The 50 Best Beauty Products of All Time
1.
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)
2.
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)
3.
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)
4.
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)
5.
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)
6.
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)
7.
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)
8.
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)
9.
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)
10.
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)
11.
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)
12.
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)
13.
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)
14.
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)
15.
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)
16.
Benefit Boing Industrial Concealer
Another staff favorite because, and we quote, “it truly is industrial and will cover everything.”
Benefit Cosmetics ($15)
17.
18.
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)
19.
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)
20.
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)
21.
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)
22.
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)
23.
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)
24.
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)
25.
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)
26.
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)
27.
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)
28.
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)
29.
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)
30.
Shea Moisture Curl Milk
Aka the only product you need for smooth, non-crunchy (and delicious-smelling) curls.
Shea Moisture ($10)
31.
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)
32.
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)
33.
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)
34.
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)
35.
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)
36.
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)
37.
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)
38.
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)
39.
Caudalie Moisturizing Toner
This botanical blend smells as soft and fresh as it makes your skin feel after use.
Caudalíe ($28)
40.
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)
41.
Aveda Shampure Shampoo
A family-friendly pick, this botanical blend cleans hair with a satisfying lather and smells fresh (not overly cloying).
Aveda ($14)
42.
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)
43.
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm
Fact: Cream blush makes you look younger. Also, chubby sticks are the most fun to use.
Clinique ($23)
44.
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)
45.
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)
46.
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)
47.
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)
48.
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)
49.
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)
Beauty Director
- Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
- Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
- Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond
