Take this as a sign to get your hands on the best-selling blush.

Nars's concealer is iconic in its own right. It's creamy, buildable, and provides ample coverage.

Makeup artist Jeanine Lobell considers this lightweight number one of her favorites for dry, aging skin. It's so comfortable you can barely even tell you're wearing makeup at all.

A matching lip balm is a must.

For those who prefer more matte lip looks, you can't go wrong with this velvety-soft option. This berry shade is just divine.

Can you tell I have a thing for Nars Orgasm? This multi-stick has been a tried-and-true staple for years.

I adore shadow sticks, especially in a matte brown shade like this. Pro tip: Use it to precisely contour your nose.

I keep this mist on my desk for an instant refresh. Try it—you won't be disappointed!

This decadent cream bronzer will make you look effortlessly sun-kissed, even smack-dab in the middle of winter.

If you're looking for a new tinted moisturiser, I highly recommend giving this a go.

Laura Mercier's tinted moisturiser is loved by beauty editors thanks to the lightweight, sheer formula.

I love Saie's Glowy Super Gel, so I was so excited to see that the brand does a tinted moisturiser as well.

If you like a natural-looking finish, then you'll love this skin tint from Bobbi Brown.

Even Rare Beauty has a tinted moisturiser for your minimal makeup days.

Our managing editor Poppy Nash raves about this one.

BareMinerals makes such good base products, so I already know that this will be a winner.

I haven't tried a Summer Fridays makeup product that I haven't liked.

Our beauty editor Eleanor Vousden loves this skin tint for a seriously glowy finish.

No makeup look of mine is complete without this ultra-glowy foundation by Armani. It delivers buildable medium coverage with a radiant, silky-smooth finish that leaves you with naturally flawless-looking skin. It's also available in 40 gorgeous shades to match every unique skin tone.
Customer review: "Of all the foundation products I have purchased, this is the only one I have repurchased. The coverage is excellent without feeling heavy and thick. My skin looks flawless and the color is a perfect match, which has been an issue with other lines. I love this product and will continue to include it in my makeup arsenal."

Last year, I began investing in high-quality lip pencils that blended perfectly with my favorite plum, pink, and red-toned lipsticks. MAC's Lip Pencil is just smooth and creamy enough that it's perfect for outlining, shaping, and coloring in the lips without dragging or disrupting any layers of lip color already present.
Customer review: "I am 25-years faithful to MAC lip pencils. No other pencil on the planet is as good. I use many different brands of makeup, but for lip pencils MAC is the only way to go. Creamy application that's never hard or obvious, sharpen like a dream, never break, [and] blends right into your lipstick."

If you've been anywhere on social media in the past few months, this one shouldn't come as a surprise to you. Dior's Lip Glow Oil enhances the lips while bringing out their natural color using a formula enriched with cherry oil and Dior's Color Reviver Technology. It's non-sticky and rich and gives a dazzling shine with every swipe.
Customer review: "This was the first time I bought this item, and oh my goodness do I love it so much! It is the perfect thing to throw on right before I go anywhere (meeting, store, appointment), and it just makes your lips look so full and glossy."

I've only recently been able to test this balm-like lipstick and have been absolutely in love with it in every sense. It offers a color-meets-care formula that glides onto the lips for long-lasting color with a lightweight feel and absolutely no stickiness.
Customer review: "I am just in love with this range my favorite shade is [Dolce Vita.] [It] suits my skin tone very well. It just slides onto lips and makes them look fuller and smooth. Visible shine and non-sticky texture make it more likable. One more plus point is that it doesn't make my lips dry rather makes them more hydrated and soft."

Bobbi Brown's swipe-and-go Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick is a must-have for anyone who wants a quick and easy eye look with minimal effort. It can be used to prime, line, and highlight and comes in three stunning finishes to complement all eye colors, shapes, and skin tones. Its creamy, soft formula is also smudge- and crease-free. 
Customer review: "I am a makeup minimalist and don't have the patience for everyday makeup routines that take more than 5 minutes. This stuff is perfect. I use the color Bark for every day. I line my upper eyelids, take my finger to smudge the line, then dab said finger into my crease, and voilà—done! The only disadvantage is that I have a bunch of other eyeliners and shadows that I no longer use!"

I'm going into the New Year with an effective skincare routine thanks to this lactic acid serum by Sunday Riley. It gently exfoliates the surface of the skin while plumping and smoothing away fine lines in three minutes using high-potency, purified-grade lactic acid. In other words, I'll be entering my "glowing skin" era.
Customer review: "I never write reviews, but this product really does wonders and is worth every penny. As I've gotten older my skin isn't as fresh and smooth as it used to be, but when I use this product I really do see a difference. I even got compliments on how great my skin looked after just two days. It smooths my complexions and gives me a nice healthy glow. I don't know how or why it works, but it does!"

Estée Lauder's seven-in-one super serum works night and day to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. Its powerful formula uses hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture, and its eight-hour antioxidant protection defends the skin against free radical change from environmental aggressors like pollution.
Customer review: "I've been using this product for several years. When I don't use it I notice a distinct difference in brightness and clarity of my skin. I've tried other serums but always come back to Advanced Night Repair."

I can't say enough good things about this Jo Malone fragrance. It gives peak Nancy Meyers, coastal-grandmother vibes in a cool, fresh way with mineral and woody notes of ambrette seeds, sea salt, and sage. To say I'm obsessed with Wood Sage & Sea Salt as a year-round fragrance would be an understatement.
Customer review: "Easily my new fave Jo Malone fragrance. It has a beach-inspired freshness, but it's also very elegant and will be a year-round go-to for me. I'm not sure what component it is, but there's something a little earthy about it that grounds it and gives it an unusual warmth for the typical 'light' scent."

I'm a notorious sucker for florals, and Flowerbomb has landed itself at the very top of my list of favorite scents. It combines intoxicating notes of cattleyas, freesia, sambac jasmine, and rose to create a pure and ultra-delicate fragrance worthy of its name.
Customer review: "Fantastically romantic is this fragrance. Fresh and light and the scent stays with you all day. The bottle design is great and I highly recommend spending a little extra on the refillable bottle—it's so worth it!"

This award-winning hairstyling tool has just witnessed a major redesign of its attachments with Enhanced Coanda airflow for increased control. It can be used to smooth, shape, and curl your strands with no extreme heat for faster and better styling. If you have tightly textured hair like mine, check out the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long Diffuse, which has attachments for curly and coily hair.
Customer review: "I love my Airwrap! It was a game changer for my hair. I constantly get compliments and asked if I got my haircut, but really I have just been styling it with the Airwrap. I 10/10 recommend this styler for anyone who wants to reduce heat."

Designed by Charlotte Tilbury to blend with the skin, warm the complexion, and camouflage the appearance of imperfections, the Airbursh Matte Bronzer is perfect for an allover face-and-body bronze or to define and contour.

Milk Makeup's award-winning liquid bronzer is formulated with hyaluronic acid to seamlessly build and blend for a natural-looking, sun-kissed finish. In addition to being streak and shimmer free, it can be worn ultra-sheer or extra dewy.

This bronzer has a lightweight serum texture that seamlessly blends into the skin to deliver a bronzed, glowy finish. It's crafted with SPF 15 for added sun protection and can be used all over the face for added warmth or in targeted areas to softly sculpt out features.

Crafted using a blend of skin-loving ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, grape-seed oil, and elderberry extract, Saie's lightweight, creamy balm bronzer delivers a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow or a softly sculpted finish every time.

Westman Atelier's clean, creamy contour stick offers medium coverage with a blendable, natural satin finish that effectively sculpts and defines the cheekbones in seconds without interfering with other makeup products. It also uses a soothing formulation that protects against environmental stressors.

This lightweight, long-wear contour stick by Fenty Beauty uses a cream-to-powder formula that's buildable and easy to blend and doesn't crease or flake. Available in a wide range of shades for all skin tones, the contour stick is perfect for targeted application anywhere you want to add dimension.

One of my new go-tos, Victoria Beckham Beauty's svelte Contour Stylus allows for refined and precise contouring using a buildable, blendable, long-lasting formula. Its slim, retractable bullet allows for the ultimate control, while its unique skin-smoothing formula works to moisturize while restoring lost volume.

