:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYR_DI_ByrdieBeautyAwards_MakeupSuperfeature_01.01_27_02_20.Still002copy-b492d271d0a34a2fa7d12be77575e756.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/byrdie-beauty-awards-003-a03878faf88a4612b2dc6e9ba8d40960.jpg)
We here at Byrdie spend countless hours researching, swatching, brushing, and blending an array of innovative, exciting products. Out of all the textures and colors, finishes and formulations we tried this year, these makeup finds have earned a permanent spot in our routines—and we'd be remiss not to share our favorites. From our picks for best foundation and concealer to blushes, mascara, and so much more, here are our 2023 Beauty Award Winners in the makeup category.
Best Primer: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
"If you’re skeptical about wearing a primer, Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer is the one that will change your mind. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin while making the consistency tacky. I apply it after my skincare routine and it never pills. The key is to let it dry down for about a minute after application so it becomes the perfect tacky texture for makeup to stick to. It makes my foundation go on easier, last longer, and even makes the finish smoother. Whenever I use this primer, I always get compliments that my complexion looks seamless or airbrushed, and I know it’s because it gives me a solid base. It’s also vegan and cruelty-, paraben-, silicone-, oil-, and fragrance-free. This is really the holy grail of primers that makes foundations of matte, satin, and dewy finishes work 10 times better." — Star Donaldson, associate social media director
Best Setting Spray: Milani Make It Last Natural Finish Setting Spray
"I have never really believed in setting spray until I tried this one. I have no idea what Milani puts in here, but it’s truly magic. It feels like nothing on the skin, doesn’t leave an overly shiny finish, and doesn’t dry out my face. Most importantly though, it works, keeping my makeup looking completely flawless on the most sweltering of NYC summer days." — Bella Cacciatore, news editor
Best Skin Tint: Keys Soulcare It's Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint
"I am truly a skin-tint girlie at heart, and when it comes to finding the perfect product, I want a skin-like finish, buildable coverage, and skin-loving ingredients. Keys Soulcare It's Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint checks all the boxes and more. The complexion match is a dream, and my skin has a healthy glow." — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor
Best Concealer: Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer
"When I first tried this concealer, I was far from well-rested, which for me, shows up as dull, splotchy skin and darker-than-usual under-eyes. I was skeptical, to say the least, but this product helped me fake a full night’s sleep. I use shade 140, and it blends like a charm. It even passed my signature foolproof testing method (aka applying with my fingers while in a rideshare), and trust me; it works. The result is more brightness and luminosity in the spots I need it most." — Madeline Hirsch, news director
Best Foundation: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation
"Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation is the perfect weightless medium-coverage formula on the market right now. The finish looks like your skin but better. What I love most is the brand partners with a professional makeup artist to create its expansive shade range and long-wear coverage." — Joseph Carrillo, facial sculpting expert and makeup artist
Best Cream Blush: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed
"Blush can add some color to your cheeks or it can totally enhance your entire makeup look—Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed - Matte Color for Cheek & Lip does just that. It starts as a balm, and then blends out for a powdery finish that blurs the skin while providing a pop of color. A little bit of product goes a very long way, which makes it buildable and a great bang for your buck. So many cream blushes can pull away my foundation or wear off by the end of the day, but this one stays put and pigmented. It contains Upsalite, which claims to absorb excess sweat while maintaining hydration, and olive-derived squalane, which is known to support oil production and diminish visible signs of aging. Plus, the glow it gives off is amazing and honestly rivals my need for a highlighter!" — Star Donaldson, associate social media director
Best Powder Blush: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush
