Meet The $12 Serum That Reviewers Say Delivers An ‘Ethereal Goddess Glow’
The price of some skin care products can be tough to swallow, even without taking into account how some items may get more expensive with impending tariffs . It may be a relief, then, to know that you can still get great skin care for affordable prices. The perfect example? A do-it-all serum like E.l.f. Skin's Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst drops , which can be yours for just $12 a bottle.
With skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and hibiscus complex, this affordable serum delivers powerful hydration in addition to brightening the skin for a dewy complexion. The formula is a pink gel that's non-greasy and fast-absorbing, and can be used on dry, oily or combination skin.
Even better, there are multiple ways to use the drops. If you're just looking for straight-up skin care, you can apply it on its own and be on your merry way. But if you wear makeup, the serum also acts as a primer for makeup (that's one less product you have to spend money on!). You can also mix this with your foundation for an all-over dewy glow.
Reviewers can't get enough of this stuff. On Amazon, hundreds of reviewers have come together to give it a 4.6-star average rating, while over at Target and Walmart, the serum has earned 4.8 stars across 1,700 ratings on both platforms.
The serum has a fast-absorbing gel formula that can be worn alone or under makeup. Amazon
Shoppers who have fallen in love with the Holy Hydration! drops say that the formula is buildable and sensitive skin-friendly , the "Holy Grail of softness" and exactly as advertised . "This is the HOLY GRAIL of moisturizer/primers/serums/whatever you want to call this magic potion!" one reviewer gushed . "It makes my skin so glowy & fresh & feel moisturized all day. I struggle with dry skin & I've gotten so many compliments on my fresh face since using this."
The serum has also been favorably compared to more expensive brands like Glow Recipe and Olay . With one reviewer's report of this product providing a "luminous ethereal goddess glow," we're pretty impressed that a $12 skin care product could garner such rave reviews. Check out the Holy Hydration! drops for yourself below, or keep scrolling to read some more amazed reviews about what this little bottle can do.
"Someone on here said they started using this instead of their primer. So..
I'm 32, have chronically dry skin, and was looking for something to help my makeup sit better without looking cakey and dry as the day goes on.
My skin… glowing. French kiss. Chef's bakery. This stuff is incredible. Fair price. I use it after my sunscreen, like I would my primer. My makeup has been lasting longer and my skin has this luminous ethereal goddess glow. I look in the mirror and blind myself with my own beauty. She's moisturized but not greasy. Best "primer" I've ever purchased." — Lilly"Listen, in the winter my face gets as dry as an over cooked cookie. I have spent years trying to find the right stuff to get me off that flake fest and e.l.f., I swear, if you ever stop this line, I will cry more tears than Alice in Wonderland and end up flooding the neighborhood. Please, never stop making these products!
Oh, if I wasn't clear, get this! Use it. Looooove it. I'll be back for more, my skin thanks you." — Debras Midlife Library"Buy it. This product is my new holy Grail. I have used soooo many expensive products to try to achieve the results I get with this one product. I apply this generously on my face and neck twice a day. I'll be 44 next week, but my skin looks 30." — Jenn
"Run to target to get this today, ladies!! The serum is so moisturizing it's insane. I just added it to either my moisturizer or my cc cream, and it gives such a glow! I use this every day and will be rep purchasing forever! For reference, I am 44 years old with combination skin." — Lauren B
"As a black female who doesn't wear makeup im here to tell you, this is the one! I use 1 or 2 drops of this serum after i use the elf Holy Hydration face cream & I love it. I was worried it would look weird on my complexion but my skin looks so smooth & hydrated & it looks good all day long. I've never used the drops alone, always after moisturizer & i can for sure tell a difference." — AG
For more under-$20 beauty products that have earned "holy grail" status, check out these options:
Amazon
Nyx Butter Gloss
I've been using Nyx's Butter Gloss for almost 10 years now with no plans of stopping any time soon. It's pigmented but wearable for an everyday look, comes in so many gorgeous colors and has a smooth texture that feels nice on the lips. My go-tos are the nudey-pink shade Tiramisu or occasionally the bolder Red Velvet , but the clear Sugar Glass is the most popular and would look great on its own or over another lip color.
Promising Amazon review:"This lip gloss is my ride or die holy grail. I have almost all the colors. It's so smooth and moisturizing, lasts a long time and I love the colors!!" — HatchMama
Amazon
Dabur Amla hair oil
"I want everyone to save their money on expensive pre-wash oils and just get this," one HuffPost reporter said about the Dabur Amla hair oil . "Just give yourself a scalp massage with it and work your way down strands (like my grandma would), keep it on for like an hour minimum, and then wash it off when detangling in the shower. My hair was so damaged/thinning from long COVID [and] hard water [and] stress, and this was the ONLY product that has boosted hair growth and thickened it so there's more volume."
