We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Personal Care

  • Keeping the face soft and smooth can be difficult. It naturally picks up toxins, dirt, and debris while also harboring its own dead skin cells…yuck! Luckily, a good face peel can help solve this dilemma by literally peeling away unwanted dry skin and hidden dirt. The following five best face peels in 2022 were chosen for their powerful exfoliating ingredients that go deep down to clean pores, as well as for their smoothing qualities that leave the complexion looking even and healthy. Additionally, all of these products are powerful enough to provide lasting results without irritating sensitive skin.
    January 07, 2015
  • Shaving cream is a necessity if you want to get the best results from your shave. Not only does it protect the skin as you shave and prevent rashes and breakouts, it adds moisture and keeps skin healthy and hydrated. Dry and sensitive skin types will love how moisturizing these formulas are, and will find some great products specifically for you. Normal skin will find these beneficial as well. All will enjoy the results of hydrated skin long after you have finished shaving. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best shaving cream in 2022, we have listed below to help you decide what is the best to buy.
    November 21, 2014
  • As mammals we have hair on our skin— as humans, there are places where it grows that we just don’t want it. As for the bikini area, well that's a whole topic unto itself. No matter where you have unwanted hair, shaving it constantly is a struggle. So, how do we rid ourselves of this unwanted hair? Well, shaving is the most common option, but the hair typically grows back within a day. For longer-lasting hair removal, some people choose waxing or even laser hair removal. However, the best epilator in 2022 has become one of the top choices for long-lasting hair-free skin. Epilators work similarly to waxing, where multiple hair strands are pulled from the root at one time. To get smooth, hair-free skin, check out our top picks below.
    November 11, 2014
  • Shaving your bikini line, especially during swimsuit season, requires constant maintenance. Going to the salon for professional waxes is expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, several at-home waxing kits promise up to eight weeks of smooth bikini lines. Trusted hair removal brands like Sally Hansen and Veet have been developing and improving at-home waxing kits for years, so you know they are safe and many are now “ouch-less.” These at-home bikini waxes kits were chosen because they have nourishing natural botanicals like chamomile and black walnut oil, and contain glyceryl rosinate, which makes the bikini wax ofter and more pliable, allowing it to stick to your hair rather than to your skin. We've also included a buying guide below that breaks down some important things to think about before picking a bikini wax kit out; read on to figure out the right one for you!
    November 04, 2014
  • While a tan can look healthy and gorgeous, not everyone wants to spend their time baking in the sun or visiting a salon. The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage your skin— potentially causing skin cancer— and tanning salons are expensive. Tanning beds still use harmful UV light, so that isn't even the safest option. But, with the best self tanner in 2022, you can ensure you have a gorgeous tan without taking any of the risks from exposure to harmful rays. Whether you want a deep tan or a light bronze, there is a self tanner for you.
    October 29, 2014
  • As much as we all like to look our best, makeup needs to come off when you’re ready for bed. A makeup remover is the perfect solution in getting your skin fresh and clean without leaving any trace of makeup behind. It doesn’t matter if you have oily, combination, dry, sensitive or acne prone skin; there is a makeup remover that is right for you. There are many varieties of makeup removers but keep in mind that it’s best to find the one that fits your skin’s needs. The best one for you will not only remove the makeup with ease but it will be convenient to use, economical and good for your skin without irritating it or causing you any stress. So check out our list of the best make up removers in 2022 to learn more.
    October 29, 2014
  • Sunscreen is a must if you plan to be in the sun at all. Not only do the sun’s harmful UV rays cause uncomfortable burns, premature aging, and wrinkles, but they can also eventually cause skin cancer. With a high SPF sunscreen, you have more protection from these damaging rays and can still enjoy your time doing whatever it is you love to do in the sun.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best sunscreen, we have listed below the best sunscreens in 2022 available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy. From sprays designed to stay on in water to high-SPF lotions, there is a sunscreen for everyone.
    October 29, 2014
  • A good electric shaver can help quickly take much of the fuss and muss out of the daily ritual of shaving. With the right electric shaver, you won't have to worry about shave creams or gels, and you won't have to worry as much about painful and annoying nicks or cuts from blades that are going dull. The trick to making this the best possible upgrade lies in finding the right shaver for you. You've got to factor in skin type, comfort, ease of use, and more to ensure that you end up with a better experience than you are leaving behind by moving to an electric shaver. Based on factors like price, quality, versatility, and effectiveness, we've put together this list of the best electric shavers in 2022 on the market today.
