We Tried 23 ‘Tweakments’ to Find the Cosmetic Treatments & Products Shape Editors Say Are Worth the Splurge

There’s no such thing as TMI in my life: I’m the go-to friend to get the full rundown on using a menstrual cup or getting a Brazilian wax for the first time. And as a beauty editor, I built a career out of testing and recommending products and healthy beauty routines. Which also means I am a guinea pig for new cosmetic treatments and products. I’ve gotten laser facials, trialed Daxxify when it first got FDA approval, and put every serum, lotion, and potion to the test to find the ones that actually deliver results. 

We know many readers are also exploring non-invasive aesthetic treatments, so we want to arm you with information from our personal testing and expert recommendations to make the safest and most effective choices regarding what’s worth investing in. All the products on this list — from light therapy masks to injectables to at-home treatments, or “tweakments” as we so affectionately call them — were vetted by our team or beauty professionals to earn their spot in the winner’s circle. 

We spent over 863 hours testing beauty products in 2024 alone and are proud to present the 23 handpicked products, services, and in-office treatments for a glow-up with a little more oomph, that won a 2024 Shape Beauty Award. 

The Tweakment: Injectables

If lifting, plumping, or smoothing are on your beauty checklist, injectables are likely the route to take. Yes, we know there are endless gua sha routines and products that make these promises, but for (essentially) instant (and longer-lasting) results, we choose injectables. These three products stand out as must-tries.

Icon Status: Botox

I have one rule for myself when it comes to neuromodulators (AKA wrinkle-relaxing injectables): I know and embrace what my face looks like without it before getting my next dose. It keeps me familiar with what I look like at every age and forces me to be honest about what I do (or don’t) still want done. I hate that foundation settles into forehead lines to look dry and crusty, and TBQH, prefer a fine line-free face, so Botox has become a regular part of my beauty upkeep. According to David Shafer, M.D., plastic surgeon, Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) trainer, and founder of Shafer Clinical Fifth Avenue in Manhattan (and my injector for the last two years!): “The number one thing to do if you want to invest in your skin is Botox.”

Aside from a little brow lift, Botox has many other use cases. It can be injected for non-appearance-based needs, such as relief from excessive sweating, migraines, or TMJ. “This past year has been the year of TrapTox, where Botox is injected into the trapezius muscle, explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.” “It can be used cosmetically to slim the neck and the back or medically to help relieve muscle tightness and back strain.” Botox also has off-label cosmetic uses for nose lifts, lip flips, scalp sweating, and more. “I’m most excited for Botox to be up for FDA approval for vertical neck lines in 2025,” said Dr. Shafer. 

Price at time of publish: $10-15 per unit, on average. 10-20 units are common for the forehead and another 20-30 for the glabellar lines between your eyebrows, but your injector will advise based on your face. 

Best Filler for Face Structure: Restylane Lyft

This hyaluronic acid gel filler can add volume and lift to the cheeks, and fill out fine lines in the face or hands. “Even with all the different fillers that have been developed, Lyft has withstood the test of time, offering lifting benefits without resulting in overfilling,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It is my go-to product, especially in my 30-50 year old patients, who have good facial volume, but you are seeing drooping of the cheek or cheek-under eye junction, and treating sagging around the lower face. I look at Restylane Lyft like a buttress that provides structure and support for the skin.”

Price at time of publish: $500 to $700 per syringe, on average

Best for Filling Smile Lines or Lips: Revance RHA 3

Also hyaluronic acid-based, Revance’s RHA Collection of fillers are injected at various depths in the skin depending on the area and the intended result. RHA 3 is typically injected in the mid-dermis and is best for moderate to severe wrinkles and to fill the lips. “RHA3 gives a balance between providing structure and filling the skin,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “The gel seamlessly integrates into the skin for smooth filling without leaving a visible lump in the skin.  So it is extremely useful in treating the midface, including smile lines, while allowing for a natural appearance that moves as you make facial expressions, like smiling.” While many fillers typically last 6 to 12 months, RHA’s are manufactured to move with the facial expressions and have a longer duration of up to 15 months.

