mindbodygreen Refresh Awards 2024: The Best Multifaceted Makeup Products

Review from editor Alexandra Engler 

“I’m very particular about my mascara – and despite the fact that I test almost every single new clean mascara that hits the market, I really only *use* one or two formulas. This mascara is one of them. I was impressed at first swipe: It has a silky, smooth application and is inky black. It layers easily, doesn’t clump, and is full of ingredients that are good for lashes. Plus I get so many compliments while I wear it.” 

Review from dermatologist Apple Bodemer, M.D.

“My new favorite mascara! I struggle with moisture under my eyes which means regular mascaras smudge easily leaving under eye shadows. That leaves me with waterproof mascaras that tend to be really hard to get off. This one went on easily, stayed on all day without flaking or smudging (including during my workout!) and came off in the shower incredibly easily—it rolled off with a gentle massage using only water. No harsh rubbing or chemicals needed!”  

Review from cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline 

“Wow, Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara was a pleasant surprise! As a cosmetic chemist, I'm no stranger to mascaras, but this one stands out. The unique brush design coats every lash evenly, giving them intense volume and length without clumping. I love how the formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients, so I know my lashes are getting some TLC. Plus, it stays put all day without smudging or flaking; even after an intense gym session. Whether I'm going for a natural look or full-on glam, this mascara delivers every time.”

Review from makeup artist Lisa Aharon

“I'm a huge fan of Victoria Beckham's products, and this mascara definitely lived up to my expectations. It effortlessly builds both volume and length to my lashes, and the rich black color is stunning. I did notice that removal required a bit more effort compared to my usual mascara, so I opted for an oily eye makeup remover to ensure thorough cleansing without causing any damage to my lashes. Overall, it's another winner from the Victoria Beckham line for me.”

Review from editor Jamie Schneider

“I hadn’t worn black mascara for some time, instead opting for a coat of brown pigment (much softer on my naturally light eyelashes) or playing around with burgundy, violet, or navy hues. But this VBB beauty made me realize why I love a classic, inky black formula: It’s creamy, buildable, and makes my eyes pop without looking too harsh. The beautiful packaging doesn't go unnoticed, either; I feel expensive just looking at it on my vanity.” 

Review from editor Hannah Frye 

“This mascara delivers the long-lasting and jet-black perks of a traditional mascara, but works in good-for-you ingredients. It’s versatile enough to be used for daily lash elevation, or as your staple mascara for a big night out.” 

Review from editor Alexandra Engler 

“I had heard good things about this concealer, but even with adequate forewarning I was still blown away by the texture. This might be the smoothest, most hydrating concealer I’ve ever tried. It creates the most even complexion. And like all Tower 28 products, I’m obsessed with the fact that it’s good for sensitive skin.” 

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

“I love a hydrating concealer, but most options are far too sheer to swipe underneath the eyes and cover up blemishes. I often find myself with two (or more) concealers: a creamy, lightweight number for my dark circles and a thicker confection with a tad more structure to layer over dark spots and breakouts. Then I tested this Tower 28 formula, or what I call the Goldilocks concealer for all of your complexion woes. One and done. It’s perfect.”

Review from cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline

“Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer is a total game-changer for me. As someone who struggles with dark circles and pigmentation, finding the right concealer can be a challenge. But this one ticks all the boxes. The serum-like texture is incredibly lightweight and blends seamlessly into my skin, providing buildable coverage without ever looking cakey. I love how it's infused with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, so it actually hydrates and nourishes my skin while concealing imperfections. Whether I'm covering up a late-night Netflix binge or a stubborn blemish, this concealer has me covered.”

Review from editor Hannah Frye 

“Many concealers look odd when used without a layer of base makeup like foundation. This is because their finish is so matte, they make any concealed area look unlike skin. This one is the opposite. It blends seamlessly and leaves behind a healthy glow, too.”

Review from editor Jamie Schneider

“If you’re a fan of ‘no-makeup makeup’ looks, you need this tinted serum. Like, capital-N Need. Unlike most bronzing drops, which are quite pigmented and thus intimidating to apply directly on the skin, these Hue Drops sheer out immediately, leaving behind the prettiest warm sheen. I was complimented on my skin just after a two-hour hike, if that tells you anything about its impressive complexion-enhancing properties.”

Review from dermatologist Apple Bodemer

“This did leave a nice glow on my skin. It did feel a little sticky to me, but my daughter loved it and didn’t notice any stickiness.”

Review from makeup artist Lisa Aharon

“While the skincare benefits were enticing, I found this product to serve more as a makeup item for me rather than a skincare one. Despite using it consistently for a few weeks, I didn't notice any long-lasting results on my skin. However, it does provide a beautiful warmth and glow to the skin when applied, making it a great addition to my makeup routine.”

Review from editor Hannah Frye

“Traditional bronzing drops are solely crafted to support a glowy makeup look, but this one goes beyond what is expected, adding a plethora of skin benefits to the mix. I like that it’s not too pigmented, so I can wear it sans other makeup and still look naturally luminous.” 

Review from editor Hannah Frye

“I regret to inform you that this product is worth every single penny. Not only does it have the most natural finish I’ve seen from a makeup product, but it functions as a moisturizer too. It’s made for those who prefer a dewy finish, delivering on that front without a touch of highlighter necessary.”

