For the last year, Team Cosmo has been busy. Doing what, you ask? Just testing about 500 different beauty products to narrow down the best of the best in order to bring you (yup, you, lucky reader) our biggest beauty awards of All. Frickin’. Time. Behold: Our 2024 Holy Grail Beauty Awards, a collection of 216 of the very best products, tools, and treatments of the year—all tested by 25 outrageously choosy, beauty-obsessed editors.
Wondering what you’ll find here? We’ve got cream bronzers to fake a just-back-from-vacay glow, quick fixes for redness and rosacea, innovative in-office treatments to smooth and brighten, new signature-worthy scents, hall-of-fame-worthy acne solutions, and way more (there are a whopping 216 awards, after all). Grab a snack, settle in, and feast your eyes on all of our favorites—or feel free to bookmark it for when you need to stock up on mascara, face wash, dry shampoo, and beyond.
Jump to:
- THE MAKEUP FINDS THAT DON’T MISS
- THE SKINCARE WE CONSIDER LIFESAVERS
- THE BODY TREATMENTS TO TRY FROM HEAD TO TOE
- THE HAIR PRODUCTS THAT GUARANTEE A GOOD HAIR DAY
- THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE FRAGRANCES
- THE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR HANDS, FEET, AND NAILS
- THE TOOLS AND DEVICES WORTH TALKING ABOUT
- THE BEST PRO TREATMENTS TO GET IN-OFFICE
- Our Methology
THE MAKEUP FINDS THAT DON’T MISS
“This tinted moisturizer gives my skin that plump, juicy look that I crave, thanks to a combo of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and meadowfoam oil. And the tint is just right—sheer and blendable but still opaque enough to provide some meaningful coverage.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, DEPUTY BEAUTY DIRECTOR
“This is basically high-end skincare in a selection of 29 stunning hues plus SPF 20 broad-spectrum protection with a glowy finish. I’ve been using it for the past three months and my skin looks great—even when I’m not wearing it.” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
bareMinerals BarePro 24HR Wear Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20
“This is the silkiest matte foundation I’ve tried in a while. It is lightweight but still gives gorgeous coverage without looking too dusty or drying out my skin.” —CHRISTEN A. JOHNSON, LIFESTYLE EDITOR
“What do you get when you mix a moisturizing serum with MAC-level coverage? This dreamy foundation formula, obvs. It’s loaded with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil to give my skin a pretty glow, but it’s got a buildable medium coverage that blurs my acne and pores for 10+ hours.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
“This perfecting powder has become my new secret weapon. Whether I just need a little touch-up or I’m looking for something to give me a fresh, clean look, the powder is the perfect tool for it all. Not only did it hide my acne scars, but it also made my skin so smooth and clean. A new must-have in any makeup lover’s bag and also perfect for newbies who are looking for an easy way to get into makeup.” —TAMARA FUENTES, ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
“Behold: The ultimate do-it-all concealer. This lightweight, semi-matte formula seamlessly hides dark circles, stubborn discoloration, and monster zits...and keeps them hidden for up to 16 hours because the formula is waterproof and transfer-proof.”
—LB
“The struggle is real when it comes to my dark circles. Every concealer tends to make my under-eye area look dry and dull, but I truly saw a difference when I added this color corrector. Who knew color theory could make such a difference!?”
—JOANNA MARQUINA, SOCIAL MEDIA AND GROWTH EDITOR
“Pores, where? TBH, I didn’t know it was possible for primers to check so many boxes. But this one does what it says: blurring my skin and providing a smooth canvas for makeup without making me look dry. Velvety vibes, for sure.” —TARAH-LYNN SAINT-ELIEN, FASHION EDITOR
“I was worried about this one making my combination skin look too shiny, but luckily, my fears were unfounded! Instead, it gave me a bright, dewy glow that went on smooth, stayed put all day, and gave me the sliiightest hint of shimmer (thanks to pearlescent mica).” —CORINNE SULLIVAN, EDITOR
“My sensitive skin has had bad reactions to setting sprays in the past (think: stickiness, itchiness, and even hives), but this one was so fine that after 10 minutes, I forgot I’d put it on—except for when the mirror confirmed that my makeup was still in place.”
—ERIKA W. SMITH, SENIOR ASTROLOGY EDITOR
“This has easily become my everyday powder! I don’t have to reapply it throughout the day, and it keeps my shine away without looking cakey. It’s easy to store in your bag and mess-free for all of us who rush to get ready in the morning (@ me, lol).”
