We lathered. We slathered. We even… slugged.
For Shop TODAY’s sophomore Beauty Awards, the limits of TODAY staffers’ testing knew no bounds. From head to toe, we personally tried hundreds of products across categories including skin and body care, hair care, makeup and more. After rigorous trials, we narrowed down the list to the crème de la crème of the beauty world, with 155(!) winners we think truly deserve a spot in our — and your — routine.
To make shopping these picks a little easier, we’ve compiled all of the winners on our list that are sold on Amazon right here. You’ll want to act fast, though: If last year’s Beauty Awards taught us anything, it’s that we can’t expect all of these standouts to stay in stock for long.
Ready for a one-stop shop? Just keep scrolling, or click on one of the categories below to jump ahead.
Shop TODAY Beauty Awards: Best beauty products on Amazon
Skin care | Body care | Hair care | Makeup | Meet the experts | How we chose | Has your product been featured?
Best skin care on Amazon
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream
Award: Best new launch face moisturizer | Score: 4.83/5
I’ve personally been using this since it launched at the end of 2023. It’s way more lightweight than the OG Magic Cream that everyone has loved for years, which my oily skin appreciates. I have used it twice daily for the last few months (both as a base for my makeup and overnight) and I have really seen my skin’s texture and hydration improve. For the first time in my life, I’ve actually gotten complimented on my skin!
- Best splurge face moisturizer: Environ Vita-Complex Super Moisturizer ($69.49)
Versed Sweet Relief Overnight Barrier Balm
Award: Best overall night cream | Score: 5/5
“I really loved this product — it seemed to seal in hydration well overnight,” notes senior director of art and photography Kara Haupt. “The texture was close to a body butter, but was not sticky like “slugging” can be.”
- Runner-up, best night cream: Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream ($22.00)
Nakery Beauty Lift-TOX Multi-Power Firming Rich Cream
Award: Runner-up, best moisturizer for aging skin | Score: 4.33/5
“As someone who’s used the same moisturizer for the past 20 years, this cream was the first product I’ve tried that I’d consider replacing my long-time moisturizer with,” says lifestyle reporter Sarah Lemire. “I not only used it on my face, but also my neck. A solid win. I’m not 100% sure that it ‘firmed’ my skin, per se, but it’s really a great product. I also loved that it wasn’t scent-heavy.”
“It contains argireline, a particular peptide, acetyl hexapeptide-3, known for its ability to reduce muscle movement and the accompanying wrinkles,” adds Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist and surgeon we consulted. “It is often referred to as needle-less Botox.”
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Award: Best overall facial cleanser for dry skin | Score: 5/5
“At first, I was surprised at how watery this cleanser was, not oily at all,” observes TODAY Parents reporter Rosie Colosi. “I’m used to some kind of soapy foaming but this doesn’t at all, so I was concerned it if was working. But after using it nightly, I really liked how hydrating this cleanser is and how fresh my face feels. It hasn’t made my face dryer at all. I will say a con about this is that it doesn’t full take off my waterproof mascara, so I have to cleanse twice when I wear makeup.”
TULA The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser (Fragrance Free)
Award: Best overall facial cleanser for oily skin | Score: 5/5
“This cleanser is non-stripping, gentle but also highly effective,” says production coordinator Camryn Privette. “It leaves my skin feeling soft and clean but also hydrated.”
- Best budget facial cleanser for oily skin: Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash ($9.48)
- Most innovative facial cleanser for oily skin: Norie Kimchii Cleanser ($18.00)
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Renewing Face Exfoliator
Award: Best overall exfoliator for face | Score: 5/5
“Love, love, love this product,” gushes Jude Bender, mom of Shop TODAY senior editor Jess Bender. “Gentle exfoliate, nice light lemon fragrance. Makes [my] skin feel and look refreshed.”
- Runner-up, best exfoliator for face: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel ($92)
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
Award: Best splurge exfoliating mask | Score: 5/5
“Love this product!” raves Marquita Pagnotta, mom of editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz. “There was a noticeable difference in my skin the first time I tried it.”
