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.
Bar Soap
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Editors' Pick
Dove Go Fresh Restore Beauty Bar
A bar soap that lathers like a creamy body wash, it leaves skin feeling smooth and fresh. Also, as far as bars go, it lasts forever.
Readers' Choice
Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Hypo-Allergenic Beauty Bar
I believe I am a Dove lover for life now. This bar lathers so well and the bubbles feel creamy and leave no residue -- just smooth skin. It cleans makeup brushes great too!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
The gentle oils in this bar soap not only smell amazing, they also leave your skin soft and moist.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I just love this bar, it makes my skin soft and smooth. It also has a really nice fresh scent to it. You can't go wrong with this product!
Base Coat / Top Coat
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Editors' Pick
This quick-drying polish coats nails with a velvety-smooth finish without tarnishing color.
Readers' Choice
This stuff dries my nails super fast. Yes, it's about $10 a bottle, but it'll save you tons of frustration when you're doing at-home manis. It also leaves my nails beautifully glossy and helps extend the length of my manicure. Amazing product, holy grail!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Dolce & Gabbana Protective Base Coat
This superb base coat fills in nail ridges seamlessly and creates a smooth canvas for a flawless polish application.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops
This stuff is awesome! I used to work at a salon, so I had access to this whenever I would get a manicure. When I left, I started doing my nails at home. No other drying drops are as good. I even feel confident going to sleep 30 minutes after I give myself a manicure!!! TRULY WORKS!!
Bath Product
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Editors' Pick
Caress Tempting Whisper Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash in Wild Peony & Red Plum
This body wash lathers well, but it's the amazing scent that had us finding excuses to suds up. The fragrance lingers long after washing, almost like a perfume.
Readers' Choice
Whenever I've had a stressfull day, I make a trip to Lush and pick out my favourite Lush Bath Bomb. The heavenly smell and fizziness instantly calms me and makes for the perfect relaxing bath. A bit on the pricey side but for a product that's 100% natural, handmade and vegan, it's definitely worth it.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
This product is a treat that makes any bath feel luxurious. Editors raved over the intoxicating scent.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Luxury Bath Lavender Chamomile
This is one of my top ten. It only takes a little to start a froth of bubbles and they last the whole bath ... even when I let out the cool water and add more hot to extend the pleasure! I love the scent and though it seems pricey, the bottle I have is several months old and I still have a lot of it left. Very soothing, lovely scent and makes my skin baby soft without any unwanted irritations.
Body Cream
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Editors' Pick
Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
Banish rough patches and scaly skin with this ultra-hydrating cream. It's great for sensitive skin, too.
Readers' Choice
This body butter is a super moisturizer when your skin is chapped and irritated from exposure to the elements. I like the earthy natural smell of it and it really seems to absorb into my skin quickly and never leaves me feeling greasy or sticky. The scent doesn't clash with the fragrances I use either. I also find it has a cumulative effect: the more I use it, the better my skin looks and feels. It is a marvelous product.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
The Body Shop Honeymania Body Butter
A thick body cream that absorbs quickly. Bonus: It smells heavenly.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Bath & Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream
I cannot LOVE this enough! This cream is quite thick and takes a bit more energy to spread than the lotion, but it makes your skin so SOFT. I love this because the formula is thick, making the scent last longer on my skin. Even 12 hours later, my skin was soft and I didn't need to reapply.
Body Lotion
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Editors' Pick
This is exactly what you want in a body lotion: It's hydrating without that too-thick, too-buttery, too-greasy feeling. Plus, the scent is to die for.
Readers' Choice
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
I really love this lotion because it has a great natural scent that lasts and really helps smooth my skin. It is made with natural ingredients and works great at hydrating my skin without making it feel oily. It's just great to prevent dry skin.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Nivea Extended Moisture Body Lotion
This non-greasy formula is our new go-to for shorts season. Use it after showering for 48 hours of hydrated skin.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion
I love this lotion. It is literally nothing more than purely amazing. Your skin will stay moisturized for two full days until you wash it off. The shine, suppleness and softness it produces on your skin is nothing short of miraculous. I'm hooked for life.
