These Are the Best Beauty Products of 2018, According to Our Editors

"I am a very lazy human by nature, which means I do next to nothing in treating the sporadic pimples that pop up on my face every now and again. That said, the Peace Out Acne Healing Dots ($19) — a fancier version of your standard hydrocolloid bandage — require practically zero effort: all you do is gently prick your whitehead, slap one on, and fall asleep. By the time you peel it off in the morning, your blemish will be (at least by my scientific evaluation) 95 percent smaller. Not even the laziest person can argue with that." — Kelsey Castañon, senior beauty editor

"Once you go Fenty, you don't go back. 'Tis true. Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner ($20) is the perfect liquid liner; I know the gravity of my words, and I mean them. As if the product inside the package wasn't already fantastic, the way the pen is shaped is really what made me a devoted fan. Its triangular shape fits between your fingers so nicely, it's second nature picking it up. Plus, the shade 'Cuz I'm Black' is insanely pigmented and totally fluid." — Kirbie Johnson, host and senior reporter, Beauty

"I've always believed hairspray is just hairspray. It holds a style; maybe it smells good. Then, the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Body Builder ($29) hairspray came along and changed all that. It has a nozzle you twist to dial up or dial down the amount of body you want to add to your hair — and it really works. You can choose to lock in a sleek style with minimal volume, or you can add a ton of texture to waves. It's so much more than just a hairspray." — Dawn Davis, senior editorial director, Makeup.com

"They say you always remember your first, and the first big mascara launch of the year was Benefit Cosmetics Bad Gal Bang ($25). I had a chance to test it out a few months ahead of time, and I fell in love with how it lengthened and volumized my lashes — people would stop me on the street to ask if I had lash extensions. That's major, imho. The formula is wetter than most, and I'm not usually a fan of silicone or rubber brushes, but this particular mascara coats each lash so perfectly. It adds that extra layer of 'oomph' to my look." — KJ

"Diptyque Fleur de Peau Eau de Parfum ($165) smells like a fresh shirt and confidence, and it's been my go-to fragrance this year. and the bottle looks beautiful on my bedside table. And if you have struggle committing to a scent, Diptyque fragrances come with a sample size tester so you can try before you open the full bottle, so if you don't like it you can return the unopened bottle." — Tori Crowther, assistant editor, UK

"Hands down my absolute favorite launch of 2018. When Dyson announced it was having a big event, nobody was sure what was going to transpire. The brand surprised us with a massive launch — the Airwrap ($550) — and my hair has not been the same since. There's no use in trying to hold back because the innovation of this product alone puts it light years ahead of every other hair product on the market. It doesn't just dry your hair; it doesn't just style it. It infuses volume and smoothness to the hair, similar to if you were headed to Drybar for a professional blowout. I have not received so many compliments on my hair before (sadly), and knowing I did it myself gives me a bit of pride, if I'm being honest. It's an investment (as we like to call expensive products), but the Complete option comes with seven styling pieces plus a hairdryer attachment, making it well worth it." — KJ

"Even though I have dozens of serums in my medicine cabinet, I've never found one that combines all my wishlist ingredients. . . until now. With the Skinceuticals Custom D.O.S.E. Serum ($195), a custom serum from Skinceuticals, I was able to work with my derm to create my dream formula (think retinol and hyaluronic acid and brightening ingredients). While it's pricey, and you can only get it in a doctor's office, customized skin care is a huge trend right now, and I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a lot more of this serum soon." — DD

"Annie Lawless is a successful entrepreneur who set out to create a makeup line that was equal parts glam, clean, and pretty to look at. She succeeded. This year, the brand turned one, and one of the launches that stole my heart was the Woke Up Like This Foundation ($46). This year was chock-full of foundation launches, but I keep going back to this one in particular because I like how it's full coverage but doesn't feel like full coverage. It's not cakey, and it's suitable for dry, combination, and sensitive skin types because it doesn't include silicone, fragrance, or parabens. If you're not a full-coverage person, you can sheer it out beautifully with a sponge. I feel good wearing it and know I'm not jeopardizing my skin with a full-coverage foundation, either." — KJ

"Whenever my skin starts to feel congested — like those times I sleep with my makeup on — I sweep on Tata Harper Clarifying Mask ($68). It uses micronized quartz and AHA's slough off any excess dirt and debris, leaving my skin incredibly soft. An added bonus: the snaps of me pretending to be Shrek that I send to the guy I'm dating." — Jesa Marie Calaor, assistant beauty editor

"Isle of Paradise Dark Self Tanning Mousse ($29) never fails me and as a self-tan enthusiast, I'm so pleased I've found my tan. The Isle of Paradise brand ethos is incredible and the products are just as good. The colour corrector in the tan ensures a deep tan without an unwanted orange hue. I'll continue to buy bottle of bottle of this stuff year round." — TC

"Nothing feels like a warm hug for your face quite like using a rich, hydrating face cream in Winter. That's how I would describe my first time trying the peptide-packed Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($68) last January — it was highly moisturizing, yet never greasy, and left my skin feeling dewy and fresh despite the freezing cold temperatures outside. The only difference is that, unlike other creams, I continued using it all year, even as the seasons changed. It's that good." — KC