Price at time of publish: $600 to $1000 per syringe, on average

The Tweakment: In-Office Treatments & Services

Who doesn’t love a little pampering? (Crickets.) That’s what we thought– we’re huge fans of a little self-care (even the services that don’t always feel oh-so-nice). We’re obsessed with the results of these proven in-office treatments that are worth every pretty (and hard-earned) penny.

Best Hydrating Facial: Hydrafacial with Hydralock HA Booster

You may think if you’ve had one facial, you’ve had them all. While each kind can get you closer to the goal of clear, healthy skin, each facial approach is different. Hydrafacial relies on a magic wand that works like a vacuum to deep clean, perform extractions, and then apply nourishing moisturizers. Our editor tried the newest version with hyaluronic acid boosters to preserve hydration for smoother, plumper skin. 

Eliza Savage, Shape Commerce Editorial Director: If you’re looking for an instant glow-up (raises hand), look no further. My Hydrafacial experience with celeb esthetician Miranda Struce was nothing short of amazing. I’ve had many facials over the years, but Miranda worked pure magic. She took my dry, tired-looking skin and transformed it using the Hydrafacial products into a radiant complexion that looked instantly refreshed. I loved the gentle suction of the Hydrafacial wand and the deeply hydrating feel of the products — it was like my skin had been incredibly parched, and I hadn’t even realized it!

Price at time of publish: Starting at $150

Best for Muscle Strengthening: Truflex by Cutera

A device equivalent of 54,000 crunches in 15 minutes feels up there with 3D printed food in terms of futuristic advancement, and yet, that’s what one Truflex session delivers. A two-time winner of the Shape beauty awards, Truflex uses Multi-Directional Stimulation (MDS) to build muscle in the abdomen, thighs, or butt through a series of mini paddles that twist and contract the muscles to build more mass. 

Maddie Barber, Shape Commerce Writer: I was so fascinated by the concept of this treatment that I just had to try it. I’m terrible at sticking to a solid workout routine, so something like Truflex is the perfect innovative solution to help my abs get in shape without feeling pressured to maintain a rigorous regimen. I will say that it feels very strange at first — not painful at all but just makes me feel like I’m being tickled a bit — once you get past that strange sensation the treatment is a breeze! 

Shannon Bauer, Shape Associate Commerce Editorial Director: “I got six treatments over the course of six weeks and was pleasantly surprised by the difference in my strength. My plank form was more accurate, and I increased the length of time I could hold one between the first session and my last. The higher intensity you go up, the better the results so I really fought the burn, so to speak.”

While a quick boost to their aesthetic goals is why many patients opt in to the treatment, it can also be used for diastasis recti (postpartum abdominal separation) as well as part of a rehab plan after injury. Four to six treatments over a 3-4 week period is the recommended plan for most people.

Price at time of publish: $500 to $1,000, per session, on average

Best LED Facial: Skin Laundry

With over two million facials performed, it’s safe to assume that Skin Laundry knows what they’re doing. Two Shape editors took a Saturday field trip to their Flatiron location in New York City to try it out. The overall process is quick: maybe 20 minutes from consultation to sunscreen application. The Signature Facial, which all first-time folks start with, uses infrared light to prevent breakouts, calm redness, break up hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production. A fancy way of saying skin is clearer, smoother, and healthier immediately as well as over time. 

Summer Cartwright, Shape Senior Commerce Editor: If your skin is feeling (and looking) dull and lifeless, I couldn’t recommend this facial enough. It does everything you could hope for — minimizes the look of fine lines, redness, and scarring. My skin felt new after this facial: It was glowing, fresh, and shimmering.

Shannon Bauer, Shape’s Associate Commerce Editorial Director: “Laying on a table with goggles on as someone runs a completely painless, slightly warm laser over your face was a lovely way to spend a rainy Saturday morning. My skin looked glowy for several days after.”

