Glossier, Boy Brow — $18.00

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“The main thing with brow gels is getting a good brush and finding the right tone to match your hair color,” says Jimena Garcia, a brow artist who works in New York and Los Angeles. With these new Glossier shades, more people can find a match with ease. Grab the one that’s closest to your shade for a natural look, or go a shade deeper for some added drama.

The new Glossier Boy Brow shades launched on June 26, and shoppers are loving them. “After being sent the new shade dark brown as a gift, I’ve worn it every day since I received it, and every day I love it more,” writes one reviewer. “The shade brown was fine for me and I used it every day, but since using dark brown I realized how much I love a slightly darker brow. This shade is absolutely perfect for anyone with darker hair.”

Boy Brow was inspired by mustache pomade and has a creamy formula powered by beeswax and carnauba to provide a flexible, lightweight hold to define, thicken, and shape brows. It coats hairs without stiffening or flaking over time.

Plus, it contains conditioning ingredients like nourishing oleic acid, smoothing lecithin, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to keep your brows strong and healthy. According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, conditioning ingredients “soften and plump the hair shafts themselves.”

Because Boy Brow has such a small brush, you can really get in there and style your brows just the way you want. “Brushing them up makes them look thicker, and it automatically creates a wider brow,” says Garcia. “When you brush to the side, it’s beautiful.” For a more natural, subtle brow, you can brush up the beginning of the brow and then brush sideways for the rest.

Unfortunately, Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer and I are taking a break because I’ve met someone else. Ever since I was introduced to Kjaer Weis’s lovely new Tinted Lip Balms ($35), which hit shelves last month, they haven’t left my side. These moisturizing lipstick-balm hybrids kiss me with the most gentle, most barely-there hint of color imaginable, all while nourishing and soothing my pout for hours on end. Talk about love at first swipe…

Kjaer Weis, Tinted Lip Balm - Iconic Edition — $35.00

Available in six shades, including clear. Refills sold separately for $17 each.

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I can’t say I’m surprised—Kjaer Weis products rarely disappoint. Founded by Danish makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis, the luxury beauty brand uses only the best natural, organic ingredients in all of its formulations. Since launching in 2010, it’s been sustainability-focused, too, swapping out plastic waste for refillable, recyclable packaging across its entire product line. Needless to say, its skin care, makeup, and tools are all beloved by W+G editors, and, arguably more impressively, by A-listers; in a TikTok from last August, Kate Hudson revealed she swears by the brand’s cream blush and lip gloss to get her “hot girl summer” glow. Other stars, like Emma Watson, Ariel Winter, and Reese Witherspoon are big fans, too.

@thekatehudson I’m gonna do makeup #hotgirlsummer #cleanface #makeup ♬ original sound – Kate Hudson

While other Kjaer Weis products have wow’d me, it’s the Tinted Lip Balms that have really blown me away, (so much so that I broke things off with my once life partner of lip balms). For starters, they’re so soft and luscious on lips, thanks largely to the heavy load of organic emollients (Rose oil! Olive oil! Brazilian nut oil!) infused in every batch. There are 10 oils used in total plus an extra burst of hyaluronic acid and squalane—two derm-approved ingredients for hydration—in each stick that lock in moisture for all-day wear. And, yeah, we’ve all seen promises like “long-lasting hydration!” and “24-hour moisture!” slapped on packaging, but I promise, this isn’t a marketing ploy. Kjaer Weis Tinted Lip Balms really last all day, quenching lips for literally hours on end.

What really stole my heart, though, are the gorgeous colors the balms come in, each one sheer and subtle to give you that “your lips, but better” look. With the first swipe, they almost go on clear, the tint is that slight. But they’re really buildable—a few more swipes let’s you play around with the color as much or as little as you like. And they’re gorgeous. Currently, the Tinted Lip Balms come five shades (six if you include the colorless “Clear”): “Gracious,” a soft petal pink, “Romance,” a bright coral, “Lover’s Choice,” a deep, berry red, “Empower,” a bold hot pink, “KW Red,” a classic, looks-good-on-everyone red.

They’re also packaged in the most chic refillable silver tube that looks like something from Tiffany’s or Cartier. True to the brand’s sustainable mission, the lip balms are sold in Kjaer Weis’s signature Iconic Edition packaging, a shiny metal tube that doubles as a lifelong keepsake. If you already have the tube or have ran out of your favorite shade, you can simply buy refills ($17 each) that can be popped into the tube in seconds. It’s smart, sustainable, and looks totally sophisticated on your vanity or in your purse.

Burt’s Bees will always have a place in my heart, but for now, Kjaer Weis’s nourishing Tinted Lip Balms have a place on my lips. Scroll to shop all of the shades and good luck choosing which one will win your heart—they’re all that good.

"Gracious" — $17.00

Described as a “sheer flush of petal pink,” this soft, baby pink stick is the most minimalist of all the current shades. It’s pretty much a step above “Clear” on the tint factor, infused with just the slightest smudge of rose-y pink for a natural-looking pout.

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"Romance" — $17.00

This coral shade is one of my favorites, especially with summer in full swing. I like to think of it as “sunburn without the sunburn”—it’s got that crispy, orange-y red undertone that makes it look like I just stepped off the beach, even when I’ve been sitting at my computer all day.

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"Lover's Choice" — $17.00

“Lover’s Choice” has won my heart, too; I can’t get over how beautiful and effortless it looks when I have it on. The deep berry red is super customizable and can be amped up or down depending on your mood. If you’re feeling more subtle, I recommend sticking to one or two swipes. For more drama, add some more.

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"Empower" — $17.00

This Barbie pink is a fun one. At first glance, it looks like a hot pink lipstick you’d see in the Malibu Dreamhouse. But, just like the other balms, it goes on fairly clear, so you can find your perfect hue.

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"KW Red" — $17.00

For the traditionalist, there’s “KW Red”, the brand’s tried-and-true red that looks good on everyone. Blended with cool undertones, it looks good on every skin tone and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

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“Honey is the oldest skin-care ingredient and has been used extensively for both medical and skin-care purposes,” says Neil Sadick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

3 benefits of honey for lips

1. It’s moisturizing

“Honey is a natural emollient and humectant,” says Jana Blankenship, herbalist and author of Wild Beauty ($16). This means that it moisturizes your pout in two different ways, explains Tiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island. “Humectants help hydrate and draw moisture into the skin,” says Dr. Libby. “Emollients are moisturizers that add oil to the skin to help soften, smooth, and repair the skin barrier. Any product that does this is considered an emollient, so some humectants and occlusives are also emollients.”

2. It’s soothing

Honey has antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and it nurtures the skin, says Dr. Sadick. This makes it great for healing and soothing chapped lips. 

3. It’s full of antioxidants

Honey is full of antioxidants and “antioxidants are often considered the fountain of youth by skin-care professionals and experts,” says Victoria Lewis, medical esthetician in New York City. “They protect, prevent, and limit free radical damage, and some assist with hydration and inflammation. Not only will your skin be better looking, but it will also be healthier in general.”

Condition, smooth, and nourish your lips with one of the six honey lip balms, glosses, and oils below.

6 honey lip balms, glosses, and oils to try

Gisou, Lip Oil Golden Shimmer Glow — $32.00

Give your lips a stunning glow with this new shimmer-infused lip oil from Gisou. It’s made with honey and hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate and condition lips. The pearlescent shimmer is super fine so your lips will reflect light and glow without over-the-top sparkle. It’s in a gorgeous golden shade that adds a bit of warmth to your pout.

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Burt's Bees, Lip Gloss — $7.00

Burt’s Bees, aka the honey-infused skin-care OGs, have the perfect lip gloss if you’re looking for something with color. The formula blends honey with moisturizing apricot wax and softening sunflower seed oil to nourish your lips. It’s available in six pretty shades ranging from pinks, nudes, reds, and plums.

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I'm From, Honey Lip Balm — $20.00

Made with honey harvested from Mount Jiri, Korea, this balm protects lips from external irritation while deeply hydrating and nourishing. It has a non-greasy, non-sticky finish and can also be used as an overnight lip mask, a dry-elbow salve, or a cuticle softener.

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Nuxe, Rêve de Miel — $21.00

Made with lavender honey from Provence, France, this clear lip oil drenches your pout in moisture while leaving behind a subtle, not-sticky shine. The honey in this formula is enhanced with organic camelina oil, which is rich in nourishing omegas 3 and 6.

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Farmacy, Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm — $12.00

In this formula, Farmacy’s proprietary honey blend soothes lips while moisturizing and providing antioxidant protection. Plus, beeswax conditions lips and seals in moisture while cupuaçu and cocoa butters provide long-lasting hydration.

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Eczema Honey, Nourishing Lip Balm — $7.00

This nourishing lip balm locks in moisture and keeps them soft whether your experiencing typical dryness or in the midst of an eczema flare.  It’s made with organic honey, beeswax, mango butter, and colloidal oatmeal
to soothe dry and cracked lips.

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We’ll talk more about that in a second, but let’s just say the internet is obsessed. From the mascara and the lip gloss to the derm-approved serum and facial mist—Tower 28 hits every time (and it’s all W+G editor-approved). Even celebs like Hailey Bieber, Khloe Kardashian and Olivia Rodrigo are hooked on its sensitive skin-friendly beauty products. If you’ve been itching (no pun intended) to try the brand for yourself and aren’t sure where to start, I tried and tested every Tower 28 product to see what’s really worth the hype.

More about Tower 28

A former beauty industry exec, Tower 28 founder, Amy Liu, was frustrated by the scant selection of brands that were “safe” for her to use. Products geared towards sensitive skin were bland, clinical-feeling, and lacked the playful flair that makes experimenting with beauty so exciting. So Liu used her 15+ years of beauty industry experience to launch the fun, sensitive skin-friendly brand that we all wanted to use. Named after the lifeguard tower where Santa Monica and Venice Beach meet, Tower 28 is giving beachy, California energy at every level. From the wavy, colorful packaging to the fuss-free formulas inside, the brand oozes fun.

Why it’s great for sensitive skin

What does it mean to be sensitive skin-friendly, you ask? It means being extra choosy about ingredients. Tower 28 has a hefty no-no list of ingredients that you won’t find in any of its products—including but not limited to preservatives, phthalates, nanoparticles, fragrance (synthetic and natural), essential oils, talc, mineral oil, petrolatum, and so much more.

Suffice it to say that if it’s known to make your skin angry, it won’t be in a Tower 28 product. But that’s not all, the brand swears by the National Eczema Association’s ‘no-no list’ too! Which is why it’s the only beauty brand to earn the association’s seal of acceptance on select products—impressive, I know. Plus, everything is gluten-free, derm-tested, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (aka non-pore clogging) so whether you’re sensitive, acne-prone or both, Tower 28 products are always a safe bet.

My honest thoughts on Tower 28 products

Tower 28, SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray — $28.00

The SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray—derms love it, 500+ Sephora shoppers love it, and now I do, too. The calming face mist’s key ingredient, hypochlorous acid (which is made naturally by your skin, BTW), has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties—thus banishing blemish-causing bacteria, while soothing skin redness and irritation. It also smells like pool water, and I kind of love that. Whenever I’m dealing with gnarly breakouts, a compromised skin barrier, or am just feeling a bit sensi, the SOS Spray is what I’ll be reaching for first. It’s already semi-affordable by today’s standards, but it’s worth investing in the jumbo refill bottle ($68)—it’s that good.

Pros:

• Soothes irritation and redness 
• Helps clear breakouts
• Simple and effective
• Has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance

Cons:

• None :)

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Tower 28, SOS Intensive Rescue Serum — $34.00

A riff on the brand’s cult-classic facial spray, the SOS Intensive Serum is essentially hypochlorous acid in serum form. It packs all of the skin-calming and purifying benefits of the SOS mist, in a lightweight, watery gel texture. I apply 2-3 pumps all over my face after misting, and my skin chills out immediately. By morning, my skin is pretty much reset—blemishes are visibly less angry, signs of irritation are quelled and I’m a happy camper. What’s more, makeup artists swear by the Rescue Serum to prep the skin before applying makeup, and judging by the immediately glassy look it gives my skin, I understand why.

Pros:

• Soothes redness and irritation
• Great skin prep
• Helps combat breakouts
• Lightweight feel
• Lightly hydrates
• Has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance

Cons:

• The watery formula shoots out of the pump if you’re not careful 

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Tower 28, Beach Please Luminous Tinted Balm — $20.00

If you love a dewy-yet-pigmented blush look, you’ll love the Beach Please Luminous Tinted Balms. The super emollient balms come in a range of summer-ready shades (I’m wearing “Office Hours,” a sun-kissed mauve, in the above photo) and couldn’t be more user-friendly. Tap them in with your fingers or stipple them on with a brush, you’ll get a fresh-faced, radiant flush without fail every time. You can even use the balms on your lips and lids for a monochrome look. The balms are made with skin-nourishing ingredients, like green tea extract, aloe vera and shea butter—and in true Tower 28 fashion, they’re free of anything that could irritate sensitive skin or clog your pores. Pretty pigment and blendability aside, though, I found these to be a tad too dewy for my liking—but anyone with dry skin is sure to love them.

Pros:

• Multipurpose
• Pigmented
• Easy to blend
• Moisturizing formula

Cons:

• Might be too dewy for some

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Tower 28, MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara — $20.00

If you’re going to try anything from Tower 28—make it the MakeWaves Mascara. This mascara gives you a little bit of everything: it lengthens, volumizes and gives my stick straight lashes a bit of curling help thanks to its curved synthetic brush. A trio of flexible bands makes it easy to wriggle through my lashes, and ensures every last one is seamlessly coated. And if you want a bolder look, MakeWaves’s buildable formula can be layered without clumpiness. The cherry on top? The tubing formula is easy to remove (all you need is warm water and light massaging), and seriously budge-proof. I can even apply it to my lower lashes without racoon eyes!

Pros:

• Safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Lengthens and volumizes lashes
• Doesn’t flake or smudge
• Easy to remove

Cons:

• Dries out quickly

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Tower 28, SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen — $32.00

Sunny Days is a tinted mineral sunscreen, but unlike others on the market, Tower 28’s buildable, light-to- medium coverage is better than foundation—and it’s safe for sensitive skin (*chefs kiss*). The lightweight formula covers up redness and evens out my skin tone while still letting my skin breathe. What you get is a natural, satiny finish, that’s devoid of cakey-ness. And while I usually skip makeup when my skin is in the middle of a breakout, Sunny Days is the one of the few I can reach for worry-free thanks to trusty skin-soothers like aloe vera and prickly pear.

Pros:

• Mineral SPF 30
• 17 flexible shades
• Light-to-medium coverage
• Natural, satiny finish
• Not cakey
• Safe for sensitive and breakout prone skin
• Has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance

Cons:

• Might be too drying for drier skin types

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Tower 28, Shine On Lip Jelly — $16.00

Take the glassy shine of a lip gloss, add the moisturizing feel of a lip balm and subtract the stickiness, you’ve got the Shine On Lip Jelly. These cushiony, smoothing glosses defy all logic in my book—giving me a sheer wash of color (there are also clear and ‘milky’ shade options), juicy shine, while leaving my lips feeling pillowy soft and hydrated for hours. And instead of “glossing” over dry, chapped lips, the Shine On Lip Jelly gets to work on solving dryness with an ultra-nourishing blend of oils (like apricot, castor, avocado, raspberry oils—the works!). Even more incredible, they’re under $20! So there’s no going wrong.

Pros:

• Not sticky
• Shiny finish
• Moisturizing formula
• Great shade selection
• Affordable

Cons:

• May be too sheer for some, according to reviews 

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Tower 28, Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer — $20.00

For a radiant, tanned look without the skin damage, Tower 28’s Bronzino is for you. It has a similarly emollient, balmy consistency as the brand’s Beach Please blushes, in five gloriously bronze, shimmery shades. While I was admittedly skeptical about the shimmer at first, it’s hardly noticeable on the skin, and gives the bronzer a beautiful, glowy (but not glittery) finish. I use “West Coast,” a warm medium bronze shade that’s just as gorgeous on the eyes as it is on your face. I buff it out around my cheekbones, across my nose and lightly dust it on my forehead and temples for an easy sun-kissed look. If you can get past the shimmer (and use a separate contour if that’s what you’re used to), Bronzino is totally worth picking up—especially if you have drier skin.

Pros:

• Easy to blend
• Moisturizing
• Radiant formula
• Doubles as a cream eyeshadow

Cons:

• Not very long-wearing
• Shimmery formula isn’t for everyone

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Tower 28, SuperDew Highlighter — $18.00

I kind of love that slightly sweaty dew you get after a few hours in the sun—and Tower 28’s SuperDew is that in balm form. There’s absolutely zero color or shimmer in it, just the most natural-looking shine. And just a touch is all you need for a “glass-skin” effect. In keeping with the rest of the Tower 28 lineup, SuperDew has super great ingredients—we’re talking skin-soothing chamomile, antioxidant green tea and nourishing shea butter—so it essentially takes care of dryness while imparting a luminous glow. If you’re not a glitter gal but still want to highlight, pick this up ASAP. You can even use it on your eyelids for a glossy look!

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Moisturizing and soothing formula
• No glitter, pigment or shimmer
• Natural, dewy finish
• Multipurpose

Cons:

• Doesn’t dry completely

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Tower 28, Sculptino Soft Cream Contour — $20.00

One of the brand’s more recent launches, the Sculptino is the secret to achieving a chiseled, contoured look with barely any effort. It’s like Bronzino’s matte, shimmer-free sister. It comes in four shades that are somehow neutral and slightly warm at the same time—and it applies like a dream. The silky soft formula can be applied with a brush or your fingers, and because the formula is sheer it’s nearly impossible to mess up. When I’m in a hurry, I’ll dip my fingers into the compact and sweep Sculptino on my usual contour points (hollows of the cheekbones, temples and jawline) before haphazardly blending it out with my fingertips. The result? A sculpted and defined complexion in seconds. It’s a YES from me.

Pros:

• Creamy matte finish
• Sheer formula
• Neutral undertones 
• Easy to blend
• Multipurpose

Cons:

• None :)

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Tower 28, JuiceBalm Tinted Lip Balm — $16.00

One thing about me is I can’t say no to a tinted lip balm, and the JuiceBalms are no exception. These super smooth balms give your lips a punch of pigment and juicy shine, and promise to leave your pout more hydrated than before. My only gripe is that they’re not all that moisturizing. The formula, while pigmented, is too thin and slippy to give my dry lips any meaningful hydration. That being said, the popsicle-like pigment and dewy shine couldn’t be more perfect for summer. So while these aren’t my first choice when it comes to a moisturizing lip balm, the wearable shades make them worth keeping in my makeup bag.

Pros:

• Juicy, dewy shine
• Bold and sheer shades
• Smooth glide

Cons:

• Not very hydrating
• Formula is thin and slippery

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Tower 28, OneLiner Multi-Liner — $15.00

If it wasn’t already clear that Tower 28 has fully mastered multipurpose products, this last product ought to do the trick. The OneLiner Multi-Liner is an endlessly versatile, matte pencil that can be used on the eyes, lips and face to create a bounty of different looks—it’s the only makeup pencil you’ll ever need. I have the shades “Fill Me In” (a rosy nude) and “Draw Me” (a chocolatey brown) and I use them both all the time. “Fill Me In” is my lip liner of choice—though scribbling it onto your cheeks as blush is a delightful experience I’d highly recommend you try—and “Draw Me” is my go-to eyeliner, smudged out along my lashline. Both glide smoothly without skipping or dragging, and they stick around throughout the day. And for only $15 bucks? They’re so worth a try.

