In the ever-evolving world of makeup, it feels like there’s a new launch every other day! With so many options, finding makeup that truly delivers can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s where I come in! As a beauty content creator with years of experience and a passion for makeup education, I’ve spent countless hours testing hundreds of products to bring you the absolute best of 2024. From foundation to lip liners, these 14 standout products (plus a few bonuses!) are game-changers that deserve a spot in your routine. Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, this curated list will help you achieve flawless, long-lasting looks with ease. Ready? Drumroll, please….

1. Covergirl Clean Fresh Brow Nano Eyebrow Pencil – $12

What makes this product stand out:

• Super fine tip: Its tip width is as fine as a safety pin, making it perfect for creating realistic hair strokes.

• Perfect color match: The shade range includes natural tones—“Brown Black” was my personal match for a soft, realistic finish. It doesn't look to stark or unreal when drawn on.

• Smooth application: No need to repeatedly draw in one spot; the color payoff is effortless and even.

2. Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow – $38

What makes this product stand out:

• Blendable formula: Creamy yet lightweight, it’s perfect for beginners and pros alike. I have tried so many cream shadows in my lifetime and try to avoid them because they apply on very patchy, especially the glitter ones - but not this formula! 

• Crease-proof wear: No cracking or creasing into the eyelids, even after 12 hours. Trust me, I tested it out on my hooded eyes. 

• Buildable color: The formula glides on smoothly and delivers immediate, impactful color. You can be as subtle or dramatic as you like.

• Pro tip: Work one eye at a time to then add another layer to build up the color intensity.

3. Lilac St. Lashes – $11

What makes this product stand out:

• Wide length range: From 8mm to 18mm, they cater to a wide variety of eye shapes ensuring a flattering and customized look for every individual.

• Long-lasting wear: Their glue is incredibly strong, keeping lashes secure for up to a week with minimal touch-ups. I wore my lashes for a week straight and only had to touch up once! 

• Comfortable fit: No heaviness or irritation, making them wearable all day and night long.

4. Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Hydrating Longwear Foundation – $40

What makes this product stand out:

• 50 inclusive shades: Whether you’re fair or deep-toned, Fenty has you covered with a range that suits every undertone. As a medium brown skin tone woman, finding a color that matches your skin without looking too orange or yellow is tough. Fenty Beauty has solved this problem for us.

• Natural finish: Not too matte, not too dewy—just a healthy, radiant, luminous finish that mimics the appearance of healthy, glowing skin.

• High-Impact Coverage with Minimal Product: A small amount of product provides exceptional coverage. Most times, I don’t need more than one pump. It blends seamlessly and evenly across the skin for a flawless finish.

5. Covergirl Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence Foundation – $22

What makes this product stand out:

• Skin-loving formula: Infused with hydrating ingredients, it doubles as skincare -  leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized.

• Sheer coverage: Perfect for evening out skin tone without looking heavy. It feels incredibly lightweight and breathable on the skin, providing a barely-there sensation that allows your skin to breathe freely.

• Affordable luxury: Quality doesn’t have to break the bank. This foundation delivers professional-quality results at an affordable price point.

6. IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40 – $47

This multitasking CC cream is a dream for busy mornings. It offers full coverage, sun protection, and a flawless matte finish.
What makes this product stand out:

• Built-in SPF 40: One less step in your skincare routine plus gives you sun protection. Win-win!

• Filter-like finish: Blurs imperfections without feeling cakey. The unique color-correcting technology effectively neutralizes redness, minimizes blemishes, and creates an airbrushed, flawless complexion.

• Oil-Control Technology: The matte finish effectively minimizes shine and controls oil production throughout the day, ensuring a long-lasting, flawless complexion.

Bonus: IT Cosmetics #7 Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Makeup Brush $50

This was a makeup brush that I used time and time again. The bigger end of this dual-ended brush effortlessly blends out foundation, skin tints, and any other cream products (blush, bronzer, etc) out so flawlessly! 

The smaller end is great for the areas on your face that are hard-to-reach areas such as the inner corners of the eyes and around the nose for precise, flawless application. A great two-in-one!

7. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer – $38

What makes this product stand out:

• Crease-Resistant Formula: The hydrating formula minimizes creasing and settling into fine lines, ensuring a long-lasting, flawless finish throughout the day. I used this several times during my 30 days of concealer hacks testing! See the concealer work HERE.