Price at time of publish: $275 for non-members

Best Professional Peel for Acne: PCA Skin

When I am experiencing rough texture or dry patches that even my dedicated, multi-step routine can’t tackle, my first stop is a professional peel. PCA chemical peels feature lactic and other acids to smooth texture and degunk pores by breaking up and sloughing away dead skin cells, excess oil, and sebum. This process brings the new, healthy cells to the surface to boost your glow. Their newest offering is a peel to target acne with an AHA/BHA solution combined with a retinoid. The brand’s clinical studies found a 40 percent reduction in whiteheads and a 36 percent decrease in breakouts after three sessions. 

Price at time of publish: $299, on average

Most Eye-Opening (Literally!): Upneeq

Being referred to as an instant eye lift (without the invasive surgery!), Upneeq is an FDA-approved eye drop for low-lying or drooping eyelids. “When the eyelid muscle becomes weak with age or because of genetics, it may cover part of the iris, or the colored part of the eye; this condition is known as ptosis,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “In mild cases, Upneeq is a noninvasive, effective option for treatment.” Just one drop in each eye (before contacts) works in five minutes and lasts up to eight hours. The effect is incredibly natural, giving a more refreshed, wide-awake appearance. These prescription drops are available with a doctor’s referral.

Shannon Bauer, Shape Associate Editorial Director: “I have a little bit of a hooded eye and love Upneeq drops for big life events. They keep my eyes looking larger and more awake for work presentations or the after-party at a wedding.”

Price at time of publish: $249 for a 45-day supply, without insurance or coupon

Most Red Carpet-Worthy Facial: iS Clinical Fire & Ice Facial

While it sounds like a fit for the Mother of Dragons, herself, the Fire & Ice facial has been popular with celebrities before red-carpet appearances for decades. It starts with the fire (but not really) with a clay resurfacing mask that heats up, and ends with ice (again, not really) with a cooling botanical mask. With the goal of glowing skin and no downtime, all skin types and concerns are a fit for this treatment. 

Price at time of publish: Starting at $125

Best Nationwide Waxing Studio: European Wax Center

I was so happy to shave my legs for the first time; it felt very adult, and yet I never would have imagined it would become a lifelong chore. When it comes to hair removal, there’s a variety of methods to choose from: shaving, bikini trimmers, dermaplaning, and epilating. The most long-lasting (of the temporary bunch) is waxing. If you’re looking to hire a professional — and we recommend it as hot wax burns are a thing — European Wax Center is our go-to spot. 

European Wax Center has over 1,000 locations in the United States, all of which use their proprietary products, and wax specialists perform the services. From eyebrow maintenance to Brazilian bikini waxes, you can remove as little or as much hair as you prefer. The salons are clean and efficient.Plus, they offer wax passes for frequent flyers to get discounts on their services. Workout warriors: Just be sure to follow the tips for post-wax exercise. FWIW: a body scrub + EWC Ingrown Hair Serum has kept me virtually ingrown-free. 

Price at time of publish: Starts at $12

Best Professional Hair Removal Device for All Skin Tones: Again Pro by Deka Laser

If waxing is still too much maintenance and you’re looking for something more permanent, there’s at-home laser hair removal devices (we tested to find the ones that work best!). And if you’re looking to take this task off your to-do list for good, there’s professional laser hair removal. Most people need 6 to 8 treatments every 4 to 8 weeks to see results. 

“I would say that presently, the best [professional] laser for all skin tones and complexions is the Again Pro by Deka,” says Christian Karavolas, Laser Hair Removal Expert and Founder of Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal. “It treats all skin tones and complexions and has the largest (30 mm) spot size in the market. It has an Alexandrite wavelength for lighter skin tones, as well as an Nd:YAG wavelength for darker skin tones and complexions.”

Price at time of publish: $697, on average. However, this figure varies widely depending on the treatment area, provider, and number of sessions required. 

Best for Next-Level Sweat Reduction: Miradry

Those who deal with excessive sweat know that a morning swipe of whole-body deodorant or antiperspirant isn’t enough to prevent the dark rings in your shirts by lunch. But there is a more permanent solution: Miraday. Miradry is a procedure that uses microwave energy to decrease the size and activity of sweat glands under the arms, says Dr. Zeichner. “It is a safe, noninvasive option that provides permanent sweat reduction benefits.”

