Tested by We all have different relationships with makeup: Some people prefer the barely there kind, while others like to go all out (and some like both, depending on the day, or even the time of day). Luckily, there have never been more options for creating the look you desire. Modern formulas take the guesswork out of application and are customized to your skin type, in shades that meld undetectably into a rainbow of skin tones. Refresh your makeup bag with these base, eye, and color products you can trust to enhance your look and work through the rigors of real life.
After 25 years as an industry go-to, Armani Beauty’s liquid foundation has gotten a glow-up, now offering even more radiance and a large selection of 44 shades.
TEST RESULTS: The base rated best for applying evenly and blending seamlessly into skin; having an ideal “light, smooth” texture; and giving lasting coverage that “looked like skin.” Testers praised the formula’s “natural finish,” and one called it “one of the best foundations I’ve tried.”
Perfect skin at home or on the go with a few flicks of this handy Lys Beauty foundation stick, which comes in 22 shades and offers a “satin finish” and buildable medium to full coverage.
TEST RESULTS: It earned stellar marks for spreading easily, applying evenly, and fully covering spots and blemishes without irritating skin. “It evened out my skin tone, including redness and discoloration, and the coverage lasted well throughout the day,” a tester noted.
Smooth on Chantecaille’s luxurious water-based, glycerin-infused base to get “luminous, fresh” coverage and soften skin at the same time.
TEST RESULTS: The formula received the highest score for leaving skin feeling moisturized and imparting smooth coverage. It also blended into skin quickly and didn’t cause irritation or oxidize throughout the day. “The texture feels similar to that of a rich face moisturizer,” a tester said. Another user described it as “one of the most skin-like foundations I have ever tried.”
The perennially popular Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape cover-up is now available in convenient stick form (and a huge range of 48 shades) for simple swiping on the go.
TEST RESULTS: Testers gave it perfect marks for applying and blending effortlessly, covering evenly, and not being drying or cakey on skin. The “incredibly creamy, smooth, and silky” formula with a "natural finish" didn’t settle into lines, and the hues matched skin well.
Like an eraser for the face, Lys Beauty’s sponge-tip cover-up swiftly “airbrushes” away spots and blotches.
TEST RESULTS: It rated best for fully hiding blemishes, dark circles, and redness. Testers gave the formula points for its natural look and “balmy” texture that melded seamlessly into skin and didn’t cake or settle into creases. One called it “my new favorite concealer.”
Pro makeup artist insider brand RCMA Makeup has mastered the art of setting powder with this formula, which comes in clear and two sheer tints.
TEST RESULTS: It scored highest in many respects: applying and blending well, reducing the look of pores, keeping skin matte all day, and extending the wear of makeup. It “had a beautiful blurring effect” and “didn’t feel heavy,” two testers said.
Leave it to renowned makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury to create a setting spray that helps skin stay shine-free (yet not dry) rather than being drippy.
TEST RESULTS: The “fine mist” immediately improved the look of makeup, reduced the appearance of pores, and wasn’t irritating. “The powder-like finish blurs and evens out skin texture as soon as it dries,” a tester marveled. “My makeup lasted all day and night.”
True to its name, this YSL Beauty mascara “stretches” lashes up and out via a slim wand packed with miniature bristles.
TEST RESULTS: The best of all 12 mascaras tested, it shined at lengthening lashes without clumping, flaking, or smudging. “In one coat, my lashes were longer and thicker,” a tester reported. “It didn’t budge when I was working out and going in a hot tub!”
Give even wimpy lashes a major boost by combing through them with Mary Kay’s contoured, flexible brush, coated in a “lightweight, super smooth” formula.
TEST RESULTS: It got the highest scores for curling lashes and not smudging or irritating eyes. Plus, the mascara performed well at adding length and volume without clumping or flaking. “The curved brush made it easy to lift and separate my lashes,” a tester noted. Another fan raved, “This mascara defined my lashes so well that everyone in my family commented.”
A few twirls of this Revolution Beauty wand wrap lashes in tubing technology to make them instantly thick and lush.
TEST RESULTS: The mascara was a winner at increasing volume, applying smoothly, adding curl, and being easy to remove, all while being gentle on eyes. “It made my lashes look very full and truly eye-catching,” a tester revealed. Other users complimented the "smooth" application and "nice volume" it created.
Add fullness to your fringe with a few falsies or go all-out voluminous by sticking on these smart self-adhesive ImPress individual lashes. (The kit comes with 60 lashes in three styles, from subtle to more dramatic, and an applicator tool.)
TEST RESULTS: These outperformed the rest at adding volume and length to lashes and staying in place all day. Testers found the lashes comfortable to wear and liked the tool that assisted with application. They praised the kit as “completely effortless” and loved that it didn’t require a separate glue step and eliminated mess. The lash look created was “custom” and “elevated without looking fake.”
Dip into the artful Stila liquid eyeliner pot to paint on sleek lines that last with a hint of illuminating glimmer.
TEST RESULTS: It received perfect scores for having bold color and not fading, running, or irritating eyes for a full day. “I am not great at applying liner, but this went right where it needed to go,” a user said. Others agreed, saying it “stayed on for 12 hours” and was “budge-proof, even on oily eyelids.”
