2009 Readers’ Choice Awards — Results — Part 2

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the winners — agree, disagree? Surprised? Thought they were a shoe-in from the get-go?

Best Beauty Tool: MAC 217 Brush

14.6% of voters just have to have MAC’s 217 Brush! shu uemura’s Eyelash Curler (10.0%) and Clarisonic (9.4%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Lipgloss: MAC Lipglass

MAC Lipglass continues to be the favored lipgloss amongst readers with 19.8% of votes. MAC shouldn’t worry, though — its various glosses all held the top four spots in this category. MAC Dazzleglass (15.8%) and MAC Cremesheen Glass (8.9%) came in second and third, respectively. MAC Lipglass won in 2007, but MAC Dazzleglass won in 2008. But for 2009, we’re back to Lipglass!

Best Lipstick: MAC Lipstick

MAC Lipstick continues to be a strong, now three-time winner, with 46.5% of votes. YSL Rouge Volupte (9.9%) and Chanel Rogue Allure Laque (6.0%) come in a distant second and third, respectively.

Best Highlighter (Face): NARS Albatross Blush/Highlighter

NARS Albatross Blush/Highlighter is certainly a reader-favorite this year, winning with 13.0% of the vote. MAC’s limited-edition Perfect Topping Mineralize Skinfinish (11.4%) and Benefit High Beam (11.0%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Everyday Blush: NARS Orgasm Blush

NARS Orgasm Blush (now a two-time winner) really must give you that lovely, natural glow that we all seek, because 30.2% of you thought it the perfect everyday shade. Benefit CORALista (8.3%) and MAC Dainty Mineralize Blush (7.4%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Primer (Face): Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

With 15.8% of votes, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer managed to edge out MAC Prep & Prime (14.8%) and become a two-time winner. Coming in third was Make Up For Ever HD Primer (12.2%).

Best Foundation: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

Now a two-timer winner, Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (11.6%) just barely beat out two incredibly strong contenders: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (11.4%) and Revlon ColorStay (11.4%) — and yes, MAC and Revlon tied for second!

Best Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer picked up this award with 21.3% of the vote, with Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer (9.8%) and MAC Studio Moisture Tint (8.9%) coming in second and third, respectively.

Best Nail Polish: OPI

OPI is no doubt a reader favorite, as it received 45.6% of your votes. China Glaze (22.1%) and Essie (5.8%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Exfoliator (Face): St. Ives Apricot Scrub

St. Ives Apricot Scrub (19.3%) wins for the second year in a row! MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator (17.0%) and Clarisonic (8.8%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel won again this year, with 9.5% of the vote, but Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (9.3%) kept it close. Philosophy Hope in a Jar (8.9%) came in third.

Best Cleanser: Cetaphil

Cetaphil (14.6%) really, really barely won out over Philosophy Purity Made Simple (14.6%) — like it came down to just a few votes. As I watched the votes come in, they would change places regularly, but Cetaphil won it at the end of the day. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (11.5%) came in third.

Best Makeup Remover: MAC Wipes

MAC Wipes make taking your makeup of a breeze with 14.4% of the vote. Lancome Bi-Facil (13.5%) and Neutrogena Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes (9.8%) came in second and third, respectively. Lancome Bi-Facil won in 2008 but must give up its crown to MAC this year.

Best Body Scrub: St. Ives Apricot Scrub

For the second year in a row, St. Ives Apricot Scrub continues to reign supreme with 17.5% of the vote. The Body Shop scrubs (11.7%) and Bath & Body Works scrubs (10.7%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Shampoo: Herbal Essences

Herbal Essences wins our new-for-’09 category, Best Shampoo, with a mere 12.1% of the vote. Shampoo, on the whole, varied quite a bit, with 27% voting other. Pantene (11.9%) and Frederic Fekkai (6.3%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Conditioner: Pantene

Pantene may be second in shampoo, but they’re your number one for conditioner with 12.4% of the vote. Herbal Essences (9.2%) and Kerastase Conditioning Treatment (6.3%) came in second and third, respectively. Like Best Shampoo, the vote was more scattered across the board amongst the nominees (other only received 7.8% of votes).

2009 Readers’ Choice Awards — Results — Part 1

The results are in! It’s been a really incredible time compiling nominees and then watching the votes come in.  We had some close races in a few categories, with the difference being as little as one (or even tied!) at times.  It’s always fun to see how those turn out, because you never really know until the very last vote comes in–plus, it really shows that every vote counts and may be the one that turns the tide.

Did your favorites win?  Were you surprised by any of the winners?

Best Beauty Brand of the Year: MAC Cosmetics

With a crushing 49.0% of the vote, MAC Cosmetics picks up Best Beauty Brand of the Year. This marks MAC as a three-time winner in this category. Urban Decay (9.9%) and Make Up For Ever (7.6%) were the second and third, respectively, but it was clear MAC was, again, going to win this category by a landslide.

Best New Product of 2009: Sigma Brushes

Sigma Brushes really caught your attention this year and 14.4% of you found them the best new product of 2009. With 11.8% of votes, Chanel Rouge Allure Laques just barely edged out Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II (11.4%) to come in second and third, respectively.

Most Surprisingly Amazing Product of 2009: Sigma Brushes

Sigma Brushes (15.6%) really caught a lot of you by surprise this year — but in a good way. I’m definitely going to try to give them a test during the new year, since so many of you seemed to enjoy it. MAC’s Style Black Mineralized Eyeshadows (10%) were another surprise favorite, along with Chanel Rouge Allure Laque (9.3%) and MAC Perfect Topping Mineralize Skinfinish (7.9%).

Most Disappointing Product of 2009: MAC Tri-colour Lipglass

Limited edition in nature, but still one of the bigger disappointments of the year, were MAC’s Sugarsweet Tri-colour Lipglasses — 16.9% thought so, at least. Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto (14.5%) was another product that missed the mark, with CoverGirl’s LashBlast Length Mascara (9.4%) not working out so well either.

Check out the Best/Worst MAC Collections of 2009, Mascaras, Eyeshadow Base, Eyeshadow, and Eyeliners!

Best MAC Collection of 2009: MAC for Hello Kitty

MAC for Hello Kitty just might have been one of MAC’s strongest selling collections of all-time, judging by the anticipation over the collection, but also by your vote — 22.7% favored this over all other MAC launches this year. Style Black (14.3%) and Blonde, Brunette, Redhead (11.03%) followed in second and third, respectively.

Worst MAC Collection of 2009: Baby Bloom

No love for Baby Bloom this year, as it was considered the worst by 11.8% of voters. In High Def (8.0%) and Baroque Boudoir (7.6%) followed closely as second and third, respectively. Interestingly enough, Love That Look was the least likely to win worst, because it barely received any votes for worst — only two!

Best Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara

Are you surprised that CoverGirl’s LashBlast Mascara has beaten an eternal crowd-favorite, Dior DiorShow? Well, that’s what happened this year, and by no small margin. CoverGirl LashBlast pulled in 18.5% of the vote, while Dior DiorShow only garnered 9.1% of the vote. L’Oreal Carbon Voluminous Mascara (6.0%) came in third. Last year, LashBlast also took home Best Mascara as voted by readers, but the margin was much, much smaller. Were you a DiorShow fan who has now switched to LashBlast? ‘fess up!

