With the rise of maximalism in the beauty industry, the current landscape for makeup enthusiasts has never been more thrilling. While natural and effortless looks will always maintain their allure, particularly in TZR’s Beauty Awards, the latest innovations are all about embracing vibrant and extravagant styles. If you need tangible evidence of this trend, explore our curated selection of the best new makeup products that range from luxurious prestige options to budget-friendly drugstore finds. These products are designed to deliver bold colors, dazzling sparkles, and an overall sense of fabulousness that will elevate any makeup routine.
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Explore the Top-Rated Blushes for Every Budget
Premium Blush Selection Over $20
Rose Inc Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color
When creating a blush, one can’t help but wonder if Rosie Huntington-Whiteley felt any added pressure, considering her name is synonymous with this beloved makeup category. Fortunately, she nailed the formula on her initial attempt. Kiara Brown, the senior producer of photo and editorial design at BDG, praises its unique blend of squalane, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, which results in a velvety texture that feels incredibly soft on the skin. “It glides on effortlessly, providing rich pigmentation that is still easy to blend,” she shares, highlighting its importance in her daily makeup routine. “I genuinely adore this product.”
Affordable Blush Choice Under $20
Makeup Revolution Fast Base Blush Stick
This blush acts as your budget-friendly FastPass to achieving that perfectly flushed look. Priced at just $8, BDG Associate Manager of Editorial Operations Abby Lebet describes it as “versatile,” noting that it performs beautifully on both cheeks and lips. With six creamy shades available, each one is highly pigmented and applies smoothly. While they recommend sticking to the more muted options, this blush remains a top choice for those seeking high value and a time-efficient solution in their makeup routine.
Discover the Best Bronzers for Flawless Complexions
High-End Bronzer Selection Over $20
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer
Charlotte Tilbury is undeniably a brand that has captured the beauty community’s attention, and for all the right reasons. TZR contributor Carly Cardellino succinctly states, “Charlotte Tilbury can do no wrong in my eyes.” This bronzer stands as a testament to that claim. While she acknowledges that many bronzers often miss the mark by not achieving the correct undertone and finish, this one gets it just right. “The Beautiful Glow Bronzer complements myriad skin tones and provides a natural finish; even my intern, who has much lighter skin than mine, found it looked incredible on both of us,” she explains.
Budget-Friendly Bronzer Option Under $20
Physicians Formula Bread & Butter Bronzer
Much like the way a loaf of bread develops color in the oven, this aptly named bronzer gradually builds a beautiful golden glow over time. According to NYLON Social Media Strategist Kelly Reed, “You need to build it up gradually,” which she notes is often preferable for blending it seamlessly into your makeup routine. The final result is a lovely, bronzed finish. She adds, “It blends effortlessly and imparts a natural glow.”
Find the Best Brow Enhancers for Perfect Arches
Top Brow Product Selection Over $20
About-Face Brow Artist Eyebrow Pencil
For those who have experienced the frustration of tinted brow products melting away throughout the day, the necessity for a waterproof, smudge-resistant formula becomes clear. This eyebrow pencil, backed by TZR contributor Caroline Tien, incorporates a blend of hard and soft waxes to provide exactly that. “When I applied the pencil in gentle strokes to fill in sparse areas, the result was natural-looking and long-lasting,” she shares, emphasizing that it remained intact even when she attempted to remove it with a damp washcloth. This pencil also offers a wide variety of darker shades, making it easy for brunettes to find their perfect match.
Best Budget Brow Product Under $20
Revlon ColorStay Semi-Permanent Brow Ink
Four thousand three hundred twenty minutes—no, that’s not a lyric from a song in Rent; it’s how long Revlon claims this brow ink lasts. This bold assertion is just one of many regarding its incredible formula. Initially skeptical about its claims, TZR contributor Taylor Stephan was pleasantly surprised after testing. “I didn’t expect much from this product,” she admits. However, she was amazed by its watercolor-like consistency, enhanced by a super-fine felt tip that mimics ultra-thin hair strokes. The versatility of this product allows for customized intensity, depending on how dark you desire your brows to appear.
Uncover the Best Concealers for Flawless Skin
High-End Concealer Selection Over $20
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Buildable Coverage Crease Proof Concealer
Concealers often face a high bar, as they are expected to conceal some of the most challenging skin concerns while also providing a flawless finish that perfectly matches your skin tone. Unfortunately, many products fall short, but Maggie Haddad, TZR’s senior social media strategist, attests that Huda Beauty’s matte, 29-shade formula is a standout exception. “I. Love. This. Concealer,” she exclaims. “It’s incredibly blendable and offers medium coverage, which is my ideal level. It doesn’t become cakey or settle into fine lines throughout the day.” The real testament to its effectiveness? “It effortlessly hides any blemishes I have.”
Affordable Concealer Option Under $20
Lys Beauty Triple Fix Brightening Concealer
Searching for effective solutions to under-eye circles can sometimes feel like a fruitless endeavor. Fortunately, the beauty industry delivers with Lys Beauty’s highly pigmented and hydrating concealer. BDG Executive Beauty Director Faith Xue notes that it brightens her “newly developed under-eye bags without creasing,” and she appreciates its creamy, blendable texture. Furthermore, it provides enough coverage to smooth over breakouts and blur out pores, offering a range of benefits at a very accessible $18 price point. Xue has even recommended it to her friends, highlighting its efficacy.
