The 13 Best Beauty Products That Came Out In 2019

This isn't your average matte lipstick. “Because of the larger end, you won't get crisp precision, but this is by far the best drugstore longwear lip pencil I've ever tried,” Christine Cho, a makeup artist based in Toronto, told HuffPost. Available in 12 different shades, the brand claims the lipsticks last for up to eight hours (spoiler alert: they do) and are smudge-resistant. “The high pigment and longevity is shocking,” Cho said. “They’re so good I’ve actually kept them all for myself rather than adding them to my kit.” Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick, $9.49, Ulta

“Eyeshadow with SPF! It’s about time,” Jessica Berto, medical aesthetics trainer at Project Skin MD, told HuffPost. “Supergoop! is leading the pack [when it comes to SPF products]. Our eyes are delicate, so many people aren’t able to put sunscreen on them.” Until the release of Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow, that is. “Not only does this eyeshadow have a soft beautiful shimmer, it has a mineral SPF 30 in it for sun protection, plus rose and Roman chamomile for hydration and soothing [properties].” Available in four shades, they can be used on their own or as a base underneath your regular eyeshadow. Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow with SPF 30, $24, Sephora

Did the fact that this campaign was fronted by Harry Styles hurt? No. But it wasn’t the only reason Gucci Mémoire d'une Odeur Eau de Parfum was such a major launch this year. Released in summer 2019 at the helm of creative director Alessandro Michele, it was Gucci’s first genderless, ageless and totally universal fragrance. In fact, the brand created a whole new olfactive family that it dubbed “mineral aromatic,” referring to its mix of unexpected scents, like Roman chamomile, Indian coral jasmine, sandalwood, cedarwood and more. Gucci Mémoire d'une Odeur Eau de Parfum, $120, Sephora

These are “a great and speedy way to replenish your hair’s moisture in between salon visits,” Kirsten Klontz, a hairstylist who has worked with Kristin Cavallari, Nicole Scherzinger and Brooke Lynn Hytes of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (among others), told HuffPost. “They’re formulated with strengthening lipids and natural glycerins that work to fill the gaps in the hair's cuticle to help prevent breakage and split ends.” Although they just launched in North America, they’ve actually been out in Brazil for years (since 2008) and are a longtime hair care favorite of Brazilian women. Need we say more? Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots Ampoules Hair Treatment, $1.99, Target

Even though the brand just launched in September, you’ve definitely seen these adorable yellow stars all over Instagram. They’re made of hydrocolloid, which is “a substance commonly used in surgical dressings that has been proven to accelerate breakout healing,” Berto said. "Its properties have been proven to draw out infection and protect from bacteria.” Rather than drying out zits with harsh creams and gels, Starface Hydro-Stars gently coax pus and fluid out, while preventing picking and squeezing, too. “They’re safe [to use] for all skin types, as well as [during] pregnancy,” Berto said. “They’re hitting all the checkpoints: safety, cleanliness and efficacy — and not to mention, they’re super cute!” Hydro-Stars, $22, Starface

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “What could be so innovative about yet another vitamin C serum?” But Summer Fridays, the brand that launched the ultra-popular Jet Lag Mask last year, has done it again with the CC Me Vitamin C Serum, thanks to the products inclusion of not one, but two different types of vitamin C, for peak skin-brightening. (Hence the “CC” in the name.) And while many vitamin C serums can be irritating, the serum is also formulated with squalane for soothing and hydrating benefits, making this a vitamin C serum everyone can use — no easy feat. Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum, $64, Sephora

“There are a few really big-name ingredients” in this one, Berto said about this launch from Then I Met You, the new skin care brand founded by Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam. “One is polyglutamic acid, a water-soluble peptide that holds four times more moisture than hyaluronic acid. Then I Met You’s The Giving Essence also has ellagic acid, which helps filter the UV rays and prevents collagen breakdown.” Sign us up. The Giving Essence, $50, Then I Met You

Charlotte Tilbury’s latest addition to her already beloved foundation line is her most impressive yet. The full-coverage foundation comes in 44 shades and instantly blurs skin for a matte finish. So what sets it apart? The comfort level, thanks to patented AirCool technology, which actually cools skin down during wear. Just a tip: “This foundation oxidizes slightly,” Cho said. “So choose a shade lighter, as your skin will end up slightly darker than expected upon initial application.” Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation, $44, Sephora

