Life-changing beauty products

Instead of showcasing the latest innovations or celebrity favorites, we're paying homage to the products TotalBeauty.com readers consider staples in their makeup bags and bathroom cabinets. See which goods earned enough glowing beauty product reviews to rise to "can't-live-without-it" status. They may just be the answers to your beauty prayers.
Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly

Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly, $4.49

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "Works better than any ChapStick. It even looks good as a basic, [clear] gloss. I've even slathered it on my face and slept with it on (put a towel over your pillow case!) when my face was particularly dry. When I washed it off in the morning, my skin was amazingly soft and gorgeous. This product is so versatile." — sheshedivine, TotalBeauty.com member
Clinique Skin Cushion Body Wash

Clinique Skin Cushion Body Wash, $19.50

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "I recently bought this, and it's amazing! It foams well, smells great and really moisturizes the skin. No shaving foam needed! I can see exactly why people stick with this product for years once they've tried it." 
— italiaca, TotalBeauty.com member
Kerastase Masque Age Recharge Firming Masque for Devitalized Hair

Kerastase Masque Age Recharge Firming Masque for Devitalized Hair, $58

Average rating: 10

Why it's life-changing: "My mom (who is 55) and I (25) both love this stuff. We have very different hair types, but it is a miracle product for both of us. I use it as my daily conditioner (you only need a little), and honestly my hair feels so healthy and soft. I know that hair is dead and it's impossible to mend/heal/make healthy, but of all the hair treatments I've used, this is one of the best." — OCBeautyJunkie, TotalBeauty.com member
Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Lotion

Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Lotion, $8.99

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "I love this moisturizer. I have always worn SPF, and throughout my teens and 20s I needed an oil-free product. But in the past couple of years (I'm now 30), I've needed a little extra moisture but still something very gentle that won't clog my pores. This has fit the bill perfectly through many sweaty summers and flaky winters, and all I have to do is adjust the amount I use when the weather changes, rather than switch to a heavier or lighter product. It soaks right in and takes my powder foundation smoothly. Yay!" — jenntuition, TotalBeauty.com member
Nars Blush

Nars Blush, $25

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "This blush is very natural-looking. I use it every single day. I have always been afraid of blush because I'm very pale. So I've always been afraid that blush would give me an unnatural, garish-looking color on my cheeks. But this blush is the best color I've ever used." — meightry, TotalBeauty.com member
MAC Eye Shadow

MAC Eye Shadow, $14

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "MAC eyeshadow colors hold up all day long [and] blend well, which allowed me to understand the artistry of makeup that I had no concept of before. Every pot is well worth the money. Although this site describes the pans as 'tiny,' they last a LONG time. In most cases, far longer than cheaper brands. I need to apply so much less to achieve the color payoff I want in my makeup." 
— Purrmeow, TotalBeauty.com member

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration 2-in-1 Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, $3.99

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "This product works very well in the wintertime when your hair needs moisture but you don't have the time to shampoo then rinse then apply conditioner then rinse again! Also [it] does not make your hair look oily like some conditioners do. It works well on taming frizz too!" — LisaK1964, TotalBeauty.com member
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $3.29

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "I asked the pharmacist why so many lotions made me itch, and she said that it probably was the parabens, so I started trying products that did not have parabens. Ever since, I check ingredients for parabens. This is one of the few products that does not have parabens, and since I started using Aveeno, I have had NO problems. It goes on nicely and blends in quickly so that your hands are not greasy-feeling. It has been a lifesaver for me." — irbecky, TotalBeauty.com member
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $16

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "I must have the oiliest lids on the planet. Nothing, and I mean nothing, ever stopped my eyeshadow from creasing. Even the crease-proof creased. That is until I met Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I can't believe that I didn't invest in this before. I still do have slight fading from blue eyeshadow, and I do get creasing when I layer cream shadow on top of the primer (but if I place powder shadow on top of the primer then layer on cream shadow, I don't get any creasing). My shadow looks like I just put it on for hours and hours." — kissagain, TotalBeauty.com member
mark Glow Baby Glow Luxe Hook-Up Lip Gloss

mark Glow Baby Glow Luxe Hook-Up Lip Gloss, $5

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "This is one of those glorious rare products that is not only cheap but really works. It has such great shine and isn't sticky at all. Also, the colors layer over lipstick really well. It also has just a little bit shimmer, which is nice. Lastly, gotta love the 'hook-up' option so the little tubes don't get lost in your purse." — jackieznyc, TotalBeauty.com member
CHI 1 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron

CHI 1 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron, $89.95

Average rating: 9

Why it's life-changing: "This is an excellent flatiron. It heats within 30 seconds and delivers smooth, straight, silky hair quickly and efficiently. I've been straightening my long curly hair with this for over four years now, and my hair is still shiny and healthy despite everyday use. I recommend using this iron with Bumble and bumble Straight (a silicone-based serum) for best results." — 8westwood, TotalBeauty.com member

See all 18 life-changing products on TotalBeauty.com.

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