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The best-in-class products across face, eyes, and lips.
Makeup is all about play and performance—we want products that spark joy but also deliver on their promises. This year, we’ve spent countless hours experimenting with new launches and reevaluating classics to deliver a definitive list of what’s worth adding to your makeup bag. If you’re looking for the best-in-class products across face, eyes, and lips, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, browse the 2026 Beauty Award winners in the makeup category.
Best Primer
Fenty Beauty Grip Trip Hydrating + Plumping Primer
“I’m picky with primer textures, but this one goes on so smoothly. As someone who prefers a glowier look that builds upon my skincare, I love how Fenty Beauty achieved a formula that builds upon hydration and plumpness with butterfly lavender extract while still effectively locking in makeup, thanks to maple sap extract. I now consistently turn to this product whenever I want especially long-lasting makeup that doesn’t look too heavy or matte.” — Ali Webb, associate style editor
Best Setting Spray
Saie CitySet Lightweight Setting Spray
“I’ve never quite loved a setting spray—either it didn’t keep my makeup looking fresh as promised, it had a finish I didn’t love (too matte or too greasy), or it felt tacky on the skin. That is, until I found Saie’s Cityset Lightweight Setting Spray. It has comfortable, extremely long wear (16 hours according to the brand), an ultra-fine, refreshing mist (it doesn’t drown you at first spritz), and offers a natural finish. It’s extremely comfortable, keeps my makeup in place, and allows to me to spray and forget it’s even there.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief
Best Skin Tint
Make Up For Ever Super Boost Skin Tint
“It’s hard for me to settle for a makeup product that doesn’t double as skincare—it’s a missed opportunity, plain and simple. In the case of Make Up For Ever’s Super Boost Skin Tint, polyglutamic and hyaluronic acids nourish and refine for light coverage that truly enhances your skin’s natural beauty. Dull and dry aren’t words in my vocabulary, because this tint keeps me glowy and radiant. I love how it evens out and polishes my complexion on days I can’t commit to a full foundation.” — Lauren Pardee, associate editorial director, commerce
Best Concealer
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer
$42 at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
Best Foundation
M.ph by Mary Phillips Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation
“My routine is usually pretty skin-focused, with lots of hydrating skincare and a little bit of blush. But the M.ph by Mary Phillips Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation has me applying a full-face look more often. While it’s technically a foundation, the formula applies more like a serum, gliding effortlessly onto the skin with a lightweight feel and natural-looking coverage that blends seamlessly with both your skin tone and the rest of your routine. Developed in partnership with the Black Beauty Roster, the line includes more than 30 shades, making it easy to find a match. I found mine in 250 and haven’t looked back since.” — Araziel Jackson, senior social media editor
Best Foundation, Matte
Rare Beauty True to Myself Natural Matte Longwear Foundation
“For a while, I had become averse to using a proper foundation, but this year has been full of launches that convinced me to reconsider. One such formula is this self-priming, self-setting innovation from Rare Beauty. The whipped texture and breathable medium coverage challenge my assumptions about a matte finish in the most beautiful way. It goes on so seamlessly and doesn’t look overdone, yet it hardly budges throughout the day. I’d definitely trust it for an evening event or any time I want to feel extra put together.” — Ali Webb, associate style editor
Best Cream Blush
Pat McGrath Labs Divine Cream Blush: Legendary Glow Color Balm
“I love an intensely blushy look, but when I want something a little more natural, I love to have this product on deck. The dewy finish makes your skin look so healthy and alive and is so pretty on both bare skin or a full face. It goes on quite sheer but can be built up to your liking. You can’t go wrong with any of the shades, but my favorite is Forbidden Fleur, which looks almost black in the tube but blends out to the prettiest sheer berry.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor
Best Powder Blush
Nars Long-Lasting Powder Blush
