Top Pick for
Mascara

Top Pick for
Mascara
Top Pick for
Foundation
Top Pick for
Concealer
Top Pick for
Primer
Get ready lipstick lovers and mascara mavens! Here at Finder, we're committed to helping everyone buy better, so whether you are searching for a finer foundation or a simple setting spray, we've done the research to find the best products on the market.
Depending on the makeup category, our team has tested products, read hundreds of product reviews and looked at product availability in Australia, so we can pull together the list of the best products available to buy in each category. Each guide has a more comprehensive summary of the approach to compiling the list, but you can read more about how we chose products below.
These are the best makeup products you can buy in Australia right now:
We picked the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara as the best overall mascara available online. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 28,000 Amazon reviews and 4.1 from over 100 reviews on Chemist Warehouse.
This Maybelline mascara is infused with bamboo extracts and fibres to create long and thick lashes. It has an exclusive Flex Tower wand that bends and extends to coat each lash from root to tip. It's also allergy and ophthalmologist tested.
Maybelline mascaras are some of the most popular and trustworthy options in the market. The Sky Mascara features the qualities that have made the brand's mascaras crowd favourites. It has a waterproof formula that doesn't budge, great for everyday wear. The wand is easy to use, coating each lash without weighing them down. Some customers said the mascara gets clumpy after 3 layers, but this seems to be a minor concern.
Our pick for the best waterproof mascara for most people is the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Waterproof Mascara. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 6,500 customer reviews.
This waterproof mascara has a silky, smooth formula that glides on your lashes evenly and easily, according to the company. It is both volumising and lengthening. The mascara wand has over 200 bristles to catch each lash for a dramatic effect. According to the manufacturer, the formula doesn't cause clumping or flaking, while leaving the lashes soft to the touch.
The L'Oreal Paris Paradise Waterproof Mascara is good value for money, according to many reviews. Several customers raved about how easy it is to use, mentioning that a couple of swipes gives their lashes a dramatic look. They also liked that the bristles coat every lash without being clumpy. Many customers said that their lashes stay curled all day with this mascara. Others enjoyed its smudge-proof formula, saying it doesn't give them racoon eyes even after a sweaty workout. However, some customers complained about how hard it is to remove. A potent eye makeup remover is needed to completely take off the mascara. A couple of reviews also complained about the wand, saying it is quite big and pokes their eyes.
For the best overall foundation, our pick is Maybelline's Fit Me Matte & Poreless Mattifying Liquid Foundation. This iconic product has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 63,000 Amazon reviews.
A mattifying foundation that provides a flawless finish, Fit Me Matte & Poreless is a cult favourite. It leaves a long-lasting, natural finish to the skin while controlling shine and blurring pores. It is lightweight and doesn't cake. Apart from being non-comedogenic, this foundation is dermatologist and allergy-tested. It comes in 40 shades as well.
Customers praised the product's ease of use, value for money and longevity. It can be applied using a brush, beauty sponge or just your fingers. It gives a medium, buildable coverage that doesn't feel heavy on the skin. One major con for buyers is that this foundation tends to oxidise over time. Some recommend getting a shade lighter to offset this issue. Others also found the formula too mattifying for dry skin.
With an average rating of 4.6 stars from 2,000+ reviews across Adore Beauty, Sephora and Mecca, Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is our overall winner for the best foundation for Asian skin.
Our team chose this product as their top pick because it is versatile and caters to many Asian skin tones. It also provides a full natural coverage that is dermatologist-tested.
This product provides a buildable matte coverage that lasts for 24 hours. Its formula is non-acnegenic and fragrance free which is also dermatologist-tested, making it suitable for all skin types. The liquid formula is designed to create a natural finish that doesn't cake or streak on pores or fine lines.
The reviews for this foundation commend its range of 60+ shades that caters to all warm, neutral and cool undertones. Also, the product is heat-resistant and does not oxidise.
A few reviewers state that with dryer skin types this product can cling onto dry patches.
The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation was one of the highest rated overall foundations for mature skin according to almost 28,000 Google reviews with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. It also scores 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 300 reviews on the Myer website. Many reviewers liked that it was perfect for mature skin, not being too heavy while still providing enough coverage for radiant and flawless skin.
The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation range consists of 40 shades and is suitable for all skin types. The formulation is lightweight, easy to apply and has a smooth and fluid consistency. It is also designed to correct imperfections in the skin and offers buildable coverage. It is non-comedogenic, non-greasy and has no fragrance. It is dermatologically, ophthalmologically and allergy tested.
With a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating from over 3,000 Mecca reviews, we picked the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation as the best overall foundation for pale skin.
The NARS Sheer Glow Foundation comes in 40 shades, including Siberia – the lightest shade that will suit most people with pale skin. The foundation features the brand's Complexion Brightening Formula, leaving the skin hydrated and smooth throughout the day. It is also free from parabens, alcohol and fragrance.
With a medium, buildable coverage, the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is a favourite among makeup enthusiasts. It has a natural, skin-like finish that doesn't transfer nor smudge.
