After months of meticulous testing—from boardroom-ready day looks to statement-making evening glamour—we’ve curated this definitive collection of products that truly deliver on their promises. Consider this your roadmap to a year of beauty that’s both transformative and deeply personal.
Best Face Makeup – Our Favorite Collection
The foundation of any memorable makeup look begins, quite literally, with foundation. This year’s standouts create that elusive perfect canvas that appears both polished and effortlessly natural.
Foundation Fortunes: Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation continues its reign as the professional’s choice for its buildable coverage and natural finish that works across environments from harsh daylight to forgiving candlelight. Its formulation strikes that perfect balance—substantial enough to conceal inconsistencies yet light enough to let your uniqueness shine through.
Concealer Confessions: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer has earned its cult status through consistent performance that borders on the miraculous. A whisper-thin layer banishes even the most stubborn evidence of sleepless nights while resisting the creasing that betrays lesser formulations.
Powder Perfection: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder remains the gold standard against which all others are measured. Its ability to set makeup while remaining undetectable on the skin is a testament to its sophisticated formulation that never ages or dates.
Bronze Ambition: Benefit Hoola Bronzer delivers that sun-kissed warmth that somehow looks completely natural even in the depths of winter. The absence of shimmer allows it to sculpt and warm the complexion without veering into glitter-ball territory.
Blush Brilliance: NARS Blush in Orgasm continues to prove that sometimes a classic cannot be improved upon. Its universally flattering peachy-pink flush with the subtlest golden shimmer mimics that perfect natural flush that occurs in moments we’d rather not discuss in polite company.
Highlight Harmony: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector creates that coveted luminosity that appears to emanate from within rather than sitting obviously on the skin’s surface. It’s the difference between appearing obviously highlighted and having people ask if you’ve recently returned from a rejuvenating retreat.
Primer Prowess: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer creates the optimal canvas for whatever masterpiece you choose to create, filling fine lines and blurring imperfections while ensuring your carefully applied makeup remains intact from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
Setting Supremacy: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray performs the seemingly impossible task of rendering your makeup virtually immovable without making your face feel encased in shellac. Consider it the invisible shield between your carefully crafted look and the elements conspiring against it.
Best Eye Makeup
The eyes remain our most expressive feature, and this year’s standout products enhance and dramatize while allowing your natural beauty to remain the focus.
Shadow Statements: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette has revolutionized how we approach eye color with its unexpected combination of warm neutrals and berry tones that somehow flatter every eye color and skin tone. The pigmentation is intense enough for drama yet blendable enough for subtlety.
Liner Legends: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner delivers the precision of a calligraphy pen with the staying power that its name suggests. Whether you prefer a delicate definition or graphic drama, this liner maintains its intensity and shape through tears, rain, and unexpected emotional moments.
Mascara Magic: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara transforms even the sparsest lashes into luxurious fans of volume and length without clumping or flaking. The hourglass-shaped brush captures every lash from root to tip for the kind of dramatic eyes that speak volumes without saying a word.
Brow Brilliance: Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil creates definition with hair-like precision that looks completely natural while framing your features with architectural perfection. The formula strikes the perfect balance between pigmentation and workability.
Top Lipstick, Liner, Gloss and Balm
Your lips deserve products that not only enhance their natural beauty but provide comfort and longevity through everything from important presentations to intimate dinners.
Lipstick Liberation: MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick offers unparalleled pigmentation in a comfortable formula that defines lips with precision while lasting through conversations and coffee. The shade range remains unmatched, from the perfect nude to the most dramatic statement red.
Liner Longevity: Estee Lauder Double Wear 24H Stay-in-Place Lip Liner prevents feathering and bleeding while extending the wear of your favorite lip colors. The waterproof formula remains comfortable without the drying effect that plagues lesser liners.
Gloss Glamour: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer delivers shine without stickiness and color without commitment. The universally flattering shade enhances your natural lip color while the nourishing formula keeps lips comfortable and plump.
