We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (2024)

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The best products on the market right now, according to Beauty Lab experts.

By April Franzino

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (1)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (2)

Each year, thousands of new products hit the shelves. How do you know which ones are worth your money or if they even work?! Enter the GH Beauty Lab. Our experts evaluate them all to find the innovations that are best for you.Here are the cream(s) of the crop, plus our pros’ top-tested picks of all time!

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (3)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (4)

Birnur Aral, Ph.D.

Beauty Lab Executive Director

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (5)

Sabina Wizemann

Beauty Lab Senior Chemist

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (6)

Danusia Wnek

Beauty Lab Chemist

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (7)

April Franzino

Beauty Director

How We Tested

Our Good Housekeeping Institute beauty experts evaluated over 1,000 skincare, hair and makeup products to find which ones really work. From GH Seal stars to breakthrough innovations and the year’s hottest picks — here are the top 75 our experts stand behind.

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (8)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (9)

Pro-Level Firming Treatment

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (10)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (11)

No7 Laboratories Firming Booster Serum

Not your average serum, No7 ups the game by dispensing the product through a rollerball applicator to massage ingredients like peptides into skin.

LAB LOWDOWN A clinical study showed visible improvement in firmness and lift of cheeks and jawline over eight weeks of use. Nearly 80%of users found that theirskin felt firmer after only one week, according to Lab data analysis.

MULTI-BENEFIT NIGHT CREAM

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (12)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (13)

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Cream

A skin-smoothing retinol treatment and a night moisturizer in one, Olay won the Beauty Lab’s anti-aging night cream test thanks to its noticeable brightening, softening, firming and wrinkle-reducing effects.

TESTER NOTE"Skin was firmer and smoother each morning."

LAB LOWDOWN The cream raised skin’s firmness by 27%over four weeks of use perthe Lab’s Cutometer machine, which measures skin laxity. 100% of testers agreed it made skin feel softer — and they also ranked it best at brightening.

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (14)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (15)

Korres Meno-Reverse™ Deep Wrinkle Plumping + Age Spot Concentrate

Now 41% Off

Combining botanicals with science-backed skin benefits, like white pine, artichoke and black oat extracts, this creamy Korres serum effectively smooths creases; firms; and minimizes pores.

LAB LOWDOWN In clinical assessment after four weeks of use, 97% of women showedan improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and firmness, and 100% in the look of pores.

ALL-IN-ONE EYE CREAM

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LANCÔME Absolue Revitalizing Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Now 15% Off

A worth-it splurge, Lancôme’s luxurious cream with rose extracts, plant oils and vitamins C, E and B5 won the gold in the Beauty Lab’s anti-aging eye treatment test for firming and hydrating the eye area.

TESTER NOTE “My bags are almost gone!”

LAB LOWDOWN The formula boosted skinfirmness by 29% in four weeks. Per the Lab’s Corneometer device, which measures skin moisture levels, it increased hydration 41%.

Age-Fighting Day Cream

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (17)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (18)

Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 20

Packed with proven anti-aging ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and a vitamin C variant, Neutrogena’s formula provides the smoothing, tone-evening effects of a serum, the hydration of a cream and the protection of SPF in one bottle.

LAB LOWDOWN In 12 weeks of use, 97% of women saw a reduction in the look of finelines and 89% saw visible fading of age spots, Lab clinical data assessment confirmed.

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PURIFYING FACE WASH

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (20)

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser

Whisk away impurities with the Skin­Ceuticals foam infused with glycerin and cucumber extract, a winner of the Beauty Lab’s face cleanser test.

TESTER NOTES A “refreshing texture” that “left no residue.”

LAB LOWDOWN It scored near perfect for effectively cleansing: 96% of usersreported that it deeply cleaned skin.

QUENCHING MOISTURIZER

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (21)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (22)

No7 HydraLuminous Water Surge Gel Cream

Like a cool drink for your complexion, No7’s featherlight gel-cream hybrid melts in to hydrate parched skin with lipids, glycerin and plant-derived sugars.

LAB LOWDOWN The formula increased skin’s moisturization for three days post-application, and 84% of testers said theirskin (including sensitive) looked glowing after one week of use, per Lab data evaluation.

INVISIBLE SUNSCREEN

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Julep No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 40

Now 30% Off

A winner of the Beauty Lab’s face sunscreen test, this unique Julep gel SPF outshone the competition in leaving no white cast or residue on skin.

