The Top 100 beauty products of all time
Here at beautyheaven we’ve been inviting you, our members, to rate and review beauty products for the past seven years. And over those seven years you’ve helped us generate more than 165,000 reviews. That’s a whole lotta products that have been put through their paces. Some of them you loved so much they’ve become permanent fixtures in your beauty cupboards, and some of them you’d rather leave on the shelf, but one thing’s for sure: when it comes to testing and rating products, the voice of the beautyheaven community speaks volumes.
This is why we thought it was high time we took all those thousands of reviews, did a bit of number crunching, and compiled a list of the products reviewers love the most. We’ve ranked the most-reviewed products of more than 14,000 featured on our site in order of star rating* to come up with a definitive list of the 100 Holy Grail products every woman should try in her lifetime.
From supermarket staples you can’t live without to luxe buys that are really worth investing in, there’s bound to be a beauty discovery on the list to suit you. So, here goes. Let the countdown begin…
*The data used to compile the list incorporates products listed on beautyheaven with 100 reviews or more and ranks them by star rating. All data is accurate as of 14 July 2014.
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100: Batiste Blush Dry ShampooOverall star rating: 4.2 stars With its dirty hair-fighting properties and gorgeous floral fragrance with notes of red hibiscus, orange, freesia, tuberose and spice musk, it’s no surprise this dry shampoo made it on to our list. It absorbs dirt and grease to leave locks refreshed and smelling better than freshly-washed hair. Our members say: “Overall this is an exceptional product. It has saved me my hair, my time, and given me great volume. I won't be looking back!” – Instant Awesome “The blush edition has a very floral scent which I just can't get enough of.” – Hollyp “Batiste has got their formula perfect. Just a little spray (I flip over my hair to give it more volume) and brush through and you're set to go.” – rochelle1991 |
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99: Maybelline New York Dream Pure BBOverall star rating: 4.2 stars This brilliant BB cream certainly puts the ‘multi’ into multi-tasking. It’s an eight-in-one product that combines the soothing powers of vitamins A, B and E with two per cent salicylic acid to target blemishes, while clearing, correcting and covering oily and blemish-prone skin Our members say: “It's so lightweight it barely feels that you have any make up on, not to mention the coverage is excellent and it gives your face a subtle glow.” – ConnieDoll “It covered all of my blemishes, matched my skin perfectly, looked great even in dull/bad lighting at the bars and kept me looking hydrated and glowing!” - Andrea88 “It has a really nice amount of coverage for my skin type and manages to stay put all day with minimal shine.” - Amelia987 |
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98: Britney Spears FantasyOverall star rating: 4.2 stars A fruity yet exotic cocktail of red lychee, golden quince and zesty kiwi, this scent has become one of the celebrity fragrances that’s remained ever popular. Its chocolate-shop sweetness is balanced by base notes of musk and wood that appeal will appeal to women of all ages. Our members say: “It is perfect for day or night, but has a summery feel to it. It makes you feel garland fades out to a lovely musky smell.” - Dash26 “Two to three pumps of it in the morning leaves me smelling lovely for the rest of the day.” - beautylover_23 “I complimented a friend on their perfume and was pleasantly surprised when she told me it was BS - Fantasy, I usually steer clear of celebrity perfumes but this one is lovely for an everyday kind of perfume.” - Tara647 |
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97: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Day CreamOverall star rating: 4.2 stars A firm favourite of the beautyheaven Trial Team, and for good reason, this gorgeously-textured anti-ageing cream absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. It features active pro-xylane, fragmented hyaluronic acid and LHA to really target key signs of ageing including fine lines and loss of plumpness. Our members say: “I know that's only cosmetic, but I don't care - while I'm wearing it, my face looks younger.” - Dee255 “It has now been 12 months now of using this luxurious cream, my skin definitely feels softer, firmer, fresher and radiantly alive, which is fabulous for someone in her mid-50s.” – jatz “I have been using it for over two weeks now and I can see that the fine lines look plumped and my skin feels soft and supple.” – Ellelily |
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96: Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light ShampooOverall star rating: 4.2 stars This silicone-free shampoo caused a stir among fine-haired women when it hit shelves a few years ago, with many who tried it loving its lightweight feel. Designed to hydrate and nourish hair without leaving a residue that can weigh hair down, it delivers clean results without flattening your mop. Our members say: “Since using this shampoo and the accompanying conditioner my hair feels light as a feather.” – MissChriss “I haven't used Pantene products for a very long time and was delighted with the results of this shampoo for producing clean, smooth and weightless fine hair.” – kireina “Unlike other shampoos that weigh your hair down and leave an icky residue the Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner hydrate the hair and still leave it feeling light and healthy.” - Beautalicious |
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95: St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot ScrubOverall star rating: 4.2 stars With more than 230 reviews on BH so far, it’s safe to say this product is a popular one among consumers. Containing 100 per cent natural exfoliants that leave skin clean and invigorated, it’s an effective way to pep up your complexion for a fraction of the cost of some of the more expensive brands. Our members say: “It smells amazing and my face actually FEELS clean after using it. Can't complain about the price either, so impressed.” – Jessicamarie “It's one of the oldest and the best product in the market and it works wonders. the way it nourishes your skin whilst cleaning it is just amazing.” – Mahima “I’ve been using this particular apricot scrub since the age of 16. I’m now 25 years of age and still look 16:)” - AngelEyes |
