InStyle Best Beauty Buys: The Best Makeup Products of 2022

With masks mostly off this year, makeup is back on. And while sales may have dipped during the pandemic, in 2022, everyone is making up for lost time with creative looks. Colorful abstract eyeliner and bold eyeshadow are now a means of self-expression, whether you're coordinating your eyeshadow shades to your back-to-office fits, or wearing a neon cat-eye to your first concert since the pandemic. And some days, a second-skin finish foundation, dewy highlighter, and a few coats of lengthening mascara are all you need to feel ready to take on the world.

Whatever your current vibe, the 2022 InStyle Best Beauty Buys will help you achieve it. From a waterproof mascara that will hold up against sweat and tears to a foundation brush that delivers a seamless application every single time, our panel of experts cut through the noise and narrowed down the products that are good enough for your face right now.

Ahead, the best makeup products and tools of 2022.

Complexion

Sephora

View On Nordstrom $48 View On Sephora $48 View On Bloomingdales $64

Winning Category: Liquid Foundation

This Armani Beauty foundation is beloved by celebrities and makeup artists alike because it delivers a glowy, your-skin-but-better look.

Courtesy

View On Amazon $7 View On Ulta $10 View On Walmart $8

Winning Category: Inexpensive Foundation

This lightweight, dewy foundation is your straight shot to glazed-doughnut skin. What's more, it provides SPF 18 protection.

Sephora

View On Amazon $59 View On Nordstrom $40

Winning Category: Best Powder Foundation

Overactive oil glands don't stand a chance against this Make Up For Ever powder foundation. The formula absorbs excess shine and minimizes the look of pores, leaving skin with a smooth, matte finish.

Courtesy

View On Nordstrom $47 View On Sephora $47 View On Shiseido.com

Winning Category: Oil-Free Foundation

Shiseido's lightweight foundation does the unthinkable: it withstands sweat, humidity, oil, and facial movements for an always-fresh finish. Plus, it offers SPF 30 protection.

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Nordstrom $46 View On Ulta $46

Winning Category: Best Tinted Moisturizer/BB Cream

Even skin tone while hydrating with this tinted moisturizer. In addition to smoothing and nourishing skin, it also brightens and protects with SPF 30.

Courtesy

View On Amazon $47 View On Sephora $47 View On Ulta $47

Winning Category: Foundation Brush

A tool that lives up to its name, this brush delivers a seamless foundation application every single time. The crimped bristles help with control, and the unique shape fits the contours of the face.

Courtesy

View On Amazon $38 View On Ulta $38 View On Credo Beauty $38

Winning Category: Clean/Natural Foundation

Unsurprisingly, Credo Beauty's makeup brand Exa makes the best clean foundation. Available in 43 shades and infused with skincare actives like hyaluronic acid, microalgae, and maqui berry and acai fruit oils, the satin-finish formula feels weightless whether it's applied sheer or built up for full coverage.

Fenty Beauty

View On Ulta $40 View On Sephora $18 View On Fentybeauty.com

Winning Category: Best Shade-Inclusive Complexion Collection

Rihanna set a new standard for makeup brands when she launched Fenty Beauty with 40 shades of foundation in 2017. Now available in 50 shades, the Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation range is still unparalleled.

Sephora

View On Nordstrom View On Ulta $47 View On Sephora $27

Winning Category: Best Loose/Translucent Setting Powder

Top makeup artists swear by Laura Mercier's Translucent Loose Setting Powder because it has a blurring effect and extends the life of foundation with zero flashback.

Ulta

View On Sephora $6

Winning Category: Concealer

If you're after full coverage that doesn't settle into fine lines or dry out skin, Beautyblender's hyaluronic acid and peptide-infused hydrating concealer is your match.

Courtesy

View On Amazon $54 View On QVC $54 View On Sephora $24

Winning Category: Primer

The perfect base starts with a primer that will help your makeup hold up. This Tatcha one contains silk extracts to smooth skin and protect against pollution.

Sephora

View On Amazon $17 View On Nordstrom $36 View On Sephora $17

Winning Category: Setting Spray

Like renter's insurance for makeup, Urban Decay's setting spray ensures your beat is always nothing short of perfection.

