NewBeauty Award Winners: The Most Essential Beauty Items

Mascara That Works Miracles

When you want the falsie look—thicker, darker, clump-free lashes—without actually splurging on extensions, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($23) never disappoints. 

Primer That Perfectly Preps Your Skin

For those who love multitasking products, look no further than Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer ($42), a primer-meets-moisturizer that floods skin with hydration while also locking in makeup so there’s no midday fading or budging.

Blush That Looks Good on Everyone

Finding that just-right shade of blush can be quite a task, but jane iredale PurePressed Blush in Clearly Pink ($30), a naturally rosy hue in a mineral powder formula, eliminates the need for trial and error

SPF You’ll Actually Want to Reapply

Free of the hotly debated ingredient oxybenzone, as well as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dyes and oils, Australian Gold Botanical SPF 30 Mineral Lotion ($16) defends skin against UV rays with a nongreasy, matte finish you and your skin will love. 

Sunscreen That Doesn’t Leave You Greasy

If you can’t stand the feel of traditional sunscreen, Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 ($65) is a must-try. Serious sun protection in a light-as-air mineral powder makes what usually feels like a chore, actually enjoyable. 

Skin-Perfecting Powder

Top makeup artists keep their kits stocked with Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($38) because it not only perfectly sets makeup, but also blurs skin imperfections. Expect nothing less than a gorgeous, matte finish. 

Most Powerful Whitening Toothpaste

An everyday smile staple that continues to outperform other whitening toothpastes year after year, Supersmile Professional Teeth Whitening Toothpaste ($23) easily removes stubborn plaque and stains for noticeably brighter teeth.

Concealer That Covers Everything

Whether it’s dark circles or a pesky zit you’re trying to hide, Milk Makeup Flex Concealer ($28) acts like a second skin to give you full coverage anywhere you need it. Plus, marshmallow root makes it flexible, so it’s beyond easy to blend in. 

Gentle Cleanser for Easily Irritated Skin

Milky, creamy and completely soapfree, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser ($15) washes away all traces of daily grime—even eye makeup—without stripping your skin of essential moisture. 

Stay-All-Day Hairspray

Cult-classic L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray ($15) reigns supreme because it really delivers on its promises: You get serious hold on all of your favorite styles without any stiff, crunchy feeling. 

Dry Shampoo That Transforms Dirty Hair

From its addictive signature scent to its ability to make second-day hair look better than first (without any white residue), amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($25) has quickly risen to the top of the dry shampoo charts. 

Eye Cream That Destroys Dark Circles

You deserve to look well-rested even if you aren’t, and RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream ($18) makes it possible. Apply the lightweight, nongreasy cream each night for visibly minimized dark circles and a more even skin tone you can feel confident about. 

Your Favorite Everyday Fragrance

Inspired by Parisian romance, Chloé Love Story Eau Sensuelle ($105) is warm, feminine and floral—orange blossom and cedarwood linger on the skin—that’s perfect for daily wear and smells good on everyone. 

Foundation for People Who Hate Foundation

The first-ever solid serum foundation, IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact with SPF 50+ ($38) gives you full-coverage color and sunscreen protection in one super smooth formula that feels like you have nothing on, but makes your skin look like a million bucks.

Ultra-Hydrating Hand Cream

Hand cream is designed to hydrate, but when it goes the extra mile to deliver anti-aging benefits, too, like Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Timeless Anti-Aging Daily Hand Treatment ($22) does, it’s a formula you keep buying again and again.

All-Star Antioxidant Serum

Praised by dermatologists for its ability to shield skin from environmental damage that causes signs of aging, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166) combines a high level of vitamin C with ferulic acid and vitamin E for healthier, brighter skin. 

Lip Balm You Keep in Every Bag

Not only does eos Crystal Lip Balm ($5) look pretty, but it also coats lips with a blend of oils—think coconut and avocado, among others—instead of wax, so you get super lightweight hydration and a silky-smooth feel every time you apply it. 

Supplement You Need for Beautiful Skin

Nurture your skin from the inside out with NeoCell Ceramides Skin Hydrator ($18), which is made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to smooth and hydrate skin while delivering a healthy-looking glow in as little two weeks. 

Better Brows in Seconds

Runway-ready brows aren’t only reserved for A-listers. Benefit Cosmetics Foolproof Brow Powder ($24) is easy to use and blends in seamlessly so you’re not left with brows that look too dark or uneven. 

Makeup Tool You Can’t Live Without

Who doesn’t love this little makeup-perfecting sponge? Beautyblender swirl ($20) not only makes your foundation look airbrushed, but also gives your skin even coverage that’s just not possible with your fingers or brushes.