Best Drugstore Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara

Hey, if CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara wins Best Mascara, period, it better win drugstore, right? It picked up 30.8% of votes, with L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara (12.6%) and Maybelline Colossal Mascara (7.7%) coming in second and third, respectively.

Worst Mascara: Maybelline Great Lash

Two years in a row, Maybelline’s Great Lash has taken home the not-so-happy award of Worst Mascara. This year, they do so with 14.7% of the vote with MAC ZoomLash Mascara (10.4%) and Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara (10.3%) coming in second and third, respectively.

Best Eyeshadow Base: Urban Decay Primer Potion

Now a three-time winner, Urban Decay Primer Potion still hung in there with a very strong hold — 41.8% of votes. What was interesting about this particular category is that there were three really large vote-getters, while the rest were quite scattered. MAC Paint Pots (20.3%) and Too Faced Shadow Insurance (18.2%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Eyeshadow: MAC Eyeshadow

Another win for MAC, the first winner for this newly added category–they collected a whopping 54.2% of the vote. Urban Decay (13.2%) and NARS (5.8%) weren’t able to close the gap and came in second and third, respectively.

Best Pencil Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner

41.1% of those who voted have fallen for Urban Decay’s 24/7 Eyeliner for your go-to for pencil eyeliners! Make Up For Ever AquaEyes Eyeliner (8.9%) and Stila Kajal Liner (6.7%) came in second and third, respectively.

Best Gel Eyeliner: MAC Fluidline

With 48.0% of the vote, MAC Fluidline really pushed out the rest of the nominees. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliners (12.8%) and Stila Smudge Pots (11.9%) were second and third, respectively.

2009 Editor’s Choice Awards — Roundup

It’s been a long ride! All of the products trialed in the past few years, plus the numerous ones just in 2009 alone. I’m really pleased with the categories and winners this year — I really feel like I’m starting to get a good idea of how and what the awards should mean and look like, after three years of doing them now. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my favorites, and I very much look forward to compiling and publishing the results of the Readers’ Choice Awards once voting closes (tonight, the 31st, at midnight PST!).

• Part 1: Best New Products from 2009
• Part 2: Eyes
• Part 3: Cheeks & Face
• Part 4: Lips, Nails, & Tools
• Part 5: Skincare & Bodycare
• Part 6: Hair Care

Commentary

• Brands with the Most Awards in 2009: MAC Cosmetics (7), Chanel (6), Guerlain (6), Neutrogena (6)
• Total Brands Recognized:  32 (High-end), 29 (Budget), 61 (total)
• Total Award Categories: 64
• Total Winners: 116

Breaking Tradition: For two years in a row, I chose MAC Cosmetics as brand of the year, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation as best foundation, and MAC Plushlash Mascara for best mascara. Three times lucky wasn’t in the card — Guerlain beat out MAC as best brand and their Parure Gold foundation topped my foundation charts this year. I’ve found a new mascara favorite in Chanel Exceptionnel.

New two-time winners (winners in both 2008 & 2009): Clarisonic as Best Beauty Tool, Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer as Best Daytime Moisturizer, Lancome Bi-Facil as Best Makeup Remover, Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner for Best Pencil Eyeliner

Previous two-time winners (winners in both 2007 and 2008): MAC Cosmetics for Best Brand, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation for Best Foundation, MAC Plushlash Mascara for Best Mascara

Previous Awards: If you’re curious, you can check out my picks for 2008 here and here. 2007 didn’t have official Editor’s Choice Awards, but I did include my picks for every Readers’ Choice category, view those here.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Editor’s Choice Awards this year!

Too many categories or were more, specific categories helpful? Did you like the breakdown of high-end and budget winners?

P.S. – Readers’ Choice Awards voting ends December 31st, 2009 at 11:59 PST.  I’ll be doing my best to compile as quickly as possible, and hopefully I’ll have the first set of results out sometime on the 1st!

2009 Editor’s Choice Awards — Part 6 — Hair Care

I think it’s important to give you quick background on my hair, because of course, that’s what I test and review based on — my hair and my experience! My hair has been shoulder-length or longer for the majority of the year. I very rarely style it or use heat on it (e.g. hair dryer, irons, curlers, etc.), and I haven’t colored my hair in three or four years (maybe more).  This leads to very fuss-free, pretty healthy hair (that could really use a hair cut) with no split ends or dryness.

Each award is broken down into a best high-end winner and budget-friendly winner. For each award, the winning brand/product gets a brief description of why, and where appropriate, a link to any in-depth review.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and your favorites!

Part 6 focuses on my favorite hair care products — from shampoo to conditioner to flat irons. These were not restricted to new products in 2009; any brand, any product, from any time can win.

Best Shampoo (High-end): LiQWD Volumizing Shampoo

LiQWD Volumizing Shampoo ($32.00) was love at first wash. OH MY GOODNESS! Look, I’m not the biggest hair expert, and I’ll always be the first to tell you that. Shampoo is shampoo to me — my hair is not fussy or particular. I’ve never had a shampoo cause my hair to fall out, get tangled, look like garbage, etc. I really, really love this stuff. I just feel like it really cleans and gives my hair this beautiful shine and healthy look to it. Ever since I started using it, I also can get away with washing my hair every two days — if I want to. (Normally, I wash every other day.) The Volumizing Conditioner is also worth a mention, too!

Best Shampoo (Budget): Aussie Moist Shampoo

Aussie Moist Shampoo ($4.29) which really helps keep hair from getting dried out and looking very healthy. My hair always feels really soft and smooth after using this!

Best Clarifying Shampoo: Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo

Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair ($3.49) is a must in any household, because it’s great for ensuring you get all the bits of residue left behind by styling products. I don’t use too many styling products, so I don’t always need a clarifying shampoo, which is why I love how affordable this one is. Even though Suave calls it “Daily,” I’d recommend it more for once a week or less usage. There’s no high-end/budget here — only one winner. I haven’t found a high-end product that does as good of a job removing build-up as this that’s worth an award.

Best Conditioner (High-end): Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Conditioner

Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Conditioner ($24.00) is a lemony-citrus sulfate-free conditioner that gave me soft, detangled locks in no time flat. Like I’ve mentioned before, my hair isn’t too fussy, but I really found myself liking the way this conditioner worked on my hair (I will also mention I liked the matching shampoo, too). One of the things I really liked about the conditioner was it made my hair seem lighter–hair stylists are always telling me “you have enough hair for two people!”–so lighter is good. You can read my full review here.

Best Conditioner (Budget): Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner ($6.19) really helps give hair a healthy dose of moisture and keeping it silky smooth post-shower. This is a very, very moisturizing shampoo — perfect for hair that gets colored or styled on a regular basis.

Check out Best Dry Shampoo, Hair Dryer, Flat Iron, and Curling Iron!

Best Dry Shampoo (High-end): T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo

T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($25.00) was a much-loved companion when I went to Hawaii in 2008 with my family during the summer. Something about all the sun and sand at the beach makes my hair a little grimy even on the same day I’ve washed it, and I really loved that T3’s Dry Shampoo gave me a little extra oomph to keep it going for another twelve hours or day. The one I have doesn’t have any variations in it, but I guess nowadays they have ones made for light hair, medium hair, and dark hair.

