WELCOME TO THE 11TH ANNUAL TOTALBEAUTY AWARDS
We tested and you voted… get ready to meet the best beauty products of the year.
EDITORS' PICK
Shiseido Sports BB WetForce SPF 50+This ultralight BB cream is all you need for a day of fun in the sun. It dries to a soft powder finish, gives you serious coverage and protects with SPF 50+. Best of all, it feels like you aren't wearing any makeup.
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
Origins GinZing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted MoisturizerThis refreshing tinted moisturizer starts out white and contains tiny dots that blend out to your perfect shade as you rub it in. It leaves you with a your-skin-but-better complexion and dewy finish.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Aveeno Positively Radiant CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30As a CC cream newbie, I was impressed by how well this formula masked my morning redness. It also made my face visibly glowier (the formula seems to have a bit of shimmer to it).
EDITORS' PICK
Glossier Cloud PaintFrom the adorable paint tube-inspired packaging to the watercolor-like wash of color they provide, you can count these blushes as another win for Glossier. They're weightless, easy to blend and perfect for that natural glow. What more could a person ask for in a blush?
READERS' CHOICE
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour BlushI never knew a blush could make such a difference. Normally, I'm scared to purchase an expensive blush because I feel they all work the same. Not true at all. This is the longest lasting blush I've ever used up to date. The colors in this line are wonderful and blend beautifully.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Burt's Bees Blush MakeupThis blush flew off the shelves when it first launched and it's easy to see why. The natural hues are so flattering and the pigmented formula is as easy to apply as it is comfortable to wear.
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
Makeup Geek Bronze LusterLooking for a believable faux glow minus the sun? Sweep on this silky, long-lasting powder bronzer. It's buildable and has just the right amount of sheen, thanks to the addition of pearl powder.
READERS' CHOICE
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.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
It Cosmetics Confidence in Your GlowSince it contains a blush, bronzer and illuminator, this compact is perfect on the go. All three are pigmented and buttery smooth, and work together to create a lovely glow.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Benefit Hoola Matte BronzerI think I have found my bronzer mate. This product is a matte bronzer, meant to be suitable for a large range of skin tones. No shimmer is added, to create a natural look (which I love!).
EDITORS' PICK
IsaDora Perfect Brow KitThis mini brow kit has all you need: tiny tools (a spoolie, tweezers and a brush) and, most importantly, a killer brow powder that lasts and lasts. You'll get brow drama in a flash and the soft-focus powder is so easy to use, it's almost foolproof.
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
Sisley Phyto Sourcils FixSeeking a natural-looking product to plump up and tame your brows without a crunchy finish? This is the ticket. The gel formula comes in three colors that mimic the tone of your brows. Sweep on to add volume and set them into place.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow PencilThis is my favorite brow pencil. It smudges in nicely and looks natural. It's easy to match the color to your brows by changing the amount of pressure you apply, which is a great option.
EDITORS' PICK
Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Concealer"All hours" indeed. This superstar concealer stays put and the coverage is downright stellar. You'll also love how the creamy finish looks just like skin, not a smidge of cakiness in sight.
READERS' CHOICE
L.A. Girl Pro ConcealerThey have a huge range of shades and cover really well. I use them on my undereyes and on blemishes and they stay put all day. I love that I can run to my local CVS and grab them. The tube with attached brush makes application easy and precise.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
By Terry Stylo-Expert Click StickSince it comes in easy-to-use click stick form, this concealer is ideal for quick touch-ups on the go. You'll get full coverage in a single swipe and it blends out like a dream.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Yves Saint Laurent Touche ÉclatI'm completely and totally in love. With my husband, to be sure. But also with Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Éclat Radiant Touch. It was formulated to bring light and radiance to the skin and brighten the complexion. It is pricey, to be sure, but it is one of the things I will continue to splurge on — it works that well!
EDITORS' PICK
Cover FX Shimmer VeilShimmery liquid eyeshadows are having something of a moment. This formula is so glittery, long-wearing and easy to use that you'll find yourself falling in love at first swipe.
READERS' CHOICE
M.A.C. Eye ShadowMAC eyeshadows are my favorite. I love the wide palette of colors — they have colors available that I haven't even dreamed of. They are very blendable and wear a fairly long time. Best of all, though, is that each one lasts forever and doesn't fade.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Paints Metallics Eye ShadowIf you're looking for a high-wattage metallic gleam, no need to look any further than your local drugstore aisle. L'Oreal has you covered with these super shiny singles.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Nars Single Eye ShadowAfter trying many brands of eyeshadows, Nars' are my favorite. Besides color selection, there's different textures from matte, satin, shimmery and glittery. And although the compact is tiny, I love the convenience of having a mirror.
