Being a beauty editor is a pretty tough job. My desk is constantly covered in packages containing the latest and greatest makeup, hair and skincare products that I get to try out before they even hit beauty counters. I kid, I kid...
All jokes aside, this year I've managed to experiment with hundreds of mascaras, lip balms, hair dryers, dry shampoos, nail polishes and eye creams. And my team happily joined in on the fun once my sensitive skin started to show signs of having enough.
From new innovations to cult classics, below are our Best In Beauty award winners for 2013. Tell us if any of these are your favorites.
(Products listed in clockwise from left to right)
1. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Creamy Concealer. Concealing dark under-eye circles and getting that well-rested look never came easy until we got our hands on this tiny pot of concealer. BobbiBrownCosmetics.com
2. Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation. When our non-foundation wearing associate fashion editor Michelle Persad started to sing this product's praises for its lightweight, yet flawless coverage, we knew it was a winner. Sephora.com
3. Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Raisin Color Stick. This crayon-esque lip color delivers incomparable hydration and a sheer wash of color that makes our lips simply irresistible. Target.com
4. Benefit "They're Real" Mascara. Sure, there are luxury mascaras that give our lashes an amazing flutter, but we find ourselves running right back to this mascara that makes it look like we're wearing a great pair of false eyelashes. BenefitCosmetics.com
5. Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen. This eye pencil is the secret behind our thick black eyeliner looks. Go get yourself one! Target.com
6. Make Up For Ever Art of Brushes. These wonderfully-designed makeup brushes look just as lovely on top of our bedroom dressers as they do in our hands. The mixture of wavy and straight synthetic fibers has helped us to perfect some stunning smokey eye looks. MakeUpForEver.com
7. Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender. We can say bye-bye to shiny foreheads and minimize the appearance of large pores with just a few dabs of this clear-setting powder. Our HuffPost Live makeup artist Kari Bauce keeps it within arm's reach. MallyBeauty.com
8. Stila Convertible Color. Full disclosure: I tend to go overboard with my blush. I'm talking Grace Jones levels. But I can reel it back in with this multi-tasking cheek and lip brightener. StilaCosmetics.com
9. Lancôme Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner. If you suffer from shaky hand syndrome (like me), we recommend investing in this super fine eyeliner pen that will make a winged-out lid mishap barely noticeable. Lancome-usa.com
10. Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipstick #400. It's a red lipstick color that looks beautiful on women with various skin tones, and we're super excited that Armani is adding a matching lip pencil in Spring 2014. Bloomingdales.com
11. Kimblebeauty Rubberized Bobby Pins. Hate those dents hair pins leave behind in your strands? You won't get that with these rubberized bobby pins created by celebrity stylist Kim Kimble. Thanks, girl! Kimblebeauty.com
12. Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Hair Oil. Model-approved and beauty editor-tested, this fancy hair oil nourishes dry locks and leaves behind a heavenly scent of neroli, rosemary and sweet almond. Barneys.com
13. BaByliss Conical Wand. Our dreams of achieving bombshell-worthy waves like a Victoria's Secret model came true once we added this curling wand to our styling routine. Beautybay.com
14. Harry Josh Pro Dryer 2000. We're calling this the splurge beauty item of the year because it will set you back a few hundred dollars, but it's so worth saving up for. Hairenvy.com
15. WEN Cleansing Conditioner. You've probably seen the infomercial for these suds-free cleansing conditioners by Chaz Wen and thought, "Yeah, right." Well, we can tell you that they get your hair clean better than any shampoo that's in your shower. Sephora.com
16. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. This thin tube of hairspray has come to the rescue on bad hair days, absorbing the oil from our scalps and boosting our limp locks. Net-A-Porter.com
17. OPI Big Apple Red Nail Polish. How could we resist a nail color named for the city where we work and play? Meet your new red nail polish. OPI.com
18. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. No other top coat can compete with Seche Vite. Nope. Nada. Drugstore.com
19. Essie First Base Base Coat. Skipping a base coat is simply not an option for us, so we make sure to prep our fingernails for a slick coat of polish with this lacquer that helps our manicures last longer. Ulta.com
20. Red Carpet Manicure Nail Art Kits. Inside this tiny little box are the makings of some pretty impressive nail art. Now you know our secret! RedCarpetManicure.com
21. Crest 3D White Strips. Everyone knows that I am a fanatic about having a bright smile. In between my many visits to the dentist, I like to freshen up my grin with these wallet-friendly whitening strips. Drugstore.com
