Hi, hello, and welcome to our Holy Grail Beauty Awards. This seemingly endless scroll contains the best products, treatments, and tools of the year. It’s basically beauty’s greatest hits list—and our biggest awards ever too.
And JSYK, curating these awards is no easy feat. It’s the cumulative effort of months—yes, literal months—of ~research~. First, our team of editors collected all the new, exciting, and noteworthy beauty launches, and then we tried, tested, and swatched them (and then retried, retested, reswatched them again) to narrow down the hundreds of options to these 167 winners. Along the way? Some epic fails, some epic discoveries, and some LOL-worthy moments too (TBT to the time I unknowingly attended a Zoom happy hour wearing two completely different eye makeup looks).
The best bright lipstick, the actually good acne treatment your skin deserves, the game-changing hair mask…they’re all right here. Meet the new holy grails of beauty—we hope you love them as much as we do.
Breakouts? Dryness? Dark spots? Redness? We gotchu.
“It doesn’t matter how little you slept or how many spicy margs you had—this cream (it’s loaded with caffeine and shea butter) will brighten, smooth, and firm your tired, hungover-looking eye area ASAP.” —Ruby Buddemeyer, beauty editor
“Whenever my Spidey sense goes off and I feel a zit coming, I immediately use this mask. It’s got exfoliating acids to clear out pores and give your face a next-level (and pimple-free) glow.” —Ama Kwarteng, associate beauty editor
“It’s spiked with 2 percent salicylic acid—a godsend for treating and preventing zits—plus vitamin C and niacinamide to help fade lingering dark spots from old breakouts (bc no one likes a clinger).” —RB
“Expensive, yes. Worth it, also yes. It plumps fine lines, smooths out rough textures, and leaves behind a light, moisturized sheen.” —AK
“Make your face happy by making this cream the last step in your p.m. routine. It firms, hydrates, and repairs skin while you sleep.” —RB
“No lie, I’ve tried hundreds of mineral sunscreens, and this one is it for me. The clean formula is hydrating but not heavy, protects with SPF 32, and gives my skin a nice dewy effect.” —Lauren Balsamo, deputy beauty director
“Crack open one of these single-use capsules (dw, they’re biodegradable) and treat your skin to a dose of 20 percent vitamin C, aka your hyperpigmentation’s worst nightmare.” —LB
“The list of retinol products that actually do something but don’t cause irritation is very, very short. And this formula is at the top, my friends. Prepare for softer, smoother skin with minimal annoying redness and flaking.” —LB
“A GD joy to use. The gel texture lightly foams up to remove makeup, excess oil, and buildup (without ever leaving you feeling tight or dry) and has a truly delightful citrusy scent.” —LB
“I’ve been burned (quite literally) by bad toners in the past, but this one has been nothing but kind to my face thanks to hydrating and calming ingredients.” —LB
“Add these to your cart and let glowy-as-hell skin be your new reality. Each pad is soaked in 20 percent glycolic acid to brighten your skin and improve its texture too.” —LB
“A moment of silence for the whiteheads that were destroyed with this spot treatment in less than three days—all without angering my sensitive skin.” —Chloe Metzger, deputy beauty director
“Say it with me: Oily skin needs moisture, and this lightweight cream gives it just that without creating a shiny finish.” —RB
“Not only do these pimple patches come in a ridiculously cute metal tin (!), but they also stayed glued to my chin even after a full day of sweaty mask-wearing.” —CM
“Nothing like treating my face to this duo-treatment mask…catching some zzz’s…and then waking up with bb-bottom skin.” —Julee Wilson, beauty director
“Even sunscreen haters will love how lightweight and hydrating this lotion feels, thanks to gentle ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera.” —RB
“It was love at first drop. This fancy-AF oil is made from Italian olive oil and wild forged organic ingredients to make your skin glow.” —JW
“This firming serum *almost* makes my neck look like it doesn’t belong to a human who spends hours a day staring down at their phone and laptop. Tech neck who??” —LB
“Sure, they’re cute, but they’re also customizable and reusable. Just smooth on your go-to eye serum or cream, stick these on top to help the ingredients sink into your skin, take a selfie, and repeat.” —AK
“It’s got three types of peptides and caffeine to help tighten and firm your under-eyes every time you dab it on. Think of it as a good night’s sleep…bottled.” —RB
“Proof that you don’t have to punish your skin while you exfoliate: this gentle (and ultra-brightening) face scrub.” —JW
“Like, don’t be fooled by the pretty packaging—this formula packs a legit punch with 16 percent AHAs (hiii, glycolic and lactic acids) and brightening niacinamide to exfoliate your skin and minimize the appearance of your pores.” —RB
“Swirling around in this serum is a combo of silymarin (a plant-based antioxidant), vitamin C, and salicylic acid, making it an actual godsend for anyone with hella-oily or acne-prone skin.” —AK
“Shout-out to oat and feverfew, which have kept my rosacea and redness in check while I’ve practically lived in a protective face covering.”
