Cosmo Editors Tested Over 400 Makeup Products and Tools—What Came Out on Top? Just These 75 Standouts

“I’ve never tried a makeup product with more hydration than this skin tint—it makes my face look smooth, plump, and juicy without feeling heavy. In addition to its hydrating ingredients, it’s free of pore cloggers, so it’s great for acne-prone skin.”
—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

“A lot of skin tints are either super dewy or blur out my skin. And they also rarely have coverage. This defies all of that logic, somehow looking like my natural skin is basically flawless without the heaviness of a true foundation.”
—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

“This feels super lightweight and hydrating on my skin and blends very easily. I get compliments that my skin is glowing on days I use it.”
—KHADIJA HORTON, SENIOR DESIGNER

“This foundation stick makes my skin look like a naturally improved version of itself, with a silky formula that melts in without pilling. It enhances my skin while still letting it show through and pairs beautifully with other makeup. Honestly, I can’t live without it now!”
—MEGAN UY, SHOPPING EDITOR

“An oil foundation sounds like it would slide right off your face, but this actually stays put. The coverage is impressive, it doesn’t seem to aggravate active breakouts, and I get gasps and compliments on my skin when I wear it. My girlfriend and I are actively fighting over our now-shared tube.”
—SAMANTHA ADLER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

“The buildable coverage from this foundation works so well at blurring and smoothing that an aesthetician couldn’t tell I was dealing with a chin full of breakouts when I showed up to a recent facial appointment.”
—BG

“Dolphin skin is a reality with these ultra-glowy foundation drops that give my skin a sheen without feeling heavy. Plus, they’re packed with Augustinus Bader’s proprietary blend of anti-aging peptides.” —BG

“This made me so radiant (not shiny), and I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that it was thanks to a powder product. This evens out skin tone with minimal product, has me looking photo-shoot ready, and feels comfortable to wear over long periods.”
—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR

“Gorgeous packaging and coverage that is smooth, even, and long-wearing without those pesky creases or flakes. The wand applicator is intuitive and easy to use, aka my preferred format for quick morning application. This concealer was effortless and flattering!”
—MARY FAMA, ART DIRECTOR

“Not only does this concealer cover up acne, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, it blurs and smooths my skin at the same time, making my face look truly flawless.” —BG

“The formula feels super hydrating under my eyes. It’s definitely pigmented, too, which ramps up the brightening powers even more. I mix the two available shades to match my skin tone and it still feels lightweight, which I love.”
—SARAH NG, VIDEO EDITOR

“So many concealers promise a ‘your skin but better’ effect, but Make’s actually delivers. The thin, fluid formula covers without feeling cakey and leaves skin looking even and glowy. This is a staple for all the no-makeup makeup people out there.”
—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

“My litmus test for a good concealer is if it (1) covers up my purple under-eye bags, and (2) hides my post-acne hyperpigmentation. And this $5 formula does both seamlessly. It’s my go-to for everyday wear, even if I’m applying my favorite $70 luxury foundation.”
—JH

“The minute I tried this waterproof formula, I was reminded of how good CoverGirl mascaras are. Beyond the impressive staying power (even during a super-sweaty workout), the brush applies pigment evenly and smoothly with zero clumps. Unlike many tubing mascaras that feel wet or sticky on the lashes, this one hits the sweet spot.” —LB

“Out of all the mascaras I’ve tried lately, this gets me the most compliments. I love the brown primer—it truly helps prep my lashes for the mascara itself, and I love that it’s not white. My lashes definitely look much fuller and longer when I use them together.”
—JAYNE LEMIRE, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

“If this mascara is good enough for celebs like Kate Hudson and Olivia Rodrigo, it’s good enough for me. Seriously, it makes my typically sparse lashes look plush and full, and the curved brush is incredible for adding long-lasting lift and curl.” —LB

“My lashes nearly touch my brows when I’ve got on this mascara (but they never look clumpy or spidery). I’ve traveled all over the world with this tube in tow, and it never lets me down.” —BG

“My lashes are a constant topic of conversation during facials, and I always credit RevitaLash. It helps hydrate my lashes, promoting health and strength.” —BG