Pros:

• For eyes, lips and cheeks
• Smooth glide
• Creamy matte finish
• Safe for sensitive eyes

Cons:

• None :)

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While my bathroom counter overfloweth with a lineup of glosses, tints, and frosts, there’s one notable absence: Matte lipsticks. In the past, mattes have always left my lips dry, cracked, and accentuated any tiny lip lines. I’m a big fan of the Charlotte Tilbury brand, so when I heard the innovative U.K. glamour queen was launching a new matte-meets-moisture Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur ($35) liquid lipstick, I wondered if this might be my ticket to finally embracing the ultra-trendy matte lip.

Lip Blur is the first color product in Charlotte Tilbury’s cult-fave Airbrush Flawless franchise of foundations and other complexion products. Tilbury and her team—known for working magic on famous faces for runways, premieres, and awards shows—lent their backstage beauty secrets to create the smoothing, blur-filter effects of the Airbrush Flawless line. The new Lip Blur combines powder-blur technology for a smooth, soft-focus look with hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump and prevent dryness—and promises to deliver color that lasts all day.

How to use Charlotte Tilbury Lip Blur

What’s really unique is you can use Lip Blur’s diamond-tip applicator (designed to deliver precise application like a lip brush) to achieve two different looks—blurred or bold—with one lipstick. To get the looks, the brand’s makeup artists give these tips:

For a blurred look

To create a subtle finish, concentrate on applying color in the center of the lip, gently moving outwards. Use your fingertip to lightly press color into the lip, blurring the edges to create a soft, pillowy look.

For a bold look

Glide the applicator smoothly across the lips (don’t blend with your fingers) to deliver a more dialed-up appearance.

What happened when I tried Charlotte Tilbury Lip Blur

Lip Blur has already graced the faces of supermodel (and face of the campaign) Bella Hadid, and models in the Oscar De La Renta pre-spring 2024 lookbook, and now it was my turn.

Charlotte Tilbury’s new app has a Lip Blur Pro Colour Match Tool to find your perfect matches from the line’s eight shades in only seconds. (I received a pink, berry, and red match.) My pink match happened to be the line’s signature Pillow Talk Blur shade (which also comes in a medium tone). I liked the light pop of color and found it just right for a low-key look. My red match of Ruby Blur was just what a scarlet lip color should be—bold, vibrant, and worthy of a Taylor Swift concert.

Pillow Talk Blur

Ruby Blur

Thanks to the angled applicator, I was able to skip the lip liner. The product glides on smoothly, without stickiness, and after a couple of tries, I really got the blur technique down. (Fair warning: the red shade took some effort to get off my fingers.). and it was easy to take the blur look bold just by adding another swipe or two of color. The smooth finish really does last hours without fading, and even after having the lipstick on all day, there was no hint of dryness or caking—if anything my lips felt moisturized.

Lipstick has always been one of my favorite ways to dial things up or down, and I love that Lip Blur lets me do that with one product. Looks like the glosses, tints, and frosts on my counter will have company, because thanks to Lip Blur, matte has finally won a place in my heart—and on my lips.

I was born with chimeric eyelashes and eyebrows, meaning that those on the left side of my face are blonde and those on the right are brown. It’s never been totally clear whether this asymmetry was the result of some weird genetic mutation or it’s merely a symptom of my vitiligo, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve essentially looked like a spliced photo of two different people. And the worst part of all was that the blonde side was so blonde that my lashes weren’t even visible from more than a foot or two away.

The only thing that finally offered me some solace was mascara, which I started wearing in my teenage years and swore never to stop. When the pandemic hit a few years ago, however, I discovered the joy of an occasional day (or week) off of makeup. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that even when the world started opening back up and I found myself interacting with someone other than my dog, I wasn’t in any hurry to return to mascara seven days a week.

At the same time, I didn’t want my blonde eyelashes to all but disappear without the help of a hefty coat of black, so I started thinking of alternative solutions, and a fellow beauty aficionado recommended an eyelash serum.

Although I was no stranger to the category—my job as a beauty editor ensured I always knew about the latest and greatest lash products—I had never really considered that they may offer some assistance to my little lash disappearing act. I figured it was worth a shot, and officially commenced my search for the best serum. There was one option that had been around longer than any other and had consistently achieved great results, but it required a prescription, which I decided would be too big a hassle if I wound up using it long-term. Then, as though the eyelash gods had been smiling down upon me, I was invited to try a brand-new, just-launched eyelash serum that claimed to deliver the same results as its prescription-grade counterpart but was available over the counter: Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum ($120).

Obagi, Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum — $120.00

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I had heard through the beauty grapevine that the new serum was truly something to behold, but as always, I remained dubious. I combed through every inch of the clinical trials and was admittedly impressed. I knew the true test of Nu-Cil’s abilities would come only from trying it on my own lashes, though. And after a month of applying it nightly, I understood the hype.

Nu-Cil is designed to stimulate the growth phase of the lash cycle and improve the overall appearance of lashes—but its impressive results are thanks to Obagi’s proprietary NouriPlex technology, which targets the five signs of lash aging (volume, density, pigment, length, and condition). The formula contains a blend of four ingredients: biotin, which is known to support keratin production and help thicken and lengthen lashes; dehydrolatanaprost, which targets the anagen phase of the lash cycle; sodium hyaluronate to nourish and moisturize lashes and enhance volume; and panthenol to increase shine and soften lashes. It’s this combination of ingredients that Obagi says allows the serum to not only lengthen lashes but also increase their fullness and density while improving their pigment—the very mission I was looking to accomplish with my own lashes.

I’ve now been using the Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhancing Serum (and its partner, the Nu-Cil Eyebrow Boosting Serum, for my beloved blonde brow) for roughly two years, and it’s given me the bold, long, dense, and most importantly, visible lashes I’ve always dreamed of. And more than that, the serum has given me the confidence I long needed to ditch the mascara now and then (without even batting an eyelash).

The Best SPF Makeup of 2023

When your makeup has SPF in it, it’s the cherry on top of a wonderful routine. If you're already applying foundation anyway, there's no reason not to go ahead and use it as an excuse to take your sun protection to the next level. Considering that 90 percent of visible signs of skin aging are caused by UV damage, more is definitely more when it comes to SPF. And really, who doesn't love a two-for-one product?

It's worth noting: Foundation isn't the only way you can work SPF makeup into your routine. These days, there are so many options to choose from. We're talking lip gloss, setting spray, primer, skin tints—the list goes on. What's more, you can choose from formulas with varying tints, textures, formats, and skin benefits, which means that anyone and everyone can find their best option.

To boost your sun protection with makeup that's got baked-in SPF, browse our 15 favorites below.

How to use SPF makeup

When wearing SPF makeup, you'll want to be sure you apply it alongside another sun-protective products. That's because in order to get the amount of SPF a foundation (or any other complexion product) promises, you need to apply enough product to cover two fingers. And that's a lot of product, especially if you're going for a no-makeup makeup look.

“According to a recent survey, the majority of the 2,000 people who responded missed applying sunscreen to their ears, lips, and scalp/hairline, which aren't areas a foundation or tinted moisturizer would likely be applied to,” Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and spokesperson for the Sun Regrets Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Awareness campaign, previously told Well+Good. “Additionally, the issue with foundations and tinted moisturizers is not necessarily that the SPF is not high enough, but that people do not apply enough to achieve the recommended [amount required] to actually obtain the SPF stated on the bottle.”

It may sound redundant to layer your SPF products, but it's necessary. Think of it as an excuse to stock up on multiple formulas that will keep your skin safe all summer (and year) long.

Shop award-winning SPF Makeup

Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm—$14

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Best lip SPF

Protect your pout with this SPF lip gloss. It comes in a sheer shade and two colors (neutral pink and berry), so you can bump up your look while protecting your lips from volume loss, courtesy of prolonged sun exposure. It has a yummy vanilla brown sugar flavor and is infused with sea moss, aloe stem cells, and vitamin E to nourish.

What dermatologists say

“This lip balm contains SPF to protect the lips as well as sea moss and aloe stem cells, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin. It can be used daily and is especially good to reapply throughout the day for daily protection.” —Marisa Garshick, MD

What testers say

“If in the photo above, it looks like this lip gloss is kind of empty, that’s because I couldn’t stop using it ahead of the photo shoot. It’s moisturizing, pigmented, and never sticky. I love that with every swipe, I’m getting both color and protection.” — Kara Jillian Brown, beauty writer

Active ingredients

Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Sea moss, Aloe stem cells, Vitamin E

Size — 0.35 ounces

Pros

• Chemical formula
• SPF 30
• Shiny, non-sticky gloss

Cons

• Only three shades

Indie Lee, Daily SPF Primer—$46

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Best SPF primer for dry skin

Get a smooth and velvety canvas for makeup with this super-moisturizing primer. It will leave behind a golden veil to make your skin glow under your foundation, and contains antioxidant-rich ingredients like niacinamide, allantoin, and vitamin E to nourish your complexion while protecting against environmental damage.

What dermatologists say

“Containing niacinamide to soothe the skin, as well as vitamin E oil and allantoin, this primer helps to nourish the skin, leaving it looking soft and smooth, while offering SPF 50 protection.” —Dr. Garshick

What testers say

“This primer has a creamy consistency, offers SPF 50 protection, and has a hydrating and nourishing formula. It’s packaged in a drip bottle so application is easy. It leaves my skin feeling moisturized.” — Kayla Hui, commerce writer

Active ingredients

Zinc oxide, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Vitamin E

Size — 1.3 ounces

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 50
• Creamy and smooth texture

Cons

• Not water resistant

Ilia, Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40—$48

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Best SPF skin tint for dry skin

This ultra-hydrating skin tint reigns supreme for dry skin. It’s enriched with hydrators like shea butter and squalane to seal in the hydration and plump skin. Beyond its hydrating benefits, the formula is lightweight and leaves your skin looking and feeling its best. With SPF 40, the tint protects against the sun’s rays. What’s more, the non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formula isn’t likely to clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. That’s a winner in our books!

What dermatologists say

“Combining hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide, this skin tint hydrates the skin while also using zinc oxide to protect the skin against UV rays. The tint leaves behind a natural finish, and it is a great option for all skin types—especially those with dry or sensitive skin.” —Dr. Garshick

What testers say

“As someone who battles eczema-prone, dry, and sensitive skin, it’s a battle finding products that don’t cause irritation. When I tried Ilia’s Skin Tint, I was floored. The non-comedogenic formula doesn’t clog my pores, and the tint is formulated without irritants like fragrances. Plus, I also love how this tint evens out my complexion.” —Hui

Active ingredients

Zinc oxide

Size: 1 ounce

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 40
• Watery texture
• 30 shades

Cons

• Not water resistant

Estée Lauder, Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45—$50

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Best SPF foundation for dry skin

Thanks to the hydrating ingredients in this foundation, you’ll get the type of complexion benefits that make it feel more like skin care than makeup. It promises 12 hours of wear without caking or flaking, and it feels like a slurp of hydration for skin.

What dermatologists say

“This lightweight foundation works to hydrate and protect the skin while helping to conceal blemishes. It uses chia seed extract and probiotic technology to nourish and soothe the skin.” —Dr. Garshick

What testers say

“This has long been a tried-and-true in my complexion collection, and is one of my favorites to use on my dry skin on days I know I need a product that will look just as good after 10 hours as it did fresh after application.” —Zoë Weiner, senior beauty editor

Active ingredients

Octinoxate, Octisalate, Zinc Oxide

Size—1.18 ounces

Pros

• Hybrid formula
• SPF 45
• Creamy texture
• 28 shades
• Buildable coverage
• Dewy finish

Cons

• Formula may be too watery for some
• Not water resistant

BareMinerals, Prime Time Daily Protecting Primer Mineral SPF 30—$28

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Best SPF primer for oily skin

A primer that protects and keeps your makeup exactly where it needs to be without leaving you oily? Yes, please. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Bare Minerals’ SPF 30 Primer: a smooth, matte finish that stays in place with a burst of sun protection. While it is a little thick, it provides a nice canvas for foundation, blush, and other makeup. Meanwhile zinc oxide goes to work protecting your face from UV rays, blue light, and other stressors.

What dermatologists say

“I just love this product. It’s a mineral sunblock that’s perfectly transparent. Even on the darkest skin types, it protects against both UV and blue light. You can use it as is without applying a foundation. It says it’s for oily skin, but I think you can use it on dry skin just as easily. It had a more dewy finish than a matte finish on my skin, which I actually prefer.” — Hadley King, MD

What testers say

“This feels like a nice serum that also has SPF. It goes on smoothly and leaves my skin soft.” —Susan Turner, public relations director

Active ingredients

Zinc oxide, Titanium Dioxide.

Size—1 ounces

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 30
• Lightweight, lotion-y texture
• Glowy, not greasy finish

Cons

• Drying on certain skin types
• Not water resistant

True Botanicals, Everyday Skin Tint SPF 30—$54

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Best SPF skin tint for oily skin

This one-and-done skin tint leaves you with a natural glow and dewy finish that covers up any blemishes or dark spots, while working to smooth out wirnkles and fine lines. It’s lightweight, never awkwardly sinks into pores or creases, and never, ever leaves a white cast. While it offers light coverage, it’s fairly buildable without feeling cakey. Also notable are its 18 shades.

What dermatologists say

“Great product. Oily skin types will love the matte finish. I love that it contains zinc as the active ingredient, that it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. I also love the broad range of shades, it matched my skin tone perfectly.” — Sumayah Jamal, MD

What testers say

“This is a really nice, light skin tint that blends in with my skin tone pretty seamlessly, and feels near-weightless. For light coverage that’s buildable, I appreciated this one-and-done formula that blurs fine lines, zits, and acne scarring while making sure my face is protected during the day.” —Gina Vaynstheyn, commerce director

Active ingredients

Zinc Oxide

Size — 1 ounce

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 30
• Liquid-y
• 18 flexible shades

Cons

• Not water resistant
• Expensive

Tula, Brightening Serum Skin Tint Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30—$40

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Best SPF foundation for oily skin

Tula’s Brightening Serum Skin Tint gets all the gold stars for being a lightweight foundation that won’t clog your pores or leave you looking like an oil slick. That’s thanks to its non-comedogenic formula that’s infused with all sorts of skin-brightening goodness, like “rainbow seabright elixir,” a blend of rainbow seaweed and niacinamide that gives skin a “lit from within” look. True to Tula’s brand, it’s also infused with prebiotics and probitiocs to balance out the skin’s microbiome while it’s on. This helps oily skin stay dry, and dry skin stay hydrated. A win-win for everyone.

What dermatologists say

“This is a lightweight formulation but is still able to provide significant coverage. The prebiotics and probiotics are helpful inclusions to maintain the skin microbiome health, which plays a critical role in skin-barrier maintenance.” —Carmen Castilla, MD

What testers say

“I love this foundation for my dry skin, and was shocked when I passed a few tubes along to my oily-skinned friends and they loved it, too! That literally never, ever happens. It’s got *just* the right amount of dewiness to make every complexion happy.”—Weiner

Active ingredients

Avobenzone, Octisalate, Niacinamide, Prebiotics, Probiotics

Size—1 ounce

Pros

• Chemical formula
• SPF 30
• Creamy texture
• 30 shades
• Hydrates and brightens skin
• Semi-dewy finish

Cons

• Not water resistant

Thrive Causemetics, Filtered Effects Protecting Primer—$36

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Best SPF primer for sensitive skin

Protect, prepare, and plump your skin with this primer from Thrive Causmetics. It has a velvet-matte finish, creating a smooth base for easy and long-lasting makeup application.

What dermatologists say

“As much as I am not a big fan of primers (the dimethicone breaks a lot of people out because it’s too occlusive), this one feels hydrating and not too occlusive. And I do think that it’s very smart to add broad spectrum sunscreen to it and have it water resistant.” —Julie Russak, MD 

What testers say

“Out of all the SPF primers I’ve tried, this one had the smoothest, most velvety texture—thanks to silicones. It smooths away texture and creates the perfect base for foundation. Plus, it’s nice and hydrating, something my dry skin requires in a primer.” —Brown

Active ingredients

Titanium dioxide, Hyaluronic acid

Size — 1 ounce

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 37
• Velvety texture
• Matte finish
• Water resistant

Kosas, DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++++ —$40

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Best SPF skin tint for sensitive skin

When three of our editors with varying skin tones and concerns tested out this Kosas formula ahead of its launch, all three of us dubbed it the best mineral sunscreen we’ve ever used; it could have won multiple awards on this list. It beat out the competition for sensitive skin tints, in particular, thanks to its complexion-loving ingredients and the barely-there swathe of color it delivers to a range of skin tones—and all without causing irritation. It has a subtle (but effective!) peachy-pink tint, and pairs its mineral sun blockers (which derms recommend for sensitive skin) with calming allantoin, barrier-strengthening peptides and ceramides, and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Wear it on its own for light coverage (which many Well+Good staffers do every day) or use it as a sun-protective primer underneath your other favorite complexion products.

What dermatologists say

“I love how it feels but more than I love that it is full-on mineral, non-nano zinc. It’s also reef friendly; has ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, so it is great for the skin barrier and sensitive skin. It has no fragrance, so it is great for patients with allergic contact dermatitis. It’s got a great consistency, is easy to apply, and leaves a beautiful glow. And I love that it works for all skin types!” —Dr. Russak

What testers say

“I keep finding myself going back to this formula. It really doesn’t break me out, and provides a decent amount of coverage and a lot of glow. One note: Because of oiliness in my T-zone, I typically have to set that area with some powder after I apply!” —Maki Yazawa, food writer

Active ingredients

Zinc oxide, Peptides, Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid

Size—1 ounce

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 40
• Serum texture
• Evens discoloration
• Dewy finish

Cons

• May leave an ashy cast
• Not water resistant

Tower28, SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation—$32

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Best SPF foundation for sensitive skin

If you battle sensitive skin but want more coverage out of your sun products, we’d recommend Tower 28’s SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation. This two-in-one mineral foundation is formulated with glycerin and jojoba esters to deliver a radiant and hydrating glow. It also leaves behind a natural finish, has buildable coverage, and clocks in at SPF 30 to protect you from UV rays. You know this product is the real deal when it has received the seal of acceptance by the National Eczema Foundation, and it’s fragrance-free, making it the best foundation on the market for sensitive skin.

What dermatologists say

“This has great broad spectrum protection, and has iron that is good for melasma and protection from visible and blue light. It’s got a great finish and tone selection, and rubs in nicely.” —Dr. Russak

What testers say

“I’ve tried tons of foundation-sunscreen hybrids, and this one is my absolute favorite. It melts into my skin, providing pretty coverage while protecting my skin from sun damage. It goes on smooth and has a hydrating finish, so my skin feels dewy and nourished.” —Brown

Active ingredients

Zinc oxide, Iron oxide, Titanium dioxide

Size—1 ounce

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 30
• Lotion-y texture
• 17 shades
• Dewy finish

Cons

• May be too oily for some
• Not water resistant

Charlotte Tilbury, Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50—$32

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Best SPF primer for mature skin

We love this primer because it’s full of moisturizing oils and hyaluronic acid—ingredients that mature skin craves thanks to the fact that our complexions get drier as we age. Plus, it has a matrix of antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental agressors, like pollution, that can exacerbate premature signs of visible aging. It delivers a hydrated and smooth base to prevent your makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

What dermatologists say

“This formula has a really luxurious texture with a dewy finish, and is packed with ingredients to support mature skin.” —Dr. Jamal

What testers say

“Anytime my skin is feeling extra dry, this is the primer I reach for. My skin soaks up the formula so my makeup can rest on top instead of getting blotchy and uneven on my dry spots.” — Brown

Active ingredients

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Titanium dioxide, Aloe leaf extract, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E

Size — 1 ounce

Pros

• Hybrid formula with mineral and advanced chemical filters
• SPF 50
• Lotion-y texture

Cons

• Not water resistant

Laura Mercier, Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30—$53

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Best SPF skin tint for mature skin

This “skin perfector” is the Goldilocks of skin tints—not too creamy, not too sheer, but just right. And that’s just on the texture front; add in a boatload of skin-nourishing ingredients that tackle all the usual aging suspects, plus some SPF, and it’s a one-and-done product that’ll give you a fairy-tale ending every time you put it on. The light, melty formula blends effortlessly to blur pores, lines, and blemishes. Skin just slurps up the macadamia and kukui seed oils, while tamarind seed extract ensures long-lasting moisture, so you won’t have to reapply often. A burst of vitamin C and E get to work on signs of aging, too, while restoring the skin’s barrier to prevent further damage.