22. L'Occitane Hand Cream. I may or may not wash my hands more than usual, which leaves them extremely dry and ashy. So you can always find me rubbing on this super-hydrating hand cream. Sephora.com
23. Gillette Venus & Olay Razor. This feminine razor seems to follow all of our curves for an ultra-close shave that leaves our skin smooth and silky. Target.com
24. Eve Lom Age Defying Smoothing Treatment Capsules. We were introduced to these tiny capsules during New York Fashion Week. And we thank the beauty gods for the peptide-infused formula that helps to smooth out our tired, wrinkly skin. Nordstrom.com
25. Lancome Énergie de Vie Daily Cream. Once associate viral content editor Renee Jacques started using this day cream, it didn't take long for her to notice a difference in the appearance of her skin. Must be those Chinese root extracts... Sephora.com
26. Restorsea Revitalizing Eye Cream. Telling little white lies about our age is a piece of cake thanks to this anti-aging eye cream. While La Mer is nice, you don't need to spend a fortune to get the same results. Restorsea.com
27. Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Facial Oil. If you're still on the fence about trying face oils, you should definitely consider giving this antioxidant-rich oil a go. Our skin never glowed like this before. Nordstrom.com
28. Maybelline Baby Lips. A lip balm addiction was inevitable after we applied the glossy, sweet-smelling Quenched flavor. Target.com
29. Panasonic ES-LV95-S Arc 5 5-Blade Wet/Dry Electric Shaver. This wet/dry electric shaver is what you should buy your dad for Father's Day. Thank us later. Shop.panasonic.com
30. Whipped Goods Body Butter. As one of the best Instagram finds of the year, we know that our bodies would thank us for rubbing on this homemade body butter made with shea butter and coconut oil. WhippedGoods.com
31. Henri Bendel Black Currant Candle. Light up this fresh floral-earthy candle early in the morning and you'll be ready to take on whatever comes your way. HenriBendel.com
32. Valentina Oud Assoluto by Valentino. If the little black dress had a corresponding scent, it would be this perfume blended with sensual notes of saffron, bergamot, patchouli and poivre. NeimanMarcus.com
33. Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme La Nuit. One whiff of this cardamom and cedar cologne on a man and you can't hold us liable for what happens next. Bloomingdales.com
Now for some beauty advice that you can use:
50 Beauty Tips
Freeze Your Eyeliner(01 of49)
Open Image ModalShave With Conditioner(02 of49)
Open Image ModalRinse Hair With Beer Or Vinegar(03 of49)
Open Image ModalTurn Up The Heat(04 of49)
Open Image ModalUse Ice Cubes To Keep Fat, Acne and Wrinkles At Bay(05 of49)
Open Image ModalMake Your Manicure Last.. And Last(06 of49)
Open Image ModalSoothe Your Stomach.. And Your Face(07 of49)
Open Image ModalApply Sunscreen Daily(08 of49)
Open Image ModalDon't Neglect Your Elbows(09 of49)
Open Image ModalLighten Hair With Chamomile Tea And Lemon Juice(10 of49)
Open Image ModalDe-Puff Your Eyes With Raw Potatoes(11 of49)
Open Image ModalMaximize The Lifespan Of Your Blow Out(12 of49)
Open Image ModalCountouring Creates Dimension(13 of49)
Open Image ModalSay Goodbye To Makeup Sponges(14 of49)
Open Image ModalMakeup sponges help you apply make up, but not without a cost. They usually soak up more liquid foundation than what ends up on your face. The result? You're wasting foundation and constantly buying new sponges. The fix? Get a foundation brush. You waste less foundation and it allows for a more even and precise application than a sponge would. (credit:Shutterstock)
Avoid Overly Rosy Cheeks(15 of49)
Open Image ModalGiving yourself a natural glow avec blush is an in look for spring. But you'll want to avoid brushing on too much (lest you look like a clown). So always start your blush line two finger widths away from your nose and only apply it on the apples of your cheeks. This will ensure you create a natural glow without going overboard. (credit:Shutterstock)
Keep Misbehaving Brows In Check(16 of49)
Open Image ModalApplying False Lashes(17 of49)
Open Image ModalToothpaste Zaps Pimples(18 of49)
Open Image ModalBlot Away Excess Oil(19 of49)
Open Image ModalNo Makeup Remover? Try Lotion Instead(20 of49)
Open Image ModalIf you're out of makeup remover, use body lotion to get rid of makeup. It works especially well on tough mascara. (credit:Shutterstock)
Create Fuller Lips(21 of49)
Open Image ModalIf you're tired of having thin, pursed puckers, extend your lip line using a neutral-toned lip liner. Then apply lipstick over top. Be careful though — don't extend your lip line too much. (credit:Shutterstock)
Lashes For Miles(22 of49)
Open Image ModalCurl your lashes both before and after applying mascara for longer lashes. You may want to re-curl them throughout the day to get some extra lift, just remember to be gentle when you apply pressure with your curler. (credit:Shutterstock)
Don't Pop It(23 of49)
