Makeup
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And the Official 5th Annual TotalBeauty.com Winners Are...
For months, we powdered, dabbed and scrubbed our way through thousands of beauty products -- all to find the best new makeup, face, body and hair products to hit the shelves this past year. While we narrowed down our favorites to name this year's Editors' Picks, we invited you -- our amazing readers and tireless beauty sleuthers -- to vote for your true blue beauty staples for our Readers' Choice award. Now it's (finally!) time to present the best of the best and name the 2014 winner. Here they are below -- our (and soon-to-be your) newest beauty product obsessions.
Acne Spot Treatment
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Editors' Pick
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Emergency Spot Fix
This spot treatment zaps zits without leaving rough, scaly patches of skin behind. Miracle? We think so.
Readers' Choice
Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel
I love this gel! It has just the right amount of benzoyl peroxide (5%) to clear a blemish fast and doesn't dry out the surrounding skin like other products. Plus, it works in one day for me and costs only $10. A WINNER!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
MD Complete Skin Clearing Breakout Spot Treatment with Natural Botanicals
The best of both worlds: This calming spot treatment soothes irritated skin with chamomile while benzoyl peroxide eliminates acne-causing bacteria.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment
I have used A LOT of acne products and this one actually works as well as it claims. I put it on at night and the next day I can actually see a difference in my skin. Zits are less red and less noticable. Though it doesn't clear it up in one day, it sure does clear it up fast!
Acne Treatment
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Editors' Pick
Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Lotion
In the time it takes to get through half a season of your newest Netflix obsession (say, four hours), you can shrink your acne to half its size.
Readers' Choice
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum
This is the best acne treatment I have used and believe me I have tried them all! Most products dry my skin out, but this product not only cleared my acne but also evened out my complexion. I use it twice daily over my entire face. The product smells sweet and fruity!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment
Use a dab of this gentle breakout cream before bed and wake up to almost magically smaller blemishes, without the flaking, peeling and burning of most acne treatments.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clarity is the best acne serum I have ever tried. The first use showed a slight reduction in redness and swelling and in less than a month I was nearly pimple-free! I have had severe acne since puberty and nothing ever seemed to help, but this product worked. It's worth every penny.
Anti-Aging Serum
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Editors' Pick
Eve Lom Age Defying Smoothing Treatment
Break open one of these tiny capsules to find a gorgeous anti-aging, radiance-boosting serum that won't clog pores.
Readers' Choice
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
This is the BEST, BEST, BEST moisturizer ever! I LOVE it! It has a light, silky, silicone gel texture that absorbs beautifully. It made both the dry and oily areas of my face comfortably moisturized. It is very reasonably priced and often goes on sale! A definite MUST-have. If you try one drugstore skin care product, this is it.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
A youth-enhancing serum that delivers instant results, making skin smooth and glow-y.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
This product is the cornerstone of my skin care regimen. I think this is the reason that people think I'm about 35 ... I'm 50. It does wonders for maintaining the collagen in my skin and stopping it from breaking down, which creates wrinkles. You have to be disciplined, however, it is for long term use rather than hit-and-miss application.
Breakthrough Product
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Editors' Pick
Those with eczema or ultrasensitive skin, rejoice: This product line is formulated to comfort easily irritated skin.
Readers' Choice
SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector
This is one of the best products I've tried in a long time for my skin. It has brightened my skin tone, taken away some subtle spots on my face that were not coming off with Renova/Tretinoin creams. This is an exceptional product and I will purchase it again. This gets an A++ from me! My skin glows from it.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Rodan + Fields Reverse Regimen
This four-step regimen takes commitment, but it seriously wipes out dark spots and other sun damage.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
This is, hands down, the best eye cream I have ever used. At $97 a bottle, it is STILL worth the price - if you are that concerned about your eyes, that is. It helps drastically with under-eye circles and tightens under the eyes a great deal. No more sagging eyelids!
Brow / Lash Serum
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Editors' Pick
Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For Turbo
Forget caterpillar lashes and tacky glue -- this lash serum makes falsies obsolete. Get fuller, longer lashes with regular use.