Stylevana
Ishizawa-Lab Keana pore care rice masks
"I became obsessed with these rice milk sheet masks during a trip to Japan earlier this year," said Mollie Reilly , Managing Editor of breaking news.
"They sell them everywhere there, but in the States, you can get 10 packs on Stylevana for a very reasonable price! They are the best sheet masks I've ever used, they instantly hydrate and soothe my skin."
Amazon
CeraVe eye repair cream
Reviewers adore CeraVe skin care products, from their hand cream to their serums , and this eye cream is no exception. Formulated to reduce dark circles and puffiness, all you need is a pea-sized amount under the eyes after you cleanse to hydrate and smooth the area with skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides. It's lightweight and non-greasy; r eviewers say it doesn't smell or sting the sensitive area.
Promising Amazon review:"Holy molly, this stuff works! I bought the eye cream thinking it's a reasonable price so why not try. Nothing else worked on the baggy/shadowy area under my eyes . Well, I used it for about 2 weeks and I can see a noticeable improvement. I'm flabagasted. Who would have thought this inexpensive stuff is the holy grail?!Of course, it won't get rid of the shadowy areas completely but what can, except a cosmetic surgery?!" — Acorn
Target
Cocokind vitamin C glow serum
"I'm on at least my 10th bottle of this vitamin C serum ," said operations associate Alexandra Niforos . "I feel like it's more affordable than a lot of vitamin C serums, and it's never broken me out. I used to get a lot of acne, and it's cleared up all the scars I had on my face, which is amazing."
Etsy
Cuticle Buddy portable cuticle oil
We previously covered the Cuticle Buddy cuticle oil made by small business ShopNBM, which has gained "holy grail" status over on Reddit . Available in a bunch of different scents , the cuticle oil is made with jojoba oil and natural oils that include vitamin E to hydrate and strengthen your nails and the skin around them, preventing breakage, pesky hangnails and more.
You can also buy refill bottles when you run out of your first 8-milliliter bottle (the refills are slightly above our $20 price cap here, but at 30 milliliters, you're getting almost four bottles for less than $7 each).
Amazon
KP Bumps Be Gone whole-body exfoliator and moisturizer
" AmLactin was recommended to me by a derm and is the next best thing to prescription anti-itch goops," one HuffPost reporter wrote.
She specifically has used the KP Bumps Be Gone whole-body exfoliator and moisturizer , which she puts on her legs after a shower.
The lotion uses lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, but it's also a moisturizer that softens the skin, so you can cut down on the number of products you have to use.
Amazon
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink liquid lipstick
Maybe it's Maybelline? When it comes to the holy grail of liquid lipsticks, it definitely is. The SuperStay Matte Ink liquid lipstick is an Amazon best seller, and one I can personally vouch for, too: I wore it to a wedding and not only did it look great in pictures, but it stayed on all day without drying out my lips. It comes in a ton of colors, from neutrals to brights.
Promising review:" At this price, this is like finding the Holy Grail of long-lasting lipwear. It's my everyday lipstick now. I have 4-5 colors and you can mix them for even more.You can get that overlined look without having to use liner or any other product, which is amazing. Just make sure you moisturize your lips at night after taking this off--it comes off easily with makeup remover or petroleum-based lip glosses, but nothing and I mean NOTHING else budges this stuff. I am already planning on buying more colors." — E. James
Target
Naturium The Energizer mandelic acid body wash
"I'm obsessed with this body wash — especially after a sweaty gym sesh — because it really just eliminates the funk but also is so gentle," said senior culture editor Erin Evans .
The Naturium body wash has a cooling formula that works to fight body odor while delivering a refreshing burst of energy thanks to the inclusion of citrus and herbal aromatic extracts. Just make sure to be mindful about sun protection. The brand notes that this body wash contains an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, which can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunburn.
Amazon
Aquaphor healing balm stick
"As a proud ChapStick they, I am nothing without my beloved Aquaphor stick ," said shopping writer Griffin Wynne . "I use it all over my face and body and truly recommend it for anyone who likes a gentle one-and-done product that will keep you from totally drying out. It costs more money than a basic $1 lip balm (which I also like) but really can be used all over and will last you awhile, as it's a pretty dense stick."
Amazon
Cosrx 96% snail mucin power essence
You may have heard of this viral Korean beauty product for its cult-favorite status. Though applying snail secretion to your face may not sound like your idea of a good time, snail mucin is a tried-and-true skin care ingredient and can soothe and repair damaged skin. This essence is made with a strong concentration of it (96%, to be exact) and is sticky, but fast-absorbing and doesn't have an odor. Plus, once you read some of the gushing reviews, it'll be easy to understand how this earns the "holy grail" label.
