There are literally thousands of new cosmetics lining department-store aisles and online boutiques. But which ones are truly innovative and problem solving?

We scoured the market and came up with eight leading-edge products in makeup, skin and hair care. Whether they’re firsts in their field or improvements in existing categories, these beauties really deliver.

Ever wish your favorite lipstick came in a matte version? This clear top coat makes gloss and satin finishes opaque and takes the shimmer out of metallics. Plus it’s faster and less messy than the old tissue-and-powder blotting method.

$22 at cargocosmetics.com

Finally, a purpose-formulated styling product for picture-perfect plaits, sleek ponytails and smooth updos. The lightweight, dry-textured paste adds just the right amount of tack to hair so annoying stragglers stay obediently in place. It works equally well on baby-fine hair and thick manes.

$25 at ulta.com

An eye-shadow single turns into a trio with this innovative primer. The white formula brightens color while the black one intensifies it and accentuates shimmer. Both set powder and help prevent creasing. Want more? This multitasking product can be used the same way on lips.

$22 at peekbeauty.co

Co-washing — i.e., washing hair with conditioner — is ideal for curly and textured hair as it reduces frizz. On fine hair, though, it falls flat. This new “no-poo” product is so light that it works on all hair types. It comes out of the can like shaving cream and leaves hair manageable and virtually frizz-free.

$29 at randco.com

Be your own mix-master with these pigmented drops. Simply blend them with your liquid cosmetic of choice — moisturizer, primer, serum or sunscreen — to create a tinted version of it. Or adjust a foundation that’s not a perfect match. Used straight out of the dropper, it makes a great cover-up.

$44 at sephora.com

Reapplying mascara on stiff lashes is often tricky: New applications tend to clump and flake. This serum softens and separates lashes, preparing them for a new coat. As one reviewer wrote on Urban Decay’s Web site: “This was a million dollar idea and it was executed perfectly.”

$16 at urbandecay.com

Take tanning into your own hands. Blend four to six drops of this concentrated self-tanner (which doesn’t have that nasty chemical smell) with your favorite body moisturizer and apply. Within 12 hours, admire your golden glow. Bonus: The small bottle is travel-friendly.

$45 at clarins.com

This hideous green lipstick transforms into a luscious, moisturizing sheer rose on application. The exact shade of pink depends on the wearer’s pH level and coloring. Whip out a tube of this for an automatic conversation starter.

$25 at lipstickqueen.com