Huda Beauty

The Best Eyeshadow Palettes for a Bright, Sparkling Holiday Season

For Holiday Glam

The holidays are practically synonymous with soft glam, and no look is complete without a shimmery palette. (Not to mention they make great gifts.) London-based makeup artist Ammy Drammeh, whose work has been seen on faces like Michaela Coel, Harry Styles, and Adut Akech, favors the Dior Backstage Eye palette. “It’s become a staple in my kit. They are high pigment, have matte and shimmery finish and their shades are neutral. Perfect for a laidback or glamorous look.”

Other palettes worth adding to your rotation? Milani’s Gilded Nude Palette and the Curated 5-Pan Palette from Hourglass in shade Desert Earth. 

For Supercharged Color

Michael Anthony (who’s worked with stars like Ariana Grande and Paris Hilton), says he loves the NikkiTutorials x Beauty Bay palette because “the colors are super charged with pigment and the unique duo chrome shades have a lot going for them: they twinkle like a refined glitter and go on like a silky cream to powder formula!” Anthony notes the multifunctional appeal of this palette as well: “I’ve used these to highlight the cheekbones and brow bones and I love that they are semi-transparent which makes them really fun for layering,” he says. “I love that they are not exclusively for the eye.”

If you believe in going bold or staying home, then it wouldn’t hurt to add ABH’s Norvina Pro Pigment Palette and Juvia’s Place The Zulu Eyeshadow Palette to your collection as well.

For the Minimalist at Heart

Remi Odunsi, who has done makeup for Raveena and Ziwe, is a self-described minimalist. Accordingly, she explains, “my criteria for a good palette is anything with both matte and shimmery shades that also bring some pops of color.” The Amrezzy palette is her favorite thanks to its warm-toned variety, wet or dry.  “Best to put this one on before makeup or to use a kleenex on your face to avoid fallout,” she advises.

Ultra minimal and sleek, Glossier’s new Monochromes Trio will cover your matte and shimmer needs in a case that’s perfect for on-the-go touchups, while the Mineralist Sunlit Palette from BareMinerals comes with the only shadows you’ll need to create natural-looking depth to your eye.

For Earth Tones That Pop

Sheriff appreciates the Juvia’s Place palette’s range of vibrant and rich earth tones. Plus, she notes, “it won’t break the bank, as they’re each under $20 bucks!” Other palettes worth considering in this category are Ilia’s The Necessary Palette and Chanel’s Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Blurry Green. 

For a Touch of Luxury 

“What I love is how easily the shadows glide on with a makeup brush. This can be seen in the pigmentation of the eyeshadow which allows for the eye to pop! This is also true when combining colors, whether a smoky eye or building on three or more vivid colors,” says Erika La Pearl, who can’t get enough of Mthrshp Mega: Celestial Divinity Palette. “Pat McGrath has a variety of palettes with amazing shades which complement and enhance. Also, the packaging and quality is what draws and catches your attention. You feel like doing your very best and also making the client look ‘glamorous.’”

Makeup artist Yolonda Frederick, who works with Ciara, seconds these sentiments. “I’m a huge fan of reflective shadows. And Pat McGrath Labs’ Mthrship Mega: Celestial Divinity palette is a stunning collection of shimmery shadows with two or three contrasting matte colors. These luminescent shadows are richly pigmented with a buttery texture for a silky smooth application. This is hands down one of my favorite, most versatile palettes.”

For the All-In-One

Bob Scott, who works with designer Aurora James and Padma Lakshmi, among others, loves the Viseart palettes because “they come in all sorts of color combinations, from neutral to bright to pastel colors, with 16 shades in each compact. The color payoff is great and the formula is easy to blend.”

The Nars Climax Extreme Palette is another recent favorite for Scott due to its versatility. “Its selection of shades can work on anyone for daytime, nighttime, natural or deep and smoky.” Other palettes that will cover every eye look you can imagine: Beauty Bay’s Bright 42 Colour Palette and Morphe’s 35M Boss Mood Artistry Palette.