—JM
“My hot take is that I prefer powder bronzer over cream/liquid one. HOWEVER, this Glossier cloud paint has made me a convert! It applies so seamlessly, is beginner-friendly, and doesn’t leave a muddied look at all. Instead, it gives just came back from a gorgeous tropical vacay sunkissed vibe. I found the best way to apply this is to dab it on your fingers and blend by very lightly tapping in a beauty blender.” —DAISY MALDONADO, ASSOCIATE SHOPPING EDITOR
“Consider this product a 3-in-1: It works for cheeks, lips, and eyes, *and* delivers SPF protection. That’s a lot of bang for your buck! It is also super easy to apply and gives you that natural rosy-cheeked glow, which is ideal for people who want that no-makeup makeup look (like moi!).” —ROSA HEYMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONTENT & BRAND STRATEGY
“These powder blushes come in three different finishes (matte, pearl, nuancer), but even the mattes give an airbrushed, luminous look. What I love most is how blendable they are. I always over-apply blush, but that was never a problem with these. No matter how much I applied, I could always blend it out into a nice wash of color.” —OLIVIA TRUFFAUT-WONG, EDITOR
“The Pixi On-the-Glow SuperGlow is not just another makeup product that sits on my skin all day—its gentle ingredients like aloe vera and fruit extracts work double time to keep my skin moisturized. The shimmer that it leaves on my skin is natural and not overwhelming. In my testing, I used it as a last step of my eye makeup for an extra bit of glow. It’s also great for bringing a bit of life to my skin on no-makeup days.” —MIA LARDIERE, EMERGING PLATFORMS DIRECTOR
“I’m a sucker for a blush and bronzer duo. They’re great for traveling, super convenient, and usually a cream formula which blends the best, IMO. Stila did not disappoint; I found that the formula was incredibly blendable, and it gave me the prettiest skin-like finish—not too dewy, but not too matte either.” —SIENA GAGLIANO, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
“TBH, I’d fork over twice the cash for this volumizing mascara. The brush is a game changer—it coats even my teeniest-tiniest lashes and it keeps my super-straight lashes curled all freaking day.” —MARISA PETRARCA, CONTRIBUTING ASSOCIATE BEAUTY EDITOR
“I have very strong allegiances to mascara, so I assumed I would hate this (LOL, I’m annoying). But...I loved it! The Rituel de Fille Levitation Mascara actually does what it says it’s gonna do: lift and lengthen lashes. One or two coats does the job, with no clumps or fallout in sight. I guess I have to start rethinking my whole life now.” —HANNAH CHUBB, LIFESTYLE EDITOR
“Never have I ever met a liquid black eyeliner as strong this one. (And that says a lot coming from someone, me, whose been wearing it for over a decade now.) It stood the test of multiple 2 a.m. weekend party nights and that’s enough proof for me. I also love its easy pen application that gives off the perfect amount of product.” —MEG UY, ASSOCIATE SHOPPING EDITOR
“My eyelids tend to be my worst enemy when it comes to eyeliner, so imagine my surprise when I realized that not only did this stay on all day, but it was also super smooth to apply. I used to dread even trying to do a wing with a pencil, but this one makes me wanna try even more fun techniques knowing that it’ll stay put no matter what.” —TF
“I started applying this nightly before heading to sleep and noticed a more conditioned look and feel to my brows every morning. And moisturized brows = fuller-looking brows over time too, in my experience.” —DM
“My eyelashes are very fine and thin, akin to the hair on my head. But I’ve been coating them with this lash serum for months to help strengthen them a bit, and I’ve noticed way less lash fall as a result.” —BG
“I am a strip lash evangelist. I have been wearing them for almost a decade now and can plop them on with glue in literal minutes (brag). So needless to say, I have been nervous to cheat on them with the trendy cluster lashes. But when I saw these bad boys were sans glue, I perked up. They are divine—wildly easy to install, look SO natural and professional, and Do. Not. Budge. I worked out in them, slept (!), commuted, all the things, and not one hair moved an inch. Plus, there are endless styles and it’s fun to mix and match for a customized look. I’m officially converted to the clusters.”
—CAJ
“I refused to believe that an eyebrow pen could possibly be as simple and precise as a pencil, but I’ve been proven wrong. This pen has a micro tip that creates realistic hairlike strokes through my brows. Even better, the liquid formula leaves behind a slight stain that makes it extremely long-lasting.” —BG
“Once I brush this gel through my brows, they straight-up do not budge. True story: I swiped this across my brows at 9 a.m., then did a workout class followed by a day’s worth of work and a cry-filled therapy session, and my brows were still pristine at 10 p.m.” —BG
“If you want a one-and-done palette that will give you the perfect shades to create a smokey eye and neutral dimension glam, this is it! These matte shades are incredibly pigmented and buildable. This is the palette you take with you if you’re stranded on an island, just saying!” —DM
“Need a creamy shadow that’s buildable, bold and downright beautiful? These are all that and nourishing to your lids thanks to baobab seed oil, vitamin E, and yummy shea butter.” —JW
“One swipe of this glitzy eyeshadow across my lids is all it takes to get major color payoff and shine. Instead of chunky glitters, these have a shimmer that adds a glistening shine to my eyes with zero fallout.” —BG
THE SKINCARE WE CONSIDER LIFESAVERS
“I’m obsessed with everything Barbara Sturm, and this bb is no exception. The makeup remover has a creamy gel texture that feels almost serum-like, and it’s so good on my skin. It makes removing my makeup after a long day a borderline religious experience.” —EMILY ADAR, SENIOR VISUAL EDITOR
“As a CeraVe stan, I thought nothing could beat out the brand’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser until now. Enter: the Hydrating Foaming OIL cleanser. Not only does it melt away makeup and leftover SPF, but it also leaves my skin nourished and moisturized without that tight dry feeling.” —MARY FAMA, ART DIRECTOR
“I love the Rhode Pineapple Refresh cleanser! The texture is more like a hydrating serum, which really did a deep clean on my pores and left my skin feeling extra hydrated at the same time. The packaging design is also gorge, so it looks great in my shower.” —MALLORY ROYNON, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
“Nothing says ‘I love taking care of my skin’ like using products that actually feel good on your skin. This gel cleanser is so good because not only does it smell great, it *actually* does what it says it does: It easily removes makeup and oils without stripping the skin. 10/10!” —MADDIE HIATT, SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
“I love the way this glycolic-acid face wash helps smooth my skin and clear away any pore-clogging and dulling dead skin cells without being the slightest bit stripping or irritating. It’s honestly gentle enough that I can use it every day.” —LB
