Best New Beauty Products 2018

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).

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.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Pretty Youth Glow Filter

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$40 Charlotte Tilbury 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.

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Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Light

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$53 Guerlain SHOP IT Opens a new window

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

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Limited-Edition Collaboration: Jennifer Lopez Inglot

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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.

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

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$42 Estee Lauder SHOP IT Opens a new window

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

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Blush: BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder

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$24 Bare Minerals SHOP IT Opens a new window

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

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

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$9 L'Oreal Paris SHOP IT Opens a new window

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

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Mascara: Benefit BADgal Bang! Volumizing

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$25 Benefit Cosmetics SHOP IT Opens a new window

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

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Brow Groomer: Sephora Collection Beau Brow

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$12 Sephora Collection 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.

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Concealer: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear

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$28 Laura Mercier 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.

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Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Micro Tip

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$22 Stila 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.

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Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Lightbeam Palette

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$24 Urban Decay 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.

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Editors' Pick: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Treatment Concealer

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$28 It Cosmetics 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).

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Liquid Lip Color: Nars Powermatte

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$26 Nars 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.

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Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle

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$18 each Fenty Beauty 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.

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Nail-Color Line: JINsoon x Flagpole

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$18 each Jin Soon 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.

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Lip Gloss: Becca Glow Gloss

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$22 Becca 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.

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

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$10 Maybelline 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.

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Exfoliator: Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

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$8 Cetaphil 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.

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Face Mask: Tatcha Violet-C Radiance

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$68 Tatcha 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.

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Primer: Tatcha The Silk Canvas

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$52 Tatcha 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.

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

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$19 Aveeno 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?

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Anti-Acne Treatment: Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment

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$15 Neutrogena 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.

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Eye Cream: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin

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$64 Drunk Elephant 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.

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

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$145 Dr. Barbara Sturm 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.

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

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$24 First Aid Beauty 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.

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Serum: Joanna Vargas Super Nova

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$295 Joanna Vargas 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.

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Moisturizer: Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturizing Gel Cream

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$48 Shiseido 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.

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Anti-Aging Treatment: Augustinus Bader The Cream

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$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.

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Natural Beauty MVP: Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme

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$48 Herbivore SHOP IT Opens a new window

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

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

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$24 Mary Kay 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.

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Sun Protection: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30

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$17/3-pack Neutrogena 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.

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Body Treatment: Susanne Kaufmann Hand Peel

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$82 Susanne Kaufmann 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.

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Supplement: Moon Juice SuperYou

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$49/60 Moon Juice 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.

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

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$28 Shiseido 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.

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

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$20/4-pack Olay 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.

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Bath Treat: Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash

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$10 Cetaphil 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.

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Curl Styler: Ouai Air Dry Foam

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$28 Ouai 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.

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Hot Tool: Revlon Pro Collection Salon 360 Surround Hair Dryer

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$60 Revlon 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.

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Scalp Treatment: Bumble and Bumble Bb.Scalp Detox

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$34 Bumble and Bumble 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!

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Hair Treatment: Garnier Fructis 1-Minute Hair Masks

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$3 each Garnier Fructis 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.

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

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$14/2-pack SHOP IT Opens a new window

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

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Texturizer/Volumizer: Ouai Dry Texture Foam

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$28 Ouai 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.

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Shampoo & Conditioner: Oribe Serene Scalp

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$44/$46 Oribe 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.

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Styler: Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer

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$29 Living Proof 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.

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

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$44/$48 Philip B 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.

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

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Highlighter: Charlotte Tilbury Pretty Youth Glow Filter

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Bronzer: Guerlain Terracotta Light

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Limited-Edition Collaboration: Jennifer Lopez Inglot

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

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Blush: BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder

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

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Mascara: Benefit BADgal Bang! Volumizing

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Brow Groomer: Sephora Collection Beau Brow

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Concealer: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear

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Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Micro Tip

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Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Lightbeam Palette

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Editors' Pick: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Treatment Concealer

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Liquid Lip Color: Nars Powermatte

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Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle

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Nail-Color Line: JINsoon x Flagpole

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Lip Gloss: Becca Glow Gloss

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

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Exfoliator: Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

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Face Mask: Tatcha Violet-C Radiance

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Primer: Tatcha The Silk Canvas

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

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Anti-Acne Treatment: Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment

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Eye Cream: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin

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

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

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Serum: Joanna Vargas Super Nova

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Moisturizer: Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturizing Gel Cream

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Anti-Aging Treatment: Augustinus Bader The Cream

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Natural Beauty MVP: Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme

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

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Sun Protection: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30

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Body Treatment: Susanne Kaufmann Hand Peel

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Supplement: Moon Juice SuperYou

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

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

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Bath Treat: Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash

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Curl Styler: Ouai Air Dry Foam

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Hot Tool: Revlon Pro Collection Salon 360 Surround Hair Dryer

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