Jones Road What The Foundation, £42
Best under-eye concealer
This cult concealer from Nars needs no introduction. A backstage beauty kit essential, the creamy formula (which is available in 30 shades) expertly brightens dark circles without creasing or settling into fine lines. Truly iconic, one tube sells every five seconds – it really is that good.
Shortlist:
Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Multi-Use Concealer, £9.99
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, £27
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer, £32
Best spot concealer
Winning the best spot concealer category is this heavy-duty, full-coverage formula from L’Oréal Paris. Long-wearing and easy to blend, the highly pigmented liquid is the perfect pick for camouflaging dark spots and blemishes. Simply dot on and leave to air-dry before blending it in with a small stippling brush.
Shortlist:
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, £26
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer, £28
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, £31.50
Best highlighter
We’re huge fans of Rare Beauty and this liquid luminiser is one of the brand’s hero products. Packed with light-reflecting pearl pigments, the weightless formula blends effortlessly over other creams, liquids and even powders to bestow a seamless dewy sheen. Know that a little goes a very long way.
Shortlist:
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter, £38
Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette, £36
ICONIC London Illuminator, £30
Best blush
A viral sensation, Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is totally worth the hype. It comes in 13 easy-to-wear shades that all melt into skin to deliver a post-workout glow. And, as with the Liquid Luminizer, all you need are a few taps with the wand – which means you get serious bang for your buck.
Shortlist:
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand, £30
Elf Halo Glow Blush Beauty Wand, £9
Nudestix Nudies Blush Stick, £30
Best bronzer
The best bronzer in the business? Your vote was overwhelmingly for Benefit’s Hoola. Completely shimmer-free, the buttery-soft powder minimises shine while adding sun-baked warmth that looks healthy and natural. The slim packaging and compact brush make it touch-up and travel-friendly, too.
Shortlist:
Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder, £33
Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer, £29
Saie Sun Melt Cream-Balm Bronzer, £26
Best contour
To create killer cheekbones, look no further. This iconic beauty wand from Charlotte Tilbury is a total dream to apply. Complete with a cushion applicator, press a little onto the high points of the face before blending the creamy formula in with fingertips for a sculpted look.
Shortlist:
Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick, £25
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick, £44
Best primer
The primer that sent TikTok into a frenzy, this £10 hero grips your makeup for all-day and night wear. Refreshingly lightweight, the gel-based formula also soothes skin and delivers a hefty dose of hydration (thanks to hyaluronic acid) for a plumper complexion. We’re obsessed.
Shortlist:
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, £78
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Blurring, £35.50
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, £35
Best setting product
We defy anyone not to fall head over heels for this featherweight Flawless Finish powder from Charlotte Tilbury. Blended with soft-focus micro powders, the silky formula blurs pores, sets foundation and reduces shine without starving skin of glow. It also contains skin-loving ingredients, such as rose wax and almond oil.