“Nars Long-Lasting Powder Blush has been beloved for decades, but the updated formula is what makes it a 2026 winner. It’s silkier and even more comfortable, weightless, blendable, and blurring. Plus, the color payoff lasts for up to 16 hours. While there are so many shades to choose from, across tones like brown and coral, the classic 777 Orgasm is my all-time favorite (the shimmery, peachy hue is stunning).” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor
Best Liquid Blush
The Lip Bar Fresh Glow Dream Blush
“As a blush girly, I’m always experimenting with liquid blushes, but none have impressed me as much as this one. The formula feels so hydrating—thanks to sodium hyaluronate and squalane—and while it is super pigmented, it’s easy to blend to my desired intensity. Each shade adds a beautiful flush of color to my complexion—however, I’m partial to Sweet Cheeks, a rosy coral shade perfect for year-round wear.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor
Best Bronzer
Refy Cream Bronzer
“I’m a makeup minimalist, so I’m partial to a product that’s effective without looking too obvious. Refy’s Cream Bronzer does exactly that, instantly providing warmth to my forehead, cheeks, and nose without looking orange or muddy. It applies like a dream and melts into my skin seamlessly—it’s practially impossible for this formula to look patchy or dry.” — Maddie Barber, commerce writer
Best Contour
Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus
$40 at victoriabeckhambeauty.com
“This isn’t a contour stick—it’s a contour stylus, which makes all the difference: The slim shape gives you total control, which makes contouring that much more effortless. And it has this creamy, emollient texture that melts into the skin and diffuses into an airbrushed, ‘just got back from St. Tropez’ bronze. And thanks to the precise tip, it also moonlights as a lip contour, perfect for that Nina Park–esque bronzed lip.” — Derek Deng, associate content editor
Best Bronzing Drops
Polite Society Cabana Club Cocoa Caviar
“On days I’m not wearing makeup, I still want my skin to look radiant. That’s where the Polite Society Cabana Club Cocoa Caviar comes in. Featuring encapsulated bronzing pigments, it provides an immediate sun-kissed glow; while a single pump offers a delicate warmth, the formula is easily buildable for more intensity without becoming muddy or orange. This skincare–makeup hybrid is enriched with ingredients like cacao extract, biopeptides, and triglycerides, ensuring my skin feels deeply hydrated and nourished.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor
Best Loose Powder
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Talc-Free Setting Powder Ultra-Blur in Mint
“Laura Mercier’s Translucent powder is a classic for a reason. It effortlessly sets makeup and blurs shine but never feels or looks cakey or heavy. This fun new green shade has all the same qualities as the OG plus color-correcting powers—just one dusting instantly calms the look of any redness in my skin.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor
Best Liquid Highlight
MAC Cosmetics Skinfinish Lightstruck Liquid Highlighter
“This is such a pretty highlighter. It’s the perfect midpoint between an undetectable, ‘glass skin’ moment and a full-glam blinding stripe. I love it tapped onto my cheekbones for some targeted shine, but you can also mix it into your foundation for an all-over glow. Pro tip: Use it on your collarbones and shoulders for the prettiest body shimmer.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor
Best Cream Highlight
Violette_FR Baume Shine
“I basically swore off highlighters after overuse in 2016, but I make an exception for this one. The dewy balm has no obvious chunks of glitter, just a lovely sheen that looks so natural and glowy on the skin. I love to dab a little along my cheekbones whenever my skin needs that little extra something, and it instantly makes me look more awake. It’s basically glass skin in a stick.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor
Best Powder Highlight
Sweed Beauty The Highlighter
“If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I love for my skin to glow at all times. So, of course, a highlighter is a must in my makeup routine. Sweed Beauty makes the most buttery, ultra-fine highlighter I’ve come across. My go-to shade, Alkheone, is the finishing touch my makeup look needs, leaving a golden, sun-kissed glow wherever I apply it.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor
Best Overall Cheek Color
Benefit Cosmetics Juice Stick Dewy Gel Blush