What dermatologists say

“Laura Mercier is aesthetically great but it feels and smells more like chemical sunscreen and has dimethicone. I felt it did peel off a little throughout the day.” —Dr. Russak

What testers say

“My mom, who’s in her seventies—don’t tell her I told you—turned me onto this tinted moisturizer years ago, and I’ve been grateful for it as my own fine lines have started to set in. It offers great coverage, doesn’t settle into wrinkles, and leaves skin looking moist (in the best possible way).” —Weiner

Active ingredients

Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Macadamia and kukui seed oils, Tamarind seed extract

Size—1 ounce

Pros

• Chemical formula
• SPF 30
• Lotion-y texture
• Dewy finish
• 19 shades

Cons

• Contains oxybenzone
• Not water resistant

IT Cosmetics, Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50—$47

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Best SPF foundation for mature skin

A handful of W+G staffers swear by this stuff for making their skin look and feel better on a daily basis. The featherlight foundation blends seamlessly to blur pores and mask blemishes without giving you that heavy, cakey look. Its light feel is surprising, given it’s made with mineral SPF—you’d seriously never know it. No, instead, a few dabs of this stuff melts into the most natural, glowy finish, which is largely thanks to the burst of hyaluronic acid that hydrates skin while plumping it up. Add in niacinamide for brightening dark spots and smoothing out for fine lines, and it’s a winner for creating an au naturale look that features your skin, but better.

What dermatologists say

“Great coverage!” —Dr. Russak

What testers say

“This formula features skin-care superstar ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen to plump skin and smooth fine lines; niacin, for hydration; and hyaluronic acid, more hydration. It really feels like a serum or moisturizer. I have naturally oily-combo skin, and this product helps me not overproduce even more oil throughout the day. I’ll wear this stuff from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. with no touch-ups and my makeup barely budges—and my face doesn’t look shiny or slick. But if you have dry skin, it’s even more of a winner.” —Vaynshteyn

Active ingredients

Zinc oxide, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid

Size—1.7 ounces

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 50
• Creamy texture
• Dewy finish
• 22 shades

Cons

• Not water resistant

Iris + Romeo, Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow—$50

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Best SPF makeup for dull skin

Though this stuff is technically a primer, it delivers so well on its skin-tone evening promise, you may not have to wear foundation at all. (Many of our editors consider it their “one and done” summer complexion product.) It comes in two shades, both of which have a subtle tint that blend into skin and leave it looking lit-from-within-luminous without looking ashy. The vitamin C and niacinamide in the formula may help to brighten existing discoloration over time while SPF 50 prevents future damage from occurring.

What dermatologists say

“This all-mineral sunscreen comes in two tints for sheer coverage or a glowing complexion. The formula also delivers stabilized vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone.” —Joshua Zeichner, MD

What testers say

“It goes on smoothly and not sticky, and has a nice tint that works for my fair skin tone. I’ve been wearing it in lieu of foundation, with just a little bit of concealer on top wherever I need more coverage. It looks shiny when you first apply it, and takes a while to soak in, so note that it’s better for someone who likes a dewier look.” —Jenny Heimlich, senior health and fitness editor

Active ingredients

Zinc oxide, Vitamin C, Niacinamide

Size — 1 ounce

Pros

• Mineral formula
• SPF 50
• Thick, more like a foundation than a primer
• Dewy finish
• 2 flexible shades

Cons

• Not water resistant
• Expensive

Naked Sundays, SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up—$30

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Best SPF makeup for dull skin

This is the perfect product for days when you forgot to apply SPF, or simply want to top up every two hours (which is what you should be doing anyway!) without messing up your makeup. It’s got a fine mist that spritzes easily onto skin and doesn’t feel sticky post-application.

What dermatologists say

“This setting spray worked well both under and over makeup; makeup does not crease after using the spray. For sun protection, it is great to have an additional lightweight SPF 50 that can be applied throughout the day over makeup.” —Dr. Castilla

What testers say

“I love how easy this stuff makes it to stay properly protected throughout the day. Plus, the fact that it keeps my makeup from sweating off on 90°F NYC days is a fabulous added bonus.” —Weiner

Active ingredients

Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Hyaluronic acid, Kakadu plum

Size—3.4 ounces

Pros

• Chemical formula
• SPF 50
• Fine mist
• Dewy finish
• Not sticky

Cons

• Not water resistant
• Needs to be layered over another SPF for proper coverage

If you’re diligent about recycling your empties, kudos to you! But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost 70 percent of the 14.5 million tons of plastic packaging that were generated in 2018 ended up in a landfill. Of that 14.5 million tons, approximately 120 billion units of plastic are attributed to the cosmetic and personal-care industry. TL;DR: That’s a lot of moisturizer containers piling up at the dump.

But before you start to feel discouraged, take some advice from sustainability expert Jhánneu Roberts: Simple, sustainable beauty swaps can make a big difference to the planet, with minimal impact on your regimen.

“We can choose products with less packaging and ones that are made with renewable materials,” Roberts says. “When we make sustainable choices, we’re showing businesses that we want them to do better, and that can lead to positive changes in the market.”

One simple place to start? Opt for more sustainable materials. Avoiding (or recycling) plastic is an obvious one, but choosing natural, biodegradable fabrics like cotton in your towels and other self-care products can also have a big impact on your beauty routine’s sustainability footprint. (FYI: Most synthetic fibers are made from forms of plastic.) Keep reading for more of Roberts’ planet-loving advice, plus a few suggestions for sustainable beauty swaps you can easily adopt.

1. Swap your disposable beauty staples with reusable ones

Take a second and think about how much trash your beauty routine generates. From taking off makeup and nail polish to putting on toner, it’s probably a lot. Although you might be thinking, “aren’t those things biodegradable?” many cheap staples like makeup remover wipes are actually made with synthetic fibers, meaning you’re basically just tossing more plastic into the trash.

Roberts suggestion? Switch to reusable cotton rounds. “By opting for reusable cotton rounds instead of disposable pads, you reduce waste and lessen the environmental impact associated with single-use products,” Roberts says.

If you’re still partial to disposable cotton rounds, no worries: Just check the label to ensure they’re made of 100 percent biodegradable cotton instead of synthetic fibers. And while you’re at it, you might as well get a reusable cotton makeup towel to replace your usual makeup wipes. Added bonus? There’s no need to worry about skin irritation with cotton products since they’re hypoallergenic.

Shop Reusable Cotton Rounds

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Reusable Facial Rounds

$20

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Makeup Remover Washcloth

$18

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Package Free Cotton Rounds

$14

2. Try bar soaps in the shower

Your shower is another place that houses a lot of plastic packaging. Although this one might seem unavoidable, there is a way around it: Try bar shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. “Using a solid bar soap eliminates the need for plastic packaging found in many liquid body washes, reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable option for cleansing,” Roberts says.

The three options listed below (which all smell delicious, btw) are made by companies that take their commitment to environmental stewardship seriously. The limited packaging they do use is plastic-free, and the bars also last longer than typical plastic-packaged shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—they’re all around two to three bottles worth—while still costing essentially the same. Saving money and the planet is a win-win.

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Invigorating Matcha, Lime, & Lemongrass Soap Bar

$6

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Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar

$15

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Simple Fresh Conditioner Bar

$16

3. Choose beauty products that come in refillable containers

A few of your favorite beauty brands have a sustainable secret: Some of their popular products are refillable. “Choosing beauty products that come in refillable containers or have minimal packaging helps reduce unnecessary waste,” Roberts says. Plus, it’ll (once again) save you money, since re-purchasing just the refill is usually less expensive.

And it’s not just indie beauty brands offering refillable containers—big names such as Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, Drunk Elephant, and Glossier do too.

Shop Refillable Makeup

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Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick

$45

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Brow Cheat

$26

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Monochromes Essential Eyeshadow Trio

$22

4. Opt for deodorant in non-plastic packaging

Another easy switch you can make in your beauty routine is replacing your plastic-packaged deodorant with ones packaged in paper or reusable containers. Roberts recommends Native’s paper-packaged deodorant, and all three of the brands below are vegan, aluminum-free, and well-loved by their users (and did we mention planet-friendly?).

Making these sustainable beauty swaps may seem like a small way of making an impact, but with 4.9 billion metric tons of plastic already in landfills, every little bit helps. “Sustainable living requires mindfulness about the impact of our actions on the environment and future generations,” Roberts says. “It involves being aware of our consumption patterns, reducing waste, conserving resources, and choosing eco-friendly alternatives.” Here’s to a less plastic-filled future.

Shop Plastic-Free Deodorant

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Santal Refillable Deodorant

$38

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Citrus & Herbal Musk Plastic Free Deodorant

$13

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Dom's Calm Lavender-Rosemary Natural Deodorant

$15

“I used Merit products for the first and second season of And Just Like That,” makeup artist Elaine Offers says in an Instagram post, where she shows herself prepping Parker for the AJLT Season 2 premiere—again, with mostly Merit products to give the actress a natural, vibrant glow that matches Bradshaw’s signature minimalist, fresh face in the series. If you’ve been watching (the second season premiered June 22), you’ve likely noticed how radiant Parker looks—and it’s all thanks to this one brand.

Merit, a brand specifically engineered to be easy and seamless to use for everyday application, has gotten thousands of accolades on beauty TikTok, with influencers and W+G editors alike marveling how effortless the makeup is to use. “I realized there were many people just like me—busy individuals who want to look polished and pulled together in the time it takes to make a cup of coffee,” Merit founder, Katherine Power, said in an interview with Forbes. “I am not a makeup artist. I haven’t spent hours consuming beauty how-tos on YouTube, but I like makeup, and I want to enjoy it through a ‘less is more’ approach.”

And “less is more” is certainly the motto fictional character Carrie Bradshaw would abide by, considering fashion takes front and center in terms of her self expression. “The elegant and natural finishes were perfect for Carrie Bradshaw,” Offers explains. Bradshaw would opt for beauty products that will give her a five-minute full face of makeup so that she could focus the rest of her routine on her outfits—and the same goes for the actress who plays her.

Ahead, we have all of the details on what Offers used for Parker’s AJLT season premiere—and if you don’t already own some of these makeup mainstays, now’s the time to stock up.

Every Merit beauty product Sarah Jessica Parker wore for the ‘And Just Like That’ Season 2 premiere

Great Skin Instant Glow Serum — $38.00

When prepping SJP’s skin, Offers started with the Great Skin Instant Glow Serum to hydrate skin. Featuring four types of hyaluronic acid, this serum is designed to deeply nourish and replenish moisture while providing the skin with a touch of suppleness. In addition to hyaluronic acid, this serum is enhanced with the skincare benefits of niacinamide, which include brightening and smoothing, along with cacao seed extract for stimulating blood flow and Japanese goldthread root for soothing. 

Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cacao seed extract, Japanese goldthread root 

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Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil in Bel Air — $24.00

Next, Offers used the Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil in Bel Air to hydrate the pout with a touch of warm, clear gloss before makeup application. Thanks to its inclusion of squalane and quinoa oil, which moisturizes and restores barrier function, the lip oil nourishes the lips while providing a touch of pigment. Also available in neutral tones such as taupe, deep brown, soft peach, and pops of color like sheer pink, deep berry, and sheer red, this is the perfect everyday lip formula for skin care and makeup benefits. 

Colors: Clear, warm naturel, taupe, pink beet, soft peach, soft red-orange, deep berry, deep brown, sheer pink, sheer red, sheer neutral, sheer brown 

Ingredients: Squalane, quinoa seed oil

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MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer in Siene — $30.00

To create a warm halo on SJP’s forehead, Offers used the Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer in Siene with a touch of the Flush Balm Cheek Color in Fox (more on that, below!). The Bronze Balm is one of Merit’s most coveted formulas and is loved for its sheer touch of blendable color and lightweight feeling on skin. We love it because in addition to creating a more natural glow, the makeup bronzer includes fatty acids that condition the skin and leave a light and nourished-looking glow. 

Colors: Fair, light, medium, medium-deep, deep

Ingredients: Fatty acids

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Flush Balm Cheek Color in Fox and Cheeky — $30.00

As an added touch to SJP’s forehead, chin, neck, and décolletage, Offers also used the Flush Balm Cheek Color in Fox — a gorgeous warm taupe — and followed up with the Cheeky color, which has a cool pink tone on the apples of her cheeks. This creamy blush stick comes in various gorgeous colors, including neutrals like tape and cream and colors such as berry and orange-red, that can elevate a bronzed summer look or add a nice flush to the complexion. We love it because it provides a touch of skin care with the inclusion of antioxidant-rich vitamin E for conditioning the skin and warding off environmental aggressors. 

Colors: Warm taupe, soft orange-red, warm creme, soft peach, baby pink, cool pink, soft berry, deep berry, soft burgundy

Ingredients: Vitamin E

 

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Day Glow Highlighting Balm in Bounce — $32.00

Offers also used a touch of the Day Glow Highlighting Balm in Bounce—which has a rose gold finish—for an added glow-up to the apples of SJP’s cheeks. This highlighter stick is formulated with lots of skin-supporting ingredients such as squalane, olive fruit oil, vitamin E, and a blend of phytosterol and amino acid to give the skin some extra TLC and support the complexion’s barrier function. In addition to rose gold, it comes in champagne and soft gold for two additional sparkling hues. 

Colors: Rose gold, champagne, soft gold 

Ingredients: Squalane, olive fruit oil, vitamin E, and a phytosterol and amino acid blend

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Volumizing Brow 1980 Pomade in Blonde — $24.00

When it comes to eyebrows, we’re still bringing on the fluff. Offers used the Volumizing Brow 1980 Pomade in Blonde to provide some color and tame her brows. This formula is inspired by the eyebrow trends of the ’80s (hence the name) and features a flexible hold that can easily style the eyebrows while providing a touch of pigment. In addition to the makeup component, the eyebrow pomade also features vitamin B5 in its formula, which actually conditions and strengthens eyebrows for healthier-looking strands.  

Colors: Blonde, brown, soft black 

Ingredients: Vitamin B5, kaolin clay, pigments

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Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara — $26.00

To finish off SJP’s And Just Like That premiere look, Offers applied Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara, which doubles as a treatment for conditioning and adding shine, thanks to ingredients such as vitamin B5, olive oil, and fatty acids. This clean mascara comes in a potent black hue that, despite its depth, elevates lashes with a natural finish. When applying to SJP, Offers said she used three coats to get that volumized look. 

Colors: Black 

Ingredients: Vitamin B5, olive oil, fatty acids

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“I started using it last August and by October I noticed they were so much fuller,” says Dr. Gohara, who is based in Hamden, Connecticut. “I get a blow dry once a week and my friend who blow dries my hair was like, ‘Holy shit, you’ve got brows!’ And I was like, ‘Oh my God, I know!”

“I had my genetics, my autoimmune condition, my age, and the fact that I was one of those ’90s over-plucking chicks all going against me. And this somehow gave me brows.” — Mona Gohara, MD

Obagi, Nu-Cil Eyebrow Boosting Serum — $145.00

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Obagi Nu-Cil Eyebrow Boosting Serum ($145) uses a blend of lipids, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and biotin to promote growth.

“Hyaluronic acid is a humectant so it absorbs water into the hair so the brows look thicker,” says Dr. Gohara. “And then the fullness comes from lipids that help to increase the anagen, which is the growth phase of the hair follicle. Probably what was happening with my hair follicle was that my growth phase was really short. And my shedding and resting phases were a lot longer. This ingredient basically protracted the growth phase, so my brows actually had a chance to grow, which never was happening before.”

The Obagi Eyebrow Serum is working to give Dr. Gohara the fullest brows she ever had despite her autoimmune condition, genetic age-related hair loss, and the fact that she overplucked when she was younger.

“I’m 47, I’m not a spring chicken. And when you get older, the hair on your head, your eyelashes, and your eyebrows, all just thin out,” she says. “And in my generation when I was growing up, it was cool to have like really thin over-plucked eyebrows. So when you do that you can scar the hair follicle and when you scar the hair follicle, it’s not gonna grow anymore. I had my genetics, my autoimmune condition, my age, and the fact that I was one of those ’90s over-plucking chicks all going against me. And this somehow gave me brows.”

Additionally, Dr. Gohara has heard from many others that this serum helped them out too.

“I’ve recommended it to a lot of people and thus far nobody said that it hasn’t worked,” says Dr. Gohara. And when she shared her experience with the product on her Instagram story, “a couple of people were like, ‘Yes, I’ve used this too and it’s amazing.”

This serum has grown out Dr. Gohara’s brows without causing any hyperpigmentation or irritation. For the first two months, she used it every day. Now, she uses it once or twice a week for maintenance. Pro tip: Use this serum in the morning.

“I was using it at night and it’s so effective at growing hair that I was getting hair on my eyelids because I would rub against my pillow as I slept and it would spread,” says Dr.Gohara. “I looked like a werewolf because I would have hair on my eyes, which I just shaved and I didn’t care cause I finally had eyebrows, I didn’t really give a crap. But now I use it during the day.”

So if your brows are sparse and you’re looking to get them fuller, the Obagi Nu-Cil Eyebrow Boosting Serum is a must-buy.

Thrive Causemetics, Liquid Lash Volumizer Mascara — $25.00

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Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Volumizer Mascara ($25) is a new volumizing mascara that’s made with the brand’s proprietary Power Peptide Lash Booster, a blend of three peptides that deeply conditions each lash to encourage fullness and length. It also has sodium hyaluronate and organic pea sprout extract to nourish your lashes. These ingredients and more come together in a long-lasting, flake-free product.

As good as this formula is, when it comes to appearance, I find that the brush matters way more than what’s in the mascara. Thrive’s Lift + Curl Dual-Bristle Brush is made with a blend of long and short bristles to separate lashes and coat them with product so you get a super fluffy look.

It’s available in both black and brown. Below, I’m wearing the black option on just my left eye (top and bottom lashes) and you can really see how it adds so much interest to my eyes. It makes my lashes actually visible and I’m obsessed. The brown option is perfect if you don’t want a more natural look, especially if have lighter hair.

The Thrive Causemetics Volumizer Mascara seriously delivers. Because my lashes are short, I feel like they’re invisible without mascara. And if I use mascara that clumps, I’m left looking like I have three lashes. This mascara separates them evenly so each one can shine.

If you’re looking for length and volume, Thrive Causemtics founder Karissa Bodnar recommends putting this mascara on first and then adding a layer of Thrive’s Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara ($25). To get a teensy bit of length without switching products, I follow the advice I got years ago from celebrity makeup artist Camara Aunique to first apply her mascara to each eye, from root to tip. Then, to add a second coat, begin to add the mascara at the tip of the lashes, and then work down to the root, to lengthen and draw out the lashes.