—CM
“This serum took the edge off my perpetually thirsty face with a mix of hydrators that sucks the moisture from the air and drives it into your skin.” —CM
“Finding a cleanser that destroys my breakouts but doesn’t dry out my skin is damn near impossible. But here we have it and I’m obsessed.” —JW
“This isn’t some regular old bar soap. Use it on your face and body (yep, she’s a multitasker) and let the combo of kaolin clay, niacinamide, and ceramides work its deep-cleaning and skin-softening magic.” —LB
“Whether you’re using it as a makeup remover or quickie cleanser, this hydrating water will get rid of everything without drying out your skin or leaving behind a gooey residue.” —AK
“If your face could talk, it would literally thank you for misting it with this soothing and hydrating mist.” —RB
“Attention, sensitive-skin friends, this cult-favorite cleansing balm and makeup remover now comes in a fragrance-free version that you’ll love.” —JW
“Lip masks (as in, souped-up balms) are ev-er-y-where rn, but this one—thanks to tons of nourishing vitamins—is hands down the best.” —JW
“Like a little facial for your lips, this scrub uses sugar crystals and a coconut oil/cocoa butter blend to nix flakes, deeply hydrate, and make your lips baby-soft.”
—AK
“This past year has made it hard to see a derm IRL. Enter Rory, an online health care provider that hooks you up with a custom, prescription-grade treatment (mine contains tretinoin and azelaic acid) based on your acne sitch…all from the comfort of your couch.” —LB
“Hyperpigmentation doesn’t stand a chance against this treatment. I’ve been using it religiously and the very stubborn acne scars I’ve had for years have practically vanished before my eyes.”
—JW
“Leave it to Pharrell to drop a skincare line that’s (a) effective and (b) eco-friendly. Each product in this three-step kit is refillable, so you can swap out your empties and recycle the containers without all the guesswork.” —RB
“I used to slather on a bunch of serums, lotions, and creams every morning to prevent my melasma from getting worse, but thanks to this multitasker, my routine is so much more streamlined. It combines 10 percent vitamin C, niacinamide, and Kakadu plum extract to fade existing hyperpigmentation—plus SPF 40 to prevent it from getting worse.” —LB
“It’s the ideal daily moisturizer—complete with firming peptides and plumping collagen—for anyone ready to step up their anti-aging game without overhauling their entire skincare routine.” —LB
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Bc your below-the-chin skin deserves its *own* multistep routine.
“Just when I thought there could be nothing better than the OG Bio-Oil, this epic gel version came along. It moisturizes deeply, absorbs super fast, and isn’t the slightest bit greasy or messy.” —LB
“Come for the fancy-AF packaging, stay for the silky-smooth formula. It’s infused with sunflower and camellia oils to fight against dry skin, dull texture, and haters in general.” —AK
“Psst…your body wants to know why you’ve been using the good stuff only on your face. Show it some love with this retinol-laced wash that increases cell turnover to get rid of rough spots.” —AK
“Nothing makes me happier than the smell of Hawaiian Tropic…or the fact that this SPF 50 is reef-friendly, cruelty-free, and melts right into skin.” —LB
“If you could feel my skin rn (wow, hi, nice to meet you), you’d feel nothing but hella-smooth arms and legs, courtesy of this oil-spiked sugar scrub.” —CM
“I’m hesitant to call a beauty product essential—but in These Times, this nourishing hand sanitizer really is. It kills germs, doesn’t have that overpowering alcohol scent, and moisturizes skin for up to eight freaking hours.” —LB
“This squeezy deo is a gift to sensitive pits—the applicator glides across my skin without friction, while the gel calms irritation with coconut oil and vitamin B5.” —CM
“NGL, not all natural deos work. Save yourself the game of trial and error and go with this version from Hey Humans. It stops stink and sweat with odor-reducing plant extract and moisture-absorbing powders.” —LB
“This jar of whipped magic is the key to never being ashy again. Pro tip: Slather it on right after you get out of the shower when your skin is damp and super warm.” —JW
“As a pale lil milk girl, I’ve tried every self-tanner, and this serum’s the easiest: Just mix in a few drops with your moisturizer, massage it on, and enjoy your streak-free glow.” —CM
“I’ve gone through three bottles of this rose-hip-based oil in the past 10 months. Yup, it’s that good.” —JW
“This next-level razor comes with a cartridge of Olay moisturizer that softens your skin as you shave, all with a single button push. Like, if this is the future, I’m here for it.” —CM
“A dollop is all you need for the argan, grape-seed, and sunflower oils to soften the hell out your skin and prevent nicks and bumps (a win-win, truly).” —RB
“No white couches or black clothing were harmed in the testing of this body foundation—it stayed put and covered my redness while looking like real skin.” —CM
“Jam-packed with the holy trinity of acids (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic), these wipes have my bod looking brighter than Dua Lipa’s future.” —AK
“These cute lil booties are coated with coconut oil, niacinamide, and acids, sloughing off those tough chunks of skin for you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it results.”