“Falsies can be tricky to navigate, but not with these. Blink and I’m done! The self-adhesive band makes application basically foolproof, and the finish is fluffy, lifted, and natural enough to have people thinking they’re actually mine.”
—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

“I've become a brown mascara fanatic for everyday wear, and this drugstore gem does it all. It separates, lengthens, and volumizes my lashes while coating them in a natural brown hue that makes my eyes subtly pop. And even after 12+ hours of wear, I never experience clumping or flaking.” —JH

“As a brown woman with yellow/olive undertones, I love how effortlessly the neutral shades in this palette complement my skin. They don’t lean overly warm or cool, so they never look harsh around my eyes. They blend seamlessly and truly last all day.”
—MU

“A single cream shadow is pretty much all I rely on for a one-and-done makeup look. Maybelline’s is so easy to apply even for those lacking makeup skills because it only requires a swipe or two (you can even blend it out with your fingers). There are also a bunch of shimmery color options to choose from.” —JH

“These pigments don’t play! One swipe delivers a rich and blendable look that stays put. The curated collection of matte and metallic hues feels bold and is definitely dramatic enough to turn heads.” —JW

“I’m *genuinely* obsessed—this is the most glitter-packed shadow I’ve ever used, and I honestly don’t think I’ll ever need anything else. I’ve worn it as both a base and a topper, and it instantly elevates every eye look. It is soft and cool to the touch and applies like a pillowy dream.”
—SN

“Remember the Modern Renaissance palette? This is her all grown up now. These sticks—available in a mix of mattes and shimmers—are creamy and blendable but last all day on my lids.”
—BG

“This primer glides on effortlessly, creating a smooth and matte base that helps brighten my eyes before I even start applying shadow. It passes the day-to-night test with flying colors, keeping my eyeshadow (and liner!) in place for over 12 hours without any creasing.” —SN

“If a celebrated pro MUA like Hung Vanngo is behind a formula, I know it’s got to be good enough to last through the heat of lights and cameras—and that’s exactly what this product did. It comes in tons of different colors. I’ve been wearing the black nearly every day since I got it, and it’s lasted from early mornings to late-night parties.”
—SAMANTHA OLSON, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

“This is precision without the pressure. The creamy, dual-ended formula glides on, blends softly, and lets me sculpt or smudge depending on my vibe: sharp, soft, or somewhere in between. I sketch along my lash line, then flip and blend before it sets.” —JW

“I've used Stila’s liner for most of my life, and despite trying many other liners, I always come back to this one. It is incredibly reliable and lasts for a long time before drying out. It lasts through tears but will easily come off when washing your face.” —JL

“This is hands-down the best eyebrow gel I’ve ever used—and that’s coming from a beauty editor with a stash that boasts dozens of them. I’ve been on an eyebrow growth journey this year, and this is an ideal formula for holding my long, thick hairs in place without feeling too stiff or getting flakey or crusty.” —JH

“The dual-ended brush lets me shape and fluff my brows in seconds, which is a lifesaver when I’m getting ready with a 1-year-old underfoot. The formula isn’t sticky or goopy, and it fills in my brows with smooth, even coverage. It sets to a polished finish that still looks soft and natural—never stiff or crunchy.” —MF

“My new favorite pencil! I love the small spoolie; my hairs seem to stay in place better, actually. The angled tip is great for lining and getting that light smudge application at the beginning of the brow.” —SABRINA TOTO, VISUAL EDITOR

“For the price of this L’Oréal Paris brow pen, you can’t beat it. The applicator is very thin and comes with two bristles to paint on hairlike strokes.” —SO

“My love for this eyebrow serum knows no bounds. It has completely transformed my brows from sparse and thin into full and fluffy and my most complimented feature. I get questions constantly about if I got my brows tinted or what I use to fill them in, but the answer is simply this growth serum.” —JH

“Why have a different product for blush, highlighter, and eyeshadow when you can get them all in this single palette?! I’ve been obsessed with the bronzy orange and pink hues in this palette for a sun-kissed shimmer. It leaves behind a silky sheen on both my cheeks and lids, so I pretty much have half of my makeup routine in this single compact.” —JH

