In a world where beauty brands come and go, Mary Kay is pretty much the O.G. on the block. Founded in 1963, the company not only has a long heritage of promoting female entrepreneurship (remember your mom going to Mary Kay parties?), but also of constantly developing innovative new products. Case in point: They've been granted more than 1,300 patents, with 130 in 2016 alone. We're talking big-time developments in ingredients and technology that make the latest Mary Kay finds way different from what your mom -- heck, maybe even your grandma -- was buying. From a whole new take on Vitamin C to the ultimate do-it-all night cream, check out the 11 Mary Kay standouts you should definitely get your hands on.
The latest addition to the brand's skin care lineup, this industry first is one of the coolest innovations we've seen in a long time. Vitamin C is a proven anti-ager, delivering antioxidant protection, brightening skin and supporting healthy collagen and elastin. The caveat: It's notoriously unstable, making it tricky to formulate products where it retains its potency. These transparent squares solve that dilemma; all you have to do is add a few drops of water and your favorite serum, and mix until the squares dissolve. They transform into ascorbic acid, adding a powerful vitamin C boost to your skincare regimen. Brilliant.
This skin-purifying mask touts activated charcoal, an ingredient that can absorb double its weight in impurities, perf for unclogging pores. We'd be happy with those benefits alone, but there are also two kinds of oil-absorbing mineral clay to instantly mattify, plus soothing botanicals to calm your complexion. Big points for the addition of rosemary and peppermint extracts, which give the mask its refreshing scent and make it delightfully cooling.
Girls who turn into Goldilocks when it comes to lipstick finishes (you know, some are too shiny, others are too matte) will love this one, which strikes a balance that's just right. Gel microspheres make for color that glides on super smoothly and lasts. The curated line-up of eight shades is also spot-on -- luck picking your fave -- and each has a soft-focus effect, making lips look flawless.
Want bushier brows or longer lashes? Yeah, us too. In this serum, amino acids (the building blocks of strong hair), a skin-strengthening peptide (healthy skin equals healthy hair), and antioxidant-rich red clover extract deliver a triple threat, making sparse brows look fuller and lashes thicker. Yet, the formula is still safe and comfortable, even if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts.
