The Best Makeup Products of 2025

Makeup is a form of artistry. Every flick of liner, dab of cream blush, or swipe of gloss is a brushstroke on your own beautifully unique canvas. And while a virtuoso can work with anything, let’s be honest, creating the look you want is infinitely easier (and more fun) with the right products.

That’s why makeup artists and beauty editors keep their kits stocked with nothing but the best. From the brow gel one celebrity makeup artist uses on every client to the eyeshadow palette another pro swears looks like “diamond dust,” these are the 35 best makeup products of the last year.

Best Volumizing Mascara

“I rely heavily on my mascara to deliver a wow-factor since I don’t wear tons of eye makeup, and Dior always puts on a show. It gives my lashes lots of volume and coats them in an inky black shade with one swipe. The quilted tube is an appreciated, chic touch.” —Irene Richardson, commerce writer

Best Lengthening Mascara

“I love packaging and the PradaScope is so chic! The formula is amazing for enhancing the lashes and its long-wearing.” —Keita Moore, celebrity makeup artist

Best False Lashes

“Not to be dramatic, but lash clusters changed my life. I have super curly lashes, so applying strip lashes always resulted in me gluing my lashes to my face. Clusters like these have a thin band that I can easily apply under my lashes instead of trying to get over my lashes and apply on top. Plus, they’re available in so many styles to suit different occasions and moods.” —Kara Jillian Brown, beauty editor

Best Brow Gel

“This wax is perfect for my clients heading to events or long days. The wax lifts, tames, and sculpts the brows before freezing them in place. I love to use this for my clients with more curly eyebrow hairs.” —K.M.

Best Pencil Eyeliner

“Leave it to Victoria Beckham to create a colorful liner collection as sleek as her wardrobe. It features a rich lineup of matte and shimmer shades to suit every mood. The formula is just as luxe: creamy, buildable, and waterproof—perfect for everything from crisp definition to a lived-in smoky eye. Plus, each pencil comes with a sponge-tip applicator that makes blending a breeze. No extra brush required!” —Lauren Valenti, beauty director

Best Liquid Eyeliner

“Believe the hype—Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Liner is the real deal. Jet-black, smudge-proof, and precise with zero skips, this cult-favorite has been my go-to for years. I can count on the cat eyes I trace on at 8 AM to stay sharp and intact all the way through after-hours—the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it formula.” —L.V.

Best Eyeshadow Stick

“Makeup is an art form, and eyeshadow is when you really get to play, blending, smudging, and layering your way to a unique look. But sometimes, I want something that feels special without spending 15 minutes per lid. That’s when eyeshadow sticks come into play. Swipe one across your lid and you instantly have a high-impact look with minimal effort. —K.J.B.

Best Liquid Eyeshadow

“Though I’ve spent over a decade as a beauty editor, I must admit that my confidence in applying eyeshadow still leaves much to be desired. When it comes to liquid formulas, I rely on nothing short of foolproof options. That’s why I am endlessly grateful for the ever-chic Yeux Paints—exceptionally blendable and buildable, offering unparalleled color payoff in a stunning array of both matte and shimmering finishes. Merci, Violette!” —L.V.

Best Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

“Danessa Myricks is known for her skin prep products, but her eyeshadow palettes are just as good. This multi-use palette is good for all over the face, and helpful for makeup artists or people on the go.” —K.M.

Best Vivid Eyeshadow Palette

“Pat creates a special kind of shimmer—it’s not glittery, but more like fine diamond dust. The shades in the Sublime Palette are dreamy: warm roses, dusty mauves, and champagne tones. It’s the perfect palette. Feminine, soft, and absolutely beautiful.” —Nam Vo, celebrity makeup artist

Best Gel Primer

“This gets so much hype, and it’s well deserved. It applies a little tacky and gets better, but retains some of that texture. I think that’s the secret to its makeup-wear-extending powers. I love wearing a full face of makeup, so longevity is important to me, as is the smooth base layer it creates for my beat.” —Tamim Alnuweiri, senior beauty writer

Best Color Corrector

“I have very translucent under-eye skin, which translates to dark circles in the morning. This pink-hued concealer helps brighten the area and serves as the perfect base before Revealer Concealer to make it look like I got a full night’s sleep despite having a toddler and a broken sleep schedule.” —Lindsey Metrus, vice president of beauty and style

Best Concealer

“I’m not a fan of heavy complexion products. I yearn for a formula that’s lightweight yet buildable, so I can get just as much coverage as I need. In this spirit, the concealers from Armani Beauty are perfect. They’re creamy and hydrating without overwhelming my look. —K.J.B.