“I’ve never tried a blush quite like this. Benefit’s Juice Sticks have all the slip and tint of other blush sticks, plus a delightful cooling sensation that makes this product ideal for steamy summer nights. The staying power is also really impressive—more comparable to that of a powder than your typical blush stick. It almost dries down to a tint, staying locked in place through whatever summer has in store.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director
Best Multiuse Makeup Product
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer & Tinted Moisturizer
“Lumi Glotion has earned a permanent spot in my makeup routine because of how effortlessly it adds warmth, radiance, and dimension to the skin. I love that it can be worn alone for a natural glow, mixed into foundation for added luminosity, or used as a subtle highlighter on the high points of the face. It works beautifully across a range of skin tones and delivers a healthy, lit-from-within finish without emphasizing texture. It’s one of those rare products that is both versatile and consistently reliable, whether I’m creating an everyday look or going full glam.” — Dhivya Sri, beauty expert and creator
Best Eyeshadow
Jones Road Beauty The Eyeshadow Stick
“Lately, products that have maximum payoff with the lowest amount of effort are everything to me, and Jones Road’s The Eyeshadow Stick just gets it. Most eyeshadow sticks have at least one fatal flaw. They either snap, pill, crease, or apply with that waxy crayon drag that is uncomfortable and makes me rethink using eye shadow altogether. This one blends like silk, goes on creamy, and works however I want to use it, either with my fingertips, a brush, or straight from the stick. It’s also super pigmented and really makes creating an eye look simple and impactful. This product has made me believe in eyeshadow sticks again.” — Star Donaldson, social media director
Best Eyeliner Pencil
YSL Beauty Lines Liberated 24H Waterproof Eyeliner
“My look isn’t complete without a touch of liner on my waterline. Yves Saint Laurent Lines Liberated 24H Waterproof Eyeliner is my pencil of choice for a laundry list of reasons. It’s beyond creamy, intensely pigmented, and stays in place all day. It glides with ease wherever you apply it, largely thanks to the nourishing cactus fig oil in the formula. Available in nine diverse shades, like gold and black, I have so much fun creating eye looks with these pencils.” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor
Best Liquid Eyeliner
Half Magic Magic Flik
“Created by Donni Davy (the makeup artist behind Euphoria), Magic Flik makes it easy for me to achieve the perfect wing. The pen’s paddle tip is genuinely unlike anything else on the market. The curved, flat applicator lets you lay down a precise line of pigment close to your lash, making the wing-drawing process much simpler. Compared to other liquid liners I’ve tried, this formula also boasts a much bolder black color. As far as wear goes, I can always count on Magic Flik to hold up on its waterproof, smudge-proof, and 12-hour wear claims. Once my liner is drawn on, it’s not going anywhere (until I want it to).” — Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor
Best Brow Gel
Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue Waterproof Eyebrow Gel
“This brow gel is, without a doubt, my most repurchased beauty product ever. Having very thick brow hairs means I need a gel with some serious hold, but finding one with staying power that isn’t super crunchy felt impossible before I discovered this gel a few years back. The formula itself keeps the hairs locked in place all day without drying to a hard finish, and the brush is the perfect size to shape the brows with precision and efficiency. It comes in a clear version and tinted options, and is affordable and accessible at your local drugstore.” — Alyssa Kaplan, commerce editor
Best Brow Serum
Privet Beauty Signature Brow Setting Serum
“I have tried every last brow gel out there, but never a setting serum. And let me tell you, the difference transformative for my curly, often unruly brows. This one formula sculpts, sets, and holds (with no flakes!) in one swipe, and is infused with ingredients including niacinamide, biotin, and vitamin b to keep your brow hairs fluffed, full, and happy.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief
Best Brow Pencil
Dior Diorshow Brow Styler
“The Diorshow Brow Styler is such a clean and precise brow pencil, especially for someone who loves a multifunctional product. Most brow products only offer a pencil, but the addition of the brush makes it even more versatile. It allows me to fill in my brows with precision and then shape and blend them to achieve my desired look. It’s truly a phenomenal product.” — Kahh Spence, founder of Samir Grey