For the Perfect Smoky Eye 

Anthony says the Lorac Pro Palette Noir, along with the brand’s Pro Palette Soleil, are two of his favorites. “They are mesmerizing palettes that encompass a full spectrum of cool and warm neutral tones as well as matte and glittery foiled finishes, so they have been a sure bet for my kit. I really admire the amount of shades they have worked into such a compact and chic palette,” he says. “These are an excellent choice when you want some range—whether you’re daytime business Zooming with a neutral wash of color or making an appearance at a your favorite Zoom Party session in a clubbed out smoky eye, you have everything you need in the palm of your hand!” Also consider Fenty Beauty’s Snap Shadows Palette in Smoky and Chanel’s Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow in Modern Glamour.

For Precious Jewel Tones

“I’m in love with [Huda Beauty’s] Naughty Palette which came out for the holiday,” Sheriff says. “It is filled with a wonderful range of mattes, shimmers and glittery shadows in wonderful jewel and earth tones.” Too Faced’s That’s My Jam Palette and Milani’s Gilded Jewel Palette can also add a wonderfully decadent effect to any makeup look.

For the Avant-Garde

Makeup artist Marcelo Gutierrez, the go-to makeup artist for Christopher John Rogers’ shows, says the Pat McGrath Labs Mothership III is his most-used palette. “I love all of the Pat McGrath eye shadow palettes. They really are worth the investment! The colors are so unique, rich in pigment, easy to use and she has some of the most unique finishes that have now become so signature to the brand.” 

For another palette that features a unique selection of vibrant hues, check out Byredo’s 5 Colours Palette in Syren.

For Day-to-Night Wear

Delina Medhin, who has worked with Issa Rae, says she loves the Stupid Love Eyeshadow by Haus Laboratories because “it has colors in there for both everyday and fun so you can have fun with it but also do everyday glam.” Other options for a bit of everyday sparkle are the Voyageur Eyeshadow Palette from Nars and Urban Decay’s Naked2 Basics.


For Those Who Favor a Cult Fave

Odunsi calls the Lorac Pro Palette an “oldie but goodie,” adding that the brand’s selection is “great because they go on smooth, have great pigment and don’t leave a lot of fall out. The Original Pro Palette (#1) is a nice cool-toned eye palette, especially if your vibe is chill and you like more muted colors. This one has shimmer, matte and muted color variety. Solid for a nice chill slay!” A couple of additional cult-faves you’ve likely seen in tutorials: the iconic Urban Decay Naked Palette (now Reloaded) and Charlotte Tilbury’s Starry Eyes To Hypnotise Palette.

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Leaves & Things

Model: Chanel Hartwig
Products:

  • Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
  • Catrice Goodbye Pores primer
  • Make Up For Ever ULTRA HD foundation & concealer
  • Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills contour kit
  • MAC Cosmetics blush in Coppertone, highlight in Doublegleam, BlackTrack liquid eyeliner, lip pencil in Boldly Bare & lipstick in Mull It Over
  • HUDA Beauty Naughty Nude Eyeshadow Palette
  • Benefit Precisely My Brow pencil and Gimme Brow setting gel.

(Disclaimer: I do have Chanel’s consent to post the images on designated websites including Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and use in my digital portfolio.)

In A Pinch Of Purple, Lilac’s Got You

Model: Teanna Luck (@kculannaet)

Products:

(Disclaimer: I do have Teanna’s consent to post the images on designated websites including Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and use in my digital portfolio.)

The Best Bronzers On The Market Right Now

Few things have the power to instantly transform your look like a great bronzer. But what classifies a formula as the best bronzer is complicated. There’s the obvious: at its core, a bronzer’s purpose is to add depth and warmth to your skin, says Danessa Myricks, makeup artist and CEO of Danessa Myricks Beauty. But a fantastic one can do so much more—like give the illusion of cheek filler or make it look as if you’re fresh off a trip to Ibiza when you haven’t left your couch since the pandemic began.

Here’s where it gets complicated: despite their ability to wake up your skin, so many formulas tend to skew too orange, too ashy, too glittery, or just overall fake-looking. Once you know exactly what to look for, though, the ability to fake a glow and J.Lo-level cheekbones becomes far more simple. That’s where makeup artists and magazine beauty editors come in. Brush up on your bronzer basics below, and then scroll on for the best bronzers according to them.

How to pick your perfect shade

With bronzer, the goal is for it to look as natural as possible. “When selecting a bronzer, think about what naturally happens when you’re in the sun,” says Myricks. “Let your body give you clues. Identify the deeper tones that surface on your chest, shoulders, and arms, and use that as a gauge.” 

