Wait, You Need This: The 5 Best Beauty Products That Ruled 2019
Unveiling the year’s most game-changing beauty launches, chosen by Cosmo editors for their real results, innovation, and total obsession factor.
Wait, You Need This: The Five Standout Beauty Products That Defined 2019
Hello, beauty lovers! Welcome to Wait, You Need This—your ultimate guide to the year’s most talked-about cosmetic innovations, personal testaments, and can’t-stop-won’t-stop obsessions from the Cosmopolitan beauty desk. In this edition, we’re diving deep into the five transformative products of 2019 that truly created a buzz and still occupy a prime spot in our routines.
Why 2019 Was So Good for Beauty
The last year brought an avalanche of new releases to the shelves. From next-level skin treatments to products blending playfulness with efficiency, we saw bold innovation and inclusivity. But out of the hundreds the Cosmo editors tested, just five rose to the very top for their impact, ingredients, and downright delight.
- Breakthrough overnight skincare for tired complexions
- The dark spot serum that tackles stubborn hyperpigmentation
- Ultra-cute—and effective—acne patches
- Foundation balm that changes everything about your base
- Nail art made instant and effortless
Here’s your definitive hit list—read on for personal stories, what makes each product unique, and expert-backed tips for maximum payoff.
1. Sisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask
Category: Overnight Skincare Mask
If you’ve ever ended the day face-down in your makeup, greeted the morning with parched skin, and sighed into the mirror, you need to meet the Sisley Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask. Even the most devoted night-cream lover can grow lax, but when your skin starts to revolt, this nourishing overnight mask is pure salvation.
- Delivers deep hydration with glycerin and vitamin B5
- Repairs “sad, dull, and uneven” skin for a plumper, revived look
- Choose this if you crave bounce, glow, and next-level softness come morning
Editor’s Tip: Even after late nights or skipped routines, this is the non-negotiable step. Let the formula soak in overnight and witness your skin bounce back, no matter what.
2. Skinfix Correct+ Dark Spot Corrector
Category: Targeted Serums
For anyone plagued by hyperpigmentation, especially melasma, 2019’s crowning serum was the Skinfix Correct+ Dark Spot Corrector—a gentle powerhouse that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin and makes visible change possible.
| Key Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Niacinamide | Brightens and evens skin tone |
| Kakadu Plum | Packed with Vitamin C, fights spots |
| Turmeric | Reduces inflammation, fights discoloration |
| AHAs | Gently exfoliate for smoother skin |
| Barrier-boosting complex | Soothes and prevents redness |
Results: Smoother, clearer, and more even skin. After months of regular use, even the toughest dark marks fade (without the dryness or peeling some actives provoke).
Extra Credit: Its lotion-like texture makes it perfect for layering, and the blend of brighteners rivals prescription-only ingredients for efficacy.
What others are reading
3. Starface Hydro-Stars
Category: Acne Care / Blemish Patches
If you’ve ever battled blemishes, the Starface Hydro-Stars made healing spots as effortless (and cute) as ever in 2019. Far from basic stickers, these hydrocolloid patches treat zits while letting you live your life—and look adorable doing it.
- Absorb oil, flatten spots, and shield from picking (even after squeezing!)
- Star-shaped design lets you wear them proudly—ditch the urge to hide
- Simple, effective, and socially shareable; hundreds of users posted #starface selfies
Pro Tip: Stick one over a fresh blemish overnight (or all day), and by the time you peel it off, redness is down and the urge to squeeze goes way down too.
4. Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm
Category: Makeup – Foundation
Forget everything you thought you knew about foundation. With the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm, 2019 saw the arrival of a truly next-generation base—melting into skin, gliding on like silk, and providing flawless, all-day wear without the heaviness.
- Balm-to-liquid texture offers customizable coverage (from barely-there to full glam)
- Long-lasting, weightless, and won’t cake or crack, even through humidity
- Comes with a unique applicator brush for seamless blending
Editor’s Insight: This is a makeup game-changer—especially for busy mornings, travel makeup bags, and anyone craving a skin finish that’s polished yet real. Dab a touch where needed or buff all over for an airbrushed effect.
5. Olive & June Nail Stickers
Category: Nail Art & Manicure Accessories
Nail art in 2019 was equal parts DIY joy and Instagram showpiece, thanks to Olive & June’s playful nail stickers. Forget hours at the salon—with these stickers, high-impact nails were suddenly an at-home reality for all.
- Peel-and-stick designs make it easy to create custom manicures at home
- Wide array of trendy styles—from bold graphics to delicate florals
- Perfect for layering, experimenting, and changing up in minutes
Tip from the editors: Perfect for a quick mani upgrade before a night out or to disguise chips. Plus, they don’t peel off your polish when you remove them—simply swipe with acetone like a pro.
How These Products Were Chosen
Each winner stood out in rigorous real-life testing by Cosmo’s editors and writers. Products were judged on:
- Innovation and uniqueness in formulation and design
- Visible results shown in daily use
- Universal appeal or exceptional value for a dedicated user
- Response from both casual users and beauty professionals
Whether you’re a skincare maximalist or a less-is-more type, these products offered something meaningful to virtually every user who picked them up in 2019.
Beauty Product Buying Guide: 2019 Essentials
New to beauty or unsure where to start? Here’s a quick breakdown on how these products can fit into your routine, no matter your skin type or makeup skill level:
- Overnight mask: Hydrate, soothe, and revive in one step — use 2-3x a week.
- Dark spot corrector: Apply morning and night after cleansing, before moisturizer.
- Blemish patch: Stick on at the first sign of a pimple, leave for several hours or overnight.
- Foundation balm: Use a dense brush for full coverage, or fingers for a natural finish.
- Nail stickers: Place onto dry polish, seal with top coat, and experiment with different combos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these products suitable for sensitive skin?
A: Yes, many were selected for their gentle but effective formulations, especially the Skinfix serum and Sisley mask. Always patch test if you’re prone to irritation.
Q: How do the Starface Hydro-Stars differ from regular acne patches?
A: In addition to hydrocolloid healing power, Starface Hydro-Stars stand out for their playful star shapes—making acne care less clinical and much more fun to wear anywhere.
Q: Can the Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm be built up without looking heavy?
A: Absolutely. The balm formula allows for sheer-to-full coverage, and the included brush leaves skin looking smooth without caking, even with multiple layers.
Q: Do Olive & June stickers stick to gel and regular polish?
A: Yes, the stickers adhere well to both types of polish, and can be sealed with any top coat for maximum longevity.
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Your Edit: 2019’s Must-Haves
From skincare triumphs to makeup reinvention and nail art made effortless, these five products continue to inspire passionate reviews, repurchases, and “wait, you need this” moments in every beauty conversation. Whether you snag just one or add all five to your basket, consider your routine leveled up for the new decade.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g30360013/wait-you-need-this-12-31-2019/
- https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/communications/journal/archive/spring-2023/spring-2023-anna-cave/
- https://www.pradagroup.com/content/dam/pradagroup/documents/Responsabilita_sociale/2020/EN_Social-Responsability-Report-2019.pdf
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-04027-9
- https://www.homedepot.com/p/CosmoLiving-by-Cosmopolitan-Brown-Canvas-Contemporary-Framed-Wall-Art-27-in-x-55-in-43999/303821302
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08912416251344262
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