2011’s Best Beauty Products
As the new year approaches, most people tend to look ahead to what 2012 may bring (new spa trends, a better job, maybe even an upgrade in the boyfriend department). But I like to think back a bit and reminisce about all of the amazing beauty products 2011 gave me.
From the prettiest blushes I've ever seen to the most natural-looking self-tanners, I tried many beauty products this year that I'll still be using well into 2012. Want to take a walk down my beautiful memory lane?
Olay Professional Pro-X Skin Analyzer, $0
With Olay's new online Skin Analyzer, you can get personalized skin care advice without stepping foot into a derm's office. To get your analysis, all you have to do is order a free headband from Olay.com/skin-analyzer. Then take a picture with the headband on, and upload it onto their site. It surveys your wrinkles and spots, then compares them with others in your region that are of similar age and skin type. Personalized skin care has never been so easy (or cheap!). For more brilliant and affordable beauty inventions of 2011, click here.
Satin Smooth Ultimate Milk 'N Honey Neck Lift Mask, $4.49
Chalk this up as an invention I never knew I needed, and now can't live without. Each of the masks in the Ultimate Collagen Mask Collection (there are ones for your eyes, under-eyes, lips, neck, and face) are ultra-hydrating, and the marine-based collagen also helps firm and tighten problem areas while minimizing pores. The overall effect is like a mini face-lift. For me, the neck mask was the definite winner. See the rest of 2011's most amazing face masks here.
Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes, $25
While I wouldn't want to deal with the whole quickie-marriage/divorce drama Kim Kardashian has going on, there is the one enviable Kardashian trait I'd love to have: Her doll-like, false-eyelashes look. Luckily I found a new mascara that promises to deliver just that. Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes took seven years to make. The cone-shaped I-Conic brush alone has three patents that claim to push lashes up, defying the laws of gravity. The smooth formula claims to give a "false doll-lash effect" and wearers report a 35 percent increase in the color, curvature, density, thickness, and length of their lashes. For the rest of the new mascaras of 2011, click here.
Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel, $38
After spending all those glorious summer days laying out by the pool and working on nothing other than evening out my tan, come December, my skin starts screaming for some hydration. This revolutionary gel moisturizer is the perfect antidote. The gel's cooling effect helps invigorate skin while instantly shrinking pore size. Its artichoke leaf extract further helps decrease pores over time, while its vitamin C and licorice root brightens and evens skin tone. What's more, activated charcoal -- one of the more innovative skin care ingredients -- absorbs excess oil and detoxifies impurities on the skin. For the other new moisturizers of the year, click here.
Kate Somerville True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover, $35
OK, so you know I'm a sucker for anything that promises long lashes, but I'm also lazy and can't bother with using those growth serums on my lashline every night. But, I do take off my eye makeup no matter what, and so a product that removes my makeup and restores my lashes is a dream come true. This product boasts a SymLash226 Complex that strengthens lashes. Plus, with its rosehip and avocado extracts, you'll even reap anti-aging benefits.
What were your 2011 beauty faves? Let me know in the comments below!
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