    October 28, 2014
  • If you're looking to improve your dental health, an electric toothbrush is a must. Even with perfect regular brushing habits, it simply isn't possible to reach the same level of cleanliness with a manual toothbrush as it is with an electric one. Just a couple days of slacking off will result in plaque build-up on your teeth that will require a trip to the dentist to clean off, whereas a good electric toothbrush can help you get it all off yourself. Best electric toothbrushes in 2022 have been shown to result in whiter, cleaner teeth and healthier gums, along with less plaque build-up and other problems.
    October 28, 2014
  • The best bikini area removal creams in 2022 are going to be both gentle yet effective and you’ll notice these creams will say they’re specifically designed for sensitive skin, especially given the nature of the bikini zone. This area is often prone to ingrown hairs, rashes and irritation even if you have normal skin everywhere else. It’s also extremely important you remove unwanted hair at certain times of the day or month to prevent further redness and irritation.These spectacular hair removal formulas are going to beat the heck out of shaving simply because you will get cleaner skin without the risk of bumps, lumps, redness and rashes. All of the following products contain ingredients that work as natural inflammatory agents like honey and green tea extract. They will also hydrate and protect skin with ingredients like shea butter or vitamin E in addition to working fast to give you smooth lasting bikini-ready skin.Disclaimer: Never use bikini removal creams first thing in the morning. Give your sleepy skin a chance to wake up. It's a fact that your skin is more sensitive about thirty minutes upon awakening so you may want to skip application, especially during that "special time of the month" due to increased sensitivity.
    September 16, 2014
  • Just about everyone owns a pair of tweezers, but statistically, more than a third are dissatisfied with them according to Allure magazine. People use tweezers to remove unwanted body hair, mostly around the eyebrows, or stray hairs that pop out around the rest of the body. A good set of tweezers will make it easy and comfortable for getting rid of those hairs. These best tweezers in 2022 have a sharp slanted style, because the pointy tip allows for precision while you can angle the slant parallel to your skin to get rid of multiple hairs. They also have slanted style to grab tiny hairs quickly, don’t pinch your skin along the way, have an easy secure grip, and are guaranteed not to rust.
    September 08, 2014
  • Firming creams provides the best of both worlds with these high-quality, enriching creams moisturizing the skin, while specific ingredients help tighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite. They can be used anywhere on the body and reveal a smoother, rejuvenated appearance. However, sometimes these creams can be very heavy, leading to excess oil production and acne.These five firming creams were chosen because they are light-weight moisture formulas, concocted with ingredients like shea and almond extract, produced by award-winning beauty brands such as LaRoche-Posay and Oil of Olay, and have firming ingredients such as Royal Jelly, glycerin and vitamin B.
    July 25, 2014
  • The old saying might be “It’s summertime and the living is easy” but it’s certainly not easy on your skin. It’s the season where basking in the sun at the beach or pool is the norm, and tans are almost inevitable. But sometimes even if you are applying sunscreen every single day, it may not be sufficient to complete your skin care routine, especially if you live in desert regions where excessive sun exposure is prevalent in the summer season.We've narrowed down some of the best products to apply after sun exposure in order to protect and moisturize in even the hottest temperatures. Post-exposure products help soothe and re-hydrate your skin to keep you glowing and healthy as well as preserve your golden tan. These five best after-sun lotions in 2022 were chosen because they contain natural moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and papaya, are non-greasy for easy application and are created by trusted skincare brands like Clinique, Clarins and Burt's Bees.
    June 27, 2014
  • Everyone spends a lot of time in the bathroom each day, whether that's putting on makeup or shaving in the morning, or brushing your teeth before going to bed. No matter what, you need the best bathroom mirror. Some are fogless so you can shave after your shower without an obstructed view, and some are magnifying so you can get an up-close view as you pluck your eyebrows. Below, we've reviewed our favorite products that are contenders for the best bathroom mirror of 2022. There is a mirror out there that will suit your budget, needs, and bathroom style, so go get shopping.
