April Franzino

You look for “natural” and “organic” when shopping for food and other products — but what about sunscreens? When it comes to SPF, “natural” usually refers to mineral sunscreens, which use naturally-sourced minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays, as opposed to chemical formulas that work by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat. Mineral SPF formulas are gaining popularity because they’re free of controversial chemical sunscreen active ingredients like oxy…

If you have dry skin, then you’re no stranger to the uncomfortable feeling of makeup products like primers that dry out your skin or, worse, leave you with flaky patches. That’s why we found the best primers for dry skin that you can shop right now, from the best drugstore primers to splurge-worthy top performers. You can say hello to a smooth, natural finish that doesn’t irritate your dry skin, whether you’re looking for a primer that address large pores, provides subtle coverage or falls under…

The key to vibrant, glowing skin can start with something as simple as a face scrub. “Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells in the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, to increase cell turnover,” explains Beauty Lab chemist Danusia Wnek. Translation: A face scrub makes skin appear smoother, brighter, clearer and more radiant, both immediately and over time. So, keeping a good face scrub on hand can ensure your skin looks and feels squeaky clean. Our Good Housekeeping Institute Be…

Body wash is an essential skincare product — and lathering up with the right one can seriously upgrade your daily self-care routine. But buying an effective, high-quality body wash doesn’t have to break the bank. Even if you’re dealing with issues like dry, acne-prone or sensitive skin, there are plenty of excellent under-$20 body washes out there that rival luxury formulas — and you can find them at your local Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target or Rite Aid.In the Good Housekeeping Institute Beaut…

Hair trends may come and go, but straight, smooth strands are a classic look that never goes out of style. That said, getting salon-level results at home can be tricky. So we asked Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab experts and top styling pros for their hair straightening secrets. Here, they explain how to straighten your hair at home perfectly with a straightener or flat iron without damaging it (including curly hair!), plus how to naturally straighten hair without heat: How to straighten…

The lush shine you get from lip gloss? So pretty. The stickiness and flaky, dry feeling that can be left behind? Not so much. Enter the category of oil-based glosses, a.k.a. lip oils, which promise the same reflective, plumping look of a gloss along with the softening benefits of a lip balm or treatment — and less sticky feel. So are lip oils really better than lip gloss? Yes, they can be. “These formulas are usually either lightly tinted or clear, sheer yet shiny on the lips, and feel less tack…

There’s nothing better than a quick spritz with a face mist or spray for refreshing tired skin in the morning or midday. Face mists are traditionally water-based liquids dispensed via spray bottles that can contain skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and antioxidants, meant to deliver skin-nourishing and protective benefits. But do face mists work? Yes! While they can’t replace skincare treatments like serums and moisturizers, they do work to quickly cool, invigorate, and sof…

Over my decade-long career as a beauty editor, I’ve tested nearly every mascara that’s come across my desk, from the most inexpensive drugstore brands to high-end versions costing close to $50. The standard I compare them to? CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara. At less than $10, it blows away formulas triple and even quadruple the price — and while some are amazing and come close, I’ve yet to find a mascara that performs as well.Lash Blast makes my eyelashes the best version of themselves: Noti…

Never go shopping for beauty products again (that including anti-aging creams, haircare products, makeup, and skincare) without knowing these standouts, Seal stars, breakthroughs, and the hottest new picks of 2018!

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, committing to a consistent skincare routine that includes an effective anti-aging cream can help counteract signs of skin aging and dehydration that can occur over time. “While seeing a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles is the main benefits of anti-aging topicals, many of these products are multi-purpose and also help to moisturize and hydrate skin, target dark spots or help with other concerns,” explains Kathleen S. Viscusi, M.D., dermatologis…

Q: I want to use a hair oil for its repair properties, but I worry it’ll make my fine strands greasy. Any recommendations? A: Yes! Try dry hair oil mists. “They’re diluted with alcohols and silicones, so you get the silkening and smoothing benefits of oils like olive or argan, but without the heaviness,” says Good Housekeeping Institute chemist Sabina Burdzovic-Wizemann. The other upside: A mist’s fine spritz limits the amount of oil deposited. Still wary? Spray on ends only. We like: OGX Renew…