TESTER NOTES “It felt weightless, like I wasn’t using any product,” one marveled. “The best I’ve ever tried,” and “all I’ve wanted in an SPF,” others raved.

LAB LOWDOWN The water-based formula shared top marks in the test forproducing no white film on skin, even on dark complexions. It earned perfect scores for being easy to apply and not running into or stinging eyes or causing breakouts.

POWER PLUMPING SERUM

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L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.9% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Ampoules

A high-end skincare delivery system now available at the drugstore, these travel-friendlyL’Oréal Paris ampoules houseconcentrated hyaluronic acid, the hydrating ingredient that can bind large amounts of water into skin.

TESTER NOTE “My skin looked and felt plump.”

LAB LOWDOWN Users found that the serum was absorbed fast and their skin was immediatelymoisturized, softer and refreshed after one use.

REPLENISHING FACE OIL

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jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil

Bursting with botanical oils like safflower, rose, macadamia, black currant anavocado, Jurlique’s blend topped the Beauty Lab’s face oil test, scoring high both in Lab skin hydration measures and with consumer testers.

TESTER NOTES “It immediately minimized fine lines and gave a nice glow,” and “My skin looked younger with less wrinkles and had a more even tone,” two reported.

LAB LOWDOWN The formula boosted skin’s moisture levels by 9% in Lab calculations and rated highly with testers for not irritating.

GLOW-GIVING FACE PEEL

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LA PRAIRIE Cellular 3-Minute Peel

This potent yet gentle mix of exfoliating acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic) topped the Beauty Lab’sface peel test for improving radiance and reducing bacteria that promote acne.

TESTER NOTES“My skin was immediately brighter,” a fan said.

NOVEL NIGHT SERUM

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RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

The latest innovation from the Beauty Lab’s go-to brand for wrinkle-smoothing retinol, these portable single-use (biodegradable!) capsules hold a concentrate of the active balanced with skin nourishers like ceramides and soybean oil.

NECK CREAM

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NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream

Now 15% Off

A winner of the BeautyLab’s anti-aging neck treatment test, this amino acid formula was best at minimizing the look of testers’ neck lines and wrinkles over 12 weeks in standardized digital imaging. “My neck and chest looked smoother,” one said.

MAKEUP REMOVER

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (29)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (30)

Bioderma H2O Makeup-Removing Micelle Solution

Morning or night, Bioderma’s cult classic micellar water cleanses skin and removes makeup (even waterproof mascara!) in one quick step. The formula is hydrating and soothing, so it’s suitable for sensitive and easily irritated skin.

LAB LOWDOWN The water-like liquid removed 99% of makeup in just three swipes, according to GH Beauty Lab evaluations.

BARGAIN 2-IN-1 CLEANSER

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (31)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (32)

Garnier SkinActive Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water

Now 25% Off

An affordable makeup remover/face wash hybrid, Garnier’s micellar water also leaves skins measurably soft, thanks to rose water and glycerin.

LAB LOWDOWN 98% of women agreed that the formula removed all traces of makeup in one use, and it significantly increased skin hydration for up to eight hours after application, according to Lab data evaluation.

FUTURISTIC FACE WASH

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Belif Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser

This skin-softening Belif complexion cleanser loaded with botanical extracts and oils like oat, raspberry, and orange isn’t your average wash: It morphs from a unique jelly texture to a refreshing foam upon contact with water.

TESTER NOTE “This is so gentle yet really works and the formula makes me actually look forward to cleansing!”

REFRESHING FACE SCRUB

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (34)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (35)

Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Polish

Powered by exfoliating glycolic and mandelic acids, this Neutrogena scrub is proven to smooth texture and increase radiance while being gentle on skin.

LAB LOWDOWN In a study, 91% of testers agreed the formulation instantly smoothed skin, 94% that it was mild, and 70% that it left skin brighter, per Lab data evaluation.

AFFORDABLE FACE OIL

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (36)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (37)

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Face Oil

The best bargain of the face oils in the Beauty Lab’s test, this Palmer’s 10-botanical-oil blend (with argan, apricot and almond oils) was also a hero skin hydrator.

TESTER NOTES Skin had a "healthy glow" and "... the lines are gone!" two reported.

LAB LOWDOWN In testing using the Beauty Lab’s Corneometer device, which gauges skin hydration levels, it measured an 8% skin-moisture increase without feeling heavy.

