The Best Makeup Products of 2024

No matter your preferred aesthetic or how many steps your makeup routine takes, one thing’s for sure: You deserve to use the most pigmented, long-lasting products and effective tools on the market. As beauty editors, it’s our job to sort through the hundreds of new makeup products that come across our desks to find the crème de la crème. And after countless hours of testing and swapping products in and out of our routines, we’ve narrowed it down to the most ingenious makeup innovations of this year. From the best setting spray and skin tint to must-have mascaras and much, much more, here are the 2024 Beauty Awards winners in the makeup category.

Best Primer: Estee Lauder Double Wear Smooth & Blur Primer

“I adore this primer for its ability to smooth and blur imperfections, creating a flawless base. It’s a must-have in my personal routine for long-lasting makeup. In my pro kit, it ensures clients’ makeup stays put and looks impeccable throughout events, especially for those with oiler skin types.” — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist + beauty educator

Best Setting Spray: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

“This setting mist has become a total must-have in my makeup bag. It not only keeps my makeup locked and loaded all day (and night), but it also has the prettiest glowy finish that’s the perfect finishing touch to my makeup routine. As the name suggests, it makes me look airbrushed and is the ultimate fix whenever my makeup comes out sort of “blah”—one spritz and my skin comes back to life.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Skin Tint: Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50

“Confession: I’m terrible at remembering to put on sunscreen every day. But recently, I’ve had no trouble remembering at all with Supergoop!’s Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50. This lightweight skin tint infused with a whopping SPF 50 gives buildable coverage and a natural, nongreasy finish. It easily slots into my existing makeup routine in place of foundation, layering well with my favorite concealers, blushes, bronzers, and powders. Among Supergoop!’s noteworthy products, this one takes the cake for me.” — Abby Dupes, associate editor

Best Concealer: Tower 28 Swipe Hydrating Serum Concealer

“This concealer is delicious. It has a serum-like texture that glides right on, and despite being lightweight, it’s nice and glowy. That being said, it’s not so shiny that I can’t also use it on zits or scarring, and if I were the kind of person who used concealer all over instead of foundation, it would be great for that too. It doesn’t crease or crumble, and my shade, DTLA, is the perfect undertone for my whole face. It’s been a staple in my makeup bag since it launched last August, and I can’t imagine going without it.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Foundation: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

“This foundation has to be one of the best foundation launches in the last few years. It’s a fan favorite for a reason. It provides such a beautiful, buildable, medium coverage with a skin-like finish. I use it for its natural look and durability. In my pro kit, it adapts beautifully to various skin types, ensuring a polished, even complexion for all clients.” — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist + beauty educator

Best Cream Blush: Merit Flush Balm

“Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush is one of the easiest, most efficient multiuse products on the market. With a quick swipe on your eyelids, cheeks, and lips, you’re left with a gorgeous, glowy, monochromatic makeup look in seconds. My favorite shade, Rouge, is a red I never expected to want to apply to my face (I’m usually trying to neutralize redness), but it’s perfect. I wore it on vacation, and it’s absolutely my new summer go-to. It gave me flushed, dewy, healthy, and happy-looking skin in seconds.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Powder Blush: Nars Powder Blush

“Nars Powder Blush has always been that girl. It offers such vibrant, long-lasting color that blends seamlessly. Personally, I love its range of shades for adding a perfect pop of color. In my pro kit, it’s versatile for creating everything from no-makeup makeup looks to full glam.” — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist + beauty educator

Best Blush Duo: Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo

“If you’re into makeup, you’ve almost certainly heard about how wonderful the Major Headlines formula is from the pigment of the powder to the bendability of the cream and how beautifully they layer with one another. And all those things are absolutely true. But I also want to take a moment to recognize the shade range. There’s She’s the Moment, the perfect on-trend peach fuzz; She’s Wanted, a vampy rich berry that truly looks excellent on everyone; and She’s Flushed, the perfect everyday rosy shade that I wear almost every day.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Bronzer: E.l.f. Skin Bronzing Drops

“I’m a big fan of a good bronzer to add a bit of color even while staying on top of my SPF all summer (because we all should be doing that). These bronzing drops from E.l.f. Skin accomplish this incredibly seamlessly, as you simply mix a few drops into your go-to moisturizer to create a sun-kissed glow. It comes in three variations to fit a range of skin tones, and the rose-gold shade worked beautifully alongside my cool undertones. I’m excited to continue playing with this for radiant makeup looks all summer long.” — Ali Webb, associate editor

