My Top Picks: The Best Beauty Launches of 2024

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2024 Makeup Recap: Exploring the Year's Top Cosmetic Launches

Hello everyone! As we bid farewell to 2024, I thought it would be engaging to reminisce about all the cosmetic launches we witnessed this year. I’m excited to share my top picks from the makeup releases of 2024 so, let's dive right in! I have curated a list of standout products, which in my opinion, have been the crème de la crème of 2024. Fair warning though, this year was truly dominated by complexion products as we were introduced to some astounding and innovative items.

Complexion Dominance: The Rise of Innovative Products in 2024

Starting with complexion, I can't miss mentioning the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech foundation. In short, the foundation formula is one of the most remarkable ones I have seen and experienced. The Haus Labs team truly outdid themselves with this one – the foundation provides a natural and flawless finish, with a beautiful satiny look. It offers medium to full coverage and blends seamlessly with the skin, mimicking natural skin texture. It doesn't give off a heavy makeup vibe but rather offers immaculate, featherlight coverage. I cannot recommend this foundation enough. If you haven't given it a try, go grab a sample from Sephora. If that's not an option, you could guess your shade and order online.

Radiant Skin, Reimagined: The Dior Backstage Face and Body Revolution

Moving on to my next top pick – the newly reformulated Backstage Face and Body foundation from Dior. Before I got around to trying the new version, I was flooded with curious questions, particularly on TikTok, from people who wanted my opinion on it. I was initially apprehensive about the new formulation since I was quite partial to the original one. But let me assure you, they haven't messed up the formula. That's why it gets a mention in this roundup. While it's different from the original, it still retains its long-lasting and water-resistant traits.

This foundation has more skincare ingredients, which naturally gives it a more radiant finish. The previous version had a matte finish, drying down to a satin matte and had excellent longevity. The new version still lasts a long time, but it has a satin finish with an added glow. This might not suit everyone's preferences, but if you have dry or combination skin, I strongly recommend trying the new version. Blending takes no time at all, it lasts the whole day and looks fantastic on - it's an exceptional foundation formula. This is one of the best products released in 2024 and I'm relieved I wasn't let down by the new version.

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MAC Studio Radiance: A Serum-Infused Marvel for Dry Skin

On the topic of great new formulas, MAC has released Studio Radiance, a serum-infused foundation. Similar to Dior, it has added skincare ingredients. The skincare heavy formula has affected the shades, particularly in the NC range. An NC20, for example, would usually be lighter but the new formula has darkened it due to the skincare properties in the formula. I initially thought I had the wrong shade, an NC20 instead of my usual NC30. However, when I tried it, the NC20 was a bit too dark for me, and the NC17 turned out to be the right shade. If you're switching to this new foundation, be aware that the shades may be different than your usual. As for the best foundation for dry skin released this year, this one takes the cake. However, it may not be the best for oily skin. Kudos to MAC for this product - I'm thrilled to include a MAC product on this list.

Creamy Wonders: Fenty Ease Drop Tint Stick and Danessa Myricks' Blurring Balm

Next, let's talk about two amazing cream-based complexion products - truly stunning. First, the Fenty ease drop tint stick, which I use quite often. It's a skin-blurring smoothing tint stick based on their original liquid skin tint formula. There's something unique about it. I can apply a ridiculous amount of this product to my face, blend it out, and it still looks natural and beautiful. Plus, it lasts long and feels great. Whenever I wear it, I receive compliments on my skin rather than on my makeup.

These products are so beginner-friendly. Their easy-to-use nature ensures that even if you're not skilled at blending or applying foundation, you'll still get it right. They provide excellent, natural coverage that I can't help but recommend. They've earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.

My friend introduced me to an excellent product, Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm. Although it's labeled as a powder, it's actually a cream-based product. It's multi-functional; it can be used as a priming base under makeup or as a foundation. The balm is particularly user-friendly; all you need is a good buffing brush. It's perfect for those with more texture, fine lines, or larger pores as it provides a blurring, soft-focus finish.

MAC Hyper Real Serumizer: A Hydrating Primer for Skin Perfection

Another product not to miss is the MAC Hyper Real Serumizer. This hydrating serum primer is excellent for prepping the skin before makeup. It contains skin-friendly ingredients such as Japanese peony extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, which make the skin feel fantastic.

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Rare Beauty Under Eye Brightener: Minimalist Magic for Fresh, Natural Looks

2024 was definitely a year dedicated to complexions, a trend reflected in the multitude of concealer launches. One striking product is the Rare Beauty under eye brightener. While not technically a concealer, it works wonders on the under eye area. Though it received mixed reviews, I found it impressive. It's always interesting to experience different perceptions of a product you love.