"Yes, another mascara from me. What can I say? I really lean in to my favorite products. Hourglass launched Caution Extreme Lash Mascara ($29) this year, and it's the mascara I've found I end up wearing day to day. It's an all-in-one mascara, so it lengthens, volumizes, and lifts, and I never worry about flaking with it, either. As a bristle-brush stan, I love how it's shaped like a Christmas tree so I can get those inner corners and stubborn baby lashes while volumizing the middle lashes without looking clumpy." — KJ

"OK, I'm guilty. Before taking this job, I had never tried a single product from Beauty by POPSUGAR's lineup of 82. Huge. Opportunity. Missed. The Eye Sorbet ($15) should have been in my makeup bag all along — not only is it available in a sparkly pink color that yields a surprisingly bold pigment payoff, but it also comes with a spoon so you can scoop it like ice cream. If there were a squealing emoji, I'd insert it here." — Kelsey Castañon, senior editor, Beauty

"After hormonal breakouts took a hold of my usually clear skin, Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster ($21) truly came to my rescue. Applying this on the affected area will rid my face of spots without scarring and disrupting my sensitive skin." — TC

"My deep under eye circles need a serious tone-corrector in addition to concealer. All the layers of product can start to look cake-y, which is why I'm obsessed with the thin consistency of Kaja Cat Nap Under Eye Brightener ($19). It's got a peach-tone that completely knocks out my near black and blue colored eyes and makes me look well-rested (even though I never am)." — Sarah Siegel, assistant beauty editor

"On Instagram, I'm the queen of 'eye creams are a sham!' propaganda. I know that using eye creams over time as a preventative measure is important, but I'm tired of brands' excessive claims when it comes to eye creams in particular. Kiehl's Youth Dose Eye Treatment ($39) thrilled me for a few reasons: It includes retinol, which I typically keep away from my eye area but know is great for fine lines and aging with grace. The vitamin C brightens, the grapeseed extract keeps my eyes looking fresh and hydrated, and the consistency of it feels similar to a primer — which entices me to wear it both day and night. (Underneath sunscreen in the a.m., of course.)" — KJ

"Having held the (somewhat uneducated) opinion that eyelash serums were a scam and a waste of money, I was well and truly proven wrong after trying Hairburst Lash and Brow Serum ($44), (here's the proof), and although this isn't a *new* product this year, there was a reformulation and a change in the brush making it easier than ever to get the healthiest lashes yet." — TC

"When the lip powder trend emerged, I was intrigued, but not necessarily sold: why put a dry powder on my lips to accentuate every line and crevice? Urban Decay touted its Lo-Fi Lip Mousse ($22), and I understood the hype. The whipped consistency is perfect when applying with your finger, depositing a gorgeous stain of color without any flakes or cracks. That same consistency makes it feel virtually weightless, too. I tell people if they want to try a bold shade but are worried about upkeep, go with LoFi — it's a fail-proof way to rock a head-turning lip." — KJ

"Thanks to the Olay Pore Detox Black Charcoal Mask Stick ($14), taking care of my skin has never been more convenient. This is a mask you can apply straight from the packaging, making them portable and mess-free. They also don't dry down completely, meaning you'll never get ugly flakes all over your couch and are perfect for secretly masking in the bathroom of your new significant other's apartment." — SS

"You're probably thinking, 'How can you choose three mascaras for your "Best Of" picks?' It's hard choosing because I love a full mascara wardrobe. I also love when a brand is clever, and throughout the entire CBD oil craze, I was not pitched one mascara — except for Kush High Volume ($24). (How playful is that name, too?) The CBD oil coats and moisturizes the lashes, and if you're looking for mega volume, this is the product you've been missing. The applicator makes it so that it doesn't oversaturate your lashes with product, which keeps them feeling light and fluffy. Pass the mascara and get ready to take your lashes to new heights. (Sorry, I had to.)" — KJ

"To say my skin has been hurting is an understatement. Between the quick shift to wintery weather in New York and the pre-existing dryness of my cheeks, I'd been in search for masks, moisturizers, serums — basically anything — that can calm the irritated areas of my face. Tatcha The Indigo Cream Soothing Skin Protectant ($85) is the one cream that has been emollient enough to do that for me with long-lasting results. Immediately after applying the buttery cream, my skin feels soothed, and looks less red. My skin doesn't just absorb it either — it will actually stay hydrated all day (until I apply it again)." — JC

"PRETTY SHINY THINGS! This baby popped up on my desk a few weeks back, and I noticed how small the packaging was, but let me tell you: it's mighty. Make Up For Ever Star Lit Diamond Powder ($26) is so gorgeous, you'll want to bathe in it. And you can — it's for your face and body! I love putting it on my eyes, on top of lipstick, and using it as a highlight. It's an ultrafine sparkling powder that will have you shining bright like a diamond. It's super blendable, so you can sheer it out or glow for the gods. Plus, a little goes a long way." — KJ

"Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pops in Supersonic Girl ($53) is another boomerang worthy product. CT isn't lying with the name — it feels luxurious and it truly gives a pop of color. This eye shadow is going to be on every millimeter of my eyelids all Christmas long." — TC

"If you want smaller-looking pores and a product that works just as well as, if not better than, your makeup primer, grab a bottle of Dr. Brandt Pores No More Mattifying Hydrator ($48). I talk about this product so much that people have asked if I work for the brand. It really is THAT moisturizer. As someone with combination skin, I worried that this would dry me out, but it doesn't. It keeps my skin feeling moisturized without excess oil, and I notice that my skin looks virtually poreless after I use it. It truly lives up to the name." — KJ