13 Beauty Products That Make Mastering Makeup a Breeze

I’ve never been adept at applying makeup. Despite decades of practice, any look that involves liquid eyeliner, contouring, or color-theory eyeshadow is beyond my skill set. It’s a realization better embraced than denied, but with dozens of beauty products being released daily, I wonder: Can I—and those who similarly lack the talent for high-skill-dependent beauty styles—actually wear makeup without looking like a clown?

Thankfully, products and application tools are rapidly transforming, and putting ease of use top of mind. Foundations packed with squalane, elasticity-enriching oils, and antioxidant protection in buildable cream and water-based formulations are more present than ever. Concealers and blushes that used to appear in harsh powder are increasingly skinlike, with exosome technology delivering collagen-stimulating peptides and supple, melt-right-in textures. There are significantly greater cream-based blushes, counter sticks, and complexion offerings, which enhance hydration and leave the skin looking fresh and dewy without risk of unintentionally going too far. Then there are cream-based lip and eyeliners like Victoria Beckham’s beloved Satin Kajal Liner, which allow for a smooth, effortless glide that is forgiving yet easy to smudge. The latest drops stave off the risk of staining.

Chanel makeup artist and groomer Tasha Reiko Brown—known for the luminous glow she gives everyone from Tracee Ellis Ross to Joaquin Phoenix and Michael B. Jordan– says there are more than a few benefits to these new formulations. “Application options are evolving and improving at such a rapid pace,” she adds. “My current favorites for color are creams that are pigmented and perfectly balanced with balm What makes cream blush wearable in such a bold way is that it’s not the matte, chalky cream blush of yesterday. The texture has a balmy feel and finish.”

Brown also recommends two Chanel products in particular that she says blend beautifully: a buildable foundation and a multiuse balm. “Cushion foundations have also always been around, but the new versions have a reserve of product with cushion toppers, leading to longer use,” she explains. “A tip for application is to tap the product into the skin and not to swipe. Tapping ensures more even coverage, while swiping backloads the product towards the end of the swipe. This tip also applies to cream products—tap, don’t swipe. If you swipe with a cream product, you’ll disturb the coverage underneath, no matter how sheer. Fingers are preferred, but if using a brush, use whisking motions to buff the product onto the skin.”

She’s used these products on Quen Blackwell (“I’m still obsessed with [that] look,” she admits), Tessa Thompson, and Nara Smith, whom she says has the “quintessential face for layered cream products.” A gorgeous look can be achieved with one or two products “built in different intensities on the face,” she explains.

Chiho Omae, the global creative makeup artist for Merit, echoes Brown’s sentiments. “There has definitely been innovation in the category, as new technologies allow products to apply more seamlessly while feeling virtually weightless on the skin,” she says. She recommends “layering color to create soft, natural dimension,” explaining, “Because cream products are so buildable, you can work in thin layers and adjust as you go without worrying about overdoing it.”

Buildable water-based and cream products allow for layering and adjustments as you go. “That makes experimenting with new shades and looks feel much more approachable,” says Omae. Even the most skillless among us have a chance at a radiant look.

Brown used this ultralightweight foundation on the Quen Blackwell look she can’t stop thinking about. The highly concentrated micro-bubble pigments give the skin a dewy, natural glow that can be layered and built upon, perfect for instinctive application.

This one’s a cult product for a reason. Along with NARS’ High-Pigment Longwear eyeliner, Victoria Beckham’s signature liner may be one of the most unanimously adored eyeliners in beauty. The creamy formulation and twist-up build makes even deeply pigmented shades simple to apply.

Westman Atelier may be the brand for low-lift, beautiful application. The Vital Skin Foundation Stick is so natural, so easy to apply, and packed with redness-soothing actives.

Earlier this summer, Lucia Pica introduced new Byredo tinted balms in a smooth, supple texture that flushes and moisturizes the lips. Try Chain Reaction for a pH-reactive pink that adapts to your skin and mood.

François Nars has always been a master of color and playful provocation. Now you can get his signature Orgasm tint in a new, second skin-like liquid blush with a natural, soft-focus effect that can be gently layered.

A truly multiuse pigmented balm. (For those who are curious, Nara Smith’s shade is Ardent Brick.)

A gorgeous investment brush that does all the work for you, making contouring impossible to mess up.

The ultimate velvety cream bronzer with an incredible natural finish, no matter how you apply it.

Tilt Beauty’s Aerin Glazer founded her line so she could finally apply makeup without pain after being diagnosed with juvenile psoriatic arthritis at 13. The grippable, ergonomic wand makes for an incredibly precise application that also feels good.

Everyone from Dakota Johnson to Reese Witherspoon and Billie Eilish are fans of this blendable, no training-required foundation-concealer hybrid.

The water-based formula in Refy’s just-launched blushes are designed for a highly intuitive application inspired by Korean cushion products. The effect is almost sheer—subtle, easy to put on, and true-to-life.

Dries’ just-dropped tinted lip balms are crafted in a beautifully buildable balm, formulated to enhance your lip’s natural tone.

Clé de Peau’s SPF concealer glides on seamlessly. It’s easy to layer on with a buttery, creamy texture that covers dark undereyes and smooths hyperpigmentation.