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94: Benefit They’re Real MascaraOverall star rating: 4.2 stars This much-hyped product has been hailed as one of the holy grail mascaras every girl has to try. This jet-black gem will give you a false lash effect without clumping. Wear it and wait for the compliments to flood in. Our members say: “This really pulls my makeup together and completes my eye look. It lengthens and creates volume and makes my eyelashes really pop.” - Ella524 “Does not give me that annoying under eye smudge no matter what I put it through. It's sleek but strong formula will last all day and still look flawless and sexy while giving you volume and length.” - ejrs. “This mascara did amazing things for my lashes! The first time I wore it, people actually asked me if I was wearing falsies and that NEVER happens ever.” - Rania355 |
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93: Dove Soft Peeling Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Cream BarOverall star rating: 4.2 stars This shower staple has it all: tiny exfoliation beads, gentle cleansing and the ¼ moisturising cream that makes Dove bars so nourishing. An all-over body pampering for less than $4.50. Our members say: “Like all Dove soaps, this is awesome, with the added bonus of the gentle exfoliant. It is really a great investment in soft skin.” - Miss_Thing “This exfoliating bar leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft rather than dry like other soaps.” - Cass666 “Have bought this ever since it came out. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed & silky smooth.” - Mumof4 |
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92: Olay Complete Defence Daily UV Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+Overall star rating: 4.2 stars One of the best everyday facial moisturisers out there, this lightweight lotion helps protect skin from UV rays without leaving the chalky or oily finish that you get with some sunscreens. A little goes a long way, too, which makes the price a real bargain. Our members say: “It does not leave your skin feeling greasy, and can be worn under make-up or alone for a nice glow. Absorbed easily into my skin. I will be buying this product again.” - Getzy2008 “I burn so easily that some sunscreens seem to offer no protection to my skin, but this did not fail me. I'd be happy to rely on this to get my skin through summer and beyond.” - Ms Jee “This product has sky-rocketed to the top of my moisturiser list. Will definitely repurchase.” - Demmy M |
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91: Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye PencilOverall star rating: 4.2 stars This versatile little pencil is great for eye make-up touch-ups on the go – whether you’re a simple eyeliner or smoky eye kinda gal. Plus, its rich formula means it won’t drag on your eyelid. Bonus. Our members say: “The standout quality of the Rimmel London Eye Pencil is how easy it draws on skin. The soft kohl gently transfers to the eyeline without pressure, which makes application quick and easy.” – Neilrawson “I have this in Strong Grey and it has been my most used eyeliner - goes on smoothly and evenly and gives a good thick colour.” - Sdv77 “I love it. It's soft enough to use on water line. You can use it and smudge it out on the rest of your eye area. It's affordable, long lasting and vibrant in colour.” - Diishere |
View products 90-81>>
102 Member Comments
how on earth did Fantasy make it ?!?!?! People...this is outrageous!
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Well I know that the Revitalift Laser x 3 is a fantastic product!
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Impressive reviews, thanks Beauties:))
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I don't know if I agree with #1 but many of my favorites are on this list and many items on my wishlist too!!
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Revitalift Laser X3 is brilliant. Glad to see it made the list.
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I love Batiste dry shampoo! My savior when i'm in a hurry!
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That is a pretty impressive top 100
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Benefit they're real and pantene aqua light are two of my staples. That olay spf 30 moisturiser is fantastic, I used to use it everyday. Maybe I should go buy it again
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I use or have used 5 out of these ten products. My favourite from these is the MNY BB cream. I love it!
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I was so happy to see that I use quite a few of these!
The Pantene shampoo I would say works the best. I remember using that Brittany Spears perfume and loved it. I still remember the scent. 'They're real' mascara is pretty good but I have used better I think....
St Ives scrub. YES. Very nice. The BB cream, very nice and light on the skin.
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Im so glad the Dermalogica Microfoliant is on the list . It would be my staple if i were trapped on a desert island! Wait... in that case i'd wish for all the sand on the island to be derm microfoliant :)
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Batiste dry shampoo is such a saviour!
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Benefit Real Mascara from above the list
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A win, a win, my kingdom for a win of the mascara, reviatalift, fantasy and much much more! please?
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I should get around to trying the Benefit They're Real Mascara already.
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Great to see Rimmel's eye pencil here. Curious to see what's net on the list...
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Thank you BH beauties for saving me so much time and money I would have otherwise wasted trying inefficient beauty products! Will bookmark this page & use it as beauty gospel! Xxx
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What a truly great prize, Top 100 beauty products to just try a couple would be so good, they would surely give the skin and hair some good nourishment.
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How is Batiste number 100? This would most certainly be my secret beauty weapon!!! Number 1 on my best beauty buy list!
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I really like Benefit They're Real Mascara. I found that it got better a few weeks after I opened the tube and it became thicker. I must be one of the few people that doesn't like dry shampoo; perhaps it works better for people with oily hair.
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Some great products - I do love the Dove's soaps.
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