“Think of these little pods as an ice roller and soothing toner in one. Stash ’em in the freezer and grab when you need to depuff, reduce redness, shrink an angry breakout, or revive tired, hungover skin.” —LB
“I’ve noticed a lot more bounce to my skin since using this hyaluronic and vitamin A–laced essence. And the fact that it helps my serum and moisturizer sink in deeper is the icing on the cake!” —JW
“Most face scrubs and physical exfoliators are way too abrasive for my temperamental skin, but this stuff is honestly perfect. I use it once a week to gently buff away buildup and smooth out any rough patches—it’s the perfect lil reset for my skin.” —LB
“I’m a retinol girl, so on the weeks that I get sloppy with my routine, you can catch me outside with skin peeling all over my face. Just call me ‘Peely Dan.’ The Rael Miracle Clear Brightening Triple Acid Exfoliant is effective without stripping my sensitive skin of all the moisture it needs. I leave it on for a few minutes after my morning shower before layering on my serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen. After using it for a month, my skin is consistently smooth and my dark spots have faded.” —MIA LARDIERE, EMERGING PLATFORMS DIRECTOR
“As a very tired mom with chronically dull-looking skin, I’ve tried dozens of ‘replenishing’ masks—and none have given me the glow that this one has. Packed with skin-loving emollients, it left me with noticeably softer, brighter skin after just one use (plus, the clay formula feels so luxe).” —CS
“So many products leave little bumps under my eyes (my under-eye skin is super thin and sensitive, so it’s A Thing). But miraculously, that didn’t happen with this rice water cream from The Face Shop! It goes on smoothly, doesn’t pill, and didn’t cause any reaction. And dare I say it made me look a little more refreshed in the a.m.?” —HC
“My stubborn-as-hell puffy under-eyes didn’t stand a chance once I started massaging this cream in every night. I pat the lightweight formula in and let the depuffing caffeine and firming bakuchiol and peptides do their thing.” —BG
“The Murad Retinal ReSculpt Eye Treatment is gentle enough to go so close to my eyeballs but definitely strong enough to combat the dry, dull skin around my eyes. I loved patting this on every other night and woke up with plump juicy skin.” —KRISTIN GIAMETTA, VISUAL DIRECTOR
“Eye patches are a mainstay in my self-care routine, and these are the perfect ones to wear when I am winding down or while applying my makeup. They’re super refreshing and hydrating and also keep my under-eye area clean while applying eyeshadow during my makeup routine. My under-eyes felt a lot softer and more hydrated after just one use.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT SHOPPING EDITOR
“The thing about being, ahem, over 30 is that no matter how much sleep you get, your eye area is always going to suggest otherwise. Just a light dab of this lightweight serum plumped up the skin around my eyes, smoothing my crow’s feet, and making me look far more rested than I feel on the inside.” —RH
“Y’all, this brand does not miss! So it’s no surprise that this new complexion-perfecting and deeply hydrating oil is already holy grail status. My face drinks it up with no greasiness left behind—only dope skin.” —JW
“Yup, I’m the girl you see face-misting at her desk every few hours. And more likely than not it’s with this niacinamide and hyaluronic-acid-serum-meets-spray. It’s instant glow in a bottle.” —JW
“I have acne-prone skin that flares up from stress, and this serum truly works wonders. It has really helped my acne calm down, and I’ve noticed it’s reduced the discoloration on my skin from past blemishes.” —JM
“I can attest this serum is hella moisturizing and worth all the hype! It’s almost confusing how light yet effective it is.” —TS
“Cocokind always impresses me. I love that this is a clean product, and it feels like a little extra boost in my skincare routine. Using this one a day for a few weeks definitely helped the discoloration on my cheeks.” —MH
“Something about rolling this serum stick all over my face and neck really helped me tap into my inner child….There I was, in kindergarten, wreaking havoc with a glue stick…or wait, is it just that my skin now looks as lifted and glowy as it did back in my arts and crafts heyday?” —RH
“As a gal whose skin goes red when even the lightest breeze touches it, I appreciate how soothing Herbivore is without causing irritation. This pale-green lotion-like serum counteracts redness, hydrates, and also looks nice on my bathroom counter (a bonus!).”
—ALEXANDRA WHITTAKER, DEPUTY EDITOR
“I’m kind of a glycolic acid snob (weird flex, I know), but this v gentle overnight peel exceeds my high expectations. No joke, it works its magic overnight. I go to sleep and wake up with smoother, brighter skin—and zero irritation.” —MP
“Once I put on a PanOxyl PM patch, it won’t budge. The patch is thick enough to stay put but also has enough adhesive that it sits flat against my skin, making it basically invisible. The first time I used it, I couldn’t see it the next morning and thought it had fallen victim to my pillow. But there it was, right on my pimple, sucking up all those excess oils!” —OTW
“I was surprised how much I enjoyed this peptide-packed wrinkle cream. It’s so thick and creamy, giving my dry skin the amount of moisturizer needed with no drying out or flaking from many products I have used with SPF. It also left a subtle glow that lasted all day!” —MR
“These pads were designed with retinol beginners in mind, legit taking all the guesswork out of working with the magical-yet-temperamental ingredient. I just swipe it on three times a week to reveal brighter, tighter, clearer skin.” —BG
“If you’re all about clean beauty, make this your new go-to daily moisturizer and trust me. It’s going to target all your needs like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and texture, thanks to bakuchiol, a super gentle (yet effective) retinol alternative.”
—JW
“If the harsh winter winds left your skin as dry and patchy as mine, this barrier stick will quickly become your new best friend. I tote this stick around with me for easy glide-on application whenever I’m feeling dry. In an instant, I’m left with skin that feels supple with a soft, nongreasy glow. I also love knowing it’s protecting my skin barrier while I’m out and about.” —MF
“Hats off to the scientists who figured out how to make a night cream that is SO HYDRATING while also being SO LIGHTWEIGHT and NOT STICKY at all. Apply this before catching some zzz’s, and you’ll wake up with skin that feels moisturized and refreshed, like you didn’t just smoosh your face into a pillow for eight straight hours.” —RH
THE BODY TREATMENTS TO TRY FROM HEAD TO TOE
“You’re definitely going to fall hard for the rose and cherry scent of this vitamin-B3-enhanced wash. Trust: You’ll descend into complete obsession after you experience how soft your skin feels once you rinse it off. And that’s just after one use!”