• Intense Hydration: The luxurious, creamy texture of this concealer provides intense hydration to the delicate under-eye area, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Perfect for mature skin: Its silky formula works beautifully on all skin types.

8. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer – $31

What makes this product stand out:

• Versatile application: Use it as a spot concealer or all-over foundation. This concealer offers medium to full coverage that looks like real skin.

• Unparalleled Coverage: This high-performance concealer provides exceptional full coverage, effectively concealing imperfections and achieving a flawless, airbrushed complexion.

• Comfortable Wear: Despite its full-coverage formula, this concealer feels surprisingly comfortable on the skin, avoiding any dryness or cakey appearance. See the concealer work HERE.

Bonus: Real Techniques | 242 Brightening Concealer Brush $7

The unique shape and angle of the brush allow for seamless blending of concealer, creating a smooth, flawless finish. Plus, this price point is unbeatable! See the brush in action HERE.

9. One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder – $34

What makes this product stand out:

• Pore-blurring magic: The unique formula blurs the appearance of fine lines, pores, and other imperfections for a flawless, airbrushed complexion. Gives a soft-focus finish to your complexion.

• Long-lasting hold: This finely milled setting powder effectively keeps makeup locked in place, even in humid conditions.

• Lightweight formula: This lightweight powder sets makeup beautifully without adding any weight or heaviness to the skin. Doesn’t feel heavy or powdery on the skin.

10. YSL All Hours 24H Hyper Sunkissed Glow Bronzer $65

What makes this product stand out:

• Natural-Looking Radiance: This bronzer delivers a subtle, sun-kissed glow that mimics the appearance of naturally tanned skin.

• Long-Lasting Wear: The long-wearing formula ensures your bronzer remains in place throughout the day, resisting fading and transfer.

• Luxurious Texture: The silky-smooth texture blends effortlessly onto the skin, creating a seamless, streak-free application.

11. NARS Talc-Free Powder Blush – $34

What makes this product stand out:

• Vibrant shade/ the perfect pink: From soft neutrals to bold pops of color, there’s something for everyone. But the color “Thrill” was the best bright pink I have tested because it does appear on ashy on darker skin tones.

• Silky texture with a matte finish: Blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural matte flush. This blush leaves a matte finish so it does not look oily or shiny.

• Buildable color: Perfect for all-day glam or add another layer for Barbie vibes.

12. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick – $25

What makes this product stand out:

• Dimensional shine: Tiny shimmer particles add depth and radiance.

• Versatile shades: The diverse shade range offers a wide variety of options, from everyday neutrals to bold, statement-making colors.

• Exceptional Longevity: This long-wearing formula provides hours of comfortable wear, minimizing the need for frequent reapplication. There were times I applied the Gloss Bomb Stix on and it stayed on for 6+ hours without reapplication

13. Fenty Beauty Trace’d Out Longwear Waterproof Pencil Lip Liner – $20

Lip combos have dominated 2024. When these were released I was too excited! I bought one, loved it on the first swipe then proceeded to purchase 3 more…oops sorry not sorry!
What makes this product stand out:

• Rich pigment: This highly pigmented liner delivers a bold, impactful color with a single application.

• Blendable creamy texture: The creamy, smooth formula glides on effortlessly making it perfect for ombré or defined lip looks.

• Universally Flattering Shades: The shade range includes a diverse selection of colors that complement a wide range of skin tones (especially for brown skin tones). They have a great mix of warm and cool tones, ensuring a flattering look for everyone.
  
  

14. Valentino Beauty Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick $48

What makes this product stand out:

• Hydrating while looking matte: It is hydrating because of the Cotton Oil Extract which helps lips stay hydrated and not crack throughout the day

• Long lasting: I tested it out and can confirm this will survive a meal, drinks, and a night out dancing.

• Pigment payoff: The shades are unreal and so vibrant! One stroke of the lipstick is all you need.

These 14 makeup products are the cream of the crop in 2024. Whether you’re looking for affordable gems, high-end luxury, or products that cater to all skin tones, this list has you covered. Remember, a flawless look doesn’t require a mountain of products—just the right ones. With these staples in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to slay any occasion, from casual days to glamorous nights.

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity 

*I get a commission for purchases made through links in this post*