After months of testing hundreds of products that crossed our desks, we created this year’s list of Oprah Beauty O-Ward winners. From Pat McGrath’s richly pigmented bronzers to Lady Gaga’s exceptional long-wear foundation, the offerings are truly must-try. So we decided to send them over to Oprah’s makeup artist, Derrick Rutledge, to get his pro take. Here are his honest reviews:
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
“I have goosebumps from how good this is—I’m blown away. It spreads on so smoothly and then melds with your skin; you don’t need much. It’s sheer enough that you can still see your skin, but it also gives good coverage,” Rutledge says. “And it’s waterproof! I put it on my arm and ran it under cold water and hot water and then added soap—it didn’t budge.”
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil
“I’ve loved playing with these,” Rutledge shares. “Every color does something different for you. Right now, I’m wearing Smitten. Try putting it on top of a matte lipstick for lots of shine that stays on.”
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Iconic London Rollaway Glow Highlighter
“I’m rolling these on right now, and, oh my God, they’re beautiful. They’ll be perfect for quick touch-ups on the go at night—apply after foundation and a setting powder and only to the tip of your chin, the tip of your nose (then blend up the center with your finger), the high points of your cheeks, the teeniest bit on the center of your forehead, and the inner corners of your eyes,” Rutledge notes.
Iconic London Rollaway Glow Highlighter
Iconic London Rollaway Glow Highlighter
Kulfi Main Match Concealer
“These liquids have good coverage, and they don’t tug on the skin,” Rutledge says. “You do need to work quickly before the formula dries. Put small dots on the inner and outer corners of each eye and the tip of the nose, then very lightly pat with your ring finger to blend. Yes, I’m putting these in my kit right now.”
Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Mascara
“I love a good drugstore mascara find—I open a new tube for every client—and this brush actually hits every lash," says Rutledge, who offers a couple of tips: “Wipe excess mascara off the wand with a tissue, and then sweep the wand through the bottom lashes first; if you do them last, you’ll smudge. Let it dry, and then apply a second coat. Then, if you want, add false lashes. That’s the final step.”
Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Mascara
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm
“These are cute! They’re very sheer, but that’s good when you want to create a natural flush,” Rutledge says. “They’re ideal for light to medium skin.”
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Divine Bronzer
“I really like Pat’s stuff. The colors are always so rich and work very well on skin of color. If you have lighter skin, just use a lighter hand,” Rutledge shares.
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Divine Bronzer
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Divine Bronzer
Kate Sandoval Box (she/her) is the Beauty Director at Oprah Daily. She has over 18 years of experience at national women’s media brands; and, in fact, started her publishing career at O, The Oprah Magazine. She’s also held beauty editor roles at Shape, Self, Latina, and Cosmopolitan. Kate tests hundreds and hundreds of beauty products that cross her desk each year and interviews many top experts, celebrities, and indie brand founders to bring you the best in beauty. Follow her on Instagram.
