2016 Best Beauty Buys

50 under $50—the top new hair, makeup and skin care products chosen by our team of experts. It’s time to hit the beauty aisle.

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Expert Panel

Sadah Saltzman, Hairstylist at Salon AKS

Paul Cucinello, Celebrity stylist and creative director at Chris Chase Salon NYC

Francesca Fusco, MD, Assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Whitney Bowe, MD, New York–based dermatologist

Emily Kate Warren, Los Angeles–based makeup artist

Rocio Matos, Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge education director

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Makeup: Eyeliner

Flower Style- Eyes Liquid Eyeliner, $8

A sturdy wand makes it easy to stay on the straight and narrow.

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Makeup: Foundation

Revlon ColorStay Makeup, $13

Complete coverage with no chalkiness. Warren loves that the pump top releases the ideal amount of product.

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Makeup: Blush

Lorac Color Source Buildable Blush, $22

The name says it all. Start with a sheer layer and add more as desired—the powder is highly pigmented and super pretty.

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Makeup: Primer

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Instant- Perfecting Power Primer, $14

Reduces redness and evens out tone.

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Makeup: Eye Shadow Single

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Mono, $6

Matos is impressed by the velvety texture and versatility of the shadow, which works wet or dry.

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Makeup: Eye Shadow Palette

Nuance Salma Hayek Endless Eye Effects Shadow Collection in Sunset Visions, $14

A gorgeous color range, multiple finishes (shiny to matte) and mini brush make this a must-have.

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Makeup: Bronzer

CoverGirl TruBlend Bronzer, $8.50

One shade, all skin tones. The subtly shimmery powder complements every complexion.

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Makeup: Concealer

Almay Age Essentials Concealer, $13

Diminish dark circles and discoloration with this skin care–infused corrector. The combo of collagen, hyaluronic acid and peptides brightens as it covers.

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Makeup: Lipgloss

Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss, $2

Shiny but not sticky, each tube has a major color payoff.

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Makeup: Mascara

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Mascara, $11

The ultimate eye opener. It evenly coats and lengthens lashes, says Warren. “I plan on using this in my daily routine— that’s how much I love it!”

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Makeup: Lipstick

Rimmel London The Only 1 Lipstick, $7.25

Twice as nice: a soft and creamy texture with serious staying power.

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Makeup: Brow Product

Flower Brow Master All in 1 Brow Mascara, $7

All you need for gorgeous, groomed arches. The sheer gel tames unruly hairs, subtly filling in sparse spots.

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Makeup: Tinted Moisturizer

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector, $14

Perfect light coverage for mature skin, says Matos. SPF and retinol add anti- aging benefits.

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Makeup: Contour Product

NYX Cosmetics Cream Highlight & Contour Palette, $15

With easy- to-follow instructions and sheer blendable shades, this portable palette is a go- to for sculpting newbies.

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Makeup: Highlighter

Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Strobing Highlighting Stick, $12

The makeup version of a glow stick. A precise applicator lets you place subtle sheen exactly where you want it.

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Face: Facial Wipes

Olay Makeup Remover Wet Cloths, $5

Perfect for those lazy nights. One swipe erases dirt and makeup without drying your skin.

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Face: Facial Oil

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra- Nutrition Facial Oil, $20

Apply the non-greasy oil from hairline to neck to instantly nourish and prevent sun damage. Makeup goes on seamlessly afterward, says Bowe.

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Face: Spot Brightener

Laneige Clear-C Advanced Effector, $39

After two weeks of applying daily, Fusco noticed the discoloration on her cheeks had become visibly lighter.

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Face: Eye-Makeup Remover

Simple Skincare Dual Effect Eye Make-Up Remover, $7

A quick shake of the bottle activates this cleanser. The oil-water blend dissolves even the most stubborn formulas, with no rinsing required.

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Face: Daily Moisturizer

It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream, $48

“Plump it up” could be this lotion’s tag line. A dime- sized amount yields supple, soft, smooth skin.