Thayers Milky Hydrating Face Toner with Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid
Award: Best overall hydrating serum | Score: 5/5
“I actually loved this,” says lifestyle reporter Elise Solé. “It makes my skin feel extra smooth for quite a while and it has a neutral smell.”
- Best splurge hydrating serum: Jurlique Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum($72.80)
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream
Award: Best budget retinol | Score: 5/5
“Right away I loved that this retinol is a cream — I usually have to follow retinol serums up with a heavy moisturizer, so it was great that this was two products in one. Huge time saver,” praises senior editor Rheana Murray. “I used this liberally day and night for two weeks and only saw some very light peeling on my cheeks, so this also seemed gentler than other retinols I’ve used. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a low-maintenance and low-cost way to add retinol to their skin care routine.”
- Best overall retinol: Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($89.00)
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum
Award: Best overall vitamin C serum | Score: 5/5
“This brightening serum features vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, and promote an even skin tone,” shares Dr. Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, a double-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon we consulted. “The tri-peptide complex helps to stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity. Together, these ingredients work to enhance skin radiance and reduce the signs of aging.”
“Vitamin C can be unstable when exposed to light and air, so it’s important to store this serum in a cool, dark place and ensure the bottle is tightly closed,” Bassiri-Tehrani advises. “People with very sensitive skin might experience some initial tingling or irritation, so starting with a patch test is advisable.”
- Best splurge vitamin C serum: Summer Fridays CC Me Serum ($68.00)
ESW Beauty Lip Treatment
Award: Best overall lip treatment | Score: 5/5
“This lip butter smells delicious and gives my lips a flattering tint,” notes associate reporter Sophie Caldwell. “It looks like a gloss, but hydrates like a balm.”
Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream
Award: Best overall eye cream | Score: 5/5
“This is my favorite eye cream I’ve ever used,” swears Privette. “Since it’s packed with vitamin C, it makes my skin feel so soft and smooth to the touch. It goes on like a dream before I catch my beauty sleep.”
According to Dr. Henry, this product is “formulated with a host of antioxidants aimed at brightening and soothing the skin. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable form of Vitamin C, stimulates collagen synthesis and reduces melanogenesis, resulting in brighter skin. Dark eye circles are a common complaint, and a highly concentrated brightening product for this area is always a fan favorite.”
RoC Multi Correxion Crépe Repair Face & Neck Cream
Award: Best overall neck cream | Score: 4.17/5
“This cream targets crepey skin with ingredients like hexyl-R complex, which helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness,” notes Bassiri-Tehrani. “It also contains moisturizing agents that hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The formula is designed to improve the texture and tone of both the face and neck, areas that often show early signs of aging.”
“Users should note that consistent application is key to seeing results with this product,” Bassiri-Tehrani adds. “While it is suitable for all skin types, those with very oily skin might find it too rich. As with all anti-aging products, it’s important to use sunscreen during the day to protect the skin from further damage.”
- Runner-up, best neck cream: goPure Beauty Tighten & Lift Neck Cream ($49.99)
Banana Boat Light as Air Face Sunscreen Lotion
Award: Best overall sunscreen for darker skin tones | Score: 5/5
“A little bit goes a long way, so this will last me a long time,” says contributor Anne Smith. “The smell was perfect, not overpowering (it was a bit fruity and very pleasant).”
- Runner-up, best sunscreen for darker skin tones: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 ($14.99)
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
Award: Best overall sunscreen for face | Score: 5/5
“As a fair-skinned person with a lifelong love/hate relationship with sunscreen (I usually dislike the feel, texture, pasty white sheen and smell), this quality impressed me!” enthuses weekend editor Maddie Ellis. “It went on like a gentle lotion. It definitely still has that sunscreen-y smell, but it lasted long, offered protection and didn’t make my body and face feel oily.”
Dr. Henry says this is “a long-loved product because of its combination of zinc oxide and hyaluronic acid. The mineral zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays by reflecting the sun’s rays. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to retain moisture, holding up to 1000 times its weight in water, which helps to keep the skin deeply hydrated.”
