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The #ProductEmpties We Loved to the Last Drop

From new finds to longtime favorites, these are beauty products that our editors use until the bitter end (of the tube)
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The Gentle Scrub I Can Take Anywhere
I have a tendency to hoard powdered cleansers. They're absolutely perfect for travel; they won't leak all over your bag, you can pack them in your carry-on and they gently exfoliate to remove all traces of icky plane, train and automobile grime. In fact, until Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub, $9.99, came across my desk, I would save them specifically for trips because they were so expensive.

But that's the wonderful thing about this cleanser: It works just as well -- better, even -- than the expensive versions, and costs a fraction of the price. It gets superfoamy when you add water, and the pH-balanced baking soda formula scrubs away dead skin and clears out pores without causing any irritation or drying out my skin.

Now, I keep one in my travel bag and one on my countertop -- and my skin has never been happier (or smoother). --Allie Flinn

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The Sunscreen That Lets Me Retire My Primer
When it comes to Coachella, I've learned that if you head into the scorching desert heat with the wrong festival friends or beauty products, you're pretty much guaranteed to have a major meltdown. And while I found the perfect Coachella companions long ago, I didn't come across a sunblock that would stand up to nonstop desert dancing until I found Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $68.

This broad-spectrum sunscreen provides chemical and physical filters without the greasy or chalky residue that other selfie-ruining sunblocks impart (a big no-no at snap-happy festivals). In fact, this Tatcha product leaves my skin looking better than it does without it, thanks to its pore-minimizing Japanese rose extract and an airy, matte-like finish which is so lightweight, I often forget I have any sunblock on.

And since this product doubles as a primer, it prevents my makeup from sliding off my face. My BB cream did not budge while I hopped from one daytime pool party to the next in weather so hot, it made you sweat when standing still.

My Coachella crew was equally impressed with my Tatcha sunscreen, though I'm pretty sure I would've had that aforementioned meltdown if they had asked me to share because I'm that in love with this Holy Grail sunscreen. --Rose Curiel

For more of my beauty faves, follow me on Instagram at @rocuriel

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The $7 Lipstick That Does Not Budge
If you didn't know, I'm sort of obsessed with lipsticks, especially the ones that make my lips look bigger. What I'm not on board with? The countless lipsticks I've tried that dry out my pout, have very little pigment and don't last. The worst part? Dropping more than $20 on tons of luxury brand lipsticks, hoping that I'll finally get my money's worth. I fell victim to this vicious lipstick cycle for years, and was beyond frustrated (and broke).

That is, until the day Rimmel London Provocalips 16HR Kissproof Lip Colour, $6.99, made its way across my desk. Not only was I astounded by the vibrant color, but the fact that this drugstore lipstick lasts forever (I'm talking until bedtime, people) and way longer than its more expensive counterparts.

The lipstick keeps my lips hydrated and shaded beautifully all day, and the fact that it does all of this without depleting my wallet is probably it's sexiest quality. I guess we know where it gets its "provocative" name from, because for a beauty junkie like me, everything about this lipstick is a turn on.

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The Glittery Product That Became My Surprising Beauty Staple
I've never been one of those people who hates surprises; I love everything from unexpected beauty treasures to impromptu birthday getaways (ahem, Husband).

One of my favorite new discoveries has been Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash in Peach Prism, $8.99. When this liquid eye shadow first crossed my desk, I admit, I was skeptical. The dual-sided tube that was half filled with sparkles seemed more suited for a Vegas showgirl than a nine-to-fiver like myself. But once I gave it a shot, I was hooked.

The pigmented liquid is incredibly easy to apply. I dab the wand on the center of my lids and spread it with my fingertips (bonus: no makeup brush required), for a subtly shimmery bronzy sheen that garners me hella compliments. Plus, I can trust that it will last through my nightly appointments with my television (and beyond). And though I don't wear sparkles on the reg, for the right occasion (namely ones that involve a lot of Rihanna blaring in the background), I've found a swipe of glitter over my lids or along my lash line is the perfect finishing touch. I guess you can even surprise yourself sometimes.

To see everything I'm obsessing over, follow me on Instagram @msquillace

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The Scrub That Makes Me Glow Like Gwyneth
I'm obsessive about my overall skin care routine (like five-serums-a-night obsessive), but, surprisingly, I don't consistently exfoliate.

During my tenure as a beauty editor, I've had facialists and dermatologists criticize my exfoliating routine as both overkill and insufficient -- regardless of how much I was actually scrubbing at the time. It left me confused and annoyed, and I mostly gave up physical exfoliants, opting for acids instead.

Then, I met Gwyneth Paltrow (queue the choir of angels singing -- or devils laughing, depending on your position on one of the most polarizing women in Hollywood) who uses her Goop by Juice Beauty Exfoliating Instant Facial, $125, daily. Of all the products in her Goop line, it's the one she was most enthusiastic about, and, naturally, the one I was most excited to try.

And it didn't disappoint -- it's a dream of a scrub. With a combination of supertiny, plant-based beads and acids like glycolic, lactic and salicylic, it leaves skin baby soft and glowing but never red (it also contains B5 to calm). Plus, it's natural and free of parabens, phthalates, dyes and fragrances.

This scrub has seamlessly become part of my morning routine: I use it in the shower after cleansing -- my makeup has never looked better. In the words of GP: It's all easy. --Dawn Davis

For more of my faves (including what I'm using in Vegas with Benefit this weekend), follow me on Instagram @dawnspinnerdavis


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.
MAR 13, 2020 | SHARES
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