Best Skin Tint

“Skin tints are the best thing since sliced bread. I love that they provide coverage while leaving you with a natural and dewy glow. The skin tint from Ami Colé is next-level. Formulated for melanin-rich skin, it provides buildable coverage that breathes life into my skin.” —K.J.B.

Best Liquid Foundation

“A foundation that shines without any enhancement in the form of primer, setting spray, powder, luminizer, etc, is rare, but Haus Labs has done it. It’s imperfection-neutralizing but completely skin-masking. As someone with chronic redness, I also appreciate that it’s infused with soothing ingredients. Lastly, it comes in 51 shades, which is perhaps the most expansive shade range I’ve come across.” —T.A.

Best Foundation Stick

“Who doesn’t love a good foundation stick? The ultra-creamy texture of this formula glides on like butter, providing buildable coverage with a natural satin finish—just the right balance of glow without the shine. Bonus: The sleek, travel-friendly design makes it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, whether you’re tossing it in your carry-all or packing for vacation.” —L.V.

Best Liquid Highlighter

“This lightweight gel-highlighter works equally well dotted on the high points of the face as it does mixed into foundation. Either way, it elicits a glow that suggests you’ve just left the best facial of your life. At 32, I’m past the age of gravitating towards glittery formulas; this one delivers all the dewiness without looking the least bit makeup-y. Plus, it’s flattering regardless of whether I’m pasty or bronzed, and it boasts complexion-enhancing ingredients, like squalane and vitamin C, to boost bare skin over time. I was hardly surprised upon learning Meghan Markle is a fan, too.” —Sophie Wirt, commerce writer

Best Highlighter

“Highlighters that provide the perfect lit-from-within glow are few and far between. This one from Milani is one of the good ones. It has a soft and buildable formula that lets you create a perfect-for-you glow.” —K.J.B.

Best Cream Blush

“It’s true—I can’t beat the allegations of constantly raving about Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks blush sticks. But if you’ve tried them, you get it. The creamy, blendable texture glides on effortlessly for a quick swipe-and-go flush with a satin, second-skin finish. Plus, the shades? A fresh edit of flattering tones like pinky-peach Coquette and bold bright Poppet. And thanks to hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, raspberry stem cell extract, and vitamin E, my skin actually feels better with it on.” —L.V.

Best Powder Blush

“A true innovation, this blush uses sugar-derived wet powder technology to deliver a buildable wash of lit-from-within color with a luminous—not glittery—finish. The shade range spans from golden ruby red Sangria to iridescent magenta-plum Hanky Panky. And with skin-loving ingredients like buriti oil and jojoba, it doesn’t just brighten your cheeks, it nourishes them, too.” —L.V.

Best Liquid Blush

“The second I tried this blush, I was hooked. The liquid formula leaves behind such a gorgeous dewy flush that’s so easy to build and blend to your desired finish. I’m waiting with bated breath for more shades.” —K.J.B.

Best Cream Bronzer

“I’ve yet to try a product from Mario Dedivanovic’s brand that disappoints, yet this radiant cream bronzer may just be my favorite yet. Available in a range of natural-looking shades, the easy-glide, buildable formula blends tracelessly into skin, where it leaves a believable, beachy glow with a radiant—not chalky, powdery, or makeup-y—finish.” —S.W

Best Liquid Bronzer

“Anytime someone tells me I’m glowing, it’s because I’m wearing these bronzing drops. I rub a few drops over my SPF in lieu of foundation, and go into the rest of my routine with the most stunning base. It comes in three shades, and for my golden undertones, Pure Gold is my fave.” —K.J.B.

Best Powder Bronzer

“You can’t go wrong with this bronzer. I like to use it as a contour, bronzer, and eyeshadow at times. It blends out so beautifully, and layers seamlessly on top of the skin.” —K.M.