- Runner-up, best sunscreen for face: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen ($12.49)
Almay Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads
Award: Best makeup remover pads | Score: 5/5
With 120 pads in a container for under $10, this eye makeup remover is a steal. Our editors love that it’s effective at removing eye makeup quickly, gently and without added oil. Plus, the pads are actually biodegradable, according to the brand.
The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm
Award: Best overall cleansing balm | Score: 5/5
“With just a small amount of the cleansing balm and warm water, my makeup came right off,” says former Shop TODAY page Laura Millar. “I love how this product isn’t just a makeup remover; it really helps cleanse my skin. That said, I did end up getting a small amount of the balm in my eyes, but it didn’t burn or irritate them. I’m excited to continue using this product — it’s so much better than make up wipes or liquid remover!”
Best body care on Amazon
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Shimmering Body Oil Sunscreen
Award: Best overall body oil | Score: 4.67/5
“I really loved this!” Production coordinator Isy Tocci raves of this body oil. “I went to San Diego and brought this to the beach, it made my skin look gorg and also kept me sunburn-free at SPF 50. For the rest of the trip I was using this and it smelled amazing. One thing to note is the sprayer got clogged pretty easily at the beach with sand.”
- Runner-up, best body oil: OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil ($47.00)
Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter
Award: Runner-up, best body moisturizer | Score: 4.22/5
“10/10 perfect product,” awards producer Phoebe Curran. “Will be using all summer when my skin gets dry. Smells great. It is very thick though (it is a body butter) so if you like a more lightweight cream this is not the one for you!”
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
Award: Best overall exfoliating body moisturizer | Score: 4/5
“I love how it’s fragrance-free,” notes social media video producer Peyton Young. “It applies nicely but can be slightly oily. I wish it were a pump bottle instead of a squeeze. But overall, it locks in moisture really fast and I like the added retinol. I would buy again, especially during drier months.”
- Best budget exfoliating body moisturizer: Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion (Unscented) ($15.99)
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Butter
Award: Best overall firming body lotion | Score: 5/5
“Not too strong of a scent,” according to former insights associate Ya’nique Van Ness. “[It] applied easily and kept skin moisturized all day.”
- Runner-up, best firming body lotion: Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Age Rewind Body Cream ($18.99)
Naturium KP Body Scrub & Mask
Award: Best overall body scrub | Score: 5/5
“The body scrub is a great exfoliator, says Pagnotta. “It left my skin super smooth.”
- Best budget body scrub: Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub ($7.94)
St. Moriz Professional 1 Hour Fast Tan Mousse
Award: Best overall self-tanner | Score: 4.89/5
“I’ve used a few self tanners in the past but this self-tanner was a sleeper hit!” says senior producer Lindsey Bomnin. “This self tanner formula didn’t smell as strongly as others do and it went on smoothly and easily. The best part: after it dried, it didn’t feel sticky at all!”
“Another big plus, the color didn’t transfer to my sheets overnight before showering it off the next morning,” Bomnin adds. “And the actual tan looked pretty good, not orangey. So pleasantly surprised by this brand I’ve never heard of.”
- Runner-up, best self tanner: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse ($13.80)
OPI Nail Envy Original Nail Strengthener
Award: Best nail strengthener | Score: 4.17/5
“I started doing my own nails every week during the pandemic,” explains TODAY Health reporter Sarah Jacoby. “All of that painting and removing made them really dry and made them peel. I started paying a LOT more attention to my nail habits and decided to try the OG nail strengthener — OPI Nail Envy. I’ve actually been using this product for a few years now, almost every week, and have seen a dramatic improvement in my nails!”
“I started out using it according to the product instructions — adding a new layer every day for 7 days, then taking it off and starting over. This felt like a really nourishing, protective treatment that helped my nails regain their own strength and kickstart the healing process,” Jacoby adds. “Since then, I alternate using it as a base coat with my actual base coat (so I use it every other week) and find that it continues to protect my nails under polish. I also find that it makes polish easier to take off, which is a win for me. I love this stuff!”
