The year's most worth-it beauty buys

As beauty director at REAL SIMPLE, I tried all the latest products out there— with the help of 125 RS superfans from around the country. These got the most glowing reviews.

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Best Glow-Getter

DIBS LOVEBEAM PERFECTOR

Every single tester who tried this liquid highlighter (available in five shades) gave it a top ranking of “holy grail status.” Emily Wild, a 37-year-old stay-at-home mom from Pittsburgh, says, “This takes years off my face! It gives me a fresh, youthful glow, even on days when I just wear it with moisturizer. Under makeup, it adds a filterlike appearance.” $38 each; dibsbeauty.com

Best Blush

RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH MATTE BOUNCY BLUSH

This cream-to-powder blush with a fun, putty texture received dozens of oohs and aahs, including from Siobhán Quinlan, a 43-year-old hairstylist in West Hollywood, California. “It blurs, delivers a just-right flush, and lasts through long days at the salon,” she says. Choose from seven shades. $27 each; sephora.com

Best Lipstick

MERIT SIGNATURE LIP LIGHTWEIGHT SATIN LIPSTICK

It looks like a lipstick, but it sure doesn't feel like one, thanks to smoothing vitamin C and moisturizing sunflower seed oil. Even the lipstick haters in the group (me!) swooned over the nine buildable colors. $26; meritbeauty.com

Best Nail Treatment

EPHD BOND REPAIR

NAIL TREATMENT

A swipe of this clear coat, alone or under polish (even gel), helps repair weak nails. "I like to keep my natural nails looking good, but with frequent handwashing, it's difficult. This makes them look much healthier," says Erin Sachse, a 50-year-old mental health counselor in Valparaiso, Indiana. $20; ephd.com

Best Face Exfoliator

U BEAUTY RESURFACING

FLASH PEEL