Why Costco might be the best beauty store

Before celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle was painting the faces of Mariah Carey and Blake Lively, he was a bouncer, of sorts. "I worked at the doors of several nightclubs and VIP velvet ropes in New York," he explains of his stints at iconic New York City hotspots of yore Limelight and The Makeup Room. "It was my job to keep people out and only let certain people in, and I just never felt comfortable with that," he says. "I just wanted everyone to come to my party."

Hatch Beauty

That experience has taught him to turn down many a beauty contract over his decades in the industry — something that obviously surprised brands (and, perhaps more so, his agents). "I wanted to wait until I had my own line, and even then, I wanted to still use other products to hold on to my credibility."

So, when the bewilderingly elusive Ben Bennett, the CEO of "brand incubator" Hatch Beauty, called Buckle about creating his very own line for a mass-market brand, he was finally interested. The hook? It was to sell at Costco, home of value packs, deluxe-sized cereal, and discount everything.

Bennett, who was unavailable for comment for this piece, had only recently launched a project with the retailer called Beauty's Most Wanted. The concept was artist-based, artist-created products — no celebrity faces or faux endorsements. Just talented professionals making quality beauty buys — for the Costco consumer.

Beauty's Most Wanted launched with three industry heavyweights: Orlando Pita, who is easily one of the most in-demand (and notoriously perfectionist) hairstylists in the fashion world; Pati Dubroff, a celebrated makeup artist who's on speed-dial for celebrities from Charlize Theron to Taylor Swift; and Jenna Hipp, who can only be described as the celebrity manicurist (Miley, Lea Michele) who changed the game via Instagram. Buckle and Jessica Wu, MD, a renowned dermatologist in Los Angeles, joined the roster shortly afterward.

Each professional was tasked with creating products that would resonate with a large audience and that could sell in Costco's typical "deluxe" packaging. Pita's go-to styling tool, Revive Instant Boost Dry Shampoo, sells in packs of two, instead of one. His conditioners, only available in large sizes, come with bottles of argan hair oil. Dubroff''s eye palettes come with 12 shadows and a liner, Buckle's lip tints come in sets of four, and Hipp's polishes were initially available in sets of 16, and are now sold in sets of eight. The emphasis is on the money you save by buying in bulk, not on the initial pricetag. (For example, $35 could seem like a lot for lip crayons, but not when you're getting a pack of five.)

"Costco has a huge base of members [who] trust what's on their shelves," Pita explains. "They don't have 50 shampoos and conditioners, or styling products...they have five to 10 that they deem the best. This editing process is an asset for me to present my brand there." While a carefully selected mix benefits the artist by making sure they don't get lost on overcrowded shelves, it's also a benefit to consumers. Many beauty retailers tout the variety of brands they offer, which in theory sounds great, but often, an overwhelming array and lack of guidance can leave the average shopper lost.

From a wholesale perspective, buying in bulk, like Costco does, allows for a lower price point at retail, but also more spending on the product development side. "By producing a large volume of product that can be distributed nationwide through their stores, I'm able to lower the price that it costs for me to produce," Dr. Wu points out. This especially comes in handy with her serum, a 15% vitamin C formula that's packaged in four airtight containers, each with a 10-day supply of product to ensure maximum ingredient efficacy. "Those airtight pumps are not cheap, so being able to buy them in bulk makes a big difference, especially if you want to source high-quality ingredients and have efficient packaging," she says.

It also allowed Hipp, a woman known for preaching about the potentially dangerous ingredients in most nail polishes, to create a formula that actually met her standards. (It also afforded her the pleasure of naming every single nail color. "I would send pictures to Miley and ask her for ideas," she quips.) For Dubroff and Buckle, it was all about taking their most essential, go-to colors for the eyes and lips, and packaging them smartly in palettes or kits.

