I’m the first person to run after any product geared toward dry skin. Lotions, potions, serums — you name it — and I’m already swatching it onto my hand and slathering it on my face for deep hydration.
Sometimes, even the best ingredients don’t always yield long-lasting results. Not to mention, all the cash you’re dropping on those glossy bottles may be flying out of your wallet way too soon if the product isn’t working for your skin type.
Even if a product exhibits top ingredients for moisture, like hyaluronic acid, it’s the end formulation that counts. That’s why I’m a little too obsessed (#sorrynotsorry) with the new e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, and they’re only $12.
If there’s a brand that knows how to whip out effective formulations at a price point that won’t make you scream, it’s e.l.f. Trust me, I’ve reviewed pretty much everything it has to offer and this moisture-making serum is one of e.l.f.’s greatest innovations yet.
“We are a different kind of company, one that is purpose-led and results-driven,” Kory Marchisotto, CMO of e.l.f. Cosmetics and president of Keys Soulcare, exclusively told Post Wanted. “Our ability to be out in front is that we’re actually running a different race. Our mission is to make the best of beauty accessible. We stand with every eye, lip and face, encouraging self-expression, empowering others and embodying our ethics. Our focus on accessibility with an equal commitment to quality is truly unique in the industry. We deliver premium makeup and skincare at jaw-dropping ‘OMG’ prices.”
This mighty serum is a staple in my skincare routine for its ability to pump out a dewy, rosy glow each time. I love using it after my cleanser and before my moisturizer, though it layers on top of foundations beautifully. You can even mix it in with your makeup primer to load it up with more hydration.
My skin is sensitive at its core, so any intense fragrance notes or ingredient lists are all it takes for a flare-up to occur. However, it’s also a combination — more dry spots than oily — and I find this serum works miraculously for rejuvenating my skin barrier without a greasy finish.
Hyaluronic acid aside, it also contains 5% niacinamide, which is an ingredient I’ve been reaching for more recently. It helps balance my skin and cancels out redness, which is a game-changer for resetting my skin after walking to and fro in NYC. Environmental stressors = a big no-no for my skin.
What I love most about the trusty bottle is that it allows my skin to be dewy without that “sopping wet” feel that other serums tend to leave behind. It’s the ideal product to travel with (yes, I’ll be taking it with me on an upcoming weekend trip) and it blends in like a dream.
All you need is one or two pumps to see a healthy glow, but if you want to slug or build it up to be extra dewy, each layer tops beautifully over the next.
There’s even a glow once swatched on my hand! Of course, that glow transfers onto the skin, too, once fully blended in. To top it off, the serum is also cruelty-free and vegan, so you’ll feel good about using it in more ways than one.
I swear by the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, and this one measures up to my all-time Drunk Elephant product but is more than half the price. They both layer well, make my skin extremely supple and bouncy and douse my skin in much-needed hydration. If you’re on a budget, I’d honestly start with these e.l.f. SKIN drops first.
It also measures up to some milky toners I’ve used for my dry skin and is certainly a multi-purpose product. I’d vouch that you don’t even need a toner if you add e.l.f. SKIN’s new drops to your skincare routine. Simply cleanse, apply one to two pumps of these, apply moisturizer and then a good face sunscreen. You’re set for your best springtime skin yet — I know I am!
more of my e.l.f. favorites
If the new dewy serum is speaking to you, then this is the primer for you. Both pair beautifully together and it’ll make your makeup last all day.
One thing I can’t stress enough (alongside dermatologists) is daily sunscreen use. This one is blendable, buildable and doesn’t leave a white cast.
I’d be remiss to ignore the lip product of my dreams. It should be illegal for it to be $8 and offer the most flattering shine.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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