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Lutronic Genius Treatment

From $1,000

Lutronic's Genius Treatment is a cutting-edge FDA-cleared in-office treatment that combines microneedling and radio-frequency energy to produce “impressive results” in tightening sagging skin and reducing wrinkles, says Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D.

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (39)

Nourishing Cleanser

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (40)

Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm

Made with high levels of moisturizers like sweet almond oil, shea butter and honey, this rich balm relieves dehydratedskin as it gently cleanses.

TESTER NOTE"My inflamed face actually felt better — and the jar lasts," a tester reported.

REVITALIZING FACE MASK

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (41)

Aveeno Oat Face Mask with Pomegranate Seed Extract

A spa-like treatment ata steal of a price, this clarifying, creamy clay mask is like a smoothie for skin, with calming oats plus pomegranate and kiwi extracts.

TESTER NOTEIt leaves the face “refreshed and radiant,” one raved.

INNOVATIVE EYE CREAM

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (42)

Eighteen B Defend + Nourish Eye Cream

LAB LOWDOWNBased on an artificial vegan silk protein that forms an invisible film to hydrate and protect skin’s barrier, this eye cream’s novel technology delivered bothinstant and long-termsmoothing results, Labassessment found.

Healing Lip Balm

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Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick (Pack of 2)

The Beauty Lab gold standard salve has morphed into a handy stick for lips that packs shea, vitamins B5 and E and sunflower seed wax to soften with nostickiness.

TESTER NOTE“My lips felt soothed instantly and through the day,”a tester said.

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (44)

Moisturizing Body Wash

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (45)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (46)

olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash With Vitamin B and Shea Butter

With suds that can actually soften your skin, Olay’s creamy body cleanser contains the same ingredients used in face formulas, such as brightening and hydrating niacinamide.

LAB LOWDOWN In a clinical study, the wash significantly moisturized skin as it cleansed, Beauty Lab evaluation found.

SILKENING HAND CREAM

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Soap & Glory Call of Fruity Hand Food Hand Cream

A top performer in the Beauty Lab’s hand creamtest, the fruit-scented Soap & Glory formula with grape-seed, coconut and almond oils hydrated heavily without greasiness.

TESTER NOTES “It stayed effective even after washing hands,” and “I didn’t have to reapply.”

LAB LOWDOWN In measurements with the Lab’s Corneometer machine, it increased skinmoisture levels by 34%, and users rated it the least greasy-feeling cream of the test.

SUPER HYDRATING BODY LOTION

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Curél Ultra Healing Intensive Lotion

Now 26% Off

The GH Beauty Lab haslong used this unscented Curél lotion as a benchmark for skin moisturization. Its glycerin, oat and shea butter formulation is one of the most consistently effective on the market.

TESTER NOTES Several reported that it was absorbed quickly and wasn’t greasy. “I like pretty much everything about this,” one said.

LAB LOWDOWN In Lab calculations with the Corneometer device, itboosted skin hydration by 56% for over six hours and earned a perfect score with testers for spreading easily.

Effortless Tooth Whitener

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Colgate Optic White Renewal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Now 25% Off

Get noticeably whiter teeth by just brushing with Colgate’s groundbreaking whitening toothpaste, which contains high levels of the bleaching active used in dentist office treatments, hydrogen peroxide.

LAB LOWDOWN Data shows that this toothpaste formula, with 3% hydrogen peroxide, can remove up to 10 years ofyellow stains on teeth in only four weeks of twice-daily use,Beauty Lab analysis confirmed.

Multi-Use Balm

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Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Jelly Stick

This twist-up stick delivers all the skin-protecting and softening benefits of the iconic Vaseline salve with travel-friendly portability and easy no-mess application from head to toe.

TESTER NOTE “This glided all over my legs and arms in seconds with no goopor stickiness,” one raved. “I didn’t even have to rub it in.”

SCENTED BODY LOTION

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (51)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (52)

olay Quench Ultra Moisture Shea Butter Body Lotion

LAB LOWDOWNMade with fatty acids, shea butter and vitamins B3 and B5, this formula was a winner of the Beauty Lab’s body lotion test for its slightly sweet aroma and impressive hydration,raising skin’s moistureby 52%.

ELEVATED DEODORANT

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Secret Antiperspirant With Essential Oils

A body basic turns luxe with sophisticated packaging and essential oil-based scents like lavender, cederwood, and rose.

