I spent $500 on anti-aging skin care this month — here's what I'd buy again

This innovative, U.K.-based skin-care brand consistently puts out some of the most potent, hyper-specific, ingredient-centered products I've ever encountered, especially at an ultra-affordable price point. 

The brand's brightening eye cream is no exception: It goes on silky smooth, doesn't pill, is super hydrating and works well under makeup. This serum leaves the delicate skin under your eyes looking dewier and less crepey. After a few weeks of use, I noticed the area looked brighter overall. 

I've tested dozens of expensive eye creams, and I'll say that for the price, this is a true find. 

I first started using this skin-transforming serum while working on a story on Botox alternatives earlier this month. It is now my favorite retinoid — I even like it more than prescription Tretinoin! Here's why: Within days of use, I actually saw a difference in my skin's texture and firmness, all without any of the irritation or skin molting I've experienced with other retinol products. 

Maelove's formula is made with retinaldehyde (also known as retinal, with an "a"), which is the strongest retinoid you can buy over the counter. And at .11% retinal concentration, this balanced, award-winning serum is 10 times more potent than retinol (with an "o"), so it delivers prescription-level skin-firming and smoothing but without the harshness or breaking-in period. 

This is now one of my "can't live without" products — 10/10, would buy again. 

CosRx has helped popularize snail mucin as a coveted skin-care ingredient, but this sleeper hit of a moisturizer is equally as good. A favorite among the K-beauty crowd, this face cream packs and seals moisture into dry, dehydrated skin without pilling or leaving behind the tacky stickiness I despise.  

I love it for its texture (creamy, but lightweight), fast-absorbing formula and, especially, its high-quality antioxidant ingredients. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the rich cream contains vitamin tree water (also known as sea buckthorn), which is filled with vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids that help strengthen the skin barrier and increase hydration. The midrange price is the cherry on top.

Did you know your mouth gets drier as you age, and this includes your lips? Even though I literally wrote a guide to avoiding chapped lips this winter, last week, I somehow found myself with the most cracked, bone-dry pucker I've ever experienced — the kind where you get a gross, scabby, brownish line around your mouth that looks like you're Pamela Anderson lining your lips, circa 2001. 

When I couldn't find my trusty Aquafor, I picked up this delightful salve at the grocery store, and I may never use another lip treatment again. It's made of chamomile, calendula and sunflower seed oil. It's rich, moisturizing, soothing and just plain ol' effective and pleasant on your mouth. I would pay three times as much for this balm but am happy to report that it's just 7 bucks. 

I've tried literally dozens of products to reduce the appearance of my enlarged pores and eradicate my copious nose blackheads, and this is by far the most effective. Just a few drops of the watery formula shrank the dime-size pores on my upper cheeks within a week. It's easy to use, nonirritating and works unbelievably well to gently clear out skin grime.

It's not just me, some middle-aged lady, raving here: More than 77,000 five-star Amazon reviewers agree and have made it a No. 1 bestseller.

I haven't tried chemical lash serums due to my ultra-sensitive eyes, but I've tested several brow-growth products, and this one is my favorite by far. Within weeks of use, I sprouted seriously robust arches, the kind of Brooke Shields-level brows that harkened back to what I had as a (pre-90s waxing!) teen. I love it so much, I re-upped with a fresh purchase earlier this month. 

This is the product I'd recommend to anyone with scant or thinning brows. It's a breeze to use (just swipe it on in the morning and at night), and it's nonirritating for most skin types. Few products meet my insanely high expectations, but this one is stellar and effective! No, it's not cheap, but if you feel self-conscious about balding brows, it's worth every penny.