Best Dry Shampoo (Budget): None

I haven’t come across too many budget-friendly dry shampoos (in fact, I’m not even sure I have, period), but definitely nothing that has left a lasting impression on me. Maybe next year!

Best Hair Dryer (High-end): T3 Bespoke Labs Evolution Dryer

T3 Bespoke Labs Evolution Dryer ($300.00) opened my eyes to a hair miracle. A HAIR MIRACLE! I seriously never knew that you could dry long hair in less than ten minutes. I thought those of with long hair were meant to suffer through hour-long, arm-killing sessions of blow drying. I was totally and utterly wrong (thank goodness!). I can dry my thick, long hair in under ten minutes with the T3. I have both the Featherweight and the Evolution, and I like all the extra settings on the Evolution. If you’re on a budget, though, the Featherweight will still get the job done! (Only $200, ha!)

Best Hair Dryer (Budget): Infiniti by Conair Professional Tourmaline Ionic Styler

Infiniti by Conair Professional Tourmaline Ionic Styler Model 213R ($48.99) gets hair dried quickly–and that’s really the biggest thing I look for in a hair dryer these days. Like ever since the discovery of hair dryers that can get your hair dried in less than a half hour… my life has been changed for the better!

Best Flat Iron (High-end): ghd IV styler

ghd IV styler ($240.00) is kind of my gold standard for flat irons. It’s easy to use, very comfortable to hold, heats up quickly, and gets my hair straightened with no qualms. My hair isn’t that curly to begin with, though, so I must at least disclose that bit to you that I may not be the most strenuous tester of flat irons.

Best Flat Iron (Budget): Remington Shine Therapy Flat Iron

Remington Shine Therapy Flat Iron ($37.49) is an effective flat iron that straightens hair quickly (heats up in about thirty seconds), but it also has this cool thing–a lil’ gimicky, but whatever–where it has avocado oil “infused” into the pads that give your hair a little added moisture and shine.

Best Curling Iron (High-end): T3 PRO EverTwirl Curling Iron

T3 PRO EverTwirl Curling Iron 1 1/4 Inch Barrel ($89.00) is easy to use, comfortable to hold, and heats up quickly. I just wish it came in more barrel sizes (or maybe I don’t, because then it’d get pricey!).

Best Curling Iron (Budget): Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron

Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron ($36.95) is a no-frills kind of curling iron. This gets the job done, and it does it well. Hot Tools also has a Ceramic series, but I haven’t personally tested it. I have the Spring Curling Iron in the 1 1/2″ and 3/4″ I believe – love them both. The only downside is I find a novice (like myself) has to be careful not to touch the hot parts. I’ve found that some of the higher-end irons tend to do a better job making sure iron newbies (again, like myself!) don’t kill themselves in the process.

2009 Editor’s Choice Awards — Part 5 — Skincare & Bodycare

Just a quick note about skincare:  skincare is very individual. What works on my skin may not work on yours, and what works on your skin may not work on mine!  These awards are completely based on my experience with these products.  All products have been tested on my skin for no less than two weeks but typically four to six weeks.

My skin is acne-prone, sensitive around the eyes and above the lip, normal-to-dry (drier in the winter), and I’m 23 – so I don’t have too many (hopefully not, at least) signs of aging.

Each award is broken down into a best high-end winner and budget-friendly winner. For each award, the winning brand/product gets a brief description of why, and where appropriate, a link to any in-depth review.

Share your favorites in the comments!

Part 5 focuses on my favorite skincare and body care products — from daily cleansers to evening creams to scrubs. These were not restricted to new products in 2009; any brand, any product, from any time can win.

Best Facial Cleanser (High-end): Chanel Exfoliating Mousse

Chanel Exfoliating Mousse ($45.00) is an easy, lightweight cleanser that lathers and foams just a smidgen with the lightest micro-exfoliating beads/particles. This is a product I just keep coming back to, despite trying other cleansers since I originally reviewed it. I’d also like to comment on just how much product you get for your $45 — this isn’t a cleanser you’ll be replacing every month or two. This is easily four months or more worth of product! My skin always feels clean (but not tight) and refreshed after using this. You can read my full review here.

Best Facial Cleanser (Budget): Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($7.99) is the world’s best cleanser to go to whenever my skin is out of wack. Whenever I feel like nothing’s working, I turn back to Cetaphil. It’s gentle, soothing, and great for my skin, even when it’s sensitive.

Best Daily Facial Exfoliator (High-end): Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser ($22.50) is a gentle cleanser that softly exfoliates and can be used on a daily basis. I love the lightness of this cleanser. It’s almost like a milky cleanser, because even though it lathers up, it’s not a traditional foaming lather. It’s very cleansing, and I’ve really enjoyed using it. (I tend to use this in the morning, since I keep it in my shower!) You can read my full review here.

Best Daily Facial Exfoliator (Budget): Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub ($7.49) is a soothing cleanser with rounded exfoliating beads that leave skin feeling soft and clean. I love that it’s from Aveeno, which is one of my favorite brands for reliable, no frills, no fuss – just results products.

Check out Best Foaming Cleanser, Gel Cleanser, Makeup Remover, Wipes, Exfoliator, Cleansing Oil, Moisturizers, Creams, and many more!

Best Foaming Facial Cleanser (High-end): Philosophy Purity Made Simple (Foaming)

Philosophy Purity Made Simple (Foaming) ($21.50) is a cult-favorite and with good cause. It really does cleanse extraordinarily well without making skin feel tight or dry. It removes most makeup (not so good on the waterproof or ultra long-wearing eyeliner, but I haven’t met a facial cleanser that can do this — that’s what eye makeup remover is for!) and doesn’t require tough scrubbing to do so. My boyfriend actually felt like PMS (Foaming) made a huge difference in his skin and has gone through several bottles over the past two years! So it gets his vote, too You can read my full review here.

Best Foaming Facial Cleanser (Budget): Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser ($7.49) is a great chamomile-based cleanser that foams up and feels lightweight. It doesn’t leave any tight feeling behind, but you do feel cleansed and refreshed. I really like how gentle it is on the skin–I’ll be turning my boyfriend onto this after he runs out of Philosophy Purity Made Simple, actually!

Best Gel Cleanser (High-end): Renee Rouleau AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel

Renee Rouleau AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel ($35.50) is one of my favorite cleansers, period, but it’s definitely the best gel cleanser I’ve come across. I love the jojoba beads in it, because it gives you this very gentle, soft scrub without being harsh. They’re described as “skin polishers,” and that’s really what they are. Love, love this stuff. You can read my original review here.

Best Gel Cleanser (Budget): L’Oreal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Gel Cleanser

L’Oreal Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Gel Cleanser ($6.39) is a fantastic, affordable cleanser that cleans the skin and gets rid of makeup quite well, too (which is just not something every cleanser can do or is even designed to do). It has a clean floral scent that does linger a bit, but I didn’t find it irritated my skin (but you may want to do a patch test yourself). If you’re more of a cream type, you may want to try the Cream Cleanser — very similar, just a creamy version.