Readers' Choice
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo
I was amazed that this really does work! I can see the crow's feet and fine lines going away with each use. The eyelash serum feels rather odd before it dries, but my eyelashes do look longer and thicker. I'm hooked.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes
This serums performs double duty as a lash lengthener and eye rejuvenator. Lashes are stronger and softer and the eye area is rejuvenated.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I love Latisse! This little bottle of liquid is a miracle worker and it's been less than two months. My lashes are longer, thicker, and there are tons of little lashes growing in by the minute. I'm ecstatic with the results I already have and I'm only halfway there!
Cream Cleanser
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Editors' Pick
Olay Regenerist Luminous Brightening Cream Cleanser
This creamy cleanser contains luminizing ingredients that leave your skin brighter after just one use. And it's incredibly moisturizing, to boot.
Readers' Choice
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser
This derma-bead formula very gently removes dead, dry skin and grime while it cleans and an amino-peptide complex regenerates skin at the cellular level. I love the feeling of this. My face feels even better when I rinse -- so velvety, so clean!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Dove DermaSeries Ultra Caring Gentle Cream Cleanser
This super-gentle cleanser takes off makeup and leaves skin refreshed and moisturized. A basic, no-frills face wash that works wonders for dry, sensitive skin.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clinique Comforting Cream Cleanser
This is the perfect cleanser. It removes my makeup really well without drying or tightening my skin. Combined with the exfoliator it makes my moisturizer work even better. After a week of using it, I was astonished it actually diminished my hyperpigmentation. A dermatologist told me I suffer from dry skin. Not anymore. It's also great as an eye make-up remover.
Dark Spot Corrector
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Editors' Pick
Rodan + Fields Reverse Regimen
This four-step regimen takes commitment, but it seriously wipes out dark spots and other sun damage.
Readers' Choice
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
This works wonders on dark spots ... probably better than any other dark spot corrector that I have used in the past. It feels light on your skin, isn't super heavy and absorbs quickly so you can apply moisturizer immediately after.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Serum
A dark spot treatment that really works. This drugstore standout noticeably fades dark spots in a few weeks.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+
After reading a lot of good reviews, I finally bought this product and voila! People have noticed the difference in my skin in just two days!! Isn't that pretty awesome?
Exfoliant
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Editors' Pick
St. Ives Radiant Skin Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Face Scrub
This favorite drugstore brand's face scrub just can't be beat. Tiny beads polish and brighten instantly, and it smells incredible.
Readers' Choice
St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
This is a staple in my bathroom for skin care. It really cleans and exfoliates my skin and helps prevent breakouts. And my complexion is much better. You need to be careful about how much to use and how hard to scrub, especially if you have sensitive skin. But once you get the feel for it, it's the best. It has a nice smell too -- fresh but not too strong. A permanent part of my routine.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
G.M. Collin Active Exfoliant Powder
Salicylic acid and tea tree oil cleanse the skin, and sea fennel extract and vitamin E brighten and protect. Bonus: Because it's in powder form, this exfoliator is travel-friendly.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Philosophy The Microdelivery Daily Exfoliating Facial Wash
Philosophy has nailed it with this one! I can use it every day without it drying out my skin! It has fine non-gritty components to it so that helps polish dullness away without scrubbing too hard or too much. I had a huge bottle of this that lasted for so long and my face felt like it really had the chance to breathe.
Eye Cream
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Editors' Pick
Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate
This cocktail of antioxidants prevents signs of aging while smoothing and soothing the eye area. Moisturizing without being oily or clogging pores, this made our staffers fall head over heels.
Readers' Choice
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
I love this cream and I've been addicted to it since the day I started using it. It goes on smooth and does not run into your eyes. It moisturizes perfectly without the greasy feeling. It's a great eye cream for everyone. I highly recommend it.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream
Editors reported tigher skin immediately after applying. A healthy dose of ginseng helps brighten and depuff the eye area.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Shiseido Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream
This eye cream is perfect! It sinks in instantly and is an excellent base for concealer. It leaves my eyes and mouth smooth, moisturized and flawless. I would put this all over my face!! This is the best eye cream because it is not at all greasy and has great anti-aging benefits! Ten stars!