Lancôme’s dual-phase formula, a longtime favorite, has truly stood the test of time, proving to be a top performer in GH Beauty Lab testing for thoroughly dissolving even tenacious waterproof makeup.
TEST RESULTS: It wowed in our lab testing: An impressive 100% of testers agreed that it fully removed makeup quickly, wasn’t messy, and didn’t sting skin or eyes. “I only needed one swipe to remove my makeup, and it was nonirritating, unlike some products I have used,” a tester reported.
This “chic" No Makeup Makeup lipstick, offering a buildable-coverage satin finish in curated wearable colors (ranging from neutrals to pinks and rich berries), is a true magic bullet.
TEST RESULTS: It aced our tests for applying smoothly, precisely, and evenly and not drying out lips or smearing. Testers commented that the formula felt “creamy and soft” and "very comfortable" on lips, “like a lip balm, but better.”
Get shine and softness in one swipe with Neutrogena’s hyaluronic acid–laced glossy lip oil, available in a selection of sheer muted and poppy shades.
TEST RESULTS: The formulation applied smoothly, wasn’t drying on lips, and didn’t smear throughout the day, rare for a gloss formula. Testers were amazed that it was “not at all sticky” and felt “cushiony” and “hydrating.”
This inventive lip liner from accessible makeup brand Tilt Beauty features refillable packaging with a curved, weighted grip to assist in application and comes in six colors, from neutrals to reds and berries.
TEST RESULTS: Testers found that it glided on smoothly, was easy to maneuver and apply precisely, deposited even color, and didn’t feather or dry out lips. “It makes my lips look noticeably more plump and clearly defined for a fuller look, and the color is gorgeous and flattering,” a tester remarked. A user with limited mobility appreciated the applicator’s ergonomic design and said the product was “very easy to apply accurately.”
Dust this “silky” powder blush from Saie on cheeks to get a “beautiful,” “perfect flush” that doesn’t fade. It comes in colors from soft rose to bright fuchsia that complement a spectrum of skin tones, from fair to deep.
TEST RESULTS: The formula got top points thanks to its effortless, even, non-patchy application and hues that flattered testers’ skin. “One of the best I’ve tried,” a user raved. It converted some who had previously used only cream and liquid blushes.
No faux-looking glow here: This generously sized cream bronzer from No7 melds into skin flawlessly and comes in light, medium, and deep shades.
TEST RESULTS: Testers found that the formula was simple to apply, blended seamlessly, and provided great pigmentation that lasted, and the shades complemented their skin tones. They loved the “natural” and “sun-kissed” look it gave. “This warmed up my cheeks nicely and gave my face dimension,” a tester reported, adding, “My skin is dry, so I loved that this felt almost hydrating.”
Airy and satiny-feeling, Stila’s liquid eyeshadow glides on like a dream and is offered in shades from neutrals to pastels and bolds.
TEST RESULTS: Testers gave it the highest marks for seamless application and blending and looking natural on skin. The “mousse-like” shadow was “super easy to use,” “didn’t crease” during wear, and “made eyes look more open,” users remarked.
This customizable, refillable Woosh Beauty mirrored palette contains almost an entire makeup routine: eyeshadows and liners; concealers, blushes, and foundation; and contour and bronzing powders. (It is available in six color options to match various skin tones.)
TEST RESULTS: Testers “loved” this palette. They were wowed by the quality of the makeup and the fact that the shades worked on their skin tones. “It’s incredibly easy to use, with everything laid out in one convenient place, and I love that it’s truly all-in-one, with plenty of color options that can be used in different ways,” a tester remarked. “It’s especially great in a pinch when you need to get ready quickly but still want a polished look.”
Not your average nail polish, Holo Taco lacquer comes in dozens of classic and quirky shades for any style, and it has a wide, curved brush and a richly pigmented formula to easily deposit even, full-coverage color.
TEST RESULTS: This polish nailed it for performance with GH Beauty Lab consumer testers, scoring perfectly on parameters including having a simple-to-maneuver brush, offering true color payoff, and being easy to remove. It wasn’t messy, streaky, or patchy on nails; dried fast; and was long-wearing. In perhaps the ultimate test, “I did some rock climbing and rubbed my nails, and it stayed well,” a tester reported. Another praised the “beautiful colors,” adding, “I absolutely love this and would purchase it.”
These innovative Dashing Diva press-on gel nails contour to and extend the shape of your natural nails and are cured under an included LED lamp for one minute to achieve a lasting faux mani.
TEST RESULTS: Testers gave them high scores for being easy to use and remove, coming in flattering colors, and being long-wearing. They liked the variety of nail sizes included and noted that the nails felt durable, didn’t damage their natural nails, and made them look as if they’d “[just] left the salon.”
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty and Personal Care Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 15 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and performance testing. The number one skincare rule she lives by: never go to bed with makeup on.
Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty and Personal Care Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she’s been doing hands-on testing of beauty products since 2022. She also covers aesthetic treatments like injectables and lasers. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims. When not at GH, you can find her wandering the beauty aisles of the drugstore.