EDITORS' PICK
It Cosmetics Superhero LinerThis eyeliner is a dream to apply. The hourglass-shaped design fits perfectly in your hand, allowing you to draw the skinniest or boldest designs that hug the eye line. The ultrapigmented formula is easy to manipulate (if you goof up) but it dries down to the most life-proof finish you will ever find.
READERS' CHOICE
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye LinerSo many eyeliners brag about their "stay all day!" quality but this product by Stila legitimately doesn't budge. I've worn it in swimming pools, to sweaty nightclubs, even in the ocean. Once you put it on, this product is here to stay and, better yet, the pen itself lasts a long time.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Wunder2 Super-Stay LinerTrue to its name, this liner will not budge, even on the oiliest lids and/or wateriest eyes (trust us, we know). The vibrant shade range is impressive and we especially have a soft spot for the metallic options, which are nothing short of gorgeous.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye CrayonI love that it's a twist-up so there's no need to fuss with a sharpener (or worry about remembering to bring a sharpener when traveling). The consistency is soft, as you'd expect for a gel product, which makes it glide on so easily for a beautiful, smooth line.
EDITORS' PICK
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear FoundationRihanna made countless headlines with her groundbreaking 40-shade foundation launch, which has been rightfully heralded as a gamechanger. She's helped inspire many other brands to create more inclusive shade ranges and this lightweight matte formula happens to be pretty darn stellar on top of it all.
READERS' CHOICE
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.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
The Body Shop Matte Clay Skin Clarifying FoundationThis foundation is a dream for those with oily or combination skin. The soft matte foundation covers imperfections and keeps oil at bay without a heavy, chalky finish. It stays in place all day with no need for powder and contains tea tree oil to treat blemishes.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk FoundationThis is the best liquid foundation out there. Your complexion looks smooth and natural and a little luminous.
EDITORS' PICK
Farsali Jelly Beam IlluminatorThis highlighter is truly worthy of special occasions. The fun, jelly formula gives you megawatt shimmer at the touch of your fingertips. Apply anywhere you want an out-of-this-world glow.
READERS' CHOICE
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating PowderThis product is soooo lovely...and cheap too. I have mine in shade "Catwalk Pink" (the one with multi-strip colors). It gives you a finished look without being sparkly — great to highlight the cheeks and the colors are stunning.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Too Faced Diamond Highlighter PowderDiamonds really are a girl's best friend, especially when this palette is involved. It imparts an otherworldly glow with flashes of iridescent green, pink and blue, and this high-performing formula lives up to its adorable packaging (which is a high bar).
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Hourglass Ambient Lighting PowderI adore the way my face looks with this powder. Great finish. No shine, just warm glow.
EDITORS' PICK
Milani Stellar Lights Holographic Lip GlossHolographic lip glosses are all the rage right now and this one is particularly excellent. The iridescent glitter strikes the perfect balance — it's subtle enough for day, but sparkly enough for night (especially if you layer it over a dramatic lipstick).
READERS' CHOICE
Buxom Full-On Lip PolishAfter my sunscreen, this would be the choice for me if I was lost on a deserted island. I LOVE the tingly feeling it gives you and it lasts and lasts.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Benefit Cosmetics Punch Pop! Liquid Lip ColorIf you loved gloss in your youth, you'll love this grown-up version from Benefit that's smooth, hydrating and imparts a sheer wash of color that is never tacky or uncomfortable. The felt-tipped applicator inside a slim tube is great for precise application on the go.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Chanel Levres Scintillantes GlossimerChanel Glossimers are one of my favorite all-time glosses because they're not sticky! They last really, really long throughout the day... I would say 6-8 hours!
EDITORS' PICK
Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating BalmThis dessert-flavored lip balm is a truly decadent treat for your lips. Thick, rich and hydrating, it's perfect to apply at bedtime and awaken to soft, smooth lips. If you wear it during the day, it imparts the slightest hint of tint for a your-lips-but-better flush.
READERS' CHOICE
Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip BalmThis is one item I always carry with me. It really works. It is soothing and it makes my lip moist. Burt's Bees products are great, but this is THE one for me. The price is hard to beat!
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Catrice Vitamin Lip TreatmentDon't be fooled: Though it's tinted and glossy, this lip treatment is quite nourishing and hydrating. It doesn't get much comfier to wear — you'll find yourself reaching for the tube day after day.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa ButterI love this stuff so much! I use it at night before going to sleep in order to wake up with beautiful, moisturized lips. It also smells wonderful!
EDITORS' PICK
Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Liquid Lip CrayonWith a to-die-for shade range and a unique texture, this lip crayon is a must-own. The chubby crayon form is cute and easy-to-wield and the liquid-finish formula is gorgeously full coverage.