Open Image ModalNo, no, no! Don't pop your zits. Not only does it increase the chance of scarring, it's also likely that you will worsen the blemish and spread bacteria to other places on your face which could give rise to another breakout. (credit:Shutterstock)
Stop Your Hair Colour From Fading(24 of49)
Open Image ModalIf you've just had your hair dyed, the last thing you want is for the colour to fade. One surefire way to prevent such a mishap from happening is to use a deep-conditioning treatment once a month. This will help lock in colour and has the added benefit of staving off dry and damaged locks. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use A Flat Iron To Create Waves(25 of49)
Open Image ModalFlat irons are amazing tools with multiple uses. Not only can you use it to straighten your hair, you can also create tight curls or soft romantic waves. (credit:Shutterstock)
Exfoliate Your Lips(26 of49)
Open Image ModalMicrowave Lotion Into Luxury(27 of49)
Open Image ModalExfoliate Daily(28 of49)
Open Image ModalKnow Your Shade(29 of49)
Open Image ModalUses For Old Mascara Wands(30 of49)
Open Image ModalWear Pantyhose Or Tights(31 of49)
Open Image ModalWhat's worse than having to wear a skirt with absolutely no time to shave your legs? We've all been there. The hassle free fix for this is to wearing pantyhose or tights (try a patterned pair for something new). It will disguise stubble as well as any blemishes on your stems. (credit:Shutterstock)
Tweezing Tips(32 of49)
Open Image ModalCamouflage Grey Hair(33 of49)
Open Image ModalUse Dry Shampoo(34 of49)
Open Image ModalReduce Your Carbon Footprint(35 of49)
Open Image ModalDon't Pump Your Mascara(36 of49)
Open Image ModalApply Bronzer Evenly(37 of49)
Open Image ModalBefore applying bronzer or self-tanning lotion, mix a drop or two of the solution with moisture cream. Blend using your finger or a Q-tip then apply to skin as you would regular moisturizer. This will ensure the cream blends in — and covers skin — evenly. (credit:Shutterstock)
Use Oil On Your Skin.. Even If It's Already Oily(38 of49)
Open Image ModalThis probably sounds crazy, but using an oil-based product to remove makeup or excess dirt from your skin can actually improve your epidermis' condition. Why? Over-cleaning stimulates the sebum glands, which causes skin to over-produce oil. Using oil-based products will have the opposite effect. (credit:Shutterstock)
Avoid Chipped Nail Polish Like The Plague(39 of49)
Open Image ModalThere are only two options for your nails — with nail polish or without. Do not allow your nails to be caught somewhere in the middle (there is nothing worse than nails donning chipped red nail polish). Even if you think no one else will notice, trust us, someone will. (credit:Shutterstock)
Moisturize Properly(40 of49)
Open Image ModalClean Your Makeup Brushes(41 of49)
Open Image ModalMake sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly to avoid a buildup of makeup residue and bacteria. You can purchase makeup brush cleaner from a drug or beauty store, or you can simply use shampoo and conditioner to clean your brushes as you would your own hair. Clean brushes guarantee a super smooth and even makeup application every time. (credit:Shutterstock)
Treat Ingrown Hairs(42 of49)
Open Image ModalApply a product containing azulene or witch hazel to help reduce the swelling and redness that's associated with ingrown hairs. From there, coax the ingrown hair from its location with a pair of tweezers (don't pull it out, though — this will only make the ingrown hair regrow in in the same way later).
Consult A Doctor Before Popping Pills(43 of49)
Open Image ModalDo you really need all those supplements? It's true the healthier you are, the healthier your skin and hair will be. But popping supplements without discussing them with your doctor can do more harm than good. Why? Because mixing certain vitamins and minerals can have the opposite effect of what you're hoping. Talk to your physician before popping any pills. (credit:Shutterstock)
Remove Nail Polish Without Remover(44 of49)
Open Image ModalIf you run out of nail polish remover, you can remove cracked or chipped nail polish by applying a clear top coat to the nail and removing it promptly with a cotton ball. (credit:Shutterstock)
Perfume Basics(45 of49)
Open Image ModalA Top Coat Is A Must(46 of49)
Open Image ModalAdd a top coat to freshly painted nails, and then again once they are dry. This makes your nail polish less likely to chip and will ensure it lasts longer. (credit:Shutterstock)
Clarify Your Hair(47 of49)
Open Image ModalIn order to remove product build-up from locks, use a clarifying shampoo once a week. This will also help prevent dandruff and other annoying hair/scalp conditions. (credit:Shutterstock)
Smile.. Lots(48 of49)
Open Image ModalOur best beauty tip? Smile! It's the most beautiful asset you have. Wear it every day. (credit:Shutterstock)
Smile.. Lots(49 of49)
Open Image ModalOur best beauty tip? Smile! It's the most beautiful asset you have. Where it every day. (credit:Shutterstock)
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Do you have a beauty story idea or tip? Email us at beautytips@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)
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