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If you’re someone with even a passing interest in beauty products, you probably know that finding the makeup that’s right for your skin, worth the money, and a delight to use and wear can be a long journey of trial and error. Sometimes that “holy grail” concealer makes your dry patches even more noticeable; a mascara going viral on TikTok is actually a clumpy mess; and that ultra-pigmented best-selling blush leaves your cheeks patchy and streaky.
That’s where our annual Healthy Beauty Awards come in: We enlisted dozens of testers, all with varying concerns and goals, to test hundreds of products so you don’t have to. As important as it is to find makeup that looks good, it’s also crucial that everything you put on your face—from foundation to eyeliner—feels good too. So we took a look at each product’s ingredient list as well, and checked it against the Healthy Beauty guidelines we created with the help of board-certified dermatologists, which you can read [here].
After two months of testing, we’re thrilled to present all of the makeup below with our 2023 SELF Healthy Beauty Award seal of approval. From volumizing mascaras to shimmery blushes, there’s a product in here for everyone—whether you’re looking for a subtle everyday glow or embracing a full glam moment.
Want to see more from the 2023 Healthy Beauty Awards? Check out the best gadgets and gizmos, best lip products, and the best moisturizers.
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The key to achieving a radiant glow is hydration—and this liquid foundation nails it with its jam-packed ingredient list. (More on this below!) Testers said that just a pea-size amount was enough for full coverage and a luminous finish.
Bonus points, per the experts: This foundation contains a hydrating silicone called dimethicone, making it the perfect option for dry skin.
One tester said: “This foundation gives you full coverage without the cakey-ness. It’s dewy without being greasy, and it doesn’t weigh heavily on the face.”
Just so you know: This product also contains fragrance, which can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Rihanna knows matte doesn’t have to mean dry or cakey. Per our reviewers, this liquid foundation tones down oil and shine without making you look flat and two-dimensional.
Bonus points, per the experts: This Fenty formula includes glycerin, a lightweight ingredient that can help balance out oily and dry patches.
One tester said: “I normally hate foundation because it feels icky, sticky, and goopy. But this one felt like a second skin—and even lasted through a windstorm, rainstorm, and, yes, a tear or two.”
Just so you know: This foundation contains fragrance, which can irritate sensitive skin.
While you can find way more affordable foundations elsewhere, our testers felt this luxury product was truly worth its high price point thanks to its lightweight formula that, once applied, feels more like skin care than makeup.
Bonus points, per the experts: This foundation has hyaluronic acid, a hydrating ingredient that gives skin a dewy, glowy finish.
One tester said: “The packaging is elegant, and the quality of the product is top-tier. The texture is smooth and you don’t need to apply a ton of product to achieve full coverage.”
If you’re looking to hide a pimple or dark spot, this Kulfi Beauty concealer offers all-day coverage. Testers loved how its creamy formula gave them a creaseless finish, especially under the eyes.
Bonus points, per the experts: This concealer contains licorice root extract—a great brightening ingredient to help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
One tester said: “This concealer stayed on great through my yoga class. It never faded or felt streaky, which is huge. I 100% will be buying this again!”
This Sephora Collection concealer claims to be full coverage, and our testers agreed: It stands the test of time. It’s lightweight enough for everyday wear but thick enough to camouflage the reddest of zits and darkest of undereye circles.
Bonus points, per the experts: The hyaluronic acid in this concealer will moisturize your skin without clogging your pores.
One tester said: “This is a very good concealer: It covered the dark circles under my eyes and blended into my skin easily. It has a very good consistency, and stayed on all day!”
Our testers loved this blush oil—which actually looks a little bit different on everyone, thanks to a dye that reacts to your skin’s pH level. The reaction, in turn, creates a specific pigment—and that’s what you’ll see on your cheeks. Pretty cool, right?
If you’re concerned that this product may lead to breakouts, don’t worry: It’s formulated with ingredients derms say are okay for oily skin types too. (More on this below.)
