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Best Makeup 2026 — Foundation, Mascara & Essentials Guide

Find the perfect makeup products for your skin type and budget. Expert recommendations for foundation, mascara, concealer, blush, and lip products.

What are the best makeup to buy right now?

Our top-rated makeup right now are the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (£11.99). These are our editor's picks based on value, performance, and user reviews.

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Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

★★★★4.4(56,700 reviews)
from£12RRP £14Save £22 retailers

Incredible length

typeMascara
brushFlex Tower
effectLengthening + Volume
Incredible lengthAffordable
Smudges by end of day
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Best foundation for all-day wear?

The MAC Studio Fix Fluid is the professional's choice for long-wearing foundation. With 60+ shades and buildable medium-to-full coverage, it suits most skin types. The matte finish keeps oil at bay all day. Avoid if you have very dry skin.

Top Rated
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MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

★★★★½4.5(28,900 reviews)
from£32$36
size30ml
coverageMedium to Full
finishMatte
Incredible shade rangeBuildable coverage
Can look cakey
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Best mascara — drugstore vs high-end?

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (£11.99) honestly rivals mascaras costing 3x more. It went viral on TikTok for a reason — incredible length and volume. For most people, drugstore mascaras are the smart buy.

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Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

★★★★4.4(56,700 reviews)
from£12RRP £14Save £22 retailers

Incredible length

typeMascara
brushFlex Tower
effectLengthening + Volume
Incredible lengthAffordable
Smudges by end of day
Affiliate link

Best concealer for under-eye circles?

The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is the cult favourite — it brightens under-eyes without creasing and offers 30+ shades. The key is to apply quickly and blend immediately, as it sets fast. Choose a shade 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation.

Top Rated
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NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

★★★★½4.6(22,100 reviews)
from£27$31
size6ml
coverageMedium to Full
finishRadiant
Cult favourite concealerDoesn't crease
Pricey
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Best liquid blush?

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush is the standout — incredibly pigmented (a tiny dot is enough), beautiful natural shades, and it lasts all day. The trick is to start with the tiniest amount and build up. It's become a cult favourite for good reason.

Top Rated
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Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

★★★★½4.7(34,500 reviews)
from£22$23
size7.5ml
typeLiquid blush
finishNatural/Dewy
Tiny dot = full colourLasts all day
Easy to over-apply
Affiliate link

Best budget makeup essentials?

Build a complete kit for under £30: NYX Lip Liner (£4.50) + Maybelline Sky High Mascara (£11.99) = great everyday basics. Add a drugstore foundation and you have a solid routine. You don't need to spend a fortune to look amazing.

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NYX Professional Lip Liner

★★★★4.4(45,200 reviews)
from£4.5$5.49
typeRetractable lip liner
finishMatte
shades40+
Incredible valueHuge shade range
Needs sharpening (twist-up)
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Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

★★★★4.4(56,700 reviews)
from£12RRP £14Save £22 retailers

Incredible length

typeMascara
brushFlex Tower
effectLengthening + Volume
Incredible lengthAffordable
Smudges by end of day
Affiliate link

Have a more specific question? Ask our AI for a personalised recommendation.

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