From concealer to CC cream: The best basic makeup to try in 2026 – National

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Getting the base right doesn’t always mean full coverage. Whether you want to blur imperfections, even out your skin tone, or simply add a hint of glow, the search for the right makeup base starts here. From lightweight skin tints and hydrating primers to buildable foundations, concealers, and CC creams, there’s a formula for every finish and level of coverage. Standout options from the brand include Maybelline, Summer Fridays And Ability making it easier to find your perfect match. Here are eight of the best basic makeup products to try in 2026, from concealer to CC cream and beyond.

Best concealer: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer

Best skin tone: Light Skin Tone Summer Friday

Best primer: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, Multifunctional Daily Moisturizer & Primer

Best foundation: Hourglass Ambien Soft Glow Foundation

Best foundation: bareMinerals Original Loose Foundation

Best foundation stick: Merit Minimalist Foundation Stick

Best tinted moisturizer: NARS Pure Luminous Tinted Moisturizer

Best CC cream: elf Camo CC Cream

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The best concealer

This cult favorite concealer does more than just cover. It brightens dark circles, blurs the appearance of fine lines and blemishes, and helps correct redness for a fresh, well-rested look. Enriched with Haloxyl, an easy-to-use everyday essential product for a brighter, smoother under-eye appearance.

Best skin color

Summer Friday Sheer Skin Tone with Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane

Enjoy lightweight coverage that allows freckles to show through. This barely-there formula is perfect for days when you want a touch of hydration, thanks to the skin-loving emollient squalene, vitamin E, and avocado oil.

Best primer

This classic moisturizer is every makeup artist’s secret weapon. Its rich, creamy formula hydrates and smoothes skin, creating the perfect makeup base while leaving your skin soft and fresh. Use daily as a moisturizer or to prep skin for makeup.

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The best foundation

A foundation that ticks all the boxes – this softly luminous formula is powered by light-diffusing pigments inspired by Hourglass’ best-selling powder. Hyaluronic acid boosts hydration, while buildable medium coverage evens skin tone without looking (or feeling) heavy.

You might also like:

L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion – $15.98

NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray – $12.97

Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask – $499.99


A cult classic, this powder-free loose foundation is made with just trace amounts of mineral ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin. The buildable, breathable formula won’t clog pores and provides a natural, filter-like finish.

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Merit Minimalist Foundation Stick

This sleek foundation stick is a must-have for traveling. Blur imperfections with just one swipe and enjoy long-lasting light to medium coverage as skin-loving fatty acids magically smooth and condition your skin.

The best tinted moisturizer

This lightweight tinted moisturizer gives skin a natural-looking boost of hydration and coverage. Mineral-rich seawater and natural ingredients help smooth, brighten, and blur the appearance of dark spots, pores, fine lines, and imperfections for a fresh finish.

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Best CC cream

This multitasking CC cream is your foundation and skincare in one. Medium to full coverage evens skin tone and provides a smooth, shine-free finish, while hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide help hydrate and refresh skin. Plus, SPF helps protect against sun damage.

You might also like:

Three Vessel Super Fruit Exfoliating Mask – $38

elf Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray – $12.97

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask – $32.49


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