—JW
“Please believe me when I tell you that sudsing up with turmeric milk–, oat milk–, and coconut milk–based body bars is top-shelf luxe. They smell divine and leave every inch of my body fresh and moisturized.” —JW
“Tropical scent lovers, meet your new best friend. It doesn’t take a lot of this vegan scrub to exfoliate and soften dry skin.” —AW
“I can often be the most impatient person when it comes to beauty products, so it was a super-nice surprise seeing how quickly I was seeing results on this. Even as a person with sensitive skin, it is easy to use without irritation and also doesn’t leave any stickiness that others might. If only everything else can work just as great!” —TF
“There is simply nothing I hate more than hopping into bed with a sticky, heavy cream on my skin. Hence why I’m so obsessed with this retinol-spiked body serum from Soft Services. It’s got 0.25 percent retinol to help smooth and firm my skin plus glycerin to lightly hydrate.” —BG
“The hero in this beachy body oil? Moringa oil, which is now my new favorite ingredient for moisturizing and nourishing dry, dull skin without feeling heavy or greasy.” —LB
“This fast-absorbing lotion left my skin glistening without any stickiness or icky residue. Plus, its delicate scent is just so delightful that it made me look forward to that post-shower moisturizing.”
—CAJ
“Do I dream about getting out of the shower and slathering my skin in this body butter? Yes. Yes, I do. It’s that perfect post-shower self-care that leaves my skin luxuriously hydrated and smooth. The thicccc cream glides on beautifully and smells heavenly, making you feel and smell delicious all day long.” —MF
“I don’t think I’ve ever smelled my own armpits more than I have while testing deodorants for Cosmo (you’re welcome, readers), so I feel confident when I tell you that this deodorant lasted till the end of the day. No BO at all. Actually, I could still smell the peachy fragrance!” —ES
“I’m a stickler about sunscreen—I legit won’t go out of the house without it. Combo that with my love for a summer ~glow~ and you get the Kinlò SPF. I love the formula because it disappears on all skin tones (s/o to my friends who tested it with me!), blends like a dream, and leaves the most gawgeous, natural, nonsticky glow.”
—SG
“If you’re in the market for a sunscreen that’s as easy to apply as your daily moisturizer, look no further. This body lotion is the perfect combination of skin protection and hydration, leaving my skin feeling moisturized and nongreasy. Bonus: The delicious light coconut scent will immediately transport you to the beach.” —MF
“I put it on my entire body before bed, then rinse off in the morning to reveal a bronzy glow that looks like I just hopped off the plane from Tulum.”
—BG
“Some juicy TMI? The back of my upper thighs are super prone to ingrown hairs. But I found the solution! I swipe these lil pads across my skin post-shave, and the smooth results are all the proof I need.” —MP
“The whipped shave butter feels super natural and hydrating. It’s fairly thin, which makes it easier to cover a larger area of skin. Left my legs feeling silky smooth.” —EA
“Deon Libra is entirely changing the bodycare game with innovative products that perform. The Big Up Body Glaze makes my legs look like a pop star on tour (you know the legs)—shiny and smooth AF.” —BG
“The secret to my smooth skin? Versed’s retinol-based body butter, which helps boost cell turnover to churn out fresh, soft skin along with a rich, moisturizing feel to help counteract any potential dryness.”
—BG
THE HAIR PRODUCTS THAT GUARANTEE A GOOD HAIR DAY
Pantene Pro-V Miracles Curl Define & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
“Rocking my natural curls isn’t an everyday affair, but this hydrating dream team is changing the game for me. We’re talking love-at-first-sight packaging (read: a massive, easy-to-pump shampoo bottle) and a formula that’s like a magic potion for shine and frizz control. Yup, it has me in a chokehold.” —MP
Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Shampoo and Strengthening Conditioner
“This shampoo and conditioner smells divine and lathers beautifully. They made my hair feel clean and soft after washing. After a few weeks of use, I felt my hair becoming thicker/more voluminous.” —EA
“This shampoo and conditioner combo leaves my hair feeling clean, soft, and moisturized before I add in any extra product. I have a dry scalp, especially in the winter, and this has been a power combo in combating itchiness and flaking.” —ML
“My color-treated, overly heat-styled strands didn’t stand a chance once I started incorporating this repairing shampoo and conditioner in my routine. K18’s peptide formula helps strengthen, while ceramides and lightweight oils moisturize.” —BG
Nutrafol Root Purifier Scalp Microbiome Shampoo and Strand Defender Lightweight Conditioner
“I’ve tried so many formulas to combat postpartum hair loss, but this is the first one I’ve genuinely felt has made a difference. Although it’s sulfate-free, the shampoo lathers gorgeously and leaves my scalp feeling squeaky clean, while the conditioner keeps my hair bouncy and soft. Best of all, my hair feels noticeably thicker after a month of consistent use.” —CS
Redken Acidic Color Gloss Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
“I don’t normally touch hair products my stylist hasn’t recommended for my hair, but this gave me a really nice shiny gloss which popped my current color. It also felt so hydrating without weighing down my fine hair. I was able to comb through and air-dry with loose but full waves. Great bang for the buck when you are between salon visits.” —MR
Olaplex No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo and Conditioner
“I’ve been going to the same hairstylist (hi, Betsy!) for balayage treatments for years and she swears by Olaplex. ‘It’s strong but not too strong,’ says Betsy, ‘and it won’t dye your fingers.’ She recommends using this shampoo/conditioner once a week or once every other week if you’re trying to preserve a high-maintenance blonde tone (such as ash) or if you feel like your color is getting too brassy.” —RH
John Frieda UltraFiller+ Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner
“After having a baby last year, my already fine hair thinned so much. I haven’t been able to find any product that made my hair feel any fuller—and I’ve tried lots—until I started using the John Frieda UltraFiller+ shampoo and conditioner. They seriously make my hair look like it’s doubled in volume after I’ve used them.” —KG
“The magic behind this brand’s products, including this moisturizing co-wash, are seeds from the lavender croton plant, found in central Africa. The benefits are vast, but it’s really known for its power to strengthen your hair.” —JW
“This shampoo is such a game changer for someone with oily and ultra-fine hair. Like, talk about a holy grail! I love the way it left my scalp feeling truly cleansed of any buildup and excess product I might have had lingering before. To that end, it also wasn’t irritating or too drying as some other shampoos that leave my scalp feeling completely deprived of my natural oils.” —DM
“I have the kind of fine, oily hair that requires daily shampooing, but harsh scalp exfoliants usually leave my strands feeling stripped and brittle. What I love about this scrub is that it gives my scalp and hair a thorough but gentle cleanse with chemical exfoliants, and using it once a week allows me to go longer between washes.” —CS
“With just a few pumps, this product tamed my frizz and added a gorge gloss to my hair. Bonus: It seems really freaking good.” —MH
“This feels like a second-life-elixir in a bottle. I cannot recommend this enough if you have damaged or dry hair and are in need of some extra help to bring it back to life. I heat style my hair at least three times a week, so I was a big fan of how this also has a built-in heat protection. Hydrated hair, here I come!” —DM
“I cannot even describe the shock my system incurred when I tried this hair mask on my fine, damaged hair. Instead of weighing it down and looking greasy, the hydrating formula uses hyaluronic acid to help moisturize without weighing my hair down (and shockingly, it makes my hair look way fuller and softer even). I will be loading this on my ends once a week for now until forever.” —BG
“I can’t keep my hands out of my soft, juicy, and shiny curls anytime I use this nourishing mask. It’s no surprise the formula is packed with manuka honey, sweet almond oil, silk amino acids, and more—all of which supremely moisturize my coils. It also makes detangling a dream!” —JW
“Listen, I’m a busy girlie, but I ~ also ~ like having shiny hair. That’s why I’ve been loving this mask. You only leave it in for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse, and—boom!—sleek and shiny hair until the next wash day. Bonus: It smells delish!” —MH
“Honesty time: Despite trying in earnest, I do not understand the science behind how exactly this Kenra serum is able to repair broken bonds within my hair just by me lathering it on. What I do understand? That my split ends have left the chat since I started using it.”
—AW
“This wand has truly become my bestie—I bring it everywhere! It takes care of all my flyaways and baby hairs in a matter of seconds. Plus, it’s easy to touch up my hair on those sleek bun days!” —JM
“I have black hair, so it’s hard to find a dry shampoo that won’t leave a white film. This one blended in so easily, I almost couldn’t believe my eyes. You don’t need a lot to get the desired effect, so you can use it multiple days in a row without getting that gritty feeling of product buildup.” —OTW
“I’m a girlie who often wears slick back ponytails and buns—which means a hardcore hairspray is a necessity in my life. And, FYI, I have incredibly thick hair so I need something that’ll hold a good grip. This one kept my hair perfectly in place without making my hair look stiff or crunchy. Shine and smoothness was still maintained!”
—MU
“A detangler that works *and* smells delish? A win-win for everyone. It also uses 97 percent natural ingredients, which is a big bonus for anyone who loves clean beauty products.” —MH
“I am not being dramatic when I say I have never received more compliments on my hair than when using this gloss. For years, I was a consistent balayage and highlights girlie, but I haven’t gone to the salon in at least eight months. After using this treatment ONE time, all of my friends asked me if I got my hair dyed recently. It truly revived my washed-out color, helped improve my hair’s softness, and is an amazing protecting addition to my routine when using heated tools. I also love that you only need to use it once every three washes.” —JH
“I have highlights, and I am very protective of them. So when I got the chance to try out this Glaze conditioner, I was hyped. Their website makes everything super easy, with a quiz to help find the best color and product for you (FYI, I used ‘Sheer Glow’ but plan to try ‘Blazing Brown’ this summer). I was worried that it might be a pain to use, but honestly, it was a beginner-friendly process and I’ll do it again and again! My hair was left shiny and smooth post-blow dry, and I truly think my hair color was a little more vibrant.” —HC
“Give it up for this root lifter spray, which simultaneously bulks up my fine hair and makes my hair touchable and soft. I just spritz it in section by section while my hair is damp, then blow-dry with a round brush for big hair vibes.” —BG
“This is exactly what you want in a heat protection/styling spray. It is lightweight, smells fantastic (without having too strong of a scent), and leaves hair shiny and smooth. I found that it reduced excess static that typically occurs when I use a hot air tool and didn’t leave my hair feeling crunchy or stiff in the name of holding a hairstyle.” —DM
“Don’t get me wrong, I love my natural, wavy hair but not the static and flyaways that come with it. And this bad boy eliminates all that. Plus, it gives my waves a more defined shape and an extra oomph without being crispy!” —MU
THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE FRAGRANCES
“This fragrance is the perfect blend of warm and floral notes. I loved that the floral scent wasn’t too overpowering apropos of its coupling with warm layers of vanilla and citrus. If someone bottled up a bright sunrise and made it into a perfume, the result would be a few spritzes of this long-lasting scent.” —JH
“If you want to smell fresh and clean like a delicate flower, this fragrance is it. It lasted longer on my clothes than it did on my skin, but I still felt it faintly at the end of the day. It’s perfect for both day and night but light enough to wear on a chill day with no plans.”