Unlike the very few big corporations you see at the drugstores, Beauty's Most Wanted is represented by individuals — that's a huge point of difference, especially for a customer base that's looking for personal connections and engagement (the success of YouTube gurus is good evidence for this). "There are all these brands at mass, but who the hell are they?" Hipp asks. "Can you go on Instagram and talk to them? No. But, you can talk to me! You can ask me a question on social media. I am 100% integrated into my brand, because I am my brand."

The funny thing is, most of the players here (except for Buckle) come from the world of luxury. Dubroff has been looking into a (very) high-end cosmetics line, Hipp had a collection with the $18-per-polish brand RGB, Pita collaborated with high-end hair tools manufacturer T3, and Dr. Wu had a line at Nordstrom. The decision to go mass-market, then, wasn't exactly a minor one. "Sure, I have a prestige line in my head and in my heart," Dubroff says. "But, my thought has been that the ability to reach a lot of people will help me make that dream a reality."

Dr. Wu says for her, it's an opportunity to engage a different type of consumer. "I was thinking about how I could reach people or patients who wouldn't be able to sit in my chair," she says. "I saw a study that showed only a small fraction of women nationwide go to a derm or a professional for their skin needs. I saw this and thought this project would be a way to reach a much larger group of women."

For Hipp, however, (amicably) parting ways with RGB and launching her eponymous brand at mass meant something entirely different. She is the owner and founder of Nailing Hollywood, an agency that promotes and books manicurists who are just starting out. "The most amazing part of what I'm doing with the Hipp brand is reinvesting it back into Nailing Hollywood," she explains. "I just feel like I'm responsible for the careers of eight young women. So, I have something to prove. How can they trust me if I haven't lived the career they want?"

Considering the product offerings from Beauty's Most Wanted just keep coming down the pipeline, it seems like Hipp's dream might just become a reality. "There are huge things happening," she says. "Seriously, I mean it. Hold on to your hats!" We can't wait.

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Makeup trends to ditch in 2015

You can now 3D print any color makeup from your home computer

A recent Harvard Business School grad has come up with a brilliant way to disrupt the $55 million makeup industry. Rather than run to Sephora to pay premium prices on a unique—but let’s face it, really impractical—eyeshadow color, women can now quite literally print it from their home computer.

Welcome to the wonderful world of 3D printing, in which people can create anything fromfood to human skulls to your favorite, discontinued lipstick color.

“The makeup industry makes a whole lot of money on a whole lot of bulls—,” Grace Choi told an eager crowd at TechCrunch Disrupt. “They do this by charging a huge premium on one thing that technology provides for free, and that one thing is color.”

And so Choi created Mink, a mini 3D printer for your home that will allow users to print out any color of makeup using FDA-approved ink. (That should soothe moms who are a little worried about their kids standing too close to the microwave, let alone putting something that came out of a printer on their eyelids). Choi explained, “The inkjet handles the pigment, and the same raw material substrates can create any type of makeup, from powders to cream to lipstick.”

While Walmart and drug stores have limited their color selections to those that will lead to mass sales, Mink has turned computers and smartphones into endless beauty aisles with an unlimited color palate selection. Users can pull the hex code of any color found on a website — including Pinterest boards and YouTube makeup tutorials — or smartphone photos. “We’re going to live in a world where you can take a picture of your friend’s lipstick and print it out,” Choi said.

Once users have the color code, they only have to plug it into Photoshop or Paint and press the print button. Choi showed how simple the process was in a live demo. It took less than 40 seconds to print a pink eyeshadow.

Mink’s target demographic is 13 to 21 year old girls, who might find the price tag a little hard to manage. But even if printer ink might be comparable in price to Mac, the product is still pretty incredible.

Guys attempt to do their girlfriend's makeup

Six clever items to simplify your life

Aquala Bathtub Caddy

With everything you need to unwind within arm’s reach—a wine glass holder, foldaway book support, and a soap dish—it’s easy to enjoy a little R&R while taking a warm bubble bath.
To buy: $50, umbra.com.