To define your lashes and get a bold and fluffy look, the Thrive Causemetics Volumizer Mascara is exactly what your makeup bag needs.

Being a beauty writer, I go above and beyond to care for my skin (hello, 20-step nightly skin-care routine) and hair (I haven’t met a scalp treatment or exfoliant that I didn’t love), but my lashes? Not so much. Given the fallout I was experiencing, though, I was ready to stop neglecting my lashes and finally try a serum to help maintain them—and maybe even grow back some of what I’d lost.

But! I had a bit of trepidation about incorporating a lash serum into my already-dense routine, given the anecdotes I’ve heard about their propensity to cause darkening around the eyes, severe irritation, and iris discoloration. Many lash-growth serums on the market are made with prostaglandins (or their analogs), which is what causes these side effects to happen. So when I heard about Olaplex’s Lashbond Building Serum ($68), which mimics the results of prostaglandins-based serums without actually using the ingredient, I was eager to try it.

Olaplex, Lashbond Building Serum — $68.00

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What to know about prostaglandins

Prostaglandins analogs, originally used to treat glaucoma, stimulate lash growth and are the active ingredients in the FDA-approved eyelash growth serum, Latisse.

Inna Lazar, optometrist and founder of Pro Eye Care in Greenwich and Darien, CT, explains that though prostaglandins-based serums can stimulate the hair growth phase of lashes, promoting fuller and longer lashes, the reward may not be worth the risk. “Side effects of lash serums include allergic reactions, eye irritation, and pigment changes,” she says. “Key ingredients causing these effects can be bimatoprost and isopropyl cloprostenate, which are prostaglandin analogs. They are associated with darkening of the iris, skin around the eyes, unwanted hair growth and atrophy of orbital fat. Other ingredients, like certain preservatives, can cause eye irritation.” What’s more, unwanted hair growth can occur on the eyelids, cheeks, or surrounding areas due to incorrect application. In other words, these serums can be an aesthetic nightmare.

Though there are many lash serums on the market that are formulated without irritants (you’ll often find these marketed as lash “conditioners” instead of growth serums) Olaplex’s option offers something a little different. Made with Olaplex’s well-known bond-building technology (think Olaplex No.3), it strengthens and grows a healthier-looking lash in a similar way that the technology helps to repair damaged hair.

How does Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum work?

“Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum safely targets five top lash concerns without the unwanted effects: lash length, volume and density, loss and shedding, dry and brittle lashes, and lack of natural lift and curl,” says Tiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and spokesperson for the brand. “It is the only lash serum on the market that uses next-generation Olaplex Peptide Complex Technology and exclusive, patented Olaplex Bond Building Technology.”

Safe for all skin types and contact lens wearers, this peptide-based serum is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and biotin. “The formula uses chains of amino acids to strengthen and protect existing lashes, reducing breakage and enhancing natural growth,” says Dr. Lazar. “They’re generally milder and less likely to cause side effects, but they may not deliver as dramatic results as prostaglandin-based serums. It’s about balancing desired outcomes and potential risks.”

To see maximum results from Olaplex Lashbond, Dr. Libby advises using it on clean, dry skin. “I recommend using it twice daily, consistently, and you’ll start to see results within 1-2 months,” she says. To use, simply “dip the brush into the tube once and apply it to the skin along the upper lash line on both eyes. Do not wash it off. Allow to dry for at least 90 seconds before applying other eye products. There is no need to apply to the lower lash line, as the product will migrate to the lower lash line through blinking. Applying the product directly to the bottom lash could lead to irritation in the eye area.”

Olaplex conducted a 12-week consumer perception clinical study on the serum, which showed that most participants who followed Dr. Libby’s use instructions saw healthier-looking lashes after two weeks of use. After four weeks, participants in the study saw fuller-looking lashes. Results will, of course, vary from person to person, but I for one was excited to try the serum knowing that many users experienced notable changes in the density and volume of their lashes.

My Experience With the Product

After using the product for the recommended two full months, both morning and night, I was able to achieve small, yet noticeable, results with my lashes. After two weeks, I noticed less of my lashes shedding. And after a month and a half, they looked slightly longer and more dense. Its effectiveness was most evident when I put mascara on top of it, because very little product made my lashes look almost fake—it seemed as if the serum made for a better mascara canvas. Now, when I coat my lashes in mascara, they look effortlessly long and voluminous. I am extremely happy with the result and intend on continuing to use the product to maintain my results.

Saie, Glow Sculpt — $32.00

Refills $25

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What is Saie’s Glow Sculpt?

Over the past few years, Saie has made a name for itself in the beauty space for its high-performance formulas made with sustainable packaging and practices. As the beauty industry has shifted to a focus on natural-looking skin and makeup made with skin-friendly ingredients, Saie has excelled as a premier brand in the space. Whether you’re using their beloved Glowy Super Gel ($28) or their new Glowy Super Skin Foundation ($40), you know you’re getting a high-quality formula made with superior ingredients.

Following that same ethos, Glow Sculpt is a multi-use cream highlighting blush with a silky texture that melts right into your skin. The formula is made with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and konjac root, both of which help to hydrate your skin and give you a healthier-looking complexion.

The product is available in five shades: Mauveglow (a cool-toned mauve), Peachglow (a pinky peach), Quartzglow (a warm bronze), Pinkglow (a cool pink), and Bronzeglow (a rich, reddish bronze). Each compact comes with a mirror and is refillable. That means you can purchase the whole set for $32 and, from there, purchase refills for $25 each. You can also grab the accompanying dual-ended Double Brush ($30), which is perfect for applying on your cheekbones or even your eyelids for an extra pop of color.

The Shades

I had the chance to try out all five shades, which I tested out on both my eyelids and cheekbones.

Quartzglow

On me, Quartzglow leaned more towards a straight highlighter than a highlighting blush. While it added just a hint of color, its biggest payoff was as a luminous highlighter for my cheeks.

Pinkglow

For days that I want a highlighting blush that delivers a 60/40 highlighter to color ratio, Pinkglow will be my go-to. While Bronzeglow, Peachglow, and Mauveglow all give a generous amount of pigment, Pinkglow gives a more subtle color with lots of radiance.

Bronzeglow

This beautiful shade has quite a bit of pigment! On my lighter skin tone, I found that I needed to apply it with a lighter touch than the sheerer shades, like Quartzglow and Pinkglow. The reddish bronze color is stunning, though, and I especially loved wearing it on my lids.

Peachglow

Perfect for summer, Peachglow is a rather opaque pinky peach that adds an instant flush to the cheeks. While not identical, this shade is similar to the cult-favorite NARS Orgasm Blush, with a familiar color pay-off and glow.

Mauveglow

I am a sucker for mauve in any kind of makeup, so before I even tried it I knew this shade would likely be my favorite. The cool-toned color works perfectly to sculpt my cheeks, adding a beautiful highlight with a nicely buildable color.

Overall Thoughts on Glow Sculpt

Having tried most of Saie’s other products in the past, I knew going in that the brand knows how to bring luminosity into the skin. In my mind, its formulas always excelled in their ability to give skin a healthy glow without ever making it look like a disco ball—they simply make it look like a more naturally-glowy version of itself.

As someone with more subtle cheekbones (a nice way of saying I really don’t have them at all), the intent behind Glow Sculpt really appealed to me. A pop of color plus the appearance of cheekbones? It seemed too good to be true. But—as you can tell from the photos—it delivers on that promise and then some.

When wearing Saie Sculpt, my barely-noticeable cheekbones really pop. The product adds radiance and color without ever looking too shiny or done up, and its creamy texture melts beautifully into the skin. I did find that certain shades were more pigmented than others on my skin, with Bronzeglow, Peachglow, and Mauveglow providing the most color payoff. However, if you’re looking for a highlighter with just the slightest hint of color, Quartzglow and Pinkglow are great options.

All to say, Saie has done it again, bringing a glowing product to the market that everyone will be talking about. It’s the product of my dreams, indeed.

Starting today until June 18, you can get 20 percent off all orders when you spend $75 or more with promo code THEBIGONE. Here are some of our favorite makeup products from Ilia’s collection, plus the one product we think you have to snag on sale this weekend.

Super Serum Skin Tint — $38.00

Originally $48, now $38

Ilia is no stranger to so-called “holy grail” products. However! One formula, in particular, is a fan-favorite amongst the masses and it’s the one product you have to add to your cart this weekend. The Super Serum Skin Tint is a tried-and-true formula that combines the benefits of skin care with the perks of makeup, and shoppers swear by it for its lightweight coverage, shimmery finish, and transparent ingredients.

As a facial serum, the Super Serum Skin Tint nourishes the complexion and is clinically proven to improve dry textures, diminish the look of redness and blemishes, blur wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. On top of that, it’s formulated with SPF 40 for impressive protection against the sun’s damaging UV rays. As a lightweight foundation, the product provides the ideal amount of no makeup-makeup tint that covers the complexion enough to even out the skin tone without masking the face and feeling heavy. 

Size: 1 ounce 

Colors: 30 skin tones

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Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm — $22.00

Originally $28, now $22

Ilia knows a thing or two about combining skin care with makeup, and the brand’s Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm is an excellent example of that. This nourishing formula is elevated with ingredients such as sea succulent, rosehip seed oil, and shea butter, providing pouts with a creamy and deeply hydrating finish that plumps and deep conditions lips. To add to that, the lip balms are all tinted with but highly buildable, pigmented colors, making them a fantastic option for those who want color without wearing lipstick. 

Size: 0.15 ounces

Colors: Warm peachy nude, cool rose pink, neutral pink nude, neutral mauve, warm red, neutral cranberry, cool berry, neutral cocoa brown

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Multi-Stick — $29.00

Originally $36, now $29

We love a multi-tasking makeup product and the Ilia Multi-Stick is one we reach for most in our makeup bag. This pigmented stick is designed to wear as blush and lip tint, providing a subtle pop of color to the complexion and pout. We love it for its creamy texture, which makes it easy to blend and layer, and its nourishing ingredients like sunflower seed oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax which nourish the lips and provide a nice highlighting shine to the cheekbones. Speaking of highlights, the multi-purpose blush stick also comes in translucent shimmering shades designed to highlight the high points of the complexion. 

Size: 0.15 ounces

Colors: Soft pink, golden peach, mauve rose, neutral rose, rich berry, terracotta, peach pink, watermelon pink, poppy red, soft champagne pearl, rose gold pearl, bronze pearl 

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C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40 — $51.00

Originally $64, now $51

For those looking for a no-makeup makeup product that is even lighter than the Super Serum Skin Tint, we adore the C Beyond Triple Serum and use it almost daily. This formula is technically a vitamin C serum and a mineral SPF but it’s enhanced with a slight tint, providing light coverage and a gorgeous glow. Featuring encapsulated vitamin C and SPF 40, the makeup serum is designed to brighten the complexion, protect against environmental aggressors, and smooth out uneven texture. And, in addition to vitamin C, it also features skin care superstar niacinamide, which boosts hydration and promotes anti-aging benefits, along with allantoin for its hydrating and exfoliating properties. 

Size: 1 ounce

Colors: Extra light to medium light, medium to medium deep, deep to extra deep

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Fullest Volumizing Mascara — $22.00

Originally $28, now $22

One of the things we appreciate the most about Ilia is how the brand uses makeup to elevate rather than hide. The Fullest Volumizing Mascara is the perfect everyday volumizing mascara for enhancing natural lashes without making you feel like you have false lashes on. We love it because it’s smudge- and flake-free, has a clean formula that doesn’t irritate the eyes, and fills out lashes without clumping. Plus, it’s super easy to remove with a lightweight cleanser, which helps preserve the health of your natural lashes since you don’t have to tug or pull on them to get the formula off.  

Size: 0.32 ounces

Colors: Black

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True Skin Radiant Priming Serum — $42.00

Originally $52, now $42

There is no better primer than the Ilia True Skin Radiant Priming Serum. We love this formula so much that we often wear it on its own for its dry finish that somehow still leaves the skin feeling hydrated with a gorgeous glow. The perfect mix of skin care and makeup, this silicone-free makeup primer is enhanced with hibiscus extract and aloe to nourish and soothe the complexion while helping to create an ideal base for makeup application. It’s the product you didn’t know you needed but won’t be able to live without. 

Size: 1 ounce

Colors: N/A

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Liquid Powder Eye Tint — $22.00

Originally $28, now $22

If you want to add a pop of subtle color to your eyelids but find most powders and creams cause irritation or crease way too much, the Liquid Powder Eye Tint from Ilia is our solution. We love that this product comes in a lip gloss-like bottle that makes it easier to apply to the eyes and achieve buildable pigment. The water-based formula is meant to go on like a cream so the application process is super easy and then it dries like a powder, so it’s easy to blend and build either on its own or with corresponding colors. And, in our experience, it doesn’t make the eyes water or cause irritation like some other eyeshadow products can. 

Size: 0.12 ounces

Colors: Aster, dove, ochre, juniper, adobe, tannin, baroque, cork, aura, glaze, mythic, dim, hatch, fresco, burnish, sheen, gleam

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Liquid Light Serum Highlighter — $34.00

Originally $42, now $34

The Liquid Light Serum Highlighter is one of our favorite makeup formulas because you can wear it on its own for a natural, dewy sheen, or under makeup for a layer of shimmer. It’s the perfect product for getting your summer glow on and we love that it also comes with skin-care benefits such as blue light and UV protection. Available in three different luster hues, including soft gold, pearl pink, and rose gold, you can add just a dab of it to your cheekbones for a more concentrated glow or all over for that dewy finish. 

Size: 0.5 ounces 

Colors: Soft gold, pearl pink, rose gold 

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But that logic doesn’t really hold when economic uncertainty stems from a global pandemic, particularly one that necessitates covering the lower halves of faces with a protective mask. Market research company the NPD Group reported that within the overall makeup category slump of 2020, lip products were hit hardest, down 41 percent year-over-year. After all, there’s little reason to bother applying Ruby Woo to lips that are hidden beneath an N95.

While the lip category has bounced back over the last three years, new launches have been decidedly, well, different—most notably, the lack of traditional lip formulas like lipsticks and glosses. 2023’s lip cosmetic offerings feature the likes of lip oils, tinted balms, plumping treatments, and hybrid formulations.

“In my many years working in beauty, I have observed there is almost always a connection between our collective climate and these kinds of category shifts that happen,” explains Melinda Solares, a beauty director at Sephora. “Years of covering our mouths made the beauty community miss lip products.”

Masks aren’t the only reason we’re seeing a major shift in the lip category, Solares adds. Turns out a lot of us want a little more skin care in our lip products.

The great skinification of, well… everything

The collective focus on well-being and self-care throughout the pandemic led to the rise of “skinification,” the presence of traditional facial-care ingredients, benefits, trends, and claims across the beauty and personal care categories. According to Yarden Horwitz, co-founder of trend-forecasting agency Spate, this quickly translated to makeup, “where we’ve seen marked increase in searches for skin tints, tinted lip balms, and lip oils, among others.”

The average beauty consumer knows more about skin care and ingredients than ever before, and Solares believes the blurring of the lines between skin care and other beauty categories was inevitable, especially given improvements in technology.

For AJ Addae, founder and formulator of R&D cosmetic lab Sula Labs, skinification is a direct result of those advancements in research and development. “I think ‘skinfication’ is a really exciting trend from a research perspective, because it reinforces the idea that the same approaches we have seen to optimizing facial skin function are very valuable for applications for other areas such as the hair and nails,” she says. “Lip products have definitely been following suit in the research side of things lately, and it shows in the rollout of products that we have been seeing.”

Makeup brands that feature traditional skin-care ingredients in their formulations are no longer the outliers—it’s now table stakes.

Today’s lip service

“Personally, I am a huge fan of a traditional, full-pigment lip color, but I have become obsessed with the comfort and benefits of lip products that can offer more,” Solares says, echoing the sentiments of many consumers.  At the moment, lip oils reign supreme within the lip cosmetic category. Spate reports a 30-percent year-over-year increase in search volume for lip oils, based on U.S. search history through March 2023. Sephora lists more than 25 different lip oils on its site, many of which launched within the last three years.

Tinted lip balms have also gained popularity, with a 19.1-percent year-over-year increase in searches, per Spate research. Coincidentally, out of the 47 lip products listed on Ulta’s website under new arrivals at the time of publish, nine are tinted lip balms. Of the remaining 38 products, eight are lipsticks and six are glosses.

Lip plumping products are back, too, though today’s offerings are decidedly less irritating and painful. There’s also a rise in hybrid products like Makeup by Mario’s new MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Color, which lists its formulation type as “lip gloss/lip balm and treatment/liquid lipstick/lip plumper.” Solares points to Rare Beauty’s new Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oils, which feature an innovative gel-to-oil formula that starts glossy and leaves lips tinted.

What’s next

So where do we go from here? Our experts all agree that the inspiration for tomorrow’s lip innovations is twofold: The trend cycle continues to rule the beauty industry, but the future is also dependent on innovation. Solares foresees a resurgence in tints, though with a modern-day twist. Meanwhile, Addae believes skin-care approaches will continue to drive new innovations. “I think we will be seeing a lot more sun care applications in the lip category as well,” she says. “As more research becomes available, I think consumers will become more aware of UV-induced photoaging of the lip area, as the perioral area is a telltale area that displays some of the first signs of skin aging.”

In the meantime, shop some of our favorite of-the-moment, cutting-edge lip oils, balms, plumpers, and hybrid treatment products.

Dior, Addict Lip Glow — $40.00

Think of Dior Addict Lip Glow as the viral Lip Glow Oil’s cool older sister. It boasts the holy trinity of benefits—long-wearing, hydrating, and slightly plumping—all with the comfort and wearability of a balm.

Though it comes in 15 shades, the formula is infused with a color-reviver technology that adapts to the pH of lips to subtly customize whatever hue you choose.

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Makeup by Mario, MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Color — $33.00

The latest launch from celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is a unique hybrid gloss-balm-treatment-liquid-lipstick-plumper. The innovative formula is infused with water to create a juicy, weightless sensation on application despite the full-coverage, high-shine finish. It’s everything you love about a liquid lipstick, lip balm, gloss, and plumper, all in one tube.

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Stila, Calligraphy Lip Stain — $25.00

This double-duty lip stain features a calligraphy-style applicator that allows for precision lining and even, all-over color distribution depending on how it’s used. The sheer, non-drying formula comes in eight buildable shades that boast an eight-hour wear time.

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Summer Fridays, Lip Butter Balm — $31.00

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is first and foremost a balm, so it soothes and hydrates dry lips instantaneously. But the ultra-nourishing formula also comes in five sheer-but-pigmented shades that make the product a true skincare-makeup hybrid.

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Rare Beauty, Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil — $26.00

An innovative gel-to-oil formula starts glossy and dries down into a medium-coverage tint that’s surprisingly comfortable. It’s non-sticky and leaves lips looking smooth and soft all day long. And it layers seamlessly, so users can opt for a wash of color or a bolder pop.

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Tarte Maracuja, Juicy Lip Balm — $31.00

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm is part lip gloss, part lip balm, part lip color, and part lip treatment—which, in essence, amounts to a glossy, tinted lip balm. The formula features a cushion comfort complex that subtly plumps the lips and smooths the appearance of lip lines.

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NYX, Fat Oil Lip Drip Vegan Lip Oil — $9.00

Often compared to formulas triple the price, NYX’s Fat Oil Lip Drip is a seriously impressive, wallet-friendly take on the lip oil trend. The ultra-glossy formula delivers up to 12 hours of hydration and features along with an XL doe foot applicator for easy application.