This cream-and-powder contouring duo effortlessly shapes and defines the face for a beautifully dimensional look. Offered in a myriad of complementary shades, use this to create a gorgeous inside-out glow.

Infused with color reviver technology, Dior's beloved Rosy Glow Blush reacts to the skin's moisture level upon application to deliver a customized, natural-looking rosy, fresh, and glowy effect that lasts all day. The best part? Each blush shade coordinates with the brand's Lip Glow balms and oils.

This mistake-proof cream-to-powder multipurpose stick for the eyes, lips, cheeks, and body is quick and easy to apply for a sheer, natural finish. It also protects the skin using antioxidants like vitamin E and açaí oil. My favorite shade is Maui—a sheer dusty rose that looks amazing on all skin tones.

RMS Beauty's multidimensional, nourishing powder blush glides on effortlessly and melts into the skin to create a silky-smooth finish. It uses a sugar-derived wet powder technology and combines a creamy texture with a long-lasting 3D look.

This blush deposits a creamy, transparent veil of color that allows the natural texture of your skin to show through. Soft, flexible, and formulated with vitamin E to nourish and condition the skin, the Flush Balm Cream Blush delivers a visible, long-lasting glow that doesn't crease or cake throughout your day.

Hourglass's Ambient Lighting Palette offers three stunning shades of Ambient Lighting Powder, a high-tech, soft-focus finishing powder that captures, diffuses, and softens the way light reflects on skin. It utilizes photoluminescent technology to filter out harsh light and refine your complexion's appearance.

Merit's sheer, lightweight highlighting balm visibly illuminates your skin for a dewy glow using a moisture-replenishing and vitamin-rich formula that uses plant-based squalane, olive fruit oil, and more to enhance your natural glow. You can fully bet on a radiant finish without sparkle with this one.

This two-in-one blush and highlighter is formulated with skin-loving ingredients to combine the rosy flush of color of a blush with a highlighter's ability to create that glowing from within finish using finely milled pearls. I'm obsessed with every single shade of this product that's been offered so far.

Iconic London's concentrated shimmer formula is offered in three versatile shades to illuminate the skin. Add drops of the Illuminator to your go-to foundation, primer, or moisturizer for a fully customizable glow. Consider tapping it on the tip of your nose, your collarbones, or the cheekbones.

Hyperpigmentation doesn't stand a chance against this complexion-correcting serum. Its highly concentrated formula uses Viniferine, a patented ingredient from vine sap, and olive squalane to even the skin's tone and deliver moisture.

I refuse to gatekeep this refreshing Aesop toner any longer. Its citrus base cleanses the skin of sweat and grime to leave your complexion balanced, refreshed, and ready for hydration. It works particularly well with combination, acne-prone, and oily skin types.

Snag this during the sale if you want to end the year with smooth and radiant skin. It's designed to gently remove makeup and surface impurities without stripping the skin's moisture barrier. The Ocean Cleansing Milk has been part of my skincare routine for the past three years, and I can't imagine my lineup without it. 

Now that I've reached my mid-20s, most of my Friday nights consist of me slipping into something cozy, pouring myself a glass of chardonnay, and applying a nourishing face mask. This one by Blue Lagoon reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting your glow.

Here's another holy-grail product if you've been combating hyperpigmentation for too long. The water-based brightening serum pictured above targets uneven skin tone using a high concentration of purified alpha arbutin to brighten the skin, while the addition of hyaluronic acid helps support product absorption.

The holidays are coming, and so are nonstop photo-shoot ops. Keep your hair looking picture-perfect with the help of this heat-styling spray. Not only does it provide thermal protection, but it also repairs split ends and nourishes, softens, and strengthens your hair.

We all have bad hair days every now and then, but what if I told you there's a product that can double down on sad-looking strands? Spray this tonic on your damp hair (targeting the roots) to pump up the volume and create eye-catching shine for fine to medium hair.

If you haven't incorporated a mask into your haircare routine, what have you been doing to keep your tresses looking their best? The Thickening Plumping Mask can be applied after shampooing to deliver instant all-day volume by detangling and strengthening your hair.

If you want to banish frizz, Living Proof's No Frizz Vanishing Oil makes sure you can. The fast-absorbing oil locks in hydration while locking out humidity for smooth and shiny strands. Its formula uses amaranth-seed extract and a nourishing five-oil blend to replenish your hair's lost natural lipids.

At this point, I'm not sure if there will ever be another Nordstrom sale where I'm not planning on snagging this Olaplex product. The No.3 Hair Perfector is an at-home treatment that addresses damaged and compromised hair by strengthening it from within and restoring your strands to their healthiest state.

For as long as I can remember, I've been plagued with short, curly lashes that absolutely refuse to embrace volume or length. That was, of course, until I started using YSL's volume-enhancing Volume Effet Faux Cils Volumizing Mascara. It gives a stunning false-lash effect in a single stroke.

I swear by multipurpose makeup products I can use when I'm in a time crunch for that perfect finishing touch as I'm heading out the door. Westman Atelier's Baby Cheeks Blush Stick glides across the skin, delivering an effervescent flush of buildable color in a range of gorgeous shades.

Trust me—I've never known a creamier concealer than this one from Nars. It brightens, corrects, and perfects any areas you need a little extra coverage with up to 16 hours of wear. Its formula even uses light-diffusing technology with mineral powder to even the skin tone and hide imperfections.

If Clueless's Cher Horowitz had the Ambient Lighting Palette, she wouldn't have had to ask if she stumbled into bad lighting during her doomed date with Christian. The second edition of the brand's best-selling Ambient Lighting Palette gives a flawless complexion and multidimensional glow using photoluminescent powders.

Eyeliner can make or break any makeup look, but if you use the right one, you won't have to worry about the latter. This Chantecaille eyeliner combines the glide of a liquid with the pigment of a pencil for a transfer-proof, long-wearing finish. Each of the stunning shades is inspired by the opulent colors of Fortuny silks.

Dry brushing is a natural way to increase circulation and metabolism while eliminating dead skin cells. The natural cactus bristles that make up Elemis's Body Detox Skin Brush restore the tone and texture of your skin before you step into the shower. It's finally time to say goodbye to those pesky ingrown hairs and dry, flaky skin.

Nécessaire's daily hyaluronic acid treatment hydrates, replenishes, and plumps the skin. In addition to being formulated with five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, it includes niacinamide and ceramides to restore and support the skin barrier. For even more hydration, try mixing it with your favorite moisturizer.

Looking for a gentle yet effective way to buff and brighten your skin? Aesop's body scrub contains finely milled pumice and bamboo stem to fight through dead skin cells and grime while a blend of essential oils (fir, pine needles, clove, and sage leaf) provides spa-level aromatherapy.

Got milk? Fresh's non-stripping bodywash uses soothing plant-based milks from centella, rice, and linseed to gently remove impurities while maintaining your skin's pH levels. Its formula also has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E to keep your skin soft and smooth for hours on end.

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you—Byredo's beloved Blanche fragrance is available as a bodywash. If you've yet to experience Blanche, all you need to know is that the fragrance combines powdery white rose, pink pepper, violet, peony, sandalwood, and more for a scent built around perfumer Ben Gorham's perception of the color white.

"If you have a relatively good, clear complexion and you don't necessarily need any coverage to perfect anything, it will give you a really beautiful, healthy, radiant glow, which I love," says Young of Chanel Beauty's skin tints.

Who What Wear's beauty team are besotted with the Les Beiges Eau De Teint Water-Fresh Tint. "The soft and hydrating formula melts into this really smoothing base that gently blurs your complexion," says Who What Wear UK SEO writer, Ava Gilchrist."The coverage is ultra-light, but enough to even tone and conceal darker spots while still providing a lit-from-within glow," she adds.

