Top 5 Foundations
Finding the best foundation can feel a bit like winning the lottery. More so than any other beauty product, foundation can make or break your entire look—and the trial and error process to find the right formula can be difficult. Got oily skin? You need matte coverage that stays put all day. Mature skin requires something lightweight and dewy that won’t cake or settle into fine lines.
So, what are the best foundations that rose to our lofty standards? Whether they were drugstore brands or high-end splurges, these five top-performing foundations transform even the blotchiest and oiliest among us into women with flawless, radiant complexions.
Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder, $46
This foundation effortlessly evens your complexion, smoothing and perfecting the skin’s appearance. It instantly reduces shine, evens your skin tone, hydrates, and visibly reduces the appearance of lines and pores. Created to move with your skin, the comfortable, water-resistant formula flexes easily without settling into fine lines, blurring the distinction between real skin and makeup.
Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation SPF 20, $67
A high performance, modern fluid foundation for a timeless beautiful face. Breakthrough formula features the innovative Matte Adapt Complex that self corrects signs of imperfections to uphold an impeccable complexion. Seamlessly tailoring to the skin, Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation imparts a velvety matte look that is soft to touch. The special formula with SPF 20 stays perfect all day long.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, $12.99
L’Oréal’s Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation has an air-light texture with a demi-matte finish. This super gliding mattifying formula has a high-water content for maximum comfort that lasts!
Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, $55
This superior foundation employs advanced technology to promote the appearance of a smoother, firmer and more youthful complexion. Fortified with Hourglass’ Hyaluronan Complex, Illusion® plumps fine lines and wrinkles, tightens the appearance of sagging skin, and delivers an unbelievably luminous glow. UVA/UVB SPF 15 helps protect skin from the sun. Available in 12 shades.
Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, $48
Get full-coverage, lightweight foundation coverage with All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. This foundation is highly pigmented and leaves a natural-looking finish. Perfectly balanced, this breakthrough, full-coverage formula builds and blends effortlessly. Sweat- and humidity-proof, it instantly neutralizes redness and dullness, while it works to reduce discoloration for more even, uniform skin. Perfect for all skin types, it features Weightless Long-wear Technology, an exclusive blend from NARS with flexible polymers and treated pigments that move with the skin while providing 16 hours of staying power.
6 Make-Up Trends to Try in 2022
The makeup trends for 2022 are a tale of two extremes: either just a little bit of makeup applied artfully or piles of glitter and shine. Here are six new beauty trends you can master with products you already own.
- Black Liner Redux
It may have taken you months to perfect, but consider leaving your black cat eyeliner behind in 2021. This year’s go-to liner look is all about black pencil liner traced along your inner waterlines. Yes, it’s the look you wore all throughout middle school—but this time, you have the edge to pull it off.
- Glossy Lids
There’s more than one way to shine, and it doesn’t involve highlighter or glitter. Glossy eyelids, long a staple of editorial shoots, are now wearable IRL. You can buy dedicated eye glosses from brands like M.A.C. and Kevyn Aucoin, or you sweep some lip gloss over your favorite shadow to get a similar effect.
- Totally ’80s
Frosty blue shadow, colorful blush, poofy hair—all these signifiers of ’80s beauty are making a comeback.
- Bold Blush
Get your blush brushes ready—you’re going to need them in a big way in 2022. Blush is meant to be seen, whether applied with a heavy hand and a nod to disco or subtly blended from cheek to temple. Leave subtlety at the door.
- The Relaxed Red Lip
A red lip is always in style (and anyone who tells you otherwise is dead wrong). But the way to wear it in 2022 is with no-makeup makeup. Clean, fresh skin, fluffy brows, minimal eye makeup, and a striking red lip are a no-fail combination.
- Glitter Forever
The glitter trend is still going strong. This year, try to wear it in a less precise manner than you’ve tried before. Scatter it across your bottom lash line, allowing flecks to fall where they might. The less perfect it looks, the more perfect it is.
Highlighting and Contouring Tips
Contouring is the hottest make-up trend. Anyone who’s anyone is contouring and emphasizing their best features, so if you want to get cheekbones or the perfect pout, read on for some top tips!
Tip #1: Concealer
First, start with the concealer—and don’t be shy about it! Concealer is a really useful weapon in any make-up lover’s kit, and it’s not just for hiding those dark circles under your eyes. Apply this product using a dabbing motion instead of rubbing to create the desired effect—you’ll want to use it on the areas that you want to highlight: the brow bone, the top of the cheekbones and the line down the middle of your nose.
