AND THE OFFICIAL 7TH ANNUAL TOTALBEAUTY.COM WINNERS ARE...
We tried and tested thousands of beauty products to bring you our Editors' Picks – the holy-grail items that really work. And we asked you, our readers, to weigh in with your must-haves for our Readers' Choice Awards. Here, we bring you the 2016 TotalBeauty Award winners – the best of the best beauty products that are sure to give you your best selfie yet. No filters necessary, because these products are that good.
EDITORS' PICK
Erborian BB CremeConsider this BB cream your new everyday go-to. The creamy formula feels light, but has enough coverage to conceal any pesky blemishes while giving skin an oh-so-healthy glow.
READERS' CHOICE
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream With SPF 50+Is this product a fairytale or what? Poof, begone redness! Goodbye, oily skin. Dreams do come true.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Burt's Bees BB CreamA few pats of this drugstore BB cream are all it takes to make your skin look refreshed and perfected. The non-greasy formula lasts all day -- but it's so lightweight you'll forget you're even wearing it.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Rimmel London BB Cream 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super MakeupIt goes on really smoothly, looks really natural and lasts all day -- no matter what you do. It matches my skin tone perfectly and does everything I need it to do in one step.
EDITORS' PICK
CoverGirl TruBlend BlushThis ultra-pigmented blush gives cheeks a luminous, ethereal glow. Be prepared for tons of compliments on how radiant you look when you wear it.
READERS' CHOICE
Nars BlushThe shades of these blushes are pigmented, so they build nicely. They're also long-wearing and provide a nice, subtle shimmery glow.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder BlushThis magical blush actually lasts eight hours (we timed it). The colorful, pigmented shades are superwearable and easy to apply.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Milani Baked BlushI absolutely flipped finding this blush. I had heard Milani blushes were good. I didn't expect them to be better than any other blush I own pigment-wise.
EDITORS' PICK
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter BronzerThis bronzer made me understand why people bother with wearing bronzer. I used to hate how warm or neutral bronzer looked on me because it always looked splotchy or made my light skin look orange-cast. This bronzer is actually neutral and VERY sheer. This works in my favor, as I can build it up across my face and neck without going too heavy.
READERS' CHOICE
Too Faced Snow Bunny Luminous BronzerThis gives a very nice, luminous glow without being too shimmery or too subtle. It's a highlighter, bronzer and blush in one. If you don't need coverage, just brush this all over your face, and it will help even out your complexion.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
CoverGirl TruBlend BronzerA few sweeps of this baked bronzer will have even the palest of gals looking naturally tan and glowy. The marbled blend of colors ensures a perfectly blended application every time.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Laura Geller Bronze-n-BrightenI was so surprised at the quality and the flawless finish I had. My face is radiant. It is easy to apply, almost impossible to mess up and lasts all day.
EDITORS' PICK
Nudestix Eyebrow Stylus Pencil & GelThis double-sided tool transforms the wimpiest of brows into a bold look that Cara D. would be proud of. The precise, supercreamy pencil applies like a dream, and the clear gel has amazing hold that keeps brows in place all day.
READERS' CHOICE
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow WizIt's perfect for rushed mornings because it takes almost no time at all to fill in my eyebrows. This is my hands-down favorite eyebrow pencil ever!
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Glossier Boy BrowFor #browsonfleek with minimal effort, turn to this supersimple tinted brow pomade. The teeny spoolie brush is easy to maneuver, and the creamy formula gives brows a full, natural look that lasts.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Benefit Instant Brow PencilThis pencil creates eyebrows that really frame my eyes. It has such a creamy texture that's easy to work with, and brows are left so natural-looking.
EDITORS' PICK
Sonia Kashuk Undercover Liquid ConcealerA lightweight concealer that packs major undereye-bag coverage. The creamy formula blends easily into skin and helps you fake a full night's sleep in seconds.
READERS' CHOICE
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under EyeI use this concealer without foundation, and it still masks my dark circles, leaving my eyes looking well rested and youthful. Plus, it lasts all day and it doesn't settle into fine lines.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Lorac Porefection ConcealerThis oil- and fragrance-free concealer is packed with anti-aging ingredients like vitamin A and papaya extract. The superpigmented formula magically erases everything from dark circles to blemishes.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
BareMinerals Concealer Broad Spectrum SPF 20This concealer is very lightweight, covers my redness without looking like I caked on concealer, and the little brush that comes with it makes [coverage] look natural and beautiful.
EDITORS' PICK
Giorgio Armani Eye TintThe liquid formula of this eye shadow allows you to have complete control over the application -- pile on more for an intense look, or blend it out for an easy daytime look. It dries quickly and stays put, even on oily lids.
READERS' CHOICE
Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel ShadowThis is a creamy-gel texture, which is easy to work with. The color is true and really stays put -- it stayed in place a good 18 hours before I removed my makeup. There was no creasing or caking whatsoever.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Wander Beauty Exquisite Eye Liquid ShadowThis shadow is the lazy girl's dream product. One swipe across your lids deposits tons of shimmery, eye-enhancing pigment that doesn't budge once it dries.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Make Up For Ever Artist ShadowNot only do these shadows have the most pigmentation I've ever experienced, they stay put until you take them off. They're extremely easy to blend, and the variety of colors makes it easy to create any look you can think of.
EDITORS' PICK
Stila Got Inked Cushion Eye LinerYou'll never go back to your basic liquid liner after this. Dip your brush (or Stila's La Quill Precision Eye Liner Brush) into the cushion-sponge to saturate it with bold color, then apply. The lightweight, smudge-proof formula makes it easy to create a variety of looks.
READERS' CHOICE
Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel EyelinerI keep coming back to this eyeliner for many reasons: The color payoff is awesome, it's very long-lasting and it doesn't smudge. The brush helps me create a precise and bold look.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
NYX Vivid Brights LinerHere to make all your bright eyeliner wishes come true: This stellar find from NYX. The bright colors are surprisingly versatile, and the formula dries to a gorgeous matte finish that stays where you put it -- even if you have hooded lids.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid EyelinerThis superthin liner is a winner in my book. It gives great coverage and pigmentation, especially in the black shade. It's easy to apply, and you have a good amount of control with it.
EDITORS' PICK
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD FoundationI got SOOO many compliments when I wore this foundation. It's full coverage and lightweight, and does have really good staying power. If you want a foundation that makes your skin flawless, this is it.
READERS' CHOICE
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 FoundationI normally have to wear concealer to cover my acne, but not with this product. It also has great staying power. Usually my foundation is coming off by the end of the day, but this lasts all day. It really does work like a primer, too, and the SPF is a bonus.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion FoundationScore a flawless complexion with this oh-so-glowy foundation. The sponge applicator and cushion compact make this buildable formula ideal for girls on the go.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
BareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15This is very smooth and so natural-looking -- it's like my own skin but better. I have worn this foundation to work for eight hours and even after that long, the foundation stayed put.
EDITORS' PICK
Anastasia Beverly Hills IlluminatorGet your strobe on with this angelic highlighter. The buttery formula blends easily and gives skin just the right amount of shimmer for major glow.
READERS' CHOICE
Benefit Watt's Up! Cream HighlighterThe color is so sheer, so wearable and flattering that it is almost imperceptible. People don't notice that you are sporting a highlighter -- they simply notice a new glow about you.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Chosungah 22 24H Raybeam CreamThe creamy formula imparts a subtle, pretty glow onto skin that looks completely natural. Dab it on the high points of your face to highlight, or mix it into your foundation for radiant, dewy skin.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid LuminizerI love that Stila has made several shades of their illuminator, so there's a perfect one for all people of different skin tones. This product gives a nice subtle shimmer when worn alone or mixed with a little foundation. Really great product for a great glow!
EDITORS' PICK
Smith & Cult Lip LacquerThis gloss is everything -- thanks to the beyond gorgeous packaging, stunning colors and supershiny formula that stays put without a hint of stickiness.
READERS' CHOICE
Revlon Super Lustrous Lip GlossThis gloss is true to its name: Lustrous. It glides on easily and has a lipstick-like shimmer that is difficult to find in a gloss. It's glamour in a tube.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip LacquerA minty gloss that gives lips glassy shine without feeling sticky? We're hooked.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Nars Lip GlossThe coverage this lip gloss provides is fantastic. Nars glosses go on thick and shiny, providing opaque or near-opaque coverage that makes for a great color payoff. The thick formula also makes for long wear.
EDITORS' PICK
Sebamed Lip Defense Stick SPF 30This no-frills, superhydrating balm is a standout because it leaves lips moisturized and soft, and provides plenty of sun protection -- without tasting or smelling like sunscreen.
READERS' CHOICE
Burt's Bees Honey Lip BalmI love this lip balm because it has the sweet taste of honey, and it really works well on your lips. I love that it is made from natural ingredients and makes lips feel smooth and silky.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
RéVive Intensité Moisturizing Lip BalmSpending $60 on a lip balm is completely insane -- unless, like this one, it's made with high-tech anti-aging ingredients and leaves lips the softest they've ever been. Apply at night, and it's still intact come morning.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15This makes my lips feel very pampered, nourished and soft. It also has antioxidant anti-aging properties to fight dreaded lip wrinkles. Great for the beach, too, since it has SPF.
EDITORS' PICK
Rimmel London Provocalips 16HR Kissproof Lip ColourSay "Bye Felicia" to everything you thought you knew about long-lasting lip color. This double-sided liquid lipstick glides onto lips without tugging, feels like you're wearing nothing and lasts a crazy-long time.
