Hue Drops so as to add heat again into my complexion, but when all I am on the lookout for is glow, these non-tinted drops are all I want.
Buyer Evaluate: “OMG. These things is SO GOOD!!!!! In case you wouldn’t have this proper now, you completely NEED it! It offers you an prompt glow that lasts for hours! I take advantage of this on a regular basis and it’s acne-safe!”
10. Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleaning Balm & Make-up Remover
Glow Recipe
Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleaning Balm & Make-up Remover
Execs: Resurfaces pores and skin for additional softness, would not depart a sticky or greasy residue
Cons: I do not love dipping my fingers into jars, so I want it got here in a tube or pump.
Key components: Papaya enzymes, papaya seed oil, blueberry extract, apricot kernel oil, camellia seed oil
Final however definitely not least, we’ve the Papaya Sorbet cleaning balm. Like its identify suggests, it boasts a easy, delicate texture that glides throughout the pores and skin. You recognize when a cleaning balm is too goopy that you simply really feel such as you’re tugging your eyelashes off? This one has none of that stickiness, but it latches onto make-up and leaves no hint behind. I additionally love its refined exfoliating energy from the light papaya enzymes; the slight buffing makes my pores and skin baby-soft.
Buyer Evaluate: “I really like glow. This cleanser is beautiful. It leaves my face so clear and never sticky. It’s very what I anticipated from a glow cleanser.”