Tip #2: Foundation
Next, use your foundation. In order to create the perfect contoured look, you’ll need to pick up three shades of foundation. One will match your skin tone perfectly, one will be two shades darker and one will be two shades lighter. This will help you to contour your face perfectly, highlighting those gorgeous cheekbones and giving the face some real shape, without distorting the natural skin color too much.
Tip #3: Guidelines
To create the perfect contouring guideline for your cheeks, draw a straight line from the corner of your mouth to the top of your ear with an angled contour brush. This is where you apply the darker foundation, creating a shadow below your cheekbones that looks razor-sharp! This darker area should be no wider than your little finger—if you make it much wider, you’ll start to look hollow and gaunt, instead of glowing and radiant. Using a highlighter, draw a line from the outer edge of your nose through to the outer corner of your eye. Use some slight shading on the side of your head, where the temple is, to emphasize the cheeks and give your eyes a fantastic, age-defying lift!
Tip #4: Draw a line
Next, using your contouring product we’ll make your nose look straighter and slimmer. Draw a line starting from the beginning of the eyebrows, going straight down to the tip of your nose. To make your nose look slimmer bring the lines closer together. Additionally if you want to make your nose shorter apply the product under the tip of the nose, a pencil brush will do the job perfectly.
Tip #5: Blend
Lastly – blend, blend, blend! Using a stippling make-up brush make sure that the guidelines you’ve drawn on your face aren’t visible and ensure that the make-up blends seamlessly on your face. This might take a while, but the effects will be stunning and you’ll be ready to walk the catwalk!
Contouring isn’t rocket science. If you follow the tips we gave you above, your application will improve. We found that face contouring is a rising trend and will stay with us for some time. So, make sure you do it the right way.
7 Clever Make-Up Tips
Make-up artists know all the secrets to looking great—those little tricks that can be picked up only by living in the beauty world 24/7 as they do. Fortunately, they’re often as generous as they are knowledgeable. Read on to see some of the best make-up tips you haven’t heard before.
Ditch the Oil Slick
To keep shine in check, Revlon Global Artistic Director Gucci Westman always keeps blotting papers on hand. But in a pinch, she has an unusual way to keep oil at bay. “Believe it or not,” she says, “I sometimes put deodorant on my finger and dab under my eyes and t-zone to help create a matte look.”
Try Colored Eyeliner
Changing your eyeliner can make eyes look bigger and brighter, says make-up artist Tina Turnbow, who has worked with stars such as Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. “Try swapping black for plum, olive green, or indigo,” she suggests. “Black can close up the eye and make it appear smaller, because darker colors make the eye recede. Some colors, even brown, can be softer.”
Go for Sheer Foundation
Adding aloe to foundation gives it excellent slip, says makeup artist Brett Freedman, who’s helped women like Vanessa Hudgens and Leighton Meester get gorgeous. “Sheer out your favorite base by adding a half a pea size of aloe to your foundation before you apply,” he explains. “Also, you can apply aloe to your face and while still dewy, spread on a little foundation. You’re ready for summer!”
Style Your Brows, Size Up Your Eyes
Doug Howell, Nars make-up artist, has an easy trick for making eyes stand out more. “Use a powder to define the entire brow, but give extra attention to the center arch area of the brow,” he says. “Since this is the highest area of the brow, it tricks people’s eyes into thinking your eyes look bigger.” Use a brow brush to apply powder eye shadows that correspond with your hair color. He recommends Nars single eye shadows ($24 each) in these shades: Blondie for lighter hair, Bali for medium hair, and Coconut Grove for dark hair.
Leave Your Lipstick in Place
The same product can be used to keep lipstick in check, says MAC Senior Artist Louise Zizzo. “MAC Brow Set in Clear used around the rim of the mouth will help prevent lipstick from bleeding,” she explains.
Create a Perfect Manicure
When working with stars like Joy Bryant and Sheryl Crow, Dior celebrity make-up artist Ricky Wilson pays attention to details like fingernails. “One thing that I always do for nails is mix a bit of Dior’s Skinflash pen ($37) with Dior Crème Abricot ($24) to get rid of any nicks at the base of the nail bed,” he confides. “It also adds a beautiful sheen that I like to call ‘red-carpet-ready’ hands.”
Get Bambi Lashes without Mascara
You don’t need mascara to make your eyelashes stand out, says Mark celebrity make-up artist Mai Quynh, who has worked with actors including Emma Stone and Ashley Greene. Just add eyeliner, she says: “To get voluminous-looking lashes, apply dark brown or black waterproof eyeliner to the upper rim of your eye— not on top of the lashes, but in between and underneath them. This gives the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes without having a lined eye.”