Customers loved its shade selection, with a couple of reviewers saying that the five lightest shades work well for a lot of people with pale skin. It also has an oil-free yet hydrating formula, making the product suitable for both oily and dry skin.
However, it is not the most affordable foundation out there. You also need to buy its pump separately.
Our pick for the best overall BB cream is Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream, which has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 7,000 reviews on Amazon.
The Dream Fresh BB Cream combines makeup and skincare to help even out skin tone in a single step. It provides a sheer, natural finish and protects the skin with its SPF 30. According to the manufacturer, it has various skin-loving benefits – it hydrates, brightens, protects and smoothens the skin. The product also blurs imperfections while being oil-free and non-comedogenic. It comes in five shades, ranging from light/medium to deep.
Many customers praised the product for being lightweight and beginner-friendly. They said that it's easy to blend with just fingers, perfect if you're in a hurry. It also helps hydrate the skin without being sticky. Those with dry skin said the BB cream doesn't look cakey on them, while people with oily skin liked that it makes them look naturally radiant without being greasy-looking. Reviews also raved about the price point, adding that it works just as well as more expensive BB creams. However, it doesn't fully cover imperfections, and some customers found the coverage too sheer for their liking.
Our choice for the best overall blush that's sure to suit most people is the NARS Blush in the shade Orgasm. Since its launch in 1999, NARS Orgasm has made its way into makeup bags all over the world. It's so popular that the brand has come out with a number of different beauty products inspired by the shade.
The Orgasm shade is the perfect combination of peach and pink, and it's a colour that suits all skin undertones. It's got a slight gold shimmer throughout that helps add a youthful glow to the skin.
We also love the micronised powder which ensures a super soft and easy to blend application. Whether you're a makeup pro or just a beginner, this blush belongs in your kit.
For the best overall bronzer, we picked the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 400 reviews on Amazon US.
Infused with Murumuru butter, this Physicians Formula bronzer is a cult favourite. It comes in eight shades, including a bronzer shade that can be used for contour. The formula is smooth and blends easily, delivering a sun-kissed glow. It also contains fatty acids and pro-vitamins that soften and moisturise the skin. Apart from being hypoallergenic, this bronzer is free from parabens and gluten. It is vegan and cruelty-free as well.
The Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a staple for many makeup enthusiasts. It has a silky-smooth finish that blends easily, leaving the skin looking radiant and healthier. Customers said that the product is buildable and long-lasting, even on oilier skin. It also doesn't accentuate texture, which is a plus if you have acne-prone skin. The bronzer is housed in a plastic compact with a mirror and brush compartment. However, reviewers found the packaging too bulky for travel. It also has a strong coconut scent, which most people love, but may not be suitable if you're sensitive to products with fragrance.
For the best overall concealer, we picked the L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer. It has an average rating of 4.45 out of 5 stars on Amazon US, Adore Beauty and Chemist Warehouse.
The L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer is a high coverage concealer with a 24-hour wear. According to the company, it can be used to shape the face by going one to two shades deeper for contouring and one to two shades lighter for highlighting. Apart from having an extra-large applicator, it is suitable for covering dark circles, acne scars and other imperfections.
The L'Oreal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer has a waterproof, non-greasy formula that blends seamlessly. Customers loved its creaminess and wide shade range. It has a natural finish that works best for oily skin. A few reviewers added that it conceals acne scars without enhancing skin texture. However, this product tends to accentuate the look of dry patches. Its large doe foot applicator also doesn't work for concealing intricate areas.
Our pick for the best overall eyebrow pencil is the Micro Brow Pencil from NYX Professional Makeup. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 11,000 Amazon customer reviews.
This mechanical, ultra-thin eyebrow pencil can help draw precise brow strokes that look natural. It also helps create more defined brows by filling in sparse areas. According to the manufacturer, the eyebrow pencil is made from a creamy, high-pigment formula and is vegan. It also comes in eight shades – Taupe, Blonde, Auburn, Chocolate, Ash Brown, Brunette, Espresso and Black.
According to customers, this pencil is versatile. It can help create natural-looking or more defined eyebrows effortlessly. Many reviews said it is easy to use and manipulate because of how skinny the pencil is. Its thinness helps create realistic eyebrow strands. Some customers liked that it comes with a spoolie brush, making it compact and travel-friendly. Others praised the product for being affordable. Many customers also raved about the shade range, mentioning that there is a shade for every hair colour. There were some complaints about the pencil breaking easily due to its thinness. A few customers also said that it's not waterproof but works as an everyday eyebrow product.
To determine our best drugstore pick, we considered eyeliners that are priced at $25 or less. Our winner was Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Liquid Liner, which came in with a 4.6 star rating across more than 170 reviews sourced from Adore Beauty, Priceline and Chemist Warehouse.
The budget-friendly liner costs just $8.97 and features a flat wing brush liner that helps to create ultra-sharp lines.
Its formula is also waterproof, smudgeproof and promises 24 hours of wear, making it a makeup bag staple.
