The Beauty Products Cosmo Editors Keep Using Up, No Matter How Many New Ones We Test

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.Beth Gillette and Mary Honkus for CosmopolitanAlthough beauty editors have drawers, shelves, and (sometimes) full closets full of skincare, we aren’t always so good at using them all up. At Cosmo HQ, we’re constantly testing new products to write about in stories and ahead of our three Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards franchises. For reference, we tried over 2,000 products to reach 370 winners in our 2026 Holy Grail Awards. As soon as I finish something up, I usually move on to the next thing from the piles of products waiting in the wings.But there are a few products that I almost always have on hand. Occasionally, I’ll throw in something new—it’s my job to test products, after all—but I always go back to a few favorites. And I’m not alone. In the last six months, I’ve recognized our team constantly recommend the same products over and over. When we find an anti-aging serum we love, or a cleanser we can’t go a weekend trip without, or a body wash that actually makes the shower feel like a spa, it’s always top of mind to recommend.To gather all of these favorites in one place, I jotted down my most common empties, then asked other Cosmo editors for their favorites, too. Trust us: These are basically the best products we’ve ever tested if we’re willing to use them up again and again.Beth Gillette, beauty editorSofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing SerumI’ve been using this on-and-off for four years (I remember vividly the day beauty director Lauren Balsamo brought me an extra bottle from the brand’s launch event). But I became a religious devotee six months ago after a facial with Pavitt herself when she said mandelic acid every morning and benzoyl peroxide every other night would clear my skin. It worked, and now I cannot use anything else. I love how gentle this serum is while still lightly exfoliating and clearing my pores. I can tell a huge difference in the number of blackheads on my nose when I’m not spreading this on every morning.Cyklar Sensorial Body WashI never thought that I’d have a go-to body wash. First of all, I love changing up scents. But also, after going through a big bottle, I want something new. I get antsy. But the Cyklar body wash changed everything for me. This makes my skin feel hydrated once I rinse off, and I really love how sudsy it gets in the shower. I always have a bottle of this in my bathroom now, and I get my fix by swapping for a different scent every time (I started with Vanilla Verve, just finished Rose Bud, and now I’m going on to Sacred Santal).Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor SerumI’m no stranger to growth factor serums, having tested a handful over the years since I first discovered the magical ingredient for soothing and anti-aging. But Dr. Diamond’s Metacine has been a shelf mainstay for me for over a year now, and it shows in my skin. FYI: Dr. Diamond is a renowned plastic surgeon with lots of celebrity clients in Beverly Hills where he’s known for his “InstaFacial” that features a laser session, microneedling, PRP, and a medical-grade collagen mask. His Metacine line takes inspiration from this iconic in-office treatment to offer some of the results at home. This lightweight serum is part of the trio and truly one of my favorite products I’ve ever used. It quickly sinks in, doesn’t break me out, and immediately soothes and hydrates. But over time, I’ve absolutely noticed that my skin is tighter and clearer. I’m convinced it’s helped stave off some stress lines in my forehead that definitely should be there at 29.Mary Honkus, contributing beauty editorMara Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial EssenceThIs three-in-one essence/serum/toner changed my skin maximalism ways and simplified my routine dramatically. Like, I used to have 10 steps, and now i have three. I've finished four full-sized bottles—and one mini—because this gives me pearly mermaid skin…and, you know, I'm actually on time for things because I'm not layering a ton of products on my face. Sometimes less really is more.Josie Maran ...In Bed Whipped Argan Oil Refilllable Body Butter JarMy body care routine was non-existent until I came across this plush body butter. I've lost track of how many refill packets I've gone through (five or six, maybe?!) I skip the jar completely and just smooth on a bit of the pillowy cream straight from the pack. Although it's rich and thick, it beautifully melts into skin and feels weightless. The new...In Bed scent is to die for, too. Imagine a musky, spicy vanilla that's perfect for cozy season. If I could bathe in it, I would.Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-largeElemis Pro-Collagen Original Cleansing BalmAt this point I should have stock in this brand, because the way I’m devoted to this product is wild. I have used this on my skin damn near every single day for a decade. I haven’t found anything that washes away the day (including dirt, grime, sunscreen, bad vibes, etc.) like this balm. The 3-in-1 (balm to oil to milk) formulation is magical and I will never stop singing its praises or adding to cart!Donna Karan Cashmere Mist DeodorantNow 15% OffYou know a product is top tier when you’re a beauty editor that can get it for free, but you still run to the store to buy it yourself. This deo is iconic for a reason. It smells like heaven and keeps me dry as a whistle. I always have at least two—one at home and one at the office—because it’s seriously that good.Dove Serum + Radiance Oil Body WashThis is a newcomer to my personal Holy Grail list since it only launched this year. But, baby…I’m hooked! I’ve never felt more luxurious while washing my bod. The texture is a lovely serum-to-oil that leaves my skin super hydrated and smelling delicious. I’m telling you, if you try this, you will fall in love.Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editorSofie Pavitt Face Clean Clean Gentle Gel Foaming CleanserI get sent tons and tons of beauty products (blessed) but the one I will consistently buy because i run out so frequently is this cleanser from Sofie PavItt. it washes off any gunk, grease, and sweat from the day, while leaving my face hydrated and glowing after. it also has a really nice lather that doesn't require a ton of product to get.Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing WaterFace Reality hydraBalance GelI have super dry skin, but I hate wearing a thick moisturizer during the day. Luckily this hydra gel serum gives me ample hydration without feeling heavy on my skin. It's formulated with acne-prone skin in mind, so i never have to worry about my skincare exacerbating my chin breakouts.BioEffect EGF Day SerumI can't even express how much I love this serum. I’m 26, so i want to get on my preventative serum game, but retinol and heavy formulas simply irritate my skin. however, this is hydrating and formulated with high-tech growth factors to promote collagen production, so i really get the best of both worlds here.Why trust Cosmopolitan? Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair, makeup, nail, and fragrance stories. For this story, she polled the entire Cosmo beauty staff on their favorite skin and body products that they always go back to, regardless of the zillion options on their desks waiting to be tested.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.