A safe place to start is a color two shades deeper than your natural skin tone, then go darker if you want a contrast that’s more intense. Makeup artist Kasey Spickard says fair skin tones will look best with a bronzer that has neutral undertones—i.e., shades that don’t lean too warm or cool. Terra-cotta hues with a slightly reddish undertone beautifully complement tan and olive skin. Meanwhile, bronzers that lean golden work best on deep skin, while formulas with a brick-red base play up deep skin with red and brown undertones.

And if you don’t quite know what undertones you have? Stick with something neutral, says Spickard, which no matter your skin tone will still give you a natural flush.

How to choose the right formula for your skin type

Like all other types of makeup, take your skin type into consideration when choosing a formula. Powders are the least intimidating and easiest to use, especially if you’re a beginner. They work on all skin types but are best for oily skin. “If you have dry or combo skin, make sure you are doing proper physical or chemical exfoliation regularly,” says Spickard. “That way your bronzer and blush won’t catch on dry skin and create a patchy application.”

Myricks personally prefers cream bronzers since they look most natural, are versatile and buildable, and last longest on your skin. If you have dry skin or just love a fresh, dewy look, she recommends tapping her Dew Wet Balm in Hot Water over any shade of bronzer. “It’s super easy to apply and can be worn on bare skin or over powders on any skin tone,” she says. 

How to apply bronzer 

“As is my philosophy with all makeup, start with less and build from there,” says Spickard. “Tap a large fluffy brush once or twice into the pan to load the brush with product, then make a fish face.” From there you’ll want sweep bronzer in a 3 shape over the perimeter of your face—starting at your temples, down the side of your hair, over the tops of your cheekbones, and along your jawline. Then, using whatever product you have left on your brush, you’ll want to blend along the sides of your nose, the tip of your chin, and your neck.

If you feel like you’ve applied too much, take a clean fluffy brush or your fingers and buff out any areas where it’s too heavy. Myricks adds not to forget to buff it into the top of your ears and your hairline for the most natural finish. 

Now that you’ve got all that down, here are the best bronzers makeup artists swear by.

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer 

This matte, silky powder received nothing but glowing praise from GLAMOUR  Beauty Awards judges—a mix of editors, influencers, and makeup artists. In other words: a tough crowd to please. “After months of being stuck indoors, I’m officially as pale as I ever get,” says contributor Erin Parker. “Thankfully, I’ve had this flawless matte bronzer at the ready—it’s seriously undetectable and blends in so naturally. The true matte powder is honestly perfect for faking a tan (and accentuating your bone structure) quickly and effectively. This is the kind of bronzer you’ll always get plenty of use out of, no matter where we’re at in the makeup trend cycle.”

Buy at Sephora $55

Best Cream Bronzer: Danessa Myricks Power Bronzer 

“A matte cream bronzer is a perfect solution for powder lovers who want the ease of use and the matte finish of powder but with the flawless, undetectable finish a cream provides,” says Myricks. She recommends her Power Bronzer, which applies like a cream but dries down matte: “This can also be a great solution for women with more combination or oily skin, as cream-based products last longer throughout the day and help hold back shine.”

Buy at Sephora $26

Best Bronzing Powder: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola 

You really can’t beat a classic. Hoola is well loved for it’s insanely easy-to-blend texture, totally matte finish, and the fact that it’s cool enough to realistically contour with and also warm enough to make you look vacation-ready. After years of offering a single shade, the brand now has options for a range of skin tones.

Buy at Sephora $30

Best Bronzer and Contour Duo: Victoria Beckham Beauty Matte Bronzing Brick 

While sure, you can use bronzer to shape your face, it’s technically recommended that contouring should be done with a cool-toned powder since you’re emphasizing shadows. This duo from Cheekbone Queen Victoria Beckham includes a cool-tones powder for definition, and a warmer shade to add a sun-kissed effect to your skin. Both powders are insanely fine and seamless, and the packaging is beautiful and luxe.  

Buy on their website $58

Best Bronzer for Dry Skin: Saie Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer

This yummy bronzer has a balmy texture, making it perfect for skin types on the drier side. The formula even has skincare ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and grapeseed oil to soothe and moisturize skin. Even if you don’t need the extra moisture, you’ll appreciate the dewy but not shiny finish and easy-to-blend texture.  