TESTER NOTE"No telltale 'deodorant' smell — more like aromatherapy than baby powder," a tester said.

MINERAL SUNSCREEN

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MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50

The GH Beauty Lab’s top-tested mineral sunscreen for body, this fragrance-free MDSolarSciences cream won for being gentle on skin.

TESTER NOTES Users loved its creamy texture, with one reporting that "it made my skin feel soft without being oily."

LAB LOWDOWN The formula earned a perfect score for not causing any stinging or irritation in Beauty Lab evaluations.

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InMode Evolve Thermal Contouring Treatment

From $1,250

The cutting-edge non-invasive professional InMode treatment uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, tightening loose, sagging skin in areas like the abdomen, arms, hips, and thighs without pain or down time.

LAB LOWDOWN “This is a safe, efficient, and versatile treatment for firming lax skin on the body,” says GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. “After my initial treatments, I noticed some tightening of flabby skin and strengthening of upper arm muscles.”

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (56)

Lumenis Splendor X Hair Removal Treatment

$100+ per session

The next generation of professional laser hair removal, this technology from Lumeniscan deliver permanent results on all tones of skin, including dark, and any hair type.

LAB LOWDOWN “I could see minimized hair growth within 72 hours,” says Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek.

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Cutera TruSculpt Flex Professional Treatment

$400+

TruSculpt is a cutting-edge body-sculpting device that is FDA cleared to firm and tone the abdomen, behind and thighs by stimulating muscle contractions. "I noticed immediate benefits with minimal discomfort," says Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D.

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (58)

THICKENING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (59)

Kerastase Densifique Bain Densite and Fondant Densite

Made with skincare ingredients like peptides, Kérastase topped the Beauty Lab’s volumizing shampoo and conditioner test.

TESTER NOTES The “holy grail” for “all-day body.”

LAB LOWDOWN These ranked best for making hairfeel thicker and look fuller.

HYDRATING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

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Herbal Essences Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner

Herbal Essences’ dynamic coconut and aloe duowon for being the most moisturizing in the Beauty Lab’s test of hydrating shampoos and conditioners.

LAB LOWDOWNThey werethe most conditioningformulas in Lab measurementswith the Instronmachine, which gauges combing force in wet hair.

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (61)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (62)

Garnier Whole Blends Ginger Recovery Leave-in/Rinse-out Conditioner

Now 12% Off

Loaded with botanicals like coconut oil, honey, aloe and ginger, this two-in-one strand-fortifying Garnier cream can be used as leave-in or deep conditioner.

LAB LOWDOWN The formulation is proven to reducebreakage of weak, brittle hair when used with the matching shampoo and conditioner.

GAME-CHANGING TREATMENT

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L'Oreal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Hair Treatment

This original L’Oréal Paris liquid treatment with wheat protein imparts weightless silkiness and shine to even damaged hair in seconds.

TESTER NOTE “I couldn’t believe how incredibly shiny and smooth my hair was.”

LAB LOWDOWN 83% of usersfound that it made strands feel silkier; 88% reported that it didn’t weigh hair down.

BREAKTHROUGH HAIR COLOR

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Matrix Biolage Natural All Over Color

Salon haircolor goes “green” with first-of-its-kind Biolage dye, which uses plant-based pigments.

LAB LOWDOWN It has a wide range of 20 ammonia-free shades, with 10 ingredients at most, making it gentle enoughfor even damaged hair. The color had an earthy scent and went on evenly, found Beauty Lab testing on hair samples.

DOUBLE-DUTY HAIR TOOL

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Drybar Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush

This ingenious Drybar hair tool combines a blowdryer and a hairbrush in one wand that dries strands as you brush through without over-heating your hair or scalp.

TESTER NOTE “I loved it!” one raved. Thetop-rated hairdryer brush was “comfortable to hold” andglided smoothly through hair.

CLARIFYING SCALP TREATMENT

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Nexxus Scalp Inergy Gentle Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

An exfoliator for your scalp, this sugar-based Nexxus scrub with keratin and aloe gently sloughs away flakes and buildup to boost strands.

TESTER NOTE “My scalp feltdeep-cleaned, but not dry.”

SPEED DRYER

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BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 2000 Watt Ionic Hair Dryer

LAB LOWDOWNThe winner of the Beauty Lab’s blowdryer test, thismodel dried strands fastest of those evaluated in calculations of drying time of standardized prewashed hair samples. It also earned high marks for strong airflow and ease of use.