Best Makeup Remover (High-end): Lancome Bi-Facil

Lancome Bi-Facil ($26.00) is an oil-based eye makeup remover that is absolutely phenomenal at removing even the most stubborn, long-wearing makeup. This is a popular pick for makeup removers, and I have to agree with the majority on this one. It really works, and one bottle will last you ages.

Best Makeup Remover (Budget): Neutrogena Oil-Free Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover ($5.79) is a great oil-free makeup remover that gets rid of even stubborn waterproof mascara and long-wearing eyeliner. One bottle will last you quite awhile, so there’s no need to worry about going through this stuff. Sometimes I’ll use this as a spot cleaner for brushes between uses as well. Since it’s oil-free, you don’t have to worry about any oily residue either. Not all oil-free makeup removing products are effective at breaking down makeup (since you usually need oil to do so), but this one is tops.

Best Makeup Removing Wipes (High-end): MAC Wipes

MAC Wipes ($26.00) are, surprisingly, a really good deal and work well to remove makeup from your face, lips, and arms (if you’re a beauty blogger… you know what I mean!). I don’t like the majority of wipes on my eyes, just because I have very sensitive eye-lids that tend to burn when I come into contact with wipes, so I don’t use these on my eyes (you’re actually not supposed to!). These are just so excellent at removing makeup from skin, I always have a few packs under the sink.

Best Makeup Removing Wipes (Budget): Neutrogena Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelettes

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($7.99) are easy-to-use makeup wipes that quickly remove dirt and makeup and leave you feeling clean. I like that this doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue, and I love that it can be used around the eyes, too (on me, I have to do so sparingly, just ’cause of how sensitive my eyes are in particular).

Best Facial Exfoliator (High-end): Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate ($85 to 175.00) is an incredibly pricey, but effective exfoliator. This is one of those products that left me a little disappointed initially, but after a solid two weeks of use (about twice a week), it really does impart this glow after you use it. For me, the regular version is just fine–never makes my face red–but if you have more sensitive skin, you may want to opt for the Sensitive version. I do fully recommend you use this at the sink at least once, so you can see the difference before and after, but I do like to use it more in the shower (with all the steam). I’d also recommend trying to obtain a sample from your local retailer (like Sephora) before plunking down the cash for this one.  The price is high, so it is one of my goals for next year to try and find something comparable but more affordable!

Best Facial Exfoliator (Budget): Biore Pore Minimizing Refining Exfoliator

Biore Pore Minimizing Refining Exfoliator ($11.99) is a really great way to keep skin looking its best and sloughing off those dead skin cells. I like using this two or three times a week, because any more feels a little harsh and unnecessary (which is why I do like a gentle, daily cleanser/exfoliator and then a more intensive exfoliator for other times). It really lives your skin soft and smooth.

Best Cleansing Oil (High-end): shu uemura Cleansing Oil

shu uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil ($62.00) is the orange-colored cleansing oil, but admittedly, it’s the only shu oil I’ve tried, but I have such a huge bottle, I’m not in any hurry to move onto the next (plus, I like it, obviously!).  This does an amazing job at removing my makeup, including long-wearing eyeliner and mascara.  It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy, and it keeps my skin hydrated and never stripped.

Best Cleansing Oil (Budget): Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is one my favorite multitasking at-home solutions. I like jojoba oil for how effective it is at cleansing and removing both dirt and makeup, but it also leaves my skin feeling very soft and smooth. I haven’t found any commercial cleansing oil at a budget-friendly price tag yet, other than just plain ol’ jojoba oil.

Best Toner (High-end): NARS Hydrating Freshening Lotion

NARS Hydrating Freshening Lotion ($36.00) made me a believer on the magic of toners. I seriously never understood why toners were a must or why I should bother at all with one. I love, love, LOVE this product. NARS has a surprisingly strong line of skincare, actually, with Hydrating Freshening Lotion being one of my favorites. It really keeps skin hydrated and exfoliated. I use this often on my lips right before I do lip swatches or on dry patches (on my face) right before I apply makeup. You can read my full review here.

Best Toner (Budget): Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Lotion

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Lotion ($15.00) is a gentle, easy-to-use toner that’s effective at helping soothe skin and give it a fresh feeling without alcohol. Mario Badescu is one of my favorite brands to go to for skincare, because the products have always worked well for me and they’re priced just right.

Best Hand Cream (High-end): Ellen Sirot Hand Perfection Complete Day Cream

Ellen Sirot Hand Perfection Complete Day Cream ($50.00) is hands-down the best moisturizer I’ve used on my hands. It keeps them silky smooth, makes them look more even, and lasts for hours and hours without reapplication. The only downside to the product is the price tag, which is hefty, but I find it worthwhile since it keeps even the driest parts of my hands hydrated, which I haven’t found any other product to do as well. You can read my full review here.

Best Hand Cream (Budget): Nivea Smooth Indulgence Hand Cream

Nivea Smooth Indulgence Hand Cream ($5.99) keeps your mitts soft and smooth throughout the day without having to reapply every hour. I like the size, because it fits into your purse nicely and doesn’t feel too bulky, too.

Best Daytime Moisturizer (High-end): Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer ($65.00) is an all-time favorite for no fuss moisturization. I love using this during the day, because it’s lightweight and non-greasy. I would love to see a version with SPF 15 or 30 come out, though — that would just put me over the moon. I can’t believe I discovered this over a year ago! It was probably one of the first moisturizers I finished in awhile, actually. I recently purchased another this past Sephora F&F sale. You can read my full review here.

Best Daytime Moisturizer (Budget): Olay Complete All Day UV Defense Moisture Lotion

Olay Complete All Day UV Defense Moisture Lotion ($10.99) is an old favorite. I used to use it before I ventured into higher-end skincare, but it’s something I continuously recommend to those on tighter budgets or don’t want fussy skincare. It has SPF 15 in it, which is a nice touch in a daily moisturizer, too. It hydrates without feeling greasy and can be worn easily under makeup!

Best Evening Moisturizer (High-end): Origins Make a Difference Ultra-rich Rejuvenating Cream

Origins Make a Difference Ultra-rich Rejuvenating Cream ($36.00) is a new favorite for me — it is actually the last skincare item I had lined-up for testing in 2009! This is an extremely hydrating cream that is perfect for night time, because it does take ten or so minutes to sink into skin, but it feels divine. During the winter, I often get dry patches around my chin and the like, and usually the only thing that keeps those at bay is Osmotics’ Cream Extreme (which I like more as a spot treatment than an all over cream — very heavy, though effective!). I haven’t had a single dry patch since making this part of my night time skin regimen, so I’m quite pleased.

Best Evening Moisturizer (Budget): Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream ($13.99) is a nice creamy that doesn’t feel too rich, but it’s certainly not lightweight like a lotion. It sinks into skin quick enough that it could actually be used during the day, if you really wanted. It also has a lil’ anti-aging properties in it (Retinol, though low on the ingredient list), but I can’t speak to the effectiveness quite yet… maybe in a few years (but I’ll cross my fingers and hope for never!).