Body Scrub
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Editors' Pick
AHAVA Dead Sea PLANTS Smoothing Body Exfoliator
The body scrub to beat all body scrubs. The gel-like texture makes exfoliating a breeze, and the small granules leave skin feeling soft -- not raw or irritated.
Readers' Choice
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub
This is a great scrub! The sugar is nice and exfoliating and the oil base smells amazing and leaves a thin layer of oil on your skin to keep you moisturized.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
A cocktail of softening, aromatic essential oils, this scrub exfoliates gently and smells, well, divine.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Origins Ginger Body Scrub Smoothing Body Buffer
This is an amazing body scrub. I love the whole ginger line, but this stuff is wow! If you want a spa experience at home this is your product, it smells great, it feels great when you're using it because it has a great consistency and your skin feels amazing afterward. It is both refreshing and relaxing at the same time. I have been hooked ever since I first tried it.
Body Treatment
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Editors' Pick
This magical little roller ball delivers a cooling, calming formula that soothes razor burn and post-waxing irriation.
Readers' Choice
This is an incredible product! I tried it first for my husband's very dry elbows and it is the only thing that helps him. We have since found that it works for minor skin irritations as well and even on hair and lips! You don't have to worry about how you use it because it's natural and the ingredients are not harmful. That's why I love anything by Burt's Bees. I will always buy this. It's well worth the money.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
CeraVe Intensive Stretch Marks Cream
Formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and argan oil, this cream prevents and minimizes stretch marks.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Scar Stick SPF 50
Ohmygosh! I use it on my knees and elbows, where my skin is dry and dark, and it has already lightened up within a couple uses! And it was only a couple dollars. I can't wait to see the way my skin looks in a month! I prefer this way more than regular lotion since it's so much easier. You won't be disappointed!
Body Wash
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Editors' Pick
Yes to Grapefruit Exfoliating Body Wash
This product wins not only for its refreshing scent, but also the tingly exfoliating beads that make skin feel new.
Readers' Choice
Philosophy Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel
I absolutely love this stuff! The light, clean scent is not too strong. When I use this as shampoo, my husband can't stop sniffing my hair (and neither can I)! I love it as shower gel too. It feels and smells decadent on my skin. It leaves my skin soft, silky and lightly scented. Did I mention I love it?
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
We adore this creamy shower gel for its scent and rich lather that doesn't dry out your skin.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Caress Daily Silk Silkening Body Wash
This has been a favorite of mine for years which is saying a lot considering that I am a bath gel addict and have tried them all. It is another wonderful bath wash that is not at all pricey. The smell is really unique: very pleasant, clean and feminine, but not overpowering. It makes you skin like silk too, just like it says. Truth in advertising.
Breakthrough Nail Product
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Editors' Pick
Butter London Patent-Gel Top & Tails Set
Paint it on top of your favorite polish for a glassy, chip-free finish that lasts and lasts... and lasts.
Readers' Choice
I'm a nail polish junkie. I am IN LOVE with this color and formula. Super rich and creamy. Great shine. The line has the blue I had been looking for -- such a perfect spring color. I will definitely try more in this line.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Essie Grow Stronger Smooth + Protect Base Coat
Infused with vitamins and minerals, this base polish strengthens nails while providing a good foundation for nail color.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I have been searching for a decent top coat for a while. I need my manicure to last at least seven days. With Triple Shine, it lasts over a week. Sometimes, I add another top coat every other day, but even when I just use one coat, it lasts.
Breakthrough Product
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Editors' Pick
Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream
This goes on like a moisturizer but does so much more: The cream adjusts to skin tone to hide imperfections, like a light self-tanner without the tell-tale smell or sticky residue.
