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Pure Perfection We know busy moms place convenience, value, and results at a premium when choosing products. That’s why for the fourth year running, we had 300 of you test close to 700 recent launches in makeup, hair, and skin care. Turn the page for the winners of this year’s Mom Knows Best Beauty Awards.

2014

MOM KNOWS BEST

BEAUTY AWARDS

parents 153 september 2014by TRACY PEREZ AND CHLOE METZGER

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september 2014 154 parents

BEST BODY WASHDr. Teal’s Ultra Moisturizing Body Wash“This body wash was the most hydrating and left me with the cleanest feeling,” one mom tester reported. $6; walgreens.com

BEST SUNSCREENL’Oréal Paris Advanced Suncare Quick Dry Sheer Finish Spray 50+Across the board, moms loved the light-as-air texture and clean scent of this sunscreen. $11; walmart.com

BEST BODY MOISTURIZEROrganic Doctor Organic Virgin Olive Oil Skin Lotion“It left my skin feeling clean, not sticky, and it doesn’t have any of the questionable ingredients moms these days are trying to avoid,” said expert tester Dara Kennedy, a San Francisco mother of two and founder of Aylabeauty.com. $13; vitaminworld.com

BEST DEODORANTSecret Clinical Strength Invisible SolidMoms said this antiperspirant-deodorant kept them sweat-free and smelling great the longest. $8; drugstore.com

Unbeatable for Body

photographs by GABRIELLA IMPERATORI-PENN PR

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september 2014 156 parents

BEST HOME HAIRCOLORGarnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme Magnetic CollectionMoms were most wowed by how easy the dye was to mix and apply. $8; walmart.com

BEST DRY SHAMPOOAlterna Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo“It transformed my oily roots to look fresh,” said expert tester Rachel Hayes, a New York City mom of two and founder of the blog Pretty Impressed. $22; alternahaircare.com

BEST CURL DEFINERRedken Curvaceous Full Swirl Cream-SerumCurly-haired moms rejoiced: This serum defined ringlets without the crunchy feel. $19; redken.com for salons

BEST FRIZZ FIGHTERAveda Smooth Infusion Naturally StraightAfter testing out this lightweight cream, one mom commented, “My hair came out sleek and smelled fabulous!” $26; aveda.com

BEST SHAMPOOMatrix Total Results Heat Resist ShampooMore than one mom noted this shampoo’s ability to maintain the health and shine of her hair, even after an intense heat-styling session. $10; matrix.com

BEST CONDITIONERL’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Volume Filler Thickening ConditionerTesters loved the thickening benefits they said this conditioner provided after just one wash. $5; drugstore.com

Hair Heroes

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september 2014 158 parents

BEST SKIN PERFECTORAveeno Positively Radiant Targeted Tone CorrectorAfter using this spot treatment, one tester said she felt less self-conscious about not always having time to put on makeup: Her skin tone looked that much better. $16; drugstore.com

BEST NIGHT CREAMPhilosophy Miracle Worker Overnight Age-Resetting, Anti-Wrinkle MoisturizerThis product proved worthy of its price tag with our testing panel, which included Lisa Chipps, M.D., a mom of three and dermatologist in Los Angeles. “Its creamy texture is ideal for helping anti-aging ingredients seep into skin while you sleep.” $68; philosophy.com

BEST FACE CLEANSERSt. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange ScrubThis scrub won top place for smelling great and leaving skin smooth. $5; amazon.com

BEST DAYTIME MOISTURIZERClinique Superdefense SPF 20 Daily Defense MoisturizerMore than one mom tester praised this product for being gentle on her sensitive skin, yet effective enough to combat dryness all day long. $47; clinique.com

BEST EYE CREAMOlay Total Effects Eye Brightening CC CreamThis product lived up to its name, with mom testers commenting on how it worked quickly to diminish their dark circles. $20; target.com

Fabulous for Face

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september 2014 160 parents

BEST CONCEALERMarc Jacobs Beauty Re(Marc)able Full Cover ConcealerProof that moms are willing to spend more for something that works. “A little went a long way to cover my dark circles,” said one tester. $32; marcjacobsbeauty.com

BEST EYESHADOWJaponesque Velvet Touch Eye Shadow PaletteIn addition to the pretty packaging, testers praised this palette for its beautiful collection of colors and satin-smooth application. $34; ulta.com

BEST MASCARAMerle Norman Wicked Lash MascaraNo clumps—even after multiple coats—and a soft, natural look were the reasons behind this mascara’s big win. $16; merlenorman.com

BEST EYELINERUrban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye PencilThis eyeliner earned its title, with one tester noting how its velvet texture made it as easy to take off as to put on. $20; sephora.com

BEST FOUNDATION (WE HAD A TIE)Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Skintone Matching Makeup“It’s lightweight and long-lasting, and no one can tell you’re wearing it,” raved one mom. $14; drugstore.com

CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid MakeupNatural-looking coverage and a range of shades to match every skin tone made this foundation a favorite among mom testers. $9; walgreens.com

BEST LIPSTICKTory Burch Lip Color“This lipstick is not only beautiful to look at, it also feels great,” said expert tester A.J. Lordet, a mom of one, stepmother of three, and colorist at Pierre Michel Salon, in New York City. “It’s become a must-have in my purse.” $32; toryburch.com

BEST TINTED MOISTURIZERSonia Kashuk Radiant+ Tinted Moisturizer“The range of shades is spot-on, and it left my skin with a natural glow,” said expert tester Gretta Monahan, author of Style and the Successful Girl and a mother of one. $14; target.com

BEST LIP GLOSSTarte LipSurgence Lip GlossMoms agreed this sheer lip gloss with a hint of shimmer provided the perfect amount of color for everyday. $19; sephora.com

BEST BLUSHRevlon Highlighting PaletteThis blush rated the highest for giving a beautiful sun-kissed effect and staying in place all day. $11; revlon.com

Makeup Marvels