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The $10 Blush That Makes Me Glow
Flash forward to the Total Beauty lunchroom: By now I can recognize that my coworker's radiant complexion comes courtesy of a little blush, and I have to know what pricey brand she's testing. "CoverGirl," she tells me, to my complete surprise. Days later, I ask another editor about her luminous look, and she too is sporting my new must-have blush.
So, even though I own way too much makeup (#beautyeditorprobs), I rush to the drugstore to pick up CoverGirl TruBlend Blush, $9.24. After all, even teenage me could afford the reasonably priced product and, as I suspect, I'm not disappointed with the results.
Just the slightest sweep of this baked formula delivers a highly pigmented, long-lasting dose of color. And the multi-hued shade provides a pretty sheen that perfectly reflects light to create a warm, glowy look that has people asking me about my rosy complexion. --Rose Curiel
For more of my beauty faves, follow me on Instagram at @rocuriel
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The Face Mask That's My Defense Against Breakouts
In fact, this face mask dramatically transformed my complexion. I use it once every other day, and not only does it prevent breakouts altogether, but it brightens and evens out my skin tone, while leaving my face feeling incredibly soft. Every time I use it, I can actually feel the impurities being drawn from my face. Afterward, my skin feels like it can actually breathe and I'm left with a natural glow.
This product is my skin's hero, and while it may be no white knight, this charcoal mask proves the dark side comes with plenty of skin care benefits. --Jessica Amaris
For more of my beauty obsessions, follow me on Instagram at @siremj
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The Shine Spray That Cuts My Blow-Dry Time in Half
It takes a small eternity to blow-dry my thick, moisture-loving locks, which doesn't work with my already-frantic morning routine. So I'd resigned myself to a continued committed relationship with dry shampoo -- until I discovered Shu Uemura Straightforward Time-Saving Blow Dry Oil Spray, $39.
It cuts my drying time in half (trust me, I timed it), and leaves me with sleek, shiny, just-came-from-Drybar strands. And the product boasts some pretty rad technology, to boot. The omega 3- 6 and 9-packed formula uses some of the same glide-enhancing ingredients as makeup foundation, so you get an even coat of its silky goodness on every strand.
I don't plan on breaking up with my beloved dry shampoo anytime soon, but thanks to this time-saver, I have pulled my blow-dryer out of retirement. --Mary Squillace
To peep all of my Holy Grail beauty products follow me on Instagram @msquillace
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The Perfume That Quickly Became My Summer Go-To
So when I heard about the Jo Malone Herb Garden collection, I assumed I wouldn't like it. Sure, it would be lovely for someone who likes fresh, green fragrances, but I am not that someone -- or so I thought. Jo Malone Nasturtium and Clover, $70, proved me wrong.
The scent is like a picnic in a clover field on a warm summer day. You've got a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade in your hand, and somewhere in the distance jasmine grows on a trellis. Heavenly, right? The real kicker for me, though, is the punch of vetiver at the end. Sure, it's a grass, but it's a mysterious, masculine-scented grass, and it makes this fragrance incredibly special.
Nasturtium and Clover is so special, in fact, I've been reaching for it daily. My other favorite perfumes all seems too deep and musky for warmer summer weather. I'd rather smell like I've been sipping lemonade at a picnic. -- Dawn Davis
To see the rest of my fragrance collection, follow me on Instagram @dawnspinnerdavis.
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The Drugstore Highlighter That Makes Me Glow
It was love at first swipe, and, like anyone in the throes of a new romance, I talked, texted, SnapChatted and Instagrammed incessantly about it. What makes it so good is the formula: It's creamy, blends right into skin and contains just the right amount of shimmer for a strobed look. The stick format makes it ultra easy to swipe on my cheekbones; I use my finger to pat it under my brows, in the inner corners of my eye and, if I'm going out, down my nose and above my Cupid's bow. It also looks amazing in photographs and IRL, which is a big plus in my book. This relationship is simply meant to be.
Follow me on Instagram @allieflinn (I promise I post about more than this highlighter).
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.
