Now I’m not a beauty expert by any means, BUT my best friend and I have been obsessed with makeup since before we could even properly apply it. We watch endless YouTube and Instagram videos of our favorite makeup artists, jot down products that they use, and from there it all comes down to trial and error until I find products that fit my preferences.
I’m constantly keeping up with the latest makeup releases and product reviews. Just remember- what someone may have on their holy-grail list, may not fit your preferences or complexion. Here are a list of my top 10 beauty products that have also been highly recommended by pro makeup artists and friends. I will forever be repurchasing these products as long as they’re still around!
Some tid-bits about me:
- Skin-tone: Olive
- Skin-type: Oily
- Hair-color: Dark brown
1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye-Shadow Palette
This warm-toned eye-shadow palette is my all-time FAVORITE that I have ever tried. It 100% lives up to all the hype. It is perfect for day, night, work, casual, and just about everything else! The shadows are creamy, easily blendable, and highly pigmented. I usually don’t like the brushes that come with palettes, but this double-sided brush is of the utmost quality. I like to use the flat brush for the shimmers, and the blending brush for the transition shades. ABH really set the bar high with the blendability, versatility, and creativity in this palette. Seriously, it’s a no-brainer–buy it!
Bella Fiori is one of my favorite beauty YouTubers. Check out her video on 3 different looks you can create with this gorgeous palette!
2. Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
My skin-type varies from oily in the summer, to fairly normal in the winter. This medium to full coverage foundation is perfect for both hot and cold weather. It will not budge! For the longest time I could not figure out why my makeup wasn’t staying on my face all day. I went through loads of different primers and setting sprays and nothing was working. Then…I was introduced to this foundation! I apply my makeup for work around 6 AM and it does not melt or smudge by the time I get home at 5 PM. This foundation can be applied lightly or with a heavier hand and still looks clean, while still covering each imperfection. It has a beautiful, natural, flawless matte finish. I was so happy to have found my perfect match! Oily-skinned girls- this one’s for you.
3. Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics Caribbean Sun – Bronzer & Blush Duo
I first received this bronzer/blush duo in the shade Aruba in my Ipsy bag and fell in love with it instantly. What I love most about this product is that it is 2-in-1, compact, and includes a mirror– making it perfect for travel and on-the-go application. A little bit goes a long way with this product. I tap into it with a blush or bronzer brush 1-2 times and shake off the excess and it is plenty for one cheek. Let’s face it, no one has time to contour and chisel their cheeks every morning. However, with this product you can get a beautiful, subtle, and effortless contour. I also never really knew what kind of blush I preferred before trying this duo. I am now obsessed with peachy blushes!
4. Lancôme Color Design Lipstick – Natural Beauty
This lipstick is the perfect nude. It is much lighter than it appears in the photo above. Its creamy, natural color makes it perfect for neutral looks. One of my favorite ways to wear this lipstick is with a brown lip pencil— for the slightly contoured look. It is work-appropriate, as well as a night-time favorite if you’re wearing dramatic eye makeup and want to take it easy with your lip color. I will always be repurchasing this one!
5. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick – Lolita
Lolita is one of my go-to’s for everyday wear. It is perfect if you are going for a simple, natural look and even for full glam. This lipstick is one of those shades that compliments all facial types- from light to dark. Kat Von D’s matte liquid lipsticks were the first I’ve tried when they became trendy and quickly became some of my favorite. I love the soft, lightweight, velvety formula as well as the lip applicator. They definitely have long-lasting power without drying out your lips like some other brands. It’s a buy you won’t regret!
6. NYX Micro Brow Pencil
I initially started using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz for my eyebrows. Although I was content with it, I quickly stopped purchasing once I realized how quickly I needed to re-stock! I’m the type of person who has to fill in their eyebrows every day because of my naturally circular brow shape. Due to the high cost, I started searching for more affordable dupes. I was very happy to find that NYX had their own almost identical version for half the price! If you have dark brown hair, you will most likely need black. With Anastasia’s Brow Wiz, I used espresso, but with NYX I use black because the browns are too light for me. Luckily, it does not appear harsh. This is a staple in my makeup bag.
7. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer
Anything that is infused with real cocoa powder sounds like a must-try to me. I purchased this bronzer in the milk chocolate shade for an easy everyday contour. Not only does this product have a delicious cocoa scent, but it has phenomenal pigmentation and wear. The bronzer is very blendable and doesn’t appear cakey on the skin. I even like to use this on the creases of my eyelids to add a little definition. Also, let’s face it, Too Faced never disappoints with their appealing packaging. This one’s a 10 in my book!
8. Clinique High Impact Mascara
I fell in love with this mascara ever since I started receiving samples with my Clinique skincare purchases. I default to this mascara when I want a pretty, defined daytime look. My natural lashes are quite long and curled, so when I look for a mascara, I want it to add volume and definition. This mascara gives your lashes a beautiful, fluttery, defined look with great separation. My lashes also stay nice and soft— none of that crustiness that goopy mascaras tend to give you. If you are looking for an exceptional everyday mascara, this is a great pick!
9. Tarte Clay Play Face Shaping Palette
I was attracted to this palette because of all the essential natural browns for the eyes, as well as contour shades for the face. This was an amazing purchase and I was not left disappointed! It includes 9 eyeshadows that can double as eyebrow colors, and universal face powders that can be used for the eyes as well. The contour powders are far from muddy and are versatile, making it easy to contour and bronze with. I love that the palette was made for all skin tones. All of the shades are very pigmented, so a little goes a long way. I think this just may be Tarte’s best releases. Oh— and it smells like chocolate!
10. Benefit Matte Rescue Primer
This face primer is gel-based and perfect for those with oily skin. I use this mainly on my t-zone and blend the excess to the outer parts of my face. When combined with my Estée Lauder foundation, my makeup stays on my face shine-free all day and night. If you are looking for an effective, oil-control primer, this one is a must-try!