Beauty Product Pairs That Work Better Together

Bringing out the best in each other.

February 21, 2017

Take PB&J, Beyoncé and Jay Z, or even a foaming hot, morning latte and an aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed. They’re great on their own, but when paired together, they’re even better. It just so happens that the same thinking can be applied to your beauty arsenal. A majority of the standout essentials you use solo on the reg actually function better when they’re pre-empted or followed by another one. What’s more, there’s a pretty high chance that you already own most of the individual products found within these power couples — they’ve just been enjoying the single life for, you know, the entirety of their shelf lives, waiting for the day you decide to play matchmaker.

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Ahead, check out the best power-couple beauty prods on the planet.
Courtesy of Glossier and Peter Thomas Roth
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Hyaluronic Acid + Glycolic Acid = A Clear, Hydrated Complexion
Have acne and dry skin? Avoid oils and opt for a moisturizer that’s infused with hyaluronic acid instead. Hyaluronic acid is a wonder ingredient that can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so skin actually feels hydrated at all times — and it won’t clog your pores.
Glossier Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Serum, $28. Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot and Area Treatment, $19.

Courtesy of NARS and Weleda
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Lotion + Concealer = Skin Goals
Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes has a trick for getting the glowiest skin ever: Simply mix this cult cream with a heavy-duty concealer. Since the texture of this particular formula falls on the thicker side but still sinks into skin quickly, it’s like making your own custom BB cream — you control the coverage, but don’t have to sacrifice moisture in the process.
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $30. Weleda Skin Food, $19.
Courtesy of Kiehl's and Chloe
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Musk + Your Standard Scent = A Fragrance With Depth
Musk makes any scent a little more intriguing. Mix it with your favorite fragrance to create a truly original signature scent. Who knows — your BFFs may wind up asking you to bottle them their very own.
Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray, $42.50. Chloé Love Story Eau Sensuelle, $105.

Courtesy of Dove and Jen Atkin
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Bobby Pins + Dry Shampoo = A Hold Like No Other
There’s no denying the staying power of a good gel — but there’s also no easy remedy for eliminating the annoying white flakes that gels always leave behind about midway through your day. Instead, try spraying dry shampoo directly onto your bobby pins for a stay-all-day hold. Dakota Johnson’s mane man and celebrity stylist Mark Townsend swears by this trick — especially for anyone with bangs looking to go fringe-free for a day.
Jen Atkin x Chloe + Isabel Oversized Pearl Pins, $38. Dove Refresh + Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo, $4.
Courtesy of Dr. Dennis Gross and La Roche-Posay
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Antioxidants + SPF = Added Protection
Before you slather on your daily sunscreen (because you’ve obviously wearing sunscreen daily, right?), amp up its UV protective power with antioxidant-packed products. Why? Antioxidants — Vitamin C in particular — enhances an SPF’s photoprotection. New York-based dermatologist Francesco Fusco notes that this step is actually beneficial to saving skin from dark spots in the long run.
Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Perfect Skin Set & Refresh Mist, $30. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60, $20.