Our editors independently select these products.
Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
The makeup aisle has never been more crowded.
We saw fewer gimmicks and more staying power.
Foundations that lasted through Pilates classandyour cousins wedding.
Mascaras that truly earned their cult status.
Lip glosses youd panic over losing in a cab.
…
Were seeing brands take the best of certain markets and create mashups for the North American market.
Theres a real celebration of skin right now.
Were seeing more sophisticated, thinner formulas that glorify the skin while still allowing room for play.
Each one earned its spot on our list through months of rigorous testing and vetting.
This wasnt a popularity contestthis was for keeps.
Ready to meet your new staples?
Why we love it:Full-coverage fans, prepare to meet your new go-to.
Its incredibly user-friendly, said one tester.
You actually have to try hard to apply too much.
Celebrity makeup artist and awards panelistKasey Spickardrecommends using avelour triangle pufffor precision.
That said, this baked formula is so lightweight and flexible that its almost impossible to mess up.
We found the gloss has a slightly clingy, wrapping effect that gives lips a soft, non-sticky finish.
The clear shade is amazing, she said.
Bonus: The magnetic lid also held up like a champ in the chaos of her bag.
Plus, every formula is designed with calming, fragrance-free ingredients.
Truly, an all-around standout.
Ultimately, the app is as easy as it is enjoyable.
Simple, thoughtful, prettywhat more could you want in a tinted balm?
This way, it blends out really evenly without disturbing your makeup.
But the real joy comes when it hits your cheeks.
That said, a little goes a long way.
Its really easy to pick up too much product at first, one tester noted.
A little trial and error for thicker-looking brows?
Why we love it:Picture a teeny-tiny, wispy pitchfork.
Greatthats Benefits Mighty Fine Brow Pen.
Plus, we found the finish to be smudge-resistant, water-resistant… basically, everything-resistant.
This pen was surprisingly beginner-friendly, said one tester whos struggled with hard-to-control brow pens in the past.
For those with already-thick brows, she noted, it adds a soft, subtle definition without looking heavy.
Why we love it:Tubing mascara often gets the side-eyeeven from some of us on the testing team.
It also lasted all day on me without making my lashes feel stiff or dry.
No rubbing, no residue, no regrets.
And its not just weatherproofits eye-rubbing-proof, too.
I forgot I had mascara on and rubbed my eyes, one tester said.
I was shocked to see it still looked good, and that I wasnt left with raccoon eyes.
The narrower-than-average brush makes it easy to grab every lash, even the tricky ones at the corners.
And when youre ready to remove, testers found that a littleoil-based makeup removerwiped it away with ease.
I’m not really a foundation person, but this applied really well, said one tester.
It didn’t look unnatural or too ‘made-up’ for my liking.
The coverage is light but buildable, though it may call for a bit of blending.
But once youve got the coverage youre aiming foreven if thats camouflaging some hyperpigmentationyoure all set.
It was like my own skin, just better.
It breaks all the rulesand were so happy it does.
Bonus: The tube is refillable, making it a smart, sustainable investment.
From the luxe packaging to the high-impact pigment, this lipstick is peak Prada.
And unlike traditional setting powders, these dont mattify or dull your skins natural texture.
The result is gorgeous, healthy-looking skin, with an added luminous glow that looks natural, not shimmery.
The short answer: It depends on the kind of coverage and finish youre after.
From a formulation perspective, they arent that different, says product developer and awards panelistAlexis Androulakis.
But traditionally, skin tints have a much lower pigment load than foundation.
Reach for a foundation if you want more coverage or finish options.
Thats where setting powders come inand the choice between loose and pressed can make a big difference.
So what does that mean for your routine?
And remember: Setting powder doesnt have to go all over your face.
Finally, decide: Eyes, cheeks, lipsor all of the above?
Start with creams, then layer powders on top to keep everything smooth and blended, he says.
Basically, powders always go last.
And dont sleep on your lipsespecially when it comes to layering.
I find the experience of rubbing it into the skin really ritualistic.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
