Over the years, between my experience as a makeup artist (MUA) and my love for all things beauty, I’ve noticed that I tend to reach for the same few products time and time again. Whether I’m restocking an empty product, recommending something to a friend, or looking for a reliable addition to my makeup routine, there are certain products I always find myself coming back to.
Finding your next addition to your makeup bag can typically be overwhelming, especially with the endless number of new products constantly hitting the beauty market. But as you know, just because the newest shiny product is trending, it doesn’t typically deliver what you were needing or expecting.
So, right here, right now, I’m sharing five of my tried-and-true makeup favorites that I’ve repeatedly purchased and recommended to my friends and family. From complexion essentials to the perfect finishing touches, these are the products that have earned their spot in my beloved makeup bag.
- Huda Beauty Easy Bake: Pound Cake
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First and foremost, managing an oily complexion can be a challenge when keeping your liquid products in place, and it’s typically not the go-to.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake is one of the best loose powders I’ve used by far, and I’ve repeatedly repurchased across the years to get an airbrushed and soft touch on my skin. Its role in setting your makeup creates a smooth-looking finish and is a reliable complexion product.
- Merit Flush Balm: Bespoke
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I’ve gone through many different blushes, but nothing has ever spoken (no pun intended) to me quite like the Merit Flush Balm. I’ve moved away from heavily pink blushes, and although I still love a cutesy and feminine flush, I’ve grown particularly fond of deeper shades that create a more natural-looking blush.
It’s compact packaging, taking minimal space in my bag, and let’s be honest, the chic packaging doesn’t hurt either. Most importantly, the formula is lightweight, blendable, and pigmented. Talk about a cream blush! I love how effortlessly it adds color back into my complexion without looking too heavy.
- MAC Lip Pencil: Whirl
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The MAC Lip Pencil in shade Whirl is another staple that I’ve had for years, originally recommended by my sister. A good lip liner is essential when I’m doing a full beat, and Whirl has never let me down.
The best part is how versatile this shade is; whether I wear it on its own for a more natural look or pair it with a lipstick or gloss for a little more flavor, it always does me right. It’s one of the products that leaves you looking put together and effortless all at once.
- Benefit Cosmetics Highlighter: Cookie
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Highlighter isn’t talked about nearly as much as it used to be, especially compared to the iconic 2016 YouTube MUA era. Nevertheless, I still love adding a little shimmer to my makeup looks.
Cookie by Benefit Cosmetics is my go-to when I want that extra glow. I typically add a little shimmer to the inner corners of my eyes and below my eyebrows, and if I’m feeling a little extra, I go ahead and apply it above my cupid’s bow and cheeks. This shade adds a little more dimension, bringing everything together!
- Milani Make It Last Original Setting Spray
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For the final touch, a spritz or two of the Milani’s Make It Last Spray will have everything locked into place, especially with the Huda Beauty loose powder.
As a disclaimer, this product has its fair share of mixed reviews, but in my experience, it feels refreshing and adds that natural dew to my face after using it between my makeup steps. If you’re leaning toward a more effortless look and want to bring a little moisture back into your complexion, this might be a product worth picking up next time you’re in the beauty aisle.
At the end of the day, finding your makeup staples is all about discovery on your own path in finding what works best for you. Trends come and go, but you can’t beat the products you loved and repurchased for years. After sharing my favorites, I’m already looking forward to the next time I get to be in full glam!
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