For the first time ever, Marie Claire readers are taking the reins, revealing the beauty products that they truly love, rely on, and return to for our 2026 Reader's Choice Awards. Who better to capture the best in beauty than an audience who is just as obsessed with all things hair, skin, nails, and makeup as we are? Fifty-seven exceptional products made the cut this year, covering all of your beauty essentials from head to toe. From a cult-favorite exfoliator that delivers baby-soft skin to a curl cream that leaves you with mega volume, these are the best beauty products of the year—according to you.
Skincare
Whether you're targeting fine lines, redness, or breakouts, LED light therapy can be a powerful tool in your skincare arsenal—and this cult-favorite product can really deliver (with consistent use, of course). With both red and blue light modes—plus a third option that combines the two—you can treat and repair your complexion in just three minutes a day. It's also FDA-cleared, so you know your investment will pay off.
A solid skincare routine starts off with a great cleanser—and this French pharmacy staple fits the bill. Its milky texture is fortified with hydrating ceramides and brightening niacinamide, both of which play a key role in strengthening the skin's barrier and restoring hydration.
Double-cleanse to your heart's content with this K-Beauty staple. It's lightweight on the skin and doesn't leave behind any residue. Most importantly, it works for people with sensitive skin—a win-win if you ask me.
This lightweight gel moisturizer delivers serious brightening results. It’s powered by a more stable, better-penetrating form of vitamin C plus peptides to smooth fine lines and calm redness. Use it morning or night—it's the treatment to beat.
This K-beauty favorite uses a combination of three powerhouse ingredients—hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol—to moisturize (because not all sunscreens do that) and give the skin a dewy glow. thanks to four different UV filters.
Finding a mineral sunscreen with zero white cast is a tall order, but this iconic sun care brand delivers an elegant formula that feels comfortable and blends in evenly, no matter your skin tone. It's ideal for sensitive, reactive skin, and dries down to a matte-ish finish that lets your makeup glide.
The antidote to dull skin is regular exfoliation. Case in point: this salicylic acid-based chemical exfoliant that wipes away dead skin cells, clears gunk from pores, and reveals a smoother, brighter complexion in just a few weeks. Just make sure you don't overdo it; oily skin types can likely tolerate daily use, but drier or more sensitive skin types should only use this twice a week.
Glass skin in one step? Yes, please. Not only does this serum glide on like butter, but it also provides deep hydration to keep the skin plump and dewy for hours after application.
Sorry, you can't erase dark circles, but you can fake better sleep. This cult-favorite eye cream boosts elasticity and brightness with vitamin C, with subtle yellow pigments that visibly color-correct shadows. Plus, the formulation wears beautifully under makeup with zero pilling in sight.
The Mighty Patch isn’t just a creative way to dress up and disguise an annoying pimple. It uses a layer of hydrocolloid to gently minimize whiteheads (and disguise the pimple) in as little as one day. Not to mention: if you just can’t help picking at your blemishes, this provides a protective barrier between you and your eager fingers.
Korean sheet masks are basically industry standard at this point, and this firming and hydrating option proves why. It can reduce the appearance of pores while leaving your skin ridiculously plumped and radiant.
There's no shortage of luxury lip treatments to choose from, but this one is proof that sometimes you can't beat the basics—or a drugstore price. With a creamy, silky texture that instantly soothes dryness, this classic formula doesn't just prevent chapped lips; it makes them feel baby soft.
There's nothing better than spritzing your face with a hydrating toner that feels virtually weightless on the skin. This squalene and hyaluronic acid-packed formula does just that, all while delivering a sensorially elegant skincare experience.
Consider this pick K-beauty's cheat code for glass skin. It floods skin with hydration, helping strengthen the barrier and boost elasticity for that bouncy, plump finish.
Retinol is a hero ingredient for treating fine lines and wrinkles, but it has a reputation for being aggressive and drying. To accommodate the sensitive skin crowd, this formula combines a small percentage of retinol with moisturizing squalane—and sells it at a truly unbeatable under-$10 price point.
Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation are no match for this powerful face serum which features kojic acid, niacinamide, and alpha arbutrin to fade stubborn discoloration and leave skin looking luminous and even-toned.
A true do-it-all, this non-comedogenic face oil is like a tall drink of water for all skin types. Contrary to popular opinion, it's not going to cause breakouts, but it will help to plump fine lines and hydrate skin. Put a few drops on your cuticles to really maximize the benefits.
Makeup
Second skin coverage with the radiance of a traditional skin tint? You'll get all of this, plus SPF 30, in this medium-coverage formula.
For a sheer-but-buildable finish that looks like your skin-but-better, this product is the one to beat. Powered by SPF 40 to protect against harsh UV rays, this mineral skin tint comes in a range of shades that leaves your complexion enviable in texture and tone, to say the least.
This cult-favorite SPF uses good-for-your-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and zinc oxide to moisturize and protect you from the sun, plus a natural wash of color.
Want a buildable concealer with a delectably creamy finish? With calming and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and green tea extract, blemishes are not only concealed but treated for a flawless finish.
Want your makeup to last all day? Smooth on a thin layer of this affordable gel-based primer to help makeup last all day. Its velvet finish blurs over pores and gives an airbrushed finish even before foundation is applied.
The undertones on this bronzer strike a rare balance between warmth and true contour, while skin-identical squalane helps the powder melt into the complexion for a smooth finish.
This bouncy blush from Rare Beauty was designed to blend like cream and dry down as powder, making it easily buildable for a soft, natural-looking flush.
Prime, illuminate, highlight—this cult-favorite formula does it all. The lightweight and non-comedogenic formula is gentle on the skin while still delivering enviable radiance.
