(Photo: David Cook)La Prairie Cellular Lip Renewal Concentrate, $105.
This orange-scented cream makes lips plusher and naturally pinker, and you don't need much (our tube lasted a year).
WHAT IT IS:
A reparative anti-aging lip treatment
WHAT IT DOES:
Gently exfoliates and hydrates the lips
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Shea butter, beeswax, raspberry seed oil, sesame seed oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and aloe (hydrate); retinyl palmitate and tridecyl salicylate (exfoliate)
HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
It's a rich, milky white serum with a light citrus scent.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
This creamy balm goes on shiny and wet, with a tingling sensation that signals it's working. And you only need a tiny drop to make lips softer and naturally pinker, so the pricey bottle should last for over a year.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012
(Photo: David Cook)Leonor Greyl Shampooing Reviviscence, $65 for 7 oz.
A riot of oils absolutely spoil hair.
WHAT IT IS:
A repairing shampoo for severely damaged hair
WHAT IT DOES:
Reconditions and repairs damaged hair to restore strength, manageability, softness, and shine
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Barley protein, seaweed extract, hydrolyzed silk, bamboo extract, and amaranth (condition and strengthen)
HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
The transparent formula works into a rich white lather with a jasmine-floral scent.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
This transformative shampoo justifies its price tag by bringing brittle hair back to life with just one wash.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012
(Photo: David Cook)Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil, $150.
A drop of this jasmine-scented oil makes skin gleam—we also dab it on our wrists.
WHAT IT IS:
A moisturizing facial oil
WHAT IT DOES:
Hydrates skin and gives it a dewy sheen
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Eleven essential oils (moisturizers)
HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
The yellow oil feels slick to the touch and smells like rose perfume; it comes in a clear bottle with a dropper attached to the cap.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
It's a staple of many top pros. Makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen uses it "to take makeup off, to moisturize, as a massage oil. I'll even add a couple drops to my clients' foundation if I want a dewy finish. It's marvelous how fast it sinks in." Rub on a tiny drop or two (any more leaves behind a greasy residue) on cheekbones and under eyes for a beautiful, fresh glow.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012
(Photo: David Cook)Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 PA++, $129.
Potent idebenone makes this fast-absorbing sunscreen a powerhouse.
WHAT IT IS:
An anti-aging facial moisturizer for day
WHAT IT DOES:
Hydrates skin while protecting it from sun damage and premature aging
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Idebenone (antioxidant); octinoxate, benzophenone-3, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and avobenzone (sunscreens)
HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
The peachy lotion is superlightweight and has a fruity scent.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Packed with broad-spectrum sunscreen and the potent antioxidant idebenone, this Best of Beauty winner is serious defense against sun damage—without feeling like cake frosting. Test it on a small patch of skin first, though, because some people can be sensitive to this antioxidant.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012, 2011, and 2010
(Photo: David Cook)Sachajuan Volume Powder, $32.
Misting at the roots makes blowouts bouncier—even on the third day.
WHAT IT IS:
A dry shampoo
WHAT IT DOES:
Soaks up oil while adding volume
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Starches (absorb oil and volumize)
HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS:
The powder in this aerosol spray smells, well, powdery.
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Like an oil-blotting sheet for hair, it degreases in a flash. It even serves as a volumizer for fine hair. (Keep in mind that you need to shake the can until you hear the ball rattle inside before spraying—otherwise it comes out too powdery.)
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012
(Photo: David Cook)Clarisonic Aria, $199.
This oscillating brush leaves skin extravagantly soft—and ready to lap up anti-agers.
WHAT IT IS:
An electric facial cleansing brush
HOW IT LOOKS/FEELS:
The three-speed brush has a simple, clean design and sits neatly in a charging dock when not in use; the soft bristles won't irritate skin (it comes with a sensitive brush head).
WHY WE LIKE IT:
Recommended by an army of dermatologists, the oscillating brush gets skin significantly cleaner than old-fashioned washing, helping clear up acne, even out skin tone, and transform dull skin. After a couple weeks of use, we had radiant, glowing skin.
AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2012
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