READERS' CHOICE
Nars LipstickIn true Nars fashion, this line of lipsticks has an unbelievable array of gorgeous shades that, when applied, look exactly like the color does in the tube. The quality is unrivaled -- seriously, the best lipstick I have ever purchased.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution LipstickThe luxe packaging of this matte-but-not-drying lipstick is pretty and functional: The slanted, squared-off tip shape makes application of all the gorgeous colors a breeze.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Clinique Almost LipstickThis has lots of moisture and a soft shine that is perfect for daywear. Black Honey is a universally flattering shade that magically looks like the perfect natural berry on every skin tone.
EDITORS' PICK
Pür Sculpt & Contour Foundation BrushThe rounded shape of this brush makes it oh-so-easy to seamlessly blend foundation over your entire face, including hard-to-reach spots (think: your hairline and around your nose). The end result: An airbrushed, natural-looking finish that will make people think you #wokeuplikethis.
READERS' CHOICE
It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Airbrush Powder & Bronzer #1This is a really nice, high-quality brush. It has a very full and soft brush head. Perfect size for picking up enough powder to do my entire face with one swipe.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection 100 Arched PowderA vanity-worthy metallic finish and soft, fluffy bristles make this brush feel ultra-luxe. Use it to apply everything from blush to powder to illuminator.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
BareMinerals Flawless Application Face BrushI love that the handle is shorter so I can get up close to the mirror for very precise application. The bristles are densely packed and hold just the right amount of product so it covers evenly and does not look cakey.
EDITORS' PICK
Benefit Roller Lash MascaraThick, long lashes can finally be yours, thanks to this inky-black mascara. It separates and fans out lashes and gives them an insane amount of lift. In other words: Retire your lash curler.
READERS' CHOICE
Benefit They're Real! Lengthening MascaraThe formula is excellent at separating each and every lash, coloring, lifting and adding a good deal of volume. I can use it on bottom lashes without fear of crumbling or dreaded raccoon eyes.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Too Cool for School Dinoplatz Escalator MascaraThe adorable, dinosaur-studded packaging was what drew us in; the adjustable brush and lash-lengthening, volumizing formula kept us hooked.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Maybelline New York Volum' Express The Colossal Washable MascaraIt's a great formula with little clumping. It made my lashes a lot more noticeable and glamorous. The color lasts all day -- and so does the volume and length you get from this mascara.
EDITORS' PICK
Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow PaletteA gorgeous, sultry array of colors that blend like a dream and can create a variety of looks, thanks to the mix of matte and shimmery finishes. But what really gives this palette an edge is the included high-quality brush.
READERS' CHOICE
Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow PaletteThese hues flatter all eye colors in a soft way. There is no limit to the number of gorgeous effects you can achieve by blending these plush, silky shadows, which come in matte, pearl and shimmery finishes.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour PaletteIt's great for everyday contouring and brightening or for bringing the drama. The shadows are buttery, smooth, superpigmented and last all day.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Lorac Pro PaletteThe consistency of each shadow is so smooth, great pigment and I LOVE the range of colors. I'm a makeup junkie and this is my first and only palette where I have loved AND use every single color.
EDITORS' PICK
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Silk Airbrush Poreless Finishing PowderThis pore-blurring, skin-perfecting finishing powder sets makeup without looking cakey, controls shiny skin and doesn't settle into fine lines.
READERS' CHOICE
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting PowderThis powder really sets my makeup on my oily skin and extends the wear of my makeup for hours. It looks really polished when I put it on, without being overly powdery or heavy.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Paul & Joe Beauté Pressed Face PowderThis powder comes in six different color-correcting shades and provides a lovely mattifying effect that makes skin look airbrushed and holds all day.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose PowderMy favorite thing about this is that it doesn't get stuck in creases. It just melts into your skin giving you a flawless, natural finish. It's buildable, light and inexpensive.
EDITORS' PICK
Guerlain Météorites BaseIt was love at first sight with this primer, which makes skin look impossibly radiant with illuminating, color-correcting particles (and probably witchcraft). The gel formula provides a satiny base for applying makeup, and contains absorbent powders that keep skin shine-free and luminous throughout the day.
READERS' CHOICE
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation PrimerThis formula goes on smoothly and feels like silk on the skin. My foundation goes on smoothly after using this. It makes my skin look flawless.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Dermalogica Hydrablur PrimerInstantly blur fine lines and pores with this non-greasy, lightweight makeup base. The mattifying formula is surprisingly comfortable and hydrating.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Benefit The Porefessional Face PrimerThis incredible primer has a slight nude color, glides on smoothly, evens out skin tone and hides pores and other imperfections. I could not believe how beautiful my makeup looked after using this.