Buy at Sephora $28

Best Blurring Bronzer: GloWish by Huda Beauty Soft Radiance Bronzing Powder

This silky bronzer has a mix of shimmering and matte powders, so your left with an airbrushed, luminous finish that blurs pores and imperfections. One swipe gives you a natural look, but it can be built up for more warmth if that’s your style. 

Buy on their website $31

Best Drugstore Bronzer: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer

Butter Bronzer has a cult following for a reason. Despite being a powder, it has an almost buttery cream feel, so it never skips or looks patchy, and it has a nice satin finish. It’s very buildable, so you can make it work if you like a natural or more glam look. Plus, it smells like a tropical vacation. 

Buy at ULTA $16

Best Liquid Bronzer: BareMinerals Bare Pro Glow Bronzer 

Liquid bronzers don’t get a ton of love in favor of powder formulas, but they’re the secret to a truly seamless faux glow. “I love the classic BareMinerals bronzers, but my current favorite is the liquid version,” says Spickard. “It’s not too warm or orangey, and I love doing a liquid bronzer on a no-makeup day. I just buff it right onto clean skin. I also like to layer this under powder bronzer to make it last all day.”

Buy at ULTA $30

Best Clean Bronzer: Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Bronzer 

This bronzer is a little intimidating in the pan, but gently buffed onto your skin, it’s truly stunning. It has almost a balmlike texture that leaves a glossy glow and a hint of shimmer. Although it’s incredibly dewy, it’s not sticky or greasy, and it makes you look alive in 2.5 seconds. Since it’s so glowy, it means you can skip highlighter as well. 

Buy at Sephora $20

Best Shimmer Bronzer: Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer 

This powder is very neutral, so it never reads orange—making it a great natural bronzer for fair skin. However, the real selling point that makes it worth its $52 price tag is its luminous finish. The bronzer is formulated using what the brand calls photoluminescent technology, which essentially means it reflects light to blur your skin and add a lit-from-within glow. While some powders can look flat, because this one is so finely milled and has light-reflecting particles, it actually makes skin look dewier—but definitely not sparkly. 

Buy at Sephora $52

Best Buildable Bronzer: Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer 

A stick bronzer makes application a breeze, and Milk really hit it out of the park with this chubby twist-up. Thanks to the bigger size, you can quickly add warmth to your cheeks, nose, and forehead, or use a brush or sponge for more detailed shading. It blends in in seconds but stays put all day. Plus, it’s the perfect neutral tone. 

Buy at Sephora $30

Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Bronzer 

“My personal favorite bronzer is the Fenty Beauty Sun Stalkr Bronzer in Private Island,” says Spickard. “It goes on so smoothly, never patchy.” It’s also a favorite among GLAMOUR staffers for the inclusive shade range—there are eight that span from very fair to deep—and realistic undertones. No matter what shade you are, you’ll never look orange or ashy. 

Buy on their website $32

Best Bronzer Duo: Jouer Sunswept Bronzer

Sometimes it takes a little mixing and matching to get the perfect shade for you, which is why Spickard loves these duos. He likes to blend the shades together to create a sun-kissed glow that is very natural. The powders are finely milled, so it’s hard to go overboard. The formula is also vegan and cruelty-free. 

Buy at Sephora $32

Best Bronzer for Fair Skin: Maybelline City Bronzer 

If you’re fair and like to use a bronzer to add depth, shade Light 001 is the answer to your prayers. There’s not even a hint of orange; it just gives your skin a nice glow and definition. The powder is really buildable, which is ideal for pale skin, and it has a velvet matte finish thanks to the inclusion of whipped cocoa butter. 

Buy at LookFantastic $12

Best Bronzer for Light Skin: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in Milk Chocolate 

This bronzer looks beautiful both in the pan and on your skin, and because it’s made with real cocoa powder, it smells incredible as well. This buildable bronzer doesn’t pull orange, and the Milk Chocolate shade is particularly great for light skin. The deeper shades are just as good, and all three can be used to add warmth and definition. 

Buy at Macy’s $32

Best Bronzer for Medium Skin: Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

This bronzer is on the expensive side, but the hamburger-sized jar will last you a lifetime. While it’s a cream product, it dries down to a powder that doesn’t budge. The beautiful texture buffs right into your skin, and it can be used both to add warmth and sculpt your face. It also looks incredible on your vanity or top shelf. 

