The 50 Best Beauty Products of All Time

While many of the lotions and lipsticks we use are swapped on a whim, these 50 picks never leave our collective arsenal. Behold the beauty products that we restock over and over again.

Follow PureWow on Pinterest

Clinique

1/50

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer

Ah, the yellow bottle. Many years (and some lines) later, we still gravitate toward this classic lotion because, well, it works.

Clinique ($27)

Laura Mercier

2/50

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

With a smooth application, SPF 20 and a hydrating finish, this classic cover-up has made our morning routines so much easier.

Laura Mercier ($44)

Ulta

3/50

L’Oréal Colour Riche Le Lacque Lip Pen

With a slim, retractable tip that’s loaded with pigment, lipstick doesn’t get much easier to apply. Seriously, you can fill in the perfect red (or pink) pout sans mirror.

L’Oréal Paris ($5)

Target

4/50

Rimmel Kohl Kajal Waterproof Eyeliner

Guys, this has nearly 1,000 positive reviews on Target alone—we’re not at all surprised given how silky and budge-proof it is. Did we mention it’s only four dollars?

Rimmel London ($4)

Sephora

5/50

NARS Orgasm Blush

One shade does not usually fit all when it comes to makeup, but this is the rare exception that continues to remain a best seller in stores and a mainstay in our bags.

NARS ($30)

Ulta

6/50

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

It's the first mascara we ever used, and the glossy formula still reigns supreme in the drugstore aisles. (Thankfully, we're much better at applying the stuff now.)

Maybelline ($6)

Ulta

7/50

Essie Gel Couture Polish

We were always pretty skeptical about at-home gel polishes, but this one truly lives up to its long-wearing claims. We easily get a solid ten days out of this—sometimes even 12.

Essie ($12)

Charlotte Tilbury

8/50

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

The brainchild of a major makeup artist, this bronzer and highlighter duo has such finely milled pigments and shimmer that it’s impossible to overdo.

Charlotte Tilbury ($68)

Dermstore

9/50

Drunk Elephant Glycolic Serum

A star product that catapulted this previously indie brand to cult status, this potent serum somehow gets rid of dead skin (and keeps breakouts at bay) without being too harsh or drying.

Drunk Elephant ($90)

La Roche-Posay

10/50

La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk

Non-greasy, not chalky and highly effective: What more do you want from a sunscreen?

La Roche-Posay ($36)

NARS

11/50

NARS Lip Gloss

Leave it to NARS to create a lip gloss that defies everything we’ve ever hated about the stuff before. It’s lightweight, never sticky and super hydrating—with just the right amount of color.

NARS ($26)

RMS Beauty

12/50

RMS Living Luminizer

It’s the rare highlighter that isn’t too sparkly or heavy and makes your skin look like it’s got a healthy glow wherever you apply it.

RMS Beauty ($38)

50best 0016 Living Proof PHD Dry Shampoo

Sephora

13/50

Living Proof PHD Dry Shampoo

Oily roots and stale smells are no match for this stuff. It has fast-absorbing powders that soak up grease, while a time-released fragrance basically Febreezes your strands.

Living Proof ($22)

Urban Decay

14/50

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Smog

While it’s best known for its palettes, some of us might not need (or use) all 12 shades—which is why this coppery bronze shimmer alone is perfect for everyday wear.

Urban Decay ($19)

Sephora

15/50

Dr. Jart Water Replenishment Sheet Mask

If you only try one sheet mask, make it this one. No matter your skin type or concern, it will leave your complexion dewy and bright for hours afterward.

Dr. Jart ($8)

Ulta

16/50

Benefit Boing Industrial Concealer

Another staff favorite because, and we quote, “it truly is industrial and will cover everything.”

Benefit Cosmetics ($15)

Kiehl's

17/50

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Serum

Aka the antidote to dry, dull and lackluster skin.

Kiehl’s ($46)

Ulta

18/50

Smith’s Rosebud Salve

In the words of one of our discerning editors: “It’s super cheap and you can use it everywhere—on lips, on brows and to tame flyaways." Even your cuticles will thank you.

