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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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This Funky Face Oil Works Small Miracles

If you've used Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil, $80, you know it has a singular fragrance. Made with tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil, the scent is something like acne cream mixed with tacos — a strange brew that smells particularly funky when you've got a hangover, as I was the first time I tried it. Oof.

I'm glad I got over my hang-ups about the smell. This is the most effective face oil I've ever tried. It's kept my skin clear, smooth and hydrated through a harsh winter. Plus its brightening ingredients (licorice root and hexylresorcinol) have helped fade dark spots that persisted against years of IPL treatments and Retin-A. 

If I stop using U.F.O. for a few days, the consequences are immediate: My skin becomes sallow, uneven and sad. In other words, I'm fully committed to it now. Taco face for life. — Katie McCarthy

Cover image via @sundayriley



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The Goof-Proof Eyeliner That Makes Cat Eyes Simple

"I'm a bit of a liquid liner aficionado and CoverGirl Intensify Me Liquid Eyeliner, $7, has been my absolute favorite for years now. Sure, I try new ones as they launch, and they're...fine. But I always, always come back to this one. Here's why I love it: It has a deep, inky black color that goes on strong and doesn't bleed or transfer. But the best part is that it's so freaking easy to use! The unique, rubbery tip is paddle shaped and glides along your lids easily every time. I get a perfect line — ultra-thin and natural or graphic and more dramatic — with minimal effort required." — Alyssa Hertzig

Cover image via @covergirl



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The Jelly Eyeshadow That Makes My Eyes Sparkle Like the Stars

Look, I'll admit that I have a bias towards jelly-textured beauty products, from jelly skin care to jelly makeup. But my love for the Jill Stuart Beauty Jelly Eye Color, $20, goes beyond its pleasantly jello-like jiggle.

First off, the color payoff is satisfyingly intense — the tiniest dab yields near full-coverage and it's easy to either sheer out or build up. And even more impressive than the coverage is the sparkle factor, which reaches supernova heights. There's some fairly large glitter mixed in with more subtle shimmery pearl and the result is a glistening shine that always manages to catch the light just right (somehow while still staying subtle enough for every day wear).

You'll also find that the wear time is very good — I even find it wears well on my lower lash line (usually a no-no with my perpetually watery eyes). Oh, and did I mention the packaging yet? It's so ornate it's almost over the top; it's like something you could imagine Sailor Moon using to make one of her magical transformations. And if that's not a huge selling point, I don't know what is.

Though new to U.S. markets, Jill Stuart Beauty has been popular in Japan for quite some time now. If you're curious about giving the brand a try, I highly recommend starting with this shadow. — Rosie Narasaki

Image via @jillstuartbeautyus



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The Scrub That Keeps Me Glowing All Winter Long
As the temperatures drop, I find my oily skin in need of serious exfoliation. Between product build-up, the dry chilly air and the perpetual L.A. sun, I find my pores congested and my complexion duller than usual. When dry flaky skin peeks through my foundation, I know it's time to slough off a layer. Rather than reaching for a scratchy physical exfoliant or a harsh chemical one, I turn to NeuRadiance Instant Cell Exfoliator, $79, and my skin has never looked or felt better.

This exfoliant is a gentle mix of physical and chemical exfoliation including sodium bicarbonate, pearl powder and bromelain. I love that it's free of parabens, preservatives and those aluminum and plastic beads that harm the environment. The scrub starts out with a pleasant warming sensation, but as you add water and work it into the skin, it turns chilly and invigorating. The skin-softening scrub hydrates as it exfoliates, but does not leave any hint of oil on the skin. It will leave you with baby soft, glowing skin that is perfectly prepped for makeup. Flakes are a thing of the past — foundation goes on so smooth and even.

If you're looking for a gentle exfoliant that works and won't over-dry skin or leave you oily, I suggest you give this one a whirl — it's worth every penny. To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin



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A Natural Mineral Deodorant That Doesn't Stink

I remember noticing Crystal Deodorant on my mom's bathroom counter when I was a kid. Although I'm a natural deodorant fan, I didn't try Crystal until recently for superficial reasons. I didn't understand what everyone loved about rubbing a rock on their armpits; also the packaging absolutely reeked of the '90s.

However, not only has Crystal totally prettied up its packaging, I discovered their deos are available in a variety of formulas. Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-on in Chamomile & Green Tea, $4.75, is legit one of the best-smelling deodorants I've ever encountered, not to mention vegan and free of aluminum, parabens and phthalates. More importantly, it feels super light and dry on your pits — nothing like my old fave natural deo with its crumbly, greasy coconut oil base. Try it and you'll be converted. —Katie McCarthy

Cover image via @crystaldeodorant



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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