"This formula sits somewhere between a tinted moisturiser and a glow booster—trust me, if radiance is what you seek, this product delivers," explains Who What Wear's deputy editor, Maxine Eggenberger. "I bought it when I was travelling as I wanted something super lightweight in comparison to what I had packed, and my mum ended up stealing it from me when our trip came to an end," she adds. "It's super hydrating and lightweight, making it ideal for all skin types, and gives your skin the sort of luminous quality you usually only achieve after a two-week holiday. Not bad for £12."

With a totally weightless, whipped texture, this tinted moisturiser from Dr. Jart+ is fast winning over makeup artists and beauty editors alike. Despite the limited shade range, the new formula was tested across a wide scope of skin tones, and the general consensus was that it was very adaptable because of the buildable and lightweight finish. The silky, smooth formula also blends like a dream, immediately blurring over imperfections without emphasising fine lines.

If you prefer a thinner, liquid formula to a thick cream, Glossier's hydrating skin tint is a winner. The thin, breathable formula is super sheer but still works hard to moisturise skin. Just a few drops will help to even out your skin tone—without caking, clogging pores or hiding freckles.

This tinted moisturiser is a great option if you're totally new to wearing makeup and don't want a product that you can feel or obviously see on your skin. The sheer-to-light coverage gives skin a really natural-looking finish, helping to conceal redness by enhancing (rather than masking) your natural complexion.

BareMinerals' makeup products are all about achieving fresh, natural-looking skin using clean, naturally derived ingredients. Providing 24 hours of hydration, this tinted moisturiser is ideal for mature skin that's experiencing dryness—it's proven to boost skin hydration by 215% in just one week of use.

Chantecaille's tinted moisturiser takes a three-in-one approach, combining moisturising ingredients with SPF protection and skin-smoothing coverage. Key ingredients include thyme and butterfly bush extract, which have anti-pollution benefits. 

This tinted moisturiser offers surprisingly strong coverage considering how light it feels upon application. If you want a product that blurs and conceals as well as your regular foundation (but doesn't feel heavy or look cakey), look no further.

When it comes to base products, MAC has an extensive collection of foundations, skin tints and tinted moisturisers, but this is our top pick for mature skin. The bright, dewy finish helps to counteract any dryness and dullness.

No list of tinted moisturisers would be complete without the addition of Nars's Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, which is an MUA kit staple. "If I want to give my client an unrivalled glow, this is the product I usually go for," says Young. Perfect for achieving a truly skin-like finish while still working hard to conceal and cover.

This cult tinted moisturiser is beloved for a reason—it's absolutely brimming with hydrating ingredients like kukui seed and macadamia oils to really infuse mature skin with hydration. Not only that, but it also contains vitamins E and C to protect and brighten skin, and it has a beautifully dewy finish that leaves skin looking so healthy.

No 7 has long been a go-to brand for those looking for products to tackle the emerging signs of mature skin, like fine lines. The brand is famous for its powerful serums, but its makeup offerings are not to be overlooked. Formulated with skin-protecting antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and ginseng root extract, this is every bit as much a skincare product as it is makeup. The lightweight formula melts into skin for a really natural-looking finish. 

We'd recommend this moisture-packed skincare-makeup hybrid if you do really struggle with both dry and oily areas of skin. With a fresh, lightweight consistency that melts and blends like butter, the tinted cream moisturises but doesn't clog pores, making it great for mature skin types that lean oily, combination or acne-prone too. Legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown is behind the Jones Road brand, so you just know this formula is going to deliver on its promises.

For a really natural-looking finish, apply your tinted moisturiser with a Beautyblender. Bouncing it onto skin will help to achieve a really seamless effect.

If you want to build up more coverage, a flat buffing brush like this one is an easy way to do so.

Want your tinted moisturiser to stick around all day? Prepping skin with this primer will help to do so.

This loose setting powder will help to prevent oil from disturbing your makeup. Because it's water-based, it won't make skin look cakey in the process.

Dry skin types especially will benefit from setting their makeup with this setting spray—it's packed with hydrating ingredients and formulated for all day hold.

Renee loves this dual sharpener from Nars. "It’s sharp, works on several different sized pencils, and doesn’t take too much or too little product off; just enough to get a nice point. It also opens up to be cleaned.”
Review Highlight: "Love this sharpener! I like that it comes with two sizes in it and hold the shavings after sharpening.”

This convenient sharpener has slots for small and chunky pencils, with the larger one adjusting to fit different sizes. It also comes with a small "pin” to help clean out shavings.
Review Highlight: "You can’t beat the price or convenience. The shavings are not all over my vanity. Gets pencils to a nice point without ‘chewing’ them up.”

Here is another option that works with both large and small pencils, and it costs less than your daily chai latte.
Review Highlight: "I love Maybelline Tattoo Eyeliner but was having a hard time sharpening the pencil. Problem solved.”

The shape of this sharpener is almost like a lipstick, making it easy to throw in your makeup bag.
Review Highlight: "I absolutely love this sharpener! It contains all the mess, stays sharp, and the pencil residue doesn’t dry on the blade.”

The perfect add-on for all those Jones Road Face Pencils you stocked up on this year (and it comes with a metal cleaning stick).
Review Highlight: "I sharpened all my pencils in one sitting. Something so satisfying about my pencils ready to go when I am.”

With two sizes and a cover to hold on to shavings, this is probably the most useful $2 you’ll ever spend.
Review Highlight: "This little sharpener really does the trick. I had been thinking the eyebrow pencils I use were being made more cheaply because they kept breaking off big chunks when I sharpened them. But all I needed was a new sharpener.”

Not only does this sharpener have the requisite two sizes for all your pencils, but it's also—dare I say—elegant.
Review Highlight: "This one sharpener works for everything in my generally extensive beauty collection, and is pretty and sturdy to boot! I'd imagine it will last me years, if not decades.”

Removable size adjuster? Check. Blade-cleaning tool? Check. Upbeat pink color to spruce things up? Check, check, check.
Review Highlight: "Other sharpeners end up breaking my kohl eyeliner pencils because the eyeliner is so soft, but this one gives my pencils a nice point without all the breaking.”

If you’re looking for durability, a metal sharpener should be on your radar. This one has two sizes and is still reasonably priced.
Review Highlight: "This is by far the best makeup pencil sharpener there is. It stays sharp and will last for YEARS!”

Urban Decay is known for its 24/7 liners and concealer pencils, so naturally it has a great sharpener to have on hand and keep them in great shape.
Review Highlight: "I've only tried this with the Urban Decay eyeliner pencils, but it works exactly as expected. Good quality internal metal parts; sharpens well without wasting too much product.”

It’s official. I am obsessed with this lipstick. The added touch of metallic makes it perfect for party season, without it being too in your face so it gets bonus points for wearability. It’s also faff free thanks to the teardrop applicator and whipped texture which quickly dries to give you 12 hours of non-budge wear. In the name of beauty journalism, I really did put this to the test and can confirm it isn’t going anywhere. When I tell you I scrubbed…

Red lipstick. At Christmas. Groundbreaking. But much like Mariah Carey and the song that needs no introduction, they really do go together perfectly at this time of year. I was on a mission to find the perfect matte pillarbox red and I most certainly found it. The pigment is insane meaning you don’t need to apply a lip liner first, plus it passes the longevity test and is comfortable and non-drying. Maybe this signals the start of me being a red lipstick all year round kinda gal.

Made in celebration of the holiday season, Dior’s new limited-edition lipstick is a work of art. Stars and flowers are engraved on the bullet, and you can choose between a velvety, satiny or matte finish – I opted for the latter. I wore this out during the weekend, topping it up only a couple of times, and received lots of compliments. Tis the season *insert nail polish emoji.*

Of course I couldn’t turn my back on a bit of hot pink – it's been the year of Barbiecore after all. Much like the name suggests, it’s really soft on the lips and and dries to a velvety matte finish. I was really impressed with just how nourishing and lightweight it felt and the color is divine.

I’ve had a love affair with this matte lipstick collection ever since I went to the launch event and tried on the shade No Angel. For the few times I’ve opted for a red lipstick, I go for one with the slightest hint of orange so this one is right up my alley. It’s a great pick for party season as you can sip mulled wine, eat pigs in blankets, and finish with a few rounds underneath the mistletoe without it budging. Pucker up!