Best Sunscreen (High-end): Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream for Face SPF 55 PA+++

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion for Face & Body SPF 55 PA+++ ($38.00) is a non-greasy, lightweight lotion that provides you with excellent protection from both UVA and UVB rays (so important that you cover BOTH!). I love that it’s water-resistant and sweat-resistant. I’m always cautious about the sunscreens I use on my face, but Shiseido is my favorite for a good facial sunscreen.

Best Sunscreen (Budget): Neutrogena Dry Touch

Neutrogena Sunblock, Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 ($9.49) is a nice, lightweight sunscreen for the face that never irritated me or made me feel greasy. I wore it during my family’s vacation to Hawaii in 2008, actually, and it kept me sunburn free the whole time! It’s also available in SPF 30, SPF 45, SPF 70, and SPF 85.

Best Facial Mask (High-end): Prescriptives Instant Gratification

Prescriptives Instant Gratification ($45.00) is an amazing exfoliating facial mask. Seriously, I love this stuff, and it’s nearly two years since I first tried it. I really contemplated choosing another winner, because Prescriptives is going bye-bye come January, but I couldn’t. At least I can Prescriptives one last award before they close, because this is and was such a standout product. I’ll be picking up another tube, and I do hope Estee Lauder will re-release this product under another one of their brands. You can read my full review here.

Best Facial Mask (Budget): LUSH Fresh Face Masks

LUSH Fresh Face Masks ($7.95) are really relaxing, soothing products. They have several different face masks to choose from, and they’re only available in-store (at least for U.S. customers). My personal favorites are A Crash Course in Skincare and Cupcake, but I do like Catastrophe Cosmetic and Brazened Honey. I kind of like to vary it up, because I have a soft spot for all of them. They just feel like an indulgence, and they’re not badly priced. Plus, I think for every four or five empty pots, you get a free face mask. It adds up quickly! You can read my reviews here.

Best Body Scrub (High-end): Kiehl’s Gentle Exfoliating Body Scrub

Kiehl’s Gentle Exfoliating Body Scrub ($25.00) is a creamy, slightly lathering body scrub with extremely fine particles. It’s almost more like a body polisher (but it’s a little coarser than that), actually. I personally love, love the Lavender scent, because I find it relaxing and it always reminds me to just breathe. You can read my full review here.

Best Body Scrub (Budget): Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub ($16.99) is an exfoliating sweet treat for the body with its sweetly sugared scent. It uses mashed up brown sugar, so it’s actually a much finer scrub than the typical sugar scrub is. It also contains almond oil, which makes it a lot more moisturizing–always a good thing. The tub will pretty much last you forever, too!

Best Body Wash (High-end): Philosophy 3-in-1 Shower Gel

Philosophy 3-in-1 Shower Gel ($16.00) are my not-so-secret obsession. I have a total “gotta try ’em all” mentality with these, because they’re constantly coming out with new, limited scents. I find that one big 16 oz. bottles lasts two people (me and my boyfriend) over a month, and let me tell you, the boyfriend has no concept of skimping whatsoever! I just love how often they hit the nail on the head with the scents. Pumpkin Spice for the win!

Best Body Wash (Budget): Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash ($8.79) is an affordable option for getting your body clean with lots of lather and a pleasant clean scent. I love the way my skin feels clean but not stripped after using this.

Best Body Moisturizer (High-end): Crabtree & Evelyn Soothing Body Lotion

Crabtree & Evelyn Soothing Body Lotion ($19.50) is lightweight and hydrates really well. I surprised myself with this one, because I really didn’t think it was going to be moisturizing enough for my lizard legs, but it is. This is one of my favorite ways to treat myself before I go to bed at night. I love to take a shower, scrub down with Kiehl’s Lavender Body Scrub, then moisturize with Crabtree & Evelyn’s Lavender Soothing Body Lotion. Ahh, relaxation!

Best Body Moisturizer (Budget): Lubiderm Advanced Therapy Triple Smmoothing Body Lotion

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Triple Smoothing Body Lotion ($8.49) is a great three-in-one kind of product. It contains AHAs which help with skin renewal by removing dead skin cells, but it also keeps skin super moisturized and therefore smooth. I like that it does live-up to its three-in-one claims. I love this as a gentle but effective moisturizer. I’m always on the hunt for affordable, well-hydrating body creams, because my sister suffers from even drier skin than I do, so I like to pass on my best recs to her!

2009 Editor’s Choice Awards — Part 4 — Lips, Nails, & Tools

Each award is broken down into a best high-end winner and budget-friendly winner. For each award, the winning brand/product gets a brief description of why, and where appropriate, a link to any in-depth review. These awards are given out by me based on my personal experience with the products. Readers’ Choice Awards are completely separate

I’d love to hear your thoughts — what are your favorites?  Tell me in the comments!

Part 4 focuses on my favorite products to use on the lips, nails, and the best tools — from lipstick to nail lacquer to brushes. These were not restricted to new products in 2009; any brand, any product, from any time can win.

Best Lipgloss (High-end): Guerlain KissKiss Gloss

Guerlain KissKiss Gloss ($29.00) has this amazing smooth texture and ridiculous sparkle. It’s like shimmering, glittering goodness on the lips. I love the shade range, and I find these glosses easy to wear and feel like jelly on the lips. They’re non-sticky in texture, but they do have a sweet fragrance for a scent (which I know is a point of contention for some!). I also find this to be one of the few glosses I can wear alone and still feel like my lips are moisturized at the end of the day. I highly recommend Crystal Pearl, Amethyst Pearl, Fraise a Croquer, and Rose Florida. I will say that finding a good gloss isn’t as hard as you’d think — Guerlain is my #1, but it’s followed closely by Chanel Glossimers and YSL Golden Gloss. The packaging of KissKiss Gloss is lovely, as well – like you feel as if you’re getting something luxe. You can read my full review here.

Best Lipgloss (Budget): NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss ($5.00) come in an extensive range of shades – from clear to gold to red to brown. If you’ve ever wanted to try a certain shade, NYX probably has it. It’s a great non-sticky lipgloss that has a very smooth finish and lots of sparkle and glossy sheen. They’re not the longest wearing gloss (about two hours), but they feel really good and many shades are quite pigmented for such a budget-friendly lip gloss. You can read my full review here.

Best Lipstick (High-end): Chanel Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque ($32.00) are like liquid lipstick, except completely made out of awesomeness. They’re creamy and moisturizing while they still cling to lips. I’ll tell you right now that Dragon is my favorite shade out of the bunch with Santal close behind. I recommend that everyone, at the very least (!), visit their local Chanel counter just to try it out. You can read my full review here.

Best Lipstick (Budget): Maybelline Color Sensational

Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor ($8.29) are smooth, creamy lipsticks that go on evenly and look fantastic. They have a lot of wearable shades, and the packaging feels and looks pretty nice for a budget brand. They have kind of a synthetic sweet scent, but it’s not too strong and not noticeable once you’ve applied the color.

Check out the winners for Best Lip Treatment, Lip Balm, Nail Lacquer (plus Base and Top Coats), Brushes, and Tool!