"Blush is my desert-island product. While foundation and mascara hide my insecurities, a healthy flush of blush makes me feel like me. While I usually prefer creams, when I want a classic powder blush, this is the one I reach for. The powder is so silky, smooth, and luxurious and glides right onto my skin without any weird skipping. It stays in place all day and never looks cakey, and the colors are to die for—I’m partial to the cool-pink shade Ecstasy, but Desire is also a gorgeous berry tone." — Bella Cacciatore, news editor
Best Bronzer: Jones Road Beauty The Bronzer
"This is bronzer for people who don’t like bronzer. Allow me to explain: Bobbi Brown’s newest addition to the Jones Road Beauty family has the perfect combination of subtle color, easy blending, and gorgeous finish that it could convert even a skeptic like myself. I wore this all summer and (gasp!) still find myself reaching for it this winter." — Madeline Hirsch, news director
Best Loose Powder: Ami Colé Skin Melt Loose Powder
"In humid temps or whenever you want your coverage to be a little more secure, a good translucent powder can really take your look to the next level, and this one from Ami Colé doesn't disappoint. The fine, non-cakey formula includes powdered rose quartz and amethyst, which—beyond getting the crystal girls excited (same)—work together to calm irritation and boost luminosity while also setting and prolonging your makeup. There's also baobab seed extract and hyaluronic acid for additional skin benefits, plus the powder is available in three shades, so you can choose between the translucent option or one of the versions created with specific skin tones in mind. It's been my go-to powder for a while now, and it consistently comes to the rescue when I want a long-lasting look or am trying to cover a breakout." — Ali Webb, associate editor
Best Liquid Highlight: KJH Brand Hyper Shine High Lite Kit
"The queen of dewy skin Katie Jane Hughes lent us a little bit of her magic via the KJH Hyper Shine High Lite Kit. This totally customizable kit can give you anything from a subtle lit-from-within glow to a full-wattage shine using her three-product system. The kit includes the balmy Hyper Shine Light Pigment, the gel-textured Hyper Shine Serum, and the No. 1 brush, which is perfectly shaped to apply them both. The formulas are buildable, blendable, and incredibly easy to use. I like to add the Hyper Shine Serum to the Hyper Shine Light Pigment and mix them together for an extra-dewy, glowy highlight. They can easily be swept over the eyelids, cupid's bow, brow bones, and the high points of your cheeks for a pop of shine that can only be described as lit from within. Also, a little product goes a long way. I’ve had the kit for months and have barely made a dent." — Star Donaldson, associate social media director
Best Cream Highlight: Westman Atelier Lit Up Glow Highlighter Stick
"This dream highlighter offers major glow and dimension unlike any other I’ve tried. The texture and finish are silky, and it just glides on without too much glitter or sparkle. My favorite way to use it is beneath concealer to instantly mask fatigue." — Elizabeth Grace Hand, esthetician and founder of Stalle Studios
Best Powder Highlight: Chanel Les Symboles de Chanel Les Perles Oversize Illuminating Powder
"There is nothing in this world I adore more than a huge shimmery highlighter, and Chanel really did it with this one. I wear the shade Pearly White, as it offers the most luxurious yet natural iridescent glow. You can use as much or as little as you please, but I generally apply it along my cheekbones and brow bones, plus a bit on my eyelids for an awakening effect. It's so easy to blend and offers a really airy texture and beautiful finish." — Hallie Gould, editor in chief
Best Multiuse Makeup Product: Thread Blend It Blush Multistick
"Thread's Blend It Multistick is a must-have multipurpose product and a staple in my day-to-day beauty routine. I love to apply the creamy stick to my eyes and cheeks. One swipe deposits a beautiful wash of color to each area, but the formula is completely buildable, so you can easily amp up the intensity. Shades like Conqueror (a shimmery bronze) and Grateful (a true red) are my favorite, but you have your pick of 14 vibrant colors." — Olivia Hancock, editor
Best Powder Eye Shadow: Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shade Eyeshadow
"I have never in my life gotten as many compliments on eye makeup as when I wear this shadow. “Autumnal sparkle” and “soft slay” are just two of the choice comments creative friends and family have used to describe its magic. And believe me, Chantecaille deserves all the credit here: This gorgeous rich brown is perfectly calibrated to place, blend, and go, so you know it’s not my cut-crease skills bringing in the accolades. I’ll cherish this shadow until it’s empty and even drag myself to the store for a refill—it’s really that good!" — Madeline Hirsch, news director
