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FIT | Style > Beauty

Top Five Makeup Products I Recommend For a Flawless Base

Updated Published
Kyra Lentz Student Contributor, Fashion Institute of Technology
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIT chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

There are thousands and thousands of makeup products on the market, so how do we know what to spend our money on? Having tried numerous different makeup products from different retailers and spending hours researching certain products and formulations, I will share my must-have base makeup products that are worth every cent.

1. SmashBox The original Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Primer

Having oily skin, my makeup never stayed on for more than a few hours. That is, until I started using the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. This primer smooths my pores and keeps my oil at bay, resulting in my makeup lasting the whole day. The texture is smooth and velvety like and the clear formula allows the primer to go on the skin untraceable. Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer can be purchased at Ulta and is available in three different sizes.

2. Kylie COSMETICS Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation

I was never a fan of skin tints or foundations, as I always felt that they were too heavy on my oily skin. The Kylie Cosmetics skin tint is the perfect formula for oily skin. The texture is thin enough not to weigh my skin down, but it still gives the right amount of coverage to even out the redness in my skin tone. The skin tint leaves my skin looking smooth and blurred. KYLIE COSMETICS Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation can be purchased at Ulta and comes in 24 shades.

3. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Full Cover Multi-Use Waterproof Concealer with Niacinamide

The Makeup Forever concealer is the perfect formula that lasts all day on my oily skin while covering up imperfections and doesn’t crease under my eyes. I apply a little amount in areas that need a little coverage, and I blend it out with the attached brush for a seamless finish. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Full Cover Multi-Use Waterproof Concealer with Niacinamide can be purchased at Sephora and comes in 32 shades.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand

The Charlotte Tilbury contour wand adds the right amount of warmth and sculpt to my base makeup. I apply the product to my forehead, nose, cheeks, and jawline and am left with a satin finish. The sponge tip on the applicator is the perfect shape to achieve a sun-kissed yet sculpted look. The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand can be purchased at Sephora and comes in seven shades.

5. Rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush

The rhode pocket blushes are the perfect flush of color to add some life to your skin. The blushes are lightweight and leave a healthy glow to your cheeks. I like to apply my blush right above my contour/bronzer on my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose. The rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush can be purchased at Sephora and comes in ten shades.

6. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder

The Hourglass pressed powder helps smooth my pores and instantly hides the excess oil on my face. The talc-free formula doesn’t cause my acne to flare up. The pressed powder comes with its own powder puff, making it easy to throw in your bag for touch-ups. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder can be purchased at Sephora and comes in five shades.

7. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Hydrating & Waterproof Setting Spray

The iconic Charlotte Tilbury setting spray has been my tried and true setting spray for years and years. The spray locks in my makeup and keeps my makeup looking fresh all day. The formula is perfect for my oily skin and is lightweight, leaving a natural, undetectable finish on the skin. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Hydrating & Waterproof Setting Spray can be purchased at Sephora and comes in three sizes.

Hello, my name is Kyra Lentz. I was born and raised in Northern California. In my free time, I enjoy creating mock ads, events, and campaigns, using Adobe applications. I also like to spend my time going for long walks or runs while listening to music. Some artists that I enjoy are Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, The Weeknd, and Olivia Rodrigo.

I am an advertising marketing communications (AMC) student at the Fashion Institue of Technology. I am currently in the one year AS program and will obtain my AS degree May 2026. After I finish the AS program, I will continue my academic journey at FIT and get my BS degree in AMC by 2028. My goal after graduation is to work in the marketing industry as a campaign organizer, social media specialist, or PR specialist.

During the 2023-2024 school year, I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, CA. At FIDM I gained practical industry skills to prepare me for merchandising and marketing fields. I further developed these skills through marketing and communication assignments such as campaign planning, press releases, magazine and blog articles, and presenting new ideas for the development of new brands, events, and products.