1. Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, $5.99
These wipes are my everything. They are my toner, moisturizer, and makeup remover. Cleansers and serums may come and go, but these wipes are forever.
2. Benefit Magic Ink, $20
I've been fiercely loyal to Magic Ink since it came out three years ago. Obviously, the tiny brush is essential in creating a flawless cat eye. But the real reason I've stuck with it is the formula. It's pitch black and doesn't fade or smudge -- even if you leave it on (by accident!) overnight.
3. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Thermal Protect Formula, $8.99
Because I straighten my curly hair every week, I'm constantly on the hunt for a product that will protect my strands from being fried. But even through all my trials with pricey creams and serums, I always find myself reaching for this drugstore staple when it comes time to flat iron. It's just the best at keeping my hair silky and not sticky.
4. Marc Jacobs Fragrance in Biscotti
When I first sniffed this fragrance a few years ago, my first thought was this: "I've found my scent soul mate!" So you can imagine my sheer panic when I found out it was limited edition. I knew I couldn't live without it, so I stocked up like a crazy hoarder before it left shelves.
5. Neutrogena Body Clear Wash Pink Grapefruit, $7
I'm so not a morning person, which means I need a little push to get me going. I don't drink coffee, so this zesty, fresh scent is my morning pick-me-up. Plus, there's the added bonus that it also keeps my body blemish and bump-free.
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Dawn Davis, New York City Beauty Editor
1. Nars Cream Eyeshadow in Zardoz, $24
I've been using this cream shadow as eyeliner since it launched ... oh, maybe seven years ago. I apply it with a liquid eyeliner brush and draw on a baby cat eye, which I wear almost every single day. It glides on easier than any gel liner -- and it stays in place incredibly well. Even though I've been using it for seven years, I'm only on my third one! How's that for a cost-per-wear bargain?
2. Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser, $75
Tata Harper's skin care line was first featured in "Vogue" back in 2007-ish, and I instantly fell in love. She farms her own ingredients in Vermont, but her products are glamorous, not hippie-crunchy. I tried this cleanser about a year ago, and now I don't want to use anything else. It's creamy and moisturizing, but it makes my skin feel really clean and it even takes off eyeliner and mascara.
3. Pro+Therapy MD Emergence Serum, $130
I'm a sucker for high-tech skin care ingredients -- the more futuristic-sounding the better. So when I went to a media launch event for this product, I was completely blown away by the technology and I wanted to try it immediately. I ended up using the whole bottle. When I ran out, I decided to try something different, but then I noticed that the fine lines on my forehead became more noticeable. I freaked out and went back to this serum. Now I'm afraid not to use it.
4. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $39
I've been on dry shampoo detox for the last couple years (apparently, all that gunk on your hair follicles can block hair growth), and that's why I love this spray. It rejuvenates and re-volumizes my hair like a dry shampoo, but it's weightless and doesn't sit on the scalp -- plus, it has the most amazing scent of any hair product I've ever tried.
5. Rahua Voluminous Shampoo , $32 and Rahua Voluminous Conditioner, $34
Whenever I use this shampoo and conditioner I get compliments on my hair. Volume, movement, and shine -- it does it all. And it's natural. Because it's so good (and wildly expensive), I don't use it every day. Instead, I ration it for when I really need it.
Right now, I'm going through a horrible breakup with all of my favorite beauty products.
I'm not alone, either. All of us Total Beauty editors are taking a break from our beloved moisturizers and hair masks. The reason behind our splits? We're testing nominees for the Total Beauty Awards 2013. (You can vote for your favorite beauty products here.)
See, as beauty editors, we see literally hundreds of new products every year. Maybe thousands. But January through April is like speed dating for product junkies. We can't afford to go steady with any beauty product (no matter how amazing it is) because we have tons of new products that need our attention and review.
But here's a little secret we've all been keeping: We're totally cheating. Sure, we're giving each Beauty Awards candidate its full time, but we are also reuniting with our trusty faves every chance we get. Especially when a skin or hair tester wreaks more havoc than it does good.
To explain our longing for our all-time favorite beauty products, we each wrote little love letters explaining the top five beauty products we couldn't image life without. Read on to see which gems made the list. If it sounds like we're gushing, we are. These products are that good.