The Game-Changing Beauty Products of 2017
Sure, 2017 was basically just a series of unfortunate events, but there were some good things that came out of this dumpster-fire of a year: Namely, the beauty products. This year gave the world new makeup lines from Kim Kardashian West and Rihanna, a plastic-free body wash from LUSH, and a glitter-infused face mask from GlamGlow to seriously up our selfie games. Getting through this year may have felt like a full-on marathon, but these beauty launches helped make it all worth it — aesthetically, at least. Click through for 17 game-changing beauty products of 2017 AKA our best beauty year yet.
1/18Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Sunscreen
We all know we should be wearing sunscreen every day (especially on our faces), and Drunk Elephant's new tinted block has made it a lot easier to follow the derm's orders. The physical sunscreen offers heavy-duty coverage, but it comes out brown instead of white so you never have to worry about looking like Casper the friendly ghost after you apply. It leaves your skin looking extra-glowy, and can even double as makeup.
2/18Dyson Supersonic Blowdryer
I used to dread blow drying my hair every winter morning to avoid going outside with wet strands — until the Dyson Supersonic came along. Not only does it blow dry faster than, well, any other blowdryer out there, its specialized heat control technology helps avoid any damage to your mane.
Instagram/@Glossier3/18Glossier Invisible Shield Sunscreen
Glossier's first-ever sunscreen is made specifically for people who hate wearing sunscreen.The clear, water gel formula absorbs instantly into skin, and doesn't leave behind any greasy residue or gross white film. It goes on post-moisturizer and pre-makeup, and gets bonus points for leaving your face smelling like an orange.
4/18Glam Glow
Glam Glow took "Facemask and Chill" to an entirely new level with the release of their #GLITTERMASK Gravity Mud. The IRL face filter has the same skin benefits as the brand's legendary Gravity Mud — like firming, lifting, tightening, and toning — but with much better selfie potential.
Lushcosmetics/Instagram5/18Lush Naked Shower Gel
When it comes to Lush's new "naked" shower gel, it isn't the product itself that's game changing — it's the packaging. It comes in the same formulation as the brand's fan-favorite shower gel, but without the environment-harming plastic. According to Lush's website, if half of their customers started using the naked version of the gel, they'd save approximately 2.6 million bottles from ending up in landfill. Pretty impressive, no?
Courtesy of Sephora6/18Ouai Foaming Dry Shampoo
Between dying Kim's hair from blonde to brunette and back again, celeb hairstylist Jen Atkin somehow found time to completely revolutionize dry shampoo as we know it. The new foaming formulation cleans, volumes and revamps your 'do, no H2O required.
Courtesy of Nurse Jamie7/18Nurse Jamie Instant Uplift Facial Firming Tool
The bedazzled purple rod you see all over your timeline isn't just Instagram bait; It's a life-changing skin tool. The product isn't technically "new," but it's become crazy-popular in the past year thanks to beauty tutorials. It's covered in 24 different "massaging stones," and it's basically like a workout for your face that leaves your skin looking extra-glowy.
Courtesy of Redken8/18Redken Micellar Shampoo
You've probably tried cure-all micellar water for your skin, but this year Redken made it possible to use the same technology for your hair, too. The brand's new shampoo cleanses hair without stripping nutrients or drying out the scalp, which means you can wash your hair as much (or as little) as you want.
9/18Fenty Beauty
It would be impossible to talk about 2017 "game changers" without mentioning Fenty Beauty's 40-shade foundation line. Touted as the most inclusive makeup brand ever, Rihanna's latest foray into the beauty game was so major it earned her Time Magazine's "Invention of the Year" Award. Casual.
Courtesy of Milk Makeup10/18Milk Makeup Blur Stick
Think of Milk's new-for-2017 "Blur Stick" like photoshop for your face. It minimizes your pores up to 68% without clogging them, and it will perfectly prep your skin for any makeup you want to put on top of it.
Courtesy of Eos11/18Eos Crystal Lip Balm
Chapped lips got a major makeover for 2017 with Eos' latest "crystal clear" formulation. Because these cute little balls of balm are wax free, they go on super-smoothly. Even better? They hydrate lips using five natural, nourishing oils.
12/18KKW Beauty
It's hard to pick just one "game changer" from Kim Kardashian West's inaugural beauty collection, because every product she launched this year was just that good. From her contour kits to her fragrances to the already-sold-out Ultra Light Beams, Kim helped all up our beauty games this year.
Courtesy of Urban Decay13/18Urban Decay Naked Heat
There are few things we love more than an Urban Decay Naked Palette, and the brand's 2017 release may just be the best one yet. The first new launch in two years, the Urban Decay "Naked Heat" palette features 12 to-die-for, terracotta-inspired shades. The formulation took over a year to create, but it's safe to say it was well worth the wait.
14/18Farsali Jelly Beam Highlighter
The Internet went haywire when Farsali's revolutionary jelly highlighter was released, and for good reason. The jelly goes on easier than your usual powder situation, which means you can specifically target the exact spots you're looking to highlight. The finish is so flawless, you'll look like you're walking around with a sunbeam shining down on your face.
Courtesy of Soko Glam15/18Soko Glam Triple C Lightning Liquid
When it comes to this year's K-Beauty launches, Soko Glam's Triple C Lightning Liquid was the best of the best. The Vitamin C serum hydrates your skin and treats pigmentation issues — helping you look as radiant as ever.
16/18Huda Beauty Desert Dusk
When it comes to beauty, Huda Kattan can do no wrong. Her Desert Dusk palette was released as a follow-up to her fan favorite (and perpetually sold out) Rose Gold Palette, and features 18 different pink, purple and orange-tinted shades inspired by the Sahara desert in her hometown of Dubai.
17/18Dove Deep Moisture Shower Foam
You may not necessarily think of your shower routine as "skincare" but thanks to Dove's new shower foam, it's time for that to change. The first-of-its-kind foaming body wash is extra moisturizing, and it won't strip your skin. Plus, you can get it for $6 at the drugstore. FTW.
