I get my holiday glow from this under $50 Merit skin serum
I've found a skin serum that gives my face a dewy, hydrated holiday glow. The Merit Great Skin serum gives my skin the same hydrating and plumping effect that it normally takes three or four products to achieve.
Keep reading to see why this Merit serum is a holiday beauty must-have and why it will be replacing a whole bunch of my winter skincare.
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Cold weather can chap your skin, heaters can dry it out and holiday stress can lead to bumpy texture. Usually, I have to fight my dull winter skin with a range of hydrating products. But now I've found one under-$50 skincare serum to replace them all.
Merit Great Skin is happy skin in a bottle. The lightweight serum is made with four types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cacao seed extract and Japanese goldthread root. I am a big fan of hyaluronic acid, and according to Merit, the four types that they use in Great Skin target multiple layers of your skin and lock in hydration for all-day moisture.
When I apply this serum in the morning, my skin instantly feels refreshed. I've been disappointed before by products promising all-day moisture, but this is not the case with Great Skin. By the end of the day, my whole face still looks hydrated and glowing. After several uses, I've even noticed that Merit Great Skin is helping prevent the dry patches I typically get on my forehead and around my nose this time of year.
This skincare serum is a must-have beauty buy for anyone looking to create and maintain bouncy, hydrated, glowing holiday skin. Plus, the bottle looks insanely chic on a bathroom counter. Get it for yourself, your skincare-obsessed sister, girlfriends who want to switch-up their skincare game or mom who's looking for relief from moisture-sapping heaters.
Merit Great Skin
I put this hydrating serum on after my vitamin c and moisturizer but BEFORE my sunscreen. The result is super-hydrated, glowing, happy-looking skin. I've noticed that Merit Great Skin helps my foundation glide on and stay looking skin-like.
At just $38, you can't beat the price.
More top-rated holiday beauty and skincare gift ideas
Want to know what else is in my personal beauty stash this holiday season? Then treat yourself to one of my favorite Sephora holiday gift sets of the year below.
More top-rated holiday beauty and skincare gift ideas
The CBS Essentials team has found even more haircare, skincare and beauty gift ideas that you can shop right now. Check out top-rated hair tools, skincare, makeup and more that we've personally recommended.
Many of these items are on sale for Black Friday.
Coco & Eve Silky Hair set
I think this Coco & Eve set is a must-have for anyone with thick, long hair. It tames frizz, erases the look of damage and adds shine for gorgeous holiday locks.
The haircare set is currently on sale for Black Friday.
Coco & Eve Silky Hair set, $51 (regularly $68)
Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system
I tried the Shark FlexStyle and instantly fell in love with this more affordable Dyson Airwrap alternative. This versatile, multi-styling tool can dry wet hair, curl, volumize and smooth hair for the the perfect blowout. It includes four heat and three airflow settings that can be increased or decreased manually based on your preference, plus a cool shot button to lock in your style.
According to the brand, the Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system minimizes heat damage during use. The tool measures and regulates temperatures 1,000 times per second to ensure consistent air temperature. The device comes with an oval brush, a paddle brush, a styling concentrator with rotatable nozzle and curling attachments.
I really like using the auto-wrap curlers to frame my face and create tousled curls in seconds.
Best Buy has the best deal on the Shark FlexStyle right now.
Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system, $270
Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system, $280
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots don't work in just "six hours or less," as the packaging claims. But they do seem to help speed up healing when I use them. They also keep you from picking at your acne spots, which definitely aids in the pimple-healing process.
"Of all the acne stickers I've tried, these are my favorite," said CBS Essentials writer Carolin Lehmann. "These dots turn satisfyingly white over your zit, like they're actually pulling something out of it. (The hydrocolloid polymer technology promises to extract impurities.)"
CBS Essentials editor Gabby Shacknai also likes Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, though she notes you need to be patient. "The pimple patches definitely reduce the lifetime of a pimple, but the six hours is slight BS," she says. "In my experience, it's been more like overnight."
You really can't go wrong with these.
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots (20 ct.), $13 (reduced from $19)
Ilia Multi-Stick
"While this handy stick from Ilia offers lip and cheek color, I've only used it on my cheeks," said Lehmann. "I pile the Dear Ruby shade onto a brush for a fool-proof fresh look. It's pigmented but not so much so that you'll mess up its application. This multi-stick makes for a great stocking stuffer."
Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet lifestyle gift set
This take on the Miss Dior perfume is lovely, with notes of Damascus rose, peony and white musk. It comes with a matching hand cream and a Dior Addict Lip Glow lip balm in a soft pink. It's overall a beautiful gift set.
Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet lifestyle gift set, $110
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Beats body care set
These Sol de Janeiro products have the most addicting gourmand scent, featuring notes of salted caramel, pistachio and vanilla. Everyone I've introduced these products to has absolutely loved them. This gift set includes the Brazilian Bum Bum body cream, Brazilian 4 Play moisturizing shower cream-gel, Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62 Bum Bum hair and body fragrance mist and Bum Bum body scrub.
