Makeup
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And the Official 6th Annual TotalBeauty.com Winners Are...
When you try thousands of new beauty products over the course of a few months, you become startlingly picky about just how well a mascara performs (there may have been tape measures involved) or whether an eye cream lives up to its claims. Our Editors' Picks are the ones that outshined the rest in spades - and earned a permanent spot on our vanity. Our Readers' Choice awards go to the beauty products our readers live and die by. Here, the 2015 TotalBeauty Award-winning beauty products that make us look and feel pretty enough to join Taylor Swift's #squad.
Select Category
Acne Treatment
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Editors' Pick
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne System
A three-step solution that's simple to follow and effectively wipes out even the most stubborn breakouts.
Readers' Choice
Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment
I can always count on this product to dry up and shrink any acne trying to pop up on an important day. Can't live without it.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Estée Lauder Clear Difference Targeted Blemish Treatment
This spot treatment delivers a gentle yet potent serum through a roller-ball applicator. Blemishes disappear overnight.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam
It gently removes makeup, oil and dirt without leaving you dry; helps clear up breakouts and blackheads; and leaves skin soft and smooth.
Anti-Aging Serum
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Editors' Pick
Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum
Whether you're looking for a brightening, tightening, line-erasing or skin-smoothing serum, this one's for you. It self-adjusts to your skin's needs so you get countless benefits in one bottle.
Readers' Choice
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
After using this religiously for a week, the results were obvious. Smile lines around my mouth were diminished, and those across my neck were less visible. My skin is silky and hydrated.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Twenty years in the making, this serum boosts skin's natural defenses and helps other skin-care products work more effectively.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
It's expensive, but worth every penny. I received a sample, and after a week of using it I noticed my skin was visibly smoother.
Breakthrough Product
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Editors' Pick
Rodan + Fields Redefine Acute Care
Put these mini patches on before bed and wake up to younger-looking skin. Hyaluronic acid plumps up skin to make expression lines instantly less noticeable. Skin-firming peptides help fight those wrinkles over time.
Readers' Choice
Rodan + Fields Redefine Acute Care
I saw results after just two uses. I love this product. My smile lines are diminishing!
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
One of the top skin-care lines in Korea (aka beauty Mecca), and now it's available at Sephora. Products are made with natural botanical ingredients and come in minimalist-meets-apothecary packaging.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum
I have been using this product for one week and already see a difference. In the morning after waking up, my face feels smoother and skin tone is brighter. I feel like I have a dewy glow.
Cleanser
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Editors' Pick
It does a brilliant job removing makeup, and it works well enough to use alone -- no need to double-cleanse. Plus, it leaves skin wildly soft.
Readers' Choice
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser
This derma-bead formula very gently removes dead, dry skin and grime while it cleans; an amino-peptide complex regenerates skin at the cellular level. I love the feel of this on my face.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Salicylic acid cleansers can be harsh and drying, but this creamy iteration is anything but. It's ideal for people with both acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Love, love, love this cleanser. It takes off the most stubborn makeup, yet it is a gentle cleanser. Don't be put off by it being an oil. It rinses off and leaves your face supersoft.
Dark Spot Corrector
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Editors' Pick
Proactiv+ Advanced Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Goodbye, acne scars and sun spots. They're no match for this serum, which tackles pigmentation without irritation.
Readers' Choice
Clarins Bright Plus HP Brightening Hydrating Day Lotion SPF 20
I love this treatment moisturizer. It is light, lightly scented, SPF 20 and, when used with the serum, does provide an evenness of skin tone.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
RéVive Perfectif Even Skin Tone Serum
Inspired by Nobel Prize-winning technology, this serum promises instant luminosity and a more even skin tone over time. Editors noticed all-over brightness and lightened dark spots after just a few weeks of use.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
This works wonders on dark spots. It feels light on your skin, isn't superheavy and absorbs quickly.
Day Cream
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Editors' Pick
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Skin
Borrowing the gel moisturizer trend from Asia, this American version is bouncy and light yet just as hydrating as a cream.