Miradry starts with a numbing solution injected into your armpits; then, a suction device holds the skin taut while it’s heated with thermal energy, destroying 50 to 85 percent of the sweat glands (many of the odor and hair follicles are eliminated, too). Since sweat glands don’t regenerate, the results are permanent. But don’t worry: your armpits contain a low percentage of your body’s overall sweat glands, so you’ll have zero issues with temperature regulation in the future. 

Price at time of publish: $1,900, on average

Best Professional Teeth Whitening: Phillips Zoom Teeth Whitening

When teeth whitening strips aren’t cutting it anymore, dial up your grin with a professional service. Phillips Zoom is a 45-minute in-office service that starts with a layer of whitening gel, followed by blue LED lights. Eliminate staining from food, drinks, aging, and even some types of medication, resulting in a smile up to eight shades whiter in one treatment, with minimal or no sensitivity.  

Price at time of publish: Price varies by provider

Best Acne RX: Cabtreo

With many contributing factors, such as genetics, stress, hormone changes, diet, or skincare products, acne is one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat. While acne positivity is helping people embrace their skin, breakouts can often be physically and emotionally painful and require intervention. When a topical routine isn’t enough, a dermatologist may prescribe medication. 

The newest acne prescription to hit the market, Cabtreo, “combines a topical retinoid, pharmaceutical grade benzoyl peroxide, and a topical antibiotic to address the multiple pathogenic factors that lead to acne,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “The fact that the company was able to formulate a 3-in-1 product that is effective and well tolerated shows how far chemistry and pharmaceutical development has come.”

Price at time of publish: Available through prescription

The Tweakment: Professional-Grade Products to Enhance Your Results

While nothing tops a luxurious and relaxing spa experience, we aim to infuse those vibes into our daily skincare routine. These at-home products help to enhance results from your favorite “tweakments”— and, for lack of a better term, keep the party going!

Best Anti-Aging Body Cream: SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Body Cream

Retinol is a gold medal ingredient in the skincare world. It can improve skin texture and tone, prevent or lessen fine lines, unclog pores to treat breakouts, and stimulate collagen production to keep skin plump. Those benefits for aging like a pro are coming for your body care routine with SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Body Cream.

One of my favorite products for years (and a two-time Shape award winner) is SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream. This potent formula was reimagined for the body with a blend of actives — lactic acid, retinoid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide — to keep skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. 

Shannon Bauer, Shape Associate Commerce Editorial Director: “My nightly skincare routine has contained a retinol for the last 10 years, and within the last year or so, I also added that step to my post-shower lotion routine — which includes a Taylor Swift singalong, naturally. This SkinBetter cream is thick yet sinks in instantly. I notice an immediate softness after applying and over the last two months of testing dry patches or texture are gone completely.”

Price at time of publish: $120

Best Multitasking Eye Cream: ISDIN Hyaluronic Eyes

Early bird gym-goers, rejoice: We found the product to disguise fatigue, puffiness, and magnify radiance. The cooling gel formula has a special sauce of hyaluronic acid, algae, and other plant extracts meant to target dehydration to make eyes look more awake.

Pro Tip: Keep the included applicator in the fridge for a chilling wake-up effect and extra depuffing power. 

Eliza Savage, Shape Commerce Editorial Director: “This cooling, multitasking eye cream is a tired mom’s secret weapon. I tested out this intensely hydrating formula during a 6-week period when my 11-month-old daughter was teething. Needless to say, my eyes revealed how little shut-eye I was getting — ISDIN to the rescue. The perma-cool applicator made swiping the re-energizing gel around my eyes super simple. After only 10 days, I noticed my eye puffiness and under-eye bags diminished significantly. It now has a permanent spot in my skincare routine.”

Price at time of publish: $61

Best Clay Mask: Epionce Intense Recharge Mask

For any skin type that desires clear, glowy skin, there’s Epionce Intense Recharge Mask. Soothing botanicals and kaolin clay work together to clarify your complexion while calming redness and inflammation. It’s the cozy gift you give someone (or yourself) who just wants to chill on the couch with a bevvie and a holiday movie, and after this year — we all deserve that.