Best Cream Eye Shadow: Addiction Tokyo Cream Eyeshadow
"Addiction Tokyo just hit the U.S. market, but the brand has been beloved in Japan for years, so I knew it was going to be good before I even tried it. It’s famous for having 99 shades of eye shadow across multiple finishes, my favorite being the cream. The formula is lightweight and easy to blend on with a finger or a brush and sets to a powdery finish so there’s no weird creasing. My favorite part is is the subtle shimmer and unusual shades with evocative names like "Lost Star." — Bella Cacciatore, news editor
Best Eyeliner Pencil: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil
"This liner really exemplifies the magic of a classic wooden pencil done right. Not only are there so many colors to play with, but this cult favorite is also the most perfectly balanced formula I’ve ever used. I’m a sucker for all things cream, and this pencil has an amazing glide but is powdery enough to apply both sharp and smoldering lines or even blend out into a shadow. This delicious texture also works well as a base for more complicated eye looks." — Danessa Myricks, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Danessa Myricks Beauty
Best Liquid Eyeliner: Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
"What I love about this eyeliner is that I have time to perfect it before it dries down completely. So if I have any hiccups, it can easily be cleaned up. The shape is unique and amazing—it really hugs your lash line—and makes an otherwise-tricky line easier to perfect." — Daniel Martin, celebrity makeup artist
Best Brow Gel: Benefit Cosmetics Fluff Up Flexible Brow-Texturizing Wax
"Benefit Cosmetics is, was, and always will be the ultimate innovator when it comes to brows, and the launch of Fluff Up Flexible Brow-Texturizing Wax is all the proof I need. I love that feathery, laminated look that's been so on trend this year, but I'm not working with a lot of natural hair in the brow department. Somehow, this gel–wax hybrid gives me the appearance of triple the brow hairs and makes it easy to sculpt my brows into that brushed-up look. They stay all day, and since I know you're wondering, I'm thrilled to report there's zero crunchy texture or annoying flaking throughout the day." — Holly Rhue, associate editorial director
Best Brow Pencil: Kosas Brow Pop Nano Ultra-Fine Detailing Pencil
"Kosas’ Brow Pop Nano proves you can’t judge a brown pencil by its size. This little micro pencil packs a macro pigment punch, but thanks to the small size, it’s beyond easy to draw small feather-like strokes for a natural look. The small size also makes it super easy to create your shape, which I always find to be the trickiest aspect of filling in my brows. (And I give it bonus points for the perfectly calibrated neutral tone of the Black shade, which isn’t too warm or cool.)" — Eden Stuart, editor
Best Mascara: Hermès Beauty Trait d'Hermès Revitalizing Care Mascara
"Hermès Beauty's new eye makeup line is full of innovative color ranges and luxe formulas that just might make you question why you ever used anything else, and it's hands-down one of my favorite launches of the year. The Trait d'Hermès Revitalizing Care Mascara features an ultra-fine technical wand featuring castor bean plant fibers as well as a gentle, lightweight formula that nourishes your lashes while enhancing length and volume. It lasts long without flaking yet washes off easily, which is game-changing since I find most formulas are good at one but not both. The six-shade range includes both neutral and vivid options for all your needs. I'm a fan of Brun Bistre, a stunning bronzed sepia shade that has convinced me (a natural blonde who still usually prefers classic black mascaras) to finally embrace brown mascara more often." — Ali Webb, associate editor
Best Matte Lipstick: Pound Cake Cake Batter Lipstick
"Pound Cake develops red lipsticks that are highly pigmented and tailored to your unique skin and lip tone. There are six shades to choose from—Maraschino Cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Red Velvet, Red Bean, and Bloodberry. My go-to is Strawberry, and I love how it complements me perfectly. While this is a semimatte formula, the liquid lipstick glides on effortlessly and feels incredibly nourishing (it’s made with vitamin E and avocado oil). The best part? It lasts up to eight hours without flaking or crumbling." — Olivia Hancock, editor
Best Satin Lipstick: Hourglass Unlocked Satin Crème Lipstick
