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The Multitasking Primer Pencil That's 3 Products in 1
I prefer an all-purpose product -- it helps with my budget, my counter clutter and my sanity. So you can imagine how delighted I was when I got my hands on the Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil, $16.
First, this product can be used as a lip primer to prevent feathering and help color stick to your lips all day. It can also double as an eraser stick for cleaning up eyeliner boo-boos or fallen eye shadow. I even use it to prime my eyelids, so my shadow stays pigmented and crease-free for hours. I'm sure there are even more uses for this genius little stick, and my inner multi-tasker is looking forward to discovering them. --Amanda Montell
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The Hydrating Balm That Saves My Brunette-to-Blonde Hair
Needless to say, my obsession hasn't changed over the years, though my color choices have (thank God). As you can imagine, my poor hair has taken quite the beating. Luckily, when my strands are screaming for some serious hydration, L'Oréal Paris' Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm, $6.99, comes to the rescue. It claims to repair up to one year of damage with a single use, and I can tell you from experience that it definitely does.
For my most recent hair change, I went from dark brunette to blonde, and you can bet I stocked up on this product before making the dramatic transformation. This balm has kept my hair smooth, healthy and even added a bit of shine when everyone thought I'd have serious breakage. For all the other hair color junkies out there, I've found our healthy hair insurance at an affordable rate. --Jessica Amaris
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My $7 Secret to Blow-Out-Caliber Shine
Today, however, I can have the hair of my teenage dreams, thanks to Tresemmé Get Sleek Blow Dry Balm, $6.49. It's the perfect antidote to the poofiness and frizziness blow-dryers tend to wreak on my hair. I slather it on damp hair to achieve smooth, glossy, tresses, as well as on dry hair to tame flyaways. And, at less than 10 bucks, it's a product I could have even afforded on my meager babysitting earnings back in the era of proms and dial-up. --Mary Squillace
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The Brightening Cream That Erases My Sun Damage
So I laser. I peel. And I use every brightening product I can get my hands on. But because new brightening products pop up all the time, it's rare that I ever finish one. That wasn't the case, however, with the Eve Lom Brightening Cream, $110, I just scraped completely dry.
This cream is silky and decadent without being heavy. It keeps my skin feeling hydrated all night despite the cold, dry weather. It's infused with rose oil that makes it smell divine. And it definitely helps brighten my freckles. For the first time in a long time, I'm not looking forward to the next new brightening cream -- I'm planning to get another jar of this one. --Dawn Davis
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The Ultra-Light Foundation That Makes Me Glow Like an Angel
It was love at first swipe. The superlight formula is perfect for everyday wear, and is delicately scented with the brand's signature violet fragrance, so it feels luxe right from the get-go. It's infused with pearl pigments in red, green, blue and gold that blend into my skin oh-so-easily, making it look glow-y and alive (no matter how many glasses of wine I've had). In other words: It's like a life-restoring defibrillator for your face. --Allie Flinn
Ever had a beauty product you love so much that you shook, hacked, scraped or squeezed its container until you were absolutely positive you had expended all of its precious contents? Rare indeed is the product that elicits that deliciously desperate feeling, especially in beauty editors. So when our team of beauty mavens encounters a rave-worthy product, you know it's the real deal. Herewith, our editors rattle off their "beauty empties," aka the best beauty products that they can't help but use until the last drop. Read on for their best nail polishes, hair products, skin care products and makeup now.
