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The Red Carpet Essentials Awards: The Best Foundations and Face Powders, According to Hollywood Insiders

Drumroll, please! After polling some of Hollywood’s top fashion and beauty insiders, The Hollywood Reporter presents the Red Carpet Essentials Awards.

Now that awards season is in full swing, Hollywood glam squads are back behind the scenes. For our inaugural Red Carpet Essentials awards series, we polled top film, TV and celebrity makeup artists on the best foundations and face powders that they trust to deliver photo- and screen-ready skin.

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Our panelists included makeup artists such as Jennifer “JD” Daranyi (Lopez & Lopez), Jamie Greenberg (whose clients include Rashida Jones, Kaley Cuoco, Chelsea Handler), Hinako (Stephanie Hsu, Brandi Carlisle, Linda Cardellini), Renee Loiz (Quinta Brunson, Uzo Aduba, Sherry Cola, Danai Gurira), Julia Jovone (One Life to Live, Law & Order SVU, Shonda Rhimes, Jeffrey Wright), Katie Mellinger (Haim, Emma Watson, Sofia Coppola and more) and Robert Sesnek (Hailey Bieber, Lucy Hale and Madelyn Cline).

They revealed their go-to makeup products for every type of scenario and skin shade, including options for matte and dewy finishes, full-coverage foundations available for over 40 skin tones, picks for a “no makeup” look and even behind-the-scenes secrets that cost under $20.

How We Chose the Winners of THR’s Red Carpet Essentials Awards

Hollywood fashion and beauty professionals have logged thousands of hours testing makeup, skincare, hair products and tools, and more on clients and themselves. That’s why we turned to them to share the products that have earned their professional personal seals of approval for use on clients on the red carpet, as well as every day.

THR‘s Red Carpet Essentials Awards Experts

Read More: THR’s Red Carpet Essentials Award Winners

The Red Carpet Essentials Awards: The Best Long-Wear Foundations, Setting Powders and More Face Makeup

Ahead, check out the best face cosmetics that Hollywood makeup artists love, from under-$20 pressed powders to luxe foundations for long-wearing, natural-looking and buildable coverage. Stay tuned as we’ll be rolling out more of their picks across skin-care, haircare, beauty devices and more categories.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation

$99 at Amazon

$99 at Neiman Marcus

$99 at Revolve

“I have yet to find another foundation that makes the skin look so dewey and plump. It contains jojoba, squalane, and shea butter — which probably has something to do with it. I wish it came in the darkest, but it does cover most darker skin tones.” — Katie Mellinger


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation

$47 at Amazon

$47 at Sephora

$47 AT Shiseido

“If I want something with a more neutral matte, medium coverage finish, then I reach for this. It’s buildable as well, so I can get full coverage if I need it. It really wears beautifully on the skin and lasts as well, so its great for my celeb clients going to events. It has a good range of shades although it could use just a few more darker shades.” — Katie Mellinger


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation

$24 at Lys

$24 at Sephora

“If you’re looking for a foundation that covers all the shades, THIS is the one! I love that I can build the coverage from light to medium-full. It’s hydrating and doesn’t look heavy.” — Katie Mellinger

“The best for dry and mature skin.” — Tisha Thompson


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Longwear Foundation

$49 at charlotte Tilbury

$49 at SEphora

“For a long lasting glam, I always opt for my Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Longwear Foundation. It really is a flawless coverage. It blends into the skin seamlessly and doesn’t go into your pores, it is more of a full coverage, matte foundation. I love to pair it with the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter when I want more of a glow!” — Melanie Marris


NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

$52 at Nars

$52 at Sephora

$52 at Ulta

“NARS always hits right. Amazing shade range. Looks gorgeous on the skin. Looks amazing in photos. Nothing bad to say about this foundation. I love it.” — Katie Mellinger


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Kevyn Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint

$22.49 $51.95 57% off

Buy Now at Amazon

$42 at Kevyn Aucoin

$42 at Dermstore

“This is just the right amount of light coverage. It’s perfect if someone has nice skin but maybe just a touch of redness. Thanks to my amazing dermatologist, this is what I use on myself.” — Katie Mellinger


