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There's nothing like finding a holy-grail makeup product. You know, the one you buy in multiples just in case, god forbid, they discontinue it. But it feels like there's a new makeup launch or a new trend on the market every day, making it really, really hard to separate the good ones from the, uh, not so good ones. So, as a die-hard makeup fan, I'm here to make your lives a little easier by helping you find those game-changing products that make your heart sing. I've swatched, swiped, and tested everything I could get my hands on to find the best makeup products that are actually worth the hype (and, you know, the cash). Keep reading for the best of the best, including everything from a long-lasting lip stain to a glow-worthy highlighter.
With a range of shades, you're bound to find your match with this makeup product. On one end is a highlighterthat makes your cheekbones popping, and on the other end is a lightweight stick contour that's so easy to blend. Regardless of which side you decide to use, neither endwill have you looking streaky or dry, thanks to the hydrating lychee extract in the formula.
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This Multi-Use Pencil
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil
The key to getting your lipstick to actually stay put? A good lip pencil.This makeup product glides right on without setting into fine lines, and itleaves your lips with the perfect, subtle stain. You don't even need to wear lipstick to rock this one—just slide on the pencil and layer a lip gloss on top for an easy go-to look.
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Think of this lip oil as a stain-gloss-balm hybrid. It does it all, thanks to the cherry oil swirling around in the formula. Swipe it on and you'll immediately notice how it hydrates your lips, leaving behind a glossy finish and a hint of color.
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This Sheer Bronzing Powder
Iman Cosmetics Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder Afterglow
Now 21% Off
Sweep this powder on the high points of your face for a glow up. The hint of shimmer in the formula gives youjustthe right amount of light, adding natural-looking warmth to your skin. Bonus:You can also use thismakeup product as blush or eyeshadow.
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When you think of a glitter face gloss, you probably imagine a product that's sticky and gritty, but this makeup product is neither. The creamy liquid formula is lightweight (because of the glycerin in the formula)and long-lasting. You can dab it on your face, your lips, or your eyes to give yourself an intergalactic-level glow.
This shape of thisred lipstick is a game-changer for anyone with a deep skin tone. The velvet formula is soft and buttery, lasting all day without settling into the cracks of your mouth. I swipe this makeup product on whenever I feel like rocking a power lip.
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This Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette
Morphe Madison Beer Channel Surfing Artistry Palette
Now 50% Off
Whenever I want to create a bronze smokey-eye, I pick up this makeup product. Not only are there so many finishes in the palette, meaning you have the option to switch things up, but the shades are so pigmented, giving you a bold eye look every time.
If you're looking for a mascara that'll take your lashes to new heights (literally), wiggle this one on. The dense, short bristles catch and curlevery single lash and leave behind an even colorto instantly opens your eyes. And the small, pointed tip on thismakeup productallows you to get into those hard-to-reach corners.
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While this makeup product works on all skin tones, it's absolute perfection on darker ones. The earth-toned shades are versatile (you can use them as bronzer, highlighter, contour, oreyeshadow),long-lasting, and easy to blend. I mean, what more could you ask for in a palette. Feel free to mix, match, and layer the shades—even though there are only four, you can create an everyday look, a nighttime glam look, and everything in between.
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This Non-Flaky Brow Gel
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Gel
Whenever my eyebrows are looking a little raggedy, this gel pulls them together. Sweep it on and it instantly fills in your arches, plumping them up without giving you an unrealistic look.Also, a little goes a long way with this makeup product, so wipe off the excess before you swipe it on.
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This Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Just when you thought this cult-favorite tinted moisturizer couldn’t get any better…it effing did. With a brand-newformula that launched last year (it's got supermoisturizing ingredients, like macadamia oil), and an expanded shade range (bless!), you need to put this makeup producton your face RN. It gives you that perfect, sheer, no-makeup makeup look with a little bit of added glow.
You know how sometimes you’ll swipe on a shadow and it barely even shows up? Yeah, you won’t have to worry about that with this eyeshadow palette. Beauty influencer Jackie Aina collabed with Anastasia Beverly Hills to create a makeup product with intense color payoff that’s alsosuper buildable.There are14 shadows total, from matte finishes to metallic, that you can use to create any look you dream up.
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This Matte Foundation Stick
MAC Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick
Now 36% Off
I don’t know about you, but my foundation tends toslide off my face by lunchtime. Andbecause I don’t want to carry around a massive bottle of liquid foundation to touch up during the day, I throw this foundation stick in my bag instead. The formula is really blendable and it leaves behind a matte finish that won’t dry your skin out or settle into your fine lines.
This makeup product changed my life—seriously, WTF was I doing before it existed? It’s a two-in-one eyebrow pencil and powder that shapes and fills your brows. I use mine to create a more natural look, but if you’re into bolder brows, this pencil will definitely get the job done. Oh, and it actually lasts for hours (like, until you wash your makeup off at night).
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Ask anyone who knows me—I loooove a good lip gloss. I’ll wear it alone or throw it on over a lipstick to add some sheen, and this lip gloss from Tarte is one of the best I’ve tried all year. It doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing lip gloss. It’s lightweight, hydrating (thanks, vitamin E), and because of the vanilla in the formula, thismakeup product smells good enough to eat (pls don’t do that, though).
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This Hydrating Liquid Foundation
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation
Now 64% Off
I was already obsessed with Fenty Beauty’s matte foundation, so I couldn’t wait to try out this hydrating foundation—and it didn’t disappoint. Thismakeup product gives you full coverage with a natural finish that doesn't cake. It’s also packed with grape-seed oil, with leaves you with a dewy, but not oily, glow.
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This cruelty-free and vegan mascara is a dream. The lightweightformula locks your hairs in place without weighing them down, and the short bristles are able to grab and coat evenyour smallest oflashes.
Technically, thismakeup product can be used on your cheeks and your lips, making it a two-in-one (aka a win-win). And if you’re going for the "bb angel sent from above" glow, this needs to be your go-to blush stick. It’s super easy to use—just swipe it onto your cheeks (or lips) and use your fingers to blend it in. You’re going to be obsessed with the sheer color tint left behind.
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The tip of this liquid eyeliner is so sharp it could honestly prick your finger. Kidding, but seriously—it’s precise and glides on like a charm, so you won’t have to stress about tugging or pulling. Plus, the color payoff on this makeup product is a 10/10 and the waterproof formula lasts for hours.
Afraid of using liquid highlighter? Don’t be, it’s super easy. Apply acouple of drops of this makeup product on the high points of your face (cheekbones, temples, and thebridge of the nose) and blend. The result? A weightless, pigmented glow that’ll have people stopping in their tracks.
Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng was previously the associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan.