SK-II, the Japanese beauty brand known for its cultishly beloved skin-care products, doesn’t come cheap. And the last time we saw their products on sale — as part of a promotion at Nordstrom — they were only 15 percent off. For today (October 2) only, a slew of SK-II wares are 25 percent off at Spring. We singled out the items our writers (and Cate Blanchett) have personally endorsed.
This essence from Rio Viera-Newton’s famous Google-doc beauty routine is one of her go-tos. Of the (pricey) product, she writes: “Essences keep your skin plump, hydrated, and glowy. And they have regenerative properties, so they can even help with breakouts and hyperpigmentation. I love SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which I picked up at the duty-free in the Tokyo Narita Airport. I will say: This product is very expensive. But I believe it’s worth it — there’s a reason it’s pretty consistently one of the items I’ll splurge on when I get my paycheck. Drop four drops in your palm and pat it into your skin for a full minute. If you’re thinking, I don’t have time for this, well, neither do I, but you have to.”Original Price: $99
Another one of Rio’s favorites, this facial treatment mask: “I love, love, love it, and my heart breaks every time I look at its price tag. It’s soaked in all that SK-II juice — actually called Pitera — that clears your skin and keeps you looking glowy.”Original Price: $17
This is one of the three eye creams that one of our four men with glowing skin, Barret Wertz, uses. He writes: “Just where my crow’s feet would be, I use an SK-II R.N.A. powered eye cream. It’s very creamy compared to the other two, which are liquid or gel-feeling.”Original Price: $135
Apparently, Cate Blanchett, who has been a spokesmodel for SK-II for the past 13 years, convinced the brand to turn their Essence into a spray. She told the Cut: “I’ve been pestering them for a long time! I used to decant it into a spray bottle. I would put it on in the morning or during the day over makeup. I found working in film, particularly with HD, putting powder on really reads on camera. If you spray the Essence on it, it sets the makeup, and keeps you looking hydrated. Finally, after about ten years of working with them, they did it! I was very pleased.”Original Price: $80
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.
