Our SheKnows beauty team has tested, sampled, polished and retouched, and compiled a list of the best (and affordable) cosmetics, skincare, nail polish and hair care products on the market. If you want to get your money's worth, here are our top picks - 35 of the best options for all your gorgeous needs.
Premium cosmetics
The best primer for top cosmetics
Classic Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation primer ($32) is a superb choice. It creates a smooth, silky texture that lets your foundation glide. Photo finish reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, reduces grease and makes makeup look longer lasting. Beauty bonus: It contains vitamins and antioxidants, which are good for your skin.
Top cosmetics best concealer
Nocout Concealer Cartridge ($38) is more than just a concealer. It features three different products in a convenient compact - one to fight redness/blemishes, one to cover black spots and one to hide under the eye rim. Apply with a sponge or brush, perfect.
Best foundation for top cosmetics
You can't go wrong with anything at Chanel when it comes to liquid foundation. However, the best cheap foundation, in our opinion, is Perfect Real Makeup from Clinque ($24). It controls oil, wicks sweat and lasts all day. If foundation is your thing, the MAC Studio Fix($27) is a great way to keep your skin smooth and matte.
The best loose powder
Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder($34) offers a truly perfect look. It's light, not cake-like, and makes your skin look and feel beautiful. We love the fact that this formula works on all skin tones and does a great job, if not a perfect look.
Top cosmetics The best bronzer
If you're looking for a sun-friendly look without hurting from the sun (really, it's the only way to get a tan), try CARGO waterproof bronzer ($28). It gives you a natural shine that never looks fake, and its water and sweat proof make it essential for the perfect poolside beauty!
Top cosmetics best eye shadow
L 'Oreal HIP eye shadow is a good choice. HIP stands for high strength pigment, the color is absolutely rich and vibrant. They rub smoothly and evenly. Plus, you can't get much cheaper at around $8. If cream eyeshadow is more your thing, Clinique Quick Eyes ($16) has a lip-glosse-like makeup stick that's easy to use and has long-lasting colors.
Top cosmetics the best lip balm
We never leave home without Rosebud ointment ($6), the perfect way to keep lips hydrated and smooth. It soothes dry lips, calms irritation, and adds a nice sheen. Plus it's cheap!
Top cosmetics best eyeliner
There are plenty of eyeliner options -- pencils, pens, liquid eyeliner and gel eyeliner. But if you're looking for long-lasting eyeliner, look for Bobbi Brown Long Term Eyeliner Gel ($21). It's slippery, it dries fast, and it stays there all day (and night) until you take it off.
Top cosmetics sephora Triple Effect Mascara
Sephora Tri-Effect Mascara is a slim, curly, dense mascara that will make your lashes look even better with a single brush. It's only $14 at Sephora, and there's a waterproof version.
Top cosmetics the best blush
Nars Face Puff Blush ($27) comes in a range of flattering colors. One of our favorites is Zen, which is a neutral solid brown that can be used as a blusher or conditioner. It's a light, natural color that suits most skin tones.
The Best lipstick
Yves Saint Laurent lipstick
For a long-lasting, glossy lipstick, try the 15 SPF($34) Yves Saint Laurent Volupte silky sexy lipstick. This rich lipstick features dense pigments but doesn't feel heavy, with a range of shades ranging from nude beige to red taboo. For drugstore lipsticks, Revlon Super Gloss ($8) is a great choice. Silky colour, luscious.
