It’s that time of year! With so many new and exciting makeup launches in 2018 it was hard to keep up with it all. In today’s post, I’m breaking down my personal tried and true favorites released this year. Notice that I have decided to skip certain categories like setting powder, blush, bronzer, and bullet lipsticks because I didn’t find anything in 2018 that knocked my favorites out of their top spots from last year.

BEST PRIMER

Tatcha – The Silk Canvas

This is one of the most luxurious primers I have ever tried. You only need a tiny amount of this priming balm (best scooped out by the little disk that comes in the box) to smooth and blur. The texture is velvety and melts right into the skin. It’s non-comedogenic so it won’t irritate or clog pores. My skin becomes congested easily and I have never experienced an issue with this primer. It has a lovely fresh scent, as well. It’s formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA or TEA. It’s also anti-aging and anti-pollution so it’s ideal for all skin types.

• $52.00
• Green Beauty Brand
• Available at Sephora

BEST FOUNDATION

Cover FX – Power Play Foundation

Cover FX is an under-appreciated brand. This vegan, easily assessable, high-end company that focuses on face products has always had a stellar shade range. When Power Play was released earlier in the year, it dropped with 40 shades. There’s something for everyone, and the way they name their shades makes it easy to pick out the right one. I normally wear N25 for light skin with neutral undertones.

This foundation provides medium coverage that can be built up. It’s matte, but not flat or cakey. As an actor, it has held up under stage lights and performances where I danced and became sweaty, so I can attest to it being sweatproof and long-wearing. Its ingredients include a trio of ultra-fine powders that control shine and blur imperfections. My favorite way to apply is with a beauty blender. It’s also free of talc, oil, fragrance, gluten, and parabens.

• $44.00
• Vegan
• Available at Sephora

BEST CONCEALER

Clove + Hollow – Conceal + Correct

I tried this concealer on a whim when I saw the brand’s advertisement on Instagram. I had used several green beauty concealers in the past and wound up disappointed every time. I was surprised to find this formula was lightweight and easy to blend out. It also has a wand applicator which you never see with clean brands. It provides medium coverage without flaking or creasing. With an argan oil base, it smooths out the under-eye area. I do recommend using it within 6-9 months after opening. I found that it dried under the one-year mark. If you’re someone who uses only 1 concealer at a time then you won’t find this to be a problem because the product will be used up by then.

• $18.00
• Green Beauty Brand
• Vegan
• Available on the brand’s website

BEST HIGHLIGHTER

Wet n’ Wild – Goth O’ Graphic MegaGlo Loose Highlighting Powder // Moon Tears

One of the best items released at the drugstore this year was the limited edition Moon Tears Loose Highlighting Powder. The micro-fine pearl pigments provide high impact color to boost skin glow. I’m sad to say it’s not available anymore, but if you were able to get your hands on this gem – I hope you’ve held on to it. It’s a blinding light gold that will show up on any skin tone. It’s beautiful on the cheeks, collarbones, and arms during the summer months. If you’re feeling like you’ve missed out on this one, do not fret. Wet n’ Wild has recently released more highlighting loose powders in a variety of shades. The brand makes some of the best highlighters on the market.

• $6.99
• Vegan
• Other shades of MegaGlo Loose Powders are available at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Ulta.

BEST MASCARA

Physicians Formula – Killer Curves Voluptuous Curling Mascara

Along with making my favorite bronzer formula (Murumuru Butter Bronzer) and eyeliner (Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Boosting Eyeliner & Serum), Physicians Formula hit it out of the park with their Killer Curves Mascara. Not that dissimilar from Too Faced’s Better Than Sex, it has an hourglass wand that’s perfect for curling lashes. It also has polymers for lash-lifting, collagen for volumizing, vitamin B5, peptides, and amino acids. I found that it took several uses to get it going. Once some air got in the tube, it seemed to become creamier. It’s a great dupe for Too Faced and is easy to get your hands on.

• $10.99
• Vegan
• Available at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Ulta.

BEST EYESHADOW PALETTE

Colourpop – Good Sport Pressed Powder Shadow Palette

A 12-pan, perfectly curated palette of my Autumnal dreams. The moment I saw it, I fell in love. This isn’t your typical warm-toned Fall shadows that we’ve come to know and expect to be released every year. Colors span from olive to marigold to maroon, there’s neutrals and jewel tones. My favorite shadow is Rookie – a burnt orange with blue glitter. It’s stunning and looks so pretty all over the lid. Plus, it has the dependable Colourpop pressed shadow formula that I believe to be just as good if not better than most high-end shadows.

• $16.00
• Available on the brand’s website.

BEST LIQUID LIPSTICK

Pixi – MatteLast Liquid Lip

While 2018 was the year of the gloss and we’re seeing liquid lipsticks lose their dominance in the makeup world, the release of the MatteLast Liquid Lip colors are worth noting. I would argue that this formula is one of the most comfortable and long-wearing on the market. The colors apply smoothly and even. Plus, the soft, bendable applicator makes it super easy to apply. I use the pointed tip to line my lips and then use the full applicator to fill in the color. I love wearing these at work because I can depend on them staying on all day without drying out.

• $14.00
• Vegan
• Available at Target

Do you spot any of your favorites? Sound off in the comments section!