CURL CREAM

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Suave Professionals Curl Defining Hair Cream

Now 24% Off

Work a dollop of this rich leave-in conditioner/styling cream hybrid through damp waves or spirals to enhancetexture while nourishingwith shea butter and coconut oil.

TESTER NOTE“My curls felt soft and held their shape,” a fan reported. “I used it to touch up dry hair too.”

VOLUME SPRAY

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ColorProof SuperPlump Thickening Blow Dry Spray

The heaviest lifter of the Beauty Lab’s volumizing styler test, this protein-infused mist won for giving strands instant,visible volume.

TESTER NOTE“Myhair was immediately bigger, fuller and thicker,” a tester said.

SHAPING GEL

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Dove Amplified Textures Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel

Now 14% Off

No ’80s gel here: This alcohol-free version with hydrators like glycerin, castor oil and aloe defines andsmooths strands sans stickiness or crunch.

TESTER NOTEUsed on damp or dry hair, “it feels featherlight, gave my hair bounce and tamed flyaways,” a tester noted.

COLOR-PROTECTING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

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OGX Fade-Defying + Orchid Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Top performers in the GH Beauty Lab’s color-protecting shampoo and conditioner test, this sulfate-free OGX pair infused with grape seed oil and orchid extract scored high for both preserving color and softening strands.

TESTER NOTES These rated best for rinsing out well. Fans remarked, “My highlights were more vibrant” and “My color seemed to last longer.”

LAB LOWDOWN In Lab assessments of dyed hair samples, they ranked near the top for fade prevention and conditioning effects.

INTENSIVE SCALP TREATMENT

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Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Pre-Shampoo Buildup Remover

Spritz on this innovative Head & Shoulders treatment with coconut oil and vitamin E before shampooing to break down scalp buildup from styling products or extended time between washing.

TESTER NOTE “I often wear braided styles, and this really helped get rid of gunk that can accumulate so my scalp felt cleansed and fresh.”

DAMAGE DEEP CONDITIONER

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Pantene Gold Series Split-Less Ends Treatment

Now 11% Off

Give split, damaged strands TLC with Pantene’s salon-style ampoules of concentrated nourishing ingredients like vitamin B5 and argan oil.

TESTER NOTE “My hair is damaged from chemicals and heat styling, and using one of these tubes made it feel softer and less frayed.”

ANTI-FRIZZ STYLER

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Garnier Fructis Smooth Blow Dry Anti-Frizz Cream

Made with smoothing argan oil, this Garnier cream was a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-frizz styling products test for making strands sleek at less than the cost of a latte.

TESTER NOTES “It rained for almost a solid week, and I didn’t have a problem with frizz,” a user revealed. “I love the texture it left my hair with — smooth and bouncy,” another said.

LAB LOWDOWN Developed for blowdrying, the formula earned high marks with Lab testers for daylong frizz defense and for immediately smoothing hair with no oily or sticky effects.

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (75)

TRESemme Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Hold Level 2: Curl

Now 12% Off

Get great hold for curly and textured styles sans telltale hairspray crunch thanks to this first-of-its-kind Tresemmé spritz, which dispenses a fine mist from a slim, easy-to-hold contoured can.

TESTER NOTESMy hair really stayed in place, yet felt soft and supple,” one said. “It worked on straight hair, too!”

AT-HOME HAIRCOLOR

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Clairol Nice 'N Easy Permanent Hair Color

The next generation of Clairol’s iconic color kit solves the biggest dye gripes with a gentler, less chemical-scented, conditioning formula.

TESTER NOTE “Easy to apply and it left hair extremely soft, even without conditioner.”

LAB LOWDOWN In Lab evaluations of at-home hair color, testers found that the color gave a natural look and good gray coverage, 79% said it left hair soft and shiny, and 90% said it didn’t cause irritation.

COLOR BOOSTER

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Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask

Test out a new hair shade or refresh the one you have as you deep condition strands with Moroccanoil’s innovative semi-permanent color-depositing mask, available in seven hues.

LAB LOWDOWN The formula left strands evenly colored seven minutes after application and feeling soft and silky, Lab testing on hair samples found.

