With the rising cost of living, investing in beauty products might not be a top priority for everyone. However, sales events like Memorial Day provide an excellent opportunity to save on high-quality formulas and make selective choices. Drawing on over five years of beauty reporting experience and input from equally devoted colleagues, we have curated a list of the most worthwhile skin care, makeup, and hair products available at a discount this Memorial Day. Explore our carefully selected finds below.
1. Ceramide-Packed Salicylic Acid Cleanser
If you are looking for an affordable cleanser containing salicylic acid, this sensitive-skin-friendly exfoliating acid cleanser is highly recommended. With a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, it has earned praise from board-certified dermatologists and HuffPost editors alike. One reporter noted that it completely cleared her acne. The gentle yet effective gel formula transforms into a rich foam, using salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother, and clearer skin. Available for $12 at Amazon (regularly $20).
2. Caffeine-Filled Moisture Treatment
Both Spearman and Camp highlighted the rapid benefits of caffeine, which can address 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 contains caffeine along with an antioxidant blend of vitamins C and E from chestnut extract. Priced at $25 at Amazon (regularly $33).
3. Affordable Retinol Cream with 41,400+ Ratings
HuffPost readers love the LilyAna Naturals eye cream, but this retinol-powered facial moisturizer has even higher ratings on Amazon. It offers retinol benefits such as reducing signs of aging and smoothing skin, while a hyaluronic blend keeps skin soft and hydrated. At $18 on Amazon (regularly $25), this is an unbeatable deal.
4. Pack of 60 Single-Use Facial Towels
Dermatologists advise that washcloths and towels can harbor bacteria, undermining your cleansing efforts. These large Facemade disposable towels are a hygienic alternative, made from 100% extra-soft viscose fiber that won't irritate delicate skin. Available for $10 at Amazon (regularly $13).
5. Tried-and-True Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice exfoliant contains beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to clear dead skin buildup, reduce enlarged pores, and diminish blackheads and whiteheads. One user with keratosis pilaris attests to its ability to smooth skin texture and improve the skin barrier. This popular toner is a top seller. Get it for $26 at Amazon or Paula's Choice (regularly $37).
6. Korean 'Glass Skin' Serum
The term 'glass skin' originates from K-beauty, and Peach & Lily claims to have pioneered it. Their best-selling Glass Skin Refining serum uses peach extract and niacinamide to brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation. Peptides add plumpness and hydration. Use code MDW20 for 20% off the entire site. Priced at $31 at Peach & Lily (regularly $39).
7. Beauty Editor-Adored Complexion Drops
Westman Atelier's liquid foundation drops have a lightweight, serum-like consistency, similar 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. Available for $48 at Nordstrom or Westman Atelier (regularly $68).
8. Ultra-Rich Repair Cream for Eczema
First Aid Beauty offers up to 50% off select favorites, including this intensive repair cream that soothes itchy, flaky, eczema-prone skin. Recommended by Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, it contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin to calm and protect the skin. Get it for $32 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $42) or $34 at First Aid Beauty (regularly $42).
9. Conditioning Lip Treatment
The Outset's Lip Oasis treatment provides glossy, lasting comfort with intense moisture and barrier protection. It contains a complex to stimulate collagen production for plumper lips. Available in six sheer shades and a clear option. Priced at $23 at Amazon or The Outset (regularly $28).
10. Concentrated Retinal Serum for Wrinkles
Medik8 Crystal Retinal offers a strong retinoid without a prescription, available in six strengths. This mid-strength option is a favorite for addressing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation without stripping moisture. Balanced with hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Get it for $64 at Dermstore with code SUN or Medik8 (regularly $85).
11. Resveratrol-Rich Blurring Serum
Korres multi-tasking serum uses grape seed extract, oils, and resveratrol to quench free radicals and protect collagen. The result is a blurred, velvety skin tone with prolonged moisture. Available for $45 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $56) or $42 at Korres (regularly $56).
