I’ve always been a beauty junkie.  Show me a new product category and I’m ready to try it. This year, a few items leapt from “things I’m curious about” to “staples”.  Here are five:

I’d been reading about micellar water for awhile but had no idea what it was. Here’s the description from the Garnier (great drugstore brand) website:

LIFTS MAKEUP LIKE A MAGNET
Micellar Cleansing Water features micelle cleansing molecules that pull oil and dirt away from the face. Our all-in-1 cleanser gently takes all makeup off, no rinsing, no harsh rubbing. 

And it’s true — on those nights you’re way too tired to do the whole cleansing ritual, just dampen a cotton ball and swipe off the gunk. Remember to follow up with your nighttime moisturizer.

As a recent survivor of foot surgery, I can attest to the need for a serious foot cream. This one does it all, and it’s another brand you can find at the drugstore.

Another Garnier/drugstore find, this refreshing cleanser is a super-quick way to wake up your face, without those environmentally dangerous plastic micro-beads. With older, drier skin I limit this to 3x a week.

This is my favorite weekly indulgence. A British product, this enzyme peel gently removes surface dry skin to prep it for a hydrating mask or other at-home treatment. Smells great, too.

My #1 find of the year is Maybelline’s new brow filler. Not a pencil, this is more like a mascara with a wedge-shaped tip and tiny little fibers to fill in sparse areas.  I could go all the way to Cara Delevingne territory if I wanted to, but a subtle touch is enough to put back some of the fullness that the years have taken away. I use Blonde, which is a light taupe.

Have you discovered any fabulous products this year? Please share in the comments section!