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
Peach Slices Acne Spot DotsThese holy grail acne stickers make pimples nearly dissappear overnight. Chemical-free and non irritating, they work to draw out the oil and impurities into the sticker itself, leaving the pimple deflated and much less noticeable.
READERS' CHOICE
The Body Shop Tea Tree OilI like the fresh scent and just a dab with a Q-tip is all it takes for my pimples to be drastically reduced overnight.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Merle Norman Acne Defense Foaming CleanserAn acne cleanser that is gentle on skin yet tough on acne and removes stubborn eye makeup really does exist. Merle Norman aces this formula, which is great for clearing up combination or acne-prone skin without overdrying.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Kate Somerville Anti Bac Clearing LotionThis is the best benzoyl peroxide product I've found and I've tried a lot of them! It's 5%, it absorbs well and is only mildly drying.
EDITORS' PICK
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Gel Facial CleanserThis gel cleanser packs a mean punch at removing makeup. It foams up immediately, is lightly scented and leaves skin totally clean, yet hydrated.
READERS' CHOICE
CeraVe Hydrating Facial CleanserThis is an excellent cleanser for dry, sensitive skin. It cleans and rinses thoroughly and is fragrance-free (no noticable scent either). It makes the skin feel clean but not tight.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly CleanserIf you like your cleanser with a little jiggle, this is the right one for you. The unique texture makes washing your face so fun and the rich lather removes makeup in a snap.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Olay Age Defying Classic CleanserThis cleanser is perfect and I've used many over the years. It leaves my skin soft and clean but not stripped, reduces the size of my pores, helps clear up my blackheads and leaves my skin looking glowing.
EDITORS' PICK
No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance EssenceThe vitamin C powder comes separately, so you mix it in before you use it. This has a few benefits: It ensures that the product stays potent and it makes you feel like a chemist. Meant to be used in a two-week period, it busts discolorations like you wouldn't believe.
READERS' CHOICE
SkinCeuticals C E FerulicThis is a fantastic product for the reformed sun-worshiper in all of us. I've noticed much improved clarity and an overall firming and glowing appearance to my skin after about a month of continuous use.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening SerumThanks to a potent 15-percent concentration of vitamin C, this serum really does brighten rapidly. Another welcome bonus? It smells just like orange juice.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance SerumThis is hands down the best skin-clearing plant-based serum out there. If you have blemish spots, age spots, dark spots, patches of slightly darker skin on your face/neck then this is the product you want.
EDITORS' PICK
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating CleanserWith gentle exfoliating beads and a lightly foaming gel base, this cleanser helps reset your complexion without causing irritation or dryness. A must, especially for those with sensitive skin.
READERS' CHOICE
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel ExfoliantAmazing! My skin tone appears more even. My BB cream and powder application glides on smoothly and I no longer have dry spots.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionFair warning: this twice-weekly acid peel is so potent, you need to be extra careful to wash off every last drop after 10 minutes of masking. The red solution looks frightful on your face but when the treatment is done, you're left with bright, smooth, baby-soft skin.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Philosophy the Microdelivery Daily Exfoliating Facial WashI've been using this product on and off for several years but in the past year, I've gone back to using it several times a week. It's gentle and extremely effective, especially for combination and/or dry skin.
EDITORS' PICK
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye PatchesAfter a long day or lack of sleep, pop a pair of these hydrogel patches under your eyes for a soothing, cooling treat. Ultra-hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid, they plump up the under eye area, making fine lines less noticeable.
READERS' CHOICE
Arbonne RE9 Advanced Corrective Eye CreamThis stuff is magical! It feels so nice on my eyes and it's decreasing the fine lines I have around them. I stay up late at night a lot and this product definitely helps diminish puffiness like it says.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Belif Moisturizing Eye BombIf you fell in love with Belif's cult-favorite moisturizers, prepare to fall in love again — the brand has replicated its success in eye cream form. This formula is gentle and oh-so-hydrating and makes for quite the luxurious treat for your eye area.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Murad Renewing Eye CreamThis eye cream is one of the best I have tried. It is not greasy and leaves your eye area feeling well moisturized.