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Hourglass, Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm — $47.00

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm comes in eight vampy hues that leave lips plump and juicy. The lip gloss/balm formula features a high-shine, vinyl finish that conditions lips.

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Fenty Beauty, Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain — $35.00

This feather- and bleed-resistant lip stain features an oil-in-water formula that imparts long-lasting hydration. The stain goes on glossy and fades into a soft, but distinctly pigmented tint.

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One of the major advantages of blush sticks is their creamy and buildable formulas that contour, highlight, and illuminate your skin and its natural complexion. Their formulation allows for easy application, as they glide smoothly onto the skin, providing a seamless, blendable finish. Whether you prefer a subtle flush or a more vibrant pop of color, blush sticks offer buildable coverage, allowing you to achieve your desired level of intensity.

Another plus? Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for streamlining your beauty routine and minimizing the number of products you need to carry (read: they’re travel friendly).

From soft pinks and peaches to rich berries and bronzes, there is a blush stick color for everyone on the list below. Their creamy texture, ease of application, multi-purpose functionality, wide range of shades, and skin-friendly formulations make them a valuable addition to any makeup collection.

The best blush sticks for effortless, summer makeup looks

Merit, Flush Balm — $30.00

This creamy blush is the epitome of butter; it melts directly onto the skin and, color-wise, packs a punch. Featuring nine shades, from soft peach to a cool pink, Merit’s Flush Balm delivers natural, flushed cheeks in seconds and offers buildable coverage in case you want to go all out.

Shades: 9

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Summer Fridays, Blush Balm Stick — $28.00

If a multi-purpose stick is what you seek, Summer Fridays’ Blush Balm Stick should not be missed. It delivers a sheer veil of color that’s reminiscent of fruity sorbet. The stick does double duty as a cheek and lip tint, so just swipe and blend in with your finger tip for a hint of color. Even more, it’s formulated with derm-beloved hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to store the moisture.

Shades: 4

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Well People, Supernatural Stick Multi-Use Blush — $22.00

This creamy stick delivers a subtle pop of color to cheeks and lips while boosting hydration levels thanks to the vitamin E formulation and sunflower seed oil.

Shades: 5

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Ilia, Multi-Stick — $36.00

The smooth, multi-use formula is packaged in a twist-up stick that makes things easy peasy to apply, and it’s packed with hydrating ingredients like shea butter. Dewy and hydrating is the final look. For a splash of fruit, the shade All of Me delivers a watermelon pink flush that’s reminiscent of summer BBQs.

Shades: 12

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Milk Makeup, Cream Blush and Lip Color — $24.00

This formula is creamy, hydrating, and blends easily into the skin. The pink shimmer shade illuminates the cheeks and lips, but if mauve pink is not your hue, there’s ten other summery shades to choose from.

Shades: 11

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Westman Atelier, Baby Cheeks Lip and Cheek Cream Blush Stick — $48.00

Westman Atelier is the brainchild of pro makeup artist Gucci Westman, and the brand’s cheeky blush stick offers a sheer tint of color to let your complexion shine through. It offers a matte-yet-dewy finish and amplifies hydration, firms skin, and strengthen’s your skin’s natural barrier thanks to jojoba seed oil and fruit extracts.

Shades: 4

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Huda Beauty, Cheeky Tint Cream Blush Stick — $25.00

Huda Beauty’s Cheeky Tint Cream Blush Stick offers summery doses of color. The blush melts into the skin and delivers a dewy glow (thanks lychee extract and vitamin E). Swipe, blend in, and let your cheeks shine bright!

Shades: 5

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Makeup By Mario, Soft Pop Blush Stick — $30.00

This dewy-in-a-stick formula leaves skin looking and feeling radiant, and the blush comes in six soft colors that are perfect for creating effortless makeup looks, from earthy pinks to peachy oranges.

Shades: 6

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Nars, The Multiple Cream Blush, Lip, and Eye Stick — $39.00

What’s impressive about Nars Cream Blush Stick is that it does triple duty as a blush, lip stick, and eye shadow (wow). The creamy-yet-sheer formula makes it easy to apply over delicate areas like the eyes while the vitamin E and açai oil keeps skin plump.

Shades: 5

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What is the Jones Road Tinted Face Powder

Powders are notoriously drying and mattifying. For some—particularly those with oily skin—this means that they’re a routine must-have. But for anyone whose complexion skews dry or sensitive, these types of products have historically been a no-go. Thanks to the thoughtful formulating behind Jones Road’s Tinted Facial Powder, though, that’s no longer the case.

Having undergone a fine milling process, the powder is ultra-lightweight and doesn’t become cakey or settle into the skin over time. What sets it apart is that it’s meant to have people questioning whether or not you put on makeup, and delivers a natural-looking finish that does just that. Not only will everyone else be wondering whether or not you’re barefaced, but the powder is so skin-like that you’ll wonder whether you’ve got any on at all (in the best possible way, that is).

It can be used to set foundation, minimize shine, and color-correct uneven skin tones, and works seamlessly on all skin types.

How to use the powder

One of the most annoying things about loose powders is that they’re hard to use without making a mess (if you’ve ever spent 20 minutes trying to dust spilled powder off of your vanity, you know the life). Jones Road’s powder comes in a sifter package that’s easy to seal off so that you’re only shaking out as much powder as you need, and not leaving the rest of it sitting on your desk or all over your outfit.

According to the brand, the best way to apply the powder is with a powder brush. Based on our experience with the product, smaller brushes work better—which may feel counter-intuitive to those who are used to reaching for a big, fluffy behemoth for this step in their routine, but just trust us on this one. Simply dip the brush into the powder, tap it on the container or another hard surface to get rid of any excess product, and apply it all over (or wherever you need extra coverage). It’s that easy!

Six W+G editors put the Jones Road Tinted Face Powder to the test. Scroll down to see our honest thoughts.

Jones Road, Tinted Face Powder — $28.00

Shades: 7

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Catie Jaffe, senior commerce manager

Shade tested: Untinted

“I opted for the untinted Jones Road powder because my skin changes so much from season to season. Not only does it tend to be a bit more oily in the summer months, but I also have freckled skin that reacts to the sun differently from day to day. On top of this day-to-day fluctuation, the base color of my skin also tends to change throughout the summer (safely beneath my sunscreen, of course), so I wanted something I could count on as a go-to no matter the day or season. I also rarely wear makeup, so having something that reduced shininess, evened out my skin tone, and still looked natural was key. You can see in the photos that I was a bit shiny on my nose and tired under my eyes.

This powder kind of did what the fancy Zoom touch-up feature does to you on screen, but in real life, with a super quick swipe of a brush. I have tried many similar products over the years, and I have to say that for an untinted powder, the staying power and effectiveness of the color correction this one offers are impressive. I feel confident putting it on any time of year, knowing that it will stay on and won’t look wonky—whether I plan to be in the sun all day (read: lots of redness and freckles expected) or will be sitting in an office.”

Francesca Krempa, associate commerce editor

Shade tested: Yellow

“As a fellow Jersey Girl, I love Bobbi Brown and have been a Miracle Balm diehard since it first came out. Glad I got to get my hands on these color-correcting powders ahead of the launch, too.

Have to be honest—I didn’t have high hopes for this powder when I put it on in my bathroom. It was so subtle it didn’t look like it did anything at all, and I was like, “Well, how the heck are our readers gonna see the before and after effects?”

And THEN i walked into the natural light and saw how it changed my skin—it was so much less red and blotchy. The effects are so subtle, just like the Miracle Balm’s, but if you look at the photos closely you can see how much more red my cheeks and forehead are in the “before” photo. It’s really slight, but my complexion actually looks more tan in the second photo because the yellow tint in the powder really balances out the redness. Minimalists, Brown did it again. This tinted powder is a sleight-of-hand trick in makeup form.”

Kayla Hui, commerce writer

Shade tested: Yellow

“A good setting powder can really work wonders for your makeup look, and I’ve been in awe of this one from Jones Road. As someone who constantly battles eczema and dry skin, I’m super wary of applying powder to my face, but this one didn’t feel drying at all. The formula is so lightweight that you can’t even tell that I’m wearing powder. What I loved about the yellow shade is that it evened out my complexion and tackled my shiny zones (as seen in the before pictures), sans cakeiness.

Packaged in a round container, the powder is fluffy and easy to apply. Having used a large powder brush, I will say that it can be messy to apply, so I’d recommend a small or medium powder brush. This powder really does illuminate and bring out the best in my skin, hiding all of my redness. Anytime I’m heading out, I’m definitely reaching for this one.”

Betty Gold, senior food editor

Shade tested: Light

“Overall, I really loved this product. As someone who can’t stand the feeling of heavy or sticky makeup, I greatly appreciated how sheer and delicate the powder goes on. It didn’t cake, crust, or melt when I wore it to an out-of-town summer barbecue (that involved intense heat, car travel, and toddlers). My color shade was a bit too light for me, but nothing a bit of bronzer couldn’t fix. My only con—aside from the whole wrong color thing—was that I couldn’t figure out what brush to apply with. A bigger brush felt more natural from such a nice light powder, but I couldn’t really ‘fit’ a bigger makeup brush into the product. Welcoming tips! And regardless: Would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone that likes a lightweight powder—perfect for summer.”

Taylor Bell, social producer

Shade tested: Medium

“Setting powder is so crucial to my makeup routine. Not only do I use it to set my final makeup look, but I also use it in between the different layers of my foundation. That said, I love setting powder that matches my skin tone. So, I tried the medium color and it was a solid match! The formula is really fine but grabs onto your brush well, so you can apply a very good first coat. But, what I really appreciate about this product is the container. Setting powder can easily get everywhere if you’re not careful, but this one is really mess-free! The top has a sifter lid that shifts closed to keep the powder from spilling out when you shake it, making it really self-contained. Plus, the formula doesn’t darken my makeup like other tinted powders have done in the past when you try to put more on. It really just smooths the appearance of your skin and removes any natural moisture from my foundation. The result? An even-toned complexion and a gorgeous beat.”

Kara Brown, beauty writer

Shade tested: Dark

“The Jones Road powder is unlike any powder I’ve ever tried. You have to try very, very, very hard to make it look cakey. It has the most amazing flawless finish that disappears into your skin—you won’t see powder hanging out on your face, you’ll just see the blurring, semi-mattifying effects. It provides the prettiest, skin-like finish. I have a few mineral sunscreens that I love but they leave a teensy white tint (as all mineral sunscreens tend to when you apply enough), and I’ve used this on top to camouflage that. It’s much lighter weight than a powdered foundation, so it doesn’t cover dark spots or other hyperpigmentation, but it does add a really pretty blur and sun-kissed warmth to my skin. I apply it all over and it’s the perfect finishing step for a no-makeup-makeup day.”

But not just any waterproof mascara—one that doesn’t melt into my eyes or leave me looking like a raccoon in the middle of a weight-training session. I go hard in the gym, and I expect my mascara go hard, too. This means no smearing, dripping, or running down my face. It also means giving my eye lashes enough volume and curl that they still look like lashes—not a lacquered, spiky mess.

Ahead, you’ll find the best waterproof drugstore mascaras, most of which have outlasted even my sweatiest workout sessions without smearing once, even in the scorching Texas heat. Out of the 20 mascaras I sprinted, lifted, and trained in, these are the 10 worth a spot in your gym bag.

The best waterproof drugstore mascaras, at a glance:

• Essence Double Trouble Waterproof Mascara ($6)
• L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara ($10)
• Well People Expressionist Pro Mascara ($20)
• Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara ($9)
• L’Oréal Paris Makeup Bambi Eye Mascara ($8)
• Essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Waterproof Mascara ($5)
• Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Washable Mascara ($8)
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara ($12)
• NYX Cosmetics Worth the Hype Waterproof Mascara ($9)
• Rimmel Kind and Free Waterproof Mascara ($6)

What makes a mascara waterproof?

While formulas will vary from mascara to mascara, most waterproof mascaras will have silicone-based ingredients like dimethicone copolyol to hold up curls; this polymer is commonly found in hair products to control frizz.

How to remove waterproof mascara?

“For waterproof mascara, you want something with an oil so it dissolves and removes the mascara,” says Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a dermatologist based in West Islip, New York. You can also remove waterproof mascara by using a pre-cleanse balm, according to Tobi Henney, a celebrity makeup artist. “My go-to is by Rationale. You simply massage into the skin and use a warm face cloth to remove the mascara,” Henney tells us.

Essence, Double Trouble Waterproof Mascara — $6.00

If you’re looking for that va-va-voom, can I introduce you to Essence’s Double Trouble Mascara? It boasts a volumizing formula that delivers full lashes in just a couple of swipes. After a hefty leg day (squats included), this mascara withstood the sweat-test and kept my lashes looking full, plush, and voluminous. The double-sided wand is a nice touch; one side is for lengthening and the other side can be used to curl flat lashes. Also nice is the paraben-, fragrance-, alcohol-, and oil-free formulation. It keeps my sensitive eye lids happy even when I’m a dripping sweat ball.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lifts and lengthens lashes
• Waterproof
• Free of irritants

Cons:

• Requires a couple of coats

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L'Oréal Paris, Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara — $10.00

Originally $13, now $10

If length is what you desire, you’re going to want to commit to L’Oréal Paris’ Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara. It’s equipped with a gentle brush with soft bristles that lifts lashes up. Formulated with conditioning serum and jojoba oil, the mascara creates a softer, more natural look—one that withstands all sorts of exercises.

Since I have sensitive eyes, I have to be cautious about hard-to-remove mascaras, but that was far from the case with this one. After a couple of water splashes, this mascara came off in itty bitty chunks. Volumizing, lightweight, and easy to remove, L’Oréal Paris’ Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara is mascara you’ll want in your beauty regimen.

Pros:

• Creates a natural look
• Suitable for sensitive eyes
• Easy to remove

Cons:

• Basic brush

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Well People, Expressionist Pro Mascara — $20.00

For the “I didn’t try too hard” look, I grab and swipe Well People’s Expressionist Pro Mascara. This mascara lives up to its long-wear and lengthening claims. Free of parabens, mineral oils, and other icky ingredients, I don’t have to worry about this product irritating my eyes. After a sweaty run, the volume and length of my lashes remained intact thanks to the blend of vitamin E and sunflower seed oil—which kept my lashes plump throughout my two hour-workout. The molded rubber brush allowed me to coat my tiny and short lashes evenly without flaking and clumping.

Pros:

• Lengthening
• Creates a natural look
• Non-flaking formula

Cons:

• Expensive
• May smudge during extra sweaty workouts

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Maybelline New York, Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara — $9.00

Originally $13, now $9

Maybelline New York’s Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara is one that won’t budge. Even during legs days or sweaty walks outdoors, this mascara walks the walk and actually holds up. It’s all thanks to the waterproof formula, which is infused with bamboo extract to keep lashes long, thick, and full. During workouts, I didn’t experience flaking or smudging. One thing worth noting is that this mascara is hard to remove without a balm or oil. I tried washing my face with water, and the mascara didn’t come off—a testament to how strong and resilient this mascara really is.

Pros:

• Waterproof formula
• Lengthening
• Contains bamboo extract
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Hard to wash off

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L'Oréal Paris, Makeup Bambi Eye Mascara — $8.00

Originally $12, now $8

The velvety formula from the Bambi Eye Mascara elongates and smooths lashes, especially thin and short strands like mine. Featuring a wide brush with long and short bristles, the mascara’s head is designed to reach all corners of eyes to coat all lashes, no matter the length. I found it easy peasy to coat my strands, not missing a mark. It even withstood the sweatiest of runs, which is why I’ll be reaching for it the next time I’m pounding the pavement.

Pros:

• Elongates lashes
• Wide-eye brush
• Easy to coat lashes

Cons:

• Can clump lashes

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Essence, I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Waterproof Mascara — $5.00

Aptly named, Essence’s mascara is a volumizer and lengthener all in one tube. The long-lasting formula prevents your mascara from dripping and boasts a long brush that works to coat lashes. Since the brush wasn’t angled, it was harder to reach the inner corners of my eyes, but this was an effective mascara nonetheless. What I also love is that it’s free of parabens, fragrances, and alcohol. Gyms days, hot girl walks, and runs are no match for this mascara.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Delivers length and volume
• Free of parabens, fragrance, and alcohol

Cons:

• Can clump lashes
• Brush may not grab all lashes

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Maybelline New York, Lash Sensational — $5.00

For fuller lashes, I reach for Maybelline New York’s Lash Sensational Mascara. It applies on smooth and gives my lashes more oomph during leg and upper body days at the gym. My favorite part of the mascara is the angled brush; it coats every single lash. Even my lashes in my inner corner get attention. If I want more volume, I just apply another coat to create a fan-like look. If there’s anything I’ve learned from using this mascara, it’s that it doesn’t play or skimp on quality.

Pros:

• Contact lens safe
• Volumizing
• Can be removed with Micellar water

Cons:

• May clump for some

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Neutrogena, Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara — $9.00

I’ve long admired Neutrogena, long before my commerce writing days. When I found out about this waterproof mascara, I squealed. The formula is not only resistant to sweat and water, but it hydrates your lashes, too. The hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and keratin deliver silky bursts that keep strands healthy, strong, and more plump-looking. Testing it on runs, I felt worry-free because my lashes didn’t sag, especially during sprints.

Pros:

• Hydrating formula
• Evenly coats lashes
• Opthalmologist-tested

Cons:

• May smudge a little during intense workouts

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NYX, Worth the Hype Waterproof Mascara — $7.00

I can confirm that NYX’s Mascara is all that it has cracked up to be. This mascara helps my stubborn lashes hold a curl and whips them up for extra volume. Infused with polymers, the mascara is able to hold my lashes up even after intense workouts. It really does put in that work work work. Another notable feature is the spoolie brush, which grasps and coats each individual lash. Anytime I want to look a little dolled up at the gym, I’ll reach for NYX’s waterproof mascara. It’s the real deal and will always hold a place in my gym bag.

Pros:

• Equipped with spoolie brush
• Lengthens lashes
• Affordable

Cons:

• Cons 
• Formula may clump over time

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Rimmel, Kind and Free Waterproof Mascara — $6.00

Originally $10, now $6

There’s nothing that Rimmel’s Kind and Free Waterproof Mascara can’t do. It’s formulated with a blend of shea butter and biotin to lift lashes up and outwards while nourishing them, too. Free from fragrance, mineral oil, and animal-derived products, the product didn’t irritate my eyes. I didn’t run into any issues during gym workouts or walks in the humid Texas heat. I also enjoyed using the spoolie-like brush, which coated my lashes one by one. And you don’t have to add on a ton of coats—after a swipe the results are thicker and fuller lashes. Hello, volume!

Pros 

• The brush evenly coats lashes
• Holds up against sweaty workouts
• Lifts and volumizes lashes

Cons 

• Formula may be irritating for some

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For me, the tears started during Swift’s first “Era” (you try listening to the lyrics “Who could ever leave me, darling?/But who could stay?” without crying), and didn’t stop until she’d hit the closing notes of “All Too Well” nearly two hours later. That, combined with the sweat that dripped down my face for 200 straight minutes as I danced and screamed along to “Shake It Off” and “You Belong With Me” on an unseasonably warm May evening in New Jersey, gave me little hope for what my makeup would look like when I got home well past 1 a.m.

But to my surprise, after (*checks notes*) eight sweat-and-tear-filled hours, my mascara hadn’t so much as budged. Thank you, Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara for being a true ride or die.

