The 12th edition of PEOPLE’s annual Beauty Awards has unveiled a list of the year’s top makeup products, showcasing 26 standout items that promise to elevate any beauty routine. With innovative formulations and stylish packaging, these products are sure to catch the eye of makeup enthusiasts looking to refresh their collections.
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In their quest to identify the best products, the PEOPLE team rigorously tested a variety of cosmetics, culminating in a selection that spans primers, foundations, and eye shadows, among other essentials. This year’s awards reveal an exciting array of products that not only deliver outstanding results but also boast a design sensibility that appeals to the modern consumer.
Leading the list is the **Counter Glow First Serum Primer**, which has received accolades for its gel-like consistency that promises to refresh the skin. Priced at £59, this primer sets the stage for a flawless makeup application. The testing team emphasised its ability to enhance the overall feel of the skin, making it a worthy addition to any beauty routine.
Concealer aficionados will appreciate **Patrick Ta Beauty’s Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Hydrating Concealer**, retailing at £34. The product has been praised for its impressive staying power and lack of creasing, a common drawback with many concealers. One tester noted, “I’d definitely buy it again,” highlighting its efficacy in providing a smooth finish.
When it comes to foundations, the **Dior Forever Skin Wear** claims the title for the best matte finish foundation. Priced at £60, this product’s buildable coverage is suitable for a variety of skin tones, with an impressive range of 42 shades. In contrast, the **Hung Vanngo Beauty Red Carpet Skin Luminous Foundation**, available for £46, is celebrated for creating a radiant finish, drawing admiration for its association with high-profile celebrities.
For fans of tinted moisturisers, the **IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm** is a standout at £34, offering effortless application and commendable coverage. Meanwhile, the **Tarte Cosmetics CC Tinted Serum**, retailing for £42, receives accolades for its lightweight yet consistent finish, making it a versatile option for everyday use.
The beauty awards also showcased a remarkable blush, the **Prada Touch Cream-to-Powder Blush**, priced at £42. Testers were impressed by its seamless blending and vibrant colour payoff. Additionally, the **CoverGirl TruBlend Sun & Sculpt Bronzing Glow Serum**, available for approximately £11, offers a sun-kissed glow with its array of eight different shades.
For those interested in eye makeup, the competition is fierce. The **YSL Beauty Lash Latex Mascara**, priced at £34, impressed testers with its ability to elongate lashes without clumping. Alternatively, the **Maybelline New York Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara**, available for £14, gained favor for its innovative formula that wraps each lash for maximum length while also being easy to remove.
The eye shadow category features the **MAC Cosmetics Multisculpt Matte Liquid Eyeshadow**, retailing for £25. This versatile product doubles as a blusher, providing ample opportunity for creativity without requiring expert skills. Coupled with the **Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Easy Eyeshadow Stick**, which is praised for its smooth application, makeup lovers can experiment with a wide range of looks.
The awards also highlight lip products, with Lady Gaga’s **Haus Labs The Edge Lip Shaping Pencil** earning praise as the best lip liner. At £24, its natural tone options make it a go-to for effortless lip definition. The **Guerlain KissKiss Honey-Infused Lipstick** stands out as the best lipstick, offering a highly pigmented formula that combines longevity with the soothing qualities of a balm.
In a market increasingly focused on multi-functional products, the **Good Weather Skin Daily Lip Sun Gloss SPF30** stands out as an essential for those conscious of sun protection, retailing at £24. Meanwhile, the **Milani Make It Last Moisture Boost Alcohol-Free Setting Spray**, priced at £17, promises to keep makeup intact throughout the day, a must-have for long hours of wear.
With such an impressive lineup of products, the PEOPLE Beauty Awards for 2026 present a strong argument for beauty enthusiasts to consider a revamp of their makeup bags. The combination of effective formulations and charming packaging ensures that there is something to suit everyone’s preferences—making it the perfect time to indulge in some new additions. Happy shopping!