Contour & Highlight

Courtesy

View On Sephora $28

Winning Category: Best Blush

Add a pop of color to your complexion with Makeup by Mario's inexplicably silky smooth powder blush.

Courtesy

View On Ulta $35 View On Nudestix.com

Winning Category: Best Multi-Use Blush

Create a subtle — or bold — monochrome look with this color stick that can be used on the eyes, cheeks, lips, and anywhere else you decide to apply it.

Kosas

View On Kosas.com

Winning Category: Best Two-in-One Blush

Get the perfect pairing of blush and highlighter with this two-in-one deal that will have you glowing all day long.

Courtesy

View On Ulta $35 View On Sephora $35 View On Harveynichols.com

Winning Category: Bronzer

While inclusivity is still lacking in the bronzer category, Fenty is leading the way. Sun Stalk'r comes in nine shades to complement a wide range of skin tones and has a soft, buttery texture that blends seamlessly to add warmth or contour.

Courtesy

View On Westman-atelier.com

Winning Category: Clean/Natural Bronzer

Use this glowy bronzer to add a sun-kissed glow to skin. The velvety formula is supercharged with nourishing ingredients to boost hydration.

Chanel

View On Violet Grey $45 View On Chanel.com $47

Winning Category: Highlighter

With a smooth, silky texture, this moisturizing balm adds a dewy (not shimmery) natural glow to your skin.

Surratt Beauty

View On Net-a-Porter

Winning Category: Blush Brush

The rounded bristles of Surratt's brush ensure you get just the right amount of blush every time. Use it to add a pop of color to the skin or swirl on setting powder to reduce shine and lock foundation in place.

Eyes

Sephora

View On Sephora $12 View On Beautybay.com View On Danessamyricksbeauty.com

Winning Category: Multi-Use Product

Getting a full face of color is as easy as one, two, three with this cult-favorite product from Danessa Myricks. Simply apply to the cheeks, eyes, and lips, then blend to your liking.

Ilia

View On Amazon $28 View On Nordstrom $28 View On Sephora $28

Winning Category: Liquid Eyeshadow

On the go and not in the mood for a powder eyeshadow? Well, thanks to Ilia's Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint, you can give your eyes a quick wash of color any time.

111Skin

View On Dermstore $110 View On Revolve View On 111skin.com

Winning Category: Under Eye Mask

Had a long night? Well, no one else has to know. Apply the De-Puffing Eye Masks 20 minutes before starting your makeup for a flawless finish.

Dior

View On Dior.com

Winning Category: Eyeshadow Brush

If you've come to the conclusion that the perfect eyeshadow brush doesn't exist, think again. Easily create the blended finish of your dreams with this tool, then go ahead and get dressed so you can hit the town.

Kevin Aucoin

View On Amazon $30 View On Nordstrom $24 View On Shopbop.com

Winning Category: Best Eyelash Curler

If your lashes need a little more lift, look no further. Made with a wide-opening curve, not only will this eyelash curler work with all eye shapes, but the red silicone pad ensures you can get right down to the lash line without pinching your skin.

Courtesy

View On Nordstrom $29 View On Sephora $29 View On Charlottetilbury.com

Winning Category: Best Pencil Eyeliner

Looking to create a smoky eye? Or maybe you just want to emphasize your waterline. Charlotte Tilbury's Rock 'n' Kohl liner in Bedroom Black will give you everything you're looking for and more. Plus with 14-hour waterproof wear, you can forget about smudges.

Courtesy

View On Amazon $68 View On Sephora $50 View On Makeupbymario.com $50

Winning Category: Best Neutral Eyeshadow

Love eyeshadow but want to go for a more natural or subdued look? Then this one, a Makeup by Mario product, is perfect for you. With 12 glorious shades to choose from, you can create a different "nude" finish for each day of the week.

Inglot

View On Amazon $16 View On Macy's View On Inglotusa.com

Winning Category: Best Gel Eyeliner

For the more experienced makeup lovers, trust that this creamy eyeliner gel will give you smudge-free finish that will last until you're ready to take it off.

Courtesy

View On Amazon $10 View On Target $11

Winning Category: Faux Lashes

You don't always need to reach for a mascara to achieve show-stopping lashes — cause Ardell's Demi Wispies will do the trick and then some. Trust us on this one.

