Skin care and makeup products are practically falling from the sky these days—between social media hype and beauty sales, there’s always some “must-try” miracle in the spotlight. But let’s cut through the noise: finding a product that moonlights as both skin care and makeup? Now that’s the kind of multitasking magic worth actually obsessing over. There’s little point in flaunting that no-makeup makeup look if the products you’re using aren’t doing your skin any favors. The real secret to mastering that clean-girl aesthetic is choosing products that both pamper your skin for the long haul and deliver an instant dewy glow.
Our Favorite Skin Care Makeup Products
Turns out, many of the makeup products we already adore are packed with incredible ingredients that do more than enhance your beauty—they nurture your skin too. Take Valentino’s Puffer Gloss, for example. A favorite of Charli XCX, this lip gloss not only creates a plumped-up pout but is also packed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your lips quenched and juicy. The self-proclaimed “chaotic chic” queen told ELLE she’s obsessed with reapplying this gloss, and if it were a song, it’d be “Party 4 U.”
Alternatively, you may find yourself keen on perfecting that sun-kissed, cheeky glow. In that case, look no further than Saie’s Glowy Super Gel, a Meghan Markle-approved gem. This lightweight illuminator delivers just the right amount of golden-hour sparkle, all while treating your skin to plant-derived glycerin and olive-derived squalane.
These must-haves not only help capture the coveted, effortless clean-girl aesthetic but also provide active care for the skin beneath. Discover some of the ELLE editors’ top skin care-makeup favorites below and unlock your radiant new glow.
The Nourishing Foundation
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Care Dewy Foundation Drops
Pros
Clean ingredients- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some dislike the smell
“Westman Atelier often refers to its products as skin care disguised as makeup. And, as the name suggests, the brand’s foundation delivers several nourishing ingredients—like pomegranate and ginseng extract—to improve the quality of your skin while you wear it.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
Key ingredients: tsubaki oil, ginseng extract, pomegranate extract
Size: 1 oz
Sephora rating: 3.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I didn’t want to love this product, but after all the compliments, I had to buy a back up. I have sensitive, dry skin and rosacea. This has been just life changing for me. Leaves me with all-day glow.”
Pros
- Blends well for a natural finish
Cons
- Shade and undertones range is limited
“I know we all have celebrity-brand fatigue, but Haus Labs is the one you actually want to spend your money on—specifically this bronzer. I bought it for the toasty, fresh-from-the-tropics warmth it offers, but after consistent use, I love it for its good-for-you ingredients. Squalane, a nourisher, and arnica, a soother, form a soft caress along the cheeks as the pigment does its job.”– Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Fermented arnica, plant squalane, hyaluronic acid
Size: .3 oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This bronzer is so smooth and buttery to apply without being too warm for my fair, cool-toned complexion. I use it as a base for my eyeshadow or as my only eyeshadow often in addition to applying in the usual bronzer places.”
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Pros
- Doesn't tingle as much as many other plumping glosses
Cons
- Few color options
“I stumbled upon this plumping gloss on a day when my lips were especially chapped and in need of serious rescue. The initial application feels nourishing without being heavy, providing just the right amount of hydration to rejuvenate my lips. Once it sets, I can visibly notice my lips looking slightly fuller, with a gorgeous sheen and a beautifully pouty finish. And the best part? It’s not horribly sticky like that old-school nostalgic lip gloss.”—Moriah Polk, Contributing Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, ceramides
Size: 0.2 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I was really impressed with the Valentino Lip Puffer Gloss! The formula is very thick in the best way—it feels super luxurious on the lips without being sticky. It gives a gorgeous, high-shine finish that makes my lips look fuller instantly. What I love most is how moisturizing it is—my lips stay soft and hydrated for hours. Definitely worth the splurge if you’re looking for a gloss that delivers both shine and nourishment.”
Pros
- Non-comedogenic yet hydrating formula
Cons
- Contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin
“This standout item in my collection delivers a fresh, radiant glow that shines through even under foundation. Its sheer coverage is perfect for no-make up days when I still want to look pulled together. The ultra-hydrating formula quenches my skin like nothing else I’ve tried—thanks to a powerful dose of moisture-locking squalane. It's also enriched with rosehip oil, which helps brighten and even out my complexion over time.”–Alexis Bennett Parker, Commerce Content Lead
Key ingredients: Plant-derived glycerin, squalane, rosehip seed oil
Size: 1.0 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This product is a total game-changer! I bought it myself and have zero regrets. It melts into the skin, looks flawless and the shade is perfect…not too warm or too pale. The gel like texture is super lightweight and cooling. Gives the prettiest radiant glow without looking greasy. I even use it as a highlighter. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
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The Sunscreen-Foundation Hybrid
Naked Sundays SPF 50 Mineral Peptide Foundation Tint
Pros
- Contains both peptides and SPF to reduce wrinkles and sun damage
Cons
- Not great for those who want a matte finish
“On sunny days when I need reliable, all-over coverage with the added benefit of SPF 50, I always reach for my Naked Sundays Peptide Foundation Tint. Not only does it protect my skin from harmful UV rays, but it also plumps and nourishes, keeping my skin from becoming flaky throughout the day as it so often does. And when it’s time to transition from day to night, a quick extra layer transforms it into a full-coverage finish—and even then, it still doesn't feel too heavy on my face.”–Moriah Polk, Contributing Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Peptides, squalane, niacinamide
Size: 1.0 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I recently tried Naked Sundays BeautyScreen SPF 50 Mineral Peptide Foundation Tint, and I'm absolutely in love! The 1 Fair Neutral shade blends seamlessly into my skin, giving me a radiant finish without feeling heavy. I appreciate that it offers SPF 50 protection and is infused with skin-boosting peptides—perfect for my sensitive, acne-prone skin.”