What to Buy From Sephora’s Beauty Insider Holiday Sale 2022
Sephora’s annual Beauty Insider Holiday Sale slashes prices across skin care, makeup, hair products, fragrance, and more. Sephora’s yearly winter VIB sale is the opportunity to nab steep discounts is bigger than ever. There is certainly a lot to choose from, so let us help you narrow down the options. Scroll on for our top picks.
Pat McGrath Labs Holiday MatteTrance Lipstick, $38, sephora.com
It isn’t the holiday season until I pick out the one red lipstick I will wear for weeks on end. And this Pat McGrath one just feels so festive.
Nars Orgasm Infatuation Palette, $42, sephora.com
This year’s limited-edition collection comes at the perfect time because I just hit pan on my favorite Orgasm blush. But you know all about the legendary flush it gives, right? And that the Laguna bronzer gives the most gorgeous sun-kissed glow? My vanity—and my cheeks—are begging for this.
Givenchy Le Rouge, $40, sephora.com
The last thing I need in my life is another lipstick, especially another in the dark red color family. Still, tell me to walk away from this dark red shade and its pink-gold case, and I’ll hold a grudge against you forever.
Tatcha The Water Cream, $68, sephora.com
Moisturizer has historically been one of the skin care items I’m most reluctant to splurge on. Drugstore stuff works just fine, and I’d rather shell out for expensive serums that smell a little like sulphur. But when I tried Tatcha Water Cream, I realized in less than a week that I had to revise the usual budget. I like to use it at night and pile on a bit more than I think I need. The stuff goes on like a smoothie. Pores just drink it up.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, $90, sephora.com
I adore Drunk Elephant, but the cost of it is crushing. The chance to get the glycolic night serum at a discount (any discount) is one I won’t pass up. Of all the DE products, the night serum is my favorite—my skin glows from it the next morning.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner, $22, sephora.com
It’s clear that pouty lips are having a moment. I don’t have the funds or the guts to get lip fillers, so I’m ready to commit to Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat, which I’ve had my eye on for nearly two years. Every cool girl in the game uses this liner to define their lips, and I’ve only heard rave reviews about the color, staying power, and most important, the ability to make your lips look fuller.
Dior Hydra Life Balancing Hydration 2 in 1 Sorbet Water, $42, sephora.com
I’m obsessed with this toner. It’s light, refreshing, and leaves my skin feeling unbelievably soft. I go through it faster in winter because the heat is on and dries out my skin, so I’ll be adding an extra to my top shelf.
6 Secrets to Healthy Skin That Glows
Beauty, as the saying goes, is only skin-deep—but the importance of skin goes a lot deeper. Here are 6 ways to keep your skin healthy and radiant looking.
Avoid Long Steamy Showers
Instead, opt for shorter, cooler sprays. Long, hot showers strip the skin of its moisture and wash away its protective oils. Limit your showers to 10 minutes and keep the water relatively cool.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel Daily
Smooth some aloe vera gel over extra dry skin every day. The acids in aloe eat away at dead skin cells and speed up the healing process. Buy a pre-prepared product or cut the end off of an aloe leaf, split it open and spread the gel on the dry area.
Exfoliate Every Day
Use a loofah every day to keep ingrown hairs and scaly skin under control. While you’re in the shower, gently scrub bumpy or scaly skin with a circular motion to remove dead skin cells.
Take Multivitamins Daily
Many nutrients are vital to healthy skin, including vitamins C, A and B. The most reliable way to get them all is to eat healthily, as well as taking a daily supplement.
Keep Your Hands off Your Face
Because your hands touch so many surfaces, they are a magnet for dirt and germs. Rub your eyes, stroke your chin, cup your cheek, and you’ve transferred everything on your hands to your face. As an extension of this, use headphones or a headset when talking on the phone.
Choose Cosmetics Carefully
Keep your beauty products simple, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Stay away from anything with color or fragrance, or anything that produces bubbles or has ‘antibacterial’ on the label.
5 Simple All-Natural Beauty Tips
Did you know that the beauty industry is a nearly $300 BILLION-dollar empire? And that the average woman spends about $15,00on just makeup in her lifetime! There are lots of simple ways to thank your body, feel more beautiful, and not have to pay an arm and a leg for it. Here are just 5. They are easy and they are all natural.
Banana and Egg Hair Treatment
Looking for a little more shine in your hair? Simply mix one egg and a mashed-up banana. Apply it as a thick paste to your hair and leave it on for 10 – 30 minutes. Wash it our doing your usual hair washing ritual (if you usually use a store-bought conditioner you’ll probably only need to condition the ends). And voila! Super simple, and all natural, beauty tip.