READERS' CHOICE
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid LipstickThis liquid lipstick is so amazing! It's a smooth and highly pigmented formula that hugs the lips without clinging to any dry flakes. The finish is a total matte and lasts me all day no matter what I’m doing. Eating, drinking, talking, this lipstick lasts through it all!
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Guerlain Intense Liquid Matte LipstickThis is one of the softest, most comfortable matte lipsticks you will ever try. The formula wears evenly and leaves you with a subtly stained pout. Your lips stay soft and hydrated from morning to night.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche LipstickI love this lipstick! They are very moisturizing and the range of colors are fun. Fig, Musk, Pepper, Shiraz, Cin Cin, Pomegranate and Tanin are standouts.
EDITORS' PICK
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Cheek-Hugging Highlighting Brush 120The unique shape of this brush makes it ideal for highlighting. The wedged angle gives you lots of control and the curved tip really does "hug" your cheekbone. Plus, it's soft and fluffy enough to blend, blend, blend.
READERS' CHOICE
Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki BrushI use this brush all the time. It's great for foundation! It's really nice quality, I have owned it for two years with no problems at all.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Sigma 3DHD BlenderMakeup blender fans rejoice, this blender has all of the curves and angles you've been looking for. Perfect for those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies on your face, this multitasking blender truly does it all.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
EcoTools Precision BlushI bought this brush as part of a pack of brushes and I love it. It's made with synthetic hair so it's really soft and applies color smoothly and evenly. It makes it easy to layer color gradually too, if I want to start out really sheer and then build the color. It's sturdy and I know it will last for years if I take proper care of it (which I plan to!).
EDITORS' PICK
Laura Geller LashBOSS Major Length, Volume, Curl MascaraThis mascara has a dual-sided brush with both long and short rubber bristles. The longer side is ideal for quickly coating your lashes, while the shorter side is great for detail work and adding in a bit of a curl. Plus, the formula majorly delivers on clump-free volume and length. Win-win-win.
READERS' CHOICE
Too Faced Better Than Sex MascaraThis is seriously holy-grail status mascara. Thickness, length and inky black color. No other mascaras stack up.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Lancome Monsieur Big MascaraIs that a "Sex and the City" reference we spot here? At any rate, this mascara gives you lashes for days, with nary a flake or clump in sight.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof MascaraThe brush is different from most mascaras but I felt it did a great job of fanning out the lashes and extending them. It gives good coverage without smudging. I really liked the look this mascara gave me. Big, bold, lashes!
EDITORS' PICK
Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow PaletteWhen Urban Decay launches a new palette, it delivers. Everything about Naked Heat is practically perfect in every way, from the warmed-up neutral hues to the included brush and sturdy construction.
READERS' CHOICE
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 HONORABLE MENTION
Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild Glow PaletteLooking for an out of this world glow? This palette can be used all over your face to create OTT ethereal looks. The powders are so highly pigmented that a little goes a long way and lasts all day.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow CollectionThe colors are very pigmented, pretty and usable. They do not crease or flake. They go on smoothly and do not irritate my sensitive skin or eyes. The colors are pretty and stay without fading all day. These can go head to head with expensive brands.
EDITORS' PICK
Wunder2 Perfect Selfie HD Photo Finishing PowderLock your makeup in place with this ultrasheer powder that blurs and perfects like an Instagram filter. It's lightweight, undetectable and keeps shine away for hours.
READERS' CHOICE
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Airbrushing Pressed PowderThis has a silky texture. It doesn't break down on my oily face during the day. It sets my foundation beautifully.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Kat Von D Lock-It Blotting PowderThis powder is so finely milled that it's undetectable atop your makeup. It will help keep your makeup in place, even if you're dashing across town all day long.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed PowderThis powder always covers well, looks nicer than any other pressed powder I have used (and I have used many) and obsorbs oil like no other.
EDITORS' PICK
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Luminizer PrimerThis multi-tasking primer does it all: It creates an even canvas, prolongs your makeup weartime and — here's the kicker — luminizes without making you look shiny. Can you say holy grail?
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
CoverGirl Lid Lock UpWith a lightweight texture that applies easily, dries quickly and wears undetectably, you've found a drugstore gem with this eye primer. It creates a smooth base and helps lock in color, and the minimalist packaging adds a chic touch.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Too Faced Shadow Insurance PrimerIt's a little tube, but it lasts forever, definitely a great value. Most importantly, it's a fantastic product, I cannot live without this. Even when I don't wear eyeshadow, I still put it on because it makes eyeliner stay on longer and keeps shiny eyelids away for me. This is a wonderful product.