Readers' Choice
Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation
What a great product! I love how it cleans and scrubs my feet. Just one more product from Clarisonic that I cannot live without! Clearly one of my favorite things!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation
This device buffs away calluses and rough skin for a salon-style pedicure at home.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream
Okay, this body cream lives up to the hype. I saw results in less than five days and I love the way my skin looks after I use this product. It doesn't stain. [It] smells nice and my skin has a nice healthy sheen after I use it. I really love it!
Deodorant
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Editors' Pick
Degree Clinical Protection Stress Control
Degree's prescription-strength deodorant works extra hard to keep us dry all day long with a pleasant scent and non-irritating formula.
Readers' Choice
Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Antiperspirant
This Dove deodorant is the only one that doesn't leave those weird unflattering white streaks on my clothes and it doesn't show up when I lift my arms up. You would never know I was wearing it because you can't see it. I love it! It smells very fresh and cooling.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Dove Advanced Care Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
This is everything you want in a deodorant: The scent is light and fresh, and it curbs wetness all day.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Degree Expert Protection MotionSense Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant
I am soooo glad this is a Total Beauty Award winner. I love this deodorant. I really do feel that it works more when you move more. Ever since I have started using this product I am sold. I love the scent and the fact that it really does what it claims to do. It keeps my underarms fresh-smelling and dry. I have used others before but I am going to permanently switch to this!
Foot Treatment
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Editors' Pick
Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation
This device buffs away calluses and rough skin for a salon-style pedicure without a scary skin-shedding razor.
Readers' Choice
Burt's Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion
I absolutely love this product. The minty smell is heavenly. The tingling feeling after putting it on lets you know it's working while it moisturizes my rough heels and toes.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
A thick cream that absorbs quickly, this is the perfect addition to an at-home pedicure.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Hands down, Ahava is one of the best skin care brands out there. It is completely worth every penny, especially this Mineral Foot Cream. It smells so heavenly and the scent is actually very calming for use before bed. When you wake up your feet and toes will be incredibly soft with no dry spots.
Fragrance
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Editors' Pick
A clean, sophisticated jasmine scent with notes of honeysuckle, tuberose and sandalwood, it's potent without being overpowering.
Readers' Choice
Chanel Chance Eau de Toilette Spray
First off, this scent is so pretty. It is feminine and sophisticated with light citrus and floral notes. My mom has worn this fragrance since I was a kid and it reminds me of her. It's a happy scent, one that can work for everyday and a night out. It's certainly one of those timeless fragrances everyone can agree on.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Dolce & Gabbana Intense Eau De Parfum
This scent perfectly balances orange blossom with spice and musk. It smells like a tropical vacation.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I LOVE this. What a slam dunk! It's great for any season, day or night! It's not flowery, so it's not super-feminine but I also couldn't see my boyfriend wearing it! It's not overpowering, just pleasant. Try it on first and you'll see what I mean! 10!
Hair Removal
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Editors' Pick
The ultra-hydrating bars soften skin for a smooth shave. You won't even need shave gel.
Readers' Choice
How great could a razor possibly be? Turns out, pretty great! I've never gotten a closer, smoother shave from any other razor. I love the moisturizing strips and they last a nice, long time. The blades are considerably more expensive than other razors/blades, but I have felt it was worth the money. This is the best razor I've ever used. I highly recommend it!!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment
The ultrathick moisture bar lathers and moisturizes for so-soft skin post-shave. And, it lasts for the entire life of the razor.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
This razor amazed me. The water-activated serum makes your legs sooooo soft. Also, the blades have skinguards to prevent cuts. The handle is comfortable and easy to hold, even when wet. This razor glides over the skin, without ever tugging or dragging. I highly reccommend this product, I can practially guarantee that you will love it!
Hand Soap
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Editors' Pick
Tocca Sapone da Mano Cleopatra Liquid Hand Soap
This product is as pretty in the bottle as your hands after washing with this luxurious cleanser.