Buy at Nordstrom $50

Best Bronzer for Deep Skin: Mented Cosmetics Bronzer 

It’s still frustratingly uncommon to find bronzers that work for dark skin, but Mented is here to change the game. Created by women of color, for women of color, these bronzers are richly pigmented, buildable, and insanely smooth. They’re also enriched with vitamins A and E for skin-care benefits; plus, they’re vegan and cruelty-free. 

Buy on their website $22

Best Bronzer for Red and Brown Undertones: Makeup Revolution Splendor Matte Bronzer 

Chances are you’ve seen these bronzers praised all over Twitter for being one of the few options that cater to women of color across all skin tones and undertones. The reviews back up the tweets, with users being pleasantly surprised by how richly pigmented and easy to work with they are. And the price can’t be beat. 

Buy at ULTA $12

GLAMOUR article

Metallic Eye Shadows That Are Like Molten Metal For Your Eyelids

Milani Hypnotic Lights Eye Toppers

The five shades of these liquid eye toppers offer a glimmering texture of color and duo-chrome finish and dry down to a stay-put formula. You can tap them on top of another eye shadow for an even more multidimensional effect or wear alone for enough sparkle to spot from a mile away — they’re some of the shiniest eye shadows you can find at the drugstore.

$12 (Shop Now)

Dose of Colors Block Party Eyeshadow

These glimmering powder eye shadows are legends of makeup swatching. Just one swipe across the pan with your finger picks up the dazzling opaquely-pigmented powder, delivering a foil-finish, jewel-toned shade in one fell swoop. Available in 20 shades, these are so popular, Dose of Colors’ website has put a two-per-customer limit on purchasing. (If you’re in a golden mood, this one is called Heart of Gold.)

$20 (Shop Now)

ISH Shimmy Shadows

These pots contain what appears to be tiny metallic foil flakes that when pressed with your finger onto your skin leave a mirror-like finish. Not kidding — it’s like someone shattered a disco ball and somehow made it safe to smear on your eyelids. Not gonna ask questions, just going to keep shining.

$22 (Shop Now)

Bobbi Brown Longwear Sparkle Stick

Bobbi Brown’s eye shadow sticks are already some of the most long-lasting in the game, and now with these limited-edition sparkly versions, your lids can glimmer all day into all night (and dawn, depending on how the night goes).

$30 (Shop Now)

Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty gave its already popular rose gold eye shadow palette an upgrade with the Remastered version, which keeps its most glittery shadows in a row at the top. They’re the most unbelievably buttery foil-like metallics that feel like silk but look like molten metal when you sweep them across your lids. Honestly, it’s just a really stunning formula.

$65 (Shop Now)

Wet n Wild Color Icon Metallic Liquid Eyeshadow

Dab one of these four chrome liquid shadows on your lids for long-lasting shine. At first, they’re wet, but once they dry down, they won’t budge no matter how much you sweat (or cry). Extremely smudge-proof.

$5 (Shop Now)

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Metallics Eye Shadow

When this formula won a Best of Beauty award, Allure’s editorial assistant, Jesa Marie Calaor, called it her “desert island beauty product.” Its pigmented enough to live up to its metallic name upon first swipe, but it can easily be sheered out for a subtle glow. I love the rose gold shade called Rose Chrome.

$9 (Shop Now)

Urban Decay Distortion Eyeshadow Palette

Mix and match these 15 technicolor shadows to create a multi-dimensional, prismatic look that mermaids and unicorns would be jealous.

$48 (Shop Now)

Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

Previewed on the runway at the BCBG Max Azria spring/summer 2018 show, Stila’s latest liquid eyeshadow is a glitter-free version of the popular (and often sold-out) Glitter & Glow formula. Blend it on the center of your lids to create a halo effect.

$24 (Shop Now)

Too Faced Chocolate Gold palette

Too Faced added another edition of its popular collection of chocolate-scented palettes. This time around, the palette is all about razzle-dazzle with shades like Drippin’ Diamonds (the silver) and Money Bags (the emerald).

$49 (Shop Now)

Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot

Inside this rose gold pot you’ll find a creamy powder that is so reflective, your eyelids will look like little mirrors.