Liquid Lip Leadership: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick offers color that remains vibrant and pristine through multiple meals and meetings. Unlike many long-wearing formulas, it doesn’t leave lips feeling desiccated by day’s end.
Balm Beauties: Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm proves that sometimes the classics remain undefeated. Its natural formulation soothes and protects lips while creating the perfect base for color or simply enhancing your natural lip tone.
Best Eye Products
Beyond the basics, these specialized eye products elevate your eye makeup from impressive to unforgettable.
Brow Gel Greatness: Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel tames and secures even the most unruly brows without the crispy effect or visible residue of lesser formulations. It’s the invisible architecture that supports your perfectly shaped brows throughout the day.
Eyeshadow Primer Perfection: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion creates the optimal canvas for shadow application, intensifying pigments while preventing creasing and fading. Consider it insurance for your carefully crafted eye look.
Lash Luxury: Huda Beauty Classic Lash Collection offers options from subtle enhancement to dramatic transformation, with bands thin enough to blend seamlessly with your natural lashes yet sturdy enough to maintain their shape through wear.
Eye Cream Excellence: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado delivers hydration to the delicate eye area without interfering with makeup application. The rich formula plumps fine lines while creating the perfect base for concealer.
Curler Craftsmanship: Shiseido Eyelash Curler fits a wider range of eye shapes than most alternatives, creating that wide-eyed, alert look that no mascara alone can achieve. The thoughtful design minimizes pinching while maximizing curl.
Best Makeup Tools & Accessories
Behind every flawless makeup application stands a collection of quality tools that make precision possible and elevate the entire experience from routine to ritual.
Brush Brilliance: Sigma Beauty Essential Kit provides every tool necessary for creating everything from subtle enhancement to dramatic transformation. The synthetic fibers pick up and distribute product evenly while standing up to regular cleaning without shedding.
Blender Perfection: The Original Beautyblender revolutionized makeup application with its ability to create a seamless finish that appears completely natural. The distinctive shape reaches every contour of the face while the unique texture ensures product sits on the skin rather than being absorbed by the sponge.
Makeup Removal Mastery: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water proves that effective makeup removal needn’t involve harsh scrubbing or oily residue. The gentle formulation dissolves even waterproof products while respecting the skin’s natural barrier.
Storage Sophistication: The Sephora Collection Tote elevates organization from mundane necessity to aesthetic pleasure. The thoughtful compartments keep products visible and accessible while protecting them from damage during travel.
Mirror Magnificence: Fancii LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror ensures perfect application regardless of environmental lighting. The magnification options reveal details invisible to the naked eye, ensuring flawless blending and precision.
Artistic Expression Arsenal – Specialty Makeup
For those moments when conventional beauty norms feel too constraining, these products help you push boundaries and explore makeup as the art form it truly is.
Face Paint Finesse: Mehron Makeup Paradise AQ Face & Body Paint palette offers professional-quality pigments that blend seamlessly, resist cracking, and remove easily when the performance ends. The water-activated formula allows for precision work without the heaviness of cream-based alternatives.
Glitter Grandeur: NYX Professional Makeup Face & Body Glitter adds dimension and light-catching drama without the fallout that plagues lesser formulations. The fine particle size adheres beautifully with the appropriate base, remaining in place until intentionally removed.
Tattoo Transformation: Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup provides coverage substantial enough to conceal even the most vibrant tattoos without the mask-like appearance of heavier theatrical products. The waterproof formula resists transfer to clothing while remaining comfortable on the skin.
Color Correction Craftiness: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer offers targeted solutions for specific discoloration concerns, from redness to sallowness to hyperpigmentation. The precision tip applicator allows for placement exactly where needed without disturbing surrounding makeup.
HD Perfection: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder creates that camera-ready finish that appears flawless even under the most unforgiving high-definition lenses. The ultra-fine texture never appears cakey or obvious, even with midday touch-ups.
Best Luxury Cosmetics
These luxury offerings transform daily beauty routines into moments of indulgence that appeal to all senses, from the weight of exquisite packaging in your hand to the subtle scents that trigger an emotional response before the product even touches your skin.