Moisturizing Nail Treatment
Soak your nails in olive oil for five minutes. And then sit back and admire your pretty hands.
Simple Honey Face Mask
Raw honey is naturally anti-bacterial and a super quick way to get soft, beautiful skin. Once a week use a tablespoon or so of raw honey (not the processed stuff parading as honey) and gently warm it by rubbing your fingertips together. Spread on your face. Leave on for 5 – 10 minutes and then use warm water to gently rinse it off and pat dry. Then bask in the glow of your honey-awesomeness. This raw honey is awesome, by the way.
Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo
For those who are using commercial shampoos: To help eliminate any build up in your hair, mix ¼ cup organic apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water. Follow with your usual conditioner.
Elbow and Knee Exfoliate and Skin Brightener
Cut an orange in half and rub it on your elbows and knees. Helps soften those rough patches. And it smells good. (Rinse off the sticky mess when you are done.)
Where to Buy Meghan Markle’s Wedding Make-Up Products
A complete rundown of every make-up product Meghan Markle wore on her royal wedding day and where to get your hands on it.
We knew Meghan Markle was going to look beautiful on her wedding day where she displayed her natural make-up look that showcased her freckles courtesy of make-up artist and Honest Beauty and Dior beauty ambassador, Daniel Martin.
Want to know how she got the look? We’ve rounded up the make-up products Meghan used on her big day so that you can recreate her bridal glow ASAP.
The Foundation
Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation (coming soon)
The Lip Balm
The Lip Crayon
Honest Beauty Truly Kissable Lip Crayon in Sheer Chestnut Kiss
The Contour Kit
Dior Backstage Contour Palette (available May 25, 2018)
The Blush
Honest Beauty Creme Blush in Truly Exciting
The Mascara
The Mascara No.2
Honest Beauty Truly Lush Mascara
The Eyeshadow
Dior Backstage Eye Palette in Warm Neutrals 001 (available May 25, 2018)
The Liquid Eyeliner
Dior Diorshow On Stage Liner in Matte Black
6 Tips for Applying Makeup Like a Pro
Sweeping on mascara might seem intuitive, but there’s actually a lash-maximizing technique that when employed correctly can take your eyes from whatever to woah. Ditto brow pencil and even lipstick. Kimberly Soane, the director of artistry at Bobbi Brown, offers up 6 easy tips for every product in your kit.
Concealer
Never put concealer or foundation on your eyelids as a base, it will cause your eye makeup to crease.
Foundation
Use your fingers to apply your foundation if you want sheer coverage and a brush for medium to full coverage.
Powder
Always apply powder where you are shiniest first–usually your T-zone–with a very light dusting everywhere else.
Bronzer
You should put bronzer on your neck, face, and chest to even out your skin tone. Be sure to take a step back and make sure everything is the same color.
Blush
When applying blush, smile, then dust the apples of your cheeks, then sweep pigment towards the tops of ears, then down toward the jawline.
Eyebrows
Trace brow pencil or powder along the tops of brows for an instant facelift.
The 5 Best Non-Comedogenic Beauty Products for Acne-Prone Skin
Could your make-up be making you break out?
Anyone who’s ever struggled with acne-prone skin knows to avoid using products that clog your pores. So, when it comes to picking cleansers and moisturizers we aim to use products labelled with ‘non-comedogenic’ (ie. non pore-clogging). But sometimes we tend to forget about the other products that go on our faces—and stay there all day long. When it comes to preventing blocked pores, your choice of makeup is just as important as your skincare. Many foundations, powders and blushes contain oils, sodium lauryl sulfate and other skin-aggravating ingredients that can lead to breakouts.
Thankfully, there are plenty of non-comedogenic beauty products out there. Here are some of our top picks.
1. Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation
This oil-free foundation from Laura Mercier will give you radiant, all-day coverage without making your skin breakout.
2. Benefit The Porefessional Primer
Not only will Benefit’s The Porefessional primer not clog your pores, it’ll make them virtually non-existent!
3. Bareminerals Original SPF 15 Foundation
This all-natural powder foundation from Bareminerals will give you a flawless finish while still letting your skin breathe.
4. Jane Iredale Peaches and Cream Bronzer
Like all of Jane Iredale’s products, this gorgeous bronzer/blush combo is 100% non-comedogenic.
5. Nars Radiant Concealer
Cover up blemishes without making them worse with this creamy, non pore-clogging concealer from Nars.