2018 was huge — especially in beauty. Along with producing some of the most groundbreaking campaigns [1], the year rolled out formulas that wear longer [2] and shine brighter [3], with textures and applicators we've never seen before. Between pretty palettes and lip products that look great on every skin tone, our editors have curated their picks for the best makeup products of the year.
See this year's highlights, ahead.
Kaja Beauty Bento Bouncy Shimmer Eyeshadow Trio
"I've been using the Kaja Beauty Bento Bouncy Shimmer Eyeshadow Trio [4] ($21) as a last step in my makeup almost every week since I received the cute stacked shadows. The ultrashimmery formula looks darn-near reflective on the eye and is the perfect last touch to your eye makeup look." — Sarah Siegel, assistant editor, Beauty and Shopping
Beauty by POPSUGAR Eye Sorbet
"OK, I'm guilty. Before taking this job, I had never tried a single product from Beauty by POPSUGAR's lineup of 82. Huge. Opportunity. Missed. The Eye Sorbet [5] ($15) should have been in my makeup bag all along — not only is it available in a sparkly pink color that yields a surprisingly bold pigment payoff, but it also comes with a spoon so you can scoop it like ice cream. If there were a squealing emoji, I'd insert it here." — Kelsey Castañon, senior editor, Beauty
Benefit Cosmetics Bad Gal Bang! Mascara
"They say you always remember your first, and the first big mascara launch of the year was Benefit Cosmetics Bad Gal Bang [6] ($25). I had a chance to test it out a few months ahead of time, and I fell in love with how it lengthened and volumized my lashes — people would stop me on the street to ask if I had lash extensions. That's major, IMHO. The formula is wetter than most, and I'm not usually a fan of silicone or rubber brushes, but this particular mascara coats each lash so perfectly. It adds that extra layer of 'oomph' to my look." — Kirbie Johnson, host and senior reporter, Beauty
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pops in Supersonic Girl
"Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pops in Supersonic Girl [7] ($53) is a Boomerang-worthy product. CT isn't lying with the name — it feels luxurious and it truly gives a pop of color. This eye shadow is going to be on every millimeter of my eyelids all Christmas long." — Tori Crowther, assistant editor, UK
Diorshow On Stage Liquid Eyeliner
"I typically wear dramatic winged eyeliner that tapers off into ultra-sharp points. To create them, it takes a certain kind of pen — one with a very precise tip and a formula that slips across my skin without being too wet. Dior Diorshow On Stage Liquid Eyeliner [8] ($31) checks off all of those boxes, along with the one for the ability to survive even the most intense, sweatiest workouts." — Jesa Marie Calaor, assistant editor, Beauty
Lancome L'Absolu Rouge x Camila Coelho Lipstick
"Creamy, pigmented, chic as f*ck — would you expect anything less from the Lancome L'Absolu Rouge x Camila Coelho Lipstick [9] ($32) collection [10]? That alone would make them worth the price, but the brand took it a step further and made these limited-edition bullets lip-shaped, so they're nearly impossible to pass up." — KC
IT CosmeticsYour Skin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte With SPF 40
"I've written the beauty equivalent of a Nicholas Sparks romance about IT Cosmetics' original CC cream — that's how deep my love runs. So I can't help but feel like I'm cheating on it any time I use the brand's newCC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF 40 [11] ($38). Not that my guilt stops me: the formula is a little fuller-coverage than the OG, lasts a full workday (and then some), and keeps my face from looking like an oil slick by 2 p.m. As The Bachelor [12] clearly demonstrates, it is possible to love two people — or, in my case, products — at once." — KC
Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Full Coverage Concealer Fluid
"I've tried dozens of concealers during my time as a beauty writer, and I wasn't expecting to find such a life-changing product. The Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Full Coverage Concealer Fluid [13] ($28) is a full-coverage concealer that covers my blemishes with the smallest amount of product. The formula is creamy and melts seamlessly into the skin without creasing. It's become my daily concealer and has lasted through my busy days in New York City." — SS
L'Oréal Paris Infallible ProMatte Liquid Lipstick Les Chocolats
"As a full-blown chocolate addict, I nearly ate the new L'Oréal Paris Infallible ProMatte Liquid Lipstick Les Chocolats [14] ($8) before coming to my senses. The liquid lipstick collection is inspired by my favorite candy, and it applies so smoothly and smells so sweet, you'd swear these were made from melted-down Hershey's Kisses." — SS
Milk Makeup Kush Lip Glaze
"I don't typically like lip gloss — I find it way too sticky with a finish that makes me look like I just dove into a box of pastries — but I'll wear Milk Makeup Kush Lip Glaze [15] ($18) any day. It combines the trendy (and nonpsychoactive) cannabis seed oil with jojoba oil to moisturize and soothe dry chapped lips, leaving them with a subtle, wearable shine." — JC
Kat Von D Metal Crush Highlighter in Gold Skool
"I've been trying to switch up my makeup routine and experiment with bolder hues and more attention-grabbing finishes. Thanks to Kat Von D, I've found the ultimate statement highlighter. The Kat Von D Metal Crush Extreme Highlighter in Gold Skool [16] ($30) is part of the makeup artist's 10-year anniversary collection [17] and is a light, shimmering gold that's impossible to ignore. It looks gorgeous over my bronzed skin (I'm all about a good spray tan) and will definitely be added to my everyday essentials." — SS
Giorgio Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Highlighter Makeup
"A little bit of the Giorgio Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Highlighter Makeup [18] ($62) goes a long way, and the pretty reddish color made me look instantly more awake." — KC
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint
"It might be because I am a child of the '90s, but I love brown lipsticks. I like Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint [19] ($24) because it's a brown that fits my medium skin tone perfectly — never too warm while complementing the red undertones of my tan complexion. The formula swipes on perfectly with the ultra-precise doe-foot applicator and dries matte — never transferring (even through lengthy, hot kisses)." — JC