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Saie Beauty Glow Super Skin Foundation

$40 at Saie

$40 at Sephora

$40 at Amazon

“I love a multipurpose product and this one is skincare and foundation in one. It also leaves the most perfect glow on the skin and never looks greasy. Lastly, there are 36 shades in this foundation line, so it works for a plethora of skin tones.” — Renee Loiz


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

$45 at Haus labs

$45 at Sephora

“As an esthetician, I love how skin forward this formulation is with the intention to minimize redness in the skin. It’s medium coverage, but builds very easily without feeling heavy.” — Ian Michael Crumm


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

$52 at Nars

$52 at Sephora

Julia Jovone, who won a Daytime Creative Arts Emmy with her One Life to Live team for achievement in makeup for a drama series in 2008, says, “What sets this foundation apart is its ability to cater to a diverse range of skin complexions, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect match. Not only does it provide the flawless look that I desire for myself, but it also delivers stunning results for my clients, whether it’s for a daytime event or an evening affair. The best part is that this foundation never overpowers the skin or becomes cakey, allowing for a natural and radiant finish that lasts throughout the day. It’s like a confidence boost in a bottle, and I can’t help but feel excited every time I reach for it.”


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Pür Cosmetics 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation

$29.50 at Amazon

$29.50 at Pür

$29.50 AT Ulta

“I love that this has SPF 15 in the formula, and acts as a foundation, concealer and powder all in one!” — Jamie Greenberg


Dior Forever Fluid Skin Glow Foundation
Dior Forever Fluid Skin Glow Foundation

Dior Forever Fluid Skin Glow Foundation

$57 at Dior

$57 at Sephora

$57 at Ulta

A favorite of Robert Sesnek and Priscilla Valles, Dior’s Forever Fluid Skin Glow foundation is ideal for light coverage and a natural, dewy look.


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Westmore Beauty Instantly Flawless Foundation

$39 at Westmore Beauty

$39 at Amazon

“I really love the Westmore Instantly Flawless Foundation. Its buildable coverage makes it the perfect base to your makeup look. I always feel like my skin is hydrated and healthy after using this foundation and it easily covers any blemish I may have without the need for using other products. It is also water- and sweat-resistant, meaning I can wear it all day without fear that it will begin to look patchy. I am glowing throughout the day and use this as my everyday foundation.” — Rita Hazan


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation

$69 at armani Beauty

$69 at Nordstrom

$69 AT Sephora

Makeup artists Robert Sesnek and Jennifer Daranyi are both fans of Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation for its light and buildable formula.


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Suqqu The Liquid Foundation

$130 at Selfridge's

$98 at Cult Beauty

“A very lightweight foundation that is perfect to create a ‘no makeup’ look.” — Hinako


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

$69 at Sephora

$69 AT Ulta

A favorite of Robert Sesnek, Pat McGrath Labs’ Sublime Perfection foundation delivers lightweight, long-wearing and buildable coverage in over 30 shades.


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Face Atelier Foundation

$58 at Amazon

Local 706 makeup artist Jennifer “JD” Daranyi favors Face Atelier’s Ultra foundation “for clean and light yet buildable coverage.”


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

RCMA Makeup Foundation

$23 at RCMA

RCMA’s foundations are a favorite among Hollywood makeup artists for its medium to full coverage, including Jennifer Daranyi.


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

$49 at Charlotte Tilbury

$49 at Sephora

Jennifer Daranyi “can’t live without” Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin foundations, which come in 30 shades and contains hyaluronic acid, rose complex, coconut extract and other skin-care ingredients for hydrating, brightening, plumping and smoothing out the skin.