Face Oil
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Editors' Pick
La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Dry Oil
Pricey, no doubt, but this product is the best of the best face oils to hit the market this year. Super moisturizing without being oily, it soaks into skin in seconds, and layers well under other products.
Readers' Choice
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
I wanted to make sure I used it for a good month every other night before writing my review - and the verdict is in: I love it!! The brightening and healing effects are quick and the oil itself is so lightweight it gets absorbed into your skin instead of just sitting on top of it. My skin looks SO much healthier. In fact, my oily, acne-prone skin has NEVER looked better! Worth the money since you only need a few drops. The dropper is a godsend!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Kate Somerville Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment
A nutty scented oil that sinks deep into skin to hydrate; you can feel your skin getting more supple with continued use.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
My skin craves Marula Oil! I have never used a moisturizer that penetrates my skin like this. I wake up every morning feeling smooth and hydrated … even in the harsh New England winter weather!
Face Sunscreen
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Editors' Pick
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This lightweight, oil-free sunscreen is great for sneaking in another layer of sun protection between your face and your makeup.
Readers' Choice
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
This is hands down THE BEST sunscreen on the market. It goes on easily and dries quickly with no residue or greasy feeling. You don't feel like you are wearing anything. My makeup goes on easily afterward and I have yet to see any breakouts, blemishes or redness and irritation. It's not loaded with fragrance like pineapple or coconut which is a big bonus.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen
A primer, sunscreeen and anti-ager in one, this contains antioxidants to protect skin and fills in imperfections. Pores practically disappear!
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 40
This product has a high SPF, high percentage of the physical sunblock ingredients, creamy feel, and a sheer tint so it blends in with skintone and no white cast. It works great for reapplying throughout the day. Great value for the quality and amount of product you get for under $20.
Foam Cleanser
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Editors' Pick
Eau Thermale Avène Cleansing Foam
This mousse cleanser dissolves every last trace of dirt and makeup in seconds and is especially great for oily or combination skin.
Readers' Choice
Aveeno Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser
The only cleanser that is mild AND actually works to wash away makeup and dirt. My face is not super sensitive, but can be red sometimes, so I like to use mild cleansers without fragrance. This one is amazing. I have been using it for a couple of years now. I also recommended it to my roommate who has really dry, itchy and red skin. Even she swears by this stuff.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Gentle but effective, this product clears breakouts and cleans skin without overdrying. It simply gets the job done -- without irritation.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
I found this stuff in a bargain bin. Why??? It's the best cleanser I've ever used! It cleanses, softens and leaves a finish that acts as a great base for my makeup. If I'm around the house, I just wash my face and leave it, feeling great. Plus, it smells great! Love it!
Gadget
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Editors' Pick
A blue light that zaps your acne in three minutes sounds like science fiction -- but it's not. Used as a spot treatment, this device stopped acne in its tracks.
Readers' Choice
OMG! I am in love with this magic machine! The Clarisonic Mia 2 REEEEALY works! I have been using it for about one month and I have received several compliments on my skin already. Now, I even look forward to washing my face! The timed vibrations make it super easy, and what is one minute of your life to achieve beautiful skin?! All I can say is, BUY THIS! You won't regret it.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Stop pimples before they surface with this portable, rechargeable acne-fighting device that zaps acne anytime, anywhere.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System
I have always wanted a great exfoliating tool yet couldn't push myself to spend the $100+ for other tools out there. My skin is not acne-prone but does get those hard-to-see blackheads. After using this tool three to four times a week I have noticed a reduction. I've tried several different face washes with it and it never fails! Love it! Great job Olay!
Lip Treatment
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Editors' Pick
Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Mini
The teensiest, tiniest little jar of Vaseline Jelly is as adorable on your lips as it is on your vanity. The light pink tint provides a natural flush without looking over-the-top.
