15 Instant Skin Fixes

Micellar water—a soap-free, no-rinse facial cleanser—contains micelles, molecules that dissolve makeup, dirt, and other grime. Even stubborn mascara breaks down in a flash. We like L'Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water ($10).

Many acne remedies are too harsh and drying. The essential oils and natural astringents in Tata Harper Clarifying Spot Solution ($32) gently calm and treat breakouts without irritation.

When choosing a highlighter, keep in mind what type of illumination you want, says Givenchy Le Makeup artistic director Nicolas Degennes. "Powders create a matte effect, whereas a gel gives you more of a reflection." Apply on the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and forehead, areas where the sun would naturally reflect light.

From left: Givenchy Mémoire de Forme Highlighter ($45); Maybelline New York FaceStudio Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter in Medium/Nude Glow and Light/Iridescent ($10 each).

Niacinamide, found in Olay Luminous Miracle Boost Concentrate ($25), reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C, the star of Sunday Riley C.E.O. Protect + Repair Moisturizer ($65), brightens and stimulates collagen production.

Anti-aging serums, creams, and masks will penetrate better when you use them with the Clarisonic Smart Profile Firming Massage Head ($54), says Robb Akridge, a cofounder and president of Clarisonic. 

Hydrated lips always look plumper. This sheer berry is one of those your-lips-but-better shades.

Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm in Berry ($33).

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum ($34) "is made for people with skin types that can't tolerate standard retinol," explains Mike Bell, chief scientific skin-care adviser at No7. It's made with retinyl palmitate, which is mild but still softens fine lines.

Extra-dry skin requires a nighttime formula with rich ingredients like olive and coconut oils. Wake up to a softer, more supple complexion.

RéVive Rescue Elixir Anti-Aging Oil ($285).

Used alone or pre-foundation, these sheer formulas improve skin tone. Peach brightens, lavender eliminates dullness, yellow tackles dark circles, and green neutralizes redness.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Cushion Corrector + Primer Duo SPF 20 in Peach/Lavender and Yellow/Green ($17 each).

Smooth on iS Clinical Neckperfect Complex ($78) twice a day. A targeted anti-aging treatment, it's formulated to minimize the appearance of crepiness, uneven texture, and sagging.

Choose a foundation that enhances, not masks, your face. Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Stick Foundation ($95), far left, is goofproof, providing light, natural coverage. Mix a drop or two of Clinique BIY Blend It Yourself Pigment Drops ($33), left, into your go-to moisturizer for a sheerer finish.

Chantecaille Rose de Mai Eye Lift ($97) uses red algae to smooth under-eye bags, and Lancôme Visionnaire Yeux Eye On Correction ($65) has blurring agents to make your eyes look younger.

Wake up tired, dull skin by adding a weekly peel that contains a cocktail of alpha-hydroxy acids (such as lactic, glycolic, and tartaric) to your regimen. It lifts away dead skin cells, leaving behind a clearer, smoother complexion in about 10 minutes. Try Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial ($80).

Supercharged hyaluronic acid serums provide immediate moisture and skin-plumping benefits—and improve overall texture in about 12 weeks, says dermatologist Shino Bay Aguilera, M.D.

From left: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($178); SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier ($98).