Cuccio Naturale Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil
Award: Best overall cuticle oil | Score: 4.83/5
“I loved this cuticle oil,” says managing editor Danielle Brennan. “I loved the scent. A little bit goes a long way. I loved that it was in a small bottle and featured a dropper. I put it on each day and I felt it immediately worked.”
Runner-up, best cuticle oil: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil ($6.03)
Best hair care on Amazon
Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Award: Best overall shampoo for dandruff and dry scalp | Score: 4.83/5
“So, so good,” Young raves. “I’ve tried other anti-dandruff shampoos but this is by far my favorite. I love the clean scent, reminds me of a spa or fancy hotel products. It doesn’t feel medicinal like other dandruff shampoos can feel. Ouai’s just feels like a really nice shampoo that happens to have anti-dandruff properties, and I really love that. My hair also felt so soft after using. Would highly recommend.”
Dr. Henry adds that this is “formulated with a gentle 2% concentration of salicylic acid, which provides both surface-level and pore-deep anti-inflammatory exfoliation due to its lipid-soluble nature. However, users with sensitive skin or unknown allergies should be mindful that this product contains fragrance. It also contains olefin Sulfonate, which is known for its abundant foaming and cleansing capabilities; however, this can be harsh on the skin.”
- Best budget shampoo for dandruff and dry scalp: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($15.71)
Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo
Award: Best overall shampoo for frizz-prone hair | Score: 4.67
“I’ve been a fan of Redken hair products for years, and this shampoo did not disappoint,” praises commerce editor Amanda Fama. “I have very frizzy hair, but after using this shampoo and blow-drying, I experienced way less frizz. My hair was softer than usual, too, and it smells wonderful!”
Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
Award: Best overall volumizing shampoo | Score: 4.67
“I loved this Oribe shampoo,” says Lemire. “It lathered up easily and honestly felt very luxurious on my hair. I didn’t need to rinse and repeat, which is always a bonus. The scent was delightful without being too perfumey. It definitely gave my hair a lift and made styling a breeze.”
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Award: Best overall clarifying shampoo | Score: 5/5
“I am a big fan of K18’s biomimetic technology designed to maintain optimum hair health and strength,” says Rogério Cavalcante, a haistylist and founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York we consulted. “This shampoo is a great way to keep the hair and scalp free and clean of oils, environmental pollutants, and product buildup that can weigh hair down and cause dull smoothness and shine. Salicylic acid unclogs hair follicles to allow for maximum product penetration and effectiveness.”
Color Wow Money Mist
Award: Best overall leave-in conditioner | Score: 4.83/5
“I loved this,” gushes editor Rebecca Brown. “I used it as directed — as a leave-in — but as someone with wavy hair that loses any definition in the morning, I found myself using this to zhush up my hair every morning. For the first time, I was wearing it down because the product just dried so nicely. I’d always prefer a product with no fragrance, but it definitely did what it was supposed to do, and more.”
Ouai Hydrating Scalp Serum
Award: Best overall hair serum for thinning hair | Score: 4.33/5
“I’ve been using this since our last Beauty Awards in 2023,” says deputy editorial director Ali Deabler. “I really like it. I feel like it calms my scalp and reduces any redness or itch. I don’t know that I’ve seen a lot of hair growth from it since it’s for thinning, but it hasn’t impacted anything. And I feel like my scalp is healthier overall when I use it.”
Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Overnight Hair Serum
Award: Best overall hair serum | Score: 4.5/5
“Product is excellent on damaged hair,” observes Jude Bender. “I’ve used nightly and see a big difference. Very nice light scent.”
- Best budget hair serum: Maree Hair Keratin Hair Capsules ($22.95)
NatureLab Perfect Clean Scalp Balancing Sake Rinse
Award: Best overall scalp treatment | Score: 5/5
“This is probably the first treatment that I’ve used that’s actually worked to improve the current state of my head (I have oily patches intermingling with a dry scalp — how does that make sense?!),” Jess Bender shares. “From initial use, I started to notice a significant difference in how my scalp felt after washing and felt less of an urge to scratch at my irritations. This has also been great for adding another day in between my wash days since my roots aren’t getting as greasy as quickly. I’d give this 50 stars if I could, that’s how pleased I am with this scalp treatment.”