Readers' Choice
Bath & Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap
This hand cleanser is in every bathroom in our house. I like the way it cleanses without leaving my hands feeling dry and tight. I wash my hands a lot and this never seems to cause irritation, and I feel like it cleans well without a residue or film left behind. I also like all the different fragrances you can get.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
The Body Shop Absinthe Purifying Hand Wash
This bright green lather cuts through offensive smells with its fresh scent. Buh-bye, onion hands!
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
This is my absolute favorite hand wash. It smells great, has a nice lather, rinses clean and quickly, and doesn't dry out my hands. I highly recommend the green tea scent, but they are all great.
Hand Treatment
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Editors' Pick
Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Hand Treatment SPF 30
Keep your hands looking bright and flawless with this moisturizing, renewing treatment.
Readers' Choice
Mary Kay Peach Satin Hands Satin Smoothie Hand Scrub
While I am a chronic nail-biter, I do like to keep my hands soft and smooth. Mary Kay's Satin Smoothie peach-scented hand scrub is a miracle worker. I apply a little on my dry hands over the bathroom sink and rub the product on my hands until the suds turn white. Once I rinse, I can immediately tell that my hands are in better shape.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Diptyque Eau Rose Hand Emulsion
Channel your inner mademoiselle with this chic, rich hand cream with a light rose scent.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
I love shea butter and this cream is great! It isn't too thick, too thin or greasy. It leaves my hands feeling smooth and soft for hours upon hours. Very happy with it!
Ingestible
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Editors' Pick
Michael Van Clarke 3" More Inches Hair and Nail Nutrients
These little pills promise longer, stronger nails and hair as well as more vibrant hair color -- and they really work.
Readers' Choice
PHYTO Phytophanère Dietary Supplement For Hair & Nails
These vitamins are the best. They have made my hair shinier, thicker, stronger and it grows so much faster. It also helps my skin, as I have had hardly any acne breakouts since taking it. It gives my skin a nice glow too. My nails are stronger and grow faster as well.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Renew skin from within with this redness-, acne- and UV damage-fighting supplement, which also helps improve skin's tone and elasticity.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I can't believe that it heals cold sores completely so quickly. It doesn't take a week or leave behind that mark that takes another week to fade.
Nail Art Decal
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Readers' Choice
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips
These are the next best thing to getting acrylics! For the price (I paid $2.99), they're amazing. With one box I was able to do my hands and toes. I wore them for about a week. When I say wore, I mean wore! Splashing in the ocean, diving in a pool, walking (and tripping) down a boardwalk, putting on and pulling off socks, missing the sliding glass door handle and raking my nails inside the holder. So! If you've been wanting to try these - DO! You'll love them.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
It's So Easy Hey There, Stud! Nail Art Kit
Cute and easy to apply studs make nail artists out of even the most timid at-home manicurists.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I am OBSESSED with these caviar manicures! Nail art is all the rage these days and this is the most fun and creative way to do it! My nails remind me of delicious candy sprinkles and put me in the best mood when I see these colorful tips! It really is a cool accessory to any outfit. I found this mani easy to do and it looks super cool! I also got tons of compliments!
Nail Art Tool
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Editors' Pick
Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pens
You'll love how clean and simple this pen makes DIY French manicures.
Readers' Choice
Sephora Collection Crystal Nail File
Ladies, throw all your emery boards away! These glass files are better for your nails and last a long time. You can file your nails in a back-and-forth motion without any damage, unlike emery boards that should only be used in one direction.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
It's So Easy Stripe Rite Nail Art
We love how these polish brushes are the perfect width for applying intricate nail art designs.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I do my own nails on a regular basis, and I couldn't live without this. The four different textures are perfect for each job for which they are intended. And it only costs $3.