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Face: Night Treatment

No7 Early Defence Night Cream, $21

Sleeping beauty at its best. Antioxidants, peptides and vitamin E help boost collagen and prevent free radical damage.

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Face: Serum

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Intensive Renewal Serum, $20

Bowe noticed a significant decrease in fine lines on her forehead and more even skin tone after one week.

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Face: Eye Cream

La Roche- Posay Pigmentclar Eyes, $43

The metal applicator cools, soothes and increases circulation. A brightening and de-puffing formula is the icing on the cake.

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Face: Wrinkle Fighter

RoC Skincare Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Chest, Neck + Face Cream with SPF 30, $28

“Thick in a good way” is how Fusco describes RoC’s line diminisher. It’s also great for tightening and smoothing your décolletage.

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Face: Makeup Remover

Le Couvent des Minimes Loving Care 3 in 1 Micellar Water, $19

Removes absolutely all traces of makeup while refreshing skin.

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Face: Acne Treatment

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit, $20

Three steps—cleanser, treatment and oil-free moisturizer—that banish breakouts and prevent new ones.

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Face: Facial Peel

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Overnight Leave-on Peel, $17

Wake up to a smoother and brighter complexion, thanks to the power couple of glycolic acid and vitamin C.

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Face: Cleanser

Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser, $8

The wash helps smooth out skin’s texture without any harshness, according to Bowe.

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Face: Mask

Yes To Miracle Oil Argan Oil Single Use Mud Mask, $3

Rich and creamy, this decadent treatment brings the spa to your bathroom.

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Face: Scrub

Sonia Kashuk Resurface Gentle Exfoliating Wash, $15

Algae polishes away dead skin cells, while botanical extracts stimulate collagen growth.

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Face: Facial Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, $20

Proper protection for acne-prone complexions. The oil-free formula has a powder complex that targets sebum and sweat.

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Hair: Shampoo

Pantene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo, $5

A moisture boost in minutes. The rich formula instantly quenches dry strands.

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Hair: Conditioner

OGX Fight-Fallout + Niacin3 & Caffeine Conditioner, $8

Cucinello loves that hair felt stronger and healthier after one use.

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Hair: Frizz Fighter

John Frieda Frizz Ease 10 Day Tamer Pre-Shower Treatment, $13

Apply this smoother before showering and frizzies are tamed for up to five washes.

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Hair: Dry Shampoo

Nexxus New York Salon Care Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist, $13

Pearls for your hair? Yes, really. The luxe extract refreshes hair between washes with a super-clean scent.

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Hair: Curl Booster

Redken Curvaceous CCC Spray, $24

Lightly mist for defined, perfected curls. "No crunchiness!" raves Saltzman.

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Hair: Mask

It's a 10 Potion 10 Miracle Repair Hair Mask, $37

#Hairgoals, accomplished. Shine, softness and strength from one fierce multitasker.

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Hair: Root Touch-Up

Everpro Gray Away Root Touch-Up Magnetic Powder, $10

Like long-wear eye shadow for your roots. Bonus: It's easy to apply and really stays put. "I can't wait to recommend this to my clients—it is 100% foolproof," says Cucinello.

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Hair: Shine Enhancer

CHI Tea Tree Oil Tea Tree Serum, $19

Light enough for all hair types (even super fine), this gloss-getter nourishes the scalp and provides heat protection.

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Hair: Volumizer

Living Proof Timeless Plumping Mousse, $28

A just-right foam—not too thick or too airy—that gives height and fullness with no sticky residue.

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Hair: Hair Oil

L'Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Nourish Lustrous Oil, $7

The potent oil blend (coconut, sunflower, argan and more) is the ultimate hydrator.

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Hair: Hairspray

Bed Head by TIGI Full of It Volume Finishing Spray, $23

A spritz of the flexible-hold formula secures any style.

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Body: Body Lotion

C. Booth Peppermint Vanilla Body Lotion, $8

Glycolic acid sloughs away dead cells, allowing moisturizing ingredients to penetrate deep into skin.

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Body: Body Wash

Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash, $7

A classic with a twist: Moroccan argan oil beads add an extra burst of nourishment.

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