Readers' Choice
Fresh Sugar Icon Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15
Your lips will definitely be seriously pampered, nourished and silky soft. You'll feel it the moment you wear it! I love the Rosé -- the rose scent, the sheer tint, the luxurious moisturization and, of course, the SPF 15!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
StriVectin Clinical Corrector Anti-Aging Lip Tint
An anti-aging lip treatment with sunscreen that also comes in universally flattering shades? We can't ask for anything more. This tint gives subtle pink color with just the right amount of shine.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Healing and Repair Moisturizing Lip Treatment Stick
"This is the greatest chapstick! I buy them in bulk, give them as gifts, and always have one in my purse, desk, car and next to my bed. Virtually no flavor, and doesn't add a whole lot of shine. My boyfriend even uses it! (But don't tell him I told you that!)
Makeup Remover
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Editors' Pick
The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover
A gentle remover that really, truly takes every trace of face paint. Finally!
Readers' Choice
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes - Hydrating
I will never use another remover again in my life. I am actually planning to go to Costco and just buy a value pack because that's how in love I am! It smells great and removes makeup without a trace left behind. My husband also loves how my skin feels and looks after using it. Buy nothing else!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover Pads
These little wipes remove 100 percent of eye makeup without causing tears, redness, irritation or burning. Bring on the smoky eyes and multiple coats of mascara!
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
I have NEVER used an eye makeup remover that worked as well as this stuff! It doesn't irritate my eyes and takes the mascara, liner and eyeshadow off with one light stroke of a cotton ball! Amazing!
Mask
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Editors' Pick
Bioré Self Heating One Minute Mask
No in-house sauna? Just pick up one of these clay mask packets. The self-heating clay heats up instantly, giving skin that deep-clean sensation.
Readers' Choice
Arbonne RE9 Advanced Cellular Renewal Mask
This is by FAR the best mask I have ever used. I felt the instant warm tingling feeling and the next morning my face was super soft, brighter and tighter! Love it!!!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
This eye mask depuffs and smoothes tired eyes, and it's infused with tried-and-true age fighter retinol.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
This product has been a staple in my evening beauty ritual forever. The clean minty smell is a good indication of the deep clean feeling you get when it is done. My skin looks and feels cleaner, and it definitely reduces oil so pimples and blackheads are less likely to occur. When they do, this mask sends them packing. I would pay much more for a product this effective but the low drugstore price is just another reason I love it.
Microderm / Peel
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Editors' Pick
Olay Pro-X Microdermabrasion + Advanced Cleansing System
An affordable brush that deep cleans and exfoliates. With two brush heads and two cleansers, it does more than just clean -- the thermal crystal polisher fades fine lines and dark spots, too.
Readers' Choice
Philosophy The Microdelivery In-Home Vitamin C Peptide Peel
Wow. This one is worth all the hype! First, the vitamin C crystals smell like an Orange Julius. It feels warm on my skin and after two minutes, my skins feels smoother, looks brighter and my clogged pores actually clear out. I wish I had started using this years ago!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
MD Complete Skin Clearing Non-Irritating Pro Peel
Like spring cleaning for your skin, this peel gets rid of surface gunk and clears acne with the help of salicylic and glycolic acids, plus orange, lemon and bilberry extracts.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System
I give Olay microdermabrasion a perfert 10 because of its awesome effect on my now gorgeous skin. With immediate use, this product leaves my skin feeling freshly renewed, silky smooth and vibrant. My makeup looks so natural and flawless now that this is a definite part of my skin care regimen. I've used this product over the past five years and can't be without it!
Moisturizer
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Editors' Pick
Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream Moisturizer
This light, fresh moisturizer surprised us with its brightening power. With nightly use, you wake up to brighter, more luminous skin.
