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We love digging in to those reviews to see what you're saying about new beauty products, the faithful classics, and those obscure drugstore finds we might never know about otherwise. We analyze all of that information to come up with the comprehensive Best Of/Worst Of products roundups we're so famous for. Now, we've drilled into the research and come up with a new angle: the Best of the Best -- the #1-ranked product in every category -- foundation, mascara, blush, and the rest of the stuff we put on our face every. single. day.
And, as always, we had our b.s. meter cranked up high during the selection process. We skipped over the products with a dozen "10" reviews on the exact same day in April 2011 (all by users who, not surprisingly, have reviewed just that one product), and the ones that sounded like they were written by the product owner's mom or UTILIZED THE CAPS LOCK too frequently. We made sure that the products we chose had reviews from some of our most trusted TotalBeauty.com members -- and not PR hacks from the brand. We weeded through the rubbish to find the true "Greats" in makeup. Click ahead to see which life-changing products earned the title of All-Star Makeup Bag Essential.
Why it's number one: Reviewers call this the "best makeup primer ever" because it makes their skin "soft and smooth" and makes their foundation "last 10 times longer." "I couldn't even imagine a good makeup without this primer," says a reviewer, who calls the product a "must have." One reviewer says it's "expensive," but "worth the price" because it "really preps your skin for foundation." Another says that she will "never regret this purchase" because she "never needs touch-ups" and doesn't have to "use as much makeup."
Runner up: Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hour Perfecting Primer, $30
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
*At time of publication
Why it's number one: Granted, this product sports a robust price tag; but somehow, every last reviewer agreed -- La Prairie Skin Caviar is "a miracle!" "Where to begin? I literally feel as though this cannot be classified as a foundation. It's in a league of it's own!" one Skin Caviar fan exclaims. "When I was feeling like a splurge, I bought it! That was the best decision I have made for my skin in a LONG time!" says another. Reviewers rave that the product blends effortlessly and is "totally buildable for light to full coverage." They found that one container can last for almost a year, which takes some of the edge off that price. Many recommended trying a sample before pulling the trigger on a full size, but at the end of the day, the reviewers were "completely in love."
Runner Up: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup, $36.50
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
*At time of publication
Why it's number one: Reviewers love this concealer because it's multi-purpose. "It covers under-eye circles and tiny veins seamlessly and flawlessly," says one reviewer. Another says she uses it on her face "to cover up small dots and spots, like sun spots and acne spots." "It covers acne well without making it worse," another agrees. Reviewers say that, true to its name, the concealer "does stay in place for 12 hours." They also loved the coverage the "thick" formula provides while still looking "very natural" with "no creasing or caking."
Runner Up: Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer, $32
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
*At time of publication
Why it's number one: Readers find this blush "absolutely gorgeous" and say the product "blends like a dream." The blush "glides on really smoothly and gives just the right amount of color" that withstands even the "hot and humid summers," says one reviewer. Another says, "I only need to apply a fraction of the amount compared to my old blush," so "a little bit goes a long way." Women also love that this blush is "extremely natural looking and made from all-natural ingredients" that are "good for your skin."
Runner Up: Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour, $29.50
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
*At time of publication
