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Home • ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Awa

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup

When it comes to makeup, you want the best. From the brightest lipstick to the best makeup remover, here are the products our readers voted as their faves. 
By Essence · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
Best Lipstick

Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy in Teatro ($34, giorgioarmanibeauty.com)

“This is the perfect shade for any girl. I didn’t have to reapply, and my lips didn’t feel dry at the end of the day.” -Crystal Davies, Little Rock, AR

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
02
Best Lip Crayon

Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Cherrywood ($26, bobbibrown.com)

“The pencil gave a really precise application with great color payoff!” -Donielle Manning, Atlanta

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
03
Best Lip Gloss

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss in Raspberry Splash ($8, lorealparisusa.com)

“If you’re looking for a great hue that isn’t too glossy and doesn’t have to be reapplied often, this is it.” -Takia Epps, Gaffney, SC

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
04
Best Liquid Eye Shadow

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow ($18, sephora.com)

“The liquid formula doesn’t give you that annoying ‘fall out’ or ‘creasing’ effect that happens with powder or cream shadows.” -Charis Satchell, Huntington, NY

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
05
Best Mascara

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Black ($29, dior.com)

“My lashes looked long, smooth and natural, and not like I’d slathered on ten coats of gooey mascara.” -Eunice Johnson, Charlotte, NC

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
06
Best Gel Eyeliner

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black ($10, CVS)

“I always thought gel liners were messy and difficult to use. After trying this one, I’ve changed my mind. The outcome was dramatic and gorgeous!” -Anika Blandon, College Point, NY

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
07
Best Makeup Remover

L’Occitane Immortelle Milk Makeup Remover ($28, usa.loccitane.com)

“It took off all of my makeup without that stiff-face feeling afterward.” -Lonna Gordon, New York City

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
08
Best Makeup Primer

Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray ($35 for 4 oz, skindinavia.com)

“I’d never tried primer, but now I can’t live without it. It makes my skin silky, and applying my makeup is easier.” -Jewel Figueras, Pembroke Pines, FL

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
09
Best Blush

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Tipsy ($26, tartecosmetics.com)

“This coral tint gives me just enough color to look like I’m blushing and glowing.” -Whitney White, vlogger, youtube.com/Naptural85

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup
10
Best Foundation

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Liquid Makeup ($39, Sephora)

“My skin looks naturally flawless with this light and blendable formula.” -Patrice Grell Yursik, blogger, afrobella.com

Readers' Choice Awards: Makeup