HAIRCOLOR CORRECTOR

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MATRIX Total Results Dark Envy Green Shampoo and Red Neutralization Mask

Never-before-seen technology in Matrix‘s green-tinted shampoo and neutralization mask help remove unwanted brassy red tones from natural or color-treated dark brown and black hair.

LAB LOWDOWN In Beauty Lab evaluations on brunette hair samples, the products effectively eliminated unwanted red tones and brassiness. Lab note: Gloves should be used when applying to prevent staining of nails.

TRAVEL BLOWDRYER

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Drybar Baby Buttercup Blow Dryer

The winner of the Beauty Lab’s travel blowdryer test, Drybar’s top-of-the-line model delivers fast-drying power in a portable package.

TESTER NOTES This "light" tool "is the right size and could do double duty for home or away."

LAB LOWDOWN It scored perfectly in Lab evaluations for having easy-to-use controls, dried hair samples quickly, had strong airflow, and was easiest to maneuver and comfortable to hold.

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WATERPROOF MASCARA

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We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (82)

COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara

Now 27% Off

This iconic CoverGirl formula dramatically volumized and lengthened lashes and resisted budging in water in Beauty Lab testing.

TESTER NOTE “The tears came, and this mascara stayed put!”

LAB LOWDOWN Digital imaging with the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer device showed a marked increase in length andvolume. It earned near-perfect marks in water splash tests for not smudging or running.

MAGIC MASCARA

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (83)

IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara

This inventive It Cosmetics wand borrows its bristle design from the Drybar round brushes used in the salon’s blowouts: The tiny ball tips help align lashes and evenly distribute the formulation to volumize, add length and define.

TESTER NOTES “Like a lash lift in a bottle,” one marveled. “My lashes looked superlong but natural at the same time,” another commented.

LAB LOWDOWN 80% oftesters reported that itvolumized, lengthened and separated their lashes, and 100% confirmed that it didn’t smudge or irritate.

MATTE FOUNDATION

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (84)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation

Fake flawless, shine-free skin with the richly pigmented Make Up For Ever liquid base in a large range of 40 shades, a top performer in the Beauty Lab’s foundations test.

TESTER NOTE “It really covers and looks smooth from far away,” a professional makeup artist evaluator said.

LAB LOWDOWN Despite its full coverage, evaluators rated it the easiest formula to use and dispense the right amount, and ranked it highly for havinga smooth texture.

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (85)

Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen

A winner of the Beauty Lab’s eyeliner test, the slimUrban Decay felt-tip liquid marker draws even lines.

TESTER NOTE “So easy to apply, goes on super smoothly and evenly and stays put all day.”

LAB LOWDOWN The liner rated best at gliding onto eyelids without skipping or tugging, and 100% of testers said it created their desired look.

HIGH-COVER CONCEALER

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (86)

Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer

The dense creamBenefit Cosmeticspottopped the Beauty Lab’s concealer test foreffectively hiding even larger imperfections.

LAB LOWDOWNProfessional makeup artistevaluators gave the buildable cover-uphighscores for smooth coverage, blending welland masking bigger concernsthat requiremore product, such as the eye area andpatches of redness.

RADIANT FOUNDATION

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (87)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (88)

Mary Kay TimeWise® Luminous 3D Foundation

More than makeup, Mary Kay’s creamy medium- to full-coverage foundation delivers hydrating and anti-aging effects via ingredients like softening vitamin E, radiance- enhancing niacinamide and smoothing peptides.

LAB LOWDOWN In a study, over 90% of testers foundthat it smoothed the look oflines after one week of use and gave skin a luminous finish instantly, per Lab analysis.

POWDER FOUNDATION

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (89)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (90)

L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Creamy Powder Foundation

No more parching powder: This silky formula (with a mirror and a sponge!) is infused with skincare ingredients like ceramides.

LAB LOWDOWNIn a study, 85%of testers said it made skin look smooth, Lab data found.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TOOL

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (91)

Take My Face Off The Mitty Mini Reusable Makeup Remover Pad in Black

LAB LOWDOWNReduce cotton and wipe waste with this reusable mitt for applying makeup remover or cleanser. In Lab tests, users called it “plush” and “gentle,” and 90% found that it effectively removed even eye makeup.

INVENTIVE POWDER BRUSH

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (92)

Shiseido Hanatsubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush

This handcrafted flower-shaped powder brush’s compact size and curved edges make it easy to grip and help it hug face contours seamlessly.

TESTER NOTESMy make-up looks airbrushed, and the bristles are so soft,” a fan said.

