The Keepers: Five Makeup Heroes That Genuinely Earned Their Scores
The highest-scoring makeup Glow has put through its paces — each one brilliant, none of them flawless, all of them worth your money if you know what you're getting.
I've smeared more products across my face than I care to tally. Most are perfectly fine — forgettably, politely fine. But these five actually made me sit up and pay attention. Not because they're without fault (dream on), but because each one does something genuinely well, and in a market absolutely drowning in noise, that counts for a lot. Every product here scored an 8 or above, which in Glow Lab terms means: I'd tell my best mate to buy it. With one caveat attached, obviously. There's always a caveat.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
For anyone who wants a flush that genuinely lasts from morning coffee to last orders — the pigment is serious business. The catch? A heavy hand will have you looking like you've spent a week in Benidorm, and if your skin skews sensitive, patch-test before you commit. This one does not forgive enthusiasm.
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NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
For the person who's spent years hunting for a concealer that actually matches their face — the shade range is unrivalled and coverage builds like a dream. The catch is the premium price, and frankly, the recent packaging gripes are irritating on something this costly.
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Maybelline Sky High Mascara
For sparse or straight lashes that need a gentle but persistent stretch — that bizarrely tiny wand is weirdly effective on the right eyes. The catch? If your lashes are already plentiful, you might find this completely invisible. It's a lash-type lottery, pure and simple.
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Lipstick 104
For the shade-number curious — there's something fascinating about how many brands stake a claim on 104, from Chanel's luxury tube to Kiko's budget offering. Wearers across the board report a flattering, wearable tone, but formula quality swings dramatically depending on which counter you're standing at.
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Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick
For pink or fair-toned skin chasing that effortless 'my lips but better' nude — on the right complexion, it's genuinely gorgeous. The catch? Enough people report it pulling brown or orange that I'd strongly suggest swatching before you commit. A twenty-eight-quid guess is an expensive guess.
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