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Your beauty shopping list? Already created — after testing hundreds of formulas for years.
There’s a certain kind of magic in discovering the perfect beauty product, and an even bigger thrill in scoring it for less. I’ve been chasing that high since I was a little girl, swatching lipsticks and spritzing perfumes with wide-eyed wonder.
Now, I’m a full-time shopping reporter, and my beat is beauty. I’ve spent years decoding ingredient lists, dissecting formulas, and side-eyeing that overpriced hype.
From buzzy new brands to luxury icons and drugstore underdogs, I’ve tried it all, which means my job is to make sure you never waste a single cent on bad beauty again.
Today, I’m bringing you a new beauty column that isn’t just about what’s trending; it’s about what’s actually worth your money.
From newly dropped must-haves to under-the-radar hits, this is your VIP pass to the smartest beauty buys: surprise markdowns on cult favorites, exclusive bundle deals and luxe-for-less swaps you’ll brag about every time someone compliments your skin.
I live and breathe this stuff (just ask my bathroom, which looks more like a high-end apothecary than a personal space). Serums line one shelf like soldiers, lip oils are color-coded by vibe, and masks — sheet, clay, and the like? Filed like sacred documents.
From scalp scrubs to setting sprays, I test it all. And yes, I have strong opinions about which products are just pretty packaging and which deserve prime counter space.
But what sets this column apart isn’t just testing; it’s access. I’ve got the firsthand scoop on early product drops, flash sales that vanish in hours, and brands doing the most without fanfare. Whether you’re a minimalist with three steps or a maximalist with 13, I’ve got you. You don’t need to buy more; you just need to buy better.
So buckle up, beauty lovers. This is where expert insight meets insider deals, with a dash of sass, a swipe of gloss, and enough caffeine to power through any launch-day waitlist.
Dr. Groot Professional Bonding System Bond Fortifying Keratin Water Treatment
AmazonGlass skin? Now it’s all about glass hair. One of my favorite brands, Dr. Groot, is offering Post Wanted readers an exclusive 30% off its Professional Bonding Collection. I speak from experience when I say that once you use this three-step system, your hair will feel like a dream.
To unlock, use promo code NYPOST30 at checkout.
More Dr. Groot deals:
- Dr. Groot Professional Bonding System Bond Fortifying Shampoo ($21, original price: $30)
- Dr. Groot Professional Bonding System Bond Fortifying Conditioner ($21, original price: $30)
- Dr. Groot Professional Bonding System Bond Fortifying Instant Repair Serum ($21, original price: $30)
Act + Acre
Exclusive for Post Wanted shoppers, enjoy 20% off sitewide (including subscriptions) with the exclusive promo code NYP20. This premium haircare brand is focused on scalp care and does it impeccably well.
Apothékary Blue Burn Dietary Supplement
ApothékaryApothékary Blue Burn is a plant-based liquid tincture designed to support metabolism, curb sugar cravings and promote hormonal balance using potent ingredients like Oregon grape (berberine), maca, Ashwagandha and blue spirulina.
By addressing internal stress, blood sugar regulation, and inflammation, it may enhance your beauty regimen by improving skin clarity, reducing puffiness, and supporting a healthy glow from within.
Be sure to use our exclusive promo code NYPOST25 for 25% off your entire order (with a minimum purchase of $75).
More Apothékary items to buy with our exclusive promotion:
- Apothékary Take the Edge Off Stress Relief Dietary Supplement ($39)
- Apothékary Wine Down Sleep Support ($39)
- Apothékary The Honest Youth Skin Support ($39)
On Victoria’s Vanity💄: Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Waterproof Brow-Filling Powder
SephoraI love the Benefit Goof Proof Waterproof Brow-Filling Powder because it gives me the best of both worlds: a naturally full look without going heavy-handed. When I use my angled brush (I prefer this one from Anastasia Beverly Hills), I can seamlessly fill in any sparse sections without it looking overdone or cake-y. The formula is tightly pressed, so it doesn’t kick up excess pigment or cause fallout, and it’s still blendable, so I can soften edges with the brush or a spoolie to maintain dimension.
The product adheres to the hairs so that even though my brows are already thick, the powder works in harmony to add subtle depth and definition rather than competing with what I already have.
The biggest draw (in my opinion) is its staying power and consistency compared to typical brow pencils. Some pencils that I’ve tested have smeared, broken or degraded after a few uses. My verdict? They’re not the most reliable. With Goof Proof, I get a waterproof, smudge-proof formula that stays put through my day, regardless of heat or humidity, so I don’t worry about midday touchups.
ALPYN
After reviewing nearly all of ALPYN, I can say with confidence that it’s dreamy, creamy, and loaded with goodness for dry and sensitive skin. A secret gem that I’m not gatekeeping? The fact that you can grab an assortment of the brand’s lineup as a value set — up to $57 off!
My current favorite product from the brand is its Hydrating Cream Cleanser; it’s unlike any face wash I’ve used before, containing vitamin C to brighten and hand-harvested juneberry from Jackson Hole.
Why juneberry? This natural antioxidant, mixed with proven clinical actives, yields a skincare formula that can deliver both gentle nourishment and potent, targeted results — especially for those with dry skin (like me). Juneberry has survived in Jackson Hole’s harsh climates, so it’s an ingredient that’s a blessing for your wintertime parched skin.
medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
AmazonAfter reviewing nearly all of medicube (a.k.a., one of the K-beauty brands I flock to every night), I’ve concluded that the brand’s Collagen Jelly Cream is one of my favorites. It’s ultra-hydrating yet soothing, fairly priced on Amazon, and a best-seller.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
One of the makeup brands I’ve tried nearly every product of is Anastasia Beverly Hills. Known for brows and beloved for basically everything else, there’s a secret sale happening on its website where you can score the Glamour Seeker Gift Set for $80 off its original price if purchased separately, plus free shipping on orders over $45. There’s also a free velour gift bag. (Who doesn’t love that?)
Read my full Anastasia Beverly Hills review.
On Victoria’s Vanity💄: Anua Hyaluronic Acid 8 + Squalane Moisturizing Gel Cleanser
AmazonAs someone with sensitive skin, I love the consistency and refreshing nature of this cleanser. Not only that, but it balances my skin, never leaves it red, and doesn’t leave that unwanted greasy residue, which I find rare with a gel-based cleanser. It’s less than $15, so it’s good for your pocket, and Anua has some fantastic products in its lineup. I especially love its Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum and Heartleaf + Panthenol Silky Moisture Mild Sunscreen SPF 50+.
ILIA Beauty
For a limited time, enjoy curated sets from ILIA Beauty offered at a discount — perfect for holiday shopping. The Swipe-and-Go Set contains the Skin Rewind Complexion Stick, Multi-Stick, Lip Stretch Hydrating Crayon, Complexion Brush and Large Sharpener, all enclosed with a limited-edition holiday scarf. It’s a $150 value, discounted for $127.50.
Tarte
Cyber Monday is coming at its earliest. At Tarte, take 40% off almost everything during its early Cyber Monday sale. Just be sure to use promo code CYBER at checkout.
Kitsch
Oct. 31 is coming, which means Halloween beauty sales (yes, that’s a thing). At Kitsch, enjoy 25% off sitewide. No tricks, just treats.
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
English (US)