The Top Makeup Products of 2026

      Minimalists and maximalists alike will delight in our carefully selected collection of makeup champions. Whether you're aiming for long, soaring lashes; a lightweight foundation with a high-end touch; or the ultimate nude eyeshadow palette, these formulations are guaranteed to impress.

      **Best Primer**

      *Iconic London Underglow Blurring Primer*

      Makeup primers can be quite divisive, but our testers unanimously praised this subtle blurring formula from Iconic London. It layers seamlessly with skincare and other makeup products (no pilling!) and is infused with beneficial ingredients like vitamin C and artemisia capillaris, a plant extract that protects against blue HEV light damage.

      **Why experts love it:** "My all-time favorite product. I've been using it consistently for the last three years with no plans to stop. It’s the best primer, and my makeup doesn’t look the same without it. It feels like cashmere on the skin, hydrates, minimizes the appearance of pores, and isn't heavy or greasy. I've convinced many friends and followers to use it, and they all agree." — Lila Childs, Makeup Artist

      **Best Blush**

      *Prada Beauty Touch Blush*

      Everything about this innovative cream-to-powder blush from Prada Beauty is appealing. The chic packaging is lovely, and the formula keeps skin hydrated and beautifully blushed throughout its wear. The finish offers a desirable yet difficult-to-achieve blurred-matte appearance and is perfect for use on lips and eyelids as well.

      **Best Setting Spray**

      *Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray*

      Charlotte Tilbury's best-selling setting spray sets the standard in the beauty industry, and we haven't found a formula that rivals its ability to preserve makeup. Moreover, nothing else leaves our skin looking flawless after makeup application—it truly lives up to its name.

      **Why experts love it:** "Most setting sprays either do nothing or make your makeup look caked on. This actually extends wear without altering the finish underneath. The mist is fine enough to avoid disturbing your makeup, and it genuinely holds everything in place for a full day, which is crucial if you're being photographed, under bright lights, or dealing with humidity." — Sophie Carbonari, Celebrity Aesthetician

      "This is one of my essential products for long-lasting makeup. It locks everything in while still keeping a skin-like finish instead of appearing overly matte or dry." — Renée Loiz, Celebrity Makeup Artist

      **Best Bronzer**

      *LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick*

      Introducing the Goldilocks of bronzing and contour sticks. This one from LYS Beauty is impressive because it gives the sun-kissed warmth of a bronzer without being so warm that it can't also be used for contouring. (Typically, you'll want a cooler tone for contouring to create shadow and depth.) Our testers appreciated the creamy, easy-to-blend formula and the skin-friendly ingredients, including rose hip oil, green tea extract, and sodium hyaluronate.

      **Why experts love it:** "The formula seamlessly blends into the skin, providing a natural sculpted effect without looking muddy or too harsh. I also admire the thoughtful range of shades." — Loiz

      **Best Dewy Foundation**

      *Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30*

      Whenever our testers wore this Hourglass foundation in public, at least one person would compliment their complexion. "Your skin looks so smooth." "You’re absolutely glowing." "Your skin is flawless." This foundation offers medium coverage with a beautifully luminous finish that somehow maintains a completely natural look. It includes strategic ingredients like SPF 30 and the brand’s Advanced Hydra-Smoothing Technology with hyaluronic microspheres to plump fine lines and improve skin texture.

      **Why experts love it:** "The original Hourglass Illusion launched in 2014, and I’ve been a fan of their skin tints and foundations ever since. This version looks stunning on the skin, providing radiance and coverage while still appearing refined and skin-like rather than overly makeup heavy." — Candace Marino, Founder of The L.A. Facialist

      **Best Matte Foundation**

      *Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation*

      If you prefer a softer matte finish, this luxurious foundation from Hermès is a must-know. It delivers medium coverage and a velvety, cloudlike effect. You'll forget you're even wearing foundation! It also has an impressive 16-hour wear that resists heat, humidity, and sweat, accompanied by skin benefits. It boasts an 82% skincare base, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and white mulberry extract.

      **Why experts love it:** "I wrote about this recently as Hermès developed a comprehensive shade range from the start—not as an afterthought. This is important. Beyond the inclusivity aspect, the formula is genuinely a skincare