Last Chance! Shop Our Favorite January Beauty Goodies

Even though a makeup artist has never told me that it's more effective, I love to layer my blush. That makes Lancome's Blush and Glow Trio in Ménage à Trois Flush ($42) the perfect palette for me. The deepest shade mixed with the middle blush is ideal for my darker skin tone, and I use the lightest pastel as a highlighter. Just label me a true blush artist.

— Jessica Cruel, assistant beauty editor

You know how you always miss a spot when you put on sunblock? I have that same issue with lotion for my brutally dry skin. So, I'm avoiding the random rough patches this winter with St. Ives Lotion Spray Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter ($8), which goes on in a fine mist that helps ensure an even and total application.

— Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, fashion & beauty director

I've spent years envying Alexa Chung's effortlessly chic beauty look, but now it's even easier to try and mimic her cool-girl style. Alexa has collaborated with Eyeko on a set of eyeliner and mascara ($39) that is hitting shelves this month. Thanks to the easy flow of the inky pen, even the most artistically challenged of us (like yours truly) can create an Alexa-inspired cat eye.

— Maria Del Russo, assistant editor

Feel naked — as in stripped of sulfates, parabens, and colorants. Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo ($5) does what any dry shampoo is meant for — absorbing oil — but works as an exquisite texturizing volume spray, too. Sometimes drugstore dry shampoos can smell too powdery, but this scent could double as your perfume.

— Kirbie Johnson, beauty reporter

Egg is a well-known source of protein that you'll find in many DIY hair recipes, but Perricone MD has harnessed the egg in another way via this new antiaging moisturizer, OVM ($165). Retinols are mixed with the plumping power of the eggshell membrane — minus any stinging.

— JC

It's all about matte in 2014, and Tarte's Mattenificent Eye and Cheek Palette ($36) has everything you need to get the perfect on-trend eye look. One cheek hue, six eye colors, and two liner powders come together in some seriously gorgeous packaging — and the rosy colors will instantly warm up ashy skin. We're thinking about Spring already . . .

— MD

After spending a season wearing red, pink, and even purple lipstick, I'm ready to give bold colors a break in favor of this neutral sheen. But I know when corals and oranges take over as Spring's It colors, I can layer this lip gloss over them for a red-carpet ready effect. Shiseido Lacquer Gloss ($25)

— LL

Ren Rosa Centifolia No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm ($48) melts away makeup, cleanses, and hydrates the skin in one fell swoop — a perfect remedy for dry Winter weather. To use it, warm up the balm in your hands, apply to your skin, and wipe it away with a muslin cloth.

— KJ

It's rare to see Gwen Stefani without her signature red lipstick (in fact she even created a special hue for L'Oréal a while back). So, of course, out of all the colors in her polish collection with OPI, I'm lusting after the crimson hue. All this month I'll be wearing it Over And Over A-Gwen ($11, available in salons) — get it?

— JC

When I left for Thanksgiving without my favorite designer mascara, I was seconds from a meltdown. That was until my friend's little sister — who has gorgeous lashes — recommended Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara ($3). I was shocked she had it, as I couldn't find it anywhere. And for good reason: yes, it costs less than a sandwich, and yes, it works amazing.

— KJ

Because I've got oily skin, the thought of voluntarily slathering my face in oil seems more than a little counterintuitive. But since using Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil ($28), I am a convert. This stuff not only melts makeup away in one swipe, but it's left me with some of the softest, cleanest-feeling skin I've ever had.

— MD

I stand by my assumption that if it's French, it's usually better (think: Champagne). Recently, a new abroad brand that specializes in products for African American women came across my desk, and the Black Up CC Cream ($39) has already made my favorites list. The formula comes in five shades for darker skin, and it targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation. I feel like it's been tailor made.

— JC

My New Year's resolution is to try to embrace nail art just a little more, and Nail Rock's Foil Manicure Kit ($8) is making that resolution a little easier. All you have to do is paint on one coat of the polish and top it with the matching metallic foil. Voila! Instant 3D manicure. Zooey Deschanel, you've got some competition this year.

— MD

Things I need in life: SPF 30, my headphones, and lip color that lasts. Problem is, finding a lipstick that stays put and doesn't flake is like asking for a three-headed cat: people are going to give you major side-eye and send you on your way.

MAC's new Huggable Lip Color ($20) has a gel base, which equals smooth application and shine, but it "hugs" the lips for up to six hours of bright color. Try Commotion or Out For Passion.

— KJ

What happens when you mix oil and water? They don't mix, but they do make for an ultrahydrating skin treatment. Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk ($56) has both for a lightweight treatment that moisturizes like no other.

— JC

Nothing like hours of sitting indoors with the heat blasting to give your skin a less-than-ideal lack of lustre. A sweep of the brand-new Giorgio Armani Beauté Belladonna Highlighter Palette ($88) will change all of that. The gel-based formula is filled with micropearls that will make you look glowing.

— MLG