Hairitage Play It Cool Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray
Award: Best overall heat protectant | Score: 5/5
“This oil heat protectant is great for those who feel like creamy formulas weigh down their hair,” advises Cavalcante. “It’s super affordable and leaves hair shiny. Just spray a little bit on damp hair after washing and before blow-drying.”
- Runner-up, best heat protectant: Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant ($28.50)
Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque
Award: Best budget hair mask | Score: 4.5/5
“Left my hair hydrated and smelled amazing!” claims senior associate Donna Pilikyan. “I got a couple of compliments on the smell of my hair after I used this. I really like Mielle products and this one is no exception!”
Kérastase Curl Manifesto Nourishing Mask for Curly Hair
Award: Best splurge hair mask for curly hair | Score: 4.33/5
“This mask left my hair feeling really soft and smooth,” says associate editor Kamari Stewart. “My hair was easy to detangle afterward and the curl definition I had was really nice. I noticed after applying a little to my roots (not too much) I didn’t have as much flaking/dryness as I usually do, so it definitely provides moisture and hydration.”
Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream
Award: Best overall curl cream | Score: 5/5
Shop TODAY social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo swore off ineffective curl creams that left her hair “greasy and limp” — until she tried Rizos Curls Defining Cream. Unlike other products she’d used, “this cream focuses on keeping moisture locked into your hair by adding more volume to your roots and enhancing your natural curl pattern without leaving it looking greasy.”
An added bonus? Shigo said it prevented her hair from frizzing or knotting up by the end of the day, making it perfect for the summer months.
- Best budget curl cream: Cantu Natural Hair Coconut Curling Cream with Shea Butter ($6.48)
Color Wow Style on Steroids Color-Safe Texturizing Spray
Award: Best overall texturizing spray | Score: 4.5/5
“I have stick straight hair that does not hold any heat styling very well, but this spray created volume and texture so the heat would have something to ‘grab’ onto,” says photo editor Vivian Le. “Typically, if I style my hair the same day I wash it, it will never hold. I usually have to wait for day 2 hair to style, but this spray solved my hair woes.”
“Another key thing that I didn’t realize initially is that this product is also a heat protectant,” notes Le. “At first, I had just been using it as a hair finisher, but when I started to use it before styling, it helped create a grip on my hair and also allowed me to cut out another product from the routine. Truly my favorite all-in-one product I got to test.”
Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Ionic Hairbrush
Award: Best overall round brush | Score: 4.67/5
“The name of this is a little deceiving — it doesn’t actually “blow out” your hair — but wow does it make you look like you just got a fresh salon blowout,” Ortiz gushes.
“I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to styling,” Ortiz admits. “But if you know what you’re doing I am so sure you can make an absolutely gorgeous style with this. I like that you can use it on dry hair… I think this is perfect for touch-ups before work or for when you want a nice, blown out look for a night out or dinner.”
- Most innovative blow dry brush: Shark HT202 SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush ($99.99)
- Best budget blow dry brush: Revlon One-Step Volumizer PLUS 2.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush ($40.47)
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Collection Extended Barrel Curling Iron
Award: Best overall curling iron | Score: 5/5
“I can’t believe it took me this long to try the OG Hot Tools curling iron,” exclaims associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky. “I actually thought it was so much more expensive because of the look and feel of it, but was impressed to find out it’s under $100. I prefer to wrap my hair around the barrel manually instead of using the clamp, and it worked well that way — giving me the perfect voluminous Victoria’s Secret-esque waves that have lasted all day. Plus, I love that you can control the heat setting to prevent damage (the lowest setting worked great for me).”