Bonus points, per the experts: This blush has derm-approved ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe vera.
One tester said: “I was a little skeptical, but this product is really marvelous. They say to put it straight on the brush and then apply it to your face (rather than dabbing it onto your face and rubbing it in with a brush, which is more typical for liquid makeup), but it worked! It blended well and made me look kissed with color.”
While Cheek Fluff comes in a compact and looks like a powder blush, it blends like a cream brush—truly the best of both worlds. Our testers appreciated how buildable it was, so you can use as little or as much as you want.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains dimethicone, a hydrating silicone safe for all skin types but ideal for dry, scaly, or patchy skin.
One tester said: “This blush is incredible! With each application, it gives a gorgeous blendable hue. All of the shades are pretty, and would work for a variety of skin tones.”
This product truly does it all: Testers applied it on their cheeks, eyelids, and lips for a natural and minimalist daytime look, and loved that it’s super efficient and travels well.
Bonus points, per the experts: This blush stick is infused with glycerin, which helps skin retain moisture for a dewy glow.
One tester said: “The colors are translucent and highly buildable, so they’re perfect for those days when you don’t want to wear too much makeup, but you do want to step up your natural glow.”
Our testers can confirm: Pillow Talk lives up to the TikTok hype. The Charlotte Tilbury blush wand makes your cheeks pop with color and even doubles as a highlighter.
One tester said: “It did not disappoint. My cheeks were still rosy at the end of the day.”
Another pH blush for the win! Our testers loved the buttery consistency of this Tarte powder formula. They also said it blended seamlessly onto their cheeks and didn’t leave streaks.
One tester said: “After going through the rest of my daily skin care routine, this blush completes the look! It looked freshly applied for hours.”
This Pixi product is about to become your go-to bronzing stick, perfect for a quick morning routine or impromptu touch-ups. Our testers also appreciated how it hydrated their skin without making them feel oily or greasy.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin, as well as antioxidants like vitamin C to gradually brighten dark spots.
One tester said: “This is a perfect bronzer for a natural, everyday look; you’ll want to use it 24/7!”
If you want to look sunkissed all year round, this Kosas bronzer is worth your while. Testers especially appreciated how it melted into their skin to create a more subtle glow.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product is talc-free, and contains silica and shea butter, making it an ideal option for drier skin types.
One tester said: “I really like this. It’s pigmented, blendable, and lasts all day, even on my combo skin. It gives the perfect sun-kissed look without making you look orangey.”
As the name implies, this balm-like bronzer melts into skin and has a weightless finish. Our testers really liked how hydrating and blendable it was, especially for folks with dry skin.
Bonus points, per the experts: The formula’s grapeseed oil has antibacterial properties, making it an ideal option for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
One tester said: “Bronzers often run too warm for my cooler-toned complexion, which wasn’t the case with this shade. It looked natural and blended seamlessly with both a brush and my fingers. I’ve been reaching for it over my other bronzers ever since.”
This highlighter stick got high praise from our testers for its lightweight texture and easy application. It’s not sparkly, but gives you an iridescent sheen that’ll make you look lit from within. Testers also loved using it on their cheekbones, brow bone, and nose for a lifted look.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains glycerin, a derm-approved ingredient perfect for anyone needing extra hydration.
One tester said: “This highlighter is smooth, and it melts into the skin without feeling sticky. Plus, the shine lasts all day. I was truly taken aback by how amazing it looked and made me feel!”
Just so you know: It contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties—but can also clog pores and irritate acne-prone skin.
This Caliray highlighter is perfect for that no-makeup-makeup look. It comes in two shades—a rosy champagne and a golden honey—and testers noted how the product felt particularly easy to use for beginners who are intimidated by shimmer and shine.
Bonus points, per the experts: The silica in this highlighter helps to soften the appearance of fine lines, pores, and wrinkles for a blurred, airbrushed result.