—AK
“The name says it all: This lotion provides moisturizing relief to *extremely* dry skin…and the soft feeling lasts through rounds of hand-washing too.” —LB
“Pour two cups of these soothing Epsom salts into a hot bath and you’ll forget all about the 348 unread emails in your inbox.” —RB
“My backne works hard, but this body wash works harder with a mix of salicylic and glycolic acids that keeps my pores clear without drying me out.” —CM
“It’s not a regular serum—it’s a cool serum. BHAs and AHAs plus a dose of CBD and ceramides mean this formula soothes your skin and gets rid of bumps in the process.”
—RB
“Mix this solid bar with boiling water and then decant it into your favorite refillable container. Congrats, you’ve just made your own eco-friendly body wash—no wasted water, no wasted plastic.” —LB
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Aka the stuff worth making an appointment at the derm for.
“No one *needs* neurotoxins, but if you’ve got wrinkles and wish that you didn’t, Botox is 100 percent the fastest and most effective way to smooth them out.” —LB
“It uses hyaluronic acid to plump and volumize your lips, cheeks, fine lines, and any folds on your face. The best part? It looks natural as hell and the results can last up to two years.” —RB
“I’m getting married in July and this facial will be a big part of my pre-wedding planning. It gets rid of any gunk in your pores and infuses your skin with serums to make your face look so smooth—both IRL and in pics.” —LB
“Getting rid of peach fuzz without stressing about burns or scars is now a reality for all skin tones.” —AK
“A shot that reduces cellulite? YUP. This new injectable smooths out butt dimples with virtually zero downtime.”
—CM
“This laser penetrates your skin to kill acne-causing bacteria and temporarily shrink oil glands. Expect a chin free of cystic acne after just a few sessions.” —CM
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Consider these the essentials for a good hair day every day.
“The man who created this mask (hi, Chris Appleton) is also the man who created J.Lo’s viral 2020 Super Bowl hair…so yeah, you know it’s good.” —LB
“A few blasts are like a shot of bad-bitch juice for your hair. It soaks up oil without a trace, adds juuust the right amount of grit and volume, and majorly boosts shine levels.” —AK
“There’s not a whole lot this oil can’t do. It leaves your hair with serious shine and softness (no greasy residue included) and, like, can we just take a sec to talk about the IG-worthy packaging?”
—RB
“Facts: I extended the life of my box braids a FULL two weeks just by using this micellar-water-meets-apple-cider-vinegar spray.” —JW
“The blend of marula and coconut oils lifts buildup while defining, detangling, and softening your curls. Your hair will look so bouncy and shiny, you won’t be able to stop touching it—trust me.” —AK
“You can’t go wrong with this tried-and-true box dye (esp since it now comes in this cool new shade—BRB after I go turn my hair teal).” —RB
“Hi, so heat protectant is a nonnegotiable (take it from my legit fried ends). This one detangles, smooths, and softens hair before you even plug in your flat iron.” —RB
“Presenting: the perfect antidote to dry, damaged hair. Spritz it on after cleansing and conditioning and it’ll make your hair look stronger and healthier over time.” —RB
“There’s legit nothing about this treatment that my curls don’t love. It uses coconut milk and grape-seed oil to take my hair from limp and fuzzy to perky and smooth.” —AK
“A few spritzes of this microfine powder gave my fine, flat hair major oomph in literal seconds (all without feeling sticky or tacky either).” —LB
“You can use this shine-enhancing cream a million ways—to air-dry, before heat-styling, to create braids and updos, to minimize frizz and flyaways…the list goes on.”