Best Lip Treatment (High-end): Sara Happ The Lip Scrub

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub ($24.00) is a deliciously scented sugar-based lip scrub that exfoliates well without tearing. It always leaves my lips smooth and soft — totally necessary when you take way zoomed in photos of your lips on the regular! Since I originally discovered it, they’ve expanded it into several more flavor varieties: Vanilla Bean, Peppermint, Cinnamon Sugar, Brown Sugar, and Almond Creme.

Best Lip Treatment (Budget): Jojoba oil + sugar

Jojoba oil and sugar make for an excellent at-home lip scrub that’s budget-friendly without skimping on effectiveness. I like jojoba oil better than olive oil (just feels better overall to me), but you could use whatever you have on hand.

Best Lip Balm (High-end): Philosophy Kiss Me Intense Lip Therapy

Philosophy Kiss Me Intense Lip Therapy ($20.00) is a thick, slightly glossy lip balm in a pot. It’s ridiculously moisturizing and really keeps lips protected throughout the day. I love using this at night to keep my lips hydrated and looking smooth. Love, love, love this stuff. I am on my second pot! You can read my full review here.

Best Lip Balm (Budget): Yes to Carrots Lip Butter

Yes To Carrots Lip Butter ($3.69) are very moisturizing lip balms in a tube. My favorite flavor is Citrus, personally, but I haven’t run into any I dislike. I always make sure I have a few of these stashed around the house and my purse. I don’t feel like I have to reapply this all the time, which is really nice. You can read my full review here.

Best Nail Lacquer: China Glaze

China Glaze is most definitely my pick for nail lacquer. I love their formulas (particularly for their shimmers and glitters), but what I love more is their shade range. They just make so many of my all-time favorite shades (Ruby Pumps, Emerald Sparkle, and For Audrey)! You can see many of my reviews here.

Best Top Coat: Seche Vite

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat ($9.99) is an amazing top coat to give you better, longer wear with a nice, glossy look. I love the thickness of the formula, and I like that it keeps drying time down, too.

Best Base Coat: Zoya Anchor

Zoya Anchor Basecoat ($8.00) is an absolute must-have in my household. I keep a few bottles of these on hand at all times, because it really helps keep my nail polish on lockdown. I’ve used it with all sorts of brands and have always gotten long-wearing manicures out of it. You can also pick it up as part of Zoya’s Color Lock System — also an amazing product.

Best Makeup Brushes (High-end): MAC Cosmetics

MAC Cosmetics Brushes are easy to use, feel soft to the touch, and last forever (okay, a very long time, at the very least!) if you take good care of them. I love that MAC has a huge variety of brushes to choose from (though tough on those with a “collect ’em all” mentality…), but what I like is that they’re really durable and well-made. I own just about all of the existing permanent brushes available, and I haven’t run into any poorly made brushes yet. You can read reviews on all of MAC’s eye brushes here and their face brushes here.

Best Makeup Brushes (Budget): Sonia Kashuk

Sonia Kashuk Brushes are a great budget-friendly alternative for quality brushes. She always has sets available, sometimes in ultra-cute pouches and bags, which are even more cost-effective. They’re soft, shaped well, and there is a good variety of tools available. You can read a full review here.

Best Beauty Tool (High-end): Clarisonic

Clarisonic Skincare Brush ($195.00) is one of those products you don’t think you’d ever really need or be won over by, but it really is an incredible tool. If you like exfoliating your face, I think you’d like this. When I tried it out, I just didn’t think it’d be worth the $195 price tag, but I love it and use it nearly everyday. An absolutely excellent tool! You can read my full review here. (Also, the MIA is every bit as lovely — just lacking two speeds — and goes for $149.)

Best Beauty Tool (Budget): Tweezerman Slanted Tweezers

Tweezerman Stainless Steel Slant Tweezers ($20.00) are a staple in my household! I have three or four pairs — one in my bathroom, at my desk, and in my bedroom. There’s probably another floating around somewhere! (I misplace things all the time, which is why I often have multiples of certain products!) They’re just so good at grabbing even the tiniest out-of-place brow hairs. They’re comfortable to hold, close together tightly, and the slant makes it even easier to use. It’s not just the best budget-friendly tool to have, but it’s really a must-have, period.

2009 Editor’s Choice Awards — Part 3 — The Cheeks & Face

Each award is broken down into a best high-end winner and budget-friendly winner. For each award, the winning brand/product gets a brief description of why, and where appropriate, a link to any in-depth review. These awards are given out by me based on my personal experience with the products. Readers’ Choice Awards are completely separate

What were your favorites?  Would love to hear them — tell me in the comments!

Part 3 focuses on my favorite products to use on the cheeks and face — from blush to foundation to primer. These were not restricted to new products in 2009; any brand, any product, from any time can win.

Best Cheek/Face Highlighter (High-end): Dior DiorSkin Shimmer

Dior DiorSkin Shimmer ($43.00) are beautiful highlighters that just add a subtle sheen to skin that’s glow-y and natural. It’s not glitter, it’s not even quite shimmer — it’s so smooth and refined. I love these over blush or even alone for a very natural, soft look. They’re like instant wake-ups for the face — I have every single shade to date (which, lucky for my bank account, isn’t too many), but I love Amber Diamond and Rose Diamond the most. You can read my full review here or see one of my favorites, Amber Diamond, in action here.

Best Cheek/Face Highlighter (Budget): Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips ($7.00) are fun, affordable shimmery strips of colors that help add sheen and shimmer to your cheek bones. I like that there are a lot of different versions to choose from, though I am partial to Healthy Glow myself.

Best Everyday Blush (High-end): Benefit Sugarbomb

Benefit Cosmetics Sugarbomb ($28.00) is one of my newest finds and now my best friend. It has the lovely texture and subtle shimmer of my favorite Dior DiorSkin Shimmers but with more color punch (Skin Shimmers are designed to be highlighters, so they’re not supposed to have a ton of color, FYI!). Sugarbomb is that great mix of peach, pink, and GLOW! This is a product I could easily wear everyday (and I wear it so often!). You can see me wearing it in these looks or read my full review here.

Best Everyday Blush (Budget): Milani Luminous Blush

Milani Luminous Blush ($3.49) is a pretty peachy-pink with light shimmer. If you haven’t already heard, Luminous has been a long-time affordable version of the famous NARS Orgasm Blush. It’s not so peach that it’s overly warm, but it’s not so pink that it gets too cool. Love that it works on both warm and cool skin tones.

Best Cream Blush (High-end): MAC Blushcreme

MAC Blushcreme ($18.50) is one of my favorite products to use in the summer, because it layers really well under powder (blush or just setting powder). Blushcremes are creamy, soft, and look very natural on the skin, because it’s almost as if they just melt into the skin. I love, love Posey and Liliscent.

Best Cream Blush (Budget): Revlon Cream Blush

Revlon Cream Blush ($10.00) are easy-to-use creamy, smooth blushes that add just a subtle hint of color to cheeks. The end result is very natural, yet you’ll notice you have more color on your cheeks. The compact is kind of cute, with a little pop-out mirror for on-the-go application. (Personally, I use a stippling brush with creamy blushes, so it’s not actually so practical for me!) One piece of advice, though, what you see in the pan is not quite what you get — so don’t let the color in the pan intimidate you!

