The Year in Beauty: The Best Products, Tools, and Treatments, According to Cosmo Editors

“Dolphin skin is a reality with these ultra-glowy foundation drops that give my skin a sheen without feeling heavy. Plus, they’re packed with Augustinus Bader’s proprietary blend of anti-aging peptides.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

“This liquid blush leaves my face with the perfect rosy flush. It’s sheer and lightweight, so it leaves behind a natural your-cheeks-but-better glow, and it’s also buildable so you can go for a more opaque, full glam finish. I just tap it on with my fingers, and the dewy pigment blends out so seamlessly.”
—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

“I’m a bronzer girl through and through (I’m from the Jersey Shore, okay?) and YSL’s checks the two most important boxes: It makes skin glow (but not appear shimmery or shiny), and there’s zero orange undertones. I use a fluffy brush to sweep it all over my face for a long-lasting sun-kissed look.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

“I am all bought in on the Rhode hype and have at least one of these liners on me at all times. They are hydrating, come in a mix of neutral shades, and easily smudge out for a soft finish.” —BG

“Out of all the mascaras I’ve tried lately, this gets me the most compliments. I love the brown primer—it truly helps prep my lashes for the mascara itself, and I love that it’s not white. My lashes definitely look much fuller and longer when I use them together.”
—JAYNE LEMIRE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

“I’ve gone through three bottles of this in the last year; it’s that good. Unlike many gentle face washes that don’t feel like they get your face clean, this throughly removes makeup and SPF without stressing out my reactive skin.” —LB

“This is one of the sheerest, most lightweight mineral sunscreens I’ve ever put on my face. The fluid-like texture is so easy to blend and it gives a level of protection that’s ideal for outdoor workouts and beach days.” —LB

“I’m genuinely addicted to this. It’s gotten me through winter and multiple trips to hot climates because it truly helps my skin recover from exposure to extremes. I’ve been reaching for it over and over again.”
—SAMANTHA ADLER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

“If you have used over-the-counter retinols but haven’t had much luck, you need to try this. It is really powerful and visibly smoothed my texture, lightened some stubborn dark spots, and really improved the appearance of my pores after three months of testing.” —SARAH NG, VIDEO EDITOR

“I look forward to my morning skincare routine because I get to use these brightening pads. They have a unique pocket design for your fingers that’s ergonomic and enjoyable to swipe all over my face.” —BG

“Herbivore revamped their bodycare collection last year and I’ve been hooked ever since. The ingredients, packaging, and formulas are so thoughtful, especially this body polish that brightens, smooths, and moisturizes while exuding beach vacay vibes.” —LB

“This is super easy to spread across my skin, and it absorbs almost immediately. In fact, it leaves no noticeable residue beyond making my skin feel plump and hydrated. I only need about six pumps for my entire body, so I feel like this bottle will last quite some time.” —JL

“A day in the sun isn’t complete without two things: SPF and glowy skin. Thankfully, this mist does both, making me look like a gilded goddess while protecting my skin. And it smells like a tropical vacation (even when I’m just at the park in Brooklyn, lol).”
—BG

“I am a sucker for a rich body lotion but despise waiting for anything to sink in. Turns out, the best option in that case is a body butter like this: It is extremely hydrating and thick but immediately sinks in upon massaging.” —BG

“If you want to elevate your shower, do yourself a favor
and invest in this luxe body wash. It comes in a bunch of amazing scents, lathers really nicely, and keeps skin noticeably moisturized.”
—JH

“Like an insurance policy for my monthly dye job, this duo helps prevent premature fading and brassiness so my hair color stays vibrant and my hair strands nice and shiny between salon appointments.”
—LB

“This is the difference between struggling through detangling and actually enjoying it. It softens instantly, adds major slip, and makes my hair feel smoother, stronger, and ready for whatever style I’m doing. Worth every penny.” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

“I was pleasantly surprised at how well this worked for me. The formula isn’t sticky at all, yet it smooths all the flyaways and locks everything down in one swipe, giving me that glossy finish. It’s so easy to use with no residue or flakes left behind.” —MEGAN UY, SHOPPING EDITOR

“This does it all: smooths, adds shine, protects from heat, and provides soft, flexible hold. No matter the style I’m going for, this is the first product I use on damp hair post-wash.” —LB

“I struggled to extend time between wash days until I discovered this dry shampoo. It absorbs oil without making my hair stringy and is housed in a chic refillable jar alongside a brush for precise application.” —JH

“This chai-inspired perfume combines spicy, woody, and milky notes for a long-lasting spritz that creates a gorgeously smokey, slightly sweet warmth that lingers on skin for hours.” —JH

“I wore this perfume at the Grammys (brag) and so many people told me I smelled good. ‘Fruity and fresh but like the expensive fruit rich people buy,’ someone said. Makes sense!”
—BG

“Tom Ford strikes again with this sensual fragrance that’s equal parts juicy, inviting, and soft. The dark-purple bottle embodies the moody vibe of the juice inside. It’s been my go-to when I want to be the best-smelling person in the room.” —JH

“French Exit feels so light, feminine, and elegant. It’s very elevated, like an upgraded take on a classic tuberose scent.”
—KHADIJA HORTON, SENIOR DESIGNER

“Not only are these pocket-sized perfume balms adorable, they also pack a fragrant punch, keeping me smelling like a tropical vacay anytime, anywhere. I keep one in every single purse and a few stashed in my carry-on. (Yep, I refuse to travel without them.)”
—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR

“This is a very reliable and extremely affordable base coat. It’s a super-straightforward workhorse formula that dries pretty quickly and does a great job at setting up a manicure for success.” —JL

“I absolutely love finishing my manis off with this top coat. The brush is easy to hold and applies an ideal amount of product evenly with very few strokes. Plus, it leaves my nails super shiny and dries quickly.”
—JL

“Nope, you don’t have to spend $$$ at the salon for builder gel (aka hard gel that lasts longer and helps your nails grow underneath). This kit makes it so easy to DIY and includes all the instructions for a mani that’s completely salon-worthy.” —BG

“Like a blurring filter for your nails, this ultra-sheer polish smooths ridges and strengthens against breakage for a healthier nails the more you wear it.” —LB

“The vibe of this long-lasting polish is a salon-quality, gel-like manicure that doesn’t require getting off your couch (or compromising the health of your nails).” —JW

“I love everything about this creme—it is smooth and rich and absorbs relatively quickly so you can use it as either a day or night cream. It leaves my skin feeling moisturized no matter the climate. Plus, it layers perfectly with makeup.”
—SASCHA DE GERSDORFF, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

“The thought of being without one of these tinted lip balms (I love the Dragonfruit and Pink Grapefruit shades) honestly scares me, so I keep them everywhere (desk, car, vanity, you name it). I’ve been wearing them nonstop.” —LB

“Sweeping this on my cheeks creates a soft watercolor blush effect that instantly wakes up my complexion. The powder formula is super pigmented but not so much so that it’s hard to use or blend out.” —LB

“This foolproof shadow elevates any eye look. It comes in a bunch of neutral shades that have a subtle sheen. And it couldn’t be easier to use—I just swipe the cream formula on with my fingers and then quickly blend.” —JH

“I could see a difference in my hair after using this one time—something that rarely happens when trying a new product. My strands were so soft and silky and felt so healthy.”
—ANDIE FOWLER, SENIOR CONTENT STRATEGY MANAGER