Our pick for the best overall eyeshadow palette is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance. It kick-started the trend of warm browns and burgundies and has become a must-have staple.
The Modern Renaissance palette allows you to create a multitude of eye looks, thanks to the 14 essential and totally wearable shades. The colours are inspired by the resins and paints of Renaissance, and the variety of shades can easily take you from day to night.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadow formula is butter and creamy, providing an intense colour payoff.
Our pick for the best overall highlighter is Maybelline's Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter, which has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 Amazon reviews.
The Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter is a lustrous powder with a rich tone. It has metallic pearls to create a reflective chrome sheen for an intense highlight that brings out the best of your features. It comes in two shades: molten gold and molten rose gold.
The Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter is a crowd favourite, boasting intense shine to accentuate the cheekbones and other areas where it is applied. Customers praised the product for being good value for money, adding that its quality and performance are comparable to higher-end highlighters. It is also easy to blend and melts on the skin for a more seamless glow. Despite being advertised as ultra-reflective, it can also be used for a more subtle highlight. However, some customers found it too metallic for their liking. The packaging is also quite flimsy, according to others.
We picked the Real Techniques Everyday Essential Brush Set as the best makeup brushes for most people. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 8,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
This makeup brush set from Real Techniques contains four makeup brushes and a beauty sponge. According to the manufacturer, the brushes are made of UltraPlush bristles and are cruelty-free. The set includes a tapered blush brush to apply colour to your cheek, a deluxe crease brush for eyeshadow, a setting brush for setting powder and highlighter, and an expert face brush to buff liquid or powder foundation. Real Techniques' Miracle Complexion Sponge is also included in the set. It is a soft and flexible foam that blends liquid and cream products seamlessly.
The Everyday Essential Brush Set is perfect for both makeup professionals and beginners, according to reviews. Many raved about how versatile the makeup brushes are. Some customers also liked that the set includes both an expert face brush and a beauty sponge. You can use the makeup brush and beauty sponge for different application techniques and purposes, according to reviews. Others also praised the brushes for being soft and effortless to use, saying they blend out makeup products perfectly. A few customers also commented that the sponge is plush and blends cream products like blush, concealer and foundation like a dream. Some customers said they wished the set comes with more brushes, but also mentioned that it is good enough for everyday use. Others found that the brushes shed a lot, but this seems to be a minor concern.
Our choice for the best cheap face primer is e.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer. This influencer-approved product is designed to help you create the perfect canvas for your makeup, and it comes in at under $20.
The unique velvet formulation glides effortlessly over the skin, working its magic to minimise the appearance of pores and create a smooth base for whatever you choose to put over the top. It can also be used by all skin types, as it's formulated with squalene which really helps to lock in long-lasting hydration.
Our pick for the best overall setting powder is Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 35,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
This loose setting powder can help lock in your makeup for all-day wear. It can also help give the face a smoother and softer look. According to the company, its Microspun formula is made by mixing fine powder in streams of air, which helps keep it soft and cloudlike. The powder is housed inside a round canister and includes a puff for easier application. It comes in six shades: Translucent, Translucent Extra Coverage, Naturally Neutral, Honey Beige, Rosey Beige and Suntan.
Coty Airspun is praised for being versatile, with many customers saying it works for dry, oily or combination skin. Others said it's good value for money as you're getting 65g of setting powder at such an affordable price. A few others said it helps keep their makeup look natural yet flawless all day. Many raved about how one jar lasts for a long time because you only need a little to set your makeup. However, some customers complained the included puff is scratchy. Others said the powder has flashbacks when taking photos but mentioned it's still a great everyday setting powder.
Our pick for the best overall setting spray is the NYX Professional Makeup Matte Setting Spray. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 30,000 customer reviews.
According to the manufacturer, this setting spray has a lightweight formula that delivers a shine-free matte finish. It is also breathable and sets makeup in place for long-lasting wear. This setting spray is vegan and cruelty-free and comes in two sizes, 60mL and 18mL.
Many customers loved that the setting spray has a fine mist, which applies evenly. Others said it's lightweight and doesn't move their base makeup when applied on top. It also doesn't have a sticky residue. According to some reviewers, it controls their oiliness and leaves them with a matte look, even when they sweat. A few customers liked that it also comes in a mini size, perfect for travel. There were a few complaints about the setting spray's scent with a few customers saying it smelled like chemicals. Others also said it's not suitable for dry skin, adding that it tends to make their face too matte and cakey.
We compared over 1000 products from more than 200 makeup brands across 19 different product categories and sub-categories and based our picks on real customer reviews sourced from popular beauty stores and reviews sites. We also took into consideration first-hand testing by the Finder reviews team.
The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
We considered the following makeup brands:
We then defined parameters for each category and compared customer ratings sourced from popular beauty and review sites to determine the products that were consistently highly rated. We also took into account our own experience with some products. However, we still used customer scores to determine what we believe to be the best products for each category.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.We tried the viral Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer and spoiler alert, it's the bee's knees.
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