The 46 Best New Beauty Products of the Year, As Voted on By You

By Angelique Serrano and Dianna Mazzone
Updated: Oct 02, 2018 @ 12:02 pm
Tory Rust / ArtPartner

To prepare for our annual Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards, we tirelessly tested the hundreds of products that launched between summer 2017 and summer 2018. (Hey, not all heroes wear capes.) Our goal? To narrow the list down to the best of the best and determine the nominees for which you, dear reader, could cast your vote. And that you did.

More than 5,000 (!) of you participated in our online survey, and every vote made a difference — particularly in close categories like Liquid Lip Color, Foundation, and Cleanser. You impressed us with your knowledge of niche brands — we thought the wrinkle-reducing magic of Augustinus Bader The Cream was still our little secret — and discerning eye for truly unique products, like Tatcha The Silk Canvas primer. That said, as we predicted, there were some landslide wins (like Neutrogena’s actually-pleasant-to-apply Hydro Boost sunscreen).

RELATED: The Best Anti-Aging Products of 2018

Of course, we editors couldn’t resist including some of our personal favorites, too. (Mark our words: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara is going to rise to cult status.) They’re labeled Editors’ Picks, and boy, are we glad they came into our lives this past year.

VIDEO: 6 Beauty Products Under $12 You Should Buy from the Drugstore

 

So whether you’re wondering if your favorite highlighter took home the top prize (you’re in luck, Charlotte Tilbury fans) or just in need of a new shampoo, take a moment to sift through our winners — we promise your beauty routine will be all the better for it.

 

Start Slideshow

1 of 47

Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Pretty Youth Glow Filter

Courtesy
$40
Shop It Opens a new window

With this duo you can color and highlight cheeks at once: Just swipe across both creams and blend from the apples toward your temples.

Advertisement

2 of 47

Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Light

Courtesy
$53
Shop It Opens a new window

The pinwheel of warm bronze, gold, and pink tones works to deliver a subtle, believable glow.

3 of 47

Limited-Edition Collaboration: Jennifer Lopez Inglot

Courtesy
Shop It Opens a new window

Thanks to hits like the shimmering bronzers, nude lipsticks, and megawatt glosses, Lopez’s 70-piece collection topped your must-have list.

Advertisement

4 of 47

Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear  Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF 30

Courtesy
$42
Shop It Opens a new window

This liquid provides up to 24 hours of coverage yet feels as light as a tinted moisturizer.

5 of 47

Blush: BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder

Courtesy
$24
Shop It Opens a new window

With natural-looking colors and a superfine texture, it’s almost impossible to overdo it.

6 of 47

Editors' Pick: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Courtesy
$9
Shop It Opens a new window

Want long, full, curled, clump-free lashes? Look no further than this instant classic.

Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 47

Mascara: Benefit BADgal Bang! Volumizing

Courtesy
$25
Shop It Opens a new window

Formulated with ultralight particles, this rich black ink feathers your lashes to their fullest.

8 of 47

Brow Groomer: Sephora Collection Beau Brow

Courtesy
$12
Shop It Opens a new window

This soft crayon makes quick work of filling in your arches. And the cream-to-powder consistency makes it a breeze to blend.

9 of 47

Concealer: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear

Courtesy
$28
Shop It Opens a new window

We’ve spotted this winner in more than one makeup artist’s kit. That’s because the coverage is nearly unbeatable. This stuff can hide all evidence of a late night.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 47

Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Micro Tip

Courtesy
$22
Shop It Opens a new window

Liquid liners don’t get much easier to use than this: Dot the tiny point along your lash lines to darken and define your eyes.

11 of 47

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Lightbeam Palette

Courtesy
$24
Shop It Opens a new window

Who knew orange eye shadow could be so flattering? Mix it together with any of these bronzy metallics to create subtle smoky eyes you can wear, well, anywhere.

12 of 47

Editors' Pick: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Treatment Concealer

Courtesy
$28
Shop It Opens a new window

The tea-tree-and-sulfur-spiked solution helps dry pimples. The fact that it’s tinted means it can double as concealer (because obviously).

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 47

Liquid Lip Color: Nars Powermatte

Courtesy
$26
Shop It Opens a new window

It’s already snagged our makeup artist–selected Best Beauty Buys award, and with good reason: Its opaque hues last for hours without cracking. Plus, the pointy-tip applicator wand is ideal for lining and filling.