—VL
“I’ve spritzed every single Byredo perfume on my body, and Rouge Chaotique is my go-to for a spicy, ~sexy~ night out. Herbaceous patchouli is rounded out by sweet, rich plum and praline. And because it’s an extrait, I smell it on my skin forever.” —BG
“This perfume made me feel like that girl! Not only does the bottle look like it’s meant to be displayed in a museum, but it also smells absolutely divine! Its fruity-floral scent makes it elegant, while its citrus notes make it wearable every day.” —JM
“Sry, Mom, but vanilla sex usually sounds a bit boring to me. Not this one. This creamy fragrance is unmistakably vanilla but also has a touch of sandalwood in the base for a smooth, warm scent.” —BG
“I want to douse EVERYONE in my life in H2Eau Waterfall. And I truly believe it would work for anyone—even, like, my grandpa. It’s just so fresh and inviting—subtle but also just makes me feel clean every time I’m wearing it. Kind of like an everything shower in perfume form.” —HC
“FWIW, while I was wearing this, I got stopped by two men in my elevator who said my perfume smelled so good that it brightened their day. Not surprising, though, considering the mix of fresh florals and sweet honeycomb make it a crowd-pleasing scent.” —BG
“This isn’t the celeb perfume we know from the ’00s, because Victoria Beckham might have been a perfumer in a previous life. Portofino ’97 is a delicious fresh yet spicy take on a summertime, beachy perfume that lasts forever on my skin. And the gorgeous bottle doesn’t hurt either.” —BG
“This is the ultimate It Girl scent. It is sweet and light but actually stays on your skin all day long. If you’re looking for a floral perfume that leans more pretty and fresh than nose-crinkling garden vibes, this is for you. Plus, the bottle is chic as hell and will elevate any bathroom counter in a matter of seconds.” —MH
“This was my first time dipping a toe in the world of sexy cherry-note fragrances, and you can consider me a convert. In a word: divine.” —MR
“Who knew I needed hair perfume in my life! Balmain’s hair perfume collection brings back my two- to three-day-old hair back to life with its luxurious scent (cardamom is my fave!) and its moisturizing properties. This plus dry shampoo equals the perfect lazy girl hair hack.” —MU
“This roll-on scent is subtle and perfect for those days when you want to smell nice without leaving traces of your perfume everywhere. The packaging is also super compact, so you can take it with you on the go.”
—OTW
“All it takes is a 60-second quiz and voting ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ to different scents, and bam—you’re matched with your candle soulmate. (Mine is Lemon Fizz; yes, it’s my dream scent.) And the cherry on top? You can customize the jar in your fave color.” —MP
“As someone with oily acne-prone skin (yup, even on my body), finding the *right* lotion and body products has always been quite the journey for me. This one leaves a fresh, nongreasy feel that I’m literally obsessed with and can layer on daily. I love how it’s packed with niacinamide and ashwaganda extract and that it leaves a truly delicious woody fragrance that lingers on the skin for hours after applying.” —DM
“Future Society combined tech and history to develop its six-scent lineup wherein each is inspired by extinct flowers. FYI: My absolute favorite is Floating Forest, a watery, bright floral with a lil salted musk that I just keep sniffing over and over.” —BG
THE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR HANDS, FEET, AND NAILS
“I’m a little particular when it comes to hand cream: It can’t be too heavy, too greasy, or too scented—otherwise, I can’t touch anything or am at risk of a fragrance-induced headache. So when I tried Dr. Jart+’s hand cream, I felt like I’d finally found a winner. It is lightweight but moisturizing and absorbs quickly without leaving residue or greasy feel. I won’t lie and say it’s completely unscented, but the herbally/citrus/non-scent-scent that it has is mild and fades quickly, which works beautifully for my daily at-my-desk application.” —MF
“As a lover of going barefoot, my feet have never known peace. But they’ve suddenly turned a much more moisturized and soft corner since I’ve been rubbing this rich ointment on my heels and ankles every night.”
—BG
“This lil kit by Mischo is seriously the cutest, most luxe mani tool set I have ever owned. I keep it on my nightstand and I’m reminded (and actually want!) to add a bit of cuticle oil before bed or to maintain my nails. Since I’ve gotten this kit, my nails have never looked better!” —SG
“This set includes just the basics—a foot file and moisturizing balm—that quickly get my feet sandal ready ASAP. And the glass file and twist-up balm are so stunning, I’m way more excited to use it than to just book a pedi appointment.” —BG
“At its best, a top coat extends the life of your DIY mani. After testing this product on some of my nails (but not others), all my Nailberry-coated polishes lasted a full week (!) longer without chipping, which makes Nailberry the best.” —AW
“When Taylor Swift was singing about being a mirrorball, I think she meant she was wearing JINsoon Halo on her nails because this is the sparkliest, shiniest glitter polish ever. It’s loaded with rainbow shimmers that catch the light every time my hands move.” —BG
“This semi-sheer ‘jelly’ nail polish gives off serious Jolly Rancher energy in the yummiest way ever. Its super-saturated red color is straight-up droolworthy, if you ask me (but Lucky Jelly is my fave). With its buildable formula, you can amp up its intensity to your liking.” —MP