Nikki’s Magic Wand

When your favorite foundation or lip gloss is just about empty, use this flexible and reusable beauty tool to easily reach every last drop of makeup.
To buy: $10, nikkismagicwand.com.

Pet Food Can Cover

Cover opened, unfinished cans of pet food with these adjustable refrigerator-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe silicone lids to keep Fido and Fluffy’s food fresh (and the odor of pet food out of your refrigerator).
To buy: $10 for two,containerstore.com.

Savino Wine Preservation Glassware

Want to drink today’s wine tomorrow? Pour any leftover vino into this carafe and insert the included float at an angle to minimize oxygen contact. Keeps wine fresh for up to one week.
To buy: $60, savino.com.

The Signature Duvet Cover

Unlike most duvets, which close towards the bottom of the bed, this bedding features a hidden zipper towards the top. The zipper is covered by a layer of fabric that mimics the look of a perfectly folded flat sheet, so you can show off a perfectly made bed without the hassle.
To buy: Starting at $89,craneandcanopy.com.

Outfit Recommendations

If you can’t settle on an outfit, get a second opinion with this free app. Simply upload two pictures—one of each outfit—and let other users vote on their favorite style.

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Secret uses for everyday bathroom products

Beauty brands you haven't tried yet

One of my biggest pet peeves is when I fall in love with a lipstick only to find it's been discontinued. The geniuses behind BITE Beauty, who make a line of vitamin-enriched makeup products, have solved this problem forever. Their recently re-opened Lip Lab in N.Y.C. lets you recreate your perfect color—or make your own new signature shade. If you don’t live in New York, the store can take e-mailed and phone requests.

Bite Beauty lipstick, $36-$48, bitebeauty.com.

Vegan nail care line RGB is majorly on our radar now that accessories designer Reece Solomon teamed up with the brand to create this soft rose-gold shade this fall. I have a feeling it's going to be everywhere.

Reece Hudson for RGB nail polish in Rose Gold, $18 on Yahoo Shopping.

I'm a sucker for the colorful packaging, but Fiat Luxe's handmade felt soap bars not only look adorable, but smell incredible and have nourishing ingredients like olive and coconut oils that make skin feel soft even in the driest of winters—plus, the felt is a built-in exfoliator.

Fiat Luxe Felted Bars, $14 on Yahoo Shopping.

Not only is everything from Love & Toast under $15, but all the cute brand's products smell as good as they sound, including this hydrating Clementine Crush Body Butter.

Love & Toast Body Butter in Clementine, $7 loveandtoast.com.

This fun Berlin-based makeup line names each product after various airports' three-letter codes. Uslu Airlines has popular "stops" like this YYZ lip gloss (Toronto, Canada). Chloë Sevigny, one of the original celeb fans, even stars in their "inflight video" (FYI: it's not a real airline)!

Uslu Airlines Lipgloss in YYZ, $29.75; usluairlines.com.

VMV has been around for years, but I've rediscovered their hypoallergenic miracle workers with one of their best-sellers, the Creammmy-Rich Moisture Milk for Dry Skin—I figured if all their products are gentle enough to work on a baby, it'll be great for my sensitive skin too.

VMV Hypoallergenics Creammmy-Rich Moisture Milk for Dry Skin, $29; vmvhypoallergenics.com.

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Expired makeup may destroy your skin

We’re busy. Time flies, weeks go by, and before we know it, that half-used foundation is now months old. Is it still safe to use? Just as we wouldn’t advise drinking spoiled milk—gross!—there’s lots that can go wrong when your makeup ages: breakouts, skin irritations, infections and worse.

Infections
Expired makeup can cause breakouts and infections like pink eye, acne, and worse. This is especially true with mascara, liners and foundations.

“When a product expires this means that the preservatives have stopped being as effective as they once were or have stopped working altogether. This can lead to infections,” says Dr. Gary Goldfaden.

AllergiesIf your makeup is old enough to have expired, it’s likely already accumulated tons of germs and bacteria, which then can get passed onto your eyes and skin. Just what we need.