I definitely feel more in my comfort zone wearing this. It’s my number one choice for day-to-night wear and the hyaluronic acid and avocado oil-infused formula means it feels really nice on. For a whole look, try it with the Make Up For Ever Endless Cacao Lip Liner and the Kylie Cosmetics Kyshadow The Mauve Palette—it's a winner.

There’s no doubt about it, this lipstick is boujee. I felt extra holding it, applying it, and wearing it—and that's what party season is all about, right? If you’re into a more sheen, glossy finish with impressive staying power, this one is for you. There’s also something a vampy lip does to me that others could never, and because it’s so striking you can wear it on its own.

I am a big Vieve fan (Skin Nova is my desert island beauty product) and at this rate, Lara is coming with me, too. The shade is really interesting as it isn’t quite red and it isn’t quite berry – it’s a glorious mix of the two. It has a ‘matte not flat’ finish, and is very highly pigmented, whilst being buildable and blendable. Looks like I'm loving it so much I had the sudden urge to smell it.

It would be rude of me not to feature some kind of glitter lipstick in this line up—it is party season after all. Let the lipstick completely dry for a couple of minutes, press your lips together and POW the formula transforms into full frontal glitter. The picture doesn’t do it justice as it was really hard to capture the multi-dimensional finish and glisten, but take my word for it. For me, it's screaming New Year's Eve party. The shade Candy is unfortunately, sold out, but you can get it in this peachy shade of coral called Trouble.

It’s official. I am obsessed with this lipstick. The added touch of metallic makes it perfect for party season, without it being too in your face so it gets bonus points for wearability. It’s also faff free thanks to the teardrop applicator and whipped texture which quickly dries to give you 12 hours of non budge wear. In the name of beauty journalism, I really did put this to the test and can confirm it isn’t going anywhere. When I tell you I scrubbed…

Red lipstick. At Christmas. Groundbreaking. But much like Mariah Carey and the song that needs no introduction, they really do go together perfectly at this time of year. I was on a mission to find the perfect matte pillarbox red and I most certainly found it. The pigment is insane meaning you don’t need to apply a lip liner first, plus it passes the longevity test and is comfortable and non-drying. Maybe this signals the start of me being a red lipstick all year round kinda gal.

Made in celebration of the holiday season, Dior’s new limited-edition lipstick is a work of art. Stars and flowers are engraved on the bullet, and you can choose between a velvety, satiny or matte finish – I opted for the latter. I wore this out at the weekend, topping it up only a couple of times, and received lots of compliments. Tis the season *insert nail polish emoji*

Of course I couldn’t turn my back on a bit of hot pink – it's been the year of Barbiecore after all. Much like the name suggests, it’s really soft on the lips and and dries to a velvety matte finish. I was really impressed with just how nourishing and lightweight it felt and the colour is divine.

I’ve had a love affair with this matte lipstick collection ever since I went to the launch event and tried on shade ‘No Angel’. For the few times I’ve opted for a red lipstick, I go for one with the slightest hint of orange so this one is right up my street. It’s a great pick for party season as you can sip mulled wine, eat pigs in blankets and finish with a few rounds underneath the mistletoe without it budging. Pucker up!

I definitely feel more in my comfort zone wearing this. It’s my number one choice for day-to-night wear and the hyaluronic acid and avocado oil-infused formula means it feels really nice on. For a whole look, try it with the Make Up Forever Endless Cacao Lip Liner and the Kylie Cosmetics Kyshadow The Mauve Palette – it’s a winner.

There’s no doubt about it, this lipstick is boujee. I felt extra holding it, applying it and wearing it –and that’s what party season is all about, right? If you’re into a more sheen, glossy, finish with impressive staying power, this one is for you. There’s also something a vampy lip does to me that others could never, and because it’s so striking you can where it on its own.

I am a big Vieve fan (Skin Nova is my desert island beauty product) and at this rate, Lara is coming with me, too. The shade is really interesting as it isn’t quite red and it isn’t quite berry – it’s a glorious mix of the two. It has a ‘matte not flat’ finish, and is very highly pigmented, whilst being buildable and blendable. Looks like I'm loving it so much I had the sudden urge to smell it.

It would be rude of me not to feature some kind of glitter lipstick in this line up – it is party season after all. Let the lipstick completely dry for a couple of minutes, press your lips together and POW the formula transforms into full frontal glitter. The picture doesn’t do it justice as it was really hard to capture the multi-dimensional finish and glisten, but take my word for it. For me, it's screaming New Year's Eve party. 

I'm a tinted-moisturizer stan, and this formula never disappoints. It's lightweight, hydrating, and really enhances my skin, giving it a subtle wash of coverage. I like to add some to my moisturizer and apply it with my fingers. Your fingers are the most underrated makeup tool in your kit, in my opinion!

I won't lie: I'm usually put off by concealers that come in little pots like this because the formulas always feel extra drying to me—but not this one, my friends. It doesn't settle into my lines at all, and the formula is infused with good-for-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamins A, C, and E, so over time, your skin will look plumper and more hydrated. Here, I added a bit under my eyes to brighten things up and above my brows to help soften some persistent redness.

I've tried thousands of lip products (and own hundreds), but I kid you not, no other product will give you that "your lips, but better" look like this little tube of magic. The formula feels so buttery smooth on my lips, and it adds the prettiest wash of sheer coverage. I find myself reaching for this multiple times a day. I can't get enough of it.

There are few foundations that I use regularly, but this is one of them. It's a makeup-skincare hybrid, so the finish feels incredibly natural but still provides the extra coverage I'm sometimes after. I swear the moment the formula touches my skin, it instantly takes the redness out. (Thanks, biomimetic oat!) My skin always looks refreshed when I use this.

This is one of my top three concealers of all time. It's a cult favorite, and if you haven't tried it, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a tube. It's so incredibly creamy, and the formula never settles into lines. It lasts all day and is really the secret to looking like you got a full night's rest (even if you didn't).

There are a couple ways to use this bronzing cream: on it's own or over your foundation. It always gives the prettiest, warm glow to my skin. I like to swirl a blending brush into the compact and apply it in a circular motion, blending until it becomes one with my skin. When your winter blues hit, use this. Trust me.

This is the top-selling blush in the U.S. Need I say more? She's perfect.

This is the most aptly named bronzer, if you ask me. It'll give you a glow as the name suggests—like you've just spent the day lounging in Laguna Beach.

I'm a setting-spray gal, but as far as setting powders go, this one is elite. It actually has a radiant finish, which I appreciate. Once my makeup is done, I use a brush to press and roll some over my makeup to lock it all in place. The best part is it's made with a light-reflecting complex that makes your skin look flawless in photos and IRL.

This mascara is not faking it. The full-bodied brush helps lift and build dreamy lashes. However, if you're into thick, voluminous lashes, this might not be the formula for you. It adds some fullness, but its best quality is its lengthening abilities. Also, since the formula is fairly lightweight, you can really layer it on.

Do you ever want your lips to be so shiny you can see a reflection in them? If yes, you've come to the right place. Not only is this lip-gloss formula infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients that nourish and protect lips, but the applicator combines a flocked tip with a paddle shape to hug your lips for a seamless, high-shine application. It looks perfect on its own or layered over a lipstick like I've done here with the Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick in Sweet Disposition ($34).

Full transparency: I didn't use this in either of these looks, but it's a true makeup-bag staple. If you want to lock makeup in place all day, look no further. This will keep your face looking fresh all day long.

My issue with matte lipstick is the application. More often than not, it makes my lips look flaky. This formula is made with rich emollients, so when it's applied to lips, it just glides on. I'm also low-key obsessed with this mauve-brown color.

This is hands down one of the best liquid lipsticks out there. I don't even like matte finishes, and I'm obsessed with this. It packs a serious punch and will not budge once it's on. (Consider yourself warned.) In general, if you want more color payoff, apply this directly to bare lips in one clean sweep. But if you're like me and don't want it as saturated, use the applicator to blot the color onto your lips to create more of a stain effect.

This is not your average matte liquid lipstick. The finish is comfortable and won't settle into fine lines, and it doesn't leave your lips dried out. 