2-IN-1 FOUNDATION + COVER UP

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (93)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (94)

CoverGirl Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle-Defying Foundation

Now 12% Off

Swirled with skincare ingredients like brightening vitamin B3 and softening vitamin E, this solid CoverGirl cream foundation goes on like face moisturizer and is pigmented enough to double as concealer.

LAB LOWDOWN While some cream formulas can be heavy and cakey, this foundation is lightweight yet provides great coverage that feels velvety and blends flawlessly, the Beauty Lab found.

COMPACT FOUNDATION

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (95)

Avon x The Face Shop Ink Lasting Cushion Foundation

Liquid foundation you can tote without a bulky bottle or spill risk, this genius Avon compact contains a lightweight, natural-finish base suspended in a special sponge.

TESTER NOTE “I loved how there was no mess and the foundation, applicator, and mirror were all together, so I could bring it on the go and save space in my makeup bag,” fan said. “And the finish wasn’t heavy or overly made up.”

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (96)

Full-Color Lipstick

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (97)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (98)

Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick

Now 43% Off

Find your perfect match (or matches!) among the extensive rainbow of 70 shades of this creamy MaybellineNew York lipstick, from neutrals to bolds, with proven vivid color and smooth wear.

LAB LOWDOWN In a study of over 100 women,86% reported that the lipstick’s color looked fresh,80% said it appeared richand 89% found that their lips looked smooth while they were wearing it, Beauty Lab data assessment confirmed.

Liquid Lipcolor

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (99)

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Matte Lipcolor

This BareMinerals liquid lipstick has the pigment of a lipstick with the easy glide of a gloss — and its mousse-like matte formula topped our Lab’s test for not drying lips.

LAB LOWDOWN The “smooth” color tied for best at not feathering ordehydrating lipsthroughout the day in Lab evaluation.

ILLUMINATING EYESHADOOW

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (100)

Mary Kay Liquid Eye Shadow

Give eyelids a flattering glow in seconds by gliding on Mary Kay’s luxe creamy liquid eyeshadow in subtly iridescent, flattering shades like champagne and mink.

TESTER NOTE “I loved that I only needed one shadow rather than multiple shades to define my eyes and I could use this as a liner along the lashline or all over lids,” one commented. “The liquid set instantly, and there was no creasing the entire day.

LONG-WEAR LIPSTICK

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (101)

Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick

A winner of the Beauty Lab’s long-wear lipstick test, this slim Laura Mercier matte-finish crayon — in a range of 24 shades — ranked above the rest for staying in place.

TESTER NOTES Many loved how easy the twist-up pen made it to apply the lipstick precisely. The “smooth” formula also had “great color payoff.”

LAB LOWDOWN The lipcolor performed the best in the Lab’s test of colortransfer on cups after the sipping of a hot drink, and with testers for not smearing or transferring throughout the day.

SUPERIOR NAIL POLISH

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (102)

essie Nail Polish

Nail every mani with the Beauty Lab’s best-tested lacquer, which dried quickly (in sixminutes, per Lab measurements), had the shiniest full-color finish, resisted chipping, was easiest to remove and didn’t stain nails.

SOFTENING LIP GLOSS

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (103)

Chapstick Total Hydration Vitamin Enriched Tinted Lip Oil

This translucent tinted lip oil (in nude to deep-berry hues), based on six plant oils, gives the plumping sheen of glossplus the nourishment of a balm in one swipe.

TESTER NOTE“No stickiness, andmy lips felt hydrated, not parched.”

BRIGHTENING BLUSH

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Maybelline New York Cheek Heat Gel Cream Blush

Now 25% Off

Like finger paint for cheeks, this tube of sheer gel-cream blush gives a natural watercolor-like flush that melds into skin.

TESTER NOTE“It goes on with fingers and is truly foolproof,” a fan said. “My face looked less tired.”

SMOOTHING LIPSTICK

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (105)

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (106)

L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick

Now 26% Off

Not your average lipcolor, this souped-up formula with a treatment-serum core contains hydrators like jojoba oil and vitamin E.

LAB LOWDOWNIn a clinical study, it kept lips moisturized for nine hours, and 81% of users found that itdidn’t feather, per Lab data.

We Tested Thousands of Beauty Products to Find the Ones That Are Actually Worth Your Money (107)

April Franzino

Beauty Director

April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day, where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

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