One tester said: “Love the fact that just one layer gives you a perfect glow and youthful look—without too much glitter.”
Reviewers were impressed by this affordable, easy-to-use, and nonsticky liquid highlighter, showing once again that good makeup doesn’t have to be expensive to work.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product is packed with squalane, a gentle antioxidant that repairs the skin’s moisture barrier without clogging pores. It’s especially recommended for sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.
One tester said: “I applied the e.l.f. highlighter on my cheekbones, nasal bridge, and above the cupid’s bow, and it gave off a radiant glow and felt very lightweight, providing a nice, medium coverage.”
If you’re not generally into makeup but want a little something-something, try this powder highlighter. It’s the perfect way to blur hyperpigmentation, even out your skin tone, and get a healthy, subtle glow. Our testers appreciated that it wasn’t glittery or sparkly, so it worked as a setting powder too.
One tester said: “This highlighter gave me enough coverage that I felt elevated and confident, and it didn’t crease or look cakey at all.”
If you want to lock makeup in place from morning to night—or are hoping your look will last through sweat and/or tears—you’ll need a good setting spray. Our testers agreed that this one from Milk Makeup did just that, while blurring the appearance of pores for hours on end.
Bonus points, per the experts: The niacinamide and bakuchiol in this product—which both help treat uneven skin textures—are generally gentle enough to be safe for folks with skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. (Though we still recommend you always patch test or consult a derm before trying something new!)
One tester said: “I was impressed by how natural my skin looked after using the setting spray. It kept my makeup looking fresh and vibrant without making my skin look overly shiny or oily.”
Some primers work better than others at prepping your base and ensuring that makeup goes on smoothly. Our testers with dry skin loved this one from Beautyblender; the water-based formula was hydrating and kept makeup looking fresh all day.
Bonus points, per the experts: Moisturizing glycerin pulls water from your deepest layers of skin towards its outer surface, creating all-over hydration.
One tester said: “This may be my new favorite primer! The hydrating, fast-absorbing serum consistency made it feel much more like skin care than makeup.”
Just so you know: It also contains vitamin E, which can clog pores.
It really is “all about the blur” here. Testers with oily and acne-prone skin appreciated how easy this Stila product made targeting specific areas and controlling unwanted shine.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains antioxidants like vitamin B and vitamin C to soothe skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores.
One tester said: “This has become my new favorite primer: There was no creasing and it looked great worn alone or underneath makeup. It seriously makes you look like you got your makeup done professionally.”
Just so you know: This primer contains vitamin E, which can be pore-clogging for some people.
The right mascara can completely circumvent any need for false lashes. Case in point: this one from Bossy Cosmetics. Our testers loved its unique cone-shaped applicator, which made it easy to achieve added length without the need for a curler.
Bonus points, per the experts: This mascara has shea butter, an emollient that helps with hydration.
One tester said: “The tube and handle was easy to grip for sure. But what I think made the biggest difference when using this product was the applicator. I'm afraid of eyelash curlers so I don't use them, and always look for a mascara that helps the lashes curl upward a bit. Well, this did it!”
This mascara was a winner with testers who prefer a more subtle and natural eye look. They also loved that it was smudge-proof and clump-free.
One tester said: “Absolutely fabulous bottom-lash mascara for lower lashes! This would also be a perfect product for the lucky monsters out there who are blessed with long lashes, and who want a very minimal, natural Bambi effect.”
Thanks to its bristled tree-shaped brush, this CoverGirl mascara creates length and volume and doesn’t cost $30 a tube. Testers appreciated how the formula felt lightweight and smooth too.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains castor oil and hydrolyzed keratin, which our derms note is great for volumizing and hydrating hair. (Yes, your lashes count as hair!)
One tester said: “The mascara glides on easily with little to no clumping, and the Very Black shade gives just the right amount of pop to my eyes. It also lengthened my lashes while keeping them looking natural.”