Best Contour Stick

“The blendability of a contour stick is what stands between a snatched look and an…abstract look. This contour balm from Covergirl is infused with a nourishing trio of jojoba oil, raspberry extract, and pomegranate so it melts in for seamless application.” —K.J.B.

Best Cream Multitasker

“I often reach for concealer instead of foundation, so a product that doubles as both is right up my alley. This creamy, lightweight, and buildable stick is a perfect addition to any makeup arsenal.” —K.J.B.

Best Liquid Multitasker

“In its sleek, syringe-inspired silver applicator, this illuminating formula, infused with caffeine and marine extracts, brightens shadow-prone areas and lifts for a more sculpted appearance. It targets five key areas: under the eyes, cheekbones, nose bridge, forehead, and chin. Creator Isamaya Ffrench calls it “secret makeup,” and it’s an apt description. It gives you that just-got-back-from-FaceGym snatch—no appointment required.” —L.V.

Best Complexion Brush

“More often than I’d like to admit, my carry-all doubles as my makeup bag. The only brush I can toss in there without a second thought is this one, which features a swivel cover that closes securely for easy storage on the go. Beyond its convenience, it’s a fantastic brush with soft, densely packed bristles in a slightly tapered shape, complete with a precision tip. Whether I’m using it for foundation or applying concealer to those hard-to-reach areas around the eyes, it gives me a seamless finish every time.” —L.V.

Best Setting Spray

“If you want makeup that can last through a rainstorm, hours on a sweaty dance floor, or maybe a cathartic cry, OneSize is your girl. It’s like hairspray for your face with a slightly powdery finish that locks in makeup—I went 15 hours as a bridesmaid with picture-perfect makeup still at 1 a.m.” —Shannon Bauer, associate editorial director

Best Setting Powder

“Another staple for me throughout my career. This product is so reliable for setting makeup without flashback or leaving the skin looking and feeling cakey.” —K.M.

Best Lip Gloss

“True to its name, The Outset’s Lip Oasis delivers a sheer bath of hydration and luminous shine (without any stickiness) that my lips can’t get enough of. Infused with Hyaluroset Complex, derived from the Cassia flower, and MaxiLip, a peptide that boosts collagen production for smoother, plumper lips over time, this treatment does it all. Alongside the original clear, it now comes in three new sheer tints—Dune, a your-lips-but-better nude; Sun Kiss, a vibrant orange-red; and Mirage, a juicy blackberry.” —L.V.

Best Lip Stain

“From bright fuchsia Rose Water to deep berry Violet Water, I can’t get enough of the Clarins Water Lip Stains for a sheer hit of color. One of the most impressive things? The natural-looking matte finish that never leaves my lips feeling dry—quite the opposite. The formula is laced with hyaluronic acid and raspberry water to hydrate and soften, while aloe vera delivers an instant moisture boost. Plus, an anti-pollution complex helps shield lips from environmental stressors.” —L.V.

Best Lip Oil

“I’ve tried virtually every plumping lip gloss on the market (really). YSL’s latest formula was recommended by a beauty-buff friend who gushed over its high-gloss shine and comfortable, tingle-free wear. The formula contains hyaluronic acid—a hydrating molecule that thwarts crustiness, making it a win for anyone who deals with dry lips. Plus: Whipping the gleaming tube from my purse while in public makes for a très chic touchup moment. Don’t sleep on the lavender shade, which deposits a universally flattering tint that enhances any lipstick look.” —S.W.

Best Lip Compact

“Year after year, pulling Fara Homidi’s lip compact from my pocket or bag never gets old. The sleek, pale blue case is a study in understated luxury. Inside, a priming balm and cream-to-powder matte pigment work in perfect sync—equal parts lip care and flattering color. Her edit of pitch-perfect reds and nudes always hits. Some days I go for a soft, diffused stain; other times, it’s a full crimson lip. Either way, the finish is always impeccable.” —L.V.

Best Lipstick

“Unless I’m wearing a show-stopping red hue, I prefer a low-key lip—and this flattering tube of lipstick in Pillow Talk is my go-to shade. It lasts for hours, never makes my lips dry or flaky, and gives me a full, plush pout.” —Ruby McAuliffe, associate commerce editor