As a veteran beauty editor and self-proclaimed product fanatic, my desk, bathroom counter, and vanity are jam-packed with bottles, jars, and tubes waiting to be put into the testing ring. Our team also thoroughly vets and reviews everything from long-wear lipsticks to hair dryers before they make our lists of the best products on the market. All that to say, I use hundreds of products a month. So many that I rarely hit the bottom unless it is truly a standout. This month, I have six empties—scraping out every last molecule is the equivalent of a five-star review—here’s what made each one stellar.
- Kopari Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream, $42, kopari.com
- Huda Beauty 1 Coat WOW! Mascara, $23, sephora.com
- Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lips Balm, $20, ulta.com
- Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser, $38, credobeauty.com
- Dermelect All Aglow, $36, dermelect.com
- Kosas Revealer Concealer, $30, kosas.com
Kopari Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream
$42
I’ve been using retinol on my face since I was 23, so I’m not sure why it took so long to discover anti-aging formulas for my body, too. While a few retinol body lotions were on the market, 2024 is seeing a boom. This Kopari version is one of my favorites—the airless pump packaging, hydrating-yet-grease-free formula, and silky texture helped me finish this bottle quickly.
Huda Beauty 1 Coat Wow Mascara
$23
I’m calling it: Huda Beauty 1 Coat Wow was my favorite mascara of 2023. Now finished with tube number two and it’s making its way to GOAT status. The hourglass spiky brush snags every last tiny lash and pulls the inky black formula to the tips for mega volume and length. It’s everything I want in a mascara to make my lashes look like extensions.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lips Balm
$20
I have finished countless tubes of the Tarte Juicy Lips Balm—it’s hydrating, shiny, with a hint of color. The perfect swipe-on-and-go purse product. My favorite (and most used) shade is Orchid, a pinky-mauve tone that’s my everyday go-to.
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
$38
A cleanser, especially one in a jumbo sized bottle, is a feat to finish for anyone. This bestseller from Indie Lee sat in my shower for evening face washes and I’m actually sad it's empty. It took off sunscreen and face makeup with ease and left my skin feeling smooth, but never tight.
Dermelect All Aglow
$36
A scrub for just your hands feels extra, and I am acknowledging that it is, however, this step has saved my cuticles from being a dry, flaky, bleeding mess this winter. Once or twice a week, I smooth this pumpkin, walnut, and almond oil—which sounds like the making of a pie recipe too—scrub over my hands, arms, and elbows and they are instantly softer and smoother.
Kosas Revealer Concealer
$30
I reached for Kosas Revealer Concealer for my version of minimal makeup. Translation: It’s still a full face but not full coverage or overly glam. The medium coverage is buildable to cover dark under eyes and acne spots and it never creases. The brand is also very thoughtful with its shade range, releasing more tones when they find a gap. I previously was shade 1.5 but they have since added another even lighter, cool-toned fair color—it’s on my list restock.