“Expired makeup usually means there is a loss in the chemical structure of the product which can wreak havoc when applied to skin,” says Dr. Marina Peredo. This can lead to redness and irritation and, in most cases, allergic reactions. The result? Bumps and itchiness that can go on for a few days, or longer. The last thing we need to ring in the new year.

“In addition to the more commonly known bacterial growth problems there can be issues of oil rancidity,” says Julie Longyear of Blissoma holistic skincare and apothecary.

“Petrochemical oils are terrible for skin at the get-go as they block pores and are not able to be integrated into the skin—they just sit on top and clog. I see a tremendous number of clients that have breakouts just simply because of the products they are using—both their skin care and their makeup is making their skin worse!”

So, how long should we keep our makeup?
A mascara should be swapped out for a new one every two months. Eye liners should be sharpened every time before usage and not kept over a year. Foundation should be kept, at most, for six months. If you dip your fingers into your foundation make sure your hands are washed and clean. This is a sure way to get bacteria in your product and then possibly an infection on your face.

“Foundations normally last two to three months on average. Foundations longer than six months often go bad due to bacteria from cross contamination,” says Dominic Cruz, Kryolan Professional Make-up’s director of education and professional makeup artist. “A good rule of thumb is to mark your bottle on the day of purchase and to replenish it within a six month period, no longer.”

Clean your brushes
“Always wash makeup brushes to get rid of any bacteria that may have transferred from your skin,” says Dr. Goldfaden. Bacteria, which causes infections and breakouts, can be passed back and forth from the jar to the brush to your face, so keep it clean.

Know your options
“One great alternative for makeup that would not technically expire is mineral makeup,” says Longyear. As there is no water or oils in the products they don’t grow bacteria or go bad. As a lady that doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, most of my eyeshadows are loose mineral powders. That equals an investment that is safe for a long time.

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Men do makeup using YouTube tutorials

Easy insider beauty tricks

Bubble Gone

Ever had a polish job marred by tiny bubbles? Here’s how to get the upper hand next time, says celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp: Before you apply color, roll the bottle between your palms rather than shaking it, which can introduce air into the formula. Then, after you apply the first coat, let it dry for a full five minutes. If you paint over wet nails, the second coat is less apt to lie flat.

Want Some Body?
To perk up a limp-noodle ponytail, Kayley Pak, a stylist at the John Barrett salon, in New York City, recommends spraying dry shampoo midway down the tail to give it “guts” (hairstylist-speak for body). Fluff with your fingers, then set with hair spray.

Skin Saver
If facial scrubs leave you feeling raw, there’s a kinder, gentler solution: Mix about ½ tablespoon of baking soda in your palm with enough water to turn it into a paste, suggests January Olds, an aesthetician in Santa Monica. Massage into damp skin, then rinse. “The granules feel smooth, even, and nonirritating,” she says.

The Cure for Mani Mess-ups
When you’re giving yourself a manicure, paint the nails on your dominant hand first so that you don’t end up polishing with your weak side when it’s wet, says Tracylee, a nail ambassador with Sally Hansen. Also, leave your thumbs for last so you can use them to clean up the other nails along the way. Take smudges off your thumbs when they’re dry with a cotton swab dipped in polish remover.

Hair Say
Summer brings with it two sworn enemies of hair—chlorine and sun. To fend them off, follow this advice from celebrity hairstylist Kristan Serafino. Before swimming, wet down and condition (but don’t rinse) your hair to keep it from absorbing chlorine. And when in the sun, pin up your hair in a twist or a chignon rather than wearing it down or in a ponytail. That way, it will be less exposed to damaging ultraviolet light.

DIY Skin Soother
For a make-it-yourself body-smoother, whip up this coconut treatment from Jennifer Yen, the creator of the Pur-Lisse skin-care line. In a bowl, mix together ½ cup ground rice (you can use a blender to grind), ½ cup coconut milk, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1½ tablespoons freshly grated ginger. Stir until the ingredients form a paste, then smooth it over your entire body using circular motions. Rinse in the shower, then slather on moisturizer.

