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14 Best Base Makeup Products for Your Brightest Complexion
Jul
Whether you’re glamming up for a quick Zoom or to actually venture back out into the world, it all starts with finding the best full-coverage makeup products for your skin. These are the products you’ll rely on to freshen up dull skin, blur and mask hyperpigmentation, and prep for creative makeup looks—without exacerbating acne, dryness, or sensitivity.
To test the best full-coverage makeup products this year, we recruited 65 testers with a range of skin tones, skin types, and skin conditions. SELF also consulted with a panel of four top dermatologists to get their guidance on what ingredients and products will be most likely to work for you, based on your preferences and unique skin situation.
What to Look for When Choosing Base Makeup Products
The right full-coverage makeup products for your skin depend on your goals with makeup (are you going all out or for a minimalist no-makeup vibe?) and your skin type. If your skin tends to be dry, it’s important to look for products that contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, and certain oils. These products tend to have creamier textures.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin will want to opt for products with lighter formulas, like lightweight liquids and powder products. They might find that heavier products with more moisturizing ingredients feel heavy or greasy on their skin and may even contribute to acne. โหลดโปรแกรม infinity cm2
And people with sensitive skin should pay attention to any ingredients that might irritate. The most common skin irritants in these types of products tend to be fragrance and essential oils. Some botanical extracts can also be irritating, but what causes issues for one person’s skin may not be problematic for others.
Our testers were impressed with just how much coverage they got out of this convenient stick concealer-foundation hybrid. It has a thick, buttery formula that can mask dark under eyes and small blemishes.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product is formulated without fragrance, which can be irritating to some people’s skin.
This primer serum delivers on its name, our reviewers said, with its hydrating and soothing gel formula. Testers noticed that this primer prepped their skin for makeup and actually provided noticeable moisturizing benefits with regular use.
Bonus points, per the experts: This serum contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone, all of which our experts say can contribute to hydrated, moisturized skin. Also, there’s no fragrance in this primer, which our experts say is also a plus.
Built on the original cult-favorite All Nighter formula, this version comes with hydrating ingredients to maximize your glow—and keep your makeup set. Our testers appreciated how light and airy it felt to apply, and the subtle cool feel the spray gave to their skin. But not everyone was a fan of the fragrance.
Bonus points, per the experts: There are a few hydrating and soothing ingredients in this spray that our derms suggest you look for, including hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin.
Just so you know: This product does contain fragrance, which can be irritating for some people with sensitive or dry skin.
This lightweight yet creamy blush offers subtle, buildable color in a moisturizing formula that’s also friendly to sensitive skin.
Bonus points, per the experts: With ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, and dimethicone, this blush can hydrate and moisturize dry or sensitive skin. It also doesn’t contain any potentially irritating fragrance.
Just so you know: Some reviewers felt that this blush was too greasy for oily skin.
With a unique name and shape, this innovative tint can be used on the lips or the cheeks to build whatever amount of color you’re after.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains glycerin, a humectant that our derms say can help hydrate dry skin.
Our reviewers raved about the way this light, shimmery blush adds just the right amount of soft color and glow. They also appreciated the cute zebra-stripe packaging.
Just so you know: This product contains fragrance, which can be irritating for some skin.
Testers said this glossy, rose-scented highlighter was surprisingly easy to use—and that it left skin looking glowy without any noticeable residue. It can be worn alone, under makeup as a primer, or over makeup to help highlight.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains dimethicone, which can help moisturize dry skin.
Just so you know: Be aware of the botanical extracts and fragrance in this highlighter, which can be irritating to some with dry or sensitive skin.
This highlighter stick provides a natural-looking pearly glow in a blendable formula that reviewers raved about. The heavy magnetic packaging also felt luxurious, they said.
Bonus points, per the experts: This highlighter stick is free of synthetic fragrances, making it friendly to sensitive skin.
Our testers loved the natural glow from this sensitive skin-friendly bronzer, which doesn’t look shimmery or glittery. The long-lasting formula is creamy and blendable without feeling greasy—and it now comes in even more shades.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains aloe, shea butter, and jojoba, all of which our experts say can help soothe and moisturize dry or sensitive skin. The bronzer also doesn’t contain fragrance, which is a plus for those with sensitive skin.
Just so you know: There are several natural oils and butters in this product, which can be moisturizing, but some people with oily skin may find them to be too much.
For those who want to add a little sunny glow to their complexion, this multiuse bronzer is a great option. Our reviewers appreciated how easy it was to use—it’s a powder, but not too powdery—and that the oversized bronzer pan is refillable.
Bonus points, per the experts: With hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, this bronzer may feel hydrating and moisturizing.
This ultrasoft and dense brush comes with a handle that’s a little shorter, heavier, and thicker than usual, which our reviewers said makes it much easier to use. They were able to use this brush to apply and blend liquid, cream, and powder products.
A setting powder that doesn’t feel or look powdery is difficult to come by, but reviewers said this one fits the bill. It also provided some blurring on fine lines and a natural glow while still combatting oil.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, which is great news for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
This is a liquid foundation but with a lightweight serum-like formula that allows for buildable, natural-looking coverage. Our reviewers said it feels more like a tinted moisturizer with extra coverage.
Bonus points, per the experts: This foundation contains hydrating glycerin and moisturizing olive oil, making it a great choice for those with dry skin.
Just so you know: Those with oily or acne-prone skin may find that the olive oil in this product contributes to greasiness. This product also contains a few botanic extracts that may not be ideal for some people with sensitive skin.
