Have you ever bought a new beauty product that you couldn't wait to try... only to find out that you wasted cash on a dud? The editors at Cosmopolitan magazine hate when that happens also, so they've tested products from all different categories and crowned a few their best beauty buys:
Face
Face wash: Biore Steam Activated Cleanser, $8
A cooling cleanser infused with menthol erases every last trace of makeup and grime. Not to mention, it feels amazing in a hot shower. DRUGSTORES
Exfoliator: Garnier Skin Renew Clinical Dark Spot Overnight Peel, $17
It's like a facial in a bottle. You apply before bed and wake up to better, glowier skin (overnight, the glycolic acid deep cleans pores). DRUGSTORES
Daytime moisturizer: L'Oreal Paris Youth Code BB Cream, $17
BB creams are huge right now — they're like tinted moisturizers on steroids! We love this because it offers you four benefits: SPF, hyaluronic acid (an intense but light hydrator), tone-enhancing vitamins plus tint-in one layer. DRUGSTORES
Eye treatment: Lancome Genifique Eye Light-Pearl, $70
This is amazing at hiding a bad night's sleep. It's caffeinated, so it constricts blood vessels while lightening dark circles. Plus it features a metal tip which de-puffs, illuminates and plumps up fine lines. LANCOME.COM
Makeup
Concealer: Maybelline New York Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer, $8
It has the perfect texture (not cakey, but not sheer), plus it's packed with light reflectors that bounce light away from signs of no-sleep, overindulgence, etc. Great click-up pen applicator, too. DRUGSTORES
Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast 24HR Mascara, $9
This mascara has a special polymer which cocoons the pigment around each lash, so the oils from your face can't breakdown the formula — the reason it can last for 24 hours. DRUGSTORES
Lipstick: Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour, $26
There are a lot of lipsticks out there, but this one goes on like butter, doesn't dry out your lips and keeps them plump with hyaluronic acid. Plus it lasts 8 hours. LAURAMERCIER.COM
Hair
Shampoo and conditioner for thick hair: Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal, $4
Coarse strands crave hydration, the key to a sleek, tame texture and reversing damage. This gives you double the dose without weighing it down. DRUSTORES
Shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair: Bumble and Bumble Color Minded, $29 and $32
Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner is key to extending the life of your higlights or dye job. And the lightweight oils in this formula make color shine like crazy. BUMBLEANDBUMBLE.COM
Shampoo and conditioner for fine hair: Aussie Aussome Volume, $3.25 each
This system works to plump up individual hairs, plus it has that amazing Aussie smell that we all love — it's great for date night. DRUGSTORES
Frizz fix: John Frieda Frizz Ease Sheer Solution, $10
Shake it up — it's half silicone based serum, half liquid lotion, and it turns into a lightweight formula that totally nixes frizz without making hair greasy. DRUGSTORES
Volumizer: It's a 10 Miracle Blow-Dry Volumizer, $19
Most women want more volume... but not the sticky, starchy side effects. This builds tons of texture but keeps hair touchable. ITSA10HAIRCARE.COM
Body
Deodorant: Degree Women Clinical Protection with MotionSense, $7.50
Encapsulated scent beads burst when you move, refreshing you all day. DRUGSTORES
Lotion: Jergens Crème in Deep-Conditioning Oatmeal, $6
It's a mega-moisturizer — it contains shea, mango and cocoa butters: perfect if you always feel like your skin is dry or scratchy (or for naturally sandpapery parts like your soles, knees, elbows). DRUGSTORES
Razor: Schick Hydro Silk, $10
Shaving robs your body of its natural moisture layers. This five-blade razor is lined with a serum-depositing strip. DRUGSTORES
For more, visit Cosmo magazine online.
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