Elevate Your Look with the Best Eyeliners
Premium Eyeliner Selection Over $20
Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Micropencil Eyeliner
The products from Danessa Myricks Beauty truly embody the term “multi-hyphenate.” Each item is designed to deliver multiple functions across various areas of the face. NYLON Executive Editor Lauren McCarthy confirms this, stating that her experience with these color-shifting metallic eyeliners was anything but ordinary. “Each of these liners possesses an incredible holographic sheen that I’ve enjoyed using on both my lower lash line and waterline,” she notes, adding, “To quote Nicki Minaj, ‘I don’t think you understand, I’m obsessed.’”
Budget-Friendly Eyeliner Option Under $20
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Smoke Liner
At just $11, this smoky eyeliner stick is a remarkable choice that surpasses expectations. True to its reputation as a reliable drugstore brand, NYX Professional Makeup has crafted an eyeliner that is not only budget-friendly but also exceptional in performance. Available in 12 bold shades, the liner features a blendable formula and a paddle brush that allows you to create an entire eye look with just one product. BDG Art Coordinator Xin Xin, who typically isn’t a fan of pencil and gel liners, was thoroughly impressed. “I love how buttery this product feels!” she exclaims. “It glides on smoothly, remains smudge-proof throughout the day, and blends beautifully.” She is now planning to repurchase it.
Explore the Best Eyeshadow Options for Stunning Looks
Premium Eyeshadow Palette Over $20
Anastasia Beverly Hills Primrose Palette For Face & Eyes
With a plethora of eyeshadow palettes available, it can be challenging to impress beauty aficionados. This all-in-one, 12-pan palette should undoubtedly be on your must-try list. “I adore the combination of neutrals and pops of color, but the pinks, purples, and mauves in this palette are incredibly romantic and visually appealing,” remarks TZR contributor Calin Van Paris. “I gasped when I opened it.” Thanks to its mix of chunky shimmer, subtle shimmer, and matte finishes, she now considers herself thoroughly impressed.
Budget-Friendly Liquid Eyeshadow Under
Sephora Collection Charged Up Liquid Eyeshadow
If told that this eyeshadow was made for a Harry Styles concert, many would likely believe it. Aptly named “Charged Up,” this liquid formula is available in 12 rich, playful shades with both metallic and shimmer finishes. It’s also non-sticky, long-lasting, and designed for effortless application. Natasha Marsh, a TZR beauty writer, confirms its suitability for lively events. “[It’s] a super fun night-out shadow, boasting fantastic glitter that glides on easily,” she reviews. In essence, it’s the ideal product for hours of excitement while looking fabulous—and suitable for any occasion that calls for a bit of fun in your makeup.
Find the Best Foundations for Flawless Skin
Top Foundation Choice Over
Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation
Testing a foundation extends beyond the bathroom mirror; it must hold up under various lighting conditions and scenarios to be deemed a true winner. TZR Beauty Editor Amanda Ross confidently states that this light-diffusing foundation excels in every situation. “It looks stunning in high-resolution photos and in real life; it even holds up in my kitchen, which has lighting similar to that of the Saw series,” she shares. “After multiple tests, I believe this may very well be my favorite foundation of the year, instilling confidence with its coverage and reliability.”
Best Budget Foundation Under $20
Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream
Even top-tier makeup can struggle against a sweaty subway commute. When TZR Senior Designer Lindsay Hattrick discovered that this CC cream survived that ultimate test without any patchiness, she recognized it as a winner. However, that wasn’t its only achievement. “Typically, I shy away from matte foundations due to pore-clogging concerns, but this one feels incredibly light and is ideal for sensitive skin!” she states about its oil-free, noncomedogenic, and hypoallergenic formulation. Despite its “matte” label, Hattrick adds that it’s wonderfully buildable, allowing for a skin-like finish when layered over “any sort of glowy skin care.”
Discover the Best Highlighters for a Radiant Glow
Premium Highlighter Option Over $20
Merit Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm in Citrine
While the name “Day Glow” might conjure images of neon colors, don’t be deceived—Merit’s highlighting balm is wonderfully subtle and perfect for daytime wear. After trying the “Citrine” shade, Kaitlin Cubria, Elite Daily’s deputy lifestyle, fashion, and beauty editor, notes, “It’s less glittery and more natural than many other highlighters, which I truly appreciate.” She particularly loves its creamy texture, enhanced by the infusion of squalane and olive fruit oil. “It’s best used on lighter makeup days to fully appreciate its effects,” she adds.
Unique Highlighter Selection Under $20
Half Magic Beauty Light Trap
Highlighter shades typically lack variety, much like Kourtney Kardashian’s post-Kravis wardrobe. Thus, for Ashlyn Thompson, BDG’s director of HR, the diverse color range of Half Magic’s Light Trap was a delightful surprise. “I really liked these shades,” she shares. “The purple shade stood out to me; it’s quite rare, and I found it to be very unique.” Each of the two available options features multidimensional two-tone pigments that create stunning color-shifting effects, coupled with a “great and smooth” consistency.
Shop the Best Lip Glosses and Stains for Luscious Lips
Top Lip Gloss/Stain Choice Over $20
Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm
This innovative product eliminates the need for separate gloss, balm, plumper, and lipstick—this multi-functional formula does it all with excellence. “As someone who detests stickiness, I appreciate that this all-in-one product provides the shine of a gloss, the hydration of a balm, and the comfortable color of a lipstick, all with a dewy finish that doesn’t feel tacky,” says TZR contributor Amber Kallor. Featuring a “conditioning complex” and a selection of eight curated shades (Kallor particularly loves the sheer cherry red “Thrill”), she was captivated from the moment it launched. Since then, she has been actively recommending it to friends.
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Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.
