This pick isn’t your classic lip stain since it’s more of a lip oil that leaves a subtle tint behind, but it’s a great option for those who steer clear of true stains because they’re either too bold or too drying. With a lightweight, oil-based formula, it feels cushiony and soft on the lips and applies super evenly. Our tester loved the soft, pointed applicator, noting it dispersed the right amount of product and helped her achieve precise application. She also loved the buildability, saying one layer was great for a no-makeup makeup look , while two or three layers offered learn more about Makeupinsight opacity. Once on, it felt comfortable and nondrying, fading gracefully to leave a subtle wash of color beh

This was my favorite gloss to wear; I loved the texture and the way it looked on my lips. It creates a pleasant cooling sensation, and the formula is noticeably thicker than the others I tested. While I didn’t clock any significant differences in the volume of my lips, the formula creates the illusion of fuller lips by smoothing lip lines and texture. I also loved that it added a pretty wash of color to bare lips and layered nicely over lipstick. While this might not be ideal for people who prefer super lightweight formulas, it’s a great choice for those who love a rich consistency. Hot tip: To make the most out of its blurring capabilities, use a lip scrub beforeh

You don’t often hear " mineral sunscreen " and "hydrating" in the same sentence, so I was skeptical when trying this formula from Tower 28. It uses zinc oxide , an SPF filter that usually leaves a white finish, especially on dark skin tones. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the thin but creamy texture was easy to spread around my face and absorbed easily—with zero cast. It has a light consistency that leaves a glowy, moisturized finish, but it doesn’t make my skin greasy throughout the day. It felt overall weightless and comfortable on the skin, and it also soothed dryness. A tip for those with deeper skin tones: Make sure to thoroughly rub out the formula as you get closer to the hairline, as it can leave a residue if not. But, I have to give it praise for drying completely clear, otherw

Caitlyn Martyn , former associate editor, with oily skin (not shown): "The applicator tip is small and pointed, so it's best the perfect shape for those delicate hollow areas around the eyes. I felt like one dot over my dark circles or a blemish was all I needed. It's very pigmented but in the best w

When should you avoid using lip plumpers?

"If your lips are peeling, dry, or chapped , it’s best to skip the plumpers," advised Dr. Saedi. "Instead, stick with lip products that focus on conditioning and hydrating the lips, like shea butter , Vaseline, ceramides , etc. You can try a plumper once your lips are repaired and healt

The formula lasted beautifully with minimal creasing and fading when set with a light layer of powder . The pointed doe-foot applicator also makes it super easy to apply the concealer near the inner and outer corners of the eyes. It’s an excellent choice for all skin types, though, like many concealers, it can emphasize dry patches, so we recommend moisturizing before applying

Sensation : Did the plumping gloss have a cooling, burning, or tingling sensation? How strong was the sensation, and did it make a noticeable difference in how comfortable I was wearing the product? I also paid attention to whether my lips changed color or became noticeably red after

Zinc oxide is a great ingredient for acne-prone skin types—it can protect against UVA/UVB rays while soothing irritation. It’s the main ingredient in this sunscreen from EltaMD, which was specifically formulated for those who deal with acne and rosacea . The finish felt calming on my skin, and it didn’t cause any irritation or redness. I also liked that it didn’t make my skin feel tight or leave a sticky cast behind, which sometimes happens when I use formulas with zinc oxide. While it applies white on the skin, it dries completely clear after rubbing it in for a few seconds and feels unnoticeable a few minutes after applying. Many sunscreens leave the complexion slightly dewy, but I like that this one left a satin finish on the face with no glow. Another plus for acneic skin—it has niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate to soothe and hydrate, and it’s also fragrance-f

Ally Hirschlag , associate editorial director: "This lip stain applies more like a lipstick—it glides gently across the lips and feels nice and creamy. It leaves a little more room for error while keeping the lips feeling moisturized. It stained the lips very evenly and was definitely buildab

For a true brown shade with a touch of shimmer, Coffee Bean by Revlon is a fabulous choice (not to mention a '90s classic). Despite the pearlescent finish, I love how this lipstick feels subtle enough for daytime, but still playful enough for nightt