Gray Matters
Next time you’re touching up your roots at home, don’t forget the hairline and the temples, where grays tend to lurk. After spreading the formula along your part, pull your hair into a ponytail (or a headband if your hair is short or you have bangs), suggests Marie Robinson, Clairol’s color director: “This will expose those errant grays so you can coat them properly.”

Nail Tip
Traditional wisdom states that the best way to revive old, clumpy nail polish is with polish remover. Not so. For a smoother, less streaky result, use a few drops of fresh clear polish instead. “That will help thin the formula without separating it,” says Los Angeles–based manicurist Kristi Marie Jones.

Blend Right In
Cream blush is the best option for dry or fine-lined skin—but it should leave you looking flushed, not feverish. After you’ve applied the blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blend the outer edges with a synthetic makeup wedge dipped in liquid foundation. “This will massage the color into your skin so there isn’t a jarring contrast,” says Sarah Appleby, a makeup artist in New York City.

Cotton TaleTwo new reasons to love the humble cotton ball: You can preload it with powder blush or bronzer for on-the-go application. Or, if you’ve been heavy-handed with your cheek color, dab the puff in translucent powder and blend it on top to lessen the intensity, says Jacqui Stafford, a style expert and the author of The Wow Factor ($25,amazon.com).

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50% Zoya nail polishes - Earth Day exchange

Note: You don't have to send in old nail polishes to get 50% off. However, it's a great campaign to participate in and clear our your old nail polishes. Plus, it's a nice way to experiment with new colors but not spend a ton of money. If you're not familiar with the brand, Zoya is known for their long-lasting, natural nail polishes.



Get the code here.

Cult-classic beauty products

Smith's Rosebud Salve
More than a century old, this rose oil–infused balm softly scents while adding incredible sheen to lips, says Los Angeles makeup artist Burke Daniel.
To buy: $6, sephora.com.


Coty Airspun Powder
This finely milled setting powder, which has been making movie stars’ complexions flawless since 1935, is “perfect for shine-proofing the T-zone,” says celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow.
To buy: $7, walgreens.com.


YSL Touche Éclat
Like a magic wand, this concealer’s light-reflecting particles cast out even the darkest shadows.
To buy: $40, sephora.com.


Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick
“It’s compact, portable, and made in colors to match every skin tone. What’s not to love?” says Julie Harris, a New York City makeup artist.
To buy: $41,bobbibrowncosmetics.com.


Nars Blush in Orgasm
This shimmery powder gives all complexions a just-right, healthy glow. And the name alone makes us blush.
To buy: $28, narscosmetics.com.

How to fix common beauty mistakes

Common Mistake: Using Conditioner All Over Your Hair
Most people apply conditioner as they do shampoo: starting at the top of the head and working it all through the hair. But the hair closest to the roots is healthy new growth; it's the ends that are older and more likely to be damaged. Apart from wasting product, conditioning the roots can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy, says Gina Lees, a stylist with the Adolf Biecker Spa, in Philadelphia.
A better way: Starting at your ears, apply conditioner all the way to the ends. You will gain volume and won't have to wash your hair as often.

Common Mistake: Applying Foundation Without Giving Moisturizer Time to Dry
The creaminess of a moisturizer can cause makeup to thin out if the moisturizer hasn't had enough time to soak into the skin. "This can result in blotchiness and ultimately limit the amount of coverage your foundation can offer throughout the day," says Laura Geller, a makeup artist in New York City.
A better way: Wait 60 seconds, until the moisturizer is absorbed. Or, if you're short on time, blot your face with a tissue after moisturizing, then apply foundation.