EDITORS' PICK
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine OilThis oil is richly moisturizing to keep your face dewy and hydrated all day. You'll also love the marine scent, which will transport you straight to the picturesque seaside.
READERS' CHOICE
Tarte Maracuja OilThis is a really nice product. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave my combination skin feeling greasy.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose OilThe heavenly rosy scent makes applying this ultrahydrating yet lightweight oil a real treat. It quickly soaks in so it can be worn at night or under makeup, giving you a fresh, dewy glow.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Botanics 100% Organic Nourishing Facial OilI was looking for a reasonably priced face oil, so this was a wonderful find. It makes my skin so soft and I love how it smells.
EDITORS' PICK
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50With 100-percent mineral broad spectrum SPF 50 and a thin, slightly-tinted formula that soaks in near-instantly, this is the face sunscreen dreams are made of. The light tint is great for no-makeup days, especially with the dewy finish. UV protection never looked this good!
READERS' CHOICE
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55I adore this facial sunblock. I struggle with acne and this does not break me out. Knowing that the formula will not worsen my acne helps me apply it more often, which is essential in sun protection.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 30This broad spectrum mineral sunscreen is gentle and comfortable to wear (alone or under makeup) and it even helps to protect your skin from the blue light from your computer screen and phone.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Coola Face SPF 30 Unscented MoisturizerThis is the perfect texture for a summer moisturizer...light, sinks in and it seems like it lets your skin breathe right through it.
EDITORS' PICK
Olay Daily Facial Nourishing Cleansing Cloths Tub With Shea ButterPackaged, these multitasking wipes come dry, but add some warm water and they come to life. Like a washcloth lathered with your favorite face wash, they remove even the most resilient makeup. Rinse the cloth again for a suds-free wipe to exfoliate and remove the remaining cleanser.
READERS' CHOICE
Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial WipesThese wipes are very high on my list of favorite skin care products! They are unscented and so gentle but effective. I love to use them at night when I'm too lazy to use my usual cleanser and they're also excellent for travel.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Dermalogica PreCleanse BalmThis rich cleansing balm removes all your makeup with ease, leaving skin soft and hydrated. The included silicone mitt is great for a little extra exfoliation should you need it.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & LipsI have gone through multiple bottles of this product and it always does a great job. Gentle on sensitive eyes with contacts and yet, it really does remove makeup.
EDITORS' PICK
I Dew Care Disco Kitten Illuminating Diamond Peel-Off MaskHere's a beauty product that lives up to its (considerable) hype. The bright silver peel-off mask plumps and brightens skin — and perhaps even more importantly, it peels off easily in one piece, without causing any painful peach fuzz casualties. Those traits alone make it a win in our book.
READERS' CHOICE
Mario Badescu Healing & Soothing MaskI used this mask once a week and felt immediate relief. Calmed all of the dry and red portions and helped hydrate skin.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Lumene Lahde Hydration Recovery Aerating Gel MaskSkin in need of hydration can benefit from this lightweight gel mask. Use as a wash-off mask or overnight as a sleep mask for skin that is plumped, dewy and radiant.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Freeman Feeling Beautiful Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay MaskLove this mask! It smells heavenly and does a great job of cleansing the face. After each use, my skin feels clean, soft and smooth.
EDITORS' PICK
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow MoisturizerThe smiley face on the lid says it all: This moisturizing cream hydrates so well while exfoliating gently with the help of some AHAs. Get ready to say hello to flawless skin.
READERS' CHOICE
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst ReliefThis is so extremely hydrating for my dry skin. A little bit makes my skin feel heavenly. So amazingly soft and dewy. Even works great under foundation to make makeup go on smoother.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Shiseido Waso Clear Mega-Hydrating CreamPacked to the brim with natural ingredients inspired by traditional Japanese food tradition, this gel cream adds a major dose of hydration to your complexion. In fact, consider this your fast track to dewy skin.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Kiehl's Ultra Facial CreamI get a lot of dry/rough spots on my face, especially on my cheeks but my skin feels so moist after applying this facial cream!