Readers' Choice
Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream (Dry)
This extra step in my moisturizing routine gives my face that drink of water it so desperately needs to help with my skin-rejuvenation process at night. I wake up with my face feeling hydrated.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
A time-pressed woman's dream: This moisturizer covers your anti-aging needs and delivers plenty of sun protection in one silky formula.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 - Normal
My skin is the softest it's ever felt, my pores are not clogged and for the first time in my life, I have that subtle "dewy" look. This is truly a miracle in a bottle.
Device
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Editors' Pick
The only device you need for cleansing from head to toe. It automatically adjusts to your face or body simply by switching out the brush head.
Readers' Choice
I have seen such a difference in my skin. My pores are not as noticeable and the number of blackheads on my nose has decreased. Also, this is the only product that has helped my milia go away. My skin is more radiant than ever.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Illumask Anti-Aging Eye Mask Light Therapy Treatment
These futuristic-looking glasses minimize fine lines with red-light technology -- and you can pick them up at the drugstore instead of the dermatologist's office.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System
I fell in love after the first use. It exfoliates very nicely but gently, and leaves my skin so very soft. It works great with any cleanser.
Exfoliant
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Editors' Pick
St. Ives Nourished and Smooth Oatmeal Scrub + Mask
This gently exfoliates, has a subtle scent and leaves skin feeling refreshed and soft but never raw.
Readers' Choice
Philosophy The Microdelivery Daily Exfoliating Facial Wash
I've been using this for two months now and love it. My acne has cleared and my hyperpigmentation and acne scars have virtually vanished. My skin feels so smooth after this. It's pricey, but definitely worth the price to me.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Dr. Jart+ Pore Medic Derma @ Home Peeling Kit
This kit is fun to use -- like a DIY spa treatment. And it leaves skin so, so soft and glowy.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
Most exfoliators dry my skin, but this one left it smooth as a baby's bottom. It cleaned my face well, and I wasn't worried about breaking out. This product helped control my acne.
Eye Cream
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Editors' Pick
La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Eye Cream
When more than one reviewer uses the word "decadent" to describe an eye cream, it's a winner. The texture and major moisture make this a definite crowd-pleaser.
Readers' Choice
Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream With Royal Jelly
I've used a bunch of eye creams and I keep coming back to this. It sinks in quickly and keeps my eye area nice and soft and hydrated. Smells great, and a jar lasts forever.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum
This brightening serum targets fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. The applicator dispenses just the right amount of product so you don't waste precious eye cream, and the serum is the ideal consistency.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
This is thick and creamy. It really moisturizes, and I can see a difference. It softens the fine lines so they are not visible.
Face Oil
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Editors' Pick
Sisley Paris Black Rose Precious Face Oil
Even the most discerning face oil critics were wowed by this formula's beautiful texture, barely-there feel and skin-beautifying benefits. This one is worth the splurge.
Readers' Choice
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
This oil is amazing. After it absorbs, it leaves skin so soft. One of the very few products for which I can justify the price, which is small, given the benefits.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
An anti-aging face oil/serum hybrid with a decidedly dry finish and vineyard-y scent that leaves skin dewy and hydrated.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Botanics 100% Organic Nourishing Facial Oil
This facial oil is just simply amazing, bottom line. It's an almost entirely organic blend. Bonus is it's multi-use, since you can use it in your hair or on dry cuticles, elbows and knees.
Face Sunscreen SPF 30+
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Editors' Pick
This hydrating sunscreen is lightweight and matte with a spa-like scent that makes the application experience transcendent. It protects against UV rays while fading dark spots over time.
Readers' Choice
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
I love this stuff, because it absorbs quickly, and it doesn't feel heavy. It protects my skin very well -- even in the summer.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Jurlique Sun Specialist SPF 40 High Protection Cream PA+++
The herbal scent and natural formula make this SPF special. It also covers well without feeling heavy, and comes with extra anti-aging benefits.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid
Over the years, I struggled to find a sunscreen that didn't feel thick and greasy. This one is the answer. It is light, smooth and soaks into the skin.