Maybelline, The Falsies Surreal Extenstions Washable Eye Makeup — $10.00

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Despite not technically being waterproof, the mascara—which was applied to my lashes (along with some artfully placed eye gems) by a Maybelline makeup artist before the show—had the type of staying power that lash dreams are made of. And for $10, to boot.

The fact that the mascara survived my T. Swift behavior isn’t the only thing I love about it. For starters, this stuff lives up to its name. It made my lashes look long and curled—so much so that you could swear I had actual falsies on. The brand promises a 36-percent increase in length, plus 10X volume, and I can confirm that it delivered. This is because of the mascara’s hybrid fiber technology, which delivers different-sized fibers that build on each other to amp up your lashes’ oomph. They’re delivered on a helix-shaped brush with long, twisted bristles that coat every lash seamlessly and without clumps.

Unlike other long-lasting mascaras, which tend to be drying and thus wreak havoc on your delicate lash hairs, this one is formulated with nourishing ingredients to avoid any discomfort. It didn’t irritate my eyes, which is typically a tall order considering I wear contact lenses (thankfully, this stuff is ophthalmologist tested). Plus, it stood up to my allergy-induced itching and tearing, and didn’t leave me looking like a raccoon the way most mascaras do this time of year.

What I love most about the product, though, is how easy it is to remove. Despite its staying power, a single swipe with a micellar water-dipped cotton round was enough to melt it away, no streaks or smears to speak of.

And don’t just take my word for it: It’s got more than 22,500 five-star ratings on Amazon, with fans calling it a “miracle worker for your lashes” and confirming that it really does “look as if [you] had fake eyelashes on.” And another reviewer writes: “I’ve been using this mascara for about a year now. As a professional makeup artist I’ve used multiple different mascaras including some with a heavy price tag. This mascara does the job and is very reasonably priced. I am very pleased with the length and separation of the lashes when using this mascara. I have not noticed any clumping.” Another says: “Gives length like Sky High but the volume is amazing! My lashes look fabulous!”

All to say: If you’ve got a blank space in your beauty routine, this mascara deserves a spot.

With Merit you get user-friendliness, skin-loving ingredients (more on this later), luxe packaging, and the perfect amount of pigment—all of which explains why its products are beloved by makeup wearers everywhere. Even Cameron Diaz, Whitney Port, Mandy Moore and Jenna Dewan have sung the brand’s praises. Though I’d like to think that if there were a Merit Beauty fan club, I’d be a leading member.

Merit Beauty has monopolized my makeup bag for years and I can now proudly say I’ve tried every single one of its products—from its ‘better than Botox’ skin serum to the lip gelées and tubing mascara—and I have thoughts. So if you’re new to Merit and want to know what’s worth trying first, you’ve come to the right place! Read on for the full review.

More about Merit Beauty

Founded in January 2021 by Katherine Power, the force behind the affordable skin-care brand Versed (another W+G fave), Avaline Wine and Who What Wear, Merit Beauty was inspired by Power’s desire for a simple and speedy makeup routine. And after a video of her five-minute face went viral on Instagram, Power learned she wasn’t alone.

“I realized there were many people just like me—busy individuals who want to look polished and pulled together in the time it takes to make a cup of coffee,” she said in an interview with Forbes. “I am not a makeup artist. I haven’t spent hours consuming beauty how-tos on YouTube, but I like makeup, and I want to enjoy it through a ‘less is more’ approach.” Fast forward to today, and Merit’s quick and easy offerings make a five-minute morning more attainable than ever (it even sells a set of its core products with the same name). The products apply in a flash, from your vanity and on-the-go (think products you can slap on during your commute), and you’ll even get the  velvety Merit Beauty bag free with your first purchase.

What’s more, Merit’s formulas are truly *chefs kiss*. Developed in partnership with Hollywood facialist Biba de Sousa, Merit products are rife with good-for-skin ingredients like squalane and antioxidants, and are free of de Sousa’s hard no-list of over 73 acne-causing ingredients (which includes coconut oil)—so every skin type can use Merit with confidence.

My Honest Merit Beauty Review

Merit Beauty, Shade Slick Gelée — $24.00

A twist on the original Merit lip oil formula, the Shade Slick Gelée has an ultra-sheer, moisturizing formula that gives lips a subtle tint of pH-adjusting color and a natural shine—without the stickiness. Note that if you’re looking for bold pigment, the gelées aren’t it. But you can count on the gelée formula to give you a sheer, “your-lips-but-better” pink tint and a glossy shine without the goopy heaviness of a traditional lip gloss. My favorite of Merit’s lip offerings, I find myself reapplying the Shade Slick Gelées constantly because they feel like a dream going on, and leave my lips feeling juicy and hydrated for hours.

Pros:

• Shiny but not stick
• Moisturizes dry lips
• pH adjusting
• Soft, cushiony formula
• Sheer pink tint

Cons:

• Might be too sheer for some 
• Not a ton of variation between shades

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Merit Beauty, Great Skin Serum — $38.00

The Merit Beauty Great Skin Serum blurs the line between makeup and skin-care—it contains four types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide for brightening and skin-smoothing benefits, and cacao seed extract (a natural source of caffeine) to energize skin. What’s more, the bi-phase formula is oil-free and has a fast-absorbing, watery feel—just be sure to pump it out gingerly, though, because the product tends to shoot out fast.

Most importantly, Great Skin leaves my face feeling super hydrated, becoming the perfect canvas for makeup. I never have to worry about my makeup looking cake-y when I wear it, and the glow-y (but not greasy) effect it gives has made it a favorite on no-makeup days too! I can’t say that it boosts the longevity of my makeup per se, but it definitely enhances the finish—it’s the ideal skin-prep step.

Pros:

• Skin-care grade ingredients
• Moisturizes, plumps and smooths skin
• Absorbs quickly
• Not sticky
• Oil-free

Cons:

• Doesn’t prolong the wear of your makeup
• The pump is a little finicky

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Merit Beauty, Clean Lash Mascara — $26.00

One of my favorite tubing mascaras, the Clean Lash Mascara ticks all of my boxes. It lengthens, it’s buildable (but not clumpy), and it has lash-boosting ingredients like fatty acids and olive oil esters. The fluffy brush lifts and separates my lashes, giving them a natural looking fullness that I can layer for added impact. Plus, it wears all day long without smudging. I mean, it really doesn’t budge. Most tubing mascaras require only warm water and gentle massaging to remove, but Merit’s Clean Lash requires multiple washes to get off—a pro and a con depending on how you look at it. For me, I love knowing that I can count on it to stay put during long nights and sweaty summers.

Pros:

• Lengthens lashes
• Buildable but not clumpy
• Contains lash conditioning ingredients
• Fluffy brush catches every lash
• Doesn’t smudge or flake

Cons:

• Hard to remove

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Merit Beauty, The Minimalist — $38.00

The Minimalist is Merit’s answer to a foundation and concealer—touting light to medium coverage that can be layered for added coverage, in a handy stick formula that can be drawn on with ease. I swipe the Minimalist everywhere I would a concealer: under my eyes, around my nose, and on any spots or blemishes on the rise. And the impressive part is that the Minimalist’s creamy texture seamlessly blends on all of them.

When I’m rushing to get ready in the mornings, the Minimalist gets me Zoom-ready in record time, concealing the look of last night’s dark circles and covering up dark spots, while still feeling lightweight on my skin. What you get is buildable coverage that’s creamy and comfortable, with a satin, natural finish. It feels—and looks—imperceptible on my skin, which is exactly what I’m going for.

Pros:

• Creamy formula
• Satin, natural finish
• Easy to blend
• Light to medium coverage
• Lightweight feel

Cons:

• Pricey
• Might lack hydration for some

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Merit Beauty, Flush Balm — $30.00

With over 3,000 reviews, the Flush Balms are easily one of Merit’s most-loved products—and for good reason. The domed cream blushes glide onto skin without dragging, and give my cheeks radiant, natural flush without any stickiness. Sheer but buildable, the Flush Balms are a joy to apply and totally fail-proof (clown cheeks are an impossibility). Plus, they’re quick and easy to blend—I can use my fingers when I’m in a hurry, a sponge, or Merit’s Blending Brush (which we’ll talk more about in a second). What’s more, the shade offerings are unmatched, there’s a blush shade for everyone—from tawny nudes to rich berries. My personal favorite? Aprés, a berry shade that gives me a fresh-faced, ‘I’m cold’ look.

Pros:

• Sheer but buildable
• Easy to blend
• Great color range
• Radiant finish
• Lightweight feel

Cons:

• None :)

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Merit Beauty, Bronze Balm — $30.00

Speaking of fail-proof products: Merit Bronze Balm is exactly that. Like the brand’s beloved cream blushes, the Bronze Balm has a sheer, buildable formula that’s virtually impossible to screw up. Every swipe gives you a gorgeous, natural warmth that’s neither too warm or too cool in tone, for a look that’s subtly sun-kissed and sculpted. And the balmy, gel-like texture truly feels weightless on your skin, blending out with minimal effort without clinging to dry patches. The result is a subtle, super natural bronze, that really just looks like your skin—but warmer and more defined (where you want it). While I might reach for something a little more pigmented for special events, the Merit Beauty bronzer’s sheer, natural finish is the easiest option for everyday wear.

Pros:

• Sheer but buildable
• Easy to blend
• Not too warm or too cool in tone
• Doubles as contour
• Natural, satin-finish

Cons:

• Might be too sheer for some

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Merit Beauty, Day Glow Highlighting Balm — $32.00

I have to admit, I’m not a huge highlighter person, but Merit’s Day Glow is one of the few that I reach for on repeat. It’s dewy (but not sticky), and glow-y (but not glittery), and moisturizing (but not greasy)—and what more could you want in a highlighter? Instead of chunky shimmer, Day Glow uses micro-fine pearls to catch the light and add a luminous glow wherever you want it. It even contains plant-based squalane, olive oil and amino acids to nourish skin and support a healthy moisture barrier. What’s more, the featherlight formula blends out in only a few taps of your fingers or a brush. If lit-from-within radiance is what you’re after, Day Glow is a must.

Pros:

• Dewy, radiant finish
• Not sticky
• Not glittery
• Barrier-boosting ingredients
• Easy to blend

Cons:

• Might be too subtle for some

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Merit Beauty, Signature Lip — $26.00

Promising a hydrating, buildable formula and sheer-satin finish, Merit’s Signature Lips have been on my wishlist since they launched last February. The draw being the sheer finish that can be layered for rich pigment, and the moisturizing ingredients—like plant-derived squalane and sunflower seed oil—that keep dryness at bay. “Baby,” which Merit describes as a neutral pink, is my ideal nudey-pink, a my-lips-but-better shade. The formula feels soft and moisturizing on my lips, and it feels so comfortable that I’ll often forget I’m even wearing lipstick, which is always a good sign. While it’s not my favorite of Merit’s lip offerings, it’s definitely worth trying out if you’re a lipstick lover!

Pros:

• Moisturizing feel
• Sheer-satin finish
• Buildable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Not long-wearing

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Merit Beauty, Brow 1980 — $24.00

I’m going to come right out and say it, this Merit brow pomade is criminally underrated. It shapes and fills in my brows in only a few swipes, and holds my brow hairs in place throughout the day without feeling stiff or crunchy. Even better, the formula is enriched with vitamin B5 to nourish and strengthen brow hairs and support growth. My favorite thing about it, however, has to be the brush. Most other brow gels either go too big or too small with theirs, but the Brow 1980 is just large enough to effectively coat every last brow hair with precision. Plus, I love that it has a longer handle, which I’m convinced makes application 10x easier. It’s comfortable to hold, and I’m able to achieve my fluffy, ‘80s brow dreams in only a few seconds. No additional product required!

Pros:

• Shapes, tints and volumizes brows
• Delivers lasting hold
• Not crunchy
• Precise brush applicator
• Enriched with conditioning ingredients

Cons:

• Limited shade options

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Merit Beauty, Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil — $24.00

While Merit’s recently launched Lip Gelées deliver a barely-there tint, the original Shade Slick Lip Oils have a more saturated, buildable color payoff and an even glossier shine. “Pink Beet” (pictured above) is described as a cool pink shade but pulls more rosy IRL. One swipe gives me a soft, pink gloss while 2-3 offer a more intense rosy mauve color. Beyond the gorgeous color selections, are the Shade Slick’s ultra-nourishing ingredient lineup. Rosehip oil moisturizes and supports your lip’s moisture barrier, while shea butter and grapeseed bring the slip and conditioning softness.

Pros:

• Moisturizing formula
• Not sticky
• Sheer but buildable pigment
• Glossy finish

Cons:

• Not as long-wearing as a traditional gloss

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Merit Beauty, Brush No.1 Blending Brush — $32.00

The only tool in Merit’s lineup, the No.1 Blending Brush really is the only brush your minimalist makeup bag needs. It makes blending out any of Merit’s cheek and complexion products an absolute breeze for a super seamless look. It’s made with plush, vegan bristles that are densely packed to help buff product into the skin, and the recycled aluminum handle gives you that luxe, slightly weighted feel that’s oh-so satisfying to hold. What’s more, the brush is compact enough to be chucked into your makeup bag, clutch or tote for touch-ups while on-the-go. The brush has become my go-to blending out cream products, and has held up surprisingly well after numerous washes!

Pros:

• Effortlessly blends out cream products
• Soft vegan bristles
• Compact size
• Recyclable aluminum handle
• Holds up well after washing

Cons:

• Pricey

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Many lip balms serve one primary purpose—to moisturize and comfort your lips. But there are tons of formulas out there that protect your lips from ultraviolet rays, provide an instant plumping effect, help your lips get fuller over time, and more. These anti-aging lip products deserve a spot in your skin-care routine, explains Diedre Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans, Louisianna.

“As time goes by, you lose volume, so your lips become less tall and wide, and the fat that hides your muscle goes away,” says Dr. Hooper. “The muscles become a lot more apparent, and you can see every single contraction. The lips are completely encircled by muscles and connected to all sorts of muscles that contort them into facial shapes, which leads to lines.” There’s not much you can do about this volume loss, but you can do things to keep the skin around your lips nice and thick to make the muscles less visible. “Anything you can do to keep your skin thick will make you look more youthful,” adds Dr. Hooper.

The number one culprit of premature signs of aging is the sun, which is why using lip products with SPF is so important. “The reason your skin thins the outside of your lips thins is 99 percent due to the sun,” she says. “You can buy a million anti-aging products, but if you’re walking around outside without SPF on, you’re really kind of being foolish.”

Once you’ve got an SPF lip balm in your routine, you can layer on other restorative anti-aging lip products with ingredients like antioxidants to boost the efficacy of the SPF and peptides to promote collagen production and fullness over time. “You can do things like retinol, retinoids, growth factors, peptides—you’re really not treating the skin of the lips or around the lips conceptually differently than you should be treating your eyelid skin or your forehead skin or your hands or anything that’s exposed,” says Dr. Hooper.

You also want all of these lip products to contain great hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, as dry skin can exaggerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “The skin is four layers thick, and the cells themselves can uptake water,” says Dr. Hooper. So when the skin cells aren’t hydrated, “it’s like a plant leaf that’s deflated. Water’s a great plumper—that’s why hyaluronic acid is such a great moisturizer,” because it attracts water to the skin.

20 best anti-aging lip products

The 15 restorative anti-aging lip products

City Beauty, City Lips — $35.00

Hydrate, plump, and protect your lips with this gloss from City Beauty. It’s made with hyaluronic acid spheres to deliver deep hydration and visible plumping along with oligopeptide, a string of amino acids that enhance lip volume and smooth fine lines. Plus, it has a blend of jojoba oil Ylang Ylang flower oil to provide restorative and soothing moisture. In addition to this clear formula, it comes in 10 pretty shades.

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Revision Skincare, YouthFull Lip Replenisher — $40.00

This is Dr. Hooper’s all-time favorite lip balm. It’s from Revision Skincare, a brand for which she sits on the advisory board. “I put it on in the morning and I layer SPF on top of it,” says Dr. Hooper. “It’s an amazing hydrator—I really noticed during covid when I would wear a mask all day and I wasn’t sipping my water, my lips were still so moisturized all day. So I do love that product.” It’s packed with peptides, one of her favorite anti-aging ingredients.

 

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Doctor Rogers, Restore Lip Balm — $8.00

If your lips are really crusty and irritated, Dr. Hooper says to keep it simple and reach for a plain balm like this one. “When your lips are chapped and flaky…don’t try to do a lot of active ingredients,” says Dr. Hooper. “Take one product and reapply it every hour on the hour lips.”

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Perricone MD, Cold Plasma Plus+ Lip Therapy — $29.00

This lip balm from Perricone MD contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, omega fatty acids, coconut oil, beeswax, jojoba seed oil, castor seed oil, sunflower seed oil, murumuru seed butter, shea butter, and more to smooth vertical lip lines, plump, prevent lipstick feathering, restore natural lip color, and moisturize.

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Ghlee, Lip Balm — $12.00

Hyperpigmentation can happen at any age, but it’s often seen as a sign of aging due to sun exposure. You can also get dark spots on your lips from areas where you went a bit too hard peeling off dead skin. This lip balm is made with ghee, a form of clarified butter, which can help reverse hyperpigmentation. Plus, its intensely moisturizing, stopping any and all dryness in its tracks.

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SkinCeuticals, Antioxidant Lip Repair — $46.00

Dr. Hooper loves this balm because it’s full of powerful antioxidants like silymarin and vitamin E to up the efficacy of your sunscreen. It also has hydroxyethyl urea and hyaluronic acid to bind water to your lips to restore moisture loss and provide a little plump along with soothing allantoin.

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Hourglass, N° 28 Lip Treatment Oil — $54.00

Dr. Hooper also loves this treatment from Hourglass. “It’s an oil, that’s what I like about it,” she says. “It’s sort of sexy and it feels glamorous. The most important thing is you want to want to use these products. Cause if you don’t, if you find them gross, they’re distasteful, you’re not gonna use them.” The formula contains a trio of moisturizing, softening, and smoothing ingredients.

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Alpyn Beauty, Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Lip Mask — $28.00

When Kendra Kolb Butler created Alpyn Beauty, it was to make skin-care products moisturizing enough to withstand the wicked cold, dry temps in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. So if you’re managing cracked lips, they’re no match for this mask. It uses sweet blue agave leaf to hydrate, hyaluronic acid to plump, and Jackson Hole willow bark to exfoliate, smooth, and soften.

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Paula's Choice, Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Treatment Booster — $32.00

Peptides are the star of this treatment balm from Paula’s Choice. They restore youthful fullness to thinning lips over time. They’re helped out by hyaluronic acid-filling spheres to provide instant plum and moisture and squalane to prevent moisture loss.

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Rhode Skin, Peptide Lip Treatment — $16.00

Peptides in this formula visibly plump skin and decrease the appearance of fine lines while shea butter moisturizes, cupuacu helps maintain skin elasticity and suppleness, and babassu supports the skin’s microbiome and replenishes moisture.

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Jan Marini, Hyla3D HA Lip Complex — $69.00

Retinol isn’t just for your skin—your lips can benefit from it, too. Thie balm pairs retinol, which promotes skin-cell turnover to reduce the appearance of fine lines, with boosting peptides and plumping hyaluronic acid. Slather it on before bed you’ll have a renewed pout by morning.

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Fenty Skin, Cherry Treat Conditioning + Strengthening Lip Oil — $24.00

Repair your lip’s moisture barrier with this lip oil so your lips can hold onto as much skin-smoothing moisture as possible. It’s made with nourishing sweet cherry seed oil, conditioning Barbados cherry and wild cherry extracts, and moisturizing jojoba seed and rosehip fruit oils.