Not only does this cushiony lipstick last all day and deliver high-impact color, but passionfruit and moringa oils also hydrate lips.

If your foundation MO is that you want to look like you're not wearing any, this is the perfect foundation for you. It helps blur imperfections while delivering a finish that looks like your skin.

This universally flattering lip gloss is infused with raspberry oil to soften lips. 

This palette is basically a one-stop shop for your whole face.

Not only does this blush impart dreamy, highly pigmented color, but it's also infused with monoï and tamanu oils for an extra boost of hydration.

Coconut and jojoba oils help nourish lips while a veil of sheer color gives them an otherworldly quality. 

With names like Punta Cana, Laguna, and San Juan, this bronzer will surely give you a glow like you just left the beach. 

This little bronzer-and-blush duo has saved my face on more than one occasion. It's just what you need for a healthy glow. 

Use this stick liberally and with abandon. It can be used on eyes, lips, cheeks, and even body—there's nothing this multitasker can't do.

We've tested what feels like every concealer out there, and this brightening formula is the cream of the crop. It lasts from dusk until dawn, and you can barely tell it's on your face.

This may be a full-coverage foundation, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's heavy. This matte foundation is ultra-wearable and breathable while still maintaining all-day coverage. 

This is the best tinted moisturizer out there, hands down. I've gone through so many tubes of this. It looks just like your skin, imparts a subtle radiance, and even offers extra SPF protection. 

Behold the most velvety, easiest-to-use lipstick pencil on the market. It's infused with vitamin E to help create a comfortable finish, but don't worry—it never smudges. 

Of course, the last pick on this list is the Nars product to end all Nars products. Nars blush is unmatched: It's blendable and buildable and comes in radiant shades that flatter all skin tones. 

Next, I'm a Millennial, But I'm Still Copying These Gen Z Makeup Looks Immediately

Full disclosure, I’m the UK and Ireland brand Ambassador for It Cosmetics, but the reason they approached me for the role is that I’ve been waxing lyrical about this CC Cream for years. This offers completely full coverage and was founded by a woman who has rosacea, so it is the ultimate redness remedy. What’s more, the finish is dewy so you barely look like you’re wearing anything (even though you’ve achieved a flawless base).

If you prefer to look like you haven’t got any makeup on or you like going makeup-free, you’ll love Bye Bye Redness. This full-coverage cream has a satin, high-cover finish, so you can blend it into the areas you wish to cover and leave the rest bare. It melts seamlessly into the complexion with no tell-tale signs of being there.

As a brand, Cerave is reliable on all counts when you have redness or rosacea. Everything is competitively priced, fragrance-free and simple—just what the doctor ordered. This particular cleanser is gentle and removes all makeup without being abrasive.

Though there is a specific redness range at La Roche Posay, my dermatologist (Stefanie Williams at Eudelo) recommended the Toleraine range for me, and I’ve seen remarkable results since using it. The texture in my skin is smoother and I have significantly fewer redness flare-ups now.

We should all be using an SPF every single day, but in particular, those with rosy complexions need to do so because the sun will be all the more irritating. Anthelios is my SPF of choice because it's so thin in texture that you barely feel it on the skin and sits quietly under makeup. This is so tiny you can easily slip it into your bag to top up, too.

If you can stretch to it, this peel by Dr. Dennis Gross will provide instant visible relief to textured red skin. I go to this before a special occasion or when I want an instant skin pick-me-up. This two-step system is the closest thing to being treated by the doctor himself. It’s an exfoliant but doesn’t have any beads in it, so you get the same smooth, plump results that you would get from a scrub (only better).

For everyday glow and maintenance, these Dr. Dennis Gross pads are the hero product in my cupboard. Use step one to gently exfoliate, and step two to neutralize the skin and balance it post-treatment. This step significantly reduces the amount of texture in the skin both immediately and over time. It makes your skin look like a balloon—plump and smooth in texture.

If your skin is textured, I’d recommend switching to cream textures in your makeup where you can. Pressing your products into the skin helps to create a buttery skin texture, as opposed to layering powders with brushes which may lift as you build your base. These Givenchy drops can be used alone as a highlighter or mixed into your foundation to add some glow.

A facial massage is one of the most powerful tools to instantly brighten the complexion, but if you’re prone to redness, you don’t want to use too much pressure. Using something rich and slippery like the Decleor Rose D’Orient night balm will allow you to massage the skin without pulling it. If you find that essential oils aren’t an ideal combination with your redness; then rinse this off post-massage. Otherwise, leave it on overnight to unveil plump, deeply hydrated skin come morning.

Cream blush will add a healthy flush to the skin, and if you’ve applied a full-coverage product all over, it will help to add some depth and definition. The peachy Lancôme Cream Blush Stick will glide gently over any texture and help to detract from the redness in your complexion.

When it comes to a rich, creamy formula that doesn’t irritate the skin, this cleanser is great. With its thick texture, you’ll like this if you don’t want your skin to feel tight after removing makeup. This has been formulated especially with sensitive skin in mind.

For me, the simplest and quickest make-up to give a glowing complexion is a full-coverage CC Cream, a slick of mascara, and bright lipstick. I love the entire Nars lip collection, in particular, the shade Get Up, Stand Up, a red that makes teeth look whiter and eyes more sparkly. Best of all, it has serious staying power.

Some of my most prominent redness sits at the top of my cheeks and around my hairline, so I have to make sure that even the eye area is dealt with sensitively. Pestle & Mortar’s offering across the board is great if you have redness in the skin, and its eye cream is both creamy and gentle all-in-one.

When in doubt, I always think that simple French pharmacy solutions are great for treating redness. This mask from Uriage has made its way to the UK and offers an instantly cooling, soothing remedy if you’ve experienced a flare-up. Use this after a day in the sun or a hot shower or bath to take the edge off warm skin.

Selena Gomez’s fantastic makeup line has an array of blush shades, with your choice of matte or radiant finish.

Three of the brand’s best-selling shades—Orgasm, Dolce Vita, and Torrid—are also available in liquid form. Need we say more?

It may say lip stain on the packaging, but Ma swears this is one of the best liquid blush options around. "The texture is sheer and smooth," according to the makeup pro.

The word gelée just makes us feel fancy when applying this blush. The fact that it leaves a gorgeous, sheer glow doesn’t hurt either. 

Don’t be turned off by the boldness of these seven water-based colors in their packaging—they each look nice and natural when applied.

Slightly NSFW origin story alert: First invented back in the '70s to help make dancers’ nipples stand out in the company’s hometown of San Francisco (the more you know!), this lip-and-cheek stain remains a cult favorite to this day.

When it comes to liquid blushes, there are two time periods: BCP (before Cloud Paint) and ACP (after Cloud Paint). Each of the eight super-creamy hues lends a perfectly lit-from-within glow, and the buildable color makes them completely foolproof.

Does any celeb have a natural aura quite like Drew Barrymore? (We'll wait…) If this gel blush from her makeup line, Flower Beauty, can capture even a fraction of that radiance, you’re in good shape.

This pretty blush is applied directly from the tube itself, so you just twist, dab on, and blend. 

The blushes from this cult line leave a natural flush and have skin-loving ingredients like evening primrose. 

Considering the under-$10 price point, you'll be amazed at the color payoff with this (vegan!) formula. 

Just a dab of this super-pigmented formula will give you a wash of color that stays put all day long. 

We love a dual-purpose product, and this jojoba oil–enriched formula looks just as gorgeous as a lip stain as it does on the cheeks.

This jelly-like tint is not only fun to apply, but it also imparts a wash of color that dries to a pretty matte finish.

This oil-free gel blush comes in six of the prettiest, most natural-looking shades—in or out of the drugstore.

Chanel makeup never disappoints and this blush is universally loved by the Who What Wear beauty team. The texture is ultra light but creamy and blends so seamlessly into the skin. It gives the perfect natural wash of color that never looks too over the top.

Did you know Nars’s best-selling Orgasm blush—you know, the cheekily named shimmery peach that looks perfect on everyone—also comes in lipstick form? Run, don’t walk.

