10 Editors on the One Beauty Product That's Made the Biggest Difference in Their Lives
For a beauty product to be called "life-changing," it must fit several criteria: you can see (or feel) the effects, you miss it when you run out or (God forbid) try something else, it brings you joy and you buy it over and over again. Our team of discerning editors assures that the following ten picks check all of those boxes—and then some.
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SiO Skinpad
"They make me feel like Wonder Woman, preparing for slumber and a night full of fighting wrinkles. Pow!"—Mary Kate McGrath, Chief Content Officer
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo
"It fills in the brows but never gives me a look that's too defined. I personally don't want my brows to scream 'brow makeup,' I just want them to look full and gorgeous. The powder makeup is effective but subtle; it creates a soft look. The two different colors are brilliant. I use the lighter one toward the inner corner of my brows and feather it out darker toward the ends."—Heath Goldman, Food Editor
Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion
"Mario Badescu products, in general, have changed my skin and my life. Specifically, the Special Cucumber Lotion has made the biggest difference. It has helped control my—ahem—adult acne without being harsh. (Who knew toners and astringents weren't supposed to burn your face?)"—Lauren Gniazdowski, Editorial Operations Director
NARS Super Orgasm Illuminator
"I have dehydrated skin, so I find that I can start the day looking fairly glowy, but throughout the day my skin gets quite dull. The illuminator is great for a little pick-me-up and it easily takes me from day to night if I have plans after work. I also think its such a clever product because it works on so many skin tones."—Nina Hearne, Executive Editor
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
"I love watching this face oil seep into my skin upon application. Summer or winter, my skin always feels brighter and more luminous, not to mention hydrated. I put it on after I wash my face before bed."—Rachel Bowie, Senior Editor, Special Projects
Vaseline
"I put it on my chapped lips all year round and use it on dry skin patches in the winter. I can fit it in my bag, it’s budget friendly and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin!"—Alexia Dellner, SEO Editor
Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix Makeup
"This somehow fits all of my most basic needs. The wand makes it easy to apply, the tube is the perfect size to fit into any of my bags (or a pocket), the range of colors allows me to have a seemingly perfect match any time of the year, and the texture—which falls somewhere between a liquid and powder concealer—makes it so easy for me to touch up and blend (easy peasy!) with my fingers. Oh, and it has SPF 20 protection!"—Corley Miller, Executive Assistant and Editorial Coordinator
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
"I was sent a bottle at my last job and I can say it's one of the few products that I've actually bought a second (and third and maybe fourth) of. It's totally evened out and brightened my skin tone and it doesn't cost a ton of money."—Rachel Gulmi, Associate Managing Editor
BareMinerals Matte Foundation
"It matches my skin perfectly and I rarely break out anymore. I’m hooked. It’s my lifesaver."—Roberta Fiorito, News Editor
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum
"As an adult woman who still suffers from acne (and the dreaded acne scars), this serum has been a savior. I hate that I love it so much because it's so expensive, but it checks all the boxes: treats existing acne, heals previous scarring, and it's all-natural. I honestly work it into my budget because it's that good."—Angela Cuneo Pares, Lifestyle Director