I’ve discovered a revolutionary skin serum that delivers a dewy, hydrated holiday glow to my complexion. The Merit Great Skin serum provides the same hydrating and plumping effects that typically require multiple products to achieve. This serum is a game-changer for anyone seeking a simplified skincare routine without sacrificing results.

Continue reading to learn why the Merit serum is an essential part of my holiday beauty lineup and how it is set to replace several items in my winter skincare arsenal.

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Merit Great Skin, $38

Winter can be harsh on your skin, leading to chapped lips, dryness, and an uneven texture due to indoor heating and seasonal stress. Traditionally, I would battle my dull winter complexion with a multitude of hydrating skincare products. However, I’ve recently found one incredible under-$50 skincare serum that effectively replaces them all. 

The Merit Great Skin serum is often referred to as “happy skin in a bottle.” This lightweight serum is formulated with four types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cacao seed extract, and Japanese goldthread root. As a long-time fan of hyaluronic acid, I appreciate that the four variations used in Great Skin target different layers of the skin, ensuring that hydration is locked in for all-day moisture.

Upon applying this serum in the morning, my skin immediately feels revitalized. In the past, I’ve been let down by products that promise long-lasting moisture, but my experience with Great Skin has been different. By day’s end, my complexion remains hydrated and radiant. After several applications, I’ve noticed that the Merit Great Skin serum is also effective at preventing the dry patches I usually experience on my forehead and around my nose during winter.

This phenomenal serum is a must-have for anyone aiming to achieve and maintain bouncy, hydrated, and glowing holiday skin. The chic bottle also adds a touch of elegance to any bathroom counter. It makes a perfect gift for yourself, your skincare-obsessed sister, friends looking to elevate their skincare routine, or your mom who needs relief from the drying effects of indoor heating.

Experience the Hydrating Benefits of Merit Great Skin

I apply this hydrating serum after my vitamin C serum and moisturizer but prior to applying sunscreen. The outcome is incredibly hydrated, radiant, and healthy-looking skin. I’ve also noticed that the Merit Great Skin serum allows my foundation to glide on smoothly and maintain a natural appearance throughout the day.

At just $38, this serum is an absolute steal.

Merit Great Skin, $38

Explore More Top-Rated Holiday Beauty and Skincare Gift Ideas

Curious about what else is in my beauty stash this holiday season? Treat yourself to one of my favorite holiday gift sets from Sephora, featured below.

Discover Additional Highly-Rated Holiday Beauty and Skincare Gift Ideas

The CBS Essentials team has curated an exciting selection of haircare, skincare, and beauty gift ideas that you can shop right now. Explore our top-rated recommendations for hair tools, skincare products, makeup essentials, and more, many of which are currently on sale for Black Friday.

Coco & Eve Silky Hair Set: Transform Your Tresses

The Coco & Eve Silky Hair Set is an absolute essential for anyone with thick, long hair. This set is designed to tame frizz, eliminate the appearance of damage, and add a radiant shine for stunning holiday hair. Don’t miss out on the current Black Friday sale for this luxurious haircare set.

Coco & Eve Silky Hair Set, $51 (regularly $68)

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System: Your Ultimate Hair Tool

I had the chance to try the Shark FlexStyle, and I fell in love with this affordable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap. This multifunctional styling tool can dry wet hair, curl, volumize, and smooth your locks to achieve the perfect blowout. It offers four heat settings and three airflow options that can be customized to your liking, complete with a cool shot button to set your style.

According to the brand, the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System minimizes heat damage during use. This innovative tool measures and regulates temperatures 1,000 times per second to maintain a consistent air temperature. The package includes an oval brush, paddle brush, styling concentrator with a rotatable nozzle, and curling attachments.

I’ve particularly enjoyed using the auto-wrap curlers to effortlessly create tousled curls that frame my face in seconds.

Best Buy currently offers the best deal on the Shark FlexStyle.

Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system, $270

Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system, $280

Peace Out Acne Healing Dots: Fast-Acting Spot Treatment

The Peace Out Acne Healing Dots might not work in the “six hours or less” as claimed on the packaging, but they do seem to accelerate healing when applied. They also deter you from picking at your acne spots, which significantly aids in the healing process.

Carolin Lehmann, a CBS Essentials writer, shared, “Of all the acne stickers I’ve tried, these are my top choice. They turn satisfyingly white over the blemish, indicating they are drawing out impurities. (The hydrocolloid polymer technology is designed to extract impurities efficiently.)”

Gabby Shacknai, another editor at CBS Essentials, also appreciates the Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, though she advises users to be patient. “These pimple patches effectively shorten the lifespan of a pimple, but the six-hour claim is somewhat misleading,” she notes. “In my experience, it typically takes overnight to see significant results.”

These dots are a reliable choice for anyone struggling with breakouts.

Peace Out Acne Healing Dots (20 ct.), $13 (reduced from $19)

Ilia Multi-Stick: Versatile Makeup Essential

This handy multi-stick from Ilia provides both lip and cheek color. While I primarily use it on my cheeks, I find that the Dear Ruby shade applies beautifully with a brush, creating a fresh, natural look. The pigment is rich but not overly so, making it easy to apply without any fuss. This multi-stick is an excellent stocking stuffer for beauty lovers.

Ilia Multi-Stick, $34

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Lifestyle Gift Set: A Luxurious Fragrance Collection

This delightful version of Miss Dior perfume features notes of Damascus rose, peony, and white musk. The set includes a matching hand cream and a Dior Addict Lip Glow lip balm in a soft pink hue, making it a beautiful gift for fragrance lovers.

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Lifestyle Gift Set, $110

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Beats Body Care Set: Indulge Your Skin

The Sol de Janeiro products boast an incredibly captivating gourmand scent featuring notes of salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla. Everyone I’ve introduced these delightful products to has fallen in love with them. This luxurious gift set includes the Brazilian Bum Bum body cream, Brazilian 4 Play moisturizing shower cream-gel, Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’62 Bum Bum hair and body fragrance mist, and Bum Bum body scrub.

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Beats Body Care Set, $68

Oribe Gold Lust Collection Hair Set: Luxurious Hair Care