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick encapsulates the designer’s aesthetic of understated luxury. The portable format belies the sophistication of a formula that melts into skin, creating a perfected version of your natural complexion that appears completely uncontrived.
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush delivers more than color—it offers the experience of luxury in its purest form. The finely milled powder applies with a whisper-light touch while the distinctive rose scent transforms application into a multi-sensory pleasure.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick marries the color payoff of a lipstick with the comfort of a balm in packaging so beautiful you’ll find yourself retrieving it from your bag simply to admire its design. The formula’s subtle mango scent adds an unexpected tropical note to an otherwise sophisticated experience.
Guerlain Météorites Pearls remain the ultimate luxury indulgence, with their delicate violet scent and the subtle radiance they impart. The multi-colored pearls work together to create luminosity that never appears as obvious highlighting but rather as exceptional skin quality.
Best Drugstore Makeup – Discount Options for All Budgets
Extraordinary makeup needn’t require an extraordinary investment. These affordable drugstore makeup treasures deliver performance that rivals their high-end counterparts without straining your beauty budget.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation offers a shade range and performance level that would be impressive at any price point. The formula controls shine without flattening the skin’s natural dimension, creating a perfected complexion that never looks artificially matte.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush delivers pigmentation that requires a light hand rather than heavy application to achieve impact. The silky texture blends seamlessly into skin rather than sitting obviously on its surface as many budget formulations do.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick provides color intensity and longevity that rivals products at five times its price point. The comfort level throughout wear makes it even more impressive, with none of the drying effect common to long-wearing lip products.
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil serves multiple functions as liner, shadow, and base, with a creamy texture that allows for blending yet sets to a budge-proof finish. The shade range encourages experimentation without financial commitment.
Best Clean and Green Choices
These products prove that ethical considerations and exceptional performance are not mutually exclusive, allowing you to align your beauty choices with your broader values.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint represents the future of foundation, with skincare benefits that continue working long after you’ve removed your makeup. The lightweight formula provides perfect sheer coverage while SPF protection and nourishing ingredients work beneath the surface.
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek exemplifies the best of multi-use products, delivering natural-looking color to both lips and cheeks in a formula free from potentially problematic ingredients. The coconut oil base melts on contact with skin for a finish that appears to emanate from within.
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Natural Origin Mascara proves that natural formulations can deliver volume and definition without compromising on performance or wear time. The plant-based formula nourishes lashes while lifting and separating.
Burt’s Bees All Aglow Stick Highlighter creates that coveted dewy finish with ingredients you can feel good about. The stick format allows for precise application without tools, while the formula’s natural oils add genuine hydration rather than simply the appearance of moisture.
Alima Pure Natural Definition Brow Pencil fills sparse areas with natural-looking color while the included spoolie brush ensures perfect blending. The straightforward formulation offers performance without unnecessary additives.
Favorite Indie Cosmetics
The best makeup brands prove that creativity and vision can thrive outside the structure of beauty conglomerates, offering unique perspectives and formulations that push the entire industry forward.
Indie Lee I-Waken Eye Serum addresses the delicate eye area with carefully selected botanical ingredients that reduce puffiness and brighten dark circles without harsh chemicals or unnecessary fillers. The lightweight formula layers beautifully under makeup.
Melt Cosmetics Digital Dust Highlight creates dimension with a formula that appears almost wet on the skin despite its powder form. The intense pigmentation allows for either subtle enhancement or dramatic strobing depending on application technique.
Coloured Raine Vivid Pigments and Shadows deliver color intensity rarely seen even in professional lines. The vibrant shades perform consistently on all skin tones, maintaining their true color rather than appearing ashy or dull on deeper complexions.
Sugarpill Pro Pan Pressed Eyeshadow offers pigmentation so intense it borders on theatrical, with unique shades rarely found in conventional collections. The formula blends beautifully despite its intensity, allowing for precise color placement.
Beauty Bakerie Lip Whips transformed the liquid lipstick category with a formula so tenacious it requires dedicated remover, yet feels remarkably comfortable throughout wear. The playful packaging belies serious color performance that outlasts meals, drinks, and kisses.