    June 17, 2014
  • Teeth Whitening Gel is a safe way to get whiter teeth at home. Used in conjunction with a mouth tray, most kits can whiten your teeth to dentist level white. By keeping the gel pressed against your teeth, it penetrates the surface to remove stains and reveal whiter looking teeth. Below are my top picks based on effectiveness, length of time to whiten and costFor more information on what to look at in selecting the best teeth whitener in 2022, We have listed below the best teeth whitener available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    June 13, 2014
  • Made to rejuvenate the skin and reverse the aging process, retinol cream removes dead cells and accelerating the growth of new skin. The idea of using a retinol cream can be intimidating at first but you really have nothing to fear. Finding the perfect retinol night cream can be extremely beneficial to individuals seeking younger-looking skin but don't have the time to spend hours a day working on it. The best retinol night creams in 2022 were chosen for their ability to target unwanted wrinkles and fine lines on the face, show strong, tangible results with continual use and are formulated to safely use on any skin type.
    June 10, 2014
  • Aging is inevitable for everyone but it’s possible to mask, reduce, and delay signs of aging using topical formulas. Anti-aging creams are typically marketed with claims of firming skin, diminishing fine lines, fading discolorations, and improving skin texture. However, many anti-aging products, including creams, have not been able to uphold their broad claims. For optimal results, use creams use containing age-rewinding ingredients such as peptides, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and antioxidants.The following best anti-aging creams in 2022 contain the most potent anti-aging ingredients such as resveratrol and plant-based collagen, provide significant youth-restoring results like improved skin texture and complexion while boasting the highest user ratings due to their outstanding ability to revitalize and restore aging skin. Additionally, none of the creams below contain parabens.
    May 22, 2014
  • Psoriasis is an immune system-triggered skin condition causing an overproduction of skin cells, commonly resulting in red, scaly patches on the body and constant skin shedding. Although there’s no known cure for psoriasis, you can significantly improve your skin's health and reduce psoriasis symptoms using topical formulas. When you want to quickly soothe your skin, psoriasis lotions can instantly calm irritation while reducing flaking, scaling, and redness. The following best psoriasis lotions in 2022 provide the fastest relief from psoriasis, contain the most effective ingredients, and are highly recommended by individuals living with this condition.
    May 19, 2014
  • Blackheads are frustrating because of the way they form dark, unsightly spots under the skin's surface. These blemishes develop when excess oil within pores accumulates and then mixes with dead skin cells. Once exposed to air, this combination of oil and dead skin cells oxidizes and darkens. You must carefully treat blackheads to prevent further skin irritation and oil production which can cause even more blackheads to form. Stay away from harsh, drying skincare products and greasy formulas which can clog your pores.The following best blackhead treatments in 2022 were selected because they’re the most effective at unclogging pores, work the fastest to eliminate blackheads, and are supported by many satisfied user reviews.
    May 13, 2014
  • Whether you've recently undergone surgery or suffered from an accident, you want to restore your damaged skin as quickly as possible. Scar removal products are designed for different types of scarring and vary in their abilities to reduce or remove scar tissue. However, do not expect any scar removal formula to provide quick results, as most products fade scars gradually with noticeable results only after several weeks of consistent use.Fortunately, you can visibly reduce or diminish the appearance of scars using the following scar removal products. These best scar removal creams in 2022 contain potent active ingredients, provide the most noticeable results, and are recommended by many users.
    May 08, 2014
  • Vitamin C plays the important role of producing collagen which keeps skin smooth and supple. Youthful skin is full of vitamin C but the aging process and other factors cause this nutrient to diminish over time. Fortunately, you can replenish your skin's vitamin C levels and reverse the effects of aging by using a topical vitamin C serum. Applying a vitamin C serum directly to your skin is extremely effective at preventing and rewinding aging as long as you choose a potent vitamin C serum. The following list of vitamin C serums are suited for all skin types, contain the highest quality ingredients, and deliver the most noticeable age-rewinding results.
    May 06, 2014
  • Body butters are perfect when you desire rich, creamy moisture to hydrate your skin. They're infused with nutrients that help relieve and repair dry skin, leaving your body smooth and soft. Many body butters also contain natural extracts, oils, and antioxidants that increase skin elasticity and provide anti-aging benefits. Although thicker in consistency than lotions, body butters quickly penetrate the skin for instant hydration. The following body butters provide superior hydration, quickly absorb into skin, and are suited for all skin types. We've compiled a list of best body butters in 2022 that you can read about here.