Promising Amazon review:"I LOVE this product. I was introduced to it by a co-worker back in 2017 and I haven't looked back. This co-worker didn't have great skin (age 29), and then she started coming in looking better, and better. Her skin was becoming supple, even, and radiant. I asked her what changed and she said she had been using this product. So the entire office got it (she looked that good). It's my holy grail...I have naturally dry skin, so it keeps my skin supple...even in the dry desert heat that I now live in.I use it every morning and evening after toning with a rose water toner." — Amanda
Amazon
L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer waterproof brow pencil
If you have unsteady hands or are newer to makeup, a brow pencil might be more forgiving than a gel or pomade that deposits more pigmented color in larger swaths. Try this beloved L'Oreal Paris brow pencil , which comes in 10 shades and has an ultra-fine pencil tip for easy application. The other side of the pencil has a spoolie so you can brush out your brows and blend in the product. It has a waterproof, ophthalmologist-tested formula, and reviewers say it's a much cheaper alternative to brow products by higher-end brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills.
Promising Amazon review:"Holy Grail of Eyebrow pencils!! FINALLY! Every pomade, pencil, gel, etc I have used always looks too harsh. I have ash, grayish, brown eyebrows so it is hard to find a matching color. They are also thick on some parts and scarce on others so everything ends up looking too dark and bold. The light brunette works perfectly. It is soft and and natural looking. Glides on easily and no need to be too precise like with the pomades.Will purchase a couple more to make sure I have one every where I go!" — MirMir
Amazon
e.l.f. Power Grip primer
The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer has become a drugstore favorite among makeup fanatics for its similarity to the popular Milk Makeup Hydro Grip primer , which retails for $38 a bottle. At nearly a quarter of the price, reviewers say the Power Grip Primer delivers similar results , locking makeup in place all day long. It's gel-based and slightly sticky, contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and is made for all skin types.
Promising Amazon review:"This is the holy grail of primers. Works better than my expensive $30 primer that I used before.Makes your makeup look flawless all day long even when you sweat, and it didn't cause any irritation to my skin. I'm impressed." — Bethany Bowers
Amazon
Cosrx acne pimple master patches
"As an adult with acne, I swear by the blemish-healing function of these pimple patches ," shopping writer Haley Zovickian previously wrote . "It's incredibly satisfying to remove the patches after hours of wear and see evidence of their work, the patches swollen with oil and gunk and my spots noticeably flatter."
"I buy them in bulk and I fastidiously ensure I never run low on them; they are my true desert island holy grail," Zovickian added. "Plus, they help protect my skin from my wandering fingers and picking."
Ulta
Tonymoly I'm Rice exfoliating enzyme cleanser
" This Tonymoly cleanser is incredible , and I make sure I never run out of it," said shopping writer Kevin Cortez . "I have a problem with most gel-based cleansers irritating or building up on my skin, so I grabbed this powdered one, and I haven't used anything since. You just sprinkle a little from the body, add water and scrub/foam it all over your face. It feels really good and soothing, and it's gentle enough that I could use it daily!"
"Legit, I've never had an issue with it drying out my skin. It feels really nice when I wash it off, and I've noticed my face is less oily overall. HIGHLY recommend," Cortez added.
Amazon
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration after sun lotion
"I've turned everyone in my life onto this lotion , which is only $8 and smells amazing," Niforos said.
The lotion is "specifically meant to be used after you've been out in the sun (at the beach, pool, etc.) because it helps retain your tan. I keep mine in the fridge so that it's extra cooling," Niforos added.
Amazon
Kiss strip lash adhesive
If you wear false eyelashes, you know the value of a good lash glue that isn't gloopy or irritating. That's what makes the Kiss strip lash adhesive such a winner among reviewers: The formula is hypoallergenic, latex- and odor-free and goes on clear and thin with the brush applicator. Reviewers also love the long-lasting adhesion, and of course, the affordable price.
Promising Amazon review:"My KISS lash glue is my holy grail. I will not use or buy any other lash glue. I am OBSESSED! It adheres so easily, it holds thru literally anything and everything, it's cheap to buy and it doesn't irritate the eye." — Shell Robinson
Amazon
Eucerin advanced repair body cream for very dry skin
"I usually don't get dry skin, but last year I had one patch on my right elbow that REFUSED to stay moisturized no matter what I put on it. I asked some of the other editors at HuffPost what they used, and someone told me to try Eucerin advanced repair body cream for very dry skin ," said Noah Michelson , head of HuffPost Personal. "I was skeptical — it isn't expensive, it isn't fancy. Could this really do what every other product had failed to do? It turns out IT COULD. IT DID. That patch disappeared in record time, and now I always have a tub of this body cream in my bathroom."
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
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