(Photo: David Cook)The pleasure of using these luxury products makes up for their hefty price tags.
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara, $30.
Asymmetrical bristles and a volumizing formula inflate every lash.
WHAT IT IS:
A mascara that separates, lengthens, and volumizes
HOW IT LOOKS/FEELS:
The formula is remarkably non-gloppy; the dense brush has nylon bristles.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
This Best of Beauty winner doesn't clump or flake (no lash comb necessary!) and delivers full, almost fake-looking lashes.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009
(Photo: David Cook)
MORE AT ALLURE
Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Gloss (shown here in shade N7), $48.
Deliciously rich gloss at its most sophisticated.
WHAT IT IS:
A collection of long-lasting lip glosses (shown here in N7)
HOW THEY LOOK/FEEL:
The silky glosses come in a variety of neutral and vibrant colors.
WHY WE LIKE THEM:
The smooth, unsticky formula leaves a high-gloss finish with a burst of lasting color.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012
(See more: Best cheap beauty products of 2012)
(Photo: David Cook)Prada Candy Scrub, $75.
Vanilla-scented exfoliators smooth and sweeten skin, leaving it almost lickable.
WHAT IT IS:
A sweet-scented body scrub
WHAT IT DOES:
Exfoliates and softens skin
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Microparticles (exfoliate); glycerin, soy glycine protein, fommes officinalis, and vitamin E (moisturize)
HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
This dense scrub smells like caramel and white musk and is packed with exfoliating granules.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The scrub is grainy enough to buff away rough patches thoroughly, but it doesn't feel scratchy or leave skin pink or raw. Post shower, the body feels amazingly soft and smooth.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012
(Photo: David Cook)Edward Bess Quad Royale, $45.
A just-off-the-slopes flush that's impossible to overdo.
WHAT IT IS:
A four-color powder palette
HOW IT LOOKS/FEELS:
The four shades of silky powder can be used on eyes, cheeks, or almost anywhere else on the face.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Swirled together, the complementary shades give the face a natural, sun-kissed flush. They can also be used separately as blush, highlighter, and eye shadow for pretty, romantic look.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012
(Photo: David Cook)Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Crème de Luxe, $200.
Antioxidants fend off UV damage while high-tech peptides undo what time has already wrought.
WHAT IT IS:
An anti-aging cream
WHAT IT DOES:
Brightens skin, improves texture and tone, and protects against free-radical damage
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Grape stem cells (antioxidant); Silpearls (silanol and pearl powder complex to brighten, hydrate, and improve collagen production); tourmaline crystals (increase microcirculation); peptides (increase collagen production); fern extracts (firm skin)
HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
The off-white cream is thick, but manages to feel light on the face, despite being loaded with anti-aging ingredients. The clean, green scent is refreshing.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
The price is striking, but the payoff is, too: This cream has a mighty arsenal of ingredients to battle a range of skin foes, including fine lines, dullness, and loss of elasticity. Plus, a dab goes a long way, so you won't need to replace it too often.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012 and 2011