Courtesy

View On Amazon $202 View On Sephora $128 View On Patmcgrath.com $128

Winning Category: Eyeshadow Palette

When it comes to Mother, you know everything in her makeup arsenal is going to be major — and this palette is no exception. With this, you'll have no problem creating the most dreamy finish.

KVD

View On Ulta $25 View On Sephora $15 View On Target $25

Winning Category: Liquid Eyeliner

Get a flawless cat-eye with the precision tip and long-lasting formula.

Sephora

View On Amazon $33 View On Nordstrom $33 View On Sephora $33

Winning Category: Mascara

The recently revamped mascara still delivers the long-lasting lift and curl you know and love – plus is infused with cotton nectar for stronger, shinier lashes.

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Amazon $9

Winning Category: Waterproof Mascara

Not only is this Maybelline mascara a lash lift in a bottle, the water-resistant formula doesn't smudge or flake.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

View On Nordstrom $22 View On Sephora $22 View On Ulta

Winning Category: Brow Gel

No microblading appointment required: Fill and set sparse brows with Anastasia Beverly Hills' tinted gel, available in seven shades.

Courtesy

View On Benefitcosmetics.com

Winning Category: Brow Pencil

With a three-pronged tip that fills in brows with realistic hair-like strokes, you can ditch your microblading appointment for this pencil.

Amazon

View On Amazon $19 View On Dermstore $19 View On Target $6

Winning Category: Makeup Remover

No rinsing required: Bioderma's micellar water removes makeup (including waterproof mascara!) without the need to rub and tug your skin.

Lips

Mac

View On Nordstrom $23 View On Ulta $21 View On Walmart $22

Winning Category: Lipstick

This silky lipstick is the fluffy robe of lipsticks. It feels soft on the lips whether you've applied a single sheer coat or a few for full coverage.

YSL Beauty

View On Yslbeautyus.com

Winning Category: Lip Stain

A long-wear glossy stain with impressive color payoff that doesn't settle into lip lines? Say no more.

Sephora

View On Sephora $24 View On Meritbeauty.com $24 View On Kohls.com $24

Winning Category: Best Clean/Natural Lip Product

Part lip oil, part tint, MERIT's Shade Slick leaves lips pillowy soft with a subtle pop of color.

Fenty Beauty

View On Sephora $29 View On Ulta $29 View On Fentybeauty.com

Winning Category: Liquid Lipstick

This liquid lipstick offers long-lasting, full coverage in a single swipe. What's more, it doesn't feather, flake, or dry out lips. But would you expect anything less from Rihanna?

Glossier

View On Amazon $22 View On Glossier.com $16

Winning Category: Lip Gloss

Y2K beauty looks might be trending again, but you can leave sticky lip glosses in the early aughts. All four shades of Glossier's long-wear lip gloss provide a high-shine finish that isn't goopy or tacky.

Sephora

View On Amazon $16 View On Sephora $16 View On Kohls.com $16

Winning Category: Inexpensive Lip Gloss

Lips are definitely ready for this jelly: Tower 28's gloss has the high-shine finish you crave with the comfort and hydration of a balm.

Walmart

View On Walmart $8 View On Burtsbees.com

Winning Category: Inexpensive Lipstick

This crayon is the perfect mix of a nourishing lip balm and traditional matte lipstick. It leaves lips with bold color while the formula's shea butter and jojoba oil treat your pout.

Courtesy

View On Nordstrom $80 View On Sephora $80 View On Cremedelamer.com

Winning Category: Lip Balm

Prep lips with La Mer's luxurious nourishing balm for smooth, even lipstick application.

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View On Sephora $20 View On Amicole.com $20 View On Goop.com

Winning Category: Most Innovative Launch

This lip oil is like no other: it conditions and protects lips while adding a sheer tint. The universal neutral shade looks gorgeous on everyone, especially those with melanin-rich skin.

The Lip Bar

View On Amazon View On Thelipbar.com View On Target

Winning Category: Best Black-Owned Makeup Line

Even former First Lady Michelle Obama is a fan of The Lip Bar's Liquid Matte Lipstick. Along with the hero product, the Detroit-based brand offers a full collecion of color cosmetics with high-performance formulas and inclusive shade ranges.