EDITORS' PICK
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night CreamDab this on at night and you'll wake up to noticeably smoother skin. It's the full package: Creamy, hydrating, comfortable — and the retinol gently improves skin texture and brightness like you wouldn't believe. The convenient pump feature is also a nice bonus on top of the rest of its myriad charms.
READERS' CHOICE
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PMThis is my favorite night cream. It gives my skin the nighttime hydration needed and I wake up with soft dewy-looking skin.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
HydroPeptide Nimni CreamTime-released retinol ensures that this night cream gets the job done without causing irritation. It's also ultra-hydrating and you'll love how glowy your skin looks come morning.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Algenist Overnight Restorative CreamI'm a big fan of this gentle, not greasy, not heavy overnight cream. I am in my 40s and have combination skin with occasional breakouts, but this cream seems to cover all the bases for me.
EDITORS' PICK
Algenist Genius Liquid CollagenPacked with vegan collagen, this serum is a true gamechanger. It's very hydrating, so you'll notice dewier, plumped-up skin almost immediately, and the collagen and antioxidants also help with brightness and fine lines.
READERS' CHOICE
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum With RetinolThis is really an outstanding fragrance-free serum chock-full of antioxidants, including a high-quality vitamin C, which helps your skin defend itself against harmful UV light.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face MoisturizerWhen skin is tight, dry and in need of some lightweight hydration, look no further than this hyaluronic acid serum. It soaks right in, plumps up skin and doesn't leave behind any sticky or greasy residue.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
No7 Restore & Renew FACE & NECK MULTI ACTION SerumI heard good things about this product and was very happy with how it smoothed my skin and improved the overall appearance. Great price for something that works.
EDITORS' PICK
Glamglow Bubblesheet Oxygenating Deep Cleanse MaskGive yourself a good laugh and pores a deep cleaning at the same time with this bubbling sheet mask. It grows about three times in volume with bubbles. Infused with green tea and charcoal to remove skin impurities and makeup, you are left with a clear, glowing complexion — and some hilarious selfies.
READERS' CHOICE
SK-II Facial Treatment MaskThis mask is the ultimate for drenching the skin with moisture. This is one of my must-haves AT LEAST once a week and every day when I am traveling. My next raise may be invested towards buying a 365-day supply, it's that good.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
H2O+ Beauty Waterbright Brightening Gel MaskWhat would you say if we told you you could have the benefits of a sheet mask without all the dripping? This hydrogel mask doesn't come soaked in serum, so it's completely mess-free and its benefits are still manifold. You can say hello to noticeably brighter, plumped-up skin and au revoir to The Struggle™.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil MaskThis was one of the most effective, well-designed sheet masks I've used. It really clings to the face well and doesn't drip, so you can totally relax while wearing it.
EDITORS' PICK
AmorePacific Vintage Single Extract EssencePacked with antioxidants, this nourishing essence works to repair damage while noticeably brightening up your complexion. The apothecary-esque scent is quite pleasant and you'll also find that it adds some extra hydration to your routine.
READERS' CHOICE
Pixi Glow TonicI've heard quite a few things about this product, so I gave it a try and I like it. I use it just about every day and I like the way my skin feels after repeated use. It's smoother and a bit tighter.
EDITORS' PICK HONORABLE MENTION
Skinfix Coconut Water Hydrating MistIn need of a midday pick-me-up? This hydrating facial spray has you covered. It's lightweight yet moisturizing and the subtle coconut scent will help brighten your mood.
READERS' CHOICE HONORABLE MENTION
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2This leaves my skin feeling so smooth and bright. I love putting this on before applying makeup because it leaves my face with the perfect canvas. My foundation looks so much better if I put this on before!