With the rising cost of living, investing in beauty products may take a backseat for many. However, sales events like Memorial Day present an excellent opportunity to save on high-quality formulas while being selective with your purchases. With over five years of beauty reporting experience, along with insights from equally devoted colleagues, we have curated a list of the most worthwhile skincare, makeup, and hair products discounted for Memorial Day. Explore our carefully selected finds below.
1. Salicylic Acid Cleanser
If you are seeking an affordable cleanser with salicylic acid, this sensitive-skin-friendly exfoliating acid cleanser is a top pick. Packed with ceramides, it has earned a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Amazon and glowing recommendations from board-certified dermatologists and HuffPost editors. One reporter even credited it with clearing her acne completely. The gentle yet effective gel-to-foam formula contains salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother, and clearer skin. $12 at Amazon (typically $20)
2. Caffeine-Infused Moisture Treatment
Both Spearman and Camp highlighted the rapid benefits of caffeine, which addresses dark circles, under-eye puffiness, and tired skin. Kiehl's Facial Fuel is an energizing moisture treatment suitable for all genders. This fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula features caffeine and an antioxidant blend of vitamins C and E from chestnut extract. $25 at Amazon (regularly $33)
3. Affordable Retinol Cream
HuffPost readers love the LilyAna Naturals eye cream, but this retinol-powered facial moisturizer is even more popular on Amazon, with over 41,400 ratings. It delivers retinol benefits like reducing signs of aging and smoothing skin, while a hyaluronic blend keeps skin soft and hydrated. At 41% off, this is an unbeatable deal. $18 at Amazon (regularly $25)
4. Disposable Facial Towels
Dermatologists warn that washcloths and towels harbor bacteria, undermining your cleansing efforts. These large Facemade disposable facial towels offer a hygienic alternative, made from 100% extra-soft viscose fiber that won't pull or drag delicate skin. Get 26% off for Memorial Day. $10 at Amazon (regularly $13)
5. Paula's Choice Liquid Exfoliant
Containing beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this Paula's Choice exfoliant clears dead skin buildup, reduces enlarged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads. As someone with stubborn keratosis pilaris bumps, I can personally attest to its ability to smooth texture and improve the skin barrier. This popular toner is a consistent top seller. $26 at Amazon (regularly $37) | $26 at Paula's Choice (regularly $37)
6. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Serum
"Glass skin" is a K-beauty term, and Peach & Lily claims to have originated it. Their best-selling Glass Skin Refining serum blends peach extract and niacinamide to brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation. Peptides add plumpness and boost hydration. Use code MDW20 for 20% off the entire site. $31 at Peach & Lily (regularly $39)
7. Westman Atelier Complexion Drops
Westman Atelier's liquid foundation drops have a thin, serum-like consistency akin to a tinted moisturizer, perfect for a no-makeup look. Editors love the hydrating, buildable formula with skin care actives like ginseng and pomegranate extracts that neutralize free radicals. $48 at Nordstrom | $48 at Westman Atelier (regularly $68)
8. First Aid Beauty Repair Cream
First Aid Beauty offers up to 50% off select favorites, including this intensive repair cream that saved my itchy, eczema-prone skin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi recommends it: "A rich cream with colloidal oatmeal to relieve irritation, shea butter to protect the skin barrier, and allantoin to calm and soothe." $32 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $42) | $34 at First Aid Beauty (regularly $42)
9. The Outset Lip Treatment
During a frigid New York trip, the Lip Oasis treatment by The Outset was my go-to lip companion. This glossy formula coats lips in nourishing sheen, with ingredients for intense moisture and barrier protection. It also contains a complex said to stimulate collagen for a plumper pout. Available in six sheer shades and a clear option. $23 at Amazon (regularly $28) | $23 at The Outset (regularly $28)
10. Medik8 Retinal Serum