The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros
The Best Makeup & Beauty Products of 2024, According to Hollywood Pros

Clé de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation Natural SPF 25

$130 at Amazon

$138 at Nordstrom

$138 at Clé de Peau

“The perfect foundation to make radiant flawless skin; it lasts long and photographs very well.” — Hinako


Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Face Powder
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Face Powder

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Face Powder

$73 at Amazon

$73 at Neiman Marcus

“Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Face Powder is super finely milled, not too drying and fantastic for keeping the skin looking real and not overly MATTE matte, if you catch my drift. I don’t want to make someone look like they walked through the desert for a day!” — Katie Mellinger


BLK/OPL Oil Absorbing Pressed Powder
BLK/OPL Oil Absorbing Pressed Powder

BLK/OPL Oil Absorbing Pressed Powder

$14 at Ulta

One of Jennifer Daranyi’s on-set go-tos, BLK/OPL’s Oil Absorbing Pressed Powder boasts a soft finish that smooths out pores, uneven skin tone and blemishes.


Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Powder
Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Powder

Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Powder

$24 at Amazon

“A truly invisible powder. Zero titanium dioxide or zinc so works on all skin tones from lightest to darkest.” — Katie Mellinger


Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

$47 at Sephora

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is great for baking and brightening, and for setting the under eye.” — Melanie Marris


Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless finish setting powder
Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless finish setting powder

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

$48 AT Charlotte Tilbury

$48 at SEphora

“My tip is to go over the top with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder after you use setting powder on your under-eye. I have never found a pressed powder like this, it goes everywhere with me.” — Melanie Marris


Uoma Hydroblast Finishing Powder
Uoma Hydroblast Finishing Powder

Uoma Hydroblast Finishing Powder

$39 at Ulta

“Uoma Hydroblast Finishing Powder is probably one of the best powders I’ve used! I can’t believe I was just introduced to this powder only this year. The satin matte finish to leaves is otherworldly. But it let’s skin breathe, isn’t cakey, and doesn’t settle into fine lines. It’s really a perfect formula and works wonders on the skin!” — Renee Loiz


LYS Beauty Triple Fix Setting Powder
LYS Beauty Triple Fix Setting Powder

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Setting Powder

$19 at LYS Beauty

$19 at Sephora

Clean beauty brand LYS’ Triple Fix Setting Powder is a favorite among Hollywood makeup artists for its natural-looking matte finish and skin-care ingredients (such as niacinamide and green tea extract) for blurring and soothing the skin.


Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder

$38 at Huda Beauty

$38 at Sephora

“If you’re looking for a game-changer in your makeup kit, the Huda Beauty Loose Powder is definitely worth considering. Not only does it promise a flawless finish, but it also delivers on that promise. The finely milled powder effortlessly blurs imperfections and sets makeup, leaving the skin looking smooth and airbrushed. The best part is a little goes a long way. You don’t need much to achieve that perfect, long-lasting finish. It’s a reliable option that I always reach for when I want to achieve a flawless look that lasts all day.” — Julia Jovone


Chanel Les Beiges Powder
Chanel Les Beiges Powder

Chanel Les Beiges Powder

$60 at Chanel

“Another highly favored powder is the Chanel Les Beiges, a versatile and refillable powder that imparts a natural-looking healthy glow. Its lightweight formula offers a blurring effect, providing imperceptible buildable coverage with a second-skin satin finish that never creases.” — Priscilla Valles


Westmore Beauty 3-in-1 Photo Finishing Powder
Westmore Beauty 3-in-1 Photo Finishing Powder

Westmore Beauty 3-in-1 Photo Finishing Powder

$32 at Amazon

$32 at Westmore Beauty

“A favorite powder of mine is the Westmore 3-In-1 Photo Finishing Powder. It is the perfect final step to your makeup routine to leave your makeup looking matte and locked in place all day long. It blurs pores without dulling your makeup. It is one shade and matches all skin tones. This is definitely a go-to product that everyone should have in their makeup bag.” — Rita Hazan


Pat McGrath Labs Powder
Pat McGrath Labs Powder

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Setting Powder

$42 at Sephora


Decorté Loose Powder
Decorté Loose Powder

Decorté Loose Powder

$50 at Decorté

$50 at Saks Fifth Avenue

“This super fine silky powder feels amazing to wear, non-drying comfort throughout the day.” — Hinako


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