Smart Beauty Problem-Solvers

If you haven’t hopped on the bandwagon for mineral foundation because it’s too sheer or feels chalky, Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15 may finally convert you. The blend of vitamins and soybean extract gives enough coverage to hide flaws but silkily glides over skin. In nine shades.

To buy: $39, bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

Long beloved in the United Kingdom, Australia, and elsewhere around the globe, Bio-Oil finally makes its debut Stateside. Why so revered? The nongreasy vitamin-packed oil is a quintessential beauty multitasker, working to hydrate and tone skin, minimizing scars and stretch marks, and even moisturizing cuticles. “It’s lighter and works into the cuticles better than traditional heavy cuticle oil that leaves your fingers greasy,” says veteran nail technician Vicki Peters.

To buy: $20, cvs.com.

The mission of the new online store Bloom.com: that you never buy the wrong beauty product again. Answer a few simple questions about your complexion or skin issues and you’ll get back recommendations based on input from the site’s thousands of members. Join the free site and you can build a virtual “beauty cabinet” of your favorite picks, plus post reviews for the benefit of other members—and the store gives you up to a year to return any product that doesn’t satisfy you.

A longtime favorite of professional stylists, ghd’s sleek Gold Series Styler straightens, curls, and waves hair. Its aluminum plates are ceramic coated to sweep through hair, giving you ultra-shiny results, while the light, smooth body always stays cool, minimizing chances of a hot-tool mishap.

To buy: $225, sephora.com.

Target crow’s-feet, puffiness, even dark circles with Radical Skincare’s hardworking Eye Revive Cream. Potent antioxidants and proteins are formulated to reduce wrinkles and decrease discoloration so skin looks firmer and fresher.

To buy: $125, barneys.com.

Don’t let an errant bit of shadow or a mascara flake set you back. Just snap the tip of an Almay Oil-Free Makeup Eraser Stick to release the fluid inside, then dab away mistakes without ruining the rest of your makeup.

To buy: $5.50 for 24, at drugstores.

Ever wonder which comes first, serum or moisturizer? What about moisturizer or foundation? Miami-based dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo says stop worrying and just “cocktail your potions.” Mix your serum, moisturizer, and foundation in your palm and apply as one, so you’re treated, hydrated, and made up in one swipe.

One wayward lipstick cap can spell disaster for the inside of your purse. Not a problem with the ingenious design of Exude Lipstick. The moisturizing formula (available in nine versatile shades) is encased in a translucent plastic applicator that dispenses a dose of color with one twist. Twist again and the lipstick makes a messless retreat. Bonus: It never loses its shape.

To buy: $29, exudelipstick.com.

Love the effect of fake lashes but not the whole process of applying them? Brush on NeuLash, a conditioning serum made with hair-strengthening amino acids. Testers reported fuller, thicker, and darker-looking fringe after 12 weeks of use.

To buy: $150, neulash.com.

Travel-friendly cosmetics are a utilitarian bunch. But Stella McCartney’s Print Collection—three gorgeous limited-edition atomizers that contain the designer’s signature rose scent—is sturdy, stunning, and TSA-compliant.

To buy: $52 each, stellamccartney.com.

Want to render your manicure instantly smudge-free? Right after painting your nails, dispense a few drops of Sephora by Opi Nail Colour Drying Drops onto each tip. You’ll get dingproof polish, and the combination of vitamin E and jojoba oils will condition cuticles on the fly.

To buy: $14, sephora.com.

Dread those 45-minute blow-dries? Spray KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry on towel-dried hair and cut your manual labor in half. (Really.) The formula, which includes water-repelling silicone, also softens strands.

To buy: $18, kmscalifornia.com for salons.

Finally, a less pricey alternative to high-tech dermatologist lines. Physicians Formula Skin Care is packed with ingredients doctors recommend (albeit often at lower concentrations), like alpha hydroxy acid and provitamin B5. No copay required! And lest you mix your meds, the bottles are color-coded. Use the red line if your skin is sensitive, the blue if it’s dry, and the purple to fight aging.

To buy: $10 to $19, walmart.com for stores.