“This liquid blush leaves my face with the perfect rosy flush. It’s sheer and lightweight, so it leaves behind a natural your-cheeks-but-better glow, and it’s also buildable so you can go for a more opaque, full-glam finish. I just tap it on with my fingers and the dewy pigment blends out so seamlessly.” —JH

“From the bright shades to the graphic packaging and the pillowy texture, everything about this is simply joyous. The way it gives my cheeks a luminous, long-lasting flush is just the cherry on top.” —LB

“I’m a bronzer girl through and through (I’m from the Jersey Shore, okay?) and YSL’s checks the two most important boxes: It makes skin glow (but not shimmery or shiny), and there are zero orange undertones. I use a fluffy brush to sweep it all over my face for a long-lasting sun-kissed look.” —LB

“I LOVE this bronzer. The pump is super easy to use, and the formula blends so easily. It gave my pale winter skin life, and I’m so excited to use it in the summer for more of a glow.” —ST

“The key to contour that looks natural is precision and a soft blend—two things this stick does beautifully. I can draw on exactly where I want to sculpt (nose, cheekbones, jawline) and blend in seconds with a brush.” —BG

“The shade Soft Raisin has earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. It gives my skin a perfect, natural-looking healthy glow and flush. I use it on my cheeks, lips, and eyes for a pulled-together, do-more-with-less French girl look. It even works as contour in a pinch.” —SA

“The sparkle in E.l.f.’s highlighter is a lot finer, which helps to remove that overly glittery vibe. I particularly love the Blush Money shade, which helps to blend the highlighter in with my blush. The payoff is great, as is the price.” —JL

“No chunky glitter, no sticky residue—one swipe of this highlighter adds just a glossy sheen on your cheekbones. Hell, I dab it right from the tube, too, and it looks perfect.” —BG

“All of the foundation on my T-zone is usually gone midday thanks to my oily skin. But this smoothing primer adds a little grip to keep shine at bay while smoothing texture for a butter-like base.”
—BG

“This primer gives my skin the most gorgeous glow. It blends so easily into my skin and is perfect under my makeup, so I love wearing it on no-makeup days, too. It makes me look and feel more put together.” —ST

“I tend to lean toward primers with grip so my makeup lasts longer, and Refy does not disappoint. It has a metal applicator that made it easy to apply under my eyes and on my nose, and the formula was hydrating and a little tacky. My glam lasted from 8:30 a.m. to nearly 10 p.m., which is my measure of a successful product.” —SO

“If you’re looking for a soft-focus powder that doesn’t make you look fake, here you go! This powder sets everything, smooths texture, and keeps shine in check without dulling my glow. I press it into my T-zone with a puff, then lightly dust anywhere I want that blurred but still radiant finish.” —JW

“I love, love, love this talc-free finishing powder on top of foundation. It blends so well into whatever products I have underneath and feels silky and light.”
—KH

“Ever wondered how celebrities look like they have no pores? I’m convinced this blurring setting spray is the reason. It practically erases any unwanted texture with a spritz.” —BG

“This is the one. It has really cute packaging, a lightweight and consistent spray experience, a dewy but not shiny finish, and no sticky feeling. And it actually makes my makeup last! This product replaced a longtime favorite in my daily routine and medicine cabinet.” —SA

“Flamingo’s tweezers are probably one of the easiest and most effective I’ve ever used. Last time I touched up my brows with them, I got the exact results I wanted in the least amount of time, thanks to its precise edges that have just the right amount of sharpness.” —SO

“Basically every lash curler doesn’t fit my lids, except this one. Made for hooded and deep-set eyes, it hugs my lashes and curls them without grabbing onto my skin.” —BG

“I use a sponge for pretty much every cream or liquid product I put on my face. And this sponge from Refy is perfectly shaped to get into the crevices of my under-eyes, and when I soak it in water or setting spray, it also expands a ton so I can get even more surface area out of it to blend out my blush and foundation.”
—JH

“I have three of these brushes: one at home, one at my desk at the office, and one permanently in my travel makeup bag. I refuse to do my makeup without it.” —BG

“No matter what blush I use, this fluffy dual-ended brush ensures the pigments go on smooth and evenly. I use the big end to dust color where I want it and the little end to blur any lines.” —LB

“These brushes are high-quality for an affordable price, and they have longevity. After months of use (and several washes later), they still feel brand-new and melt product into my skin with their soft bristles.” —SO