14 of 47

Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle

Courtesy
$18 each
Shop It Opens a new window

With 14 velvety tones to pick from, these slender sticks have become a fast favorite of editors and pros alike. They go on smoothly and stay on comfortably.

15 of 47

Nail-Color Line: JINsoon x Flagpole

Courtesy
$18 each
Shop It Opens a new window

In collaboration with swimwear designers Megan Balch and Jaime Barker, celebrated manicurist Jin Soon Choi developed a trio of crisp, cool colors that evoke the tropics.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 47

Lip Gloss: Becca Glow Gloss

Courtesy
$22
Shop It Opens a new window

No doubt the shine factor won your votes, as each of these 10 moisturizing shades has light reflectors and peptides to make your lips look fuller and plumper.

17 of 47

Editors' Pick: Maybelline New York Lemonade Craze Eye Shadow Palette

Courtesy
$10
Shop It Opens a new window

Every on-trend shade is in this compact, along with rich brown tones that work perfectly as eyeliner. Have we also used the rose and gold shimmers as highlighters? Absolutely.

18 of 47

Exfoliator: Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

Courtesy
$8
Shop It Opens a new window

You know how some polishers leave your face tight and red around the nose? This isn’t one of those. The gel contains such fine granules, you won’t even feel them buffing and softening your skin.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 47

Face Mask: Tatcha Violet-C Radiance

Courtesy
$68
Shop It Opens a new window

Would you describe your complexion as dull, tired, or just... blah? This cream, with two types of vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids, will brighten you up in no time. 

20 of 47

Primer: Tatcha The Silk Canvas

Courtesy
$52
Shop It Opens a new window

If you don’t typically use a primer, this balm (with real silk extracts) will change your mind. It blurs and smooths the surface while protecting skin with powerful antioxidants.

21 of 47

Facial Treatment: Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Leave-On Day Mask Lotion SPF 30

Courtesy
$19
Shop It Opens a new window

The sheer formula has broad-spectrum shields, feels dreamy on the skin, and uses blackberry-leaf and green-tea extracts to help keep your cells healthy. What more could you want?

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 47

Anti-Acne Treatment: Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment

Courtesy
$15
Shop It Opens a new window

When is it OK to shine a light on your breakouts? When the bulbs are red and blue to fight bacteria and inflammation, like the kind found in this little battery-powered device.

23 of 47

Eye Cream: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin

Courtesy
$64
Shop It Opens a new window

Puffy coats? Yes. Puffy eyes? No. Send your (undereye) bags packing with this overachieving cream that delivers five types of glow-boosting vitamin C.

24 of 47

Editors' Pick: Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops

Courtesy
$145
Shop It Opens a new window

Teeny, tiny pollutants floating in the air can damage your skin, so we suggest adding this antioxidant serum to your arsenal: Just mix a few drops into your daily moisturizer (or apply directly on your face) before walking out the door.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 47

Cleanser: First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Acne Clearing Charcoal with Probiotics

Courtesy
$24
Shop It Opens a new window

When it comes to acne, the best defense is a good offense, so swap your basic cleanser for this one with pore-clearing charcoal and clay, plus sloughing salicylic acid.

26 of 47

Serum: Joanna Vargas Super Nova

Courtesy
$295
Shop It Opens a new window

It’s pricey, sure, but this serum from the in-demand aesthetician addresses nearly every sign of aging — dark spots, dullness, sagging, wrinkles — with peptides and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

27 of 47

Moisturizer: Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturizing Gel Cream

Courtesy
$48
Shop It Opens a new window

There’s no shortcut to healthy skin, but if there were, it could be this formula (which also comes in two richer textures). It gives you that I-just-got-a-facial glow.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 47

Anti-Aging Treatment: Augustinus Bader The Cream

Courtesy
$265
Shop It Opens a new window

Created by Dr. Augustinus Bader, who researches stem cells and wound healing, this extraordinary blend (also available in a rich version) is beloved by dermatologists — and more than a few red-carpet regulars — for its ability to jump-start the skin’s repair function.

29 of 47

Natural Beauty MVP: Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme

Courtesy
$48
Shop It Opens a new window

It all but melts into skin, leaving behind a plump, dewy finish.

