The 10 Products You Didn't Know You Needed
By Jennifer Laing
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We test thousands of cosmetics each year. Here, the ones we've decided we (and you!) just can't live without.
1. Heated Eyelash Curler
The Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler has a U-shaped, comb-tip wand - instead of the traditional pinching mechanism -- that gets warm but never hot. Let it heat for about 15 seconds, then sweep it over lashes (before applying mascara) to create a natural-looking curl that lasts for hours.
2. Yellow-Banishing Base Coat
Rescue Beauty Lounge Base Coat neutralizes polish-stained nails, so when you apply your favorite sheer or pale lacquer, no yellow tones show through.
3. Eye Depuffer
The latest eye gels pick up where chilled tea bags and spoons leave off, providing serious anti-swelling effects without a lot of fuss. Origins No Puffery Cooling Mask for Puffy Eyes contains a potent yeast extract to deflate excess eye baggage and lighten dark circles. Slather it on for a 10-minute quick fix, or leave it on all day for longer-lasting results.
4. Shimmery Body Lotion
Glowing skin is a sign of youthful good health. If you don't have it naturally, fake it with a shimmery body lotion. Not only does it hydrate the skin, the sparkle will minimize imperfections like scars and spider veins and offset a pasty skin tone, says Mally Roncal, Sephora national makeup artist. One to try: Nivea Body Silky Shimmer Lotion, which gives skin subtle luminescence.
5. Slim Straightening Iron
"It's much easier to get sleek results from a straightening iron than a hair dryer," says Rodney Cutler of Cutler Salon in New York City. Models like the DH New Era Thermal Ceramic Iron are super-svelte, making them ideal for use on cowlicks and bangs.
6. Blotting Papers
Dusting powder over slick skin can leave you looking cakey. A better bet? Pat with a rubbery, oil-absorbing sheet. Lancôme Matte Finish Shine-Control Blotting Sheets sop up three times more sebum than their paper counterparts. And they're powder-free, so they won't leave any residue.
7. Injectionless Antiwrinkle Remedies
High-tech creams may be just the thing for those not ready to try injectable skin smoothers, like collagen and Botox. Avon Anew Clinical Line and Wrinkle Corrector contains a patent-pending combination of apple-root extract, olive-leaf extract and pomegranate juice clinically proven to plump up fine lines, while both Lancôme Résolution D-Contraxol and L'Oréal Wrinkle De-Crease feature ingredients that promise to soften fine lines caused by muscle contractions.
8. Dual-Action Mascara
Double-sided mascaras, like L'Oréal Double Extend Mascara, may seem like a gimmick - until you try them. For an unbelievably lush look, apply the primer by wiggling it back and forth at the base of your lashes before combing through. Wait a minute, then sweep on mascara.
9. Leave-in Conditioner
Besides delivering obvious moisturizing benefits, a leave-in conditioner is an essential styling tool. "It's an important step in getting a style that moves well," says Cutler, who applies leave-in conditioners to damp hair to smooth frizz and control curl. Layering one under sticky stylers like mousse and gel also prevents hair from feeling crispy once dry. One to check out: Aveda Light Elements Finishing Solution.
10. Neutral Lip Color
Everyone should have one neutral, everyday lip color -- a shade that enhances your lips so subtly, it can be applied without a mirror. Chantecaille Lip Gloss in Taffy is the perfect pick. The rosy-brown hue looks great on everyone, and it can easily be dabbed on with just a finger.
1. Heated Eyelash Curler
The Sephora Professional Mini Heated Lash Curler has a U-shaped, comb-tip wand - instead of the traditional pinching mechanism -- that gets warm but never hot. Let it heat for about 15 seconds, then sweep it over lashes (before applying mascara) to create a natural-looking curl that lasts for hours.
2. Yellow-Banishing Base Coat
Rescue Beauty Lounge Base Coat neutralizes polish-stained nails, so when you apply your favorite sheer or pale lacquer, no yellow tones show through.
3. Eye Depuffer
The latest eye gels pick up where chilled tea bags and spoons leave off, providing serious anti-swelling effects without a lot of fuss. Origins No Puffery Cooling Mask for Puffy Eyes contains a potent yeast extract to deflate excess eye baggage and lighten dark circles. Slather it on for a 10-minute quick fix, or leave it on all day for longer-lasting results.
4. Shimmery Body Lotion
Glowing skin is a sign of youthful good health. If you don't have it naturally, fake it with a shimmery body lotion. Not only does it hydrate the skin, the sparkle will minimize imperfections like scars and spider veins and offset a pasty skin tone, says Mally Roncal, Sephora national makeup artist. One to try: Nivea Body Silky Shimmer Lotion, which gives skin subtle luminescence.
5. Slim Straightening Iron
"It's much easier to get sleek results from a straightening iron than a hair dryer," says Rodney Cutler of Cutler Salon in New York City. Models like the DH New Era Thermal Ceramic Iron are super-svelte, making them ideal for use on cowlicks and bangs.
6. Blotting Papers
Dusting powder over slick skin can leave you looking cakey. A better bet? Pat with a rubbery, oil-absorbing sheet. Lancôme Matte Finish Shine-Control Blotting Sheets sop up three times more sebum than their paper counterparts. And they're powder-free, so they won't leave any residue.
7. Injectionless Antiwrinkle Remedies
High-tech creams may be just the thing for those not ready to try injectable skin smoothers, like collagen and Botox. Avon Anew Clinical Line and Wrinkle Corrector contains a patent-pending combination of apple-root extract, olive-leaf extract and pomegranate juice clinically proven to plump up fine lines, while both Lancôme Résolution D-Contraxol and L'Oréal Wrinkle De-Crease feature ingredients that promise to soften fine lines caused by muscle contractions.
8. Dual-Action Mascara
Double-sided mascaras, like L'Oréal Double Extend Mascara, may seem like a gimmick - until you try them. For an unbelievably lush look, apply the primer by wiggling it back and forth at the base of your lashes before combing through. Wait a minute, then sweep on mascara.
9. Leave-in Conditioner
Besides delivering obvious moisturizing benefits, a leave-in conditioner is an essential styling tool. "It's an important step in getting a style that moves well," says Cutler, who applies leave-in conditioners to damp hair to smooth frizz and control curl. Layering one under sticky stylers like mousse and gel also prevents hair from feeling crispy once dry. One to check out: Aveda Light Elements Finishing Solution.
10. Neutral Lip Color
Everyone should have one neutral, everyday lip color -- a shade that enhances your lips so subtly, it can be applied without a mirror. Chantecaille Lip Gloss in Taffy is the perfect pick. The rosy-brown hue looks great on everyone, and it can easily be dabbed on with just a finger.