Rosebud Perfume Co. ($6)

Tatcha

19/50

Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist

Fact: Many mists on the market are made up of mostly water. This one is packed with squalane, which actually hydrates your skin and leaves you looking, well, dewy.

Tatcha ($48)

Amazon

20/50

Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo

Blondes and silver foxes in the know rely on this purple shampoo to keep their strands bright, shiny and free of brassy tones.

Clairol ($10)

Anastasia Beverly Hills

21/50

Anastasia Brow Wiz

Different strokes for different folks…unless we’re talking about this cult-favorite brow pencil that’s easy to use and flatters all who do.

Anastasia Beverly Hills ($21)

Target

22/50

Dove Beauty Bar

We’ve used all of the fancy shower gels and soaps under the sun, but always go back to this bar because of the way it makes our skin smell (clean, not cloying) and feel (soft, not stripped).

Dove ($4 for pack of four)

La Mer

23/50

La Mer Lip Balm

Does one need a $60 lip balm? Well, no. Is it worthy of the price tag? Absolutely yes, if you never want to see a dry flake again.

La Mer ($60)

Target

24/50

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

There’s a reason why these wipes are in every makeup artist’s kit: They remove even waterproof mascara without any tugging.

Neutrogena ($5)

Weleda

25/50

Weleda Skin Food

Though this thick salve is meant to tend to dry patches of skin (which it does exceptionally well, by the way), it can also be used as a mask, a spot treatment for inflamed pimples and even a highlighter.

Weleda ($19)

Renee Rouleau

26/50

Renée Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment

Apply it to a brewing spot and we swear it stops that sucker from blowing up into a mound.

Renée Rouleau ($46)

IT Cosmetics

27/50

IT Cosmetics Tightline Black Mascara Primer

For a non-clumpy, feathery everyday look, wear this lightweight formula on its own. For a more dramatic look, wear it underneath another mascara.

IT Cosmetics ($24)

Fresh Cosmetics

28/50

Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment in Rose

If you want a pretty, non-fussy balm that you can swipe on day in and day out, look no further.

Fresh Cosmetics ($24)

Ulta

29/50

Seche Vite Top Coat

Like a filter for your nails, this super-shiny topcoat just makes everything look better (and last twice as long).

Seche Vite ($10)

Target

30/50

Shea Moisture Curl Milk

Aka the only product you need for smooth, non-crunchy (and delicious-smelling) curls.

Shea Moisture ($10)

Elizabeth Arden

31/50

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

A true workhorse, this thick salve has gotten us out of many a beauty emergency. From chapped lips to peeling cuticles, there’s little it can’t fix.

Elizabeth Arden ($22)

Sephora

32/50

St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse

Before St. Tropez came along, we pretty much lived in constant fear of streaky tans. All we can say is bless this lightweight mousse that blends into bronzed perfection.

St. Tropez ($32)

Glossier

33/50

Glossier Boy Brow

Brow trends come and go, but well-groomed arches are here to stay. This tinted wax sets every wonky hair into place without coming off as overdone.

Glossier ($16)

50best 0020 l oreal paris elnett hairspray

Ulta

34/50

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

A go-to for pro hairstylists (and our moms) for many years, this classic spray keeps every last strand in place without so much as a crunch.

L’Oréal Paris ($15)

Make Up For Ever

35/50

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

If you need to look airbrushed and flawless—or you have a special occasion coming up, do yourself a favor and get a bottle of this foundation. The coverage is impeccable in any light.

Make Up For Ever ($43)

Stila Cosmetics

36/50

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This fine-tipped pen makes the tricky task of lining your eyes so much easier—and the liquid formula doesn't budge in the heat.

Stila ($22)

Bobbi Brown

37/50

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact

We think it’s pretty safe to say that this is one of the first bronzers on the market to have mass appeal. Tip: Think beyond the cheekbones. The shimmery shades work on lids, too.

