Fall's 10 Best Makeup Products

A product that delivers on its promises? Many testers were surprised to find that this lacquer (shown in Racin’ Red) really did dry in under a minute- and they liked the wide, flat brush because it covered more of the nail with each stroke, speeding up the painting process.

One tester was so impressed, she passed her bottle around the family. “Four of my relatives tried it and we all liked it,” she reported. The down-side? The polish chipped within a couple of days, said one testers, though she felt that was "true of any “fast-dry polish.”

$5; drugstores

Most testers raved about this products goof-proof application and the sheer, natual finish. “This was easy to apply with your fingers or a foundation brush and it made my complexion look like it was glowing,” one tester said.

Another found its creamy consistency especially good for her dry skin and a third added, " I don’t normally wear blush, but I’d buy this one." Note: This product is a limited edition item, meaning once it’s gone, well it’s gone. So if you’re interested, hit a YSL counter now and stock up!

$38; Click to Purchase

Testers found this unconventional product- an off-white eyeliner for the inside rim of your lower lashes- surprisingly easy to use and loved the eye brightening effect.

Said one, who works as a makeup artist, “I liked this pencil because it went on smoothly and didn’t crumble; excess debris is something you don’t want in the eye area.” Even skeptics were won over: "I wear contact lenses so I’m not usually a fan of lining the inside of my eyelids. But I loved this product- it’s easy to apply and does make you eyes look brighter. I would highly recommend it for anyone.

$11; Click to Purchase

This supremely hydrating lip balm—with a flattering strawberry color—was universally loved for its moist (but not sticky) feel, long-lasting color and faintly sweet smell and taste. “I also appreciated that it had SPF and a secure, screw-on cap,” a tester said.

Tip: One woman said the buttery balm became mushy when she stored it in her bathroom. Stashing it in the fridge instead kept it firm.

$23; Click to purchase

Glitter after 40- and during the day? Several testers said they were surprised we’d even send them a product like this. Then they tried it on. “This way too metallic for me, but on the skin it’s actually a nice neutral color looked with a very subtle shimmer. And it really does stay put,” one said.

Another woman, an investment banker who travels regularly, raved about the shadow’s versatility and portability: “I love this. It works well for day and is sexy enough for evening events. Plus it can be applied with your finger so you don’t need to carry around a bunch of makeup brushes in your carry-on.”

$22; Click to purchase

A pleasing consistency (“not too greasy, not too dry”) and next to no scent (“fragrance in lipstick is a pet peeve of mine”), plus the choice of a whopping 48 shades won raves for this new lipstick collection. Several testers also commented on the color’s longevity and one noted, “It stayed on my lips without feeling dry.”

$8; Click to purchase

This loose mineral foundation promises sheer to medium coverage, UV protection and both hydration and oil control- all of which made it a hit with testers. Said one, "I’ve been married to the same man forever, and he rarely comments on my makeup. But when I used this instead of my usual foundation, he told me “You usually look kind of painted. Now it just looks like you have good skin.”

Bonus for neatness: The powder comes pressed, so you needn’t worry about makeup bag spills. To use it, just twist the shaving dial inside the compact to clave off a single dose of loose powder. Available in eight shades.

$33; Click to purchase

As with vibrating mascaras, this primer’s oscillating action is supposed to ensure an even application. But does anyone really need this product? According to our testers- heck yeah! They overwehlmingly endorsed the lash thickener saying they didn’t even mind the extra 30 seconds it adds to their morning regimen, because the results were that good. One wrote, “I applied it under my usual mascara and it made me look like I was wearing false lashes- but more natural.”

Another said it made her morning routine faster: “My lashes were so dramatic looking, I skipped my usual liner and shadow.”

$39; Click to Purchase

Most testers were impressed by the smooth texture and intense color of Shiseido’s new single eyeshadows (previously the eye colors were only sold in duos and quads). “A little goes a long way,” said one, while another said "don’t let the “luminizing” scare you: “It’s not glittery-the slight sheen is just right for anyone over 40.” Available in 40 shades.

$25; Click to purchase

Booasting a brush that’s 50 percent fuller than the typical volumizing wand and a formula engineered to instantly coat and thicken lashes, this mascara wowed our testers. “After applying this, my lashes were drop-dead gorgeous-truly, thick, long and luscious,” one said.

$8; Click to Purchase