Best Mascara
YSL Beauty Lash Latex Mascara
“My lashes are very short, blonde, and straight—what a combo! I’ve been so impressed with YSL Beauty’s Lash Latex Mascara, which grips and coats every single lash without clumping, smearing, or irritating my sensitive eyes. The formula is the perfect balance of being lengthening and transformative without looking inky or heavy.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director
Best Mascara, Tubing
Hourglass Cosmetics Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
“I’ve never gotten a lash lift—and honestly, I don’t plan to—because the Hourglass Cosmetics Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara gives me a similar effect at home. Whenever I want my lashes to look longer and fuller, I reach for this gold tube in Ultra Black. Just one swipe instantly lengthens and fans out my lashes, creating an effect that’s reminiscent of lash extensions without the upkeep.” — Araziel Jackson, senior social media editor
Best Lipstick, Matte
Merit Beauty Signature Lip Blush
“The words ‘matte lipstick’ tend to conjure up nightmares of the Instagram-forward, heavily filtered glam we casually sported in 2016, but Merit’s Lip Blush has completely reinvented how I think about the category. Unlike the heavy, drying formulas of yore, this one is delightfully innovative, giving my lips a blurring—but not drying!—wash of color while also not feeling like there’s anything on my lips. The shade range also has the perfect mix of neutral pinks, berries, and browns that, for some strange reason, make me feel like 2012 Sky Ferreira every time I wear it. Think bitten lips, disheveled hair, and Tumblr-era ease. The sleek, vintage-inspired packaging also makes it an easy, aesthetically pleasing touch-up to keep in my bag.” — Derek Deng, associate content editor
Best Lipstick, Satin
Sarah Creal Speak for Yourself Hydrating Lipstick
“There have been so many fun lip innovations over the past few years, but for me, really nothing beats a classic bullet lipstick. These are everything you could want from the category, with a creamy, comfortable formula and a pretty satin finish—they’re made with 40+ skin in mind, so they’re ultra hydrating. I think bullet lipsticks can be a little intimidating in a tint-forward world, but these shades are super approachable and have a slight sheerness that makes them really easy to wear. Plus, the packaging makes me feel like such a lady when I pull the tube out of my purse.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor
Best Lip Stain
Kulfi Beauty Lassi Lips Lip Staining Lip Oil
“I’ll try any lip product, but I’ll admit I was hesitant about lip stains. I’m always let down by the staying power of even my most beloved glosses, liners, and balms, so I couldn’t imagine this stain from Kulfi Beauty would perform much better—I was proven wrong very quickly. The tint actually lasts for hours and looks fabulous even after the glossiness from the first application wears off, thanks to the moisturizing formula that doesn’t dry out my lips and the significant color payoff. It was even easier to become obsessed with this product because my shade of choice (Caramel) was the perfect my-lips-but-better tint.” — Maddie Barber, commerce writer
Best Lip Liner Stain
Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain
“I was first introduced to this lip stain liner on set shooting our Vanity Files series with Lauren Chan. The rest is history. I went home to order it and promptly fell in love. It’s soft, lightweight, and longwear (truly, this does not budge), and it offers a subtle yet surprisingly transformative ‘your lips but better’ stain.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief
Best Lip Liner
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Endless Cacao
“This is hands down my favorite multiuse liner ever. It works beautifully as a lip liner, but my favorite hack is using it as a nose contour! The grayish undertones mimic natural shadows so perfectly. It also makes the shadows on your lips look deeper, so everything looks plumper and juicier. And it looks stunning on so many different skin tones. It’s truly a universal fave.” — Emira D’Spain, model, creator, and Next Gen NYC star
Best Lip Gloss
Live Tinted Huegloss High-Shine Lip Gloss
