I loved last spring's hot hue—Chanel Particuliere—because of its versatility. But though grayish-beige does go with most of your wardrobe, Particuliere was not, well, particularly sexy. Which is why Black Pearl, $25, a shimmery ebony with flashes of green, has my vote this season. The shade works with most anything you put on—plus it's got an alluring edginess. Buy it at nordstrom.com.
This butter-like balm is in a class of its own. It soothes even the sorest lips and it leaves behind a rosy tint I wish I came by naturally. Plus it smells delicious—kind of like a sweet-tart rolled up inside a rose petal. It's a bit of a splurge at $22.50 but it checks both the balm and lipcolor boxes for me so the per-usage price is down to like a dime. Buy it at fresh.com. And prepare to become addicted.
This product is skin-transforming. Essentially a toner (a step we've been told by countless MDs is unnecessary), this lactic-acid-based liquid, $57, sloughs off dead cells sans irritation, leaving your complexion glowing, zit-free, and soft, soft, soft. It also works well in conjunction with Retin-A , as it helps remove pesky flakes. Get it paullabrecque.com.
For days when I want my hair extra-straight, this is my go-to combo ($23 each). Spiked with olive oil, this deeply moisturizing duo smooths away frizzies, boosts shine, and makes my hair slip-through-your fingers silky. One caveat: I can't use it every time I wash or my fine hair falla flat. But as an occasional hair-smoothie, it's stellar. Buy both at fekkai.com.
This smells like a floral fragrance a grown-up would wear: sophisticated, understated, subtly. . .expensive. Like a a woman dressed in (logo-free) head-to-toe designer duds; $85 at neimanmarcus.com.
No false promises here. If you want longer, fuller eye fringe, this is your product. I saw results within 10 days, and my extra-long lashes now they flutter against my sunglasses. Safe for all eye colors (mine are blue and quite sensitive). Buy a three-month supply for $98 at revitalash.com.
I have chronically dehydrated skin that still breaks out. Not a pretty (or easy to treat) combination. But this cocktail of essential oils, $140, manages to create balance in my genetically-imbalanced complexion, giving my parched skin a nice long drink of moisture, while also, oddly, helping to curb flare ups. Not sure how it does the latter. But I'm not complaining. Get it at barneys.com.
When I started using a Sonicare toothbrush, I stopped getting cavities, my teeth felt less sensitive, and my gums stopped bleeding when I flossed. I also now get praised (rather than tsk-tsk’ed) at my dental checkups. Surprising how a little vibration/rotation makes such a big difference. But seeing is believing, and my smile looks pretty good. Just ask my dentist. Get your own at philips.com for about $130 (there are also adequate, less-expensive models available).
When my skin needs a little extra exfoliation, I slather on this gentle peel, $52, for five minutes. After I splash it off, my skin is noticeably smoother (buh-bye Retin-A-induced flakes) and almost as glow-y as J-Lo herself. Plus it doesn't sting or leave my senstive skin red. Buy it at naturopathica.com.
These clear plastic pins are like bobby pins on steroids. They hold even the finest, most slippery strands in a neat chignon. And at $3 for a pack, you’ll never run out. Get them at sallybeauty.com.
Clean smelling with great slip, this oil, $10, is obviously good for a rubdown. But thanks to its extra-hydrating olive oil base, it’s also an excellent treatment for dry hands and raggedy cuticles. Apply a dime-size drop before bed (don’t worry, it’s fast absorbing). At normakamali.com.
Despite the marketing claims, this doesn’t really look like liquid eyeliner on the skin. But it’s still an exceptional product. It glides on like a soft crayon, imparting color evenly across the lid. And this shade, an eggplant-y purple, would be gorgeous on almost anyone. It’s also a bargain at $8. Get it at walmart.com.