Pros
- Buildable formula
Cons
- May need to reapply throughout the day
“I adore this blush for its ability to deliver an instant sun-kissed glow while, ironically, helping to protect my skin from sun damage. It layers beautifully over my go-to facial sunscreen, which is a must since my cheeks tend to take the brunt of the sunlight. And if you're anything like me and have a habit of being a bit heavy-handed with blush, you’ll appreciate its wonderfully natural finish. It blends effortlessly, leaving you with a soft, bashful flush.”–Moriah Polk, Contributing Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Allantoin, bisabolol
Size: .19 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I don’t write reviews often, but I love this so much that I want others to know just how good it is. I’ve purchased 2 now in the shades Elodie (coral) and Kirsty (beige pinkish pink), and they are both beautiful! I love how easy they apply and they are never patchy, easy to blend and wear well throughout the day, either on their own or on top of foundation.”
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The Moisturizing Balm
Lancôme Lip Idôle Squalane Butterglow Lip Balm
Pros
- Buildable, non-sticky formula
Cons
- Not transfer proof; will likely need to reapply throughout the day
“It’s rare to find a product that delivers both vibrant color and deep hydration for my lips without the sticky mess. That’s why I’m obsessed with the Butterglow Lip Balm. From the moment I apply it, I can literally feel it working—there’s a slight tingle and a refreshing touch, courtesy of the peppermint oil. What’s even better is that while my lips soak up all that moisture, the color stays put for hours, so I don’t have to rely on multiple coats of clear gloss to keep my lips hydrated throughout the day.”–Moriah Polk, Contributing Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Squalane, shea butter, jojoba oil, ceramides
Size: 0.1 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love this product! I have been searching for a product that will keep my lips moisturized as well as something with colour. I have tremendous problem with dry mouth and lips. This lip balm takes care of my lips.”
The Hydration Foundation
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Gel Skin Tint
Pros
- Buildable formula– light to medium coverage
Cons
- Applicator is messy, as product leaks out of the tube
“Lately, my skin had been feeling dry, and my old foundation started to look cakey far too often. That’s when I decided to switch to Milk's hydrating gel skin tint, and it was love at first application. The foundation melted into my skin, leaving a dewy, radiant finish without settling into pores or feeling overly heavy like some foundations tend to. What’s even better is that it’s packed with hydrating ingredients my skin already loved—like niacinamide and allantoin—so I never have to worry about breakouts or irritation.”– Moriah Polk, Contributing Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, blue agave extract
Size: 1.0 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I absolutely love the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Skin Tint. It’s one of those rare products that lives up to the hype. The formula works beautifully on my combination skin that leans dry and is more on the mature side—and instead of clinging to dry patches or settling into fine lines, it smooths everything out and gives me a healthy, hydrated glow that lasts all day. If you do have some dry patches be sure to prep/hydrate your skin - that made all the difference for me!”
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Pros
- Lightweight, natural coverage
Cons
- May crease on dry skin
“I’m always willing to try a new concealer, even though I have the formula I repeatedly return to. However, Tower28’s iteration made me ditch my go-to, mainly because it’s super lightweight and hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid. One swipe is all I need to look awake and refreshed, and because it’s practically weightless, I can build it up without fear of looking too cakey.”–Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Centella Asiatica leaf extract, lysine
Size: .22 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have combination skin and tend to have difficulties later in the day due to sweating and transfer to glasses. This has helped tremendously with under eye creasing, and lasts all day long!! It’s a very thin, lightweight formula but still has amazing coverage.”
The Lash-Lengthening Mascara
Dolce & Gabbana Everfull XL Mascara
Pros
- Streghtens lashes for long-term growth
Cons
- Might take multiple coats to achieve desired length
“Of all the beauty products I love to experiment with, mascara is the one constant in my routine. I’ve been loyal to the Everfull XL mascara for over two years now, and it continues to exceed my expectations. What sets it apart is its ability to layer without clumping or flaking. It leaves my lashes looking naturally fluffy—never overdone or spidery. What’s more, its hydrating ingredients, like D-panthenol and castor seed oil, transform lash-lengthening into an ongoing journey rather than a quick fix. It’s easily one of the best beauty buys I’ve ever made.”–Moriah Polk, Contributing Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Calabrian orange, D-panthenol, castor seed oil
Size: 0.27 oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This mascara comes in a beautiful container! It really makes my lashes look so long and full as well. I love how it applies, but it is a thick mascara so you have to apply it carefully so it doesn’t appear clumpy. This product definitely feels like a luxury mascara.”
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Pros
- Adds a subtle, plumping glow to skin
Cons
- Contains fragrances
“I typically steer clear of anything promising a 'glowy' finish, since it usually translates to glitter overload. However, this primer has a glow so subtle and natural, that it just looks like your skin is bathed in the soft, Instagram-worthy golden hour glow. I especially love using it for outdoor occasions, as the light catches on my face, creating an effortless, luminous glow without the need to fuss over highlighting specific areas.”–Moriah Polk, Contributing Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, squalane, rose water
Size: 1.0 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love using this daily! It gives you such a beautiful natural glow! It takes no effort to apply, but makes such a noticeable difference in appearance. I've already bought it twice and am positive that I will for a third time. It's definitely in my top 3 recommended products.”
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, contributing beauty writer Moriah Polk tested a wide range of skin care products. She collaborated with other ELLE editors, who are always on the hunt for the best and latest skin-enhancing innovations on the market.
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Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
- The Lip Balms ELLE Beauty Editors Buy at Sephora
- The Best SPF Foundation for Extra Protection
- The Best Hydrating Foundation for Mature Skin
- The Best Lip Oils for Major Hydration
- The Best Tinted Moisturizers for a No-Makeup Makeup Look
