Beauty Breakthroughs

An instant-dry nail polish, a vibrating mascara and over-the-counter anti-aging treatment—here are some of the most inventive beauty products. By Kristin Larson

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color

This drugstore gem makes painting your nails a breeze. You only need one coat and it dries in 60 seconds. That alone is major when it comes to nail polish. Oh, and the brush! The trademarked Perfectionist Brush is fatter than most brushes and covers the entire nail bed in one stroke. The colors may not be the most groundbreaking, but there are 32 shades to choose from (we love Flashy Fuchsia and Mint Sprint for summer) and who can complain when it produces a fast, shiny manicure in record-breaking time?

Price: $5

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Lancome Vibrating Mascara

If there’s one thing Lancome knows, it’s mascara. And Oscillation is Lancome’s first vibrating mascara—vibrating 7,000 times per minute. The formula, which launched in October 2008, wraps every lash and is designed to provide 360-degree coverage. The effect is instantly longer, fuller lashes, almost as if you used an eyelash curler but more pronounced. Lancome’s makeup artists recommend applying the mascara just as you would a normal mascara;, however, do not move the wand—this mascara does all the work for you. You can even use it on the lower lashes for a really full look. Beauty editors love it, and we think this power mascara deserves its buzz.

$34

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Olay Pro-X Starter Kit

It’s a big deal when a major beauty company promises younger-looking skin in 28 days—guaranteed. The anti-aging skin care Olay Pro-X line, designed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, claims it will redirect your skin to act younger, replenishing lost moisture and boosting cell turnover. In February, the British Journal of Dermatology published a study finding that Olay Professional Pro-X clinically improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well as the prescription brands.

$69.99

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L’Oreal True Match Roller Foundation

The long-lasting yet lightweight foundation is worth notice because it’s the first-ever roller foundation. Similar to a sponge applicator yet even more fool-proof, the roller applicator applies the exact amount of makeup for smooth, even coverage to your face. The company likes to refer to the look as “airbrushed.” We like the flexible applicator, which lets you cover difficult-to-reach curves and other areas. The medium- to full-cover foundation comes in 12 shades and features SPF 25.

$14.99

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Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System

The Opal Sonic Infusion System is the latest breakthrough from Clarisonic, the company known for its battery-operated cleansing brushes for the face and body. Clarisonic is now targeting the eye area with the Opal. How does it work? The Opal’s Sonic action infuses the company’s proprietary Anti-Aging Sea Serum into the epidermis around the eye, designed to give the appearance of younger, firmer and fresher-looking skin. The company reports that most women see results immediately but that with more frequent use, results will be greater.

$245

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Frizz is what every gal seems to battle these days, and Living Proof’s mission is to end frizzy hair—without silicones or oils, which can leave hair feeling greasy. That alone gets our attention, because frizzy, unruly hair is one tough challenge, especially in hot, humid weather. And most anti-frizz products battle the unruliness with greasy oils or heavy serums. The key ingredient in many of the Living Proof products is PolyfluoroEster, a new anti-frizz technology. The Shampoo and Straight Styling Cream have earned beauty awards, but we recommend checking out the entire line. On LivingProof.com, there are informational videos about getting the smoothest hair, whether your hair is thick and coarse or thin and fine.

$39 (Intro Kit)

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Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant

It is no wonder beauty editors have lauded Waterproof Clinical Strength. Smelly armpits are no fun, and in the summer heat, you don’t need to be a professional athlete to sweat off the benefits of one application of morning deodorant. Add sports to the equation and forget it. The catch phrase for Clinical Strength Waterproof— “Get Wet. Stay Dry.”— sums up the deodorant’s promise. For best results, it’s recommended that you apply the product in the evening and in the morning. We thank Secret for Clinical Strength Waterproof and hopefully smelly armpits are a thing of the past.

$6.99

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Temptu Air Pod Foundation

We all know too much makeup only highlights skin’s imperfections. But how do you cover flaws without applying too much? The solution? Airbrushed makeup. Sephora’s exclusive Temptu Air Pod comes in a set of two and delivers soft, flawless results. The formula, available in 12 oil-free shades, helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, correct imperfections and hydrate skin. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, saying the look is lightweight and, you guessed it, flawless.

$55

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Dior Addict Lip Maximizer

Lip injections can make lips look fake and puffy—not the bee-stung pout that women desire. Dior’s Lip Maximizer pumps up the volume of lips without a visit to the doctor’s office. The formula is rich in collagen, thereby stimulating collagen production in your lips. The formula is designed to maximize the shape of lips in just 15 days. Injections may provide instant plumping action, but you may not like the effect—and at less than $30, a tube of the Lip Maximizer is way more economical. You can wear it alone as a gloss or layered with another gloss or lipstick.

$29.50

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Latisse, price upon doctor consultation

Long, lush lashes are the new must-have beauty accessory. Everyone wants them—even Brooke Shields, a woman known for her gorgeous, full brows. Mascara and false eyelashes can maximize the length and volume of your lashes, but they’re only temporary. Latisse, whose celebrity spokeswomen include Shields and Claire Danes, is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for growing lashes. To get the best results, the manufacturer recommends being consistent and sticking to a routine. The full results of the treatment will be achieved within 16 weeks. If you have short or thinning eyelashes or simply want really long, full lashes, why not.

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