The beauty shelves are lined with products, but how can you tell which ones will really work? Fortunately, Shape magazine has done the investigative work for you. For its annual Beauty Awards, the magazine rounded up a panel of experts to help filter through this year’s beauty products and reveal the best of the best.
Shape magazine’s editor-at-large Bahar Takhtehchian stopped by Studio 1A on Tuesday to reveal some of the winning products that you should have in your beauty bag.
Best hair volumizer: Sally Hershberger Major Body 3-in-1 Volumizing Spray, $13
This hair product is a star at multitasking as it helps your strands in three areas. “It adds volume, it acts as a dry shampoo and it acts as finishing spray,” Takhtehchian said, so stock up to battle any frizzy days ahead.
Best foundation: CoverGirl + Olay FaceLift Effect Firming Makeup, $15
This medium-coverage foundation also acts as a moisturizer, so Takhtehchian says that after using it for a few weeks, your skin will begin to look more hydrated. Even skin tone and better-looking skin? This one’s a keeper.
Best blush: Make Up Forever HD Blush, $26
The testing experts loved this product’s natural-looking color, so you won’t apply and walk away looking like a clown.
Best lip color: Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm, $9
Lip color is great, but if it leaves your lips dry like so many products do, it’s not very wearable. Fortunately, this product will ensure your lips stay colorful and conditioned. “Not only are you getting lots of vibrant color but it also has moisturizers in there,” Takhtehchian said.
Best eyeliner: Smashbox 3D Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner, $20
With every twist of the product’s base, this eyeliner self-sharpens to help you get a perfect line every time.
Best brow enhancer: Benefit Gimme Brow, $22
It’s the year of eyebrows, and this enhancer will make sure you are on trend. “It has microfibers so it actually adheres to your eyebrows and makes them look darker,” Takhtehchian said.
Best mascara: Dolce & Gabbana Passioneyes Duo Mascara, $32
Not only will you get fabulous mascara, but this product’s curved brush leaves your eyelashes with a beautiful curl with every use.
Best self-tanner: St. Tropez Self Tan Express, $54
The summer may be gone, but that doesn’t mean you can't look sunkissed into the fall and winter. This mouse-formulation will leave your skin with subtle glow.
Best makeup remover: Trish McEvoy Long-Wear Face and Eye Makeup Remover Cleansing Water, $32
One of the top rules of skincare is to take off makeup every night, and this makeup remover will handle whatever you're wearing. It has the consistency of water, but it’s very potent so it will be able to remove any and all makeup in its path.
Best razor: Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Care Refillable Razors, $10
With five blades, you will only need to swipe once to remove any unwanted hairs.
Best antiperspirant: Secret Clinical Strength Smooth Solid, $8
Keep sweat at bay with this tried-and-true antiperspirant.
Best nail color: Sally Hansen Mircale Gel in All Chalked Up, $10
Takhtehchian raved about this nail polish and its neutral color which is a “great alternative to sheer pink.”
