High-definition makeup isn’t just for celebrities, and it’s most definitely here to stay. But what does it mean, really? Well, HD makeup is formulated with light-diffusing technology that gives you the focused, defined look of stars on the silver screen, by softening or blurring the way light reflects on your skin. These heavyweights knock your regulars out of the ring, and we’re here to give you a lowdown on our favorites.
4.4/5
If you want a pop with a real punch, NYX Professional Makeup’s High Definition Blush is paraben-free. Where other blushes fail to provide pigment, blend smoothly or last long, this one succeeds in delivering an impactful flush in a variety of vibrant shades. What’s best, impactful doesn’t translate to heavy, it sits weightlessly on the cheeks.
4.5/5
First, there was base. Then PAC’s HD Liquid Foundation made a revolution of it. Long-lasting, created with HD technology, this one effortlessly smooths out the skin, blurring imperfections and lasts all day. It’s buildable, too, without leaving your skin feeling heavy and caked on. Let’s just say this: it’s the skin you wish you had, in a bottle.
4.8/5
No HD makeup look can be called just that without the perfect foundation, and luckily, we’re spoiled for choice. Take this professional MUA’s go-to base for that celeb-worthy skin. It’s hypoallergenic and infused with white truffle extract and HD pigments, hiding discoloration, evening out the skin tone and maintaining its moisture balance.
4.4/5
When it comes to concealers, very few have created the reputation this one has. Coming in a variety of normal and color-correcting shades, it has a crease-resistant, creamy and seamless texture that works on a variety of skin concerns – from bumps and blemishes to redness, darkness and other hard-to-conceal undertones. It’s blendable and buildable too.
4.1/5
L.A Girl’s gorgeous HD Pro Setting Powder is the perfect finishing touch to your look. Comprising of mineral silica, it sets your makeup, lengthening its life, softens imperfections and fine lines and settles in an all-natural, matte finish. It works particularly well for the under-eyes, perfecting your concealer, while highlighting and lifting your face.
4.2/5
Your long, hard quest for the perfect lip color is officially over. It delivers full coverage with a single coat but is still lightweight enough to feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. The HD, wax-free formula means it will pull through from dusk to dawn, moisturizing and imbuing your pout with rich color all day long. Available in eight velvety matte shades.
4.7/5
A contour as defined as Kim K’s seemed inconceivable until we met this. The palette provides highlighting, contouring and bronzing shades for both warm and cool undertones, and cream and powder finishes. Long-lasting, pigmented and creamy, it blends easily into the skin for a natural and seamless sculpted finish that could cut through glass.
5/5
Your beauty look is only as flawless as your primer, and this primer doesn’t disappoint. A multipurpose wonder, it works not just as a primer, but as base and foundation, too – to cover imperfections, absorb excess sebum and give your skin an airbrushed, matte finish. It’s imbued with a hint of glitter for that dewy skin du jour and an oil-free formula.
4.5/5
There’s many things we love about it. For one thing, the palette is customisable, meaning you don’t need to live with a few shades you don’t absolutely love. When you run out of that old fave, you can refill it or try a new one. Next, it means business, coming in a wide array of super-pigmented, easily-blendable colors that allow for any look you want.
5/5
This loose powder is something of a unicorn. Infused with film-forming agents and diamond dust, it settles like magic on skin, ironing out patchiness, blemishes and open pores to truly perfect your face. If you’re planning on a lot of selfies or camera-time, this is exactly the magic wand you need to make sure your face looks picture-perfect.