Best Loose Powder: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

“Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder is what I reach for when I want to feel confident in my skin all day. It softens and mattifies any unwanted shine for several hours before any touch-up is needed. Just a thin layer offers a significant amount of blurring power to pores, so this works for natural makeup in addition to full-glam moments.” — Zoe Kim Kenealy, beauty influencer

Best Pressed Powder: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Powder

“Courtesy of long nights, cocktails, and my genetics, I have under-eye circles. It’s something that plagues me while applying makeup because formulas crease, cake, and smudge, which only makes the dark circles and bags look more pronounced. Luckily, Pat McGrath created this blurring powder to specifically use under your eyes. And it actually works. I use the pink shade and love how it smooths and sets concealer in place while adding a glowy brightness that makes me look awake and alert even when I’m not. It’s the one thing I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to my makeup.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best for Blotting: Lalais The Blotting Compact

“If you have oily or combination skin, chances are that you’re managing a few other skin concerns, too—among them occasional breakouts and the resulting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. (Or is that just me?) So finding products that won’t create new issues when you’re addressing the existing ones is always top of mind. Lalais’ The Blotting Compact has a thoughtful, innovative design: The included puff picks up a sheet of blotting paper so that you don’t have to use your hands—which are, let’s be real, likely covered in dirt or bacteria—to do so yourself. By minimizing how much your fingers come in contact with your face, you minimize your chances of breaking out. Genius.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Liquid Highlight: Saie Glowy Super Gel

“Around 2019, I swore off highlighter after overdoing it in the 2016 Instagram makeup era. However, I’ve recently been dipping a toe back into the glow, and this gel is the easiest way to do it subtly. Glowy Super Gel has the prettiest shimmer but never looks like chunks of glitter. You can use it as a base under makeup, but my favorite way is just tapped over my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose to bring my skin to life.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Cream Highlight: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick

“Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick is a favorite for its blendable, buildable glow. I use it for a quick on-the-go highlight. In my pro kit, it’s ideal for adding dimension and radiance to clients’ cheekbones, brow bones, and more, delivering a stunning, luminous finish.” — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist + beauty educator

Best Powder Highlight: Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette

“While I’m usually more of a cream girl, these Dior powder highlighters have converted me. They offer the finest, silkiest powders in customizable shades that are both glassy and glowing, as well as natural and skin-like. They’re magic! I either use just one for a daytime look or mix the entire quad when I want a shinier, more dimensional look. They’re easy, they’re stunning, and they stay all day and into the night.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Multiuse Makeup Product: Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick

“Multiuse products that actually do what they say can be tricky, but Chanel’s Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick is a true gem. This glow stick has a light and creamy texture that makes it perfectly blendable for eye shadow looks, lip tints, and a dewy blush/highlight combination. You can quickly apply it straight from the tube, opt for a brush, or even use your fingers. I always reach for it when I want a simple and elegant monochromatic look. It comes in six shades that range from sheer pearlescents to soft pinks. I always gravitate toward Dragée and Rosée because they give a sheer and dewy wash of pink pigment that lasts without feeling oily or greasy.” — Star Donaldson, associate social media director

Best Powder Eye Shadow: Make Beauty Multi-Chromatic Metal Reflecting Eyeshadow

“I love an eye shadow that does the work for you. Make Beauty’s Multi-Chromatic Metal Reflecting Eyeshadows have the color payoff and intensity of two to three shades in each of the twelve formulas. The metal-reflecting properties give the shadow a dimension that is visible in different lighting and at different angles. After wearing the shadows multiple times, I’m even surprised at how pigmented and dimensional they look at various times of day. The formula is also incredibly creamy, especially for a powder eye shadow. It’s very buildable, and depending on brush versus finger application, you can get a totally different color payoff. Best of all, it doesn’t crease after hours of wear and makes a complex eye look super easy with only one shadow.” — Star Donaldson, associate social media director

Best Liquid Eye Shadow: Armani Beauty Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow

“While I love playing with full eye shadow palettes as much as the next, the true staple in my routine is a good liquid eye shadow, as they can create a stunning everyday look in a single step. The Armani Beauty Eye Tints apply seamlessly, and the crease-proof formula ensures lasting color that stays put all day. It comes in an array of stunning shades for creating any look, but my favorite is Rose Gold, a pink-toned neutral that’s versatile enough to be an easy decision, no matter what other makeup I’m wearing that day.” — Ali Webb, associate editor

Best Cream Eye Shadow: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

“I have been a longtime devotee of Bobbi Brown’s Cream Eyeshadow Sticks because of the sheer ease of using them. The creamy formula never pulls or drags, you can blend them in with your finger, and they make an otherwise more complicated makeup look incredibly foolproof. I either use the matte beige offering for a natural look or the new shimmer shades for a pop of light-reflecting shine on my lids. Either way, they are perfect.” — Hallie Gould, editor in chief

Best Eyeliner Pencil: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner

“I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen: This eyeliner pencil is the best of the best. It comes in a wide range of shades that are sophisticated but unique. Each shade is creamy and pigmented but not so creamy that it’s hard to control. It’s a workable formula so you can easily diffuse it with the smudger on the opposite end of the pencil, lending to a beautiful lived-in look. Once it sets down, it remains perfectly in place until you’re ready to remove it at the end of the night.” — Alyssa Kaplan, commerce writer

Best Liquid Eyeliner: CLE Cosmetics Fluid Touch Liquid Liner

“CLE Cosmetics’ liquid liner is my secret weapon for creating the best winged liner looks every single time. First, the color payoff is immediate. Unlike many other felt-tip liners that force you to shake the pen before every stroke, when I shake the pen once, I’m good to go for both eyes. Then, the amount of product that comes out is even and consistent with every application. That means the thickness of the liner really depends on the amount of pressure you use, which I really love. What’s even better is that if I want to go back and thicken my liner, I can do so without pulling away from the previous product. It’s also waterproof and dries down without any bleeding or smudging after about 10 seconds. I’m partial to the Dark Brown shade because of its beautiful rich pigment, plus I love how natural it looks on me. This pen truly has everything I’ve ever needed from a liquid liner.” — Star Donaldson, associate social media director

Best Brow Gel: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel

“ABH’s OG Brow Freeze Wax had a cult following since inception, and the Brow Freeze Gel is no different. The beginner-friendly wax–gel hybrid lifts the brows and provides a laminated look thanks to the dual comb applicator. The flake-free formula keeps my brows in place all day long and has elevated my brow routine in literal seconds.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Best Brow Pencil: Kosas Brow Pop Nano

“Lately, I’ve relied on Kosas’ Brow Pop Nano to achieve sculpted brows. The incredibly thin tip (one millimeter, to be exact) makes it easy to create hairlike strokes and fill in sparse areas. I’m amazed by how natural and feathery my brows look when I use this pencil.” — Olivia Hancock, editor

Best Lengthening Mascara: Refy Lash Sculpt Mascara

“Not to brag, but my lashes have been looking long, separated, and lifted to the heavens, and it’s all thanks to Refy. Lash Sculpt’s uniquely shaped applicator wand is designed to perfectly hug your lash line, acting like a push-up bra (with teeny tiny comb-like teeth) for your lashes. Once you get a hang of the applicator, you’ll be canceling your lash extension appointments, just like I did.” — Abby Dupes, associate editor

Best Tubing Mascara: Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara

“Tubing mascara is such a game changer. You mean to tell me I can get falsie-level lashes that will wash off with water alone? It almost sounds too good to be true. So a tubing mascara that lifts, lengthens, boosts volume, and comes in at under $15 sounds way too good to be true, but I’m here to confirm that it’s real and it’s fabulous. Milani’s Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara wraps around each individual lash to create a clump- and flake-free eye look. It might be the only mascara that’s ever yielded consistent compliments on my lashes.” — Eden Stuart, editor

Best Lifting Mascara: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara

“This mascara is really, really, really good, and I would expect nothing less from celebrity makeup artist (and genius) Lisa Eldridge. The curved brush hugs every single lash to not only coat them in lengthening and volumizing goodness but also to fan and fluff them. The result is somehow both natural and dramatic at the same time, since the formula is so light and it has that fanned effect. It’s never crispy or flaky and stays in place all day but is easily washed away at night.” — Bella Cacciatore, news editor