$22 (Shop Now)

Kevyn Aucoin Electropop Pro Eyeshadow Palette

Why limit yourself to one metallic hue when you can shop a palette that covers basically every shade of the rainbow and then some? All 12 of the powder shadows in the Kevyn Aucoin Electropop Pro Eyeshadow Palette are packed with shimmer, and a couple even have color-shifting pigments.

$57 (Shop Now)

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Shadow

Make Up For Ever just launched a whopping 121-shade range of shadows, but this pretty-in-pink one has to be one of my favourites. In the pan, ME-840 appears to be a plum. However, when brushed on, it transforms into a bright watermelon pink with a warm purple base.

$17 (Shop Now)

Natasha Denona Lila Eyeshadow Palette

Meet the cashmere of eye shadows. These pans are filled with the softest powders you’ll ever dip your fingers into. They aren’t so soft that they disappear once they are on your face, though. Instead, the pigment looks exactly as it does in the palette as it does on lids.

$128 (Shop Now)

Tom Ford Private Shadow in Warm Leatherette

Sub this bronzey hue in for your usual smoky eye shadow color to add some warmth and twinkle to your look.

$36 (Shop Now)

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership II Eyeshadow Palette – Sublime

Pat McGrath’s limited edition metallic makeup blew off digital shelves so often that she decided to put together three permanent palettes. You can guarantee they will forever be in stock, and they’ll give your eyes that mesmerizingly shiny finish that everyone double taps on the makeup artist’s Instagram (to see -> Instagram).

$125 (Shop Now)

Chanel Illusion d’Ombre Eyeshadow

Just like the vampires in Twilight: New Moon, Chanel’s New Moon shadow will make your lids sparkle in the sunlight. Nostalgic reference aside, this cream shadow blends seamlessly onto lids with just with a couple windshield wiper motions across them.

$36 (Shop Now)

ALLURE article

The 11 Best Matte Foundations For A Smooth, Shine-Free Finish

Although some people are using these stay-at-home days to give their skin a break from foundation, others are using this time at home as an excuse to test new base makeup. If you’re wondering what people are loving in the matte foundation category, lucky for you, there’s quite a range of picks to share. These oil-free base products are often assumed to be drying or face-flattening, but that’s not always the case — especially if you pick the right matte foundation formula. 

According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, it’s the silica powder in the oil-free formulas in matte foundations that makes them dry down with zero shine or dew. “Silica powder helps to absorb oil and is often used in foundation ingredient lists to give a matte appearance,” she says. “Some brands also use clay as a way to keep skin looking matte.”

Knowing that, matte foundations may be the way to go because many of them are also transfer-proof, meaning the product won’t smudge onto your mask. Plenty of non-dewy base products deliver a flawless finish, stave off shine all day, and disguise blemishes. 

New York City-based makeup artist Tommy loves to use a matte base on anyone with oily or acne-prone skin. “I always pull for a matte foundation when working on a client that wants to cover any blemishes,” he says. “I’ll apply small amounts at a time to the face to ensure nothing dries down before I blend it out with a large kabuki brush. If I need more — I add as I go.”

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

This liquid foundation is an anti-shine person’s dream. The Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation comes in 56 shades and creates an even skin tone if you’re trying to cover up blemishes. Keep in mind, it’s full coverage, so if that’s not your jam, you can use it as a spot cover-up because it’s also great for that.

$42 (Shop Now)

NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation

The NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation is a great pick if you want a matte finish but sheerer coverage. “This hydrating formula has a way of just appearing like real skin, just better,” says Tommy. I believe that the hydrating hyaluronic acid in its formula explains why. Just one drop is enough to cover your entire face with whatever application tool your heart desires.  

$40 (Shop Now)  

UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation

Yes, UOMA Beauty’s Say What?! Foundation is matte, but it’s spiked with hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated throughout the day. Its creamy texture is a medium-coverage finish in 51 shades — no wonder it has received a Best of Beauty Award.

$39 (Shop Now)

NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation

The NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation is oil-free, so have no fear of it clogging your pores. Its hydrating, water-based formula is packed inside a squeezy tube, making it a mess-free dream and allowing you to get every last drop of it.  

$8 (Shop Now)

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation is a great pick because it’s affordable, and the coverage is incredible. Apply a pea-sized amount to your forehead, cheeks, and chin, and buff it out with your favorite sponge, brush, or even your fingers. You’ll have a smooth, even base in no time.   

