Sometimes it seems like a million new mascaras launch every year. Sadly, most of them fall short, and I end up going back to my old favorites. Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama, $9.49, however, has earned a place in the regular rotation. It lengthens, it curls and it gives my scrawny lashes tons of volume without being clumpy. One coat is subtle and pretty, but you can really pile it on if you want that false-lashes look. In short, it's a keeper.

If you have straight or straight-ish hair, meet your new BFF: the Revlon Pro Collection One-Step Paddle Brush Dryer, $49.99. It's a blow dryer built into a paddle brush, which means you can dry your hair with one hand and scroll through Instagram with the other. Unlike similar products that existed way back when, this dryer actually works -- it's hot, strong and made with ionic technology. If you're looking to blow out thick curls, keep clicking -- but for the right hair type, it's a game-changer.

Right around the time I turned 30, my back started bothering me. It may have something to do with my running routine. Or it could be that I carry heavy bags of beauty products around New York City in heels. Whatever the cause, I've found that tingly, menthol-y muscle gels work wonders. The old school versions, however, don't look very pretty sitting next to my bed. (Sorry, Bengay.) So when I heard about Tata Harper Soothing Muscle Gel, $40, I couldn't wait to slather some on. It's completely natural and contains healing arnica in addition to tons of essential oils like blue Cyprus and silver fir, and it's all in a base of aloe and shea butter. Not only does it tingle in that satisfying way, it also moisturizes and looks great. My back feels better already.

Sure, the term hair "pudding" may be marketing speak, but I eat it up (pun intended). And there's more to it than that: These tubs of fluffy, whipped hair cream are packed with nourishing oils, and provide just the right amount of definition and hold for curls. Women with natural, textured hair can't get enough of them. The latest must-have pudding is Mizani True Textures Curl Define Pudding, $18, which smells faintly tropical in the best way. It contains essential fatty acids that prevent breakage and even help curls return to their natural pattern. Just don't eat it for dessert.

Eyebrows -- and brow products -- continue to be a major beauty trend. There are at least five new pencils launching this month that I love -- and could be writing about right now. However, Nudestix Eyebrow Stylus Pencil and Gel, $24, earns a place in this roundup because it's more than a pencil -- it's also the best brow gel I've ever tried. On one side, there's a triangular pencil -- use the point to make thin, hair-like lines or use the wider side to shade large areas. On the other end is the world's best brow gel. It's clear, it holds all day and it doesn't flake. It's the unicorn of brow gels. The only downside: I'm definitely going to run out of gel before I finish the pencil. Fortunately, the gel alone is worth the purchase price.