Skincare-Infused Makeup
These hybrid products blur the distinction between makeup and skincare, offering immediate aesthetic benefits while improving skin quality over time.
Tarte Sea Water Foundation hydrates with marine plant extracts while providing medium coverage that appears completely natural. The formula adapts to skin’s changing needs throughout the day, maintaining fresh-looking coverage without caking or settling.
Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer not only creates the perfect base for makeup application but actively improves skin texture with each use. The silicone-free formula fills fine lines and minimizes pores without that slippery feeling that makes precision application difficult.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer soothes irritated skin with colloidal oatmeal while providing sheer, natural-looking coverage and critical SPF protection. It’s the perfect solution for days when your skin needs care more than coverage.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream delivers full coverage despite its skin-centric formulation, with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins working beneath the surface while pigments perfect your complexion. The substantial SPF protection makes it a true multitasker.
bareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder completes your look with a weightless touch that sets makeup while allowing skin’s natural radiance to shine through. The mineral formula allows skin to breathe while absorbing excess oil throughout the day.
Best Makeup for Mature Skin
These formulations acknowledge that skin’s needs evolve over time, with textures and finishes that enhance rather than detract from the beauty of experienced faces.
Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm adds luminosity without obvious shimmer or glitter that can accentuate texture. The hydrating formula creates a radiant base that makes skin look healthy and vital rather than artificially dewy.
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation combines skincare and color with a formula specifically designed for mature skin’s needs. The lightweight coverage never settles into fine lines yet provides enough pigment to even tone and enhance clarity.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder sets makeup without the flat, aging effect of conventional powders. The finely milled formula blurs imperfections while maintaining dimension and radiance that keeps skin looking vital.
Nudestix Magnetic Matte Lip Color defines lips with precision while the comfortable matte finish resists feathering into fine lines around the mouth. The neutral shade range complements mature coloring while the pencil format allows for precise application without tools.
Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer brightens the under-eye area without collecting in fine lines or creating that tell-tale cakey appearance. The hydrating formula maintains flexibility throughout wear rather than drying and accentuating texture.
Best Makeup for Sensitive Skin
These gentle formulations provide beautiful cosmetic results without compromising skin health, proving that even reactive complexions can enjoy the transformative power of makeup.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Foundation Stick provides buildable coverage in a hyaluronic acid-infused formula that adds moisture rather than highlighting dryness or irritation. The stick format allows for precise application directly to areas needing coverage.
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation offers gentle mineral coverage in an innovative cushion delivery system that allows for controlled application without potential irritants. The formula soothes while it perfects.
E.L.F. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream serves as both skincare and primer, creating a perfectly hydrated base for makeup application without potentially irritating fragrances or common allergens. The rich texture melts into skin without greasiness.
Pacifica Beauty Alight Clean Foundation provides natural-looking coverage with a formula free from common irritants, proving that performance and gentleness can coexist. The buildable coverage allows for customized finish ranging from sheer to medium.
Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation offers customizable coverage in a pure mineral formula with minimal ingredients, significantly reducing the potential for irritation. The powder format eliminates the need for preservatives that often trigger sensitive skin reactions.
The Inclusivity Revolution
These brands have transformed the beauty landscape by acknowledging and celebrating the full spectrum of human beauty, creating formulations and shade ranges that truly serve all.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation sparked an industry-wide reckoning with its groundbreaking 50-shade launch that prioritized depth and undertone diversity. The formula’s performance across skin types and tones proves that inclusivity and excellence are natural partners.
Dermablend Flawless Creator Multi-Use Liquid Pigments allow for custom coverage through concentrated pigment that can be mixed with skincare or used alone. The flexibility accommodates varying coverage needs and skin concerns across diverse communities.
Juvia’s Place The Saharan Eyeshadow Palette creates exceptional color payoff on all skin tones, with formulations specifically developed to maintain vibrancy on deeper complexions rather than appearing ashy or faded. The shade selection draws inspiration from African beauty traditions.