    May 06, 2014
  • Stretch marks are common during pregnancy occurring when the skin stretches due to body changes such as weight gain or loss, muscle building, and puberty. These unsightly, often indented streaks can appear on the stomach, hips, upper arms, lower back, thighs, shoulders, and other regions. Fortunately, stretch marks aren't permanent, even if you've had them for several months or even a couple of years because there are Lotions formulated for stretch marks which can help restore skin's elasticity and smooth texture. The following lotions are the most effective at restoring skin elasticity, contain the most innovative ingredients, and provide the best skin smoothing results according to users. Checkout our top picks for best lotion for stretch marks in 2022.
    May 06, 2014
  • Eczema, dry skin, insect bites, allergic reactions, and many other factors can lead to skin rashes. Itching, redness, bumps, and inflammation are often associated with rashes, and these symptoms can cause much discomfort if left untreated. Fortunately, high-quality rash creams can quickly alleviate irritating rashes and calm your skin. If you want the quickest relief possible, don't settle for just any rash cream. The following rash creams featured below provide the fastest relief from symptoms, are proven effective by users, and leave skin feeling restored. We've compiled this list for best rash creams in 2022.
    April 25, 2014
  • The days of just shaving away facial hair and leaving some in areas where you want to grow a beard or mustache are gone. Carefully shaping those areas with a trimmer that uses electric, traditional blades, or even both, is what you should use to keep your facial hair looking well-kept and stylish. There are appliances especially made for these trimming jobs and here are five of the best beard trimmer in 2022 rated for their efficiency, effectiveness, and comfort.
    March 20, 2014
  • The hard-to-reach area of the nose makes trimming that unwanted hair away difficult. Some people use small scissors or even tweezers, but there is a much better, less painful solution. There are many small trimmers on the market for nose hair, and we have looked at quite a few of them. The ones we have chosen are here because they are versatile, easy to use, affordable, and long-lasting. Here are five of the best nose hair trimmers in 2022 on the market today.
    March 19, 2014
  • The search for the best body groomer has become easier over the past decade. The fact of the matter is that body hair isn’t thought of as being as attractive as it may have been in years passed. The continued trend that "less is more" when it comes to body hair has been noticed by major men’s product manufacturers. As a result, many more body hair management options have become available. There are some very basic options as well as others with plenty of bells, whistles and attachments. The five items we have ranked here as the best body groomers in 2022 were chosen for performance, price and comfort.
    March 05, 2014
  • When it comes to caring for your skin, different moisturizers are needed for different parts of your body. In particular, your feet need lots of care, which includes not only deep moisture but also some exfoliation and odor prevention. With this in mind, creams are one of the best moisturizers for feet. That's because they penetrate deeply and carry concentrated amounts of minerals, vitamins, and anti-fungal properties, such as tea tree oil, which is also key in preventing odor and makes the feet feel refreshed and rejuvenated. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best foot cream in 2022, we have listed below our favorite available foot creams for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    December 18, 2013
  • Using a hand soap is something that is a part of our daily routine. Yet, most of us do not really give it too much thought. We know it’s something we must do to stay healthy and prevent germs from spreading. There are also those of you who work in the medical, automotive, or restaurant profession that relies on these as part of performing your job safely. Others may choose a product since it smells good and looks pretty in the bathroom.Finally, there are those of you who have kids and need something that doesn't cost a lot and is easy and safe for the entire household to use. No matter what way you use these hand soaps just know that all of the products that made it onto these lists are the highest performing consumer favorites that get repurchased time and time again. We've put together a list of what we think are the top ten hand soaps on the market, as well as an accompanying buying guide that will help you pick out the right one for you!
    December 11, 2013
  • Toner is a great addition to any daily skin care regiment. There is an array of different toners tailored to skin types, so it’s best to choose one that is formulated for oily, dry, normal or combination skin. Toners not only help remove dirt and makeup from the pores (as well as minimize pores), but it also restores the skin’s natural pH balance. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best skin toner in 2022, We have listed below the best skin toners available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    November 20, 2013