Looking for a more precise way to sculpt your brows? Our testers raved about this Milk Makeup gel. It comes with an adorably tiny spoolie, which makes it easier to precisely brush up each and every hair for that laminated look.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains glycerin, which works to hydrate and moisturize hair and skin.
One tester said: “With this brow gel, I was able to manipulate each hair easily, and the staying power lasted all day. I also love the tiny wand—its shape really allows you to get into each angle of the brow.”
This Glamnetic product is perfect for anyone who travels a lot or does their makeup on the go: It includes a pencil, spoolie, and gel (all in a single tube!) to fill and fluff up brows. Our testers loved how convenient and versatile it was, deeming it a must-have whether you put it in your purse or pack it on a weekend getaway.
Bonus points, per the experts: This brow gel contains panthenol, a conditioning ingredient that helps soften the texture of hair.
One tester said: “There’s a lightness to the eyebrow pencil that allows for a very natural look, and I love how it feels on application. The packaging and presentation are also excellent—it definitely feels like a more special experience because of the fun design.”
Leave it to Ariana Grande to help all of us look camera-ready: Her R.e.m. brand’s cream-based brow pencil comes with a medium-size tip, and it’s smudge-proof. Testers also appreciated that there are 12 different shades (from blond to brown to black) to choose from.
One tester said: “A little goes a long way. When I first used the pencil my brows looked a little too dark, but after I blended it in with the attached spoolie, they had a really full but natural look.”
This affordable and ultra-pigmented eyeshadow stick comes in a variety of fun colors, but the standout quality is how easy it is to swipe on and blend for an effortless pop of pigment.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains dimethicone, a humectant that helps seal in moisture.
One tester said: “This product easily lasts from early morning application to late night without having to reapply or touch up. I’m a huge fan!”
Eyeshadow doesn’t always have to be colorful or vibrant. If you’re looking for a more natural-looking way to enhance your lids, our testers recommend this Armani liquid eyeshadow, which comes in a beautiful range of neutral shades fit for any occasion.
One tester said: “The colors are gorgeous with rich and luxurious tones. It was super easy to use, as someone who has never been able to master eyeshadow.”
If you love a shimmery, glittery look, you should definitely check out this eyeshadow from Rose Inc. Shades like Olive and Khaki Shimmer are great for anyone who wants to get a little playful and experiment with color, but testers also loved the more neutral options.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains moisturizing oils like vitamin C and E, which are safe enough for the delicate eye area, as well as squalane.
One tester said: “I love this eyeshadow! I’ve wanted a creamy neutral shadow for everyday wear and this is it. The tiniest bit goes such a long way.”
Just so you know: Vitamin E can be comedogenic, so proceed with caution if your eyelids tend to be sensitive.
Whether you want to subtly enhance your everyday look or go for a bold, smoky eye, this palette from Tarte does it all. It includes 11 mattes, 9 shimmers, and 4 sheens, with colors ranging from warm neutrals to bright berries. Testers said the makeup lasted well over the course of the day and night too.
Bonus points, per the experts: This product contains dimethicone and silica, both of which are hydrating ingredients.
One tester said: “I’m not a makeup expert, but I used the Feline Myself and Heartbreaker shades together for a summery look and loved it! The makeup stayed on all day but was easily removable when it was time to go to bed.”
This waterproof eyeliner pencil helped our testers achieve an ultraprecise wing thanks to its water- and smudge-proof formula. It’s available in matte, metallic, and shimmery shades, so you can stick with a classic black or get a little playful.
One tester said: “The true test with eyeliner is whether or not it smudges throughout the day—and this one didn’t! So it’s a win for me, and I’ll definitely use this product going forward.”
Want to see some of our winners in action? You can try one of the looks from our photoshoot using a special SELF Healthy Beauty Awards filter in the YouCam app! Download it here.
