5 Beauty Products That Went Viral This Year

Every year, the beauty world can be summed up by a select few zeitgeisty products that went crazy viral. 2016 was all about life-changing makeup innovations, Instagrammable items and affordable beauty buys. Here, the most buzzed-about products of the last 12 months—some of which we’re bringing along with us into 2017.

Pretty Popular

June 2016: Flower-Encased Clear Lipsticks

These clear lipsticks, boasting stunning flowers set into the bullet, are as pretty in the tube as they are on your lips. Depending on your body temperature, the color changes from a pale pink to a darker rose— either way, a perfect summer-weight hue. Naturally, the China-based beauty site that originally carried the viral lipstick sold out in minutes, but it didn't take long for an accessible and equally affordable option to become available stateside.

July 2016: Magnetic Lash Strips

One Two Cosmetics went viral for what was sure to be the next big beauty obsession: magnetic lashes. Perfect for the girl who just can't keep a steady hand or get the lashes and messy glue in order. These genius strips sandwich your natural lashes and stick to each other using tiny magnets. While they may require some practice, we loved the idea of simplifying the process of faking a fuller flutter, and apparently so did the Internet.

November 2016: Wine Bottle Lip Balms

LaBiotte, a popular beauty brand on Instagram, shared posts of wine-bottle-shaped lip colors and the Internet was quick to notice. The quirky, unconventional products come in both solid and liquid lip tints. Each shade is inspired by a different varietal including Malbec, Pinot Noir and Cabernet.

November 2016: Silicone Makeup Sponge

It's the most controversial and interesting-looking tool of the year. It promises perfect application, but we can't get over how much it looks like something you'd find in a bra.

December 2016: New Foundation Launch

The Total Control Drop Foundation—complete with an actual glass-dropper applicator—is the newest buildable foundation on the beauty block. With elevated packaging and a formula to match, this one only seems like it would break the bank. Coming in at $14, it will be available in 24 shades beginning December 28. It's like a triple threat.