It's no secret that as editors, we're sent lots (and lots) of beauty products. Our collective routines are in constant flux, and even if we like a certain product we try, it rarely—if ever—stays put as a permanent fixture within our regimens. As such, product empties are somewhat of a unicorn occurrence for us. However, every so often, we do scratch the bottom of a certain jar or tube—whether it's due to irrevocable obsession or because we simply didn't find another product that was all that much better. (Some product categories seem to perpetually fall into the bucket of "meh.") Obviously, we're much more focused on the former option.
At the top of January 2023, we decided to conduct a little team-wide experiment with the prerogative to save every last one of the products we used to the last drop. From there, we'd decide which of those we'd actually buy again because they were just that impressive. Sharing is caring, so just below, you can read up on the products our editors couldn't get enough of and immediately added to their carts once they crossed the emblematic finish line. Keep scrolling!
"I went through three entire bottles of this stuff this year. It's definitely pricey, so after I ran out of it the second time, I dug into my ever-growing pile of untouched beauty products to see if there were any other vitamin C serums I could get by with instead. After trialing three (also popular and expensive) alternatives, I gave up and re-ordered my old trusted. Almost every other vitamin C product irritates my skin or causes me to break out, and I just love the glowy bounce this serum also gives my complexion. It's the oil-minimizing sister to C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF, which makes it particularly spectacular for anyone who deals with congestion like I do. I've found it to be a truly irreplaceable part of my morning skincare routine. My one tip is to really be careful about where and how you store this. It tends to oxidize rather quickly, so make sure it's somewhere dark and far away from heat and humidity." — Erin Jahns, Beauty Director
"I keep this lightweight gel cleanser in my shower for post-workout face washing because it leaves my skin with a clean but not dry feeling. I also love the easy pump application. Ten out of 10." — Michaela Bushkin, Fashion Director, Branded Content
"I will always wear sunscreen no matter what, but I was so done with thick, goopy formulas that left unsightly white casts. Now, I'm proud to say that I finally found the perfect mineral sunscreen. It's a liquid formula, so it blends into my skin seamlessly and imparts this radiance that makes it look like I put on a glowy serum. This is one of those products that your future self will thank you for using every day. I've gone through a few bottles, and I think it's worth every penny." — Emma Walsh, Associate Beauty Editor, Branded Content
"When I find an affordable beauty product that actually works, I tell the world. I've converted so many of my friends to this vitamin C serum by InnBeauty, and I'm not done yet. I've gone through bottle after bottle and am never disappointed! In fact, when I try something different, my skin always goes back to wanting this." — Anneliese Dominguez, Senior Editor, Branded Content
"You could say that I'm picky about eye cream, but that would be an understatement. I typically dislike almost every eye cream I try, unfortunately, so it's rare that I make it through an entire one. U Beauty's eye cream, however, is my new holy-grail eye cream. It goes on smoothly and blends into skin perfectly, it works wonders against dark circles and puffiness, and it wears beautifully under makeup. It works so well, in fact, that I can tell the difference now that I've emptied the bottle. (My dark circles and puffy under-eyes are, unfortunately, very prominent once again.)" — Katie Berohn, Beauty Editor
"This is my all-time favorite hair mask, and I don't say that lightly. As someone with color-treated hair, I've tried more hair masks than I can count. This one delivers actual results. It moisturizes, smoothes, softens, and boosts shine. It's become such a staple in my shower that I get stressed whenever I get to the bottom of the jar." — Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor
"I can't remember the last time I used a moisturizer as luxurious as this. I noticed a difference in my complexion even after using it for less than a week. It's formulated with lipids and ceramides to help repair a weakened skin barrier. The texture is indulgently thick and what I would call 'heaven.' It's a heavier formula (it feels like whipped mashed potatoes, TBH) and perfect for someone with dry, rosy cheeks like I have. A little goes a long way, but the richness doesn't weigh skin down or feel greasy at all." — Caitie Schlisserman, Group Executive Director, Branded Content and Beauty
"I don't know what it is about this setting powder, but no matter how many dupes they put on the market, it will always reign supreme. It helps lock in my concealer, brightening the areas of my face that I'd like it to, and it helps me avoid any shiny moments in photos." — Sierra Mayhew, Associate Fashion Editor
"This sunscreen was released about a year ago, and I am a fan for life. It not only provides great sun protection but also doubles as a primer-like moisturizer that has been a game-changer for my makeup routine. My foundation and concealer have never gone over a sunscreen so seamlessly. I swear it has also improved the texture of my skin and hasn't made me break out, which is a major plus since I'm acne prone. I highly recommend this SPF moisturizer, to say the least." — Jennifer Camp Forbes, Shopping Updates Editor