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

“This is the ultimate skin care-makeup hybrid. Take out the pigment, and you’ll wind up with a deeply hydrating moisturizer—that’s how many skin-improving actives exist in the winning formula. Given these moisturizing ingredients, the finish is sheer (yet buildable) and very, very dewy, which is exactly what I want in a skin tint.”

Review from makeup artist Lisa Aharon

“I'm really impressed with how this product feels on my skin—it's like applying a dewy skincare product that keeps my skin hydrated and glowing throughout the entire day. I opted for shade #5, thinking it would match my truly neutral medium skin tone, but I noticed that it still leans a little cool/pink on me.”

Review from editor Alexandra Engler 

“There are like a million and one brow products out at the moment, so the brow category had stiff competition. I was so impressed with the color payoff, glide, precision, and ingredients of this CoverGirl nano pencil. It was like using a brow pencil three times its price.” 

Review from editor Hannah Frye 

“I despise a thick eyebrow pencil. Why? Because while I have thick brow hair, my arches themselves are not so wide. So, you can imagine why I’ve enjoyed the new ultra-thin brow pencils hitting the market as of late. I’ve tested a few, ranging in prices, and this one is honestly the best I’ve tried for a fraction of the cost. It’s long-lasting, glides easily, and lasts forever. I love it and have already told my friends to jump on this find ASAP.”

Review from editor Jamie Schneider

“I am usually not a brow pencil girl, but this option has officially made me a convert! I have naturally thin, sparse arches, and CoverGirl’s precise tip is perfect for filling in gaps without tugging on my sensitive brow hairs. I’ve never been complimented on my brows more than when I was testing this product—as someone with generally wimpy brows, that says a lot!” 

Review from editor Alexandra Engler 

“It is risky to reformulate something as popular and iconic as this blush is. (I mean, one is sold every minute!) When the brand told me they’d be reformulating it, I was gobsmacked—but also very, very intrigued. The new reformulation is free of talc (that was the biggest difference), but also silicones, alcohol, PEGs, EDTA, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates. Damn! 

“They also added new pigment technology that utilizes a dynamic blend of naturally-derived and mineral-based pigments, pearlescent pigments, and superfine pigments to provide blendable, lasting color payoff. The formula also contains a few emollients and humectants, so even though it's a powder it feels cushiony, supple, and hydrating. After testing it, I can attest that they nailed this reformulation. It provides just the perfect flush and lift to the cheeks. Consider me obsessed.”

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

“Oh wow, this blush! I tested two shades—Behave, a soft peach, and Thrill, a bright, bubblegum pink—and I honestly can’t tell which one I love more. Both are so pigmented with incredible staying power (I’m talking all-day wear) and have the prettiest soft matte finish. Suffice it to say, NARS really knocked it out of the park with this talc-free reformulation.” 

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

“It’s highly pigmented and glossy yet feels weightless. Super hydrating, but not slimy. It’s hard to pick a favorite shade, but I’m partial to Dewy Iris, a juicy berry hue begging to be worn for date night.”

Review from facial rejuvenation expert Debbie Kung, DAOM, LAc 

“Insanely smooth, moisturizing, natural with a pop of color. As someone who rarely wears anything on their lips, this is lip heaven!” 

Review from dermatologist Apple Bodemer, M.D.

“Just the right amount of softness and shine without being sticky. The subtle color highlights all skin tones and it looks great on just about every lip! (I passed it around to my friends and family ;).”

Review from makeup artist Lisa Aharon

“I'm absolutely loving this neutral brown shade! The formula glides on smoothly and doesn't feel sticky whatsoever. While it's not incredibly long-lasting, I don't mind reapplying it periodically because it feels fantastic on my lips. Plus, the slight minty sensation adds a refreshing touch.”

Review from cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline 

“Saie Glow Sculpt has become my secret weapon for achieving that effortless, sunkissed glow. As someone who's all about natural-looking beauty, I love how this multitasking stick gives me the perfect combination of bronzer, blush, and highlighter in one easy swipe. The creamy formula blends like a dream, leaving behind a subtle, lit-from-within glow that looks like I just stepped off the beach. I appreciate that it's infused with nourishing ingredients like maracuja seed and kukui seed oil, so it not only enhances my natural beauty but also keeps my skin hydrated and healthy.” 

Review from editor Jamie Schneider 

“This Saie number somehow achieves a pearly, luminescent glow without appearing too glittery or shimmery. It’s like my cheekbones are just naturally glistening, you know? It’s a cream formula that has some structure, so it’s very buildable and forgiving (unlike other highly-pigmented liquid blushes, where a little goes a long way). I like to swirl a fluffy brush into the plush compact and bounce it on my cheekbones and temples to achieve the prettiest lit-from-within effect.”

Review from editor Hannah Frye

“This product deserves so much hype! The shade range delivers a dewy, luminous finish that can be used as both blush and highlighter (I use Mauveglow for blush and Pinkglow for highlight). I love that it’s buildable because you can wear it with or without complimenting makeup and it looks natural. I’ve received more than a few compliments on my skin since wearing this almost daily for the past year. Note: I’ve barely hit the bottom of the container on this one, a true testament to price value.”