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Lawless, Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask — $22.00

Wake up with plump lips by applying this always-sold-out mask before bed. It’s got a super-moisturizing trio of shea butter, squalane, and sweet almond oil to drench your lips in goodness while you sleep. But you can wear it during the day too, and get a nice flush of color because it comes in four shades: Sweet Dreams (pale pink), Cherry Vanilla (sheer cherry), Birthday Cake (sheer), and Juicy Watermelon (sheer watermelon).

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Farmacy, Apple Lip Smoothie Vitamin C + Peptide Lip Balm — $22.00

This nourishing daily balm is made with plumping peptides, moisturizing upcycled apple extract and mango seed butter, and protective, skin-smoothing vitamin C. It’s got a clear, glossy finish, leaving your lips with a high-shine juiciness.

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Bobbi Brown, Extra Lip Tint — $35.00

Add color and moisture to your lips with this tinted balm from Bobbi Brown. It’s made with jojoba oil to condition, rebalance, and revitalize; avocado oil to nourish and comfort; and olive oil to condition and soften. It comes in seven stunning shades.

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The 5 SPF anti-aging lip products

Supergoop!, Unseen Lipscreen Sheer SPF 30 Lip Balm — $22.00

“My favorite SPF lip balm is the Supergoop! one,” says Dr. Hooper. “I love it. I think it’s fun, I like the packaging, I like the way it goes on.” In addition to chemical SPF filters, this balm is made with antioxidant-rich acai fruit oil to protect against free radicals and a moisturizing blend of emollients and colza flower extract.

 

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Coola, Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30 — $18.00

Dr. Hooper loves tinted SPF products because the pigment adds protection against visible light, the kind of light responsible for hyperpigmentation. “Coola has a bunch of tinted SPF lip balms and they look really nice,” says Dr. Hooper. This one comes in four shades: Firecracker (deep hibiscus pink), Nude Beach (pale pink), Skinny Dip (sheer beige), and Summer Crush (coral-y pink).

 

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Cay Skin, Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 — $14.00

This gloss-balm hybrid from Cay Skin provides SPF 30 protection with a blend of chemical UV blockers. It comes in clear, Irie Rose (a soft pink) and Bad Gyal Berry (a deep raspberry). Plus, it has hydrating and protective sea moss, soothing aloe stem cells, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E.

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Sun Bum, SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm — $4.00

Dr. Hoopeer also says there are lots of great drugstore SPF lip balms. “You can get them at any price point,” she says. This $4 pick from Sun Bum provides mineral protection along with moisturizing ingredients like sweet almond oil, shea butter, and jojoba.

 

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Cocokind, Tinted Lip Shield SPPF 24 — $16.00

Another great tinted option, this glossfrom Cocokind blends mineral and chemical UV blockers to protect your lips from the sun. It comes in a gorgeous sheer peachy hue.

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In turn, I experience borderline-debilitating anxiety that smudges any look-good-feel-good attempt. Luckily, my roommate inadvertently found a way for me to don an edgy makeup look that relaxes me as I create it: painting my lids with colorful eyeliner.

On one of our recent trips to Ulta, my roomie beelined to NYX’s Vivid Brights Colored Liquid Eyeliner ($9), saying it was perfect for #hotgirlsummer. I love looking at bright colors, and this felt like an easy way to incorporate vibrant hues into my everyday life, so I got the Lilac Link shade—a pastel purple.

Since then, I’ve spent six weeks experimenting with colorful eyeliner. In that timeframe, I realized that my new makeup practice boosted my confidence in my creativity, my social skills, and myself.

Makeup artists and psychologists agree: colorful eyeliner is a dopamine dupe

I’m not saying I’m lazy, but I’m also not not saying that. To save time, I prefer to keep my routines as basic as they come. Essentially, I drink my water, apply my sunscreen, and mind my business. That’s it.

Because of that, I’m usually a very bubbly and cheerful person. However, there are times when the news makes me sad or life gets me down in other ways. With my new makeup routine, I noticed that I smiled more at myself in the mirror—even on my more challenging days. Seeing those colors on my face made me feel happier than I would’ve sans eyeliner.

“Colorful eyeliners are my go-to for summer,” says Tara KP Troszak, a makeup artist and writer based in California. “They are such a fun and easy way to make any eye look pop.” As far as her tips for creating show-stopping lid looks? “My favorite way to wear colorful liner is in the waterline with a neutral shadow. I also love a bright graphic wing when I’m feeling extra creative,” she says.

It’s not just makeup artists who think there are perks to painting your face. According to a 2020 qualitative study titled Paint a Better Mood? Effects of Makeup Use on YouTube Beauty Influencers’ Self-Esteem, “Makeup use may have a more direct effect on self-esteem if internally motivated and viewed as a mechanism for creativity, mastery, agency, and human connection.”

And that’s precisely how I was using it—as creative expression and an icebreaker.

“[Creating looks with colorful] eyeliner can establish a more playful, casual, fun, or flirty mood,” says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. “You wouldn’t necessarily wear blue eyeliner to a [corporate] job because it kind of gives you this effect or feeling that you’re ready to party.”

I actually wore bright liner looks to multiple work functions—as a lifestyle writer, a nanny, and to my cousin’s wedding, garnering compliments no matter the occasion. The compliments are great, of course, but there are other, more hard-hitting benefits of using my eyelids as a canvas.

“The brain gets a lot more stimulation, a lot more pleasure, out of brighter colors,” says psychotherapist Aimee Daramus, PsyD. “In fact, sometimes in therapy, bright colors can be used to help somebody who’s having trouble being in the moment.” This technique is called chromotherapy (or color therapy), which can be helpful in treating anxiety and depression.

Even though I just used eyeliner instead of light therapy, I still felt the benefits of adding color to my everyday life.

How (and why) wearing colorful eyeliner helps boost my mood and confidence

1. It lets me explore my artistry

I can’t draw, paint, or sketch to save my life, so I always thought I wasn’t artistic. Once I started to do different looks with my vibrant liners, though, I started to see and appreciate my artistic side. Where I would go out bare-faced before, I now try to match my makeup with my outfit—which I did for a couple of launch parties, Mother’s Day, and my cousin’s wedding.

2. It’s a big payoff for not so much work

I like to spend my time running, dancing, hiking, at the beach, and with my family and friends. Frankly, I don’t love spending time getting ready. For that reason, I keep my skin-care, hair-care, and makeup routines super basic—like, I don’t wear any makeup most days. However, because the liner usually just takes me one stroke of the brush, I found a perfect mood-boosting beauty hack, even when there was nothing else on my face. I timed myself for the Cleopatra-esque look below (which I did in my jammies, by the way), and it took just about three minutes.

3. People always compliment it

People can’t stop telling me how cute my colorful eyeliner is—my roommate loves it, my mom loves it, my sister loves it, my uncle loves it… pretty much everyone loves it. And, honestly, as a Leo sun, I live for the applause.

The compliments are also fertile grounds for connecting with other people, which is something I love to do when I get the chance. Even if I’m not feeling up to approaching someone, chances are I can get them to approach me if I’m wearing super-artistic eyeliner.

The colorful eyeliners I tried and the ones that makeup artists love

NYX, Vivid Brights — $9.00

Even though I’m not a makeup girlie, I am well aware of NYX’s reputation as a long-lasting, affordable drugstore brand, so I was excited to try these when my roomie and I selected four shades to play with. We got white, lilac, light pink, and dark pink, but the line comes in nine colors. The pigmentation of these liquid liners is honestly unmatched.

My one complaint about this colorful eyeliner is that it can peel off if you don’t put a couple of layers on at the start. That said, if you apply two coats, you’ll see your vibrant reflection in the mirror and smile just like I did.

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Haus Labs, Optic Intensity Eco Eyeliner — $22.00

Though I didn’t try this one myself, I am pretty comfortable saying that this colored eyeliner is a heavy hitter. I’m not usually a huge fan of celebrity beauty brands, but Lady Gaga definitely delivers here. More than 1,500 reviewers have given this liner 4.5 stars and say that this liner “stays put and the pigment is incredible.”

I geeked out a little over the innovative design, too. Most eyeliner pencils on this list just come in a regular tube, but this Haus Labs pick has a smudge brush at the bottom. It’s available in 18 shades, which you can get in matte or a shimmery finish, and contains vitamin E oil and argan oil to help support your lashes.

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About-Face, Fluid Eye Paint — $16.00

Both Hilario and Troszak give rave reviews to Halsey’s About-Face Fluid Eye Paint. Hilario says these little babies are “really pigmented and great quality. Some liquid liners tend to look cracky and dry, but these were smooth.” That’s even more impressive once you consider that this formula has a matte finish.

About-Face’s eye paint also brings all the colors of the rainbow to life, considering it has more than 30 shades available. You can opt for pink, blue, green, purple—seriously, any color you can dream up. For me, application with this was kind of tricky because the brush is relatively thick. If I want a thinner liner, I’ll likely have to buy a brush to help with that.

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Sheglam, Color Crush Liquid Eyeliner-Insta-Gratification — $3.00

If you’re a fan of Shein, allow us to introduce you to their makeup brand: Sheglam. At only $3, Shein’s colorful eyeliner is the most affordable on this roundup. I didn’t test this, but I have other Sheglam products and formed some opinions based on that. For instance, while the makeup offers lovely pigmentation, it won’t last you all day or night. I’d say, at best, it’ll last you four hours. According to the brand, this liner is sweatproof and smudge-proof, but my experience with other SheGlam products tells me that might not be the case.

If you opt for this liquid eyeliner, you’ll have six shades to choose from: dark green, bright red, sky blue, pink, light purple, and yellow. Regardless of which color you get, though, you’ll receive a matte finish.

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Makeup Forever, Artist Color Pencil — $22.00

If Makeup Forever had a fan club, Joshua Hilario, a New York- and New Jersey-based makeup artist, would be its President. “I have fallen in love with the Makeup Forever Artist Color pencils,” says Hilario. “These pencils are the most versatile and user-friendly pencils I have ever worked with. They glide easily on the waterline; you don’t have to work it on or rub aggressively to get the payoff you want.”

Hilario adds that there are 19 shades, and you can create graphic looks with this the same way you can manifest a smokey eye. I will say, however, that there don’t appear to be bright colors—think yellow and lime green—on this list, likely because the formula serves double duty as a lip pencil. That said, there are some pretty gorgeous pinks and reds in the line that will make for a great pop of color on your lids.

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LA Girl Glide, Gel Eyeliner Pencil — $5.00

“This is the best affordable gel eyeliner pencil for the waterline,” says Troszak. “Bring on the warm summer nights, festivals, and smudge-proof eyeliner. I’m here for it.” I didn’t test this one myself either (since I’m but one person on usually tight deadlines), but I’ll take Troszak’s word for it. “They’re good and cheap,” she says. And reviewers agree.

Out of more than 60 reviews, 57 people have awarded this product five stars. One user says, “The formula goes on super smooth, no tugging on my hag eyes, and it stayed put all night! No smudging, no breaking up, no disappearing on my oily eyelid.” While this pencil may look like it twists to deliver more product, note that it needs to be sharpened.

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19/99, Precision Colour Pencil — $26.00

I’ve always been a liquid liner stan for formulas that go on top of my lids. I find that they’re easier to apply and more pigmented, so I usually don’t even bother with colored pencils. However, the Precision Colour Pencil from 19/99 earned its place on my colorful eyeliners roster.

Not only is it super pigmented, but it also glides on easily and you don’t have to keep applying it for it to show up on your skin. Like the NYX Vivid Brights, this pencil is available in nine shades. Unlike the NYX product, though, those shades are primarily reds, pinks, oranges, and two blues. So if you want to create a rainbow look, you’d be better off shopping elsewhere.

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Ilia is known for its skin-friendly, multipurpose formulas (the brand’s blush-highlighter-lipstick hybrid and tinted SPF serum are among our editor’s favorites), and I was excited to see how the new brow products stacked up. At $24 a pop, the price tags are certainly steeper than what I’d typically spend to sculpt my eyebrows, but after trying them, I’ve got to admit they’re worth it. Let’s just say I won’t be using any other brow pencil (or gel) for the foreseeable future. Keep scrolling to find out why.

In-Full Micro-Tip Brow Pencil

ILIA, In Full Micro-Tip Eyebrow Pencil — $24.00

Shades: blonde, dark blonde, taupe, soft brown, auburn, auburn brown, dark brown, and soft black.
Claims: vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, silicone-free.
Ingredients: mineral-based pigments infused with vitamin B5 that condition and nourish hair.

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Thanks to an ultra-fine tip and artfully-crafted blend of pigments, powders, and wax, this pencil is pretty much foolproof—it’s so easy to use that even the most beginner-level brow artist will be able to achieve an easy (and fast!) natural look.

For my own brows, I opted to try the blonde and dark blonde pencils to match my natural shade. I started by drawing thin, hair-like strokes on my brows, and I was impressed with how easy the application was from start to finish. The dual-tip brush was super-fine which gave the illusion of actual hair, and it was easy to apply just the right amount of pressure for the intensity of the pigment I wanted.

In Frame Brow Gel

ILIA, In Frame Clear Eyebrow Gel — $24.00

Shades: clear
Claims: 
Ingredients: hydrolized quinoa, hair renewal complex

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After applying the pencil, I put on a layer of the In Frame Brow Gel on top to hold the hairs in place and lock in the color. The brow gel boasts a clear and lightweight formula that gently swipes across the brows.

Made with hydrolyzed quinoa and a hair renewal complex, this brow gel conditions and strengthens brow hairs while creating the illusion of fuller brows. As someone with relatively thin brow hairs, I appreciated the full look the gel gave them and liked that it was nourishing my natural brows in the long term while giving them some instant oomph. I used two layers of product to get my brows shaped and placed in the position I wanted them to be in for the day.

Final Thoughts

In terms of longevity, the brand claims that the pencil would provide all-day coverage and that the gel would last eight hours, and the products stood up to the test. After a long day in the Florida sun, my eyebrows were still completely filled. The tips were a little thin and straggly, but that’s likely because I rubbed the edges of my brows a few times throughout the day.

My only less-than-perfect feedback on the products is related to their pricing. Even though clean formulas are more expensive,  $24 for a brow gel and pencil feels like a lot. That said, the products stay on all day, so you won’t have to waste any with reapplication, but it’s still something to keep in mind.

Even so, I’ve already put my former eyebrow products away and will be keeping these in my makeup bag for the foreseeable future.

Thankfully, for those of us looking to upgrade our routines before the real sweaty part of the season kicks in, the brand is offering up to 50 percent off its hottest sets (including a few limited-edition bundles) now through May 29 during the Kosas Memorial Day Sale.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight complexion product that will up your skin health as you wear it (looking at you, Revealer Foundation) or a brow gel that styles and conditions in one fell swoop (hey there, Air Brow), consider yourself covered. Below, shop the five best deals from the sale.

5 best deals to shop during the Kosas Memorial Day Sale

Kosas, Ready in 5 Set — $36.00

Worth $71, now $36

Save 50 percent by getting this limited-edition set with three simple yet stunning products to pull together a five-minute, soft-glam makeup look. It has the Cream Blush & Highlighter Duo in the shade combo 8th Muse (cool pink blush and champagne highlighter), the Wet Lip Oil Gloss in the shade Unbuttoned (a soft, warm blush), and the 10-Second Eye Gel Watercolor Eyeshadow in Heat (a rose gold). The cream blush and highlighter go on like a dream, the gloss feels moisturizing without ever being sticky, and the 10-second eye gel goes on so smoothly and easily that you can get a stunning pop of color on your lid in just 10 seconds.

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Kosas, Glow Up Set — $52.00

Worth $76, now $52

Snag $34 off a combo of sheet masks from Loops Beauty and glow-y makeup from Kosas. It includes five Hydrogel Eye Masks, two Face Masks, one 10-Second Eye liquid shadow in the shade Blaze (a neutral bronze), and one Wet Lip Oil Gloss in the shade Unbuttoned (a soft warm blush). Loops sheet masks feel amazing, leaving your skin glowy, hydrated, and shining along with your eye and lip look.

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Kosas, Full Face of Kosas Set — $77.00

Worth $96, now $77

Save 20 percent on this customizable set to help you get a full-face look in minutes. Pick one shade of the following to build your perfect kit—the Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25, the Wet Lip Oil Gloss, the 10-Second Eye, and the Color & Light highlighter-blush duo Palette. The Revealer Foundation is lightweight and formulated with SPF, which makes it the perfect summer product (just be sure you’re layering it with an additional sunscreen, because doesn’t offer quite enough coverage to keep you protected all day). In addition to evening your skin tone, it smooths texture and helps to minimize the appearance of pores—all without ever caking or flaking.

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Kosas, Build-Your-Own Kosas Brow — $42.00

Worth $72, now $42

Craft effortlessly flawless brows and save up to 42 percent while doing it. This set allows you to pick two (save 25 percent) or three (save 42 percent) brow products in your perfect shades. Choose from clear brow gel Air Brow, tinted Air Brow, and the defining Brow Pop pencil. The tiny brushes and pencil head on these products, respectively, allow you to get a defined yet fluffy natural-looking brow.

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Kosas, Unreal Brows + Lips Set — $39.00

Worth $46, now $39

This customizable duo is discounted 25 percent. Pick your fave shade of the Wet Lip Oil Gloss and tinted Air Brow. With a few swipes of these two products, you can be out the door in 30 seconds.

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Check out the video below to see how our senior beauty editor uses Kosas products in her routine:

Rodan+Fields, Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30 — $70.00

Available shades: 10

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How does the Rodan + Fields “Perfecting Liquid” work?

In an email with Well+Good, board certified dermatologist Jodi Logerfo DNP, APRN, FNP-BC took a look at the Perfecting Liquid to explain why this blend of ingredients infuses skin care into this tinted moisturizer, which is what gives the formula its seamless application, and why it makes skin look so radiant. “[There are] antioxidant compounds that protect cells from free radical damage and the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS),” Dr. Logerfo tells Well+Good. “ROS are generated when skin is exposed to UV light and visible light, environmental pollutants like smoke and smog… ROS contributes to skin’s aging process,” the dermatologist adds.

Dr. Logerfo also notes that the peptides in the ingredient list serve an important purpose. “They are important because they are the building blocks of skin, like collagen and elastin. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen making skin become drier, and less elastic. Using peptides can help to restore aging skin,” Dr. Logerfo explains.

And of course, the SPF. As for what we all know, SPF is a necessity in maintaining healthy skin for years to come. “A broad spectrum sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used every day before you go outside,” the dermatologist says. When it comes to using SPF, Dr. Logerfo concludes with this: “Sun damage is easier to prevent that treat!”

An honest review of Rodan+Fields “Perfecting Liquid”

The serum-meets-moisturizer formula seamlessly matches my face without making me look washed out (I’m using the shade “Caramel”), or like a fictional movie character. Think semi-matte, my-skin-but-better finish. Best of all, I didn’t feel any burning or tingling which meant my sensitive skin was happy, too.

To give this product a wear test, I applied the tinted moisturizer on my face with the Rodan+Fields Radiant Defense Liquid Brush. Then, because I have combination skin that can get a bit shiny after a couple of hours, I topped it off with some translucent powder that I had from a residual Sephora sample. All locked in, I went out for a night on the town. Coming home in the early morning, not only did the Perfecting Liquid stay on my face the whole night, but it didn’t make my skin greasy, nor did I notice any splotchy patches. The whole time I didn’t even touch up my face with the powder.

