When I was a sophomore in high school, I decided that I wanted to become good at makeup. I bought some products from Target, watched tutorials on Youtube, and practiced a lot. I quickly realized that regardless of how skilled you are with a makeup brush, if you’re using subpar products, you’re likely going to get subpar results. Likewise, if you’re using the wrong products for your skin type, skin tone, or anything else of the sort, you will get subpar results. I made it my life’s mission to find the best makeup products for myself. I watched more tutorials and product reviews, did research and tested countless products myself. After dedicating plenty of time and money to deciding what products work best for me, I compiled a list of my favorites. If I were to do a makeup routine using my favorite products, this is what it would look like.
- Benefit Porefessional Primer
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As someone with bad acne and extremely oily skin, it’s hard to impress me with a skin product, but this primer achieved precisely that. Porefessional is excellent for anyone with visible pores. It smooths my skin the second I apply it and helps my foundation stay intact for hours. I sometimes use it just to hide my pores even if I don’t plan on using foundation, and it works like a charm.
- Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation
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The All Nighter Foundation is fantastic for anyone with blemishes and oily skin, such as me. It’s extremely blendable and paints right over imperfections. It’s especially useful over skin primed with Porefessional; the primer creates a smooth canvas for the foundation to work its magic on.
- Laura Mercier Setting Powder
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Finish your face with this setting powder to ensure that your look remains flawless. Laura Mercier Powder controls oils and sets foundation without causing annoying flashback in photos. The trio of the Porefessional Primer, All Nighter Foundation, and Laura Mercier Setting Powder will keep oil at bay all day long.
- Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush
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When I want to add a bit of pink to my cheeks, I always reach for Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush. The formula gives you color that’s subtle enough that it seems natural while still being noticeable enough to draw in compliments.
- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
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Anyone looking for an extremely versatile and blendable bronzer should check out this product. I use the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer for both natural and extravagant makeup looks. Whether I’m looking to simply shadow the sides of my nose or completely contour my face, this product works wonderfully.
- Too Faced Love Light Highlighter
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The Too Faced Love Light Highlighter is the most buildable highlighter I have ever encountered. As with the Too Faced Bronzer, I use this product for both every day and over-the-top looks. It’s perfect for adding a blinding shimmer to your cheekbones or just a bit of shine to your inner eyelids. Plus, it comes in silver, gold, and rose gold, so you’re sure to find a shade that flatters you.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
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I spent years searching for the perfect eyeshadow palette until I happened upon this beauty. The shade selections are so gorgeous and cohesive I would be satisfied just staring at it; they range from a shimmery gold to striking hot pink. Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadows are so blendable even a beginner could create a masterful look. Modern Renaissance was the palette that made me realize I love eyeshadow, and I know I can always turn to it.
- Benefit Roller Lash
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I often see people raving over Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara. While it does work well, I highly prefer Roller Lash for myself. It takes my sad, straight eyelashes and flips them up in a way a lash curler never could. I often use a few layers of this as opposed to falsies with bold eyeshadow looks.
- Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb
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I try to keep the Fenty Gloss Bomb on me at all times. I often add it to a fresh face to give my look an extra something. It looks gorgeous on its own or overtop a matte lipstick and ties a look together regardless of if you’re wearing a full face or just keeping it simple.
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
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Topping your look off with a few coats of the All Nighter Setting Spray will ensure your look remains fresh for hours. When coupled with the All Nighter Foundation, the two ensure that no oils dare find their way onto your face. They genuinely keep you looking great all night.