12. Iconic Skin Food Hand Cream
Weleda's Skin Food is renowned for healing damaged moisture barriers and repairing skin. The ultra-rich formula is ideal for cracked, flaky skin on elbows, toes, and face. Senior beauty reporter Lourdes Avila Uribe recommends it for emergency hydration. Weleda offers ascending discounts: 15% off $40+, 20% off $65+, and 25% off $85+ with codes 15OFF40, 20OFF65, and 25OFF85. Prices start at $15 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $20) or as low as $17 at Weleda (regularly $23).
13. Korean Hydrating Tinted Lip Oil
Nooni's lip oil offers glass-like shine and balm-like hydration without stickiness. Tinted in 11 sheer shades, it contains jojoba oil, apple seed oil, and plum extract for plumpness. Available for $10 at Amazon (regularly $15).
14. Illuminating Complexion Booster
L'Oreal's Lumi Glotion is a perfect shortcut to glowing skin and a convincing alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter. This tinted moisturizer provides sheer, luminous coverage with shea butter and glycerin for hydration. Available in five shades for $11+ at Amazon (regularly $15).
15. Three-Part System for Hyperpigmentation
Dr. Idriss Major Fade line includes a hyper serum with alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and niacinamide; an active seal moisturizer with vitamin C and 4-Butylresorcinol; and a flash mask with glycolic, lactic, and tranexamic acids. Uribe credits this system for reducing her pregnancy-induced melasma. The set is $132 at Dr. Idriss (regularly $165).
16. Firming Microcurrent Facial Device
Foreo's Bear micro-current device uses low-level electrical impulses and sonic massage to firm and tone facial muscles. With semi-regular use, it softens fine lines and reduces joweling. Use code MEMORIAL30 for an extra 30% off. The bundle with Supercharged serum is $339 at Foreo (regularly $399) or $319 at Dermstore with code SUN (regularly $399).
17. Cult-Favorite Radiance Oil
True Botanicals Pure Radiance oil is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and clinically proven. Available in Renew, Clear, and Calm formulations for different skin concerns. Uribe praises its luxurious feel and subtle floral fragrance. Priced at $96 at True Botanicals (regularly $120).
18. Blurring and Skin-Perfecting Powder
Make Up For Ever's pressed powder provides a natural finish with blurring power that minimizes fine lines and pores without drying. Available in eight shades, including translucent and lavender. Save 30% on select products. Get it for $31 at Make Up For Ever (regularly $44).
19. Microneedling Serum for Fine Lines
Dr. Brandt's Dermal Micro Points serum uses natural spicules to create microchannels, mimicking microneedling. It contains peptides to boost collagen and improve texture. Use code FIREWORKS25 for 25% off. Priced at $69 at Dr. Brandt (regularly $92).
20. Deep Conditioning Mask
Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair mask is recommended by stylist Ona Diaz-Santin for its moisturizing and strengthening properties. Key ingredients include rose hip oil, algae extract, and B vitamins. Available for $28 at Ulta (regularly $39) or $29 at Briogeo (regularly $39+).
21. Intoxicating Scent from Phlur
Phlur's Missing Person is a floral-forward fragrance with notes of white musk, neroli blossom, sandalwood, and skin. It has been a signature scent for three years. All Phlur offerings are 25% off for Memorial Day. Priced at $74 at Phlur (regularly $99).
22. Deliciously Scented Scalp and Body Scrub
Ouai's scrub promotes hair growth by creating optimal scalp conditions. Recommended by Dr. Dara Spearman, it contains panthenol and glycerin for hydration, and is free of sulfates. Infused with rose scent, it gently removes dead skin and product buildup. Available for $34 at Ouai (regularly $42).
23. Night Cream for Parched Skin
Medik8 Advanced Ceramide night cream saved Uribe's winter skin without causing acne. It is rich in ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides for firmer, glowing skin. Priced at $59 at Medik8 (regularly $78).