Common Mistake: Spraying on Perfume After You Are Dressed
Perfume can stain fabric, and fabric fibers can make perfume smell unpleasant. "Fragrance is formulated to be applied to the skin, where it interacts with the heat of the body," says Terry Molnar, executive director of the Sense of Smell Institute, in New York City.
A better way: Before dressing, lightly dab or spray it onto the skin at one or two of the "pulse points"―knees, wrists, base of the throat, and behind the earlobes. And don't rub your wrists together. This breaks down a perfume's molecular structure.

Common Mistake: Plucking Eyebrows Too Close to the Mirror
When you're focused on every little hair, you don't keep track of the shape of the entire eyebrow. The result? Thin or uneven brows.
A better way: Find a large mirror near a window, then step back a few feet to survey your face, says Ramy Gafni, owner of RamySpa, in New York City. Brows should be in proportion to your face shape and the placement and size of your features. Move closer to the mirror and begin tweezing. Step back after every few hairs to check the symmetry of your brows.

Common Mistake: Neglecting Your Neck
When you take care of your face, don't stop at the chin: The skin on your neck can be thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your face and just as prone to changes in pigment, elasticity, and texture―and, yes, to wrinkles.
A better way: When applying sunscreen to your face, keep going, covering your neck and even your chest. (Spread some on the backs of your hands, too―another vulnerable area.) "A separate neck cream is not necessary―these are marketing ploys," says Ole Henriksen, owner of the Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa, in West Hollywood, California. Your day and night face moisturizers, as well as most treatment creams, should work just as well on your neck. But if you use products containing alpha hydroxy acids or retinols, do a spot-test first.

Common Mistake: Using Moisturizer to Reduce Puffiness Around the Eyes
A salty diet, among other things, can cause fluid retention around the eyes. Step away from the eye cream! Hydrating ingredients hold water in the skin, so moisturizers and eye creams may make your eyes look even puffier, says Heidi Waldorf, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, in New York City.
A better way: If the skin around your eyes is puffy but not red, irritated, or itchy, apply a cold compress or an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes. You could also follow up with a lightweight eye gel containing caffeine, says Waldorf. If your eye area is puffy, red, irritated, or itchy, see a dermatologist. You may have an allergic rash.

Common Mistake: Bathing or Showering Until Your Body and Hair Feel "Squeaky Clean"
The sound may be satisfying, but it also indicates that―either by staying too long in the shower or bath or by scrubbing too vigorously―you've removed the natural oils and lipids that seal in moisture and protect your skin and hair.
A better way: First, evaluate your tools and products: A loofah sponge or a medicated shampoo may be stripping your skin and hair, says Loretta Ciraldo, a Miami dermatologist and the author of 6 Weeks to Sensational Skin. In general, try to limit your shower or bath time to 10 minutes or less and use warm, not hot, water.

Common Mistake: Overmedicating Blemishes
Ack! You have a breakout. So you blast it with a spot cream. Then, for good measure, you douse it again. "Most of these treatments contain acids that penetrate the skin for hours after they are applied," says Ciraldo. "Overuse can result in a burn that causes redness, peeling, and irritation."
A better way: Follow the directions on the medication's package; most say to use it once or twice a day. Avoid drying out your skin.

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Seven indie nail polish companies

Cult Nails

Cult Nails is a 4-Free (which means that in addition to being 3-Free, the polishes also exclude camphor) and cruelty-free nail polish line by nail blogger Maria Morrison. The colors range from chunky glitter polishes to subtle shimmery shades. The whole line is available from the Cult Nails website, and the polishes are $10 apiece.

Rainbow Honey

Rainbow Honey is an adorably hand-crafted and hand-packaged nail polish line by Dee, who derives inspiration from "1990's video games, Japanese festivals, and kids' TV shows." The polishes cost $10 for a 15mL bottle and $5 for a 7mL bottle and are 3-free (formulated without Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Dibutyl Phthalate) and cruelty-free.

The Hungry Asian

Kae Russ sells her hand-mixed and creatively-named nail polish solely on Etsy. The polishes range from $4.50 for a small heart-shaped bottle to $9.25 for a larger bottle.