Best Powder Blush (High-end): Guerlain Blush 4 Eclat

Guerlain ‘Blush 4 Eclats’ Sculpting Blush ($49.00) is a four-colored blush available in six different variations. They’re ridiculously smooth, soft powder blushes that look natural and have just a subtle sheen that translates to a natural glow kind of look.

Best Powder Blush (Budget): CoverGirl Cheekers Blush

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush ($4.50) are single-shade powder blushes that come in a variety of shades ranging from pink to peach to plum. Colors go subtly and have a tendency to be soft shades rather than deep and intense, lending themselves to a very natural look.

There’s more — best in bronzers, primers, concealers, powders, foundations, and tinted moisturizers…

Best Bronzer (High-end): Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel ($50.00) is a subtly shimmered bronzing powder that goes on natural and doesn’t turn orange. It’s just very easy to use and feels and looks lightweight. I’m not a huge fan of bronzer, period, but Chanel made me give bronzer another chance this year.

Best Bronzer (Budget): Rimmel Natural Bronzer

Rimmel Natural Bronzer ($6.00) is a smooth, mostly matte bronzer that works well on a variety of skin tones (though on the palest skin tones, you may find it to appear orange if you don’t use a light hand). It’s soft and looks very natural on skin.

Best Primer (Face) (High-end): Korres Silicone-Free Primer

Korres Face Primer ($28.00) is an amazing primer that doesn’t use silicone as a base ingredient, so those who are breakout-prone with silicone primers may enjoy this one in particular. It’s a very lightweight primer that goes on quickly, dries down, and looks matte. It’s actually something you can wear alone or underneath foundation. My mom even loves the way it makes her skin feel and look (and she’s not into makeup).  You can read my full review here.

Best Primer (Face) (Budget): None

No picks from me this year, because I have yet to come across a budget primer that’s really knocked me off my feet. I wouldn’t want to choose a winner that’s more winner-by-default, you know?

Best Concealer (High-end): Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer

Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer ($35.00) is a very creamy and emollient concealer that works really well to camouflage those nasty under eye circles. This concealer really does conceal with a vengeance, because it’s a very thick, creamy product that fully covers whatever you need it to cover.

Best Concealer (Budget): L’Oreal Visible Lift Under Eye

L’Oreal Visible Lift Under Eye Concealer ($11.95) comes in a handy click-type dispenser and applies easily to the under eye area. One of my favorite high-end concealers is the famous YSL Touche Eclat, but with the click-type delivery system, it goes bad quick — which makes it a very expensive product over the long run, just because you have to replace it often. Visible Lift is very similar to Touche Eclat, but it’s much more affordable!

Best Foundation (High-end): Guerlain Parure Gold

Guerlain Parure Gold Fluid Foundation ($78.00) is an excellent lightweight, medium-coverage liquid foundation that makes skin look smoother, softer, and very natural. It has a subtle dewiness to it, but trust me, that’s not code for oiliness. (I very rarely like any foundation that’s “dewy,” because it just looks like I’m oily!) It’s so comfortable to wear; you don’t feel it on at all. You can read my full review here.

Best Foundation (Budget): Revlon ColorStay

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation ($12.99) is a natural-looking liquid foundation that feels lightweight and provides medium coverage. It looks really good on, but there are a few areas where it could be improved (primarily, scent — has kind of a cheap, chemical scent). It’s one of the better drugstore foundations I’ve tried in the past few years, though, because ultimately, it looks natural and gives good coverage without being too heavy and lasts for hours!

Best Loose Powder (High-end): Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder ($34.00) is a lightweight loose powder that is perfect for setting makeup. It helps keep makeup in place for hours on end, and I fully recommend the Translucent “shade.” I found it truly was translucent and never made me look powdery or chalky.

Best Loose Powder (Budget): Neutrogena Healthy Skin Loose Powder

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Loose Powder ($12.19) is an incredibly lightweight loose powder that helps to set your makeup. It helps keep oil at bay (at least, for longer) and your makeup in place while you wear it. I wish they had a translucent version, but they have three shades — fair, light, and medium.

Best Tinted Moisturizer (High-end): Korres Tinted Moisturizer

Korres Watermelon Lightweight Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30 ($28.00) is a lightweight, light to medium coverage tinted moisturizer. What I like about it is you can layer it for more buildable coverage, which isn’t something you can always do with a tinted moisturizer. It’s also water-resistant and holds up through the summer heat. It has a very matte appearance, which is also really great for warmer months. I only wish they’d put out more shades.

Best Tinted Moisturizer (Budget): Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer ($11.49) is an affordable tinted moisturizer that holds up well during the summer and leaves skin looking naturally dewy. It also contains SPF 20, which is a nice bonus. I know it also has “retinol treatment” in it, but I couldn’t tell you if it’s effective or not. For the price tag, I can’t imagine it packs the potency of Retin-A or anything like that, though!

2009 Editor’s Choice Awards — Part 2 — The Eyes

Each award is broken down into a best high-end winner and budget-friendly winner. For each award, the winning brand/product gets a brief description of why, and where appropriate, a link to any in-depth review. These awards are given out by me based on my personal experience with the products. Readers’ Choice Awards are completely separate

I would LOVE to hear what you think about my picks — any of these your favorites, too?  The very opposite of your favorite?  Tell me in the comments!

Part 2 focuses on my favorite products to use on the eyes — from eyeshadow to eyeliner to mascara. These were not restricted to new products in 2009; any brand, any product, from any time can win.

Best Pencil Eyeliner (High-end): Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($17.00) are soft, smooth, and come in a variety of colors. They’re vibrant with rich pigmentation, and they glide on so smoothly. I love how long-wearing they are on my lower lash line. The color range and the softness of the pencil itself really make this one a huge winner in my book. You can read my full review here.

Best Pencil Eyeliner (Budget): L’Oreal HiP Chrome Eyeliner

L’Oreal HiP Color Chrome Eyeliner ($10.00) are some of the richest eyeliners I’ve tried. Black Shock is easily one of the deepest blacks I’ve come across in a pencil form. I love the metallic finish of these, and I find them to be very much like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Liners. I do hope to see more of these from L’Oreal HiP in the upcoming year. You can read my full review here.

Best Gel Eyeliner (High-end): MAC Fluidline

MAC Fluidline ($15.00) is an excellent gel eyeliner that is easy to work with, doesn’t budge or smudge throughout the day, and has a decent color selection. (They used to have more, and MAC used to regularly release limited edition shades, but it’s been a minute since that’s happened.) I just find Fluidline to be the best of both worlds — smooth and creamy without being too wet nor too dry that it creates drag.

Best Gel Eyeliner (Budget): Sonia Kashuk Gel Eyeliner

Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Defining Long-wear Gel Eyeliner ($8.99) are a great budget-friendly alternative for grabbing yourself a gel eyeliner. They’re creamy, long-lasting, and easy to use. The only downside is that there are only three shades available (a vibrant blue, cocoa brown, and black). You can read my full review here.

Best Liquid Eyeliner (High-end): MAC Penultimate

MAC Penultimate Eye Liner ($16.50) is an easy-use liquid liner in a felt-tip pen delivery system. The pointed felt tip edge really helps to make it easier to use, stabilize, and get a rich, even line across the upper lash line. You can read my full review here and see me use it in a look here.