Whether you're an eyeliner pro or novice, this flexible tip brush makes drawing on a cat eye incredibly easy. The highly pigmented color delivers a matte finish and 24-hour wear—no flakes in sight. If black's not your shade, there are eight others to choose from, too.
If you’re looking for an eyeshadow palette that is perfectly curated to complement your skin tone—and versatile enough to take you from day to night—this is it. The palette comes in three colorways for light, medium, and deep skin tones. Each features matte shades designed to perfect your signature makeup look with ease.
Length is the headline, but the details seal the deal. The genius brush separates even the stickiest lashes for a clean, clump-free finish. Oh, and the lineup of playful shades makes it easy to turn a classic mascara into a full eye moment.
Not everyone can grow thick brows, but you can fake it with a reliable brow product. This option doesn’t just fill in sparse spots; it uses bamboo fibers and vitamin B5 to help the brows look thicker, fuller, and longer.
One of the most iconic brow products in the beauty game, this ultra-thin pencil creates realistic brow-like hairs to fill and define your arches like a pro. With precise application and long-wearing color, you're guaranteed the brows of your dreams.
Meet the ultimate everyday lipstick. The shade Pillow Talk, which launched in 2013, gets the most buzz—but every single shade in the range delivers the same cashmere-meets-matte finish. It's the brand's proprietary 3D glow pigments that take this formula to the next level, making lips look fuller without any tingling.
The girls who get it, get it. The high-shine shades look just as good solo as they do layered, delivering a plump-lip effect without the sting.
Proof that a great lip liner doesn't need a luxury price tag. This butter-soft pencil glides on smoothly, holds its line without bleeding, and has completed the kits of some of your favorite celebrities and makeup artists for years.
Using skin-friendly ingredients like squalane and avocado oil, this non-sticky formula drenches lips with moisture for a glossy finish.
Whether Gel, Infinite Shine, Nature Strong, or traditional Lacquer, OPI is a nail industry icon for a reason. Not only are the color options robust and trend-forward, the formulas last for a more durable manicure at home or in the salon.
Hair
With 26 different heat settings and an extra-long, five-inch barrel, it's no surprise this curling iron has earned hundreds of five-star reviews. This clamped curling iron can create bouncy curls or beachy waves, depending on your technique.
This multi-purpose tool features ceramic plates that smooth the hair with every pass, reducing frizz for a sleek, silky finish. The rounded body also makes it easier to curl your hair by simply twisting the iron upward, no curling iron required.
Dry, damaged hair stands no chance against this strengthening shampoo. With its high lather and highly concentrated formulation of bond-building proteins, this formula transforms all hair types in desperate need of some TLC.
This formula was designed to repair damage from heat styling and general manipulation. Its patented formula strengthens strands and minimizes split ends, and helps prevent future damage.
Frizz and flyaways are no match for this stylist-beloved formula. The humidity complex is activated when heat styling for a sleek finish, minus the damage, every time.
Add this honey-powered hair oil to your routine for extra-shiny strands. A small drop or two also tames flyaways, boosts moisture, and smooths split ends.
Need a dry shampoo that doesn't leave behind any chalky residue, actually cleans your hair, and leaves your strands soft to the touch? This formula is the answer.
This is the kind of curl cream that actually lets your texture do its thing—only enhanced. Silicone-free and deeply moisturizing, it uses wild mango butter and Fenty's proprietary complex to define curls and coils and boost natural spring.
This milky leave-in product uses botanical filler to strengthen porous strands damaged by color and over-manipulation. You can also use it to protect against thermal damage and temperatures up to 450 degrees.
Who wouldn't want a product that reverses hair damage in just four minutes? Just one treatment and you'll be well on your way to repairing heat and color damage. Focus on the edges, and just be warned: a little goes a very long way.
Say goodbye to the teasing comb with this volumizing hair mousse. All-day hold is combined with holding properties that keep flyaways at bay without weighing your hair down.
This is the kind of hairspray that you forget you're wearing. The weightless mist keeps flyaways and styles in check without that old-school crunch and stiffness.
This is a worthwhile investment when you factor in faster drying times, stronger airflow, upgraded attachments, and a slightly lighter design than previous AirWrap models.
Body
If you assume a body wash can't give you the same type of moisturizing benefits as a lotion—think again. This deeply hydrating formula leaves the skin soothed, nourished, and silky-soft, straight from the shower.
A luxurious body cream with a drugstore price tag. This body butter feels like a thick blanket of hydration once it hits the skin—eliminating dryness and dullness in just one application.
Looking for long-lasting hydration without the stickiness of a traditional body lotion? This formula will keep your body moisturized and glowing, even in the dry climates.
The shea butter-packed sugar scrub smooths and moisturizes, while offering an almost unhinged range of delicious scents. It's proof that an elevated body care moment doesn't require a steep price tag.
This balm is rich with moisturizing lipids, ceramides, glycerin, and butters that lock moisture into dry skin. Its thick texture melts into a light oil once it touches the skin, making it best applied as the last step in your routine.
Ridiculously soft and supple hands are just within reach with this cool French girl staple. Formulated with 20 percent shea butter to deliver 24 hours' worth of moisture, there's no chicer way to hydrate your skin.
Armpits get the TLC they deserve with this personal care staple. You're left with smooth underarm skin—and no sweat, odor, or pilling. It's a classic for a reason.
There's nothing like a fresh tan to give you a little extra pep in your step. When you can't escape to a tropical island, this formula will do the trick, leaving you with a streak-free, natural-looking tan.
Sunscreen for people who hate sunscreen. The clear, portable stick glides on without a white cast, hugs skin with rich emollients that are never greasy, and features a teardrop shape for quick, targeted application.
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This story appears in Marie Claire's 2026 Craftsmanship Issue.