Now, the interesting part is, it offers a gentle, yet stunningly bright coverage that lasts impressively long. I like to blend it with a bit of concealer, applying this product first, then the concealer. This reduces the amount of concealer I use, as this product already offers some coverage. But ideally, it's meant for your off-days. It's perfect for those who prefer a minimalist look, maybe with a tinted moisturizer, a hint of cream blush, a bit of bronzer to add warmth, and a light, natural touch under your eyes that doesn't scream heavy makeup. You'll adore it.

Another situation where I find this product handy is when I'm rushing to a Pilates class and I don't want to appear exhaustingly tired. It helps me look fresh, covering my dark circles and reducing the redness around my eyes. I just dab a bit under my eyes and blend it in. No need for a setting powder, it works perfectly on bare skin. I must say, the formula is amazing. It provides adequate coverage without making it feel like just another concealer. It does a great job in cooling, brightening, and vivifying (is that a word?) your under eyes.

Concealer Chronicles: House Labs, Tower 28, and Natasha Denona's Standouts

Now, moving on to the actual concealers that I find impressive and worthy of their cost, starting with the Haus Labs Triclone SkinTech concealer. Launched this year, maybe during summer, I am absolutely in love with this concealer. I've almost finished my shade 21 light medium neutral, and also have shade 22 light medium peach, which I use as a color corrector.

These concealers feel light under the eyes, offer excellent coverage, are buildable, and have great longevity. They tick all the boxes. And, they pair wonderfully with the Triclone SkinTech foundation. But, if I have to choose, it would be a tie between the House Labs and the Tower 28.

The latter's Swipe concealer is extremely hydrating and smoothing. It's a remarkable concealer with equal coverage as the Haus Labs, but requires lesser quantity. It's creamy, offers full coverage, and is very user-friendly. However, for those with dry under eyes, the way this feels under your eyes is super refreshing and hydrating. It's truly a magnificent formula.

Even if you don't particularly suffer from dryness, you're sure to appreciate this concealer. The formula is truly outstanding. The brand has done an exceptional job with the color range, which is often a challenge for many makeup companies. Both Haus Labs and Tower 28 released superb formulas in 2024 with a sensible shade range, including a broad spectrum of undertones, not just warm or yellow-based.

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The Natasha Denona High Glam Concealer is another one I must mention. The formula is excellent and it's received the hype it deserves. It provides great coverage, blends wonderfully, and has a long-lasting effect. It truly lives up to the hype, and it's become an integral part of my makeup kit.

Setting the Finish: Make Diffusion Set Powder for Effortless Elegance

Diffusion Set Translucent Pressed Powder

Now, let's talk about powders. I could only include one that was launched in 2024, and that's from the brand Make. This Diffusion Set Translucent Pressed Powder is a beautiful product, particularly suited for dry skin.

This powder is not the best for setting makeup; I use it more as a finishing powder to add a touch of flawlessness to my skin. It's smooth, it blurs, and it's incredibly lightweight – a feature that's quite rare in pressed powders. It has a very light, silky texture, making it one of the best launches of 2024. After this, we're done with powders. This was the only one that was launched this year that I genuinely admired and used.

Sculpting Radiance: Haus Labs Power Sculpt Bronzer and Bio Radiant Highlighter

Let's continue our discussion on the subject of complexions, focusing on the impressive offerings from Haus Labs in 2024. Their Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer is simply exquisite. Its smooth and buttery texture seamlessly blends into your skin, providing a soft-focus finish that lasts all day. The bronzer's packaging, while not the main focus, is super nice with its rubbery feel.

Interestingly, I've found that this bronzer works splendidly as an eyeshadow too, giving a pleasing crease finish for those effortless makeup days. Another stand-out product from Haus Labs is their Bio Radiant Gel Powder Highlighter, specifically the shades Pink Amethyst and my personal favorite, Rose Quartz, which is tucked away in my kit. Just like the bronzer, this highlighter has a creamy texture that applies beautifully onto the skin. It's certainly a product worth trying if you're in search of a reliable powder highlighter.

RMS Luminosity: Prosecco Fizz Blush Brilliance

In 2024, RMS also caught my attention with their luminous blushes and highlighters, especially the Redimension Hydra Powder Blush. One of the standout shades is Prosecco Fizz – a highlighter with a stunning finish and impressive pigmentation. They've done a brilliant job with the formula, making these blushes irresistible. The formula, finish, pigmentation, and blendability of these blushes simply work.