T3 Afar Lightweight Travel-Size Hair Dryer
Award: Best overall hair dryer | Score: 4.67/5
“One thing I love about T3 in general is how lightweight their tools are and this travel sized hair dryer is even lighter than their other tools,” gushes Clayton Hawkins, a hairstylist we consulted. “It still packs a mighty punch for it’s size. But this is perfect for people whose arms get tired when they do their hair.”
- Best budget hair dryer: InfinitiPRO by Conair Quick Styling Salon Hair Dryer ($39.99)
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Flat Iron Hair Straightener
Award: Best overall hair straightener | Score: 4.33/5
“This hair straightener is lightweight, easy to use and hot enough for my thick hair,” explains commerce writer Jannely Espinal. “It goes up to 460 degrees and is easy to pack into your backpack or carry-on. Also, it’s pretty easy to use as a curling iron (but you need to have technique) if you need more volume. Overall, this product is a great one that will last you for a long time.”
- Best splurge hair straightener: Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener ($499.00)
- Best budget hair straightener: Conair InfinitiPro Flat Iron ($32.38)
Best makeup on Amazon
Glossier Cloud Paint
Award: Best overall liquid blush | Score: 5/5
“I have used this blush before and I would buy it again,” swears social video producer Anita Chomenko. “This little tube lasts a while and a little really does go a long way! It’s highly pigmented, easily blendable, and provides a nice energetic flush. I’ve used this in combination with bronzer and by itself. I love the little “paint” packaging. You can add as little or as much as you want, depending on how much of a flush you want to have.”
- Best new launch cream blush: Catrice Cosmetics Blush Affair Liquid Blush ($6.00)
- Best new launch multi-stick blush: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tiny Lip + Cheek Bush Stain ($24.00)
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Waterproof Gel Liner
Award: Best gel eyeliner | Score: 4.67/5
“I normally don’t like pencil eyeliners, but this one surprised me,” confesses associate editor Shannon Garlin. “It went on smoothly and had great staying power. If you do prefer pencil eyeliners, this one is a great option.”
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eye Shadow Stick
Award: Best budget eye shadow stick | Score: 5/5
“This eye shadow stick is incredibly easy to use, and it even comes with a blending sponge on the other end,” says Caldwell. “The color is very buildable, and the texture is lovely — and did I mention how easy it was to blend? It lasted all day, too.”
- Best shade range in an eye shadow stick: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow ($16.99)
- Best budget powder eye shadow: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Eye Shadow ($7.24)
- Runner-up, best powder eye shadow: ILIA The Necessary Eye Shadow Palette ($40.00)
- Best budget cream eye shadow: Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow ($7.47)
- Best splurge cream eye shadow: Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow ($30.00)
- Best overall liquid eye shadow: Lancome Idôle Tint Liquid Eye Shadow & Eyeliner ($25.50)
- Best splurge liquid eye shadow: Gen See Mixed Media Liquid Eye Shadow ($42.85)
- Best budget liquid eye shadow: Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Liquid Eye Shadow ($16.29)
CoverFX Power Play Foundation
Award: Best full coverage foundation | Score: 5/5
“I really like this foundation, great coverage and smooth finish left my skin ready for the next few layers of makeup,” says Jackie Fama, mom of commerce editor Amanda Fama. “The foundation is waterproof so it stayed on for a long time during the day without touchup. The color I chose for this foundation was pretty perfect for my complexion. This foundation gave a nice smooth finish for me to apply the rest of my makeup without obvious creases in my skin.”
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Rosaliac AR Visible Redness Reducing Cream
Award: Best CC cream for redness | Score: 5/5
“I love this! I was shocked by how much this evened out my skin tone and took care of redness,” notes Colosi of this CC cream. “Definitely working this into my daily routine and will likely repurchase.”
- Best CC cream for color match: Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream Foundation SPF 50+ ($41.00)
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops Sun Glow Serum
Award: Best bronzing drops | Score: 4.75/5
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel tried these new bronzing drops earlier this year and says it gives her skin a serious glow. It’s an update of the brand’s bestselling Niacinamide Dew Drops that adds tint and radiance to the original formula. San Miguel says it “gives you the ‘I was just on a beach vacation’ look” — who couldn’t use that heading into summer?