“An at-home nude nail polish that’s opaque in two coats, made with plant-based ingredients, and doesn’t chip for seven or more days? I thought I was dreaming when I tried Gitti for the first time.” —BG
“I’ve heard the rumors about Dazzle Dry—a nail polish that’s good for your nails, lasts extremely long (as part of a four-step system), can be taken off with regular remover, and best of all, dries super freakin’ fast. I attest, it’s all true. Just five minutes after painting my nails, I went to the gym and guess what? No smudges whatsoever.” —SG
“I pretty much refuse to use anything but Aprés on my nails these days. There are so many shades to choose from with the best undertones, and I only need two coats of pretty much every single color.” —BG
“Instant manis are super smart and more stylish then ever. These bbs offer up bold solid hues, glittery French tips, delicate studded tips, and more.” —JW
“Since I started layering this nail strengthener under my press-ons, my nails get significantly less damaged and brittle.” —BG
“This oil revived my cuticles this winter. It was perfect for quick touch-ups as I get my UV gel nails done every three-ish weeks. I love that it has a brush applicator to make applying more precise and way less messy. The packaging is also super cute and compact so it fits in my purse perfectly.” —EA
“I love getting my nails done. But do you know what I don’t love? Paying for the super-trendy, super-cute nail designs. With these bbs, you can add the nail art easily and quickly for a fraction of the cost. The little stickers lasted as long as my manicure did (tbh, they would’ve lasted longer if the polish didn’t chip), and I got a million and one compliments. Yes, lots of hand selfies were taken.” —SG
“Yup, nail polish remover can actually make your nails stronger and healthier. I love how easy this takes off my long-wear polish without completely destroying my nails in the process.” —BG
“Finally—a pack of five nail files that don’t feel like they’re sanding down your soul. Don’t let its smooth texture and gentle glide fool you; it gets the job done at lightning speed. Hello: extra me-time.” —MP
THE TOOLS AND DEVICES WORTH TALKING ABOUT
“Not only is this the comfiest LED mask I’ve ever tried, you only need to wear it for nine minutes a day to see an improvement in the tone and clarity of your skin.” —LB
“I break out if I so much as look at my face, so I’ve been scared to dermaplane for years—despite the many benefits. I finally bit the bullet and tried it when I received the Flamingo Disposable Dermaplane Razor, and I’m so glad I did. Not only did my skin not freak the f*ck out, but I also finally figured out how to get rid of some of my most annoying facial hair (upper lip, ugh) without getting ingrowns. I will be using this forevermore, and I’m so glad I was forced to (lol).” —HC
“I thought I didn’t like exercising, but it turns out…it’s just that the gym is not for me. Working out my face, on the other hand? Very much for me. In just two minutes, this lil device makes my skin look tighter, brighter, and more lifted. My cheekbones? Defined. My smile lines? Firmed up. If you need me, I’ll be over here toning and sculpting (my face!!!).” —RH
“This device seriously delivered the ‘glass skin’ look. I used it with my favorite hydrating serum and after five minutes, my complexion was truly glowing. It does an amazing job of helping my products penetrate deep into the skin and leaves my face looking and feeling hydrated for hours.” —JH
“I’m a skeptic when it comes to at-home beauty tools because I thought in-office treatments are just much more effective...until I tried the Nira Pro laser. I’m young, but I have the start of crow’s feet forming. I’ve used this laser consistently for a month and they’re basically gone—no joke.”
—SG
“Ever wanted your ice roller to simply cover every crevice of your face at once? That’s exactly what this mask does. I leave it in the freezer for 10 minutes, then plop it on my face when I need to cool down. It’s genius in the heat of summer (as well as after one too many stadium beers).” —BG
“I had no clue I could be this hyped about a tweezer until now. It snatches up hairs like a dream (first try, every time) and comes in a soft, vegan leather pouch that makes it feel expensive.” —MP
“When it comes to eyelash curlers, I’d used the same tried-and-true version since high school. But the Surratt lash curler changed my eyelash game—my lashes are now lifted higher and for longer. I didn’t think I’d ever find a curler that could compete, let alone is *better* than my OG.” —SG
“This is basically a necessity if you blend you under-eye concealer with a sponge. The angles fit perfectly in the corners of my eyes and left me with a flawless coverage. It’s also so good and truly so blurring for setting with a pressed powder after.” —CAJ
“This massive foundation brush legit cut my makeup routine in half. The rounded, densely packed bristles cover so much of my face, blending every little streak with zero effort.”
—BG
“I’ve been a beauty editor for a long time and never used a dryer as multitasking as this one! It’s literally a one-stop-tool for all your hair needs. And there are two fab versions—one for straight/wavy hair and another for curly/coily hair.” —JW
“I am shocked with how quickly this straightened my hair. The ion feature made it super sleek too! My hair routine just completely changed for the better.” —TF
“Meet the hair tool that made me retire every other hair tool in my arsenal. This wet-to-dry straightener is nothing like the ones that fried my hair in middle school. It uses airflow instead of hot plates to reduce damage, all the while styling my whole head of hair in about five minutes.”