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Beats body care set, $68
Oribe Gold Lust Collection hair set
For the most luxurious hair wash routine imaginable, go for Oribe. These splurge-worthy hair products have a scent that can be described as nothing short of expensive. This gift set includes the Gold Lust Repair and Restore shampoo, Gold Lust Repair and Restore conditioner and Gold Lust nourishing hair oil. The stunning box features original artwork by Japanese modern artist Kohei Kyomori.
Oribe Gold Lust Collection hair set, $115
Sephora Collection deluxe brush set
"I'm so impressed by the quality and softness of these makeup brushes by Sephora Collection," Carolin explained. "They come in a handy brush roll for traveling. Inside, find a foundation brush, powder brush, blush brush, highlight brush, concealer brush, shadow brush, crease brush, precision crease brush, smudge brush and brow brush."
Sephora Collection deluxe brush set, $69
Ouai Detox Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner hair set
"You can't go wrong with this clarifying shampoo and leave-in conditioner combo. They've been my go-to for the past year. They work like a charm, and all Ouai products smell absolutely divine," raved Carolin.
Ouai Detox Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner hair set, $40
Tarte Gilded Glamour Amazonian Clay eyeshadow wardrobe
These eyeshadow palettes not only come in stunning packaging, but also blend out beautifully. The packaging will look great on their vanity year-round, not just during the holiday season, and the palettes each have 18 matte and shimmer shades. One palette has warmer tones while the other is cooler. Keep one palette for yourself and gift the other.
Tarte Gilded Glamour Amazonian Clay eyeshadow wardrobe, $54
Tarte Precious Gems Amazonian Clay cheek palette
Speaking of Tarte, the packaging and formulation of this cheek palette are just as on point. Find five limited-edition blushes and one bestselling bronzer all in one place with this palette. These cheek products blend and apply seamlessly.
Tarte Precious Gems Amazonian Clay cheek palette, $39
Briogeo Superfoods Leave-In Conditioner and Hair Mask gift set
The scent of these hair products is absolutely divine. They're giving a fruit-scented eraser from elementary school -- in the best way. This set includes the Superfoods Avocado + Kiwi Moisture leave-in conditioner and the Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods hair mask.
Briogeo Superfoods Leave-In Conditioner and Hair Mask gift set, $44
Maison Louis Marie Bois De Balincourt No 4. candle set
These lovely winter candles have different soft, woody scents that fill the room without overwhelming the senses. They burn without any smoke and offer a minimalist-chic vibe.
Maison Louis Marie Bois De Balincourt No 4. candle set, $50
NuFace mini supercharged skincare routine
The NuFace mini portable toning device stimulates the face with an FDA-cleared micro current treatment that promises to improve contour and skin tone, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
This gift set includes the NuFace mini toning device along with a super peptide booster serum, a silk creme applicator, a skincare brush, and a mini travel bag. It's a great introductory kit for those that are new to NuFace's products.
NuFace mini supercharged skincare routine, $196 (reduced from $245)
Nuface Trinity starter set
The Trinity starter set is another great option for first-time NuFace users. The upgraded device comes in a kit which includes a charging cradle, power adapter and two ounces of hydrating leave-on gel primer.
Nuface Trinity starter kit, $339
Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser
This unique two-in-one ultrasonic device unclogs pores for clearer skin and infuses your face with your favorite skin care product.
Nordstrom reviewers give this pore extractor a 4.2-star rating. "I'm a licensed master esthetician and I personally LOVE this tool," writes one reviewer. "If you are considering buying this product, please do. Honest."
Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor and Serum Infuser, $69 (reduced from $99)
Supergoop and Gray Malin Everyday Getaway kit
Get all the protection you need for your next trip with this clever collaboration between fine art beachscape photographer Gray Malin and Supergoop. Style after Malin's famous aerial beach photos, the set includes a tube of Play lip shield SPF 30, Play antioxidant body mist SPF 50, (Re)setting refreshing mist SPF 40, Glow oil SPF 50, Play Everyday lotion SPF 50 and Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, all carry-on friendly and under the TSA 3.5-ounce limit.
Supergoop! and Gray Malin Everyday Getaway kit, $75
Tula holiday exfoliating sugar scrub trio
This set of limited-edition holiday sugar scrubs promises to give you softer, brighter and more even-looking skin. The scrubs gently exfoliate your skin. They include papaya & pineapple to help skin look more radiant. They are also formulated with prebiotics and probiotics to help maintain skin balance and improve texture. This set makes a cute holiday gift or you can use the scrubs as stocking stuffers.
The set includes three 1.76-ounce sugar scrubs in gingerbread, sugar plum, and chocolate peppermint.
Tula holiday exfoliating sugar scrub trio, $56
Dermalogica Cleanse and Glow set
Dermalogica is a prestige skincare brand with a strong reputation. This holiday set includes the brand's most popular cleansing products. The set includes a 5.1-ounce Precleanse, Dermalogica's top-rated deep-cleansing oil designed to take off makeup and purify skin. It also comes with a 8.4-ounce bottle of the Special Cleansing Gel and a 2.6-ounce Daily Microfoliant exfoliating and brightening polish.
