What Makeup Artists Think of the Top Readers’ Choice 2026 Makeup Winners

When it comes to beauty professionals, the average beauty enthusiast definitely has the most in common with makeup artists. Think about it. You may be using skin care products, but you’re not performing advanced treatments like dermatologists do every day. You might get a blow-dry twice a week or get your bangs done once in a while, but you don’t get to cut or mix colors like a hairstylist every day. But on a daily basis, you are yourself makeup artist. Just as the products a makeup artist keeps in their kit are proven to be the best for their clients and themselves, the products you choose over and over again are critical to your look.

And it turns out there’s a lot of makeup you’ll like – enough to win 2026 allure Reader’s Choice Award— overlaps considerably with professional makeup artists’ favorites.

I chatted with Vincent Oquendo, jamie greenbergand Kelsey Deenihan— The gorgeous makeup gurus that celebrities like Jenna Ortega, Rashida Jones, and Hilary Duff have each seen — Find out which makeup looks of the year Reader’s Choice Award Winner They would have voted too. There are nine things in common with professionals:

Click to see your favorite skin, hair, makeup, and body products. 2026 Reader’s Choice Award. Then read the reviews.

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It’s no surprise that many makeup artists remain loyal to the original Beautyblend sponge. jamie greenbergMakeup Artist, Founder jamie makeup. Beautyblender changed makeup application forever,” she says. allure. “I still use it all the time, because there’s nothing that presses foundation into your skin in a more natural, close-to-skin way. It gives you that luxurious look where you can’t tell where the makeup ends and the skin begins.”

foundation

House Lab Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

Speaking of foundation, you’ll often find Greenberg using it. House Lab Triclone Skin Tech Foundation It looks perfect in photos and looks great on mature skin. “This foundation is great because it provides coverage without stripping the skin of its vitality,” she says of the arnica-infused buildable formula. “It’s the modern finish that people want right now: sophisticated, yet breathable and realistic.”

clean foundation

Merit Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

When she’s not using it on clients who want their skin to look like skin, she works with makeup artists and tinge art advisor Kelsey Deenihan I am using Merit Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick About yourself. “It’s such an easy product to create fresh, natural-looking skin,” she says, praising its ability to even out skin tone while adding natural texture and dimension. “I rarely swipe it directly all over my face. I like to apply it strategically around redness, in the center of my face, or wherever I need to even it out, then blend it with my fingers or a thick brush for the most natural finish.”

concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

“There’s a reason this is a perennial favorite,” Deenihan says, noting: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealerprovides radiant skin-like coverage and is easy to layer, without feeling heavy or dry. “Less is usually more,” she says allure. “Rather than creating a big triangle under my eyes, I like to place it towards the inner corner of my eye or around discolored areas.” Another pro tip: For a little extra coverage without the need for additional product, let it sit for a few seconds before blending.

clean concealer

Cosus Revealer Concealer

Cosus Revealer Concealer won a spot in Inducted into the Reader’s Choice Award Hall of Fame This year, but it’s been in Greenberg’s kit for a while. “Kosas does a really good job of balancing makeup and skin care, and this concealer embodies that,” she says. “It brightens without looking heavy, drying or greasy. It’s a dream. I especially love it under the eyes because it doesn’t set.”

eye shadow

Makeup by Mario Master Mats Eyeshadow Palette: Neutral

makeup artist Vincent Oquendo He says he can create any look. Makeup by Mario Master Mats Eyeshadow Palette: Neutraland Deenihan counts it down. “It’s one of those palettes that I always reach for because the tones are so well balanced and so easy to use,” she says. “It’s a must-have for everything from soft everyday glamor looks to more sculptural and editorial looks.”