Best Matte Lipstick: Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick

“I am a glossy girl through and through, but I was drawn to Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in the shade Lou Lou. While this is a matte formula, the lipstick glided easily on my lips and offered hydration that I wasn’t expecting. From the vibrant shade to the luxe packaging, it’s so good that this lipstick has definitely earned a spot in my night-out makeup rotation.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Best Satin Lipstick: Le Rouge Français Lipstick

“When it comes to lipstick, I always reach for a satin formula that is easy to apply and comes in shades that complement my skin tone. What makes Le Rouge Français Lipstick special is that it adapts to the natural tone and pH level of your lips and is buildable so you’ll be able to create a shade that you not only love but best flatters your tone. The nourishing ingredients like shea butter, castor oil, and plant-based waxes ensure that your lips don’t just look good but also feel good.” — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Best Lip Gloss: Gucci Gloss à Lèvres Hydrating Plumping Lip Gloss

“I love how much this gloss plumps my lips. It’s hydrating with a perfectly tingly aftereffect. (The formula includes a botanical plumping agent and hyaluronic acid.) I have one in every bag I own and never leave home without it.” — Jenna Perry, celebrity colorist + founder of Jenna Perry Hair Studio

Best Lip Oil: The Lip Bar The Prototype Botanical Lip Oil

“As the brand name suggests, The Lip Bar is known for its incredible lip products. The Prototype Botanical Lip Oil is one of the newest launches, and it’s definitely a standout product. This lip oil comes in four sheer shades—Fan Club, a barely there nude hue, is my favorite. The smooth, silky formula is infused with conditioning and calming ingredients like mango butter and lavender oil. The nourishing blend is perfect, as it keeps my perpetually dry lips soothed all day.” — Olivia Hancock, editor

Best Tinted Lip Balm: Clinique Almost Lipstick

“I’m personally not a fan of the super-juicy, dripping-wet lip look, but hydration is still extremely important to me. I’ve had Clinique’s Almost Lipstick (in the shade Black Honey) in my makeup bag since 2006 and, almost 20 years later, I still haven’t found anything I love more. It strikes the perfect balance between a lip balm and a lipstick, offering cushiony hydration and buildable color with a subtly shiny finish. It’s one of those one-in-every-bag products I wear every single day.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Makeup Brush: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7

“This dual-ended brush can truly blend anything and everything. I use the large, fluffy end to buff out foundation, swirl blush into my cheeks, and dust on setting powder. Meanwhile, the smaller end features dense, velvety-soft bristles to blend tighter areas like the under eyes, nose, between the brows—you name it. This is truly one of the softest brushes I have ever felt, and I can say that after a full year of using it for *everything* and throwing it carelessly into my makeup bag, I haven’t noticed it lose so much as a single bristle.” — Holly Rhue, editorial director

Best Makeup Palette, Eyes: Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals

“Eye makeup is always at the center of my beauty looks, and because of this, I’m really into eye shadow. I typically gravitate toward shadows that are colorful and glittery and I have to admit I haven’t been excited about a neutrals palette in years (or maybe ever). So when I got my hands on the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals, I was surprised and delighted by what it had to offer. This palette has a range of taupes, tans, and browns with varying undertones that make me certain anyone would be able to build their perfect smoky eye while using it. Not only do the shadows have amazing color payoff in the first swipe, but they are also incredibly buildable without any fallout. Before using this, I considered all tan shadows to be essentially the same, but this palette brings complexity to each shade by playing with cool and warm tones that have made me reconsider. This is the kind of essential eye shadow palette that everyone needs in their makeup bag to confidently create a range of day-to-night neutral looks.” — Star Donaldson, associate social media director

Best Makeup Palette, Face: Make Up For Ever HD Skin Face Essentials Palette

“Some full-face palettes can come across as super intimidating to even the most advanced of makeup enthusiasts. But Make Up For Ever’s face palettes never miss the mark of being user-friendly. The new HD Skin Face Essentials longwear full-face cream palette (available in two ranges for light and deep skin tones) comes with 12 multiuse shades that can be mixed to create a custom foundation, concealer, bronzer, contour, blush, or highlighter. It’s the perfect mess-free travel companion for those on a mission to pack light.” — Abby Dupes, associate editor