Not only is this pretty matte shade designed to look fantastic on every skin tone, but thanks to the addition of hydrating hyaluronic acid, it stays creamy and velvety even after hours of wear.

This sheer, glossy lipstick complements all skin tones and goes with just about every makeup look.

This affordable favorite has just the right amount of sheen, and it's pretty much the platonic ideal of the barely there neutral.

This stunning pinky-peach is extra matte, but somehow doesn’t feel dry at all. What is this wizardry?!

Few products are as convenient for on-the-go application as a crayon, and with jojoba oil and shea butter, it’s also extra-nourishing. But what else would you expect from the purveyor of one of the world’s best lip balms?

Moisturizing and just sheer enough, this is the balm-lipstick hybrid you'll want to keep in every room, bag, and pocket within reach.

From the printed tube to the moisturizing formula, this Gucci lipstick is, in a word, brilliant. And the color may be the most spot-on representation of "peach” we’ve seen. 

The shade makes a statement without being so over-the-top you can’t wear it every day, and the creamy formula keeps lips moisturized for up to six hours.

Liquid lipsticks are known for their stamina, and this vegan formula lasts up to a whopping 16 hours.

With this shade’s subtle peachy tint, moisturizing formula, and non-sticky feel, you won’t mind that it technically isn't a lipstick one bit. 

Sleek and functional: The gold tube that houses this peachy-pink lipstick isn’t just nice to look at; it’s also refillable.

This non-greasy balm imparts a sheer wash of Popsicle-like color that screams summer. Although, you’ll want to wear it 365 days a year.

This shade is a little brighter than your average peach, and the luxe formula provides a smooth, plump finish. 

There are sheer, glossy lipsticks, and then there are Chanel sheer, glossy lipsticks. With its just-bitten color, high-shine finish, and chic-as-can-be packaging, it’s one investment product that’s worth it.

If you prefer your peach to veer more orange than pink, this creamy (and hard-to-find!) color is for you. 

The trifecta of jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and murumuru butter makes this crayon ultra nourishing, while the color is one of those magical hues that seem to work on every skin tone. 

This super-creamy concealer has cult status thanks to its second-skin finish.

Eye shadow primer isn't usually deemed a necessity, but I have carried this stuff in my makeup bag for years. It prevents creasing and creates the ultimate blank canvas for application.

I quite often find that my under-eyes have a tendency to become shiny. This silky powder really helps make sure my concealer stays put.

For when I want to keep my makeup looking glowy but take down any greasy shine, this light-reflecting powder is my go-to. It keeps concealer in place all day long without looking cakey.

While most swear by the creamy goodness of Radiant Creamy Concealer, this stuff is my long-standing favourite. Not a day goes by that I don't dab this on my dark circles and blemishes to create an even complexion.
Next up, I just asked a dermatologist how to de-puff eyes, and the answers really work.

Say goodbye to dark circles—this concealer uses an anti-fatigue complex to lighten the under-eye area and reduce puffiness. It also has light-reflecting pigments and botanical-based brightening ingredients to camouflage discoloration and age spots.

Customer review: "This Concealing Corrector Pen lives up to its name by lightening and concealing under-eye shadows as well as lightly moisturizing this area. In addition, it has ingredients that are known for improving skin health. Application is relatively easy once a brand-new applicator is pumped a few times to get the concealer moving down the tube. I found that keeping it upright in a vertical container helps."

Pro: Cruelty-free formula

Con: None

When my tired-looking eyes need a quick and easy pick-me-up, I reach for this light-coverage concealer by Milk Makeup. Its skincare-based formula hydrates and refreshes the eyes, and the addition of light-reflecting powders illuminates them even more.

Customer review: "I have a hard time finding the right products for my skin since it is dry and sensitive, but I was very impressed with this concealer. It did brighten my under-eyes and I don't look so tired. It's smooth and lightweight, and I like the little rolling ball, lol. I use it every day now, and I highly recommend this product!"

Pro: Offers a dewy, hydrated look

Con: Limited shade availability

This has quickly become one of my favorite Brown- and Black-girl-friendly multitasking products. It offers lightweight, buildable coverage and comes in a variety of shades for natural-looking coverage on the go.

Customer review: "Love this product!! On lighter makeup days, I’ll use it to spot conceal, and it blends out beautifully. On full makeup days, I’ll use it to conceal and brighten the face. I have used it with various foundations and it still blends beautifully!"

Pro: Natural-looking, skin-like finish

Con: Drying formula

While this is a full-coverage concealer, it's also incredibly lightweight. It blurs and smooths the skin using a powerful blend of skin-loving peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.

Customer review: "I have super dark circles under my eyes and this product has been a godsend. It provides very good coverage without looking cakey or overdone. It lasts the whole day without settling into any fine lines. Total winner!"

Pro: Gentle on acne-prone skin

Con: May emphasize dry areas

One of the best things about this concealer is that it has broad-spectrum SPF 25 protection against UV rays. The formula is extremely hydrating and glides on smoothly for a seamless, glowy finish.

Customer review: "I've been using Clé de Peau concealer for many years. With previous versions, I struggled with it settling into my pores. The latest formulation has totally changed this, despite the fact that I'm obviously older now. Between the fabulous skincare products, including eye cream, and now the upgraded concealer, my creases are barely visible—which I love!"

Pro: Applies smoothly

Con: Limited shade availability

This medium-coverage concealer works on a lot of skin types and is formulated with nourishing and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and caffeine.

Customer review: "Absolutely love this concealer! For the most part, my only face base product is concealer so I take this very seriously. In true Kosas fashion, this concealer offers buildable coverage without sacrificing texture. I have built this up to cover the most stubborn of blemishes and find that it conceals bumps and redness excellently, without becoming patchy. For my acne-prone skin, this is a miracle worker!"

Pro: Noncomedogenic formula

Con: Somewhat drying

Fenty Beauty's concealer is another one of my favorites, delivering medium to full coverage that's also lightweight. It leaves a matte finish that's crease-proof.

Customer review: "I bought this after testing a bunch of different concealers at Ulta. This one was the only one that felt like it melted into my skin. It's lightweight and does a good job with concealing. I have combination skin and there's pretty much no caking going on. It literally looks like I'm wearing a filter."

Pro: Water-resistant formula

Con: Not ideal for dry skin

This aptly named concealer moves with your skin instead of sitting on its surface. It's also formulated with mineral pigments for an overall brightening effect.

Customer review: "I love natural makeup looks and usually dislike how fuller coverage concealers with my hooded eyes often look creepy, but super natural ones don’t hide my dark circles. This is perfect. Warm it up between two fingers and then apply."

Pro: Does not shift or oxidize

Con: Not long-lasting

One of the most beloved concealers out there, Nars's Radiant Creamy Concealer is always reliable. The hydrating formula has light-diffusing technology for a radiant and smooth finish with 16 hours of wear.

Customer review: "I started with a light shade under my eyes to brighten the area. Then a slightly darker shade was recommended for me to use as a contour on my cheekbones. Very little product is needed to accomplish effects."

Pro: Creamy, easy-to-use formula

Con: Minimal creasing

Nyx's concealer is available in 23 different shades, including color-correcting green, yellow, and lavender. You can also use it for a seamless contour.

Customer review: "I love using this concealer. Whenever I apply it, the texture is always soft & not harsh on the skin. This is the first time I purchased this brand for eye makeup and I totally love it. I am definitely going to buy it again. Also, I would recommend it for others."

Pro: Natural-looking finish

Con: Settles into fine lines

Milk Makeup's multiuse, medium- to full-coverage concealer provides a lightweight, crease-proof finish using a unique formula with hyaluronic acid, caffeine, aloe vera, and arnica.

Customer review: "First, let me say that at 37, I had never used concealer on my under eye because I felt it always made me look worse—caking, weird color, and settling in lines. This is the first concealer that matches perfectly and doesn't cake under my eye. It’s also great for breakouts. I'm obsessed!"

Pro: Blends seamlessly

Con: Not ideal for dry, mature skin

If you've been on the hunt for a concealer that gives you a flawless-looking finish, you need to try this one. It's crafted from a high-performance formula with advanced skincare properties.