—LB
“I’ll let you in on a lil secret: This spray is the answer to getting that low-key, lived-in texture all your fave celebs have. Shake it, spray it, and rake it through your hair and you’ll understand the hype.” —RB
“Curly hair + hairspray is usually a bad combo, but this lightweight formula smooths all my little frizzies without messing with my curl pattern.” —CM
“I don’t think I used my hair dryer one time in 2020—and honestly, no one could tell thanks to this air-dry cream. Finger-comb it through damp, clean hair for easy softness, separation, and shine.” —LB
“Hands down the best curl cream I’ve ever used. It’s moisturizing yet surprisingly not greasy, even on my fine curls, and it’s fully free of fragrance, silicones, and waxes.” —CM
“To say my curls are poppin’ after using this ultra-hydrating crème would be a major understatement.” —JW
“Two or three times a week, I apply this anti-inflammatory oil to keep my scalp and hair on point between washes.”
—JW
“Your dry shampoo habit stands zero chance against this sugar scrub. Massage it onto your scalp and it’ll cancel out all that product buildup and oil hiding out under your hair.” —RB
Love Beauty & Planet Hemp Seed Oil and Nana Leaf Hair Shampoo and Conditioner
“Most scalp-treating formulas are too drying for my curly hair, but this sulfate-free combo soothed my dry, itchy scalp after just a week of use while leaving my hair lightly moisturized.” —CM
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo for Color Treated Hair
“Yeah, yeah, we all know color-treated folks need a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner—but this one is so much more than that. It strengthens, softens, and enhances your color every time you use it (my camera roll is proof!).” —RB
“This handmade brush is basically the prettiest thing on my vanity rn. Oh, and it glides through my hair with zero resistance. See ya, tangles.”
—RB
“This multitasker—loaded with marula oil, shea butter, and silk protein—detangles, hydrates, and strengthens my curls all at the same damn time.” —AK
“The easiest way to make your day-three hair a little less of a hot mess? Throw on a couple of these glitzy hairpins and call it a damn day.” —RB
“It’s a must for anyone who is intimidated by box dye (I feel you) but still wants to boost shine and enhance their color. While you’re in the shower, work it through clean hair, leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse. Easy-peasy.” —LB
“This kit isn’t messing around when it comes to treating hair thinning. Alongside a scalp-stimulating shampoo and conditioner, it also comes with a minoxidil foam (the only OTC medication for hair loss) that gives you noticeable results in four-ish months.”
—RB
“To swoop and swirl my baby hairs into shape, I always reach for this gel. The formula hasn’t flaked on me, it isn’t crunchy, and it has enough hold that I don’t have to deal with rogue flyaways.” —AK
“If you’ve ever complimented my hair, chances are it’s because of this spray. The lightweight mix of aloe, shea butter, and coconut oil helps re-clump my curls without feeling sticky.” —CM
“Who knew that independently moving rows of bristles could detangle hair so damn well? Answer: celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood. Thanks, sis!”
—JW
“These silk scrunchies (bougie, I know) are extra gentle on my curls, prevent creases and cut down on the likelihood of breakage, and fit around my thick-ass hair without snapping on me.”
—RB
“I promise this isn’t one of those heavy creams that leaves your waves stringy and crunchy. It’s super lightweight but it still gives you loads of definition and shine.” —RB
“If it’s good enough for Beyoncé, then it’s damn sure good enough for me! This NYC-based company, known for its high-quality human hair, is a go-to for celebs and mere mortals alike.” —JW
“You know when your day-two hair turns into a knotted mess? Spray this dry conditioner over your ends, wait a few minutes, then finger-comb it for hair that’s silky, shiny, and detangled.”
—CM
“An actual dream for anyone who is dealing with damaged ends but doesn’t want to get a trim (hi, me). It seals splits and repairs breakage with castor oil and vitamins B3 and B5 for hair that looks long and shiny.” —LB
“The fact that I wake up every morning and this cap hasn’t slipped off my head is reason enough for this award. Also! It’s cute enough to wear out in the real world.” —JW
“It’s the first low-waste shampoo and conditioner (they’re waterless and made with biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging) I’ve tried that works as well as the conventional kinds. Your hair won’t notice when you make the switch, but the planet most definitely will.” —LB
“This v adorable at-home kit leaves your hair smoother and shinier for six weeks without chemically altering your hair texture (think: no long-term commitment).” —CM
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All absolutely worthy of being added to your cart, like, right now.