—BG
“Fact: I trust anything celeb hairstylist Jen Atkin makes. Another fact: This super-convenient base has three attachments (sold separately at $50 each, FYI) that pop right on to offer multiple different styling options. And it fully blew me away. The fact that it’s easy to store in my tiny NYC bathroom is a bonus!” —MR
“I love this brush. When I say I haven’t liked a hair brush since middle school, I am not lying. This brush felt like a scalp massage and didn’t pull all of the hair out of my head. It felt so lovely and was gentle on my hair.” —EA
“I’ve used electric toothbrushes for many years, but this one is my favorite. The battery life is SO GOOD—one full charge is said to last nine whole months. I also love how it tells you how long to brush for and when to stop! Doesn’t hurt that it’s the cutest looking toothbrush I’ve ever seen.” —KG
“My dentist says I’m a plaque overproducer (humblebrag!), so I’m practically destined to get constant cleanings. But since I started using this toothpaste twice a day, I’m officially back to twice-a-year appointments.” —BG
“Did my oral-hygiene routine NEED an electric flosser? Probably not. But did Flaus completely up my flossing game? Absolutely. As someone who can’t stand traditional floss (is everyone else just okay with this string cutting into their fingers like this?) this handheld, electric, *vibrating* flosser changed the game. It is sleek, easy to use, and eco-friendly, and gets flossing done in half the time. And now I don’t have to lie to my dentist about how much I ~actually~ floss. 😉” —MF
“I was so excited to try this product, as my legs are sooooo sensitive and the branding is beyond cute. It takes a lot of practice to figure out the best method to wax your legs, but once I figured it out, I was so happy with the results. Bonus: The waxing was as painless as advertised.” —EA
“Feast your eyes on the chicest makeup bag of all time. Not only does this leather case look and feel ultra luxe, it’s incredibly durable (I’ve used it for months now and it still looks brand-new) and can easily hold three days worth of makeup, skincare, and hair products making it ideal for long weekends.” —LB
“The Venus Gillette razor makes for a super smoooth shave. It literally got all of my hair in one pass and was gentle on my sensitive legs.” —EA
“I am H-A-I-R-Y. All my life, I’ve had to keep up with shaving my arms, legs, and other body parts to achieve the ~smooth~ look I like. I had never considered trying an IPL device before testing the Braun Skin i-expert Smart IPL, but now, I don’t think I can live without it. The app is helpful in breaking down my body into manageable sections, and it offers guidance on which head (standard, precision, wide) to use based on the area I’m working on. After using the device consistently for three weeks, my leg hair barely grows back after a week of not shaving. Unheard of! Denser hair areas, like my armpits and bikini line, still continue to grow, but with continued use, I should expect to see more dramatic results in a few more weeks.” —ML
THE BEST PRO TREATMENTS TO GET IN-OFFICE
“There are plenty of line-smoothing injectables to choose from these days, but I consistently get good results from Botox. Like clockwork, it kicks in four days post-treatment and keeps the skin on my forehead and around my eyes wrinkle-free for a solid four months.” —LB
“When I’ve got a lil Restylane in my cheekbones or chin, I immediately feel like a better version of myself. It looks so smooth and natural (which is also a testament to your injector, ofc) and lasts me at least 10 full months before slowly dissolving.” —BG
“You don’t need a bajillion dollars and an hour a week to get a good facial. Instead, just sign up for a Heyday membership and stop by once a month for an affordable, customized facial that’s targeted to your skin’s needs. Since I started going, my pores look less clogged on my nose and my makeup goes on smoother.” —BG
“Hyperpigmentation, dullness, and a few active zits were my skin’s plights when I walked in for my first AlumierMD Glow Peel. But a week and a lil peeling later, I have brighter, glowier, clearer skin than I’ve had in months.” —BG
“A series of six of these laser facials majorly cleared up the hormonal acne on my chin and even helped fade the resulting redness and dark spots too. The treatments are quick and totally painless—and there’s absolutely zero downtime so you walk out looking nice and glowy.”
—LB
“The best microneedling I tried last year didn’t even involve any needles. Hear me out: Beyond Miracles Cellstory uses a cream with Microspear technology that does the same thing as needles (i.e., exfoliates and creates tiny channels in your skin to help jumpstart collagen and elastin production). I loved the brightening and smoothing result but especially appreciated that there was barely any downtime.” —BG
“I assumed getting toned, firm thighs would take hours of Pilates classes and meal prepping. Turn’s out, EmSculpt Neo can help kickstart that process a lil faster with three or four 30-minute sessions that work my muscles with high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) and help melt fat with heat using radiofrequency.” —BG
“This treatment is truly life-changing. I no longer have sweaty pits! I can wear tighter shirts without worrying about sweat stains!! The procedure was super quick and painless—especially for results that last three to four months.” —MU
“I haven’t stopped singing the praises of Daxxify—a form of botulinum toxin that helps ‘freeze’ your muscles to reduce wrinkles—since I first tried it in 2023. Its line-softening powers start working in less than two days, and it leaves my forehead smooth as hell for more than seven months. I’ll be a Daxxify lifer, I fear!” —BG
“My Lash Lounge experience was amazing. I tried lash extensions, and their lash techs take you through every step of the extension process. The process itself was so seamless, I fell asleep! (They give you a blanket and a pillow for under your knees, which made me very comfortable, obvi.) Plus, the Lash Lounge offers products to help you get the most out of your treatment, like an extension safe makeup remover and lash cleanser.” —HC
“Not only does R+Co’s new pro color line make my hair look vibrant and shiny as hell, it’s free of many of the potentially harmful ingredients found in most dyes and it’s housed in sustainable packaging. Basically, it’s better for you and your hair—and the environment too.” —LB
Our Methology
April 2023 to December 2023: We (aka the Cosmo beauty team) compile data on new and noteworthy beauty launches while continually researching and reviewing the thousands (yes, actual thousands) of products that come across our desks.
December 2023: The Cosmo beauty team organizes 500+ standout products and treatments into categories across skincare, haircare, makeup, fragrance, nails, tools, and pro treatments.
January 2024 to March 2024: The top products in each category are sent to a select group of beauty-obsessed Cosmo staffers for an eight-week testing period. These staffers are asked to honestly evaluate products based on the following criteria: efficacy, ease of use, value, and innovation.
March 2024: Cosmo staffers submit their favorite products, along with detailed feedback and testing notes, to the Cosmo beauty team for review. We then take all of that info and use it to create this list of 216 winners.
May 2024: We share all of the winners—and exactly why testers love them—in this easy-to-shop story.
Lead image: Jenny Bird earrings.
Additional reporting by: Marisa Petrarca. Photographs: BriAnne Wills. Stylist: Andrea Zendejas. Hair: Izumi Sato using Bumble + Bumble at 87 Artists. Makeup: Tiffany Leigh Patton at Paradis NYC. Manicures: Mamie Onishi using The GelBottle at See Management.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Deanna Pai is a freelance beauty writer and editor currently based in New York. She has more than 10 years of experience writing about beauty and wellness.