Nail Gadget
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Editors' Pick
Revlon File 'N Peel 6-IN-1 File
File this under, "Why has no one thought of this before": When this nail file gets dull, you don't have to toss it -- just peel it off to find a fresh file underneath. Genius.
Readers' Choice
Cutex Instant Jar Nail Polish Remover
These things are so cool! You just open them up, stick your fingertip inside the sponge, twist and voila! You're done! So quick and easy, and SO nice not to have a drippy mess. Would highly recommend this product.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Sephora Collection 2-In-1 Cuticle Removing Pen
If you're a fanatic about maintaining your manicure, you'll love this dual-ended cuticle tool. Perfect to keep in your purse for a quick mini-mani on the go.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
If you want a no-fuss, no-muss, no-hangnail way to trim nails and be done, then this is the tool for you. It is strong, sharp and well-made. The added nail file is a plus for on-the-go touch-ups. My husband and I won't use any other!
Nail Polish
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Editors' Pick
The one-coat wonder! This polish goes on super smoothly with beautiful, lasting shine and durability.
Readers' Choice
Ah, OPI, you make me so happy! I love the different colors, the holographic looks, the matte finishes, the wide range of opulent, rich colors, and the staying power of this polish. This is a winner!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer
We're in love with this highly reflective polish that makes nails look freshly manicured for days and days.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I absolutely love Essie nail polishes. The colors are beautiful and they cover the nail in a minimum of two coats! My favorite colors are Chinchilly and Midnight Cami. Love!
Press-On Nail
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Editors' Pick
Kiss Gel Fantasy Ready-To-Wear Gel
We can't get over the fun, glam designs and effortless application.
Readers' Choice
Kiss Gel Fantasy Ready-To-Wear Gel
I swear, I have NEVER gotten more compliments on my nails than I have in the last three days! To be glue-on nails, you would never be able to tell. The finish is amazing, the confetti glitter really pops and they are super eye-catching. To give them a more natural look, I pushed them slightly under my cuticle bed. There are many sizes to choose from, so the fit is perfect!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Press-on nails that stay on and don't damage natural nails? Consider us sold.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Revlon Color Allure Glue-On Nails
Having been a nail tech for over 20 years and owning my own salon, I can not only attest to Revlon's superb quality of their products, but their resiliency. Whether you use these for a one-time event or you have gel nails and should break one, I always recommend these to have in your bag. Great product and great price.
Self-Tanner
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Editors' Pick
Suave Visible Glow Self-Tanning Body Lotion
This gives a natural-looking, buildable tan, so you can acheive the color you want. Plus, it smells great.
Readers' Choice
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
I am in LOVE with this product. It definitely makes me a couple of shades darker than I actually am, and it evens out my skin tone. It doesn't have a nasty self-tanning smell. The smell is actually quite pleasant. There's something that's almost fruity to it. I would recommend this if you are not ready to self-tan just yet (like I am!), but you want a little more color for the summer or year round!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion Face
This face tanner evens out skin tone by giving a subtle glow. It doubles as a moisturizer, and it won't make skin break out.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
I am pale (like ghost white) and this self-tanner is the only one that gives me a natural tan without streaking. I have used high-end and cheap drugstore products but none is as easy to use. This gel gives me a golden tan, dries in minutes and with a little perfume, the scent is not noticable. I also use this on my face and do not break out with it. Expensive yes, but worth the price.
Sunscreen
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Editors' Pick
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70
A moisturizer and sunscreen in one, this product hydrates as much as it protects. It's a sunscreen that feels like a body lotion -- and we're sold.
Readers' Choice
Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30
This product makes it so easy to apply sunscreen, which is vital to skin protection. It's so easy to use and does not leave skin greasy or really shiny like some other spray sunscreens I've used.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50
Not too runny, this sunscreen provides excellent protection and feels great on skin.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream WetForce Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
I love this sunscreen because it gives great protection, isn't greasy or sticky, doesn't have a weird or beachy smell and also doesn't leave a white film on the skin. I love it!