“The super-soft bristles blend like butter, and the snap case keeps them from getting smashed in my bag.” —CM
“It uses vibrating sound waves to boost circulation and stimulate your facial muscles. The result: visible tightness and firmness.” —RB
“This easy-to-use gel is my new everything. Just use the little wand to apply it to your teeth and go live your life. That’s it.” —LB
“This one has an oscillating nozzle that moves back and forth as you style. Meaning, it gives you faster results with, like, half the effort.” —RB
“All hail a tapered wand! The skinny tip makes curls and waves slightly tighter at the ends and looser at the roots, so your hair looks natural—not heat-styled—in the end.” —CM
“Gadgets are getting smarter and smarter. Case in point: this genius iron that takes your hair’s texture, length, and color-treatment history to deliver the ideal amount of heat.” —JW
“This clawlike diffuser streams air from all sides of its branches, helping dry your curls with way less frizz than with traditional diffuser bowls.” —CM
“These tweezers hold on to stray hairs tighter than me with a grudge, so there’s none of that painful tugging/slipping/pulling BS you get with other brands.”
—CM
“This vibrating device does way more heavy lifting when it comes to cleansing and unclogging than my own two hands ever could.” —AK
“Just five seconds of clamping, and my stick-straight lashes stayed curled, not crimped (IYKYK) for the rest of the day.” —CM
“I used to think lash serums were a scam…and then this treatment came into my life. Don’t get me wrong—I’ll probs never quit my lash extensions habit, but there’s something nice about your own lashes getting longer without gluing something onto your eyes.”
—AK
“Everyone’s favorite makeup sponge is now made with 60 percent renewable sugarcane. Talk about a cute lil eco-friendly makeover.” —LB
“Sure, it connects to your smartphone to track your habits and has seven customizable brush settings, but the real winner? The frowny face it gives you when it’s disappointed in your brushing. I just wanna make it proud.” —CM
“Stop buzzing through single-use cotton rounds and get yourself a pack of these pads instead (pls, Mother Nature and I are begging you). They’re made with ultra-soft microfibers that stay nice and soft for up to 1,000 uses.”
—LB
“Your next DIY facial is about to get a serious upgrade. Apply the potent vitamin C first, and then glide the ionic-powered wand over your face to help it penetrate deeply into the skin for instant brightness and firmness.” —LB
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Remember when people said makeup was over? LOL, we’re rolling our eyes too.
“A few pumps make my skin look so fresh and glowy that I don’t need to put on a full face of makeup. Plus, it’s infused with the essentials: SPF 35 and hydrating hyaluronic acid.” —JW
“So I never use the words ‘natural’ and ‘blush’ in the same sentence, but this creamy formula has me breaking all my own rules.”
—RB
“I’m usually #TeamLiquidLiner, but this pencil has me thinking about switching jerseys. It glides on without tugging or skipping so you can create razor-sharp lines that last.” —AK
“Here’s something I’ve never said about a palette: There isn’t a single shade in this mix of 10 matte and shimmer shadows that I don’t use regularly.” —RB
“Wearing this matte concealer is like wearing sweats—soft, flexible, and comfy. Use it on breakouts, dark circles, dark spots, or wherever you want natural-looking coverage.”
—AK
“Yup, I still wear bold lipstick—around the house and under my mask when I go out. This iconic red shade makes my day every time I swipe it on.” —JW
“This stuff somehow hydrated like a moisturizer, wore like a serum, yet covered my rosacea like a full-coverage foundation. I’m callin’ witchcraft.” —CM
“Filled with micro-powders, this foundation helps my oily T-zone chill TF out, and its silky-smooth texture doesn’t nestle into my fine lines.”
—AK
“Meet the only powder foundation I’ll ever put on my face for the rest of time. It’s mattifying but not chalky, full-coverage but not cakey.” —LB
“On one end, an ultra-creamy highlighter; on the other end, a non-chalky contour. On my face? Cheekbones that could cut glass (in my dreams).”
