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Annual Best Cosmetics List Released

BOSTON (CBS) -- Those giant cosmetic stores can be overwhelming. Rows and rows of shelving packed with literally thousands of beauty products. Finding the best products can be an expensive exercise of trial and error.

Each spring the editors of Self Magazine put their readers to work testing out their favorites. The results are then published in the magazine. "This year we tested 1,187 products and there were 87 winners," explained Self Magazine Beauty Director, Elaine D'Farley.

For skin care, readers liked Loreal's $7 acne cleanser that comes with a blemish-fighting scrubber. Best overall moisturizer is from Sephora. Garnier's $15 roller won for best eye serum.

WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben reports.

In the makeup category, readers loved the $29 compact foundation from Origins. Shisedo had the best concealer at $25. Sonia Kashuk won for best illuminating powder. "Luminating is a big, huge new trend in skincare," D'Farley said. "A lot of times there is mica in the products which help to reflect light so you are going to look a bit more glowy," she said.

For the eyes, readers liked Estee Lauder's eye shadow. The best mascara was a bit pricey at $35 from Christian Dior. "The wand spins 360 degrees like a ballerina out of a box," D'Farley said. Clinique's $15 Chubby lipstick was also a hit. "People loved the pigmented color. "It's bright, but a little bit sheer," she said.

In the hair care category, readers liked Keratin's dry shampoo. Just brush into the hairline and you are good to go. No washing or blow-drying. "It made my hair feel really clean and it gave it a lot more texture," one tester said.

The best part about the list is 26 of the winners were drug store bargains, all priced at $10 or less.

Complete here list of winners.

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