Dollish Polish

Dollish is a nail line created by Dolly, who became known in 2009 for uploading more than 250 nail tutorials to YouTube(she even has a Lisa Frank inspired nail series). Her polishes are hand-mixed and inspired by the '80s and her love of sci-fi and horror movies. The polishes range from $4.50 for a mini size to $8.75 for a full size.

Candeo Colors

If you're a fan of glitter nail polishes, Candeo Colors has some really creative options. All of the shades are hand-mixed using a lacquer base and a myriad of loose pigments and glitters. The polishes cost $9.

Pretty and Polished

Pretty and Polished is a rather mysterious indie nail polish company with a somewhat complicated ordering process. The best way to see the polishes ($9.50 for a full size and $5.25 for minis) is perhaps through their Facebook page.

Obsessive-Compulsive Cosmetics

This brand prides itself on being 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free, after walking past their cute little store on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side. Everyone at BuzzFeed went pretty crazy for these polishes (all $8), which come in a bunch of really amazing opaque colors, as well as some shimmery shades.


Holographic Polishes by Enkelini

Pat Ashton hand-mixes all the polishes from her line, Enkelini. She makes glitter polishes, but the ones that really caught my eye are the holographic shades. The polishes range from $5-12.

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Clever ways to organize your beauty supplies

Genius idea 1: Use Ikea spice racks for you to hold your hair supplies:

Source: suiterevival.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Genius idea 2: Hang a jewelry box on the wall and tuck all sorts of stuff in it.

Source: shelterness.com via Beth on Pinterest

Genius idea 3: Use pretty cake stands to stack everything up.

Source: thiscasita.com via Beth on Pinterest

Genius idea 4: Use a magazine holder to hold your hairdryer.

Source: thesuels.blogspot.com via Beth on Pinterest

Genius idea 5: Put the inside of your medicine cabinet to work.

Source: homedit.com via Beth on Pinterest

Genius idea 6: Use an office supplies holder to keep things at hand.

Source: storagegeek.tumblr.com via Beth on Pinterest

Genius idea 7: Create a magnetic board (and glue magnets to the back of your makeup).

Source: kandeej.com via Beth on Pinterest

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Best beauty buys under $10

Best Cleansing Wipes:

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes With White Tea Extract, $6

Botanicals mop up dirt and makeup on the go; white tea shields skin against free radical damage. "These wipes have a great smell and give great results! What more could I want?" our tester asks.


Best Hydrating Cleanser:

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $6

This drugstore find has coconut and pineapple to hydrate "without causing breakouts," one happy tester says. It's like a piña colada for your face (with no hangover).

Best Acne Spot Treatment:
Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Spot Stick, $10

Think defusing a breakout is mission: impossible? Think again! After a quick roll of this zit zapper, our tester "noticed improvement right away," she says. That's because the corrector is rich in lycopene (an antioxidant from tomatoes that protects skin from pore cloggers) and tea tree oil, a natural bacteria killer. The savviest part: The soothing roller ball keeps dirt and oil from not-so-clean fingers away from already-clogged skin so the solution can do its job better.

Best Lip Gloss:
Ulta Beauty Brilliant Color Lip Gloss, $8

Can't stand tacky shine? Neither could our tester—and she swears by this yummy, game-changing gloss: "I absolutely loved it! It wasn't sticky, and even my boyfriend noticed how luscious my lips looked!" We'll take one for every purse, please.

Best Eyeshadow:
Revlon Luxurious Color Diamond Lust Eye Shadow, $5

Get more bang for your buck: "The shadow was glitzy, with a mineral texture. It seems like a pricier brand than it is," our reader says. Not that we're surprised: This show stealer was everywhere during Spring Fashion Week.

Best Eye Pencil:
NYX Cosmetics Slide on Pencil, $8

This smudgeproof pencil lasts as long as a liquid version does, without requiring the magnifying mirror or the professional skill set. And the easy-glide formula won't skip on lids. "It was effortless to apply," our tester confirms.

