January 22, 2026

Embryolisse

When beauty writer Neha Tandon went to France last summer, her first stop wasn’t a café or la tour Eiffel — it was a pharmacy. In the months since, a star has emerged from her haul: a hydrating, silky moisturizer that doubles as a primer. It helped to solve her biggest skin insecurities: dullness, uneven texture, flakiness. And a pea-size dollop under the eyes made her concealer last longer, sans creasing.

Says Neha: “It was immediately hydrating and left behind a light and fresh sheen that made me look like I had just gotten a facial and nine hours of sleep.” Très chic.

Beloved by makeup artists, too→

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Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter

French pharmacies are a bastion of high-quality and affordable products with minimal frills. Our beauty expert handpicked 13 standouts, including a foamy (on-sale!) cleanser that treats oily skin without stripping it.

The best French beauty products — and how to nab them stateside→

Our favorite exfoliants Including a fragrance-free formula that comes in a range of strengths, so you can fine-tune your regimen→

The best men’s work bags Stylishly transport your belongings to and from the office→

“Fire ruined my husband’s woodshop. Everything in this toolbox survived.” This tool-storage system is modular, portable, and evidently very durable→

MAC

This buildable concealer effortlessly melts into skin, helping to create a polished look with a bright, slightly reflective finish. It has impressive staying power, and works wonders at masking ruddiness and discoloration.

It’s on sale right now→

Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

In the throes of winter, you may notice your skin looking a bit more parched than usual. Beauty editor Jenn Sullivan’s advice to treat flaky, cracked skin? Apply moisturizer right after you’ve gotten out of the shower and while your skin is still a bit wet — it’s a more effective way to lock in hydration.

Plus, how to find the best moisturizer for you→

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