The 10 Best Beauty Products We Tried This Year

Allergy season, too much sodium, not enough sleep: We've honestly lost count of the number of times these depuffing masks have come through for us over the past year. Oh, and the pretty foil packaging isn't just for show (though it certainly makes for great selfies); it ensures a better absorption of eye-brightening ingredients and a comfortable fit so you can go about the rest of your routine as they work their magic.  

Wander Beauty ($25)

We're fairly certain that Goldilocks herself would plop this moisturizer into her shopping cart. Not too greasy nor too light, with no irritating ingredients or potentially aggravating fragrances, and with a clever pump packaging that dispenses the perfect amount of product, everything about this hydrating cream is just right.

Drunk Elephant ($68)

Minimalists, rejoice. This highly curated line of polishes features just five shades. (Our favorite? The Perfect Red, which is indeed, perfectly pigmented.) The magnetic caps ensure no spills and the super-shiny formula looks luxe on your tips. The fact that it's also 10-free? Nailed it. 

Emilie Heathe ($34)

File this under: splurge-worthy—especially if you never quite got the hang of curling (or heck, even blow-drying) your own hair. The innovative tool uses air (as opposed to heat) to quickly dry and style while retaining smoothness for those prone to frizz or maintaining volume for those with limp strands. 

Dyson ($499)

Finally, a tinted lip balm that delivers on both color and moisture. Apply one layer for a sheer hint of tint or coat liberally for a vibrant pop. Either way, your lips will stay soft and hydrated thanks to shea butter in the formula.

Pat McGrath ($38)

Fact: We've never gotten as many compliments on our skin as the first time we wore this highlighter. Whereas most formulas tend to read shimmery (or even frosty) on, this gives you the type of glow that makes you look like you just returned from a weeklong wellness retreat.

Becca ($28)

We pretty much swore off of falsies until we tried this kit, which comes with featherlight (aka comfortable) lashes that are separated into clusters instead of strips, a curved wand applicator that assists with application, a non-clumpy glue that doesn't get all over your lids and a top coat that seals in any gaps between faux and real hairs. The end result is every bit as full and fluttery as a set of professionally applied extensions.

Lashify ($145)

We're renaming this "party in a pot" because the multi-dimensional sparkle makes us want to celebrate every time we wear it. Other fitting monikers: "Glitter for grown-ups," "20-second statement eye," and "best eye shadow ever."

Marc Jacobs ($28)

Concealer has a lot to live up to as the MVP of our makeup bags. It should a) cover b) last and c) not crease or settle into fine lines as it wears. This creamy formula delivers on all fronts—and then some. Plus, the soft puff tip applicator feels downright delightful on your skin (and lends itself particularly well to blending).

Charlotte Tilbury ($32)

Leave it to the smarty-pants at MIT to take something as basic as hairspray and turn it on its head. Thanks to a customizable nozzle, you can dictate exactly how much (or how little) product you want to use. Turn the nob to "M" to dispense larger particles and a higher spray rate (ideal for creating maximum lift at the roots); turn it to "L" for smaller particles and a lower spray rate (perfect for any face-framing pieces that tend to fall flat). 

Living Proof ($29)