$13 (Shop Now)

Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen

“The Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation is a great splurge because it gives you an even base with its luxurious texture,” says makeup artist Nam Vo. The luxe liquid is infused with SPF 20 and illuminates skin while keeping it shine-free in all the right places.   

$130 (Shop Now) 

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation

If you have oily skin, this one’s for you. The Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation provides a soft, velvety finish for an ultra-smooth base. It also has oil-absorbing powders in it to keep you completely matte for a full day of Zoom meetings.  

$38 (Shop Now)

CoverGirl Full Spectrum Matte Ambition All Day Foundation

The CoverGirl Full Spectrum Matte Ambition All Day Foundation is the perfect base to wear under your mask. It’s comfortable, soft on the skin, and it’s so full coverage you may want to even skip concealer. Plus, it won’t leave foundation marks on your mask.  

$12 (Shop Now)  

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

When Rihanna dropped the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation it paved a way for beauty brands to become more shade inclusive. It also has an insanely good formula that’s never cakey and doesn’t let any shine come through. Tommy suggests applying this formula in dots around the face a blending it out with your favorite foundation brush.

$35 (Shop Now)

HUDA Beauty #FauxFilter Full Coverage Matte Foundation

The HUDA Beauty #FauxFilter Full Coverage Matte Foundation is commerce writer Angela Trakoshis’s favorite foundation ever. “With just one pump, this thick foundation does exactly what its name reads: creates a filter for your face,” she says. It’s matte, it’s lightweight, and those dark spots you want to conceal? They disappear with just one layer of this stuff.  

$40 (Shop Now)  

Clinique Stay Matte Oil-Free Foundation 

The Clinique Stay Matte Foundation is an oil-free formula that keeps your skin looking crease-free all day long. It’s also buildable, so layer it up with your favorite beauty sponge for a more full-coverage effect.  

$31 (Shop Now) 

ALLURE article

The Prettiest Nude-Pink Lipstick for Every Skin Tone

Finding the perfect pink lipstick can be a balancing act. I’m not talking about your bright fuchsias or orchids or Barbie pinks — I mean those soft, subtle pinks that are almost nude but not quite. The kind of pink you wear when you want people to notice how put-together you look without thinking you spent a whole lot of effort or time. That pink.

With soft pinks especially, it’s important to take your specific skin tone into account, otherwise, you might end with a lip that’s way lighter or darker than you wanted. According to bi-coastal makeup artist Lavonne, the selection process thankfully doesn’t have to be too difficult. “When I look at depth and undertones for a soft-toned petal pink lipstick, I start by looking at the natural color of the lips,” she explains to Allure.

With that perfect shade in hand, application should be a breeze. “I will choose a concealer to neutralize any blue, yellow, green, or purple [undertones] in the lips. This way I have an even canvas to work with,” Lavone explains. “I choose a lip liner to complement the skin tone and then blend it into the lip before applying lipstick.”

To simplify your search for that petal-soft shade, ALLURE editors have broken down the best nude pink lipsticks based on your skin tone below.

Deep: Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick in Retro Rose

Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick is every bit as comfortable as it sounds, thanks to its frictionless formula that’s packed with reparative castor seed oil. Retro Rose, shown above, is a glossy and sheer muted rose tone that looks stunning on deep skin. 

Buy on their website $22

Deep: L’Orèal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain in I Rule

If you’re the type who likes super-matte lip that could last a zombie apocalypse, L’Orèal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain is exactly that. When applied on deep skin tones, its deep mauve shade I Rule transforms into the perfect soft pink that’s not too light or ashy. 

Buy at ULTA $12

Deep: Juvia’s Place The Nude Velvety Matte Lipstick in A Mauve Moment

If your skin tone looks best when paired with cooler tones, try Juvia’s Place The Nude Velvety Matte Lipstick in A Mauve Moment. With just a hint of a purple undertone, this velvety matte lipstick brings full-color payoff with just one swipe. 

Buy at ULTA $14

Deep: Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Miriam

Uoma Beauty’s Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Miriam might look brown at first glance, but when swiped across the lips, its true neutral pink hue comes to life. And if you’ve tried any of the brand’s other lipsticks, you’ll know this one comes with the same suede-like finish and comfort level. 