For those seeking strong retinoids without a prescription, Medik8 Crystal Retinal comes in six strengths. The mid-strength option is a favorite of Uribe's, who says it leaves skin looking and feeling great, addressing wrinkles and texture while helping with hyperpigmentation without stripping moisture. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and glycerin. $64 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $85) | $64 at Medik8 (regularly $85)
11. Korres Resveratrol Serum
This multi-tasking serum from Korres uses grape seed extract, oils, and resveratrol—a plant-based phenol that fights free radicals and protects collagen, according to dermatologists. It provides instant hydration and leaves skin with a blurred, velvety look. $45 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $56) | $42 at Korres (regularly $56)
12. Weleda Skin Food Hand Cream
Weleda's Skin Food is legendary for healing dry, cracked skin. The ultra-rich formula is perfect for elbows, toes, and face in emergencies. Senior beauty reporter Lourdes Avila Uribe says, "Everyone should have a tube of this." Memorial Day discounts: 15% off $40+ (code 15OFF40), 20% off $65+ (code 20OFF65), 25% off $85+ (code 25OFF85). $15 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $20) | As low as $17 at Weleda (regularly $23)
13. Nooni Lip Oil
This conditioning, never-sticky lip oil by Korean brand Nooni offers glass-like shine and balm-like hydration. Tinted in 11 sheer shades, it contains jojoba oil, apple seed oil, and plum extract for plumpness. $10 at Amazon (regularly $15)
14. L'Oreal Lumi Glotion
We've called L'Oreal's Lumi Glotion the perfect shortcut to perfect skin and a convincing alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter. Available in five shades, this tinted moisturizer offers sheer, luminous coverage that melts into skin without settling into fine lines. Infused with shea butter and glycerin. $11+ at Amazon (regularly $15)
15. Dr. Idriss Major Fade System
Uribe credits the Major Fade line for reducing her pregnancy-induced hyperpigmentation. The set includes a lightweight serum with alpha arbutin and kojic acid, a moisturizer with vitamin C and 4-Butylresorcinol, and a flash mask with glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids. $132 at Dr. Idriss (regularly $165)
16. Foreo Bear Microcurrent Device
I've owned the Foreo Bear since 2022 and noticed softer fine lines and reduced joweling with semi-regular use. This FDA-cleared device uses microcurrents and sonic massage to firm and tone facial muscles. Use code MEMORIAL30 for extra 30% off. $339 at Foreo (regularly $399) | $319 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $399)
17. True Botanicals Radiance Oil
This cult-favorite, clinically proven oil is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Available in Renew (anti-aging), Clear (acne-prone), and Calm (redness-prone) formulations. All have a luxurious feel and subtle floral fragrance. $96 at True Botanicals (regularly $120)
18. Make Up For Ever Powder
Save 30% on select Make Up For Ever products. This silky pressed powder leaves a natural finish with blurring power that minimizes fine lines, pores, and imperfections without drying skin. Available in eight shades, including translucent and color-correcting lavender. $31 at Make Up For Ever (regularly $44)
19. Dr. Brandt Microneedling Serum
Microneedling in-office costs nearly $200, but Dr. Brandt's Dermal Micro Points serum replicates the process with natural spicules that create microchannels. It contains peptides to boost collagen and improve texture. Use code FIREWORKS25 for 25% off. $69 at Dr. Brandt (regularly $92)
20. Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask
International hair stylist Ona Diaz-Santin calls Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair mask "worth every penny." Key ingredients include rose hip oil, algae extract, and B vitamins for stronger, healthier hair. $28 at Ulta (regularly $39) | $29 at Briogeo (regularly $39+)
21. Phlur Missing Person Perfume
Missing Person has been my signature scent for three years. This floral-forward perfume with white musk, neroli, sandalwood, and skin notes is warm and familiar. All Phlur offerings are 25% off for Memorial Day. $74 at Phlur (regularly $99)
22. Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman recommends this multitasking scrub for promoting hair growth by creating optimal scalp conditions. It contains panthenol and glycerin, is sulfate-free, and has a delicious rose scent. $34 at Ouai (regularly $42)
23. Medik8 Advanced Ceramide Night Cream
Uribe credits this night cream for saving her parched winter skin without triggering acne. Powered by ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides, it addresses crepey skin, texture issues, dark spots, and fine lines. $59 at Medik8 (regularly $78)