—CM
“It’s *just* right for giving your skin a realistic-looking glow—not too shimmery, not too shiny, and not overly dewy either.” —LB
“The key to getting vacation skin without booking a flight? This balm, which melts right into your skin (rather than sitting on top) to give you a natural-looking glow-up that you don’t have to risk sun damage for.” —AK
“I actually stockpile backups of this liner, because it’s really that good. No bleeding, no watery lines, no flaking, no smudging. It’s what liquid liner should be, period.” —CM
“The secret to looking like a dewy little gumdrop? Prepping your skin pre-foundation with a layer of this hydrating, glow-enhancing primer.” —RB
“You know those fluffy, brushed-up brows you keep seeing all over your IG feed? Yeah, this clear gel takes you there. Get ready for softer, fuller-looking arches.” —RB
“I have approximately five brow hairs, so the suuuper-skinny tip on this retractable pencil is clutch for drawing itty-bitty lines that legit look real.” —CM
“Sure, you might run the risk of smudging and fading with some (er, most?) clean mascaras—but not with this one. It goes on inky black, and it leaves you with length and definition that legit last.” —RB
“I’m all about doing the absolute most when it comes to eyeshadow and this palette matches my energy. Sweep any one of these shades across your lids to instantly make yourself the center of attention anywhere you go.” —AK
“This vitamin-C-spiked concealer is the only thing that’s made me look presentable on Zoom calls over the past year, and I owe my under-eyes/sanity to it.” —CM
“If I’m putting in the time and effort to do a full-face beat, this spray is always the last step in my routine. I hold the bottle a few inches away from my face and spritz it all over to lock in my glam and add a subtle glow.” —AK
“Leave it to Chanel to create a liquid lipstick that’s just as sexy and smooth as its iconic leather bags. I can’t get enough.” —JW
“I love all my children, but I love this tinted balm just a liiittle bit more than the others. The multitasking cream formula (it comes in six shades) can be used on eyes, lips, and cheeks to add instant glow and a soft hint of color.” —LB
“I thought I was someone who couldn’t ‘do’ nude lipstick. Nope—I just hadn’t found these. Twelve cool-to-warm shades for every skin tone, and not one of them looks pasty.” —CM
“This stain is the most stress-free thing in my life rn: It doesn’t flake, smear, or smudge and it takes only one pass for a smooth layer of color, so I don’t have to worry about an uneven application.” —AK
“Trust me when I say this is not one of those sticky-ass lip glosses of your ~youth~. It’s ultra hydrating (ty, squalane and jojoba oils) without sacrificing on shine or pigment.” —RB
“Real talk…this lash extension system is truly a sound investment—especially considering how many crappy lashes I’ve run through. The innovative applicator and luxe lashes are worth every cent.” —JW
“Not only does this palette come in a range of six shades, but each is filled with four concealers and two color correctors to give you excellent-looking skin, even on your blah-est of days.”
—CM
“Okay, for real: This might be the first time a lip liner felt like actual butter tracing my lips, yet it stayed on all day without melting or fading off.” —CM
“True to its name, this setting powder literally feels like silk on my skin. It’s lightweight and ultra smooth (no matter how much apply), and it locks makeup into place while blurring the look of any marks or uneven texture too.” —LB
“On any given day, you’ll find this luxe illuminator lighting up my eyes, lips, cheeks—or, TBH, all three.” —JW
“Scan this tool across your face and the built-in camera pinpoints and covers every dark spot with a precise layer of a brightening tinted serum. The effect: no-makeup makeup that looks completely natural.” —CM
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Everything you need to become an accidental mani-pedi influencer.
“Perfect for a little TLC after wearing gels or acrylics, this treatment hydrates and strengthens brittle nails with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins B5, C, and E.”
—RB
“Between the convenient foot stand and the expert-level tools and polishes, this system makes doing my own toes less something I loathe and more something I look forward to.” —LB
“The fact that I haven’t been to the nail salon in over a year is WILD, but thankfully, I’ve perfected my at-home mani with this nine-piece bb.” —JW
“Haggard = my cuticles’ baseline status, which is why I obsessively massage them with this oil. Between the coconutty smell and fast-absorbing formula, I’m hooked.” —LB
“Convince everyone you’re an actual nail pro by slapping on a couple of these long-lasting stickers. I call dibs on the cute fruit print.” —RB
“This polish dried so fast and so damn shiny, I didn’t even have the chance to accidentally ruin my mani with snacking.” —CM
“It’s opaque, creamy, chip-resistant, ultra shiny, vegan, cruelty-free, 10-free…need I go on?” —LB
“ICYMI, press-on nails have leveled TF up. Exhibit A: this set, which takes less than 10 minutes to apply, lasts for a week, and looks shockingly real.” —AK
“As much as I love inhaling the noxious fumes of traditional nail polish removers, I much prefer this scent-free, acetone-free, headache-free remover instead.” —CM
“There’s no need for a base coat or a UV lamp with this polish. I just swipe on two coats of color and top them off with the glossy top coat for a mirrorlike finish that I can lowkey see my reflection in.” —AK
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Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.