5 Best Beauty Breakthroughs of 2010

As beauty editors, we love our eighth super-hydrating, smoothing, sulfate-free shampoo as much as our first, but even we find ourselves saying, "Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt," regarding some hair-care, skin-care, and makeup launches. But once in a blue moon, a product release so innovative and genius has us singing its praises from the rooftops (and as a result, hoarding duplicates under our bathroom sinks).

Take a look below to see the just some of the cutting-edge cosmetics that have boldly gone where no formulas have gone before. Get the full list here.




Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System


Clarisonic already had a big win with their Skincare Brush, so it was only a matter of time that they'd release another complexion-changing tool loved by women everywhere. Opal comes with a dispenser cap containing anti-aging serum that infuses right into the skin with its gentle vibrations that feel a lot like a mini massage on your face. Use it for one minute, two times a day, and work your way towards a brighter, firmer, more hydrated complexion.

$245; sephora.com



L'Oréal Professionnel INOA Haircolor System

The ammonia in permanent hair dye is the agent that opens up the cuticle to allow the color to seep into the hair shaft, but at the same time can be irritating to the scalp. INOA, which stands for Innovation No Ammonia, has no odor, a smooth texture that will stay on your hair, not on your face, and won't burn your scalp as the color sets. After all, L'oreéal Professionnel has an impressive number of patents on the formula-14 to be exact, so it's no surprise that it leaves hair feeling healthy and looking shiny. True story: Before INOA was rolled out nationwide, it was tested at a few leading NYC salons. Post-color, a first-time INOA client sat for a blowout, and the stylist asked the colorist, "What did you use on her hair? It feels so healthy," which is exactly what you want to hear about your strands after getting dyed.

To find a L'Oréal Professional salon, go to us.lorealprofessionnel.com


Reebok EasyTone Reeinspire Sneakers

Toning shoes have been around for a few years now, promising to deliver leaner legs with every step. The idea of getting toned while doing everyday activities appealed to the everyday woman, but it wasn't until Reebok that she could do it in fashion. Not only are these super-cute sneaks easy on the eye, the unique balance pods tone leg and glute muscles. Working towards sexy stems and a better butt while logging time at the supermarket and mall? Yes please!

$99.98; reebok.com


Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

Just like any big project, the perfect hairstyle requires a vision and the right tools. So it's no wonder that Goody created these screw-like hairpins to take the difficulty out of creating the perfect stay-put chignon: Wrap your hair into a bun, and twist a pin into the style at each end. Just one pair is the equivalent to 40 bobby pins, which eliminates the needle-in-the-haystack-type search through your updo at the end of the night.

$6.49; drugstore.com


Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion AM Moisturizer SPF 30

Retinol has climbed to A-list status over the past year due to the amount of new over-the-counter treatments available. Since it was mainly used in a nighttime treatment that required heavy sun protection during the daytime, this moisturizer defied all previous rules of retinoid use. The 1.5 percent time-released retinol solution works to reduce fine lines, even out tone, and is complete with SPF 30 and healthy antioxidants to guard your skin throughout the day. Let's just say, if you're a multitasking mama who's used to doing a million things at once, you've found your moisturizer soul mate.

$78; sephora.com


Related Links

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.