- Best 2-in-1 bronzer: iT Cosmetics Glow with Confidence Sun Blush ($28.90)
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss
Award: Best overall lip gloss | Score: 4.67/5
“I tried the shade “Butterscotch” and was pleasantly surprised by how flattering it is,” confesses Ortiz. “While it looks like a darker nude shade (which as a Latina, I thought would make me look a little stereotypical), I actually really liked how it came out. It glides on so smooth and I don’t think it needs a lip liner!”
- Best splurge lip gloss: Saie Glossybounce High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil ($22.00)
- Best budget lip plumping gloss: e.l.f. Pout Clout Plumping Lip Pen ($8.00)
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
Award: Best overall liquid lipstick | Score: 5/5
“This lipstick definitely lives up to its name,” attests Amanda Fama. “After just a few minutes, it wouldn’t budge. I have the DaVita shade, and it’s a deep, rich maroon tone with some shine. I really like it for a bold look!”
Catrice Cosmetics Glossin’ Glow Tinted Lip Oil
Award: Best budget lip oil | Score: 4.11/5
“Cute! I liked this pink cast, found it very flattering,” notes Haupt. “A little grainy after awhile (the glitter?), but to be expected. Nice product.”
Laura Geller Beauty Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer: Hydrate
Award: Best overall primer | Score: 5/5
“This primer is super lightweight, and it feels like moisturizer as you’re applying it (the hydration is super apparent!),” Amanda Fama says. “It also dries instantly and provides a smooth base for your makeup. I’m a fan.”
Wet & Wild Photo Focuse Loose Setting Powder
Award: Best budget setting powder | Score: 5/5
At less than $7, this setting powder comes in the shades translucent, banana and deep. It received a perfect score among testers for its fine texture, mattifying properties and staying power.
CoverFX High Performance Setting Spray
Award: Best setting spray | Score: 5/5
Speaking from personal experience, this is hands down the best setting spray I’ve ever used. It actually locked my makeup in for 18 hours — I applied it at 9 a.m. in the office, got caught in the rain and my beat was still on my face and in place when I got home from going out at 3 a.m. It has a really smooth spray, too… it’s more like a fine, continuous mist. This is my new go-to.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Award: Best budget lengthening mascara | Score: 4.5/5
“Who knew my lashes were this long?” asks associate social media editor Dani Musacchio. “It also left my lashes looking curled, which is impressive because they’re normally pretty flat. While this mascara isn’t super volumizing, I like how it feels weightless on my lashes and doesn’t feel like I’m wearing mascara at all. I have tried the waterproof version of this mascara and I prefer this “washable” version because it still lasts all day but will come off easily with a makeup remover or cleansing balm. Plus, you really can’t beat the price.”
- Best lengthening mascara: Lancome Definicils Defining and Lengthening Mascara ($27.20)
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Kit
Award: Best overall makeup brush set | Score: 5/5
“You can’t go wrong with Real Techniques. They’re affordable and work so well,” praises commerce writer Danielle Murphy. “I was able to do 90% of my makeup with this set alone. The only thing that could make this set better is if it came with a flat foundation brush instead of a sponge, but that’s just a personal preference.”
Meet the experts
- Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon based in New York City.
- Dr. Michael Bassiri-Tehrani is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in New York City.
- Clayton Hawkins is a celebrity hairstylist, specializing in wigs and extensions. Based in Los Angeles, clients include Olivia Rodrigo, Rachel Zegler, Abigail Spencer and more.
- Rogério Cavalcante is a hairstylist and the founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.
How we chose
We sorted through nearly 1,200 new launches, editor recommendations, trending and tried-and-true products to come up with 155 winners. We hosted an in-house glam session, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to value, satisfaction and quality for makeup, skin care, beauty and hair products and tools. Over the course of up to four months, our team of editors and writers tried products in every beauty category: hair, body, skin and makeup. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners to give their sign-off based on ingredients and other factors.
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