Best Liquid Eyeliner (Budget): Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaLiner Liquid Liner

Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner ($2.99) are easily some of the better liquid liners on the market, but they’re also ridiculously affordable. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at liquid liner, I totally recommend grabbing a few MegaLiners to play with. The Turquoise shade has always been one of my favorites!

Check out the Best & Worst Mascaras, Best Eyeshadows, False Eyelashes, Bases, and Palettes!

Best Mascara (High-end): Chanel Exceptionnel

Chanel Exceptionnel Mascara ($30.00) gives me long, dramatic lashes that are thick, full, and oh-so-black. It’s as close as I’ve gotten to my dream mascara! I love how black my lashes look, and the length it gives me is incredible. But not only does it give me dramatic length, it thickens, too — I often find a mascara can lengthen, but not thicken or vice versa. Rarely do you get both done well in a single mascara! If $30 is a bit steep for you, my second favorite is still MAC Plushlash, which yields similar results, though just slightly less dramatic results — but it’s also half the price. You can read my full review here.

Best Mascara (Budget): Maybelline Full ‘n Soft

Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara ($6.59) has been a long-time favorite for me. It gives me lush looking lashes without effort. It has a nice black pigmentation (Very Black is my favorite shade) while being a very, very clump-free formula–even when you pile it on as I often do. You can see me wearing it here.

Worst Mascara (High-end): Dior DiorShow

Dior DiorShow Mascara ($24.00) was just one of those very anticipated, much-loved-by-everyone-else products I was hoping to fall in love with, but couldn’t because it smudged and flaked horribly. Even though I felt like I saw good results (nice length, some thickening, decent volume), having black flakes and smudges after an hour just isn’t very sexy. I don’t have many mascaras that flake on me, but this one was one of the worst.

Worst Mascara (Budget): Maybelline Great Lash

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($4.99) is a really poor performing mascara. It might even be one of the worst mascaras I’ve ever used. It’s alsoa huge let-down, because it consistently wins awards in magazines and yet it really is nothing to write home about. (Well, no, you may write home to tell your best pal never to waste her $5 on it!) It doesn’t do much to lashes, and I found it a particularly dry and clump formula overall.

Best False Eyelashes (High-end): shu uemura

shu uemura False Eyelashes has a wide variety in false eyelashes; from the eccentric to the avant garde to the natural. They’re beautiful, soft, and really well-designed. Some of the more wearable/everyday kind of lashes are more affordable than the couture lashes.

Best False Eyelashes (Budget): Revlon

Revlon Fantasy Lengths Eyelashes ($4.00) are affordable false eyelashes that get the job done. I like that every pair you purchase comes with either a self-adhesive strip or a mini tube of glue (which will give you more glue than you need).

Best Eyeshadow Base (High-end): MAC Paint Pots

MAC Paint Pot ($16.50) is an excellent product to layer underneath your eyeshadows to give you bolder, truer color that lasts all day without fading or creasing. (Of course, as with all beauty products, your mileage may vary!) I know some prefer to use a combination of Urban Decay’s Primer Potion and MAC Paint Pots, but I just need to lay down a Paint Pot, and I’m good to go. My favorite is Soft Ochre, because it has a matte finish, so it can be incredibly versatile. If you’re cooler-toned, I recommend Painterly for the same reason; I’ve just found that Soft Ochre works better on warm skin tones while Painterly works better on cool skin tones.

Best Eyeshadow Base (Budget): NYX Eyeshadow Base

NYX Eyeshadow Base ($6.00) is a short and sweet product in three different shades (White, Pearl, and Skin Tone). I find Pearl is nice under more shimmery shades, but Skin Tone is good in a variety of situations, so it’s more versatile. It does a good job of extending the wear of your eyeshadow and giving you a base for the color to grab onto and look true to form.

Best Eyeshadow (High-end): MAC Eyeshadow

MAC Eye Shadow ($14.50) is an amazing product at the end of the day. MAC has a huge range of well-pigmented, easy-to-use shades in their permanent line-up, and I think the permanent range is often overlooked with the sheer amount of limited edition shades MAC releases on a yearly basis. Even if you’ve been a little disappointed in the quality of limited edition shades, you’re really missing out if you don’t check out their permanent line of shades. No matter what brand I try, I always come back to my MAC eyeshadows. They’re just so easy to use, come in so many different shades and textures, it’s hard to stay away for long. I also love that you can use palettes or pots, depending on your preference.

Best Eyeshadow (Budget): Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow

Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow ($6.99 to $14.99) is a brand that I find incredibly reliable. Reliability in beauty is actually a really good thing, because there’s a consistency of quality across the brand that makes it easier to try new shades or products without fear of disappointment. Sonia Kashuk has pigmented bright colors, but there are also some lovely neutrals in the range as well.

Best Cream Eyeshadow (High-end): Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow

Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner ($19.00) are creamy, smooth eyeshadows that can be used as a base, liner, or worn alone or mixed together. I absolutely love the shade range–there are lots of shades that are perfect for everyday, but then there are a few “fun” shades, too. The packaging is cute and functional, and the product itself is amazing.  You can read my full review here.

Best Cream Eyeshadow (Budget): Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaEyes Cream Eyeshadow

Wet ‘n’ Wild MegaEyes Cream Eyeshadow is a quick-drying cream shadow that stays in place once you’ve applied it. It appears to have been discontinued this year, unfortunately. I was originally going to give out the award to another product, but I just didn’t feel like there was another one that rivaled this. I hope Wet ‘n’ Wild brings it back or calls it something else but is virtually the same product.

Best Eyeshadow Palette (High-end): Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palettes

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palettes are some of the best around. They always have a good selection of shades and the quality is consistent across the board. You may find one or two out of ten or twelve shadows isn’t your favorite, but the majority are soft, buttery eyeshadows with rich pigmentation.

Best Eyeshadow Palette (Budget): NYX Eyeshadow Palettes

NYX Color Palettes ($9.00) are surprisingly well pigmented for such an affordable palette. They have both five and ten-color palettes, and the quality is decent in them. Sometimes you get a few chalkier shades, but they’re some of the best I’ve seen at such a low price point.

Best Eyelash Curler (High-end): shu uemura Eyelash Curler

shu uemura Eyelash Curler ($19.00) is easily my favorite curler, and it has been since I first had it. I used to have a Revlon one, and I didn’t even realize that an eyelash curler could really have levels of quality. Shu’s is easy to use, works well, and it lasts awhile. The only thing I wish they did was sell replacement curling pads, since it would be more cost-effective (for us!) and more environmentally-friendly (for everyone!). I know shu recommends replacing the entire curler after about two years or so (because the springs weaken, supposedly), but I’ve had mine for longer and couldn’t tell you I’ve noticed a thing!

Best Eyelash Curler (Budget): e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler

e.l.f. professional Mechanical Eyelash Curler ($1.49) also gets the job done, no matter how tight your budget. (Seriously, $1.49!) It’s handy, easy-to-use, and gives lashes a nice curl. It’s not quite as comfortable use as shu’s, but you’re not using it for long, anyway.