Price at time of publish: $80

Best Collagen-Boosting Duo: Dr. Diamond Metacine Insta Facial

Designed to emulate an advanced in-office treatment, the Metacine Insta Facial duo is the at-home solution to a spa-level facial. Plasma (a serum texture) contains bio-engineered growth factors to promote the production of collagen and elastin as well as repair damaged skin (from pollution, UV rays, or procedures, like lasers). Emulsion, containing retinoids, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, revs the production of new, healthy cells and moisturizes overnight. I woke up like this, indeed. 

Price at time of publish: $550

Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Neocutis Bio Cream Firm

Neocutis Bio Cream Firm contains  hero ingredients like peptides and growth factors, which support your natural collagen and elastin production. These two elements provide structure and shape to your face and lead to sagging when you lack it. The splurge-worthy cream is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and moisturizing, making it easy to incorporate into all skincare routines, even those with sensitive skin. 

Price at time of publish: $70

Best Neck Cream: Neostata Triple Firming Neck Cream

The angle at which you look at your phone and computer screen contributes to a phenomenon called tech neck, which can cause pain and bad posture, but it also increases the speed at which horizontal wrinkles appear. Add in that the neck has fewer hair follicles and sebaceous glands and is exposed to UV rays, and you have a recipe for rapid aging. Give your neck the daily attention it needs with a specialized cream: Neostata’s Triple Firming Neck Cream relies on peptides, bakuchiol (a plant-derived, non-invasive Botox alternative), and vitamin E for a smoother, more lifted look.

Price at time of publish: $98

Best Brightening Serum: Glytone Tranexamide Discoloration Treatment Serum

Ask any dermatologist what concerns their patients most often bring up during appointments, and hyperpigmentation — patches of skin that appear dark or uneven in tone — will be in the top three. This at-home treatment is a triple threat, with tranexamic acid and kojic acid brightening your complexion, and niacinamide reducing inflammation and minimizing pores. Many discoloration treatments contain hydroquinone, an ingredient known to cause irritation and dryness, so an option that is well-tolerated by most skin types deserved a spot on our list. 

Price at time of publish: $80

Best Post-Injection Serums: Skinceuticals Post-Injectable System 

The best results from in-office services or injectables are often found in people who have committed skin care routines, too. Adding in a product from Skinceuticals’ new post-injection line is a great first step to lasting results. P-TIOX, a peptide-powered serum, reduces the appearance of expression lines — similar to an injectable — and is a great complement for those who get Botox, or another neuromodulator, injected for maximum impact. Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan, is a mouthful of a name, but simple to understand: The serum amplifies the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid and enhances the results of injectable dermal fillers. 

Price at time of publish: $148 and $120, respectively 

Best Treatment Recovery Moisturizer: Revision CMT Post-Procedure Cream

Next-day redness and soreness are often deterrents for many folks who may want to try a more intense in-office service. Designed for use after microneedling, chemical peels, and lasers, Revision CMT Post-Procedure Cream has a unique blend of ingredients to soothe and reseal the skin barrier, but also is considered a neurocosmetic — meaning that it communicates between the skin and the brain to ease the feeling of discomfort, too, which together can reduce overall recovery time. 

Price at time of publish: Price varies by provider

Why Trust Shape

Shannon Bauer is an Associate Commerce Editorial Director with 10 years of experience working in beauty and wellness as a writer and editor. She has been on the Shape commerce team for the last two and a half years, testing products, writing reviews, and recommending only what she believes is worth your money. Previously, Shannon was an editor on the Shape print team and a freelance writer for seven years. This is her eighth awards story for Shape. Shannon also has her makeup artist certification. 

Shannon interviewed Dr. David Shafer and Dr. Joshua Zeichner to get insight into what makes these products and services so special and what you need to know before you invest. Shape staffers Maddie Barber, Summer Cartwright, Christina Oehler, and Eliza Savage also tested products and services to create this list of beauty award winners.