I Try Hundreds of Beauty Products Every Year — These Are the 8 Best I've Found In the Last 12 Months

I have what may be considered a sliiiight problem when it comes to beauty products. Namely, that I like to try new ones. A lot. I mean, A LOT. As a beauty writer, I try hundreds of beauty products every year — and, yes, I'm being serious. My neighbors kind of can't believe the amount of packages showing up at my door every day. (This isn't a #humblebrag, I swear.) And while many of those products are good, only a few are truly GREAT. We're talking epic, can't live without them, don't know how my beauty routine survived before them kind of products. Not all of the ones in this list are new, but they are new to me. Keep reading for the 8 best beauty products I've tried in the past 12 months.

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Barrier Recovery Cream
Every time winter rolls around, my skin basically becomes the Sahara. This year has been worse than ever, thanks to yoyo-ing temperatures, trips to even colder climates like Boston and Cleveland, and bad air in Los Angeles from the wildfires. This barrier cream has been a lifesaver for me — no surprise, since it's called SOS! The thick, rich cream is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to deliver tons of moisture and help plump the skin, and it sinks right in without feeling greasy or heavy. Not too shabby for a barrier cream, I gotta say. I use it every day, and ever since, my skin has remained flake-free, super dewy, and glowing.
$24 at sephora.com

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
I have pretty long lashes to begin with, so the best thing a mascara can do for me is make them so long, they hit my glasses. Well, mission accomplished, thanks to this unassuming little tube. I actually first discovered it while I was writing a piece for InStyle about the most popular mascaras on Reddit, and I influenced myself to buy it. My lashes are longer, curlier, and thicker in a single swipe, without any clumping, smudging, or flaking. Who needs false lashes when there's a mascara this good?!
$13 at amazon.com

OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub
Truth be told, I don't really use body scrubs very often. No matter which ones I buy and try, I just can't seem to find one I HAVE to have in my arsenal. Until this sweet-smelling one, that is. While I originally bought it to try and reduce scalp flaking, I've actually found that I use it way more often for my flaky, ashy legs! A dime-sized amount on each leg instantly creates soft, smooth, nourished shine, even when they've been crying out for help a moment before.
$40 at sephora.com

 

L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd be using a skin tint or a tinted moisturizer. But, well, here we are. I've been raving about this miracle product to anyone who will listen, whether they want to or not, because it's JUST. THAT. GOOD. I love the lightest shade, 901 Fair, since my skin tone is pretty Casper-like. A few swipes across my cheeks, forehead and chin leave me glowing with a capital GLOWING. I am obsessed. Obsessed, I tell you. I even like to use a little of it under my eyes as concealer, and I swear my raccoon-like dark circles instantly disappear. Do yourself a favor and buy it right now.
$17 at amazon.com

The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
I never thought another hyaluronic acid product would come along and steal me away from my love for The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum. Well, guess what? As much as I still love my original favorite serum, this is a verrrrry close second. A friend told me to try it about 4 months ago, and it hasn't left my skincare routine since. It's formulated with 2% multi-molecular hyaluronic acid to infuse skin with a veritable burst of hydration, and it seriously does. I also love that it isn't sticky or tacky, and it dries down really quickly, too.
$10 at amazon.com

MERIT Flush Balm in Rouge
Did I ever think I'd become a blush wearer? No, no I did not. But this gorgeous little product made me change my tune. The packaging is ingenious — the blush is a creamy stick, but in a rounded shape. Plus, you can actually use it on your lips, too. I've started dotting the apples of my cheeks and going over my lips with this cherry red shade right before I go out, which leaves them looking, well, flushed. In the absolute best way, of course.
$30 at sephora.com

LAWLESS Forget The Filler Lip Plumper Line Smoothing Gloss
Oh, Forget The Filler lipgloss. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways ... including how gorgeous every color is, how much slicker and plumper my lips look, and how non-sticky your formula is. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm especially in love with Cherry Vanilla (bright red) and Juicy Watermelon (hot pink), but really, you can't go wrong.
$26 at sephora.com

Tree Hut Vitamin C Whipped Shea Body Butter
Talk about an impulse purchase that worked out in my skin's favor. I bought this body cream on a total whim, and I fell in love the first time I opened the tub. It smells DELICIOUS — sweet and tangy but not too cloying — and the formula is just like whipped cream. The combination of shea butter and vitamin C make my skin feel super nourished while simultaneously it looks gorgeously radiant. I love that it isn't greasy, so I can put it on my hands and immediately go back to typing away on my laptop (like I did just before writing this). My bodycare routine certainly got an upgrade once I discovered it. I keep it right on my desk, so you know I must be serious!
$11 at amazon.com