Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder, $36. Before I found this product, I was on an ongoing hunt for makeup products that didn't sweat/melt/evaporate off my face after three hours of wear. I just thought that's how makeup was, and had to come to terms with touching up my face multiple times throughout the day. Then I tried this translucent finishing powder and fell in love. Now, my makeup stays on all day, my face doesn't get shiny or greasy-looking and I don’t have to "powder my nose" once during the work day.
Original Vaseline Jelly, $3. You won't find plain ol' Vaseline jelly in the aisles of Sephora or on the pages of any trendy magazine, but I'm thankful for this one basic product. I've used this product for everything. Growing up in the frigid Midwest, a little Vaseline on my lips and on my dry hands saved me from painful windburn and chapping. Now I use it to remove stubborn eye makeup, and I apply it to my lashes at night to keep them conditioned, strong and long. --Hayley Mason
Photo 8/16
A Fresh Blowout Faker and Magical Fairy Dust
I'm thankful for ...
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder, $26. I'll be honest: I hate washing my hair (mostly because then I have to style it afterward). Which is why I love this dry shampoo, volumizing powder and texturizing powder hybrid. It soaks up oil without leaving white residue and gives my fine hair a boost, essentially faking a fresh blowout on two-or-three-day-old hair. Plus, it smells powder-fresh.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, $58. It's not an exaggeration when I say that this powder is magical. The three shades have micro-fine shimmer that's not at all frosty or gaudy. I use the shades for everything: as a bit of bronzer (hey, I'm super pale so it works), highlighter, blush and setting powder. Just a light dusting over my entire face diffuses light and gives a soft-focus effect that always results in a compliment or two. --Allie Flinn
Photo 9/16
A Fuss-Free Fix-All and a Much-Needed Lash Savior
I'm thankful for ...
Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm, $34. I'm extremely low maintenance when it comes to "putting on my face" and this BB is my friendly enabler. All I need is a few seconds in front of the mirror, because this does it all: goes on smoothly, leaves my skin feeling soft, blurs imperfections and equips me with SPF ... all while feeling like absolutely nothing. The cherry on top: It smells like mint, my No. 1 most favorite thing in the world.
Eyeko Mascara Off Eye Makeup Remover Wipes, $9. Almost nothing makes me regret a night out more than counting the eyelash casualties as a I wipe (or more aptly, smear) a smoky cat eye all over my face before calling it a night. But thanks to these super-soft eye makeup wipes, I can go from layers of shadow, liner and mascara to a completely clean slate in record time, no scraping or regret required. My intact and gunk-free lashes thank me every morning after. --Erica Smith
Photo 10/16
A Gateway Lip Gloss and a Morning Multitasker
I'm thankful for ...
Blistex Lip Medex, $1. This is a totally unsexy product, but I am thankful for it because I've been using it since I was 10 years old. It was my first foray into "beauty products," and the start of my lipgloss addiction. It really is the ONLY product that can truly moisturize my lips when they are chapped. Growing up in New England, I swore by this -- especially during brutal winters.
Benefit PosieTint, $29. I've been using this for years now, and it is my go-to product -- particularly when I don't have a lot of time to get ready. I just swipe it on my cheeks (it also works on lips) and go. I am so thankful for it because it helps make me look fresh-faced (instead of like a zombie) first thing in the morning.--Emily Popp
Photo 11/16
A Fugly Foot Fixer and a Backstage Favorite
I'm thankful for ...
Margaret Dabbs Intensive Treatment Foot Oil, $33. I have the world's ugliest feet. Years of dancing coupled with crappy genetics (bunions on both sides, baby) means I've got calluses, cracked heels, and grandpa-esque toenails. This foot oil makes all of those problems go away overnight.
Diorshow Mascara, 25. This is a celebrity makeup artist's go-to mascara for good reason: The stuff lengthens and separates lashes better than any other mascara on the market. I use one coat for every day, and swipe on two or three coats if I'm going out and want some extra drama. The first time I used this mascara, strangers commented on my wildly thick and long lashes -- and I've been hooked ever since. --Meghan Rabbitt
In the grand scheme of what's truly important in life, beauty products don't rank terribly high. But that doesn't mean we don't love and cherish the really great ones and appreciate all that they do for us.
So as we gear up to count our blessings this Thanksgiving, we decided to take a moment to give thanks for the beauty products that keep us looking and feeling great all year long.
While some of us were nostalgic with our picks and went with beauty products that have been by our sides for years, others welcomed new releases into the fold. And here's the best part: Anyone can play this "game." So, as you baste the turkey or dice stuffing celery and bandy about your life's blessings with your family and friends this Thursday, why not take a moment to give props to the products you appreciate most?