To remove the Perfecting Liquid in the wee hours of the morning, I simply double cleansed with a cleansing balm followed by a foam face wash, and everything came off with ease. Needless to say, ever since that night the Rodan+Fields Perfecting Liquid has become my go-to tinted moisturizer. It matches my face, is non-irritating on my sensitive skin, and has SPF 30 – Rodan+Fields Perfecting Liquid is perfect for me. Guess the name of this product didn’t lie after all.

“I went to the kitchen, put my finger in the jar of ghee, and put it right on my lips,” he says. “And instantly, there was such a soothing effect. So I took it upon myself to create a lip balm. It took me over 30 tries to get one that I liked. And at that point, it was still a secret, but when I found a formula that I liked, I told my sister, Arati, my other sister, my girlfriend, and of course my mom. And they all fell in love.”

And so Ghlee, the first beauty brand based on ghee, a clarified butter that originated in ancient India that’s full of healthy fats, was born. The brand is focused on lip care, launching with five lip balms ($12) with South-Asian-influenced flavors like mint and chai, a lip scrub ($15), and a lip mask ($23)—all made with ghee, a form of clarified butter that originated centuries ago in South Asia.

“We are South Asian and our parents have kind of talked to us about Ayurvedic rituals for so many years, but I don’t think Varun and I really embraced it or appreciated it until we started building this product,” says Arati Sharma, co-founder of Ghlee. “Ghee is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which make it a really great barrier [to protect skin from the environment]. The other thing is that ghee already has vitamins A, D, E, and K in it, so it leaves your skin nourished and supple.”

Ghlee Lip Balm — $12.00

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Ghlee Lip Mask — $23.00

Ghlee Lip Scrub — $15.00

The formula behind Ghlee starts with a special blend of ghee made by the Sharma sibling’s dad. He’s always made ghee for the family, providing his children with big jars every few weeks. When he found out Varun wanted to put it into skin care, he changed up his formula. “My dad’s actually the one who came up with the system to make it more of this skin-care grade ghee,” says Varun. “He has his whole, elaborate, 10-step filtration process.” Arati adds that “he actually used to build tanks for skin-care manufacturers as a mechanical engineer, so it’s really funny and a full circle moment for sure.”

This new-and-improved ghee is then passed on to their manufacturer. “The first five to 10 labs that I spoke to thought I was crazy for even coming up with this idea,” says Varun. “They’re like, ‘Wait, so you wanna put ghee in skin care? This has never been done.’ And I’m like, ‘I know, that’s the whole point.’ So we finally found one that got my vision, and we’ve been working with them ever since.”

Working with a skin-care formulator allows them to make the products’ shelf stable. In general, clarified butter is already shelf stable—”at home, we just keep ghee out on like a kitchen counter,” says Varun. “This goes back centuries, but the reason why the village people used to make clarified butter is because it prolongs the shelf life immensely.” Ghlee products are shelf-stable for 12 months, which is typical for flavored lip products.

“We have five lip balms that we’re starting with in terms of our on-the-go lip care,” says Arati. “The lip balms are made out of ghee but they are supercharged with like a bunch of different things like mango seed and vitamin E. And our flavors are very South Asian as well. So we have a mint, rose, chai, mango-papaya, and unscented original.”

Chai is Varun’s baby. “On the market, there’s a lot of fragrance oils that are almost like a chai latte from Starbucks, so that kind of almost manufactured, chemically scent,” he says. “And I was really against using that. So I took it upon myself to make a blend of essential oils from things that are found commonly in chai. So there’s clove bud oil in it, there is cinnamon, there’s ginger, and they all come together so when you open it is literally like a cup of hot chai. That’s the one I’m most excited about for our customers to try.”

The lip scrub is made with brown sugar and ghee, and the lip mask is made with ghee, squalane, and kahai oil. While anyone could technically make their own ghee skin-care products at home, Ghlee removes the hassle.

“I’ve definitely gone down the DIY path and like tried ghee in my hair, like all the South Asian influencers,” says Arati. “But having something that’s a little bit more modernized in a tube and then the lip mask and scrub in a jar—that’s a big game-changer for me. We have seen all these brands, especially in the wellness community, leverage a lot of South Asian practices and Ayurveda. And so we were like, ‘Hey, if someone’s gonna bring ghee to market first in skin care, we think it should be us.'”

What it’s like using Ghlee

I’ve been using the Ghlee lip balm every day since I received it about a month ago. It glides onto my lips like butter (shocker!!!!!) and leaves them feeling so soft. I do have a bit of hyperpigmentation on my lips in areas where I’ve pulled off dead skin a bit too aggressively and I am noticing the slightest bit of lightening happening to those scars. Aside from being nutrient-rich, ghee also helps to even out hyperpigmentation, though Arati is clear that that’s not why she and Varun wanted to use ghee in their skin-care brand. “In the South Asian community, there’s so much talk about hyperpigmentation and removing it—but we love our skin and love our dark lips,” she says.

Each of the scents smells exactly how they’re supposed to—and the chai is a clear standout. It smells so lovely, rich, and spicy that whenever it’s on I find myself sitting with my lips pursed up to my nose, just taking in the scent.

The lip scrub is everything you want from a scrub—the brown sugar stays put in the ghee, allowing you to spread the crystals around with ease without them crumbling off your lips. I gently rub it on my lips with my fingers for a few seconds before washing it off with warm water. Once I’m done, my lips feel soft, moisturized, and invigorated instead of dry or irritated. After I scru,b I’ll slather on the mask, which ohmygawd feels so amazing. It’s unreal how buttery and smooth it feels while still being pretty weightless, not heavy or sticky—I can tell its there, but it feels like my lips are actually absorbing the goodness rather than the ingredients just sitting on top. This is not lip service.

In theory, having sunscreen in your makeup product is great—especially considering a survey conducted by Sun Regrets found that only “19 percent of respondents wear sunscreen year-round, and 78 percent admit going outside on a sunny day without sunscreen.” With those numbers, it would be better to provide an option they’re more likely to wear, like SPF in their makeup…right?

The problem with SPF in foundation and makeup

Well, there are a few key problems with this line of defense: Primarily, the amount you’re applying and where you’re applying it, says Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and spokesperson for Sun Regrets Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Awareness campaign.

“According to the survey, a majority of the 2,000 people who responded missed applying sunscreen to their ears, lips, and scalp/hairline, which aren’t areas a foundation or tinted moisturizer would likely be applied to,” Dr. Hale says. “Additionally, the issue with foundations and tinted moisturizers is not necessarily that the SPF is not high enough, but that people do not apply enough to achieve the recommended [amount required] to actually obtain the SPF stated on the bottle.” (Derms suggest apply a quarter-sized amount to your face alone, FYI.)

So, while having sunscreen in foundation is not a bad thing, the amount you would typically apply for cosmetic purposes isn’t enough to provide the protection that your skin needs. Instead, Dr. Hale recommends first applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and following that up with makeup or foundation on top. “Bonus if it contains additional SPF!” she says.

While there is nothing wrong with wearing a makeup product with sunscreen in it, it’s important to remember that that product alone will likely not give you the necessary protection against skin damage and skin cancer. Instead, invest in sunscreen that can be worn with or without makeup. Nowadays, there are fantastic options such as sunscreen serums and tinted sunscreens that provide adequate sun protection and layer beautifully underneath any makeup products—a total win-win.

According to makeup artist Eddie Duyos, a Make Up For Ever Pro Artist and International Educator, where glass skin prioritizes plump, dewy skin that places emphasis on the natural appeal of the complexion, stained glass skin does the same, but with a hint of transparent color shining through.

“This creates a ‘no-makeup makeup’ look that emphasizes dimensional, healthy-looking skin while providing an excellent canvas for any eye or lip look,” Duyos explains.

How to achieve stained glass skin

Since stained glass skin is all about a dewy finish with a whisper of pigment, Duyos says that using cream products and ultra-hydrating liquid formulas work best to get it right.

“Intentional placement of shine and satin finishes are key,” he adds. In terms of how to apply your products, Duyos says to keep it simple. “Two of the best application tools for this trend are your fingers or a damp sponge,” he reveals.

In addition to using the right formulas and finishes, Duyos says to remember the key principle of stained glass skin: the colors you use should be transparent. With this in mind, you’ll want to prioritize sheer, buildable makeup products for the best end result.

7 products that deliver dewy skin with a pop of pigment

Laneige, Glowy Makeup Serum — $32.00

The first step in achieving stained glass skin is to start with a nice, dewy complexion. This 2-in-1 serum primer will help you do just that with the help of nourishing ingredients like olive oil and vitamin E, plus diamond mineral powder that creates a gorgeous glow. What’s more, it will help control sebum production, create a smooth finish, and lock whatever makeup you apply on top of it in for the long haul. Beloved by over 125,000 Sephora shoppers, it’s one product that’s most definitely worth trying.

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Beautyblender, ORIGINAL BEAUTYBLENDER Makeup Sponge — $20.00

To apply your makeup in the sheerest way possible, add one of these best-in-class sponges to your beauty routine. Makeup artists love this tool for its ability to create an even, buildable finish, and you can use it on your cheeks, eyes, and all over your face. Pro tip? Dampen it before you get to work.

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Urban Decay, Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation — $33.00

Looking to even out your all-over color? The Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation, which is sold in 16 shades, is designed to deliver a hydrating, long-wearing, radiant finish.

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Saie, Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush — $25.00

For a dewy kiss of color on your cheeks, reach for this liquid blush that’s sold in six colors. It comes with a doe-foot applicator for precise placement, so you can apply it just as easily to your cheeks as you can the bridge of your nose. It’s sheer, but buildable, allowing you to customize your finished look to your heart’s desire.

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Danessa Myricks, Beauty Yummy Skin Glow Serum — $34.00

Flaunt a shimmering, sun-kissed look with this top-rated bronzer-highlighter hybrid. It’s sold in two colors, both of which are bound to make your complexion look positively radiant. Because it’s a cream, not a powder, it blends easily into the skin and can be used anywhere you’re looking to add a little extra luminescence. Try it out on your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow, or anywhere else the light naturally hits your face.

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Tarte, Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump Shift — $24.00

For glossy, tinted lips that aren’t the slightest bit sticky, it doesn’t get better than the new Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump Shift. It’s my new must-have at all times. My go-to is the Kiwi version (pictured above), but there are eight other shades to choose from.

And if you love the idea of a color-shifting makeup product, be sure to check out another one of my faves—the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip & Cheek Shift ($24)—too. It’s sold in 13 colors and applies beautifully for a dewy-not-sticky finish.

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Makeup Forever, Ultra HD Soft Light Liquid Highlighter — $29.00

If you don’t want to have to go out and buy all new products, Duyos says you can get away with just one: a creamy highlighter, like the Ultra HD Soft Light Liquid Highlighter. “Mix a creamy highlighter into your cream foundation, contour, bronzer, or blush, and then apply to the skin for a seamless, glowing finish,” he instructs.

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“As someone who has suffered from severe eczema my entire adult life, I know how hard it can be to find a mineral SPF foundation that will still give you the coverage you want and the UV protection you need, without irritating your skin,” says Tower28 founder Amy Liu. “We use non-nano zinc oxide to provide mineral protection since chemical sunscreens have been known to trigger sensitive skin types.” Zinc oxide is also coral-reef safe.

Tower28 Sunnydays — $32.00

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Although SunnyDays ($32) was made for sensitive skin, it doesn’t tiptoe around coverage—it’s highly buildable and allows you to customize your coverage from light to medium. It’s the ideal your-skin-but-better formula—heavy enough to even out your complexion but sheer enough to let your undertones shine through. This takes the pressure off finding the *perfect* match, though the brand just launched three additional shades (bringing the tally to 17) in response to requests from shoppers for a wider variety of undertones in the mid-range.

SunnyDays is SPF 30, but Liu says you’ll still want to layer it over sunscreen for full protection. To get full SPF coverage on your face, derms advise putting on enough product to cover two fingers, or an amount to fill an old-fashioned metal bottle cap. That’s way more than the amount you’d likely want to use for this product. Apply SunnyDays to add additional coverage, not to replace your go-to sunscreen (which you should be wearing every day, even in the winter). “People with problematic skin including eczema and acne need sun protection even more since sun damage can also lead to scarring,” says Liu.

In order to receive the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, SunnyDays underwent rigorous third-party testing to ensure it’s free of known eczema irritants. But, because everyone’s skin is different, while the chances of this product irritating eczema-prone skin are low, it’s not impossible.

What it’s like using the Tower28 Sunnydays tinted sunscreen

I love the way this product goes on. It provides just enough coverage while still allowing me to look like myself. I put a few dabs on my face and then blend it out with a sponge. It’s light enough that you can apply it with just your fingers, but if you’re like me and prefer applying complexion products with a tool, you don’t have to worry about the formula being so watery that a sponge or brush would soak it all up.

Come warm weather, this is the only complexion product I’m using. It’s lightweight and allows my skin to breathe while providing a sheer tint of coverage and added SPF complexion. Even though it’s a mineral sunscreen, the formula is creamy and hydrating, allowing my skin to feel dewy and moisturized. If I want a more dolled-up look, I’ll add on a touch of concealer and cream contour for a sculpted your-skin-but-better look. Whether or not you have sensitive skin, SunnyDays is more than worth giving a try.

“The reality is that most of us aren’t applying enough sunscreen, and then most of us are not reapplying as often as we should,” says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California. “If you aren’t using the right amount of product, you aren’t getting as much protection as you might think.”

When you use sunscreen incorrectly, you’re leaving yourself open to premature aging (wrinkles, sagging, and hyperpigmentation) or much worse, skin cancer.

“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and it is something that is so easily prevented,” says Dr. Lee. “Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, making it critical to protect your skin outdoors.”

Applying sunscreen correctly ensures you’re getting the best protection. Below, seven dermatologists share everything you need to know about how to apply sunscreen.

How to apply sunscreen correctly, according to dermatologists

1. Use a sunscreen that’s broad-spectrum and has an SPF of 30 or higher

First things first, you want to make sure the sunscreen you’re applying is a good one. Broad-spectrum means you’re getting protection from both UVB rays (the ones that cause redness and sunburns) and UVA rays (the ones that cause skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and premature signs of aging). SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and dermatologists recommend that you use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. “SPF 30 offers sunscreen protection from 97 percent of UVB light, an SPF 50 offers sunscreen protection of 98 percent, and an SPF 100 protects against 99 percent,” says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. So the higher an SPF you use, the better your protection. (Also, make sure it’s not expired.)

2. Start with dry skin

“If you put a mineral sunscreen on wet skin, it doesn’t go on,” says Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Southern California. And while chemical sunscreen may blend into wet skin, it’s not going to work as well. “The way chemical sunscreens work is that they actually interact with your stratum corneum, with the top layer of your epidermis, to absorb ultraviolet rays so that they don’t go into your skin and do damage. If you’re applying it to wet skin, then that’s going to affect the absorption of the chemical sunscreen.” Then, let the sunscreen dry before you put on any makeup.

So if you’re doing your morning skin-care routine, wait a few minutes between applying your last skin-care product and your SPF to ensure it’s going on dry skin. “Your skin-care routine should take several minutes,” says Dr. Chi. If you’re applying to your body, make sure it’s fully dry—so if you’re wet, towel off and then let it air dry.

3. Lay it on thick

“If you only apply half as much SPF 30 as you need, you’re really only getting SPF 15 protection,” says Dr. Lee. “To cover your body, use the amount of product you’d need to fill a shot glass, and for your face, make a peace sign and draw lines of product over two of your fingers.”

 

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If you’re using a spray, “I always tell my patients to spray [one spot] for at least two seconds and then rub in with your hands,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut. “Don’t treat it like a perfume where you hope the droplets land correctly—actually rub in the spray.” For sticks, always apply sticks two times on the area being treated,” she adds.

4. Make sure to hit the most vulnerable spots

According to Elyse Love, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, your face, chest, back, shoulders, and the backs of your hands are the most prone to long-term sun damage. “This is because these are the areas of the body that are exposed to the sun almost year-round,” she says

5. Leave time after application and before you go into the sun

Sunscreen needs a bit of time to activate before it’s shielding your skin. So when you put on your sunscreen in the morning, wait at least 15 minutes before heading into the sun to ensure you’re protected.

6. Reapply, reapply, reapply

“Reapplication is recommended every two hours, or every 80 minutes if sweating or swimming, regardless of the SPF,” says  Elizabeth Kream, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Even if you’re applying SPF 100, you must re-apply every two hours. This is simply because no matter how well a sunscreen is blocking the UV radiation, it wears off after a few hours.”

7. Slather it on every single day

When learning how to apply sunscreen, it’s important to remember that you should apply it every day, not just when you’re headed to the beach. The majority of sun exposure is casual and incidental, meaning you get it walking to the subway or to get lunch, or through your office window.

“Skin cancer prevention requires a comprehensive approach to protecting yourself against harmful UV radiation,” says Nima Gharavi, MD, the director of dermatologic surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. “The sun’s UV radiation reaches you even when you’re trying to avoid it—penetrating clouds and glass, and bouncing off snow, water, and sand.”

Here’s how to incorporate SPF into your makeup routine:

The best dermatologist-approved sunscreens to buy

Shiseido, Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen — $25.00 to $66.00

“‘Ultimate’ is no joke, this stuff is the GOAT, writes Well+Good contributor Dominique Michelle Astorino. “I put this to the test in double-digit hours of direct sunlight in Hawaii (with sweat, saltwater, sand, wind, and agitated skin acting as an assault on my poor epidermis). And it protected me from all of it while acting like a gentle caress. Get you a girl who can do both! The consistency is like melted butter, but somehow not at all greasy on your skin. The scent is magical, the finish is velvety, the efficacy is *100 emoji*. Sprint to get this stuff ASAP.”

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Supergoop!, Glowscreen SPF 40 — $22.00 to $38.00

If there’s one SPF I actually look forward to using, it’s the Supergoop! Glowscreen. Now available in four shades (Sunset, Golden Hour, Sunrise, and Dawn), it’s a shimmery chemical sunscreen that gives your skin the most gorgeous lit-from-within glow. The shimmer is super fine so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing glitter. Plus, it’s got hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, soothing niacinamide, antioxidant-rich sea lavender, and blue-light filtering cocoa peptides.

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Dr Loretta, Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40 — $50.00

“Created by dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, this mineral sunscreen comes in a universally blendable shade and is full of anti-aging ingredients,” writes Well+Good contributor Cathy Nelson, who loves how this feels on her mature skin. “A few worth noting? Lipochroman, an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots; and Indian ginseng, which nourishes, smooths, and hydrates the skin while providing protection against HEV blue light and environmental aggressors. The zinc oxide formula has a creamy texture, gives just a hint of color, and feels amazingly hydrating. And the added defense against pollutants and indoor light from screens and devices is definitely a bonus.”

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EltaMD, AOX Mist SPF 40 — $45.00

New from EltaMD, this face and body spray uses 100 percent zinc oxide, a mineral sun blocker that is naturally white, to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. When you spray it on, it internationally disperses white “to ensure you don’t miss a spot when applying. But once you rub it in, it turns totally clear. Plus, it nourished your skin with antioxidant-rich vitamin C and vitamin E and hydrating coconut extract and glycerin.

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Tower28, Sunnydays SPF 30 — $32.00

If you’re looking for a tinted option that doubles as a foundation, reach for this one from Tower28. It’s the only complexion product to have the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, meaning it’s perfect for sensitive skin. I love the way this product goes on. It provides just enough coverage while still allowing me to look like myself. I put a few dabs on my face and then blend it out with a sponge. It’s light enough that you can apply it with just your fingers, but if you’re like me and prefer applying complexion products with a tool, you don’t have to worry about the formula being so watery that a sponge or brush would soak it all up.

 

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