Dermalogica Cleanse and Glow set, $79 (reduced from $150)
Dyson Airwrap styler
The Dyson Airwrap styler is designed to help you dry and style your hair with minimal heat. It has grown popular thanks to its ease of use, versatile styling options and ability to style hair while minimizing heat damage.
This summer, a new generation of the Airwrap was released. The new version of the Dyson Airwrap has a couple of improvements. The curler attachment has been updated to accommodate clockwise and counterclockwise curling. It also includes a new flyaway-reducing tool that smooths hair.
It's always difficult to find the styler in stores or online thanks to high demand. But the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler Complete Long (for long hair) is available now on the Dyson site in a special edition Vinca blue/rosé hue. The Airwrap with the latest technology is also available for all hair lengths in a nickel/copper color.
Dyson Airwrap multi-styler Complete Long in Vinca blue/rosé, $600
Revlon one-step volumizer hair dryer and hot air brush
The Revlon one-step hair dryer and hot-air brush, a CBS Essentials bestseller, can dry and style your hair in one step. It has rave reviews on Amazon, where it boasts a 4.6-star rating. Verified buyers say it's an ideal budget choice for people with curly, straight and wavy hair.
Revlon one-step volumizer hair dryer and hot air brush, $30 (reduced from $40)
Dyson SuperSonic Hair Dryer
If you can't get your hands on the Airwrap, try this other popular styling tool from Dyson. The Dyson SuperSonic Hair Dryer comes with five styling attachments to help you get your ideal look. This popular fast-drying gadget is suitable for all hair types. It offers fast drying and precision styling, allowing you to create stunning hairstyles quickly.
Dyson SuperSonic Hair Dryer, $430
T3 Edge heated smoothing and styling brush
This versatile, all-in-one styling brush from T3 can give your hair a smooth, shiny look with the stroke of a brush. It has three heat settings and can be used to straighten, wave or curl your hair.
T3 Edge heated smoothing and styling brush, $112 (reduced from $150)
Shark HyperAir hot air brush with styling attachments
Like Dyson, Shark is best known for vacuum cleaners. But this fast-drying air brush has brought Shark into the beauty market. Reviewers report that the Shark HyperAir hot air brush is a worthy competitor to the Dyson Airwrap.
"This hair dryer is nothing short of amazing. I have a Dyson hair dryer and I have the AirWrap complete system. I like this Shark hair dryer much better than my Dyson now," one Amazon reviewer shared.
Shark HyperAir hot air brush with styling attachment, $149 (reduced from 230)
Amika hair blow dryer brush
The Amika hair blow-dryer brush is a great mid-range alternative to the Dyson Airwrap. It's designed to add volume, increase shine and eliminate frizz. This dryer brush is designed for all hair types.
Amika hair blow dryer brush, $100
Saie Glowy Super Gel duo
The Saie Glowy Super Gel is a hydrating primer that gives an all-over glow. It can also be used as a highlighter. This cute holiday set includes Saie's bestselling Starglow and a new golden shimmer shade, Warmglow.
Saie Glowy Super Gel duo, $22 (reduced from $30)
Anastasia Beverly Hills deluxe brow kit
This three-piece Nordstrom Anniversary Sale-exclusive set includes the Brow Wiz mechanical brow pencil, Brow Definer and clear brow gel from Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Anastasia Beverly Hills deluxe brow kit, $39 ($68 value)
Nars Orgasm blush duo
Widely hailed as a "Holy Grail" makeup product, this duo set includes two full-size shades of Nars' award-winning Orgasm blush.
Nars Orgasm blush duo, $32 ($64 value)
Trish McEvoy The Power of Makeup Planner Collection
Refresh your entire makeup collection with this set from Trish McEvoy. It includes Fragrance X Eau de Parfum (0.2 oz.), Fragrance 100 Eau de Parfum (0.2 oz.), Beauty Booster Cream SPF 30 (1.8 oz.), Eye Base Essentials (0.12 oz.), Intense Gel Eyeliner in Black (0.04 oz.), Lash Curling Tubular Mascara (0.18 oz.), Instant Eye Lift (0.1 oz.), Translucent Finishing Powder (0.33 oz.), Liquid Face Color (0.12 oz.), Fast-Track Face Stick Bronzer (0.08 oz.), Fast-Track Face Stick Highlight (0.08 oz.), Lip Liner in Barely There (0.04 oz.), Lip Color in Easy Nude 4 (0.12 oz.), Matte Lip Color in Sheer Mulberry (0.12 oz.), Liquid Lip Color in Red (0.1 oz.), Beauty Booster® Lip Gloss (0.28 oz.), Precision Brow Shaper (0.003 oz.) and a place and blend sponge.
The Power of Makeup Makeup Planner Collection, $298 (a $707 value)
Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse holiday gift set
This holiday gift set includes three full-sized tubes of Fenty Beauty's popular Gloss Bombs. The set includes a fuchsia gloss, a warm-toned coral gloss and a pink volumizing gloss.
Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse holiday gift set, $38
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