30 of 47

Editors' Pick: Mary Kay TimeWise Age Minimize 3D 4-in-1 Cleanser

Courtesy
$24
Shop It Opens a new window

True to its name, this multi-tasking cream not only cleans but smooths the surface and keeps things cute with line fighters and brighteners.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 47

Sun Protection: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30

Courtesy
$17/3-pack
Shop It Opens a new window

There are sunscreens that leave you so greasy, your legs could double as a Slip ’N Slide. Then there are those, like this gel, that absorb quickly and without residue.

32 of 47

Body Treatment: Susanne Kaufmann Hand Peel

Courtesy
$82
Shop It Opens a new window

Ask a dermatologist (or just look down) and you’ll see it’s true: We spend years age-proofing our face but forget about our hands. So to soften lines and discoloration, apply this vitamin B peel twice a week.

33 of 47

Supplement: Moon Juice SuperYou

Courtesy
$49/60
Shop It Opens a new window

There’s no magic pill that can take away all the stress in your life, but these capsules can help ease the tension. Made with clinically proven adaptogenic herbs, they’re also said to boost your focus and energy.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 47

Editors' Pick: Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce SPF 50+

Courtesy
$28
Shop It Opens a new window

Applying sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done job. This clear stick glides easily over makeup so you can up your protection without compromising your contour.

35 of 47

Editors' Pick: Olay Microscrubbing Cleansing Infusion Hydrating Glow Body Wash with Crushed Ginger

Courtesy
$20/4-pack
Shop It Opens a new window

Got zero time to use a body scrub in the shower? Think again: Packing crushed ginger, this wash cleanses and exfoliates at once.

36 of 47

Bath Treat: Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash

Courtesy
$10
Shop It Opens a new window

If you suffer from eczema or rosacea, check out this elixir: Hypoallergenic and totally scent-free, it cleanses and leaves skin soft and supple.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 47

Curl Styler: Ouai Air Dry Foam

Courtesy
$28
Shop It Opens a new window

Whether you have spirals, curls, waves, or something in between, this foam encourages your natural texture and helps strands air-dry to near perfection.

38 of 47

Hot Tool: Revlon Pro Collection Salon 360 Surround Hair Dryer

Courtesy
$60
Shop It Opens a new window

If an at-home blowout does more for your biceps than a dumbbell, this dryer is for you: The horizontal vents hit hair from all angles so it’ll get dry faster.

39 of 47

Scalp Treatment: Bumble and Bumble Bb.Scalp Detox

Courtesy
$34
Shop It Opens a new window

Before showering, apply the bubbling foam, then wait. When you start to hear a slight crackling sound, that means this icy-cool soother is starting to work its magic, cleansing and exfoliating your scalp. Rinse and you’re ready to go!

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 47

Hair Treatment: Garnier Fructis 1-Minute Hair Masks

Courtesy
$3 each
Shop It Opens a new window

Each of the line’s six buttery conditioners works in just 60 seconds to strengthen, smooth, and repair your hair.

41 of 47

Editors' Pick: Love Beauty and Planet Volume & Bounty Day 2 Dry Shampoo

Courtesy
$14/2-pack
Shop It Opens a new window

You can degrease and add lift by spraying this refresher on your roots.

42 of 47

Texturizer/Volumizer: Ouai Dry Texture Foam

Courtesy
$28
Shop It Opens a new window

Work this mousse into your roots, allow two minutes to dry, and then brush through strands: Your hair will look freshly washed and have noticeable volume.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 47

Shampoo & Conditioner: Oribe Serene Scalp

Courtesy
$44/$46
Shop It Opens a new window

The pink bottles are so chic, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? This cleanser exfoliates with salicylic acid to target dandruff. The conditioner delivers moisturizing butters and soothing extracts.

44 of 47

Styler: Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer

Courtesy
$29
Shop It Opens a new window

Frizz can crop up at any time of day — and this spray can tamp it down immediately. The formula settles frazzled strands with a mix of oils, emollients, and high-tech molecules. To our fine-haired friends: Don’t worry — it won’t weigh you down.

45 of 47

Editors' Pick: Philip B. Icelandic Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner

Courtesy
$44/$48
Shop It Opens a new window

The purple-tinged solution (packed with plum extract) keeps blond hair from looking brassy. Grape-seed oil helps gloss over split ends.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

46 of 47

Editors' Pick: Pantene Pro-V Micellar Gentle Cleansing Water Shampoo

Courtesy
$13
Shop It Opens a new window

With particles that attract the grime, this wash cleans your hair without stripping away its moisture.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Popular in Beauty

All Topics in Beauty

Advertisement