Buy at ULTA $24

Deep: Beauty Bakerie Cake Pop Lippie in Funnel Cake

With a comfortable formula that lasts way longer than you’d expect for a cream, Beauty Bakerie Cake Pop Lippie in Funnel Cake is a deep pink with strong peach undertones. And thanks to its smaller-than-average packaging, you can pop it in your pocket and take it everywhere with you. 

Buy on their website $10

Medium: Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Rebellious Rose

There’s a reason this shade of Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick won a 2020 Best of Beauty Award. With sheer pigments in a classic muted pink shade, Rebellious Rose looks great on virtually everyone — but especially on medium skin tones with neutral or cool undertones. 

Buy on their website $32

Medium: MAC Matte Lipstick in Kinda Sexy

You can never go wrong with one of MAC’s Matte Lipsticks, especially if it’s in the shade Kinda Sexy. This long-wear matte is equal parts pink, peach, and nude, making it ideal for warm, medium skin tones. 

Buy at ULTA $19

Medium: Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme in Precious

This medium-toned rose shade called Precious from Milani isn’t extremely light or dark, a perfect middle-ground for any medium skin tone. What’s more: Amore Matte Lip Creme glides on as a thin liquid and dries down to a matte finish, which means it’s practically weightless. 

Buy on Amazon $16

Medium: Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Divinyl Lip Shine in Nude Venus

The slightly glossy and lightly pigmented Nude Venus shade of Pat McGrath’s Lip Fetish Divinyl Lip Shines couldn’t make a more perfect neutral pink for medium skin — take it from Cardi B, who wore it in her infamous “WAP” music video. 

Buy at Sephora $36

Medium: KKW Nude Crème Lipstick in 3.5

OK, so KKW Nude Crème Lipstick in 3.5 leans a little more into nude lipstick category than it does pink — still, with strong pink undertones and a super comfortable cream formula, we’d be downright silly not to give it an honorable mention. 

Buy at ULTA $18

Medium: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Mousse in Seduction

A Best of Beauty-winning formula, Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Mousse matches even the most high-end lipsticks in terms of pigment, comfort, and overall quality. The shade Seduction might look like a warn nude at first glance, but its soft pink hue will be revealed the moment you swipe it onto your lips. 

Buy at ULTA $10

Light: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk

If you ask around long-term beauty aficionados, you’ll find that few lipstick shades get as much talk as Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Matte Revolution Lipstick (a Reader’s Choice Award winner). And it’s no wonder, considering how pretty this muted light-pink with peach undertones looks on fair skin. 

Buy at Bloomingdale’s $34

Light: Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Lip Colour in Ferveur

Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Lip Colour in Ferveur won a Best of Beauty award in 2019, thanks to its orange-pink tint and the glossy, slippery formula that feels just like a hydrating lip balm. 

Buy at Nordstrom $38

Light: Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Babe

Bobbi Brown’s Crushed Lip Color in Babe has subtle blue undertones, which pair perfectly with skin tones that have cool or neutral undertones. Even better, this balm-like formula contains reparative vitamin E for added nourishment.

Buy at Nordstrom $29

Light: Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Honeymoon

When Huda Beauty named this lipstick formula Power Bullet Matte, it really was not kidding because this formula is as matte as they come — thankfully without sacrificing any comfort. The shade Honeymoon, above, gets its slightly dusky quality from cool lavender undertones. 

Buy at Sephora $25

ALLURE article

In a Barbie World

Products:

(Disclaimer: I do have Alena’s consent to post her images on designated websites including Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and use in my digital portfolio.)

Blooming

Model Victoria Shevchenko for Anastasia Photography.

Products:
– Huda Beauty New Nude eyeshadow palette
– M·A·C Cosmetics Bronze bronzer, Melba blush, Doublegleam highlighter.

(Disclaimer: I do have Victoria’s consent to post her images on designated websites including Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and use in my digital portfolio.)

Blossom Time

Model Victoria Shevchenko for Anastasia Photography 🌸

Products:
– Huda Beauty New Nude eyeshadow palette
– M·A·C Cosmetics Bronze bronzer, Melba blush, Doublegleam highlighter.

(Disclaimer: I do have Victoria’s consent to post her images on designated websites including Facebook, Instagram, WordPress, and use in my digital portfolio.)