“As a beauty writer, I’ve fallen in love with a fair share of lip glosses. No formula has come close, though, to Live Tinted’s Huegloss, specifically in my go-to ‘Grace’ shade. It’s buttery without being goopy or sticky and finishes with the perfect subtle sheen. A bonus? The doe-foot applicator is plush and wide enough to make application truly seamless.” —Maddie Barber, commerce writer
Best Lip Oil
Pound Cake Cake Theory Lip Tone Equalizing Oil
“Despite so many lip products boasting hydration benefits, few deliver like this Pound Cake lip oil. It feels instantly nourishing on my lips even on my most dehydrated days, and that feeling lasts way longer than other lip oils (and even some lip balms) in my arsenal. What’s more is that each offers the most beautiful, glass-like (borderline reflective!) finish. I have two shades that I keep on rotation for day and night looks: the clear option for looking cute on in-office days and the ‘Browning’ shade for my nighttime looks.” —Maddie Barber, commerce writer
Best Tinted Lip Balm
Westman Atelier HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick
“I’m one of those people who are high maintenance to stay low maintenance—so happy to splurge on a product or solution that offers ease post-purchase. Westman Atelier’s HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick is exactly that. It starts of like a sheer, tinted balm, but builds into a juicy lipstick. All the color pay off and none of the drying or reapplying. It’s the perfect hybrid product for a busy (but particular) beauty lover.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief
Best Liquid Lip
Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer
“All is right in my world now that Haus Labs has revived its Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer. The sheer shades—Sheer Blush, Sheer Petal, and Sheer Sienna—are particularly impressive, defying all lip logic. They’re glossy, shiny, full of pigment, and grip to your lips like nothing I’ve ever tried before. Wear your favorite shade all day, and it will stay on through coffees, lunch, happy hour, and beyond. This is a message for Lady Gaga and Sarah Tanno: You two never miss.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director
Best Makeup Brush
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Complexion Brush
$33 at danessamyricksbeauty.com
“Getting me to switch up how I apply my complexion products is no small feat, but I had to get my hands on this one after seeing this brush’s design. I use it like a makeup sponge by applying product in quick, smooth motions, and then I blot it to seamlessly blend everything out. It has firm bristles that don’t absorb product, so nothing goes to waste. What makes this a real game changer is that it hugs every contour and gets into all the nooks and crannies with zero effort. I’m officially a convert to this brush. The cherry on top is the storage case that it comes with to make sure it stays clean and neat.” — Star Donaldson, social media director
Best Makeup Sponge
e.l.f. Pillow Puff Foundation Sponge
“This soft, pillowy foundation sponge is both effective and adorable. I love how seamlessly it blends liquid foundation into the skin in just a few taps (no streaks!). You’re meant to use the Pillow Puff dry, which makes application even faster, and it offers a really beautiful, blurred finish. I’m a convert!” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief
Best Makeup Palette, Eyes
Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette: The Original
“Originally, this palette was released as a limited edition, but I couldn’t be more excited that the brand finally decided to make it permanent. It really is the only palette you’ll ever need. I think Mario’s mattes are the best on the market, but the shimmers in this palette are particularly special—the weightless, wet-look shimmer is the closest thing you’ll get to adult fairy dust. Ethereal indeed.” — Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor
Best Makeup Palette, Face
Patrick Ta Beauty Major Skin Crème Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo
“Kudos, Patrick Ta—the harmony of this palette is genius. You get a rich, glowy, buildable cream foundation paired with an air-spun powder that locks your base into place for a flawless (like filtered flawless) finish. I’m not exaggerating when I say that my complexion has never looked better than when I’m wearing this duo. It’s perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, too, since the two-in-one compact eliminates clutter in my bag. This pick really is incredible quality, lasts forever, and just makes life easier.” — Lauren Pardee, associate editorial director, commerce
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