“I love all of Hourglass’s brushes, but if I could pick only one, it would be this. I use it to apply and blend concealer in both targeted areas (under my eyes and around my nose) and larger ones (my jawline and cheeks) for skin that looks airbrushed.” —LB

“Four eyeshadow brushes for under $10? I mean, is that even a question? I know the price might make you skeptical, but they are incredibly soft, deliver a smooth blend, and come in all the shapes you need to build a full look.” —SN

“NGL, this is basically like a grown-up flavored lip balm, albeit with fantastic hydrating ingredients, a subtle tint, and a yummy scent. I swipe it on over lip liner (or bare lips) for a hint of color and moisture.” —BG

“I grab this tube when I want to activate main character energy. It glides on like a balm but delivers rich, glossy color with serious payoff. It’s just the right amount of extra without ever feeling overdone.” —JW

“These glide on and feel so moisturizing on my lips. Putting it on makes me feel like I’ve realized my childhood dreams of being a lady who wears lipstick. No wonder they’re called a classic.” —BG

“I dab this on with my fingers, then blur the edges so it looks like I just kissed some of it off. And unlike so many matte products, it’s zero percent drying—just chic as hell.”
—BG

“This is a beautiful, pigmented matte lip color that somehow feels like lip balm. I love a matte lip but hate the dryness that usually comes with it, and this means I never have to compromise. It’s smooth and soft, and it doesn’t crease and stays put all day (I only had to reapply once after eating).” —SN

“I am all bought in on the Rhode hype and have at least one of these liners on me at all times. The are hydrating, come in a mix of neutral shades, and easily smudge out for a soft finish.” —BG

“This glossy balm-lipstick hybrid feels so good on my lips but adds color, too. The thin packaging is fun and makes it easy to slip into any purse or pocket for on-the-go swiping.”
—LUCY DOLAN-ZALAZNICK, SOCIAL AND VIDEO DIRECTOR

“This lip balm has gone viral and for good reason. It exfoliates, hydrates, and leaves a glossy, plush finish that makes my lips look smoother, fuller, and way more put together with zero effort. I literally have four tubes in rotation.” —JW

“Gone are the days of lip stains drying down and crusting the lips. This formula’s hydration is basically akin to that of a lip oil, and it leaves a deep pigment behind that lasts for hours on end.”
—JH

“I can’t deal with lip plumpers that burn. Luckily, Valentino’s makes my lips look bigger with only a slight (very satisfying) tingle. It comes in really pretty creamy and shimmery shades, too.” —BG

“I love swiping these on when I don’t feel like wearing both a lipstick and lip liner—instead this thick crayon covers my entire lips with long-lasting pigment and doesn’t dry them out. It also layers really nicely with any lip oil or gloss on top for some extra shine.”
—JH

“NYX’s Fat Oil isn’t new but it’s still better than any of the shiny new options that launched in the past year. It is thick and gooey in the best way possible and coats lips in the perfect ratio of shine, moisture, and tint. And you can’t beat the price.” —LB

“Founder and celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips completely captivated me with her brand when it launched last year. Heroes like the Underpainting Palette and sheer foundation are great, but I’m obsessed with the lip products: the sheer lipstick in a tiny tube called Lip Ciggy and the sculpting pencil lip liners.” —BG

“I was nervous when Armani told me Luminous Silk would be getting a refresh in late 2025, but not to worry—it’s still the GOAT. It’ll forever be my go-to foundation for special occasions when I want my skin to look flawless. I wore it on my wedding day!” —LB

“This is one of those ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ beauty products. It’s shadow, liner, and lashes all-in-one sticker you place on your eyes. Plus, these glam ‘stickers’ are reusable. No stress, no glue, no chaos...just genius!” —JW

“I simply trace this onto my lips like a normal lip liner or coat it all over like a gloss, and after 10 minutes, I peel off the formula and am left with long-lasting pigment. If I needed to live off one lip liner for the rest of my life based on staying power, it would easily be this.”
—JH

“Not only do I feel like the fanciest person on earth when I pull this out of my bag, but it actually really does moisturize my lips. And I’ll take any incentive to add on more balm.” —BG