Customer review: "Hear me now and believe me later—you need this concealer. I don't know where I heard this trick for foundation but I put it together with this product and it is magic: Prep your skin, put a swipe or two of concealer on the back of your hand, spray a dry beauty blender with setting spray and dab the sponge ever so slightly into a bit of the concealer."

Pro: Extensive shade availability

Con: Tricky to shade-match

Since being introduced to this Tarte concealer two months ago, I've been using it nonstop. It effectively targets hyperpigmentation and dark circles while noticeably brightening the skin.

Customer review: "The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a game-changer in the world of cosmetics. This concealer has an incredibly rich and creamy texture, making it easy to blend and apply. It effortlessly covers dark spots, blemishes, and dark circles without feeling heavy or cake-y on the skin. One of the standout features of this concealer is its impressive staying power. It lasts all day without creasing or fading, keeping your skin looking flawless and radiant from morning to night."

Pro: Blendable and buildable formula

Con: Slight oxidization over time

For foolproof coverage, this concealer is a major contender. Resistant to creasing, this ultra-creamy formula will stick around all day for a luminous finish. Its buildable formula is powered by mineral-coated pearls to visibly brighten the skin and water lily extract to soothe and hydrate.

Customer review: "I've been using BareMinerals for years, and I have noticed the product keeps improving. The coverage is clean. It doesn't clump! It's application is great and the coverage lasts. I typically use a lighter shade under my eyes for a brighter look and then blend it with a slightly darker tone for beautiful seamless coverage. I highly recommend it."

Pro: Crease-proof and buildable

Con: Limited shade availability

The super-lightweight formula from Ilia doesn't leave any creases or a cakey finish. It's also enriched with vitamin C to brighten and smooth the skin.

Customer review: "The Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer blends into a creamy, creaseless and it does reduce the appearance of dark circles, discoloration, and blemishes. I chose shade SC2 Yucca and love that it brightens my under-eyes. This does not crease or breakdown. I think this is a great concealer."

Pro: Silicone- and fragrance-free formula

Con: None

Made for all skin types, this lightweight concealer works to minimize the appearance of pores and leave the skin looking radiant. The hydrating product is buildable while providing a natural, skin-like finish.

Customer review: "I love this skin-like concealer. I'd say it's an alternative for Glossier pot concealer. Don't expect full coverage or a matte finish, but if you like a more low-key makeup look or something that makes you feel like you're wearing makeup without feeling cake-y or heavy, I'd recommend this."

Pro: Dewy, radiant coverage

Con: Creases when layered with powder

Laura Mercier's Weightless Concealer will blur any imperfections while offering all-day hydration. In addition to being crease-proof and cake-free, its formula is crafted with skincare ingredients and contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Customer review: "After using this product over the past few weeks, I am loving the results! It has helped keep my dry skin feeling hydrated. Application is easy, and the formula is silky and it last all day with no need to reapply!"

Pro: Seamless and even application

Con: Settles slightly in creases

Here's another Black- and Brown-skin-friendly product I've been loving lately. This concealer by Kulfi Beauty offers a radiant finish while keeping your skin looking and feeling hydrated.

Customer review: "Best concealer I've ever used. It sets way better than any other self-setting concealer I've used, barely creases, and lasts all day/night without caking. It doesn't clog my pores, and feels so natural on my skin. Blends and layers beautifully."

Pro: Layers well with cream-based products

Con: None

Out of all my go-to products from the Rosie Huntington-Whiteley–founded beauty brand, this ridiculously hydrating concealer has earned a permanent spot at the top of my list.

Customer review: "The only concealer I use. It is hydrating, has amazing coverage, and is not cakey on my under-eyes. This has become a staple for me and I don't even think about other concealers. It is also the perfect pale olive for me. I definitely recommend!"

Pro: Applies and blends easily

Con: Not ideal for sensitive skin

Combat dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles by using this concealer packed with active ingredients that protect the skin from pollution and free radicals while giving a smoothing effect.

Customer review: "If you are on the hunt for full coverage, skin-like concealer then you needn't look any further. I have always struggled with dark circles under my eyes and every concealer I tried previously was incredibly heavy and cake-y on the delicate under-eye area, this is a must-have in my opinion."

Pro: Enriched with active ingredients

Con: None

If you haven't given Rare Beauty's best-selling blush a try yet, where have you been? It comes in several gorgeous shades that complement all skin tones, giving a soft, healthy flush.
Glowing customer review: "100% worth the hype. I finally caved and bought this blush. It's absolutely stunning and beautiful on the skin. Looks amazing in photography. Blends like a dream and you need to use almost nothing. It did not pick up my makeup underneath at all."
Pros: Perfectly pigmented and long-lasting
Cons: None

I'll always be a fan of multitasking products like this cream blush stick by Westman Atelier. It glides effortlessly onto the skin and delivers an effervescent flush of color with a simple swipe. What's more, it's formulated with ingredients that support your skin's moisture barrier.
Glowing customer review: "Amazing blush. I started with Poppy and have bought three more colors (Petal, Dou Dou, and Couchette). I'm obsessed. They have replaced all my other blushes. The formula is so creamy, blendable, and perfectly pigmented. This is the best formula out there!"
Pros: Applies smoothly and evenly on the skin without splotches or patches of color
Cons: High price point for the given amount of product 

Ideal for accentuating the eyes, lips, and cheeks, this multipurpose stick blush creates dimension and highlights the skin with sheer color and shimmering accents. It's even available in the brand's classic shade Orgasm. (My personal favorite is Maui.)
Glowing customer review: "I love this product, it adds such a pretty glow with light color. It also builds really nicely on top of other cream blushes if I want a bolder color but still want a natural-looking glow/highlight!"
Pros: Offers a natural flush of color
Cons: Formula is not extremely buildable, applies semi-sheer

I've been rotating this liquid blush by Benefit Cosmetics in and out of my makeup routine since my tween years, and I'm still obsessed. Now available in three natural-looking shades, this liquid tint is smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and kiss-proof.
Glowing customer review: "I absolutely love this product. I use it every day in my makeup routine. The product has just the right amount of pigment and it looks great on both lips and cheeks. I personally use it for both. The product is very easy to blend. Now that I've started using it I don't think I could ever go back."
Pros: Long-wearing, transfer-proof
Cons: Can be somewhat drying when applied to the lips

There's a good chance your favorite beauty editors and makeup artists have been gatekeeping this one, but luckily for you, I'm in the mood for sharing. This hydrating gel-cream blush by Chantecaille is the secret to achieving an effortless "my cheeks just got pinched" look.
Glowing customer review: "The Chantecaille Cheek Gelée melts seamlessly into the skin and blends very nicely without leaving harsh lines. The finish appears to be very natural and provides a sheer wash of color, more product can be added gradually to achieve the desired effect, and the blush lasts well on the skin. I would highly recommend and very much look forward to trying other shades from this range."
Pros: Produces a stunning illuminating effect
Cons: Not extremely buildable since it gives a more subtle flush

If an ultra-pigmented matte blush is what you're after, it's time this one is on your radar. Haus Labs' Color Fuse Powder Blush offers a natural-looking yet matte finish and is formulated with fermented arnica to reduce redness and hydraberry to reinforce your skin barrier.
Glowing customer review: "Love the Haus Labs blushes. I pare them with the Saie liquid blushes, and I am obsessed with the way my blush looks after I'm done. I never used to be a girl who was obsessed with blush, but these are making me rethink that! They look and feel great on my skin. Some brands' blushes break me out, but I've never had a problem with these."
Pros: Transfer-proof product that stays put all day
Cons: Application can be patchy when layering with other products

You knew it was coming! Offered in a matte, satin, and shimmer finish, Nars's award-winning blush in Orgasm is my top pick for fair skin tones (although it's highly complementary on all). This blush uses superfine micronized powder pigments to create that luminous finish we all know and love.
Glowing customer review: "I've been into cream blush lately, but this is such a nice powder blush. I can see why it's considered a classic. It's a very nice pink that melts into your foundation and has just a little bit of shimmer. It doesn't look dollish or too bright. I have a fair/light complexion with red undertones, so I avoided blush for years, but this gives a very pretty subtle glow. It's easy to apply too—don't overthink it, just sweep a little over your cheekbones."
Pros: Offers a luminous, natural flush of color
Cons: Limited color payoff