Tower 28's Make Waves Mascara

Now, let's move on from complexion products and discuss some of the top mascara launches of 2024. I'm not entirely sure, but I believe that Tower 28's Make Waves mascara was a 2024 release. If I'm wrong, do correct me. This mascara was new to me in 2024, and its formula is fantastic. It enhances separation, length, and curl without flaking. The curved wand that comes with it is also a favorite of mine; it truly helps to separate and lift your lashes.

Huda Beauty’s One Coat Wow

Next up is Huda Beauty’s One Coat Wow. It’s exactly what the name suggests — a dramatic, high-impact mascara that thickens, lengthens, and volumizes. However, be wary that it can smudge and run, especially on the lower lash line.

GXVE's Can't Stop Staring Mascara

Following this, I recently tried Gwen Stefani's brand GXVE’s Can't Stop Staring mascara. Despite my initial skepticism, this mascara lived up to its hype. Its rounded-tip brush makes it easy to reach and separate those hard-to-reach inner lashes. It gives a good amount of lift and length, though not as much thickening.

GXVE’s Me You Yours Gloss in Sweet Tooth

Moving onto lip products, I've been loving the Me You Yours Gloss in the shade Sweet Tooth from GXVE. This gloss has a thick consistency, which some people may find too heavy. However, I personally love this because it stays on longer on the lips compared to thinner formulas. Plus, it has a delightful sweet scent to it. It's a great product that I've been using continuously since I first tried it.

This product is like having frosted vanilla cupcakes smeared on your lips. If that idea repels you, this isn't for you. But if it appeals, you'll be tempted to eat it, it smells that delicious. This is a fabulous formula, product, and gloss. What more can I say?

Tower 28 Multiliner

For lip liner, my 2024 favorite has been the Tower 28 Multiliner. It's smoothing, long-lasting, simply a terrific product. The shades they've launched are perfect, particularly Work of Art, which I use frequently. So, here's another shout out for Tower 28.

Kosas Micro Brow Pencil

Now, let's move on to a different category: brows. They're crucial to me, as I have very sparse brows. So, whenever a good brow pencil hits the market, I am all over it. Kosas really outdid themselves by delivering an excellent micro, very fine brow pencil. By micro, I mean these are very, very fine and delicate pencils.

Persona Cosmetics' Cream Blushes: A Burst of Color

We can't overlook Persona Cosmetics' cream blushes, despite their longstanding presence on the market. The brand recently introduced two new shades - Guava and Bloom - which have quickly become my favorites. Guava, an intense, radiant, peachy hue, shines against warmer skin tones, while Bloom offers a more neutral or cool tone that is universally flattering. Both shades are breathtaking and have become my go-to choices in 2024.

Violet FR's Eye Paints

Moving on, let's shift our focus to some eye products that launched in 2024, particularly the eye paints from Violet FR. Violet, an extraordinarily talented and creative makeup artist, has an inspiring unique style and a great YouTube channel. Her makeup line stands out, especially when it comes to the thought and effort she puts into the shades she releases. She meticulously plans and works hard on each new launch rather than just throwing new products onto the market.

Violet's eye paints are a testament to her commitment to quality. They come in both matte and shimmer finishes, each equally amazing. The most recent release is a vibrant blue that is mesmerizing. You can see the incredible amount of inspiration and mood boards they use for their shades on the brand's Instagram page. It's super inspiring to see a brand that takes the time to draw inspiration from a wide variety of sources - flowers, buildings, materials, fabrics, anything really. Violet's creativity is a breath of fresh air in a market flooded with products.

There's a lovely lavender shade among her eye paints that I've tried and it's stunning. The pigmentation is top-notch. Aside from their striking shades, the formulas are also exceptional. They include both shimmers and mattes, and even some neutral shades. The 2024 launches from this brand have been nothing short of impressive, offering unique shades and excellent formulas. I highly recommend checking them out.

As I took my seat to write this article, I wondered if I had enough favorites from 2024 to discuss. Much to my surprise, there were plenty and I'm super excited to share my thoughts with you! I encourage you to share your opinions too in the comments below. Did I overlook any standout launches from 2024 that you would have included? I'm eager to hear from you. Drop me a comment and clue me in on what I might be missing, so I can check it out and potentially add it to my collection. I'd also love to know if any of my top picks from 2024 resonated with you. If you enjoyed this article, don't forget to give it a comment. Thanks for tuning in and catch you soon!