Best Volumizing Mascara:
Maybelline New York Volum' Express One by One Mascara, $8

Our tester was skeptical about this lash lifter at first, but it became a gotta-have as soon as she tried it. "The brush looks like a tiny football, which is weird, but the long and short bristles coat every lash without clumps. Amazing!" she says.

Best Long-Wear Mascara:
CoverGirl LashBlast 24HR Mascara, $8

A high-tech resin in our tester's new fave helps keep skin's oils from causing raccoon-eye smudges. "I put it on in the morning, then curled my lashes before meeting friends that night. It looked like a fresh coat!" our tester says.

Best Highlighter:
Sonia Kashuk Super Sheer Shimmering Highlighter, $10

A drop of this extra-creamy highlighter on each cheekbone "lights up my whole face instantly," a reader raves. Pretty!

Best Acne-Fighting Concealer:
Almay Clear Complexion Concealer + Treatment Gel, $10

It's treatment on one end, concealer on the other. Our tester sums it up better than we can: "Love, love, love—I fell in love! The first thing my mother said when she saw me after using it was 'Oh, my gosh, your skin looks so clear.'" Thanks, Mom!

Best Shatter Nail Polish:
Shatter by OPI, $9

Since it came out this year, shatter polish (you know, that funky top coat of color that looks like broken glass) has made a major impact on manis. This formula, which isn't too thick or too thin, "adds a cool texture over any polish, so your color options are endless," one tester says. Try turquoise over your favorite green polish for a subtle ocean vibe, or layer white crackle over metallic gold for snakeskins. Our fave? Channel a sunset with an orange base and red crackle.

Best Nail Polish:
Sally Hansen Smooth and Perfect Color + Care, $6

This pretty polish actually fills ridges and nicks; its formula's color "looks professional," our tester says. But it also allows more oxygen to come in contact with the nails than regular polish, so ridges are evened while you rock one of the eight spring-friendly hues.

Best Top Coat:
Essie No Chips Ahead Chip Free Top Coat, $8

When we heard this finishing touch could keep polish from chipping for 10 days, we didn't buy it. But our testers proved us wrong: "I've never had a top coat work so well! For the first time ever, I changed my polish because I was bored, not because my mani was chipped. The top coat lasted longer than any other I've tried." Impressive!

Best Gradual-Glow Lotion With SPF:
Jergens Natural Glow & Protect, $9

This new twist on the SELF fave now has SPF 20 sunscreen built in, so you can build color while you block UV rays. "It's like I get rewarded for using sunscreen," a previously pasty reader says.

Best All-Around Shampoo:
Güd Pearanormal Activity Natural Nourishing Shampoo, $7
These pear-scented suds strengthen strands with nettle leaf extract and leave hair "soft and silky," our tester raves.

Best All-Around Conditioner:
Güd Pearanormal Activity Natural Softening Conditioner, $7

Jojoba proteins condition hair. "It smells great and gave my hair body without any residue," our tester says.

Best Hair Oil:
Alaffia Shea Butter & Rosemary Shining Curl Oil for Wavy to Curly Hair, $9

Shea butter and rosemary leaf oil in this extra-natural winner turned a self-proclaimed "factory of frizz" into a "tame curly Sue," she says.

Best Body Wash:
Caress Endless Kiss Silkening Body Wash, $4

Tiny beads of moisture soften skin as you lather. After using the wash, our tester says, "It smelled better than my perfume, and I could skip lotion. Total time (and money!) saver!"

Best Hand Cream:
Earth Therapeutics Intensive Hand Repair, $8

Get the hydrating benefits of creamy cocoa butter without leaving greasy prints behind: "My hands felt like baby skin all day!" one thrilled reader boasts.

Best Bar Soap:
Olay Soothing Cucumber Body Bar With Massaging Design, $4

Nubs on this body bar "help rub out achy muscles after a tough workout," our Spin-savvy tester points out. Plus, the bar has avocado oil to moisturize.

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