Sun-kissed olive skin tones shine in the presence of vibrant coral, and Milk Makeup's Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in Perk is my favorite one. It's formulated using mango butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil to help boost hydration, nourish the skin, and allow for ease of application.
Glowing customer review: "I've been wanting to try a coral blush and was excited to try Perk! It's a beautiful shade that is buildable and blendable on skin. I have tan skin so it leaves a light flush, but I also love it on lips! The size also makes it perfect to throw in a purse and take it on the go!"
Pros: Formula is extremely creamy and easy to blend
Cons: Not ideal for oily skin since product tends to become slick with wear

If you have a lovely deep skin tone like mine and haven't yet tried Kulfi's line of cream blushes, you've been majorly missing out. Every single one of the Mehndi Moment shades looks incredible on deep skin tones thanks to their long-lasting, vibrant pigments.
Glowing customer review: "Absolutely love this blush! It has the prettiest berry color that you can apply sheer or layer for a bolder look. A little goes a very long way, so this will last forever! I love a unique shade, and this is perfection."
Pros: Delivers blendable and buildable pigment
Cons: None

I might be biased, but I'm in love with how well shades of terra-cotta complement brown skin. Merit's mistake-proof, flexible balm blush comes in the ideal terra-cotta shade that provides a veil of natural-looking color and long-lasting glow while letting your skin shine through.
Glowing customer review: "These Flush Balms are absolutely amazing! Terracotta is the perfect warm neutral orange/bronze barely-there shade. I love the glow it gives to the skin, it's a very dewy look. Oftentimes, I'll layer it under other blush colors just for the glow. It's my everyday shade!"
Pros: Layers easily over other cream- and gel-based products
Cons: Reapplication needed for all-day wear

As your skin ages, fine lines may grow deeper, and natural textures become more visible. Path McGrath Labs' Skin Fetish Divine Powder Blush provides a featherlight, softly diffused finish without enhancing anything you'd rather not draw attention to.
Glowing customer review: "Ever since splurging on this gorgeous blush, it's been well-loved in my collection. It's very pigmented but blends into this almost airbrushed finish. The formula also plays well with other products I have! I have half a mind to pick up other shades."
Pros: Does not settle into fine lines or highlight texture on skin
Cons: Extremely pigmented formula, applies heavily

A universal pink blush can be hard to find, but Saie has made it easy with its Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush in Chilly. Not only is it the mauve pink of your dreams, but it will also give your skin a stunning lit-from-within pop of color.
Glowing customer review: "Significant pigmentation, long-lasting, fantastic texture, easy to apply and spread, and provides a beautiful glow and color. I have been using this blush for months now, along with some other blushes, and this is my favorite. It actually has me coming back from work and being impressed by what I see in the mirror!"
Pros: Offers the ideal amount of natural-looking shimmer
Cons: May separate and shift makeup underneath 

When applied to a product, the term "nude" means something different for every skin tone. (I've had enough salmon-pink shades shoved my way to last a lifetime.) So trust me when I say Armani Beauty has cracked the complicated code with its Luminous Silk Glow Blush in Warm Nude. 
Glowing customer review: "I had pretty high expectations from Armani, but I did not expect this product would exceed all of them! This is a blush that looks so natural and flawless, like that youthful glow that young women have naturally. It goes on perfectly smooth, blends really well with both dry and wet foundation, and stays on forever! Doesn't fade like some of the other blushes I've tried in the past. Highly recommend you give this a shot, it's definitely worth the money, and then some!"
Pros: Delivers a luminous finish without additional shimmer or glitter
Cons: None

Feeling creative? Try combining the berry-toned shades from this Code8 blush palette to create a blush shade that's uniquely yours. If you'd rather go the simplistic route, you can swipe one on and go—they're all just that good.
Glowing customer review: "I love this blush palette so much! It gives my skin a bit of a lovely, soft, and sparkly look. I usually use it both on my cheeks and eyes during winter and summer times. Just love it!"
Pros: Silky, lightweight, and blendable
Cons: High price point

You don't have to fork out the big bucks for a high-quality blush. E.l.f.'s Putty Blush is proof of that with its selection of lightweight but buildable, versatile shades. Its highly pigmented, putty-like formula even melts seamlessly into the skin to enhance the cheeks with a semi-matte, glowy finish.
Glowing customer review: "I'm heavy-handed with my blush, so I like to use this when I do underpainting and use a powder foundation on top. It gives me a beautiful glow from within look."
Pros: Easy to use alone or layered with other products
Cons: Can appear patchy without using a brush or Beautyblender for even application

Perhaps my all-time favourite concealer, this is the one I reach for on the daily. It really is the creamiest and lightest formulation I've tried. 

This is the £38 concealer I mentioned at the start of my review. I've already written hundreds of words on why it's so great, but essentially, it gives you a glow that you previously only thought existed in a filter. 

It might look different to the tube you once knew, but rest assured Collection's Lasting Perfection Concealer is just as brilliant as you remember it—and for £4 no less. 

I use this brilliant cover-up underneath my CC+ Cream (£32) (also from It Cosmetics) to give a flawless finish. Be warned: A little goes a long way, and while it might seem thick, when blended, it has a lightweight finish with just the right amount of sheen. 

Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Concealer (£27) is one of the best out there, but solid concealers just aren't for me. So I tried this liquid iteration and was converted in an instant. 

On the days where my concealer and CC cream combination won't suffice, I reach for my Radiant Longwear Foundation in Mont Blanc. Impossibly smooth, the finish is velvety and flawless; people always compliment me on my complexion when I wear it, which I don't consider to be a coincidence. 

I've never been a fan of liquid eyeliner, and I'm yet to find a kohl option that affords me the same precision. So instead, I've taken to using this deep brown shadow with a wet, angled eye brush to create my feline flicks. 

My eyes are naturally quite sunken, which means I'm prone to shadow creasing. To avoid this makeup faux pas, I apply this formula directly to my lids, and the result is a seamless shadow finish that lasts longer than I previously thought possible. 

I've always avoided shimmery bronzers, so it wasn't long before I found myself gravitating towards Nars's matte collection. After years of using Seaside, a shade which has since been retired, I've moved onto the new shade Vallarta, which is undoubtedly the perfect bronzer match for my alabaster skin tone.

Okay, I have to admit that I originally treated myself to this oil because it looked so downright pretty, but it has since become a non-negotiable step in my self-care routine. The non-shimmering complement to the best-selling Monoï Body Glow (£45), I use it on my arms, legs, chest, and collarbone to bestow a natural glow and provide essential hydration to my skin.

This product boasts 10% pure Vitamin C along with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. 

AOC says she uses this toner as her very first skincare step. She lightly presses it into her skin using her fingers.

This has over 200 five-star reviews on Amazon because customers think it's incredibly moisturizing and soothing. Reviewers even say it's a great dupe for Drunk Elephant's Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer ($68). 

"Don't play games with sunscreen," Ocasio-Cortez said in the video. 

I also personally use this concealer and can attest to its natural look and longevity. 

AOC says she uses this foundation when she has a long day of meetings and appearances. 

She also alternates using this tinted moisturizer as a lighter option for a foundation. 

As seen in the video, AOC specifically uses the Dusk shade of this popular cream blush. 

Gotta love a Rihanna fan. 

Kretzu confessed that her secret to creating this dewy look is "to mix a skin tint with Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi. It gives you a healthy dose of colour and glow without leaving the house!”

So what product does Allison swear by to create this look? She confessed, "The product that makes this look so easy and simple is the Hollywood Flawless Filter by Charlotte Tilbury. It’s my favourite product ever—it gives your skin a natural glow with just the right amount of coverage so you don’t feel weighed down, but your skin looks amazing!”

Niller continued, "I then highlight the cheekbones and brow bone, add a little mascara, brush up my brows, and add a bit of blush and bronzer on the hollows of the cheeks and dab some on my eyelids as well. It instantly makes me feel good and ready for the day!”

For