Function of Beauty launched back in 2015, with a shampoo and conditioner system that offered people the ability to really customize a hair care routine, during a time when customization was beginning to take over the skin and makeup categories. The premise was simple (and successful): Take an online quiz to determine your hair’s main needs, then choose your color and scent and wait for your custom in-shower routine to arrive at your door. This year, the brand dove into the hair styling game, launching a custom serum. “It’s a mindful and modern brand that takes all the guesswork out [of hair care],” Klontz said. “Each serum is formulated to be lightweight and bring those dry ends back to life with your own unique formula.” Custom Hair Serum, $19, Function of Beauty

It’s not easy to update a bottle of nail polish. As far as beauty products go, it’s one category where there’s not a ton of room for improvement, which is why major, groundbreaking launches are not super common. But this past year, L.A.-based Instagram-famous brand Olive & June launched The Poppy, a patented nail polish topper that fits on top of any nail polish bottle handle and offers a better grip and way more ease when painting your own nails. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to spend less money on beauty treatments and spend more time DIYing things like manicures and pedicures, then you need The Poppy in your life. The Poppy, $16, Olive and June

An instant makeup artist favorite, this Tatcha moisturizer — which was released in March and inspired by Kim Kardashian — is now used by pros as a primer underneath foundation. It gives an “instant effect of hydration and glow,” Cho said. But be warned that the “plumping and firming effect takes up to 10 minutes, so it’s good to put this on a little while before makeup. It's also great on its own for a no-makeup look when skin doesn't require too much coverage. Sometimes I mix a little into foundation for rapid luminosity and radiance on set, or for clients who have neglected skin care.” Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, $68, Sephora

“Why would we use clean products on our face but not our body?” Berto asked. “Necessaire has created a thirst-quenching body lotion that will keep you hydrated. [It’s] fast-absorbing and full of multivitamins like A, E, and Omegas 6 and 9.” The recently launched brand was founded by Nick Axelrod (cofounder of Into the Gloss) and Randi Christiansen (previously of Estée Lauder). The best part? It doesn’t leave a greasy finish and is totally unscented. And we have to mention the super-minimal, ultra-chic packaging. Necessaire The Body Lotion, $25, Nordstrom

In February, everyone’s favorite affordable makeup brand, ColourPop, released its first-ever liquid eyeliner pens in seven different, highly pigmented shades (ranging from classic black to graphic white, and bright shades like blue, pink and red). Launched only two weeks after the brand’s first foray into the world of mascara (also called BFF and available in seven shades), 2019 was a great year for ColourPop when it came to showing off its impressive, long-lasting formulas, wide shade ranges, and of course, can’t-be-beat prices. ColourPop BFF Liquid Liner, $8, Ulta

Gary Motykie, a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Motykie Med Spas, has worked with the likes of Kylie Jenner and Sofia Riche. “I’ve been using chemical exfoliants, specifically The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution from Sephora," said Motykie, who is working on his own skin care line. "Chemical exfoliants or washes are a great alternative to beaded cleansers like St. Ives.” Find it for $8.70 on Sephora.

To cleanse his skin and keep it moisturized, Motykie uses CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. “It is a great, affordable, hydrating cleanser,” he explained. Find it for $13.79 on Amazon.

Motykie also stressed the importance of using a sunscreen every day. “After I cleanse, I use EltaMD’s Broad Spectrum SPF 46 ," he said. "In 2019 this almost goes without saying, but you should always apply SPF, not just on hot, sunny days.” Find it for $35 on Amazon.

Packed with biotin and vitamins C and E, Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin & Nails enhances skin, hair and nail growth and comes recommended by Elizabeth Mullans, a board-certified dermatologist who has been practicing for more than 20 years. The vitamins also promote the growth of collagen, an essential protein that promotes skin elasticity and helps it to appear more youthful and healthy. Find it for $9.98 on Amazon.

Mullans also recommends RoC Correxion Eye Cream because it's good for decreasing signs of aging around the eyes. RoC Correxion Eye Cream contains superstar ingredient retinol, which helps correct fine lines and wrinkles. RoC also has a formula for those who are sensitive to retinol and need something gentler. Find it and the sensitive formula for $17.95 on Walmart.com.

Calling retinol "liquid gold," Zain Husain, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of New Jersey Dermatology and Aesthetics Center, recommends Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream. “These products work by increasing skin cell turnover, boost collagen production and help keep the skin looking youthful by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps combat acne and uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation,” Husain said. Find it for $74 on Sephora.

Zain is also a fan of vitamin C serums because vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Zain said, “I love Vitamin C because it assists in skin cell damage repair and protects against free radical agents that can harm the skin. Vitamin C also has anti-aging benefits including diminishing fine lines, reducing redness and brightening your overall complexion.” If you want to incorporate a vitamin C serum into your routine, Zain recommends Obagi Professional-C Serum. Find it for $102 on Dermstore.

Retinol alternatives “work by increasing collagen, the building block of our skin, without irritation or sun sensitivity,” explained Deanna Mraz Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist from Westport, Connecticut. One of her favorite anti-aging products is Alastin Restorative Skin Complex, a peptide-based serum that improves collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Find it for $195 on Alastin’s website.

Robinson also likes Care Skincare Eye + Lip Nourishing Cream, which she described as “a dense cream with a light-diffusing finish that softens the look of fine lines and dark circles; it absorbs quickly and won’t drift into eyes or interfere with makeup." Find it for $30 on Care Skincare’s website.

Another favorite of Robinson’s is Isdinceutics Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum, a vitamin C and bakuchiol-based serum that helps reduce fine lines and pigmentation and improve texture. Find it for $160 on Isdin.

“Broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging tool,” said Sheila Krishna, a board-certified dermatologist who serves on the advisory board for Smart Style Today. “Broad-spectrum means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays, and a high SPF is generally anything over 30.” Her personal favorite is La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 because “it blends in very well into all skin types and doesn’t smell strong. It has excellent protection and SPF and stays on for long periods of time.” Find it for $21.99 on Dermstore.

Krishna also recommended vitamin C because “it is a potent antioxidant that absorbs free radicals from ultraviolet damage, pollution and general skin wear and tear. It also assists in collagen production and improves fine lines.” She personally uses SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. Find it for $166 on Dermstore.

“Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a great moisturizer that uses hyaluronic acid to plumps the skin very nicely. I use it every day and I like that it is universal so works with most skin types,” said Sapna Palep, a board-certified dermatologist who works at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. She added, "It’s an effective non-clogging moisturizer for people needing some extra moisture.” Find it for $23.99 on Ulta.com.

“Vitamin C, topical retinol, and sunscreen are what I consider the ‘holy trinity’ in skin care. I incorporate a vitamin C serum as a quintessential component in my morning skin care regimen,” said Rina Allawh, a board-certified dermatologist who practices at Montgomery Dermatology in Philadelphia. “My top pick is the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, containing L-ascorbic acid, pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme. This cruelty-free product helps to both exfoliate and brighten the skin. I found that the ingredients are safe, effective and gentle on sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin.” Find it for $80 at Sephora.

Allawh also recommends using foundation to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “My top pick is the Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging skintone matching makeup,” Allawh said. This foundation is cruelty free and has an SPF of 20. “I find that the lightweight liquid formula and buildable texture is ideal for my Mediterranean skin type.” Find it for $13.99 on Almay.

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Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick

Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow with SPF 30

Gucci Mémoire d'une Odeur Eau de Parfum

Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots Ampoules Hair Treatment

Starface Hydro-Stars

Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum

Then I Met You The Giving Essence

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation

Function of Beauty Custom Hair Serum

Olive & June The Poppy

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

Necessaire The Body Lotion

ColourPop BFF Liquid Liner

The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails

RoC Correxion Eye Cream and RoC Sensitive Eye Cream

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Obagi Professional-C Serum

Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

Care Skincare Eye and Lip Nourishing Cream

Isdinceutics Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum

La Roche Posay Melt In Sunscreen Milk

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Skintone Matching Foundation

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