When it comes to beauty products [1], there's not much "playing the field" for you — once you've found the formula of your dreams, you might as well join its loyalty rewards program. Two words: been there.
Of the most iconic beauty products [2] of all time, there are some tried-and-true items that have skyrocketed to cult status in our editors' eyes, too. From a tinted lip balm that had us hooked at first swipe to body makeup that existed before a certain TV personality said it was "a thing," we're awarding a few of our favourite OGs to add to your arsenal — because "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" isn't a catch phrase for nothing.
Don't forget to read up on the rest of our 2019 Power Your Pretty Awards winners [3] – a curated list of beauty products tested by editors, chosen for YOU.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50
IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima once told us it took nearly 200 tries to get the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50 [4] ($39) just right, but we'd say the results were well worth the wait. Since its launch in 2013, the product has catapulted to the No. 1 spot for face makeup on both Sephora and Ulta's websites, and boasts nearly 15K reviews across both sites. We Jane Austen-level love it for its sun protection (the highest SPF we've seen in a medium to full-coverage face product) and how it manages to cover up redness better than a coat of Behr paint — without feeling like you're wearing anything at all.
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum
No, making a lifelong commitment in a room full of 100 of your parents' friends is not required to achieve that newly-in-love glow. So, unless you can think of a better partner to your skin than the blend of lactic, glycolic, citric, fruit, and hyaluronic acids, you can go ahead and say your vows to the Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum [5] ($58) — and you'll be glowing till death does you part.
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup
Before Kim Kardashian-West became the unofficial face of body makeup [6] as we know it today, she used Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup [7] ($9), the patron saint. We can see why: the cult formula blends in easily, won't rub off until you want it to, covers small imperfections and veins, and delivers an even spray with zero streaks. To date, we've yet to find a formula that can keep up.
Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Sweet Tinted Lip Balm
We promise we're not just biased: the Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Sweet Tinted Lip Balm [8] ($20) is really damn good (it even won a CEW Award this year). Why? Like a slice of birthday cake, it leaves lips feeling buttery smooth. It sweeps on to create a subtle wash of colour and a shield of protection from the sun with its SPF of 15. "From its soft pink to its juicy fuchsia, it is ultraflattering and perfect for everyday wear," one editor said. We agree, and can't help but want to constantly indulge in it.
Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant
Cleanser, meet exfoliator: the dual-purpose Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant [9] ($40, originally $48) has been a staple for natural beauty enthusiasts for years for good reason; it clears up skin faster than a power-washed plate. Shake out a dollop of the powder like a salt shaker into palms, add a splash of water, then massage in circular motions, and voila — instant glow.
Don't forget to read up on the rest of our 2019 Power Your Pretty Awards winners [10] – a curated list of beauty products tested by editors, chosen for YOU.