Hi everyone — today I’m sharing my picks for the best makeup releases of 2019. While I don’t think 2019 was the strongest year for new launches overall, there were several standout products I genuinely loved.
Full disclosure: I bought A LOT of makeup last year, and not everything I bought was released in 2019. Eyeshadow palettes felt repetitive to me at times, with too many leaning toward bright blues, which don’t flatter my fair skin and green eyes. That said, foundation was the real highlight of the year for me — I tried nearly 30 foundations in total. Many weren’t brand new in 2019, but several launches inspired me to revisit and test more formulas.
Without further ado, here are my favourite makeup releases of 2019.
DISCLAIMER: JOHN LEWIS LINKS ARE AFFILIATE, ALL OTHERS ARE NOT. ALL PRODUCTS PURCHASED BY ME.
SHISEIDO SYNCHRO SKIN SELF-REFRESHING FOUNDATION (£39) AND CONCEALER (£29)
This was my first experience with Shiseido and the foundation immediately became a favourite. It feels weightless and looks incredibly natural on the skin, giving a healthy, dewy finish without feeling detectable. The wear is impressive — it keeps skin looking fresh for hours. I also tried the matching concealer later, and it quickly replaced every other under-eye product I owned. It covers dark circles effectively while remaining creaseless all day and resisting patchiness or oxidation. For me, this duo delivered on both finish and longevity.
NARS LOST IN LUSTER FACE PALETTE – £46
This palette quickly became a go-to. The shades are light and wearable, making it easy for fair skin tones like mine to use every shade without anything looking too dark or heavy. The eyeshadows are buttery and blendable, the blush is a flattering peach that doesn’t pull overly orange, and the highlighter is a subtle champagne that works with most looks. It’s a compact, reliable palette that simplifies makeup routines while delivering pretty daytime looks.
FENTY PRO FILT’R HYDRATING PRIMER – £24
This primer became a fast favourite. While another primer edged it out as my top pick for 2019, Fenty’s hydrating formula is excellent and has become a staple in my collection. It smooths and hydrates the skin so foundations sit beautifully and don’t cling to dry patches. I’ve used more than half of my tube and plan to repurchase — it consistently improves the look of makeup applied over it.
MAC BOOM BOOM BLOOM EYESHADOW PALETTE
Although this palette was limited edition and is no longer available, it was one of my favourite eyeshadow launches of the year. The shades were wearable and lovely for everyday looks. The Boom Boom Bloom collection felt like one of MAC’s stronger recent releases, and I also loved a lipstick from the Electric Wonder range, which — unfortunately — was also limited edition.
HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING GHOST PALETTE – £75
This Hourglass palette quickly won me over. It was my first holiday palette from the brand and I’ve reached for it often. It includes two new blush shades, and if you’re already a fan of Hourglass’s blush formula, this one delivers. The powders are finely milled and flattering on the skin, making the palette a worthwhile addition for anyone who loves subtle, refined glow and colour.
MAC LOVE ME LIPSTICK – £19
These lipsticks were exciting and they lived up to expectations. The formula is creamy, pigmented and comfortable, with decent wear for a traditional bullet lipstick. I own three shades and hope MAC expands the range — I’d be first in line. The packaging is unusually luxe for MAC permanent lines, and the shade “Daddy’s Girl” has become a favourite: a versatile pinky-nude that pairs with many looks and ranks among my top lipsticks.
HOURGLASS ARCH BROW MICRO SCULPTING PENCIL – £26
This eyebrow pencil has been a game-changer for me. The formula and shade range are hard to beat — Soft Brunette is my perfect match. It’s finely tapered for drawing natural hair-like strokes without looking too harsh or scratchy, and it wears well all day. I searched for dupes in drugstores but couldn’t find anything comparable. I’ve repurchased and don’t plan to be without it anytime soon.
So, that wraps up my picks for the best makeup releases of 2019. Which launches did you love last year?