Readers' Choice
Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream (Dry)
Instantly soothes dry skin and provides immediate moisture, leaving skin feeling soft and supple without feeling tacky! Since there is no fragrance, it never burns when my skin becomes extra chapped. Fabulous!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Fibroblast Anti-Aging Moisturizer
This product does an awesome job of moisturizing without feeling oily or heavy. If you're looking for a nighttime anti-aging moisturizer that won't clog pores, this one is gold.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid Lotion - Original
I am in love with this moisturizer! It's not greasy when you put it on, it just soaks right into your skin! I always put this on after I wash my face in the morning and at night. As soon as you put it on, it cools and moisturizes your face. If your face feels dry and tight, this will get rid of that. Absolutely worth the $10 I paid for it. Works great!
Moisturizer with SPF
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Editors' Pick
Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30
Your skin will drink up this ultra-moisturizing, copper PCA-infused wrinkle fighter. Thanks to SPF 30, you can skip a separate sunscreen.
Readers' Choice
Mary Kay TimeWise Day Solution Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35
I love that this is an SPF and has anti-aging benefits. It has a thin consistency for a SPF which I love. You don't need much to cover your whole face and neck. It also gives moisture to your skin as well. Great product!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Yes to Grapefruit Even Skin Tone Moisturizer SPF 15
A moisturizer that hydrates and fades dark spots? Yes! And even though it contains sunscreen, it doesn't smell like it -- another big win.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15
I've been using this moisturizer for a few years now and I love it! It's perfect for summer -- not too heavy and does its job. My acne-prone, sensitive skin has never broken out or been irritated. AND it has SPF. What more could you ask for?
Night Cream
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Editors' Pick
L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Glow Renewal Day/Night Cream
This silky cream glides on and absorbs quickly, but what we really remember is the lasting glow it gave our faces.
Readers' Choice
Mary Kay TimeWise Night Solution
I love, love, love this night serum!! It's a clear serum with colorful beads that are filled with vitamins, peptides and collagen. When you pump the bottle the correct amount of nightly benefits are distributed. It's lightweight, oil free and keeps skin young and beautiful. I've worked for brands that don't even have half the benefits that cost much more. This is full of anti-aging benefits, no added chemicals and everything to love for just $30!! You will not regret this purchase.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight
Words like "miracle" and "overnight" make us suspicious, but this product really lives up to the hype; it's like a great night's sleep in a jar.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clinique Repairwear Intensive Night Cream
I am scraping the bottom of the jar! After I wash my face in the evening, I put this on and it smells heavenly. My skin looks and feels great in the morning. I also suffer from blackheads and this helps keep my face moisturized without causing breakouts.
Teeth Whitener
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Editors' Pick
Crest 3D White Brilliance Boost Polishing Treatment
No need to mess with trays, strips or sticky goop. This quick treatment brushes on like toothpaste and gives you a whiter-looking smile immediately.
Readers' Choice
Crest 3D White Luxe Professional Effects Whitestrips Teeth Whitening Kit
WOW!!! is all I can say about this product! I took a big chance buying this because the price was pretty high, but I've tried Crest Whitestrips before and they did a good job so I decided to give these ones a try. I am SO GLAD that I did!!! My teeth are remarkably whiter!! It started working after three applications for me. Definitely a must-buy product!!! It's worth the price, believe me!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen
You won't forget to whiten with this product, which gives you whiter-looking teeth with zero hassle. Compact, mild-tasting and effective.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Plus White 5 Minute Premier Whitening System
When I first heard about this product, I was skeptical but I went for it! I can honestly say I love it! Of course you have to leave it on for more than five minutes, but it's worth it! Doesn't taste too bad, either!
Toner
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Editors' Pick
H2O+ Marine Defense Green Tea Antioxidant Toner
This non-drying toner is packed with green tea, marine enzymes and sea minerals to fight damage from pollution and sun, and restore skin.
Readers' Choice
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
I love this stuff! I have a travel size bottle that I take with me everywhere. I use it at the gym to cool down after a workout, at the beach to stay nice and cool, in my car in traffic. This stuff is amazing. It smells good too!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion
A great step two for removing makeup and debris. Sweeps away anything left behind by your cleanser, but doesn't strip skin.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Balancing Toner
I can't even begin to describe how dramatically different my skin feels. After only one use my skin felt fresher, and was ten times more moisturized! The smell is great and my skin feels good. :)
