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10 Beauty Products Real Women Actually Swear By

Beauty products real women swear by featured in Pretty Magazine

In a world of influencer kickbacks and sponsored posts, it can be hard to know which beauty products truly deliver. In our “Ten Trustworthy Women” column in Pretty, we ask real women—from teachers to marketing professionals—to share the beauty products they swear by in their everyday routines.

The results? A thoughtful mix of dermatologist favorites, hardworking skincare, and makeup staples that have earned a permanent place in their routines.

Here are the products real women say are actually worth buying.

Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means Pretty may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. The products featured here were recommended by real women in our “Ten Trustworthy Women” column.


Beauty Products Real Women Swear By

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer ($13.97 for 3 oz, Amazon)

Vanicream facial moisturizer

“I just started using this, and I’m obsessed! It quenches my skin’s thirst and has made my skin like glass: smooth, smaller-looking pores, and always glowy. This is my FAVE!” –Ashby, healthcare worker

Dr. Brenner Vitamin C Serum ($23.99 for 1 oz, Amazon)

Dr. Brenner Vitamin C Serum

“My dermatologist recommended I try this, promising that it’s as good as more expensive brands. It takes out redness and smoothes skin, and I’d swear it has made my pores smaller.” –Tammie, professional hairstylist


Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops ($49 for 1.01 oz, Amazon)

Cicapair Tiger Glass Camo Drops

“I’m always looking for products that calm my rosy complexion. (Yes, that’s a euphemism for rosacea!) This gets the job done like none other.” –Leigh Ann, executive for a nonprofit


The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG ($9.20 for 1 oz, Amazon)

The Ordinary eye serum

“I have chronic dry eye, which causes my eyes to get extremely puffy each morning. This works miracles calming that puffiness. I use it every day.” –Kendra, paralegal


K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo ($48 for 4 oz, Amazon)

K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo

“My dermatologist recommended this because it provides some volume and fullness without leaving a residue. I’m sure it cleans as well, but that’s not why I use it!” –Kay, retired teacher


Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx® Peeling Gel ($49 for 3.4 oz, Amazon)

Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel

“I use this all over my face after cleansing and before moisturizing. It rids my skin of any dryness and gives me a smooth canvas for additional skincare products and makeup.” –Jeanie, singer/actress


It’s a 10 Miracle Blowdry Volumizer ($16.81 for 6 oz, Amazon)

It's a 10 Miracle Blowdry Volumizer

“I use this every time I dry my hair. Just a few sprays at the roots just below my part give me the right amount of lift without being sticky or overdone.” –Elizabeth, marketing instructor


The Cali Contour Palette from Smashbox ($46, Amazon)

Smashbox The Cali Contour Palette

“This is my go-to. I’m very low-maintenance, so I use this mostly as eyeshadow, but for special occasions, I also use it for blush and highlights. The shades are neutral, so I can look natural instead of ‘made up.'” –Betsy, communications consultant


Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick ($10.16 for 0.1 oz, Amazon)

Revlon ColorStay Lipstick

“I love this because it gives color but not too much color. It has a natural look and really does stay on all day.” –Irene, author


VI DERM Growth Factor Repair Cream ($110 for 1 oz, Amazon)

VI DERM Growth Factor

“This is my daily go-to to restore and maintain my skin’s health. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and makes my skin feel firmer by actually stimulating collagen and elastin production.” –Alice, Realtor®


From the pages of Pretty

These recommendations originally appeared in our Ten Trustworthy Women feature in the Spring issue of Pretty, where real women shared the beauty products they swear by.

You can explore more beauty, style, and lifestyle stories in the latest issue of the magazine.

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