Every year, the launch of new beauty tools goes in two directions. Either these new products are complete duds, or they’re just the thing we needed to completely revolutionize our beauty, skincare and haircare routines. Over the course of the year, the products below have experienced massive success—and for good reason. If you want to completely transform your day-to-day in terms of everything from easier styling to sculpted cheekbones, these were the absolute must-haves.
Hair
Drybar Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush
The Drybar already has our hearts for hair products, especially since they finish with the cutest buttercup-yellow packaging. But this year, they launched another product that’s just as amazing. The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush ($145, Ulta Beauty) straightens hair in half the time it usually takes, while still protecting it against damage, eliminating frizz, and giving you sleeker, smoother hair.
InStyler GLOSSIE Ceramic Styling Brush
On a similar note, the InStyler GLOSSIE Ceramic Styling Brush ($79.99, Ulta Beauty), has a slightly different look, complete with a press instead of just a brush. The GLOSSIE Styling Brush has amazing results, too. Save time and stress with these hair-straightening products while taking care of your hair and keeping it smooth.
Drybar Glitter Gang Buttercup Blow Dryer Value Kit
This gift set ($172, Sephora) has all of the Drybar goodies you need for the best at-home blowout and your best hair day ever. Featuring a consistent fan-favorite blow dryer that cuts back on time and damaging heat, this set keeps your hair (and your wallet) happy by combining these amazing beauty tools at a value price. The set includes dry shampoo, a texturizing spray, and a ceramic brush for the perfect blowout.
Skincare
Luna Foreo 2 for Normal Skin
As the most hygienic and sleek facial cleansing brush you’ll ever see, the Luna Foreo 2 ($199, Macy’s) innovates skin-cleansing by removing over 99.5 percent of dirt and impurities, gently and effectively, while being over 35 times more hygienic than classic facial cleansing brushes. In two minutes, you uncover skin that is more luminous, clean, and prevent visible signs of aging. Plus, it’s totally waterproof, making it easy to use in the shower or bath.
Angela Caglia Skincare Rose Quartz Facial Roller
Facial rollers have become really popular this year, and this one ($65, Nordstrom) made of real rose quartz will help de-puff and brighten skin, boost circulation, and ease facial tension. Even though the roller is naturally cool, you can store it in the fridge to boost its soothing, cooling effect. You can use enjoy the benefits of this tool alone or enhance the experience by using with a facial oil or serum.
Makeup
Tarte Cosmetics Chrome Paint Shadow Pots
Cream and liquid eyeshadows apply easier, and they’re longer-lasting and more vibrant. In 2017, Tarte released a limited-edition cream eyeshadow palette that was absolutely amazing in their Rainforest of the Sea collection, but it’s sadly no longer available. However, this year they upped the game by launching an amazing eyeshadow tool. Tarte’s Chrome Paint Shadow Pots ($22, Tarte) create a buttery, shimmery finish in one easy swipe of your finger. That’s right, you don’t even need brushes to apply this creamy shadow. Made with 80 percent pure pearl pigments, this eyeshadow melts with the heat of your skin when you apply it and last for ages, and its mineral-based formula softens and soothes eyelids instead of irritating them.
Sigma Beauty F82 Round Kabuki Brush
The most important thing about getting a smooth finish for your makeup look? Using a quality brush. Sigma’s Round Kabuki Brush ($25, Sigma) gives you a natural-looking finish and can be used with powder, liquid, and cream products. Being flexible makes this product worthwhile, since so many makeup brushes are specifically targeted toward one product or the other. Sigma’s eyeshadow brushes were also very popular this year!
This year’s beauty launches transformed so many areas of our beauty routines, but we can’t wait to see what 2019 will have in store for the beauty industry. From upgrading makeup tools’ reliability to simplifying hairstyling, this year has been generous for beauty lovers everywhere.