"IS Clinical's Pro-Heal Advance Plus Serum is one of my favorite vitamin C formulas on the market. The formula may be simple, but never doubt its effectiveness! It really helps speed up the recovery time after a breakout by healing inflammation and lightening dark spots at a rapid pace." — Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
"My love affair with Salt & Stone's line of body washes began a year ago with the Bergamot and Eucalyptus body wash. Since that particular fragrance has been retired, I started using Bergamot and Hinoki and have been pleasantly surprised by how long the scent lingers on my skin after the shower. It also pairs very well with a number of my favorite perfumes because most of them have bergamot as a base note." — Maya Thomas, Assistant Beauty Editor
"Tinted brow gel is an everyday product for me, so I've tested many brands over the years. After I tried KS&Co, I knew I would never need to try another. It's sheer unlike most tinted formulas on the market, so it looks way more natural while still making an impact. The creator has described it as 'sheer tights for your eyebrows,' and as someone who has touched the brows of many A-list celebrities, she knows what she's talking about. It adds a veil of color and simply enhances what you've got without hiding your naturally gorgeous brows." — Kat Collings, Editor in Chief
"In my eyes, no other lip mask exists on the market. I quite literally wear it all day and all night, seven days of the week. (So yeah, it's no wonder I went through about eight of these this year!) This mask truly nourishes and hydrates my lips so they never end up feeling dry and chapped, and the plumping effect is subtle yet noticeable. I wake up to pillowy, soft lips in the morning after I've applied it as an overnight treatment, but I also love to use it to prep my lips before makeup and as a topper for extra shine and plumpness. Lots of other masks feel way too heavy and sticky, and many even make me break out around my lips if they contain pore-clogging ingredients like coconut oil. Not this one! Also, the colors are ultra sheer, so you really don't have to worry about too much pigment if you opt for the Juicy Watermelon or Cherry Vanilla." — Jahns
"I love an exfoliating peel pad and have become completely obsessed with these. Each pad is formulated with a gentle blend of active exfoliants, skin nutrients, and a stem cell complex, all of which help make skin smoother and healthier. I use them every other night (alternating with my U Beauty Resurfacing Compound, $148), and my skin has never been happier." — Schlisserman
"This is the second year in a row that I've finished this lactic acid treatment. I've seen such a difference in my skin texture from using this product—it's absolutely worth the hype (and price tag)." — Bushkin
"I've tried countless concealers over the years, but none have impressed me quite like this one. I find that it's full-coverage enough to conceal my under-eye circles and any breakouts but still looks so natural and blends into the skin like a dream. It makes sense since it has skincare ingredients including hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica. For only $22, it's beyond worth it." — Walsh
"Not only did I go through four normal sizes of this moisturizer this year, but I have gone through all of the mini sizes for travel as well! It truly is the best. It's hydrating, plumping, and just divine." — Dominguez
"What can I say about a brand that just delivers hit after hit? I love everything I've tried from Dieux, and its Deliverance serum is no exception. I'm actually not a serum person at all—I typically just go straight to moisturizer—but Deliverance is in another realm. It works wonders against fine lines and any textural issues, and I was so sad when I ran out." — Berohn
"Everyone gets so excited about the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, but ever since I discovered the Phloretin CF, it's taken precedence for me. It has similar features since it's also vitamin C–based, but the ferulic acid and phloretin make it even more brightening, perfect for darker skin and sun spots." — Mayhew
"Another hair product I can't do without, this oil not only smells divine but also smooths, strengthens, and prevents split ends. I've been using it pretty religiously all year long whenever my strands feel particularly parched in between shampooing. I think it's a big reason my hairstylist complimented me on the health of my hair." — McLintock
"I have been loyal to this mascara ever since it was released and share my praise to anyone who cares to listen. It's a clean formula that doesn't clump or flake, and it leaves my lashes looking longer and fuller without it feeling over the top." — Camp Forbes
"This is my go-to cleanser for days my skin is feeling extra dehydrated or sensitive. Sometimes, using a cleanser with active ingredients such as salicylic acid can be too much for my skin. This cleansing serum brings back some much-needed hydration and even helps calm inflammation. I love the serum-like texture of it (but don't worry—it also foams up nicely), and it even gives your skin an incredible glow." — Hudson