Mented Cosmetics Lipsticks fundamentally changed the definition of “nude” lip color by creating shades specifically designed to enhance rather than wash out deeper skin tones. The creamy formula delivers comfortable wear with sophisticated satin finish.
Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation approaches inclusivity through customized formulations for different skin tone categories, acknowledging that diverse skin has diverse needs beyond simply color matching. The innovative approach ensures optimal performance across the spectrum.
Artisan Application Tools
The most sophisticated formulations require equally sophisticated tools to achieve their full potential. These brushes and applicators transform technique and elevate results.
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Set democratizes professional-quality application tools at an accessible price point. The thoughtfully designed shapes allow for precise product placement and flawless blending regardless of experience level.
Zoeva Luxe Complete Set offers exceptional quality with natural and synthetic fibers selected for specific functions. The handcrafted handles and ferrules demonstrate attention to detail that translates to superior performance.
Sephora Collection PRO Airbrush #55 creates a flawless finish that mimics professional airbrushing through its innovative shape and fiber selection. The distinctive silhouette reaches every contour of the face for seamless foundation application.
Morphe X Jaclyn Hill The Master Brush Collection combines professional knowledge with quality craftsmanship in a comprehensive set that addresses every application need. The thoughtful design elements enhance performance while reducing effort.
Artis Elite Mirror Oval Brush revolutionized foundation application with its ergonomic design and densely packed fibers that mimic the effect of your fingertips with the precision of a traditional brush. The innovative approach delivers flawless results with minimal product waste.
This Year’s Defining Beauty Movements
Beyond individual products, certain aesthetic approaches have defined this year’s beauty landscape, influencing everything from runway presentations to everyday expression.
The Glass Skin Revival continues its dominance with an emphasis on translucent luminosity that appears to emanate from within. This thoroughly modern approach to skin focuses on dimension and light reflection rather than matte perfection. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation provides the perfect canvas, while Glossier Haloscope Highlighter adds strategic radiance. Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence ensures the necessary hydration for authentic dewiness.
Monochromatic Harmony creates cohesion through coordinated color placement across eyes, cheeks, and lips. This sophisticated approach to color makes a statement through unity rather than contrast. Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palettes provide perfectly coordinated options, while MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush offers complementary cheek colors. NARS Audacious Lipstick completes the coordinated look with its range of sophisticated shades.
Architectural Eye Definition transforms eyeliner from subtle definition to graphic statement. This approach treats the eye area as a canvas for artistic expression rather than simply enhancement. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner delivers the precision necessary for graphic designs, while NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner provides intensity and longevity. Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon offers versatility for both precise lines and smudged intensity.
Lip Artistry elevates lip color from simple enhancement to complex artistry through ombré effects, precise overlining, and dimensional color placement. Sugarpill Liquid Lip Color provides the vibrant, unmixed pigments necessary for creative expression, while KVD Beauty Everlasting Lip Liner creates precise outlines. Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil offers versatility for intricate detailing.
Conscious Beauty Evolution represents the industry’s growing acknowledgment that ethical considerations and performance are not mutually exclusive. This movement prioritizes transparency and sustainability without compromising results. RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer delivers coverage with clean ingredients, while Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara proves that performance and ethics can coexist. Burt’s Bees All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick demonstrates that multi-use products can reduce environmental impact while enhancing beauty.
To see the rest, check out this year’s best mascara list.
The Beauty Philosophy of the Year
As we navigate this extraordinarily rich landscape of beauty options, remember that makeup’s greatest power lies not in transformation but in amplification—enhancing what makes you uniquely yourself rather than creating uniformity. The most revolutionary aspect of beauty this year is its embrace of individuality, with products that serve as tools for self-expression rather than conformity.
Whether you’re drawn to minimalist enhancement or artistic expression, to luxury indulgences or conscientious choices, this year’s standout products offer something for every aesthetic and every value system. The beauty industry has finally acknowledged that its strength lies in diversity—of products, of approaches, and most importantly, of the faces they adorn.