"Hourglass's Unlocked Satin Crème formula is incredibly hydrating, and the color payoff is awesome. Its nude and natural shades work on so many different skin tones as well." — Daniel Martin, celebrity makeup artist
Best Lip Gloss: Saie Glossybounce High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil
"When Saie’s Glossybounce first hit my desk, I was intrigued. How can a gloss be an oil (or vice versa)? Turns out, the answer is “by combining the best of both and ditching the worst of each.” Glossybounce has the pigment of a gloss without the stickiness; it hydrates like a great lip oil but has enough color to wear on its own or with a lip liner—no lipstick necessary. It’s a true win-win." — Eden Stuart, editor
Best Lip Oil: E.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Lip Oil
"E.l.f. Cosmetics’ Glow Reviver Lip Oil is exactly what I want from a lip oil—it’s hydrating but not sticky. It gives a sheer wash of color with a cushy doe-foot applicator that fully coats my lips in one swipe. I often wear it with just lip liner, but it also pairs well on top of lipstick. What really impresses me about this formulation is that it's infused with a bunch of ingredients that ensure both hydration and nourishment for your lips. It’s made with squalane, which is an emollient that softens and smooths skin; avocado oil, which helps the skin maintain hydration; and jojoba oil, which delivers antioxidant protection and has anti-inflammatory properties. If my word isn’t enough, it’s also gone viral for outshining more expensive lip oils and has won the adoration of beauty TikTok." — Star Donaldson, associate social media director
Best Tinted Lip Balm: Rhode Peptide Lip Tint
"I was a big fan of OG Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, so when the lip tints dropped, I knew I had to try them. They’re buildable, super glossy but not sticky, and contain shea butter and peptides to keep my lips hydrated for hours. I haven’t put the Espresso shade down since I received it in the mail." — Jasmine Phillips, social media editor
Best Makeup Brush: Glossier Stretch Face Brush
"This handy little brush is such a game changer. The unique shape hugs the contours of your face as you blend, with a targeted tip to get in all the hard-to-reach areas (around your nose, under your eyes, etc). It's small and easy to travel with and doubles as a facial massage tool (seriously; try it)." — Hallie Gould, editor in chief
Best Makeup Sponge: Beautyblender The Original Makeup Sponge
"The holy grail of sponges! It's easy to use, it's iconic for a reason, and it blends beautifully. Plus, if you wash this sponge after every use, it can truly last forever." — Daniel Martin, celebrity makeup artist
Best Makeup Palette, Eyes: Dior Backstage Eye Palette in Copper
"Creating eye makeup looks is my thing, and as a lover of eye shadow, I can say that this Dior Backstage Eye Palette in Copper shines above the rest. I’ve found that browns and coppers are my best friends when I want to wear something light for everyday that I can add to for a bolder nighttime look. The palette comes with browns, coppers, and pinky reds that all work well together and are super pigmented. The nine shades are also incredibly buildable and longwearing, which opens the possibilities to play and create so many different looks. Aside from the pigment, the little palette also includes shimmery, matte, pearlescent, metallic, and holographic finishes—which really covers anything you could think of. It’s the perfect size to throw in your bag, keep at your desk, or pack in your carry-on without taking up much space. If there’s one eye shadow palette you want to keep on hand that works for multiple occasions, this is it." — Star Donaldson, associate social media director
Best Makeup Palette, Face: Rouje La Palette Visage
"This soon-to-be-cult palette is the first I’ve come across where every single shade is true perfection. Easy to apply, each one is multipurpose—whether it’s for the eyes, cheeks, and lips or all three. The pigmentation is totally buildable and seamlessly blends into the skin to easily pare down for a low-key day look or dialed up for extra drama." — Elizabeth Grace Hand, esthetician and founder of Stalle Studios
Best Nail Polish: Mooncat Magnetic Nail Lacquer
"If there was a competition for mani trend of the year, velvet nails would be a strong contender, and Mooncat’s Magnetic nail lacquers might just be the best way to get in on the look. The formula is long-lasting, and the shades (of which there are many) are stunning. I personally love the galaxy-evoking Millennia, but the more low-key, natural offerings like Neptune’s Sand and Velvet Rose are just as stunning. Plus, if you don’t always want to whip out the wand for your mani, most of the shades look just as gorgeous without the magnet as they do with." — Eden Stuart, editor