"This is a new addition to my skincare routine, but I love it so much I've gone through at least two of these since this summer. It uses all-natural salicylic acid, niacinamide, and grape seed polyphenols to visibly improve the tone and texture of my skin in minutes while minimizing the appearance of pores. It also does an amazing job of combating blemishes and dry patches. And it smells amazing!" — Thomas
"This natural deodorant is beloved by many fashion people, and for good reason. It simply works to prevent any underarm odor and sweat. I've been using it for years now and even trusted it on my wedding day in 90-degree heat. I recently tried another deodorant I had on hand when I ran out of this one, and by the end of the day, my armpits were, frankly, a bit stinky. I was reminded of how it's such a bummer to have your deodorant fail you, especially when you're wearing your favorite non-machine-washable tops and dresses. The experience was enough to start a subscription delivery of Real Purity so I never run out again!" — Collings
"I know everyone is sick of me talking about my obsession with this eye cream. But, truly, no better formula exists in my eyes! It's the only eye cream I'll use under my concealer, and it hydrates, plumps, and smooths like a dream. I can't stand eye creams that are too thick and creamy, so I appreciate that this one has a soothing, lightweight, gel-like consistency. Plus, it's a fraction of the prices of so many other over-hyped eye creams I've tried." — Jahns
"What initially drew me into trying this out was the hero ingredient malassezin. It's a naturally occurring molecule found on the skin that's 10 times more powerful than vitamin C and can dramatically reduce dark spots and sun damage. Pair that with alpine rose extract and niacinamide to help improve elasticity, reduce redness, and even skin tone, and you've got yourself a cocktail of powerful anti-aging ingredients. I've been using it for months now and can't imagine my skincare routine without it. It has seriously improved my redness and gives my skin that natural, lit-from-within glow. I'm almost done with my second bottle and will be getting another ASAP." — Schlisserman
"I've finally been convinced to stop using makeup remover wipes and convert to cleansing balms. So far, I've tried three, but this one from Farmacy is the only one I've finished and repurchased. I love the smell and the fact that I don't need to use a ton of it to get the job done." — Bushkin
"It was love at first swipe with this peptide lip treatment. I've tried practically every popular lip balm, and this is the one I keep coming back to. I love the Rhode vanilla flavor—it tastes like a sweet vanilla cupcake. It also gives the perfect amount of hydration and shine that lasts for hours, so I glaze my lips with it every day." — Walsh
"Old faithful! Thank goodness for the refill size!" — Dominguez
"This hair serum is so good that I wrote an entire rave review about it. I have extremely thick, wavy to curly hair that's prone to frizziness and dryness. I put this on right when I get out of the shower, and the results are transformational. If I don't use it, you can tell—my hair falls flat and looks dull. When I do use it, I swear my hair looks like something out of a shampoo commercial." — Berohn
"This cleanser is so good that I get excited to wash my face in the morning. It contains vitamin C–rich goji berry and acai, so it keeps my skin bright and discoloration at bay, and it pairs well with my daily SPF to protect my skin from environmental aggressors. Aside from all the skin benefits, it smells bright and zesty thanks to a blend of citrus oils. The smell alone is enough to bring me out of my groggy morning state." — McLintock
"I go through body lotion like water, so I try out several per year, and this one was my absolute favorite this time around. The smell was incredible—it was so hydrating and went on like butter. I've never gone through a body lotion faster." — Mayhew
"Just like all things Ouai, this hair oil smells so damn good—I get complimented often for the scent. I comb a small amount through my freshly washed hair with attention to the ends, which helps with frizz and shine. This is my third round of the hair oil, and I am about to start my fourth." — Camp Forbes
"I never really thought I needed a retinol for my body until I tried this formula from Nécessaire. It's so gentle and helps with all the things—body breakouts, dark spots, texture, and skin firmness. I recently got a body-planing treatment done, and the practitioner asked what I use at home because my skin was already so smooth! I definitely have this product to thank for that." — Hudson
"I got hooked on this antioxidant-rich toning mist at the tail end of the pandemic when I was changing my skincare routine to meet the needs of my new skin type. (In a matter of months, my skin changed from combination to dry.) The Balancing Mist uses a formula with three of my favorite ingredients to smooth, nourish, and brighten the skin: aloe leaf juice, rose water, and glycerin. It's the perfect way to start and end each day." — Thomas
"I swear this serum made me age backward. Augustinus Bader's products have a cult following in the beauty and fashion world, and now I'm hooked too. I'm in my mid-30s, and after regular use, my skin felt noticeably more hydrated and plump, like my fine lines were less deeply etched. Since the brand's patented TFC8 technology is made up of over 40 ingredients inspired by stem cell research, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised the product was so effective, but I am nonetheless delighted!" — Collings