Makeup Remover
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Editors' Pick
Japonesque Pro Performance Makeup Wipes
These individually wrapped wipes are a generous size and can remove even the most intense lip stain effortlessly.
Readers' Choice
Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
This has got to be the only makeup remover that doesn't irritate my eyes. I love it. I don't think I can go back to anything else.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
This lavender-scented micellar water removes every trace of makeup without a hint of residue. You don't even need to use a second cleanser.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Lancôme Effacil Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
I love this eye makeup remover. I keep on going back year after year. It's gentle, but gets the job done.
Mask
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Editors' Pick
Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Brightening Mask
For selfie-ready skin, use this mask. It leaves skin impossibly glowy, bright and hydrated -- like you just got a world-class facial.
Readers' Choice
GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment
I have used it as a mask and a cleanser, and it soared above my expectations. It made my pores smaller, helped clear breakouts and blackheads, and gave my skin a glow I have never seen.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask With Rose Clay
If it's smoother skin you're after, you'll want this mask in your toolbox. One reviewer was suffering from bumpy irritation, which vanished after one treatment.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
The Body Shop Warming Mineral Mask
I love this mask because of the heat you feel as you apply it to your face. Afterwards, your face feels fresh, clean and ready to absorb toner and moisturizer.
Night Cream
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Editors' Pick
Fresh Crème Ancienne Soft Cream
With tons of moisturizing power and plumping ingredients, like meadowfoam seed oil and vitamin E, this fluffy, marshmallow-like cream has all the power of a heavier formula.
Readers' Choice
Garnier Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream
This night cream is absolutely amazing. When I saw myself in the mirror the next day, I thought I had gone back in time. My forehead had lost wrinkles and was smooth to the touch. My entire face looked like a good 10 years had disappeared in a night.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream
This stuff is the salve that editors use to heal angry, dry skin after testing dozens of products -- it's that healing.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Mario Badescu Skin Care Seaweed Night Cream
Supermoisturizing, but it does not clog my pores at all. I have combination-dry, acne-prone skin. This product completely moisturizes my skin without causing breakouts.
Oral Care
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Editors' Pick
Colgate Optic White Express White Toothpaste
Use it day after day, and with minimal effort you'll notice serious whitening without sensitivity.
Readers' Choice
Crest 3D White Luxe Professional Effects Whitestrips Teeth Whitening Kit
This product works. Within five days, my teeth were already gleaming. I had strangers asking me how I got them so white.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Go Smile Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System
The application is easy, it doesn't irritate gums and you'll be complimented on your bright, white teeth -- even without ditching your red wine or coffee habit.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
It has a fresh, minty taste and makes my teeth feel really clean. The whitening power is the best I have seen in a toothpaste.
Self-Tanner for Face
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Editors' Pick
Vita Liberata Self Tanning Night Moisture Mask
The results are subtle and gradual -- use it for a week to get a stunning, sun-kissed glow. The hydrating overnight mask contains anti-agers that plump up fine lines and leave skin supple.
Readers' Choice
Jergens Natural Glow Face Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 20
I love how creamy and smooth this goes on my face -- and you can't beat the price. After three days, I get a nice natural glow to my face and don't need to wear foundation or bronzer.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Dry Facial Oil
The color is even and visible with quick payoff, and it doesn't irritate skin or cause breakouts.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint
This is a genius idea. It gives instant color, and the self-tan lasts for days. I hate having to wait for my self-tanner to develop, but this does it instantly. And it doesn't stink like most self-tanners.
Toner / Facial Mist
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Editors' Pick
Lancôme Absolue L'Extrait Mist
This incredibly fine mist leaves skin supple, dewy and smelling like a rose garden -- all while delivering serious skin-care benefits.
Readers' Choice
This toner is great. I have sensitive skin, but it doesn't cause any breakouts or dry out my skin. It has also reduced the oil in my skin.
Editors' Pick Honorable Mention
Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Balancing Toner
A simple, gentle toner that balances and brightens skin without tightness or irritation.
Readers' Choice Honorable Mention
I've used this toner for years and love it. I use it every day and find it non-irritating, light and refreshing.
