9 Amazing Beauty Products You’ve Never Heard Of (And Why Pros Love Them)

Growing tired of your getting-ready routine and looking to upgrade or make switches? While some beauty products and brands are household names, that doesn’t mean they’re the end-all be-all options on the market. That’s why it’s not always recommended to follow the hype—but rather, learn from those who spend time testing and studying moisturizers, cleansers and makeup goodies to find hidden gems among the chaos.

From dermatologists and bloggers to estheticians and makeup pros, these beauty experts have tried a little bit of it all. And the good news for you? They’re willing to share the under-the-radar buys you have to try ASAP:

For Diminishing Fine Lines: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

Clinical esthetician Ledia Sotelo may help others discover their best skin through treatments, but for an at-home solution, she suggests this serum that works wonders. Especially if you’re in your late 30s, it’ll give you the TLC boost you need to keep your face flawless and wrinkle-free, thanks to one key ingredient: hyaluronic acid. “This ingredient occurs naturally in our body to help keep our skin supple and youthful. But unfortunately our levels of hyaluronic acid diminish with aging—most significantly after the age of 40, when we start to see loss of radiance and volume. This serum will give you that radiant skin you once had when you were younger,” she says.

How to use it: For best results, Sotelo says to apply a pea-size amount in the morning before your SPF and at night after you slather on your go-to retinol.

At-Home Face Firmer: NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Kit

Though your dermatologist recommends using a retinol in the evening and antioxidants in the morning, what happens when your skin reaches a plateau? Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD says many people forget about devices designed to add extra benefits to our skin. His go-to is this kit from NuFACE. How does it work? He explains that microcurrents create a low-grade charge across the skin that help firm and tighten laxity. Especially if you’re just starting to use anti-aging products, you’ll see a difference: “It is best used in people who are just starting to see loss of skin elasticity, when skin cells are still healthy but activity is beginning to decline,” he says.

How to use it: Dr. Zeichner suggests pulling out this bad boy 20 minutes each day. If you’re not seeing results right away, don’t worry, as he says it usually takes several uses to reap a reward.

To Fake Flawless Skin: Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Primer

What’s great about this primer isn’t just its on-the-surface benefits, but the multi-purpose deep-action ones, too. As celebrity hair and makeup artist Daniel Koye explains, you can use it on its own or mix with your trusted foundation to make a tinted moisturizer. “Summer is around the corner and your foundation may be a bit too thick and you just want to even out your skin tone. This primer will smooth out your skin and give you just enough coverage that will make your foundation give you the natural glow,” he explains.

How to use it: He suggests starting applying one pump of this primer to your face and using your foundation brush or beauty blender to mix for the most natural-looking finish.

For That Dewy Glow: Luzern Serum Absolut Moisture Recovery Oil

When hairstylist and makeup artist Sophia Porter needs an oil, she only has eyes for this one. “I use it as a moisturizer after applying serum, add it to cream foundation to create a dewy finish and use it on top of makeup for a natural sheen on the high points of the face,” she explains. Why does she like it? It’s versatile, quality ingredients can combat dryness and lock in hydration—making it appropriate for combination-to-dry skin, all year round. She even applies it to dry patches during the coldest days of winter.

How to use it: After washing your face with a trusted cleanser and applying a toner and serum, it’s time for the oil. Porter says it should be the last step before you apply your makeup, ensuring your skin is super-moisturized and ready for the day. If you want to go light-handed with the oil, she says to use it as a highlighter by applying it the high points of your face for an added shine.

Mess-Free, Fuss-Free, Gunk-Free Sun Protection: Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50

Of all your must-have beauty products, sunscreen is the most vital one for ensuring your skin’s health and youth. But you don’t have to go liquid to protect your pores, according to makeup artist and hairstylist Jules Annen. She uses this self-dispensing brush for quick, simple application. Especially if you have on makeup and don’t want to smudge your look, this powder version is easier for reapplication.

“Lightweight and water-resistant, it’s free of fragrance, dyes, talc and other common irritants, and is perfect for sensitive skin types,” she explains. “The micronized minerals reduce inflammation and redness, protecting and correcting your complexion while the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide physical sun protection.”

How to use it: Apply before your makeup, and then reapply every two to three hours, depending on how much exposure you have to the sun, Annen suggests.

To Fake Back-From-the-Beach Glow: RMS Living Luminizer

Problem: you want to look sun-kissed, but your PTO doesn’t allow for a getaway. Solution: makeup artist Jami Svay’s secret product to fake a beach vacation. “I love RMS Living Luminizer because it gives your skin a natural glow, as if you just left Bali! Most highlighters can appear too glittery or chalky. Living Luminizer allows your skin to really beam,” she explains. Since most people are on the lifelong quest to have fresh, healthy-looking skin, this luminizer does the hard work for you, without adding another layer of makeup to your skin.

How to use it: Svay says to warm up the product between your fingers so it glides on with ease. Then, apply it to where the light hits your face—your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose and the bow of your lip. To finish, pat into the skin until blended.

Removes All Makeup (Yup, Even Waterproof!): Makeup Eraser

If you’ve tried the liquid, the wipes and the foam, but nothing will take away last night’s cat eye, don’t give up just yet. Editor-in-chief of A Luxe Life, Naowshaba Ferdous explains nothing beats this eraser. “It’s completely chemical-free and you don’t need any other product to use it with which makes it super easy and you’ll save a ton of money too,” she shares. What will surprise you about this little slice of magic is that it only requires water—not even solution—to get rid of your day’s makeup.

How to use it: Ferdous says to run your Makeup Eraser under warm water, wring it out, and then firmly make circular motions around your face. Within a few minutes, your skin will be back to its natural state.

All-In-One Sunscreen: UltiMATTE Perfection SPF 50+ by Replenix

When your life is overbooked, you need products that can work double (or triple) time to get you out the door and pushing through your to-do list faster. That’s why founder and CEO of Formula Z Cosmetics Zach Dishinger says he loves this formula, since it combines a primer, nourishing antioxidants and sunscreen. In addition to prepping your skin for those harmful UVs, Dishinger says this product will combat oil, large pores and improve your skin texture, making your skin look and feel like “butter.”

How to use it: Use a pea-sized amount under your makeup in the morning before applying your foundation. You can also use sans-makeup, he adds.

Melt-Proof Mascara: Blinc Mascara

Want to up your eyelash game? Blogger Cybele Parsignault shares her beloved mascara that she’s been using for 15 years. “What I love about it is that it stays on all day and looks the same as when applied at the end of the day, yet it’s not waterproof,” she explains. As a bonus, the formula is gentle on the eyes and skin, making it ideal if you’re hesitant to switch to a new product. A little bit of warm water will remove it—no wrestling with your lash required.

How to use it: Apply directly to your top and bottom lashes to complete your makeup look.