The 10 Best Makeup Products We Tried In 2020

2020 has been one hell of a year – that’s indisputable! However, as usual, one thing that’s served as a slice of normality and picked up our mood is experimenting with different makeup looks. It may sound silly but the process of applying makeup purely for our own enjoyment has become part of our self-care routine.

Along the roller coaster ride of 2020, we’ve treated ourselves to new products to help us slay Zoom glam and ensure our makeup is mask-proof. In fact, you’ll find that almost every product on our list enables us to meet a new 2020 requirement, from budget-friendly buys to mask-appropriate formulas. Here are 10 of the best makeup products we’ve tried in 2020…

1. For Laminated Brows: Benefit Cosmetic 24-HR Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel, $24

Source: Benefit

Laminated brows have been one of the biggest beauty trends of 2020. However, with salons closed for much of the year, securing your usual brow appointment was almost impossible. That’s where the Benefit Cosmetic 24-HR Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel, $24, saved the day. The clear brow gel sets your brow hairs in place for 24 hours without leaving your brows feeling sticky. The brush has both long and short bristles; the long bristles work to distribute the gel through the hair while the shorter bristles are ideal for sculpting and shaping the brows. It’s our ride-or-die for instant brow grooming.

2. For Filtered, Healthy-Looking Skin: Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Skin-Finish Foundation Stick, $39

If you’re looking for the perfect foundation for your Zoom calls or pretty much anywhere, this is it. Whether you apply a thin veil for a natural skin-tint or layer it for a full-coverage finish, it leaves your skin looking filtered and flawless and yet never cakey. It’s also super long-lasting and is even mask-proof. It’s available in 39 shades ranging from fair to rich; check out our shade matching guide here to find your perfect match. Needless to say, we’re obsessed.

3. To Fake A Vacay-Glow: KOSAS The Sun Show Moisturizing Baked Bronzer, $34

Source: KOSAS

Despite our lack of vacations in 2020, this bronzer helped us fake a post-holiday glow all year round. The clean, baked formula is infused with shea butter so it blends seamlessly into the skin to leave you with a believable, healthy glow. It’s available in three shades ranging from light to dark, and the deepest shade garnered rave reviews due to its intensity and undertone that beautifully complements rich skin tones. Just be careful when you apply as a little goes a long way! We’ve been using ours daily and we still haven’t hit pan, so yet another reason why it’s perfect for 2020.

4. For Smudge-Proof, Sexy Lips: Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint, $36

Source: Victoria Beckham Beauty

Natural glam has become our go-to look this year and this Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint, $36, has become our daily staple. The weightless gelée glides onto the lip, enhancing the tone and texture with a semi-matte flush of color. It’s also super nourishing as it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and squalane for an instant plumping effect. Plus, it doesn’t smudge when wearing a mask, which is a must right now! It comes in two shades: Bisou and Cherie, the latter being our personal fave.

5. For Quick and Easy Glam: UOMA Double Take Contour Stick, $40

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We’ve relied on multi-tasking products more than ever this year due to our keep-it-natural vibe and lack of extra cash. With this tool, you get two products for the price of one: a contour and highlighter.

This contour and highlighter stick is one of our faves as it sculpts and highlights your cheekbones in seconds. The soft matte Sculpt stick is made with 28% naturally derived ingredients and 30% pure pigments so it blends seamlessly into your skin while adding long-lasting definition. The cream Strobe highlighter offers the perfect contrast and adds a soft, luminous glow. There are six stretchable shades ranging from fair to deep, so there’s a match for everyone.

6. For Long, Sexy Lashes: Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Double-Ended Mascara, $27

Ever since wearing face masks in public became mandatory, all of our focus has been on the eyes, and the best way to accentuate them is with sexy long lashes. Our go-to for lustrous lashes is the Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Double-Ended Mascara. On one side there’s a Curl and Length wand that lifts and fans your lashes, and on the other side, you have a Volume wand to add drama and volume. The result? The most LEGIT Lashes!

8. For A Natural Glow: Iconic London Sheer Cream Blush, $25

Source: Iconic

Dolphin skin was another trend that took off in 2020 and this blush is a must-have to achieve the coveted wet, glossy skin, healthy-flushed look. The unique gel-to-watercolor blush melts into the skin, giving cheeks and lips a soft veil of color with a glass, soft-focus finish. It’s also easily buildable, so you can go from a sheer wash to a vibrant pop of color. It comes in five shades that range from demure pink to berry purple.

9. For Glowing Skin: Danessa Myricks Beauty Illuminating Veil, $14

Source: Danessa Myricks

Once again, if you’re looking to fake a holiday glow and fresh summer skin, this is essential. The long-wearing cream formula is super versatile and can be worn as a highlighter, a glowing bronzer, or a body highlighter – we like to mix a pump with a matte foundation for a natural glow. It gives your skin a stunning dewy finish that’s seriously trending right now. We also love the extensive shade range – there are 12 shades in total, for fair to deep skin tones.

10. To Hide Dark Circles: e.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer, $6

Source: e.l.f

After many sleepless nights, this ultra-creamy, full-coverage concealer came to our rescue and banished dark circles and maskne breakouts. The lightweight, satin-finish formula blends out beautifully with a damp makeup sponge without losing its coverage. The large doe-foot applicator also allows for easy application. It’s one of those fail-safe formulas that just works every single time!

For more amazing beauty products, check out the drugstore products celeb MUAs couldn’t live without.

Which were your fave makeup products of 2020? Let us know in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.