With 2018 over, I had the chance to test hundreds of beauty products. I’ve compiled a list of the 8 Most Innovative Beauty Products of 2018, containing items at all price points, and a mix of skincare, hair and makeup. I’ve also tried to list some innovative beauty products that are also cruelty-free and natural. These are all items I genuinely use and love, and that I hope you can add into your beauty routines. So here it is, my 8 Most Innovative Beauty Products of 2018:
1. Vita Liberata Invisi Mousse Roaming Tan Water
I had a chance to try the new Invisi Tan line from Vita Liberata at a launch event. I received a spray tan and the results were even, and developed over a few hours. Since then, I’ve been giving myself the at-home treatment. After showering and exfoliating, I put on the clear Invisi Mousse Roaming Tan Water that comes in an easy-to-blend mousse format. It goes on completely clear so after drying for a few minutes, I can put on my PJ’s and wake up in the morning with a subtle glow. I wore it for the shoot above and it transformed my “white-as-paper” skin to a subtle, warm glow. It’s also from Sephora’s Clean Beauty line and contains no toxins and is cruelty-free. I love my white sheets, and I LOVE this tanning product. It’s a must try if you’re a white sheet/blouse devotee like me!
2. T3 Micro Whirl Trio Curling Wand Set
This interchangeable Whirl curling wand system from T3 is a godsend. The ceramic barrels reach a high heat and give long-lasting curls. My wavy hair can hold a curl for 2-4 days, while even my sister’s soft, fine hair can hold a serious wave thanks to this device. I love that the interchangeable wands offer variety between wands with a classic clip or a clipless wand. It’s worth every penny (you can see the results here)! While I own all of the interchangeable barrels, the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand set offers three of my favourite options, so you can start your collection.
3. Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil Collection
This year, I’ve dealt with some funky flare-ups on my skin due to poor eating habits and stress. To combat this, I’ve added in some tea tree oil products from the natural beauty line, Thursday Plantation. My favourites include the Tea Tree Oil Face Wash and Toner (this is soooo easy to use, and perfectly diluted), as well as the Tea Tree Oil Wipes. The innovation with this product is in the convenient delivery of the potent, antibacterial natural ingredient.
4. Benefit BADgal BANG Volumizing Mascara
Holy. This. Mascara. I received Benefit’s BADgal BANG mascara in an out-of-this-world PR package and the formula completely blew me away. This mascara was developed with aero-particles from space technology, that offer weightless length and volume. The mascara is also incredibly dark, a must for my clear blonde lashes, and has provitamin B5 to promote lash strength and thickness. I finished the tube after a few months of daily wear and need to add it back in rotation.
5. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer
This concealer combines Charlotte Tilbury’s signature anti-ageing ingredients with a rich, pigmented concealer for the perfect under eye product. It’s an incredibly nourishing concealer that doesn’t flake and quenches your skin in our cold, dry climate. I also adore the wand format, which makes it easy to apply on the go.
6. AMOREPACIFIC Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
I haven’t tried many cushion foundation products because I found the cost and packaging a little cost prohibitive. What won me over about the AMOREPACIFIC Color Control Cushion Compact was the fact that it comes loaded with SPF 50+ so you can easily reapply sunscreen throughout the day and not have to layer your makeup over often thick, gloppy sunscreen. The packaging is simple and sleek, and the refills make this product a bit more eco-friendly. Sadly, the colour range is limited, as this product is also cruelty-free and did not react on my acneic, sensitive skin. I’ll be packing this foundation on my upcoming trip to Mexico, as it gives the perfect, flawless, hydrated base.
7. StriVectin Multi-Action Blue Rescue Clay Renewal Mask
This product is new to my skincare routine, but I’m already seeing results. In the summertime, I love using heavier Kaolin clay masks, but find they dry out my skin in the winter time. The StriVectin Multi-Action Blue Rescue Clay Renewal Mask is the perfect compromise for me. This product changes colour from white to blue as you massage it onto your skin. It’s also packed with ocean extracts and probiotics to balance skin. I think this product is innovative because of the colour-change (it’s so fun to use), as well the combination of blue algae, red seaweed, probiotic ferment, white clay, shea butter and NIA-114, a proprietary, anti-aging form of Niacin and Vitamin B3. So far, no breakouts, and I’ve been left with clearer, nourished skin.
8. NYX Powder Puff Lippie
The NYX Powder Puff lipsticks are under $12 and caused a sensation among my friends, my sister and I. This formula is incredibly unique, it goes on wet, dries to a powder and gives a hydrated, matte velvet finish. I have yet to find a lip product that gives a similar finish, and the colour selection is stunning. My favourites include Squad Goals and Moody, both beautiful, cool-toned deep pinks. I’m hoping NYX expands the colour range in this line, as they’re affordable and great to apply on the go.
A further nod must go to Rihanna’s Fenty Pro Filt’r Foundation, which turned the beauty world on its head with its range of over 50 shades. From light to deep, Rihanna’s foundation revolutionized skin, and made many brands check themselves. She innovated the industry with this approach, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. While the foundation itself wasn’t my favourite formula, she is THE innovator of the year.
What were your most innovative beauty products of 2018? I left a couple items off of this list, because I didn’t have a chance to test them out… I’m curious and open to your suggestions, so let me know in the comments below.