Bobbi Brown ($48)

Ulta

38/50

Cetaphil Daily Face Cleanser

A dermatologist favorite for good reason, this gentle cleanser gets the job done without causing any irritation. The seven-dollar price tag is just an added bonus.

Cetaphil ($7)

Sephora

39/50

Caudalie Moisturizing Toner

This botanical blend smells as soft and fresh as it makes your skin feel after use.

Caudalíe ($28)

Fatboy Hair

40/50

Fatboy Hair Perfect Putty

Created by a longtime hair dresser (and former rock star), this creamy pomade delivers piece-y separation without weighing hair down.

Fatboy Hair ($21)

Nordstrom

41/50

Aveda Shampure Shampoo

A family-friendly pick, this botanical blend cleans hair with a satisfying lather and smells fresh (not overly cloying).

Aveda ($14)

50best 0039 bare minerals mineral foundation

Ulta

42/50

Bare Minerals Original Mineral Foundation

With just five mineral ingredients, this powder delivers an impressive amount of coverage. Plus, the hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula won’t irritate skin or break you out.

Bare Minerals ($29)

Sephora

43/50

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm

Fact: Cream blush makes you look younger. Also, chubby sticks are the most fun to use.

Clinique ($23)

MAC Cosmetics

44/50

MAC Lipstick

At this point, the brand may as well be synonymous with lipstick. With literally hundreds of shades to choose from, we can always rely on the megabrand to keep our lips on point.

MAC Cosmetics ($17)

Amazon

45/50

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant

Stains and odor are no match for this stuff. Seriously—it goes on clear, dries instantly and smells as fresh as the bar soap we just cleansed our bodies with.

Dove ($5)

Amazon

46/50

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin

Simply put: There’s nothing better to soothe our itchy legs in the winter and keep our skin from being sticky in the summer.

Aveeno ($9)

Ulta

47/50

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

It’s the number one selling anti-aging moisturizer thanks to its highly effective ingredients and affordable cost. It’s also a great place to start if you’re overwhelmed by all the options.

Olay ($29)

Sephora

48/50

The Original BeautyBlender

Soak this hot pink sponge in water before every use and you’re guaranteed a smooth, airbrushed complexion every single time. (Seriously, our foundation has never looked better.)

BeautyBlender ($20)

Sephora

49/50

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain

Save yourself some money (and forgo the wait list). This liquid lipstick is just as pigmented and long-lasting as those Kardashian versions.

Sephora Collection ($14)

Dyson

50/50

Dyson The Supersonic Hair Dryer

Just when we didn’t think something as basic as a hair dryer could be exciting, Dyson proved us wrong. This futuristic-looking tool cuts dry time in half, hums quietly and is worth every penny.

Dyson ($400)

Lifestyle / Categories

Trending / Top Stories

Videos / Watch

Cities / Editions

Connect With Us

Share

The 50 Best Beauty Products of All Time

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

L’Oréal Colour Riche Le Lacque Lip Pen

Rimmel Kohl Kajal Waterproof Eyeliner

NARS Orgasm Blush

﻿Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Essie Gel Couture Polish

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

Drunk Elephant Glycolic Serum

La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk

NARS Lip Gloss

RMS Living Luminizer

Living Proof PHD Dry Shampoo

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Smog

Dr. Jart Water Replenishment Sheet Mask

Benefit Boing Industrial Concealer

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Serum

Smith’s Rosebud Salve

Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist

Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo

Anastasia Brow Wiz

Dove Beauty Bar

La Mer Lip Balm

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Weleda Skin Food

Renée Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment

IT Cosmetics Tightline Black Mascara Primer

Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment in Rose

Seche Vite Top Coat

Shea Moisture Curl Milk

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse

Glossier Boy Brow

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact

Cetaphil Daily Face Cleanser

Caudalie Moisturizing Toner

Fatboy Hair Perfect Putty

Aveda Shampure Shampoo

Bare Minerals Original Mineral Foundation

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm

MAC Lipstick

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

The Original BeautyBlender

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain

Dyson The Supersonic Hair Dryer

More Stories You’ll Love

More Stories From our Partners

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara