The 25 Best New Products That Truly Deliver

As Real Simple’s Beauty Director, I spent the last year testing every new product to hit the market (best. job. ever!). While I easily made my own list of favorites, I figured you shouldn’t just take my word for it. So I enlisted 125 readers and asked them to do some testing too. These standouts emerged for one simple reason: They work.

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Best Lipstick

CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOW TALK BLUSH BALM LIP TINT

Sheer, buttery, and blurring, this low-maintenance lipstick is made for mirror-free touch-ups. Even better: The balm’s pH reacts with your lips to create your ideal hue. (Like a subtle mood ring for your lips!)

“It feels like such a treat to use,” says Leigh Barie, 34, an accounting manager in Crozet, Virginia. “It enhanced my lips for a no-makeup look.” $32 each; charlottetilbury.com

Skin

Best Retinol Alternative

OLAY REGENERIST MICRO-SCULPTING CREAM

Think pilates, but for your face. This cushiony cream can noticeably tighten, lift, and smooth. “It’s literal magic; I’ll be buying more as soon as it’s gone,” says Bri James, 39, a project manager in Indianapolis. $28; amazon.com

Best Brightener

THE OUTSET TOTAL CLARITY DARK SPOT SERUM

Sensitive to vitamin C? The one and only Scarlett Johansson is too, which inspired her to make this gentler spot-fader. “My skin looks more even and less spotty,” raves Abby Varinsky, 36, a corporate VP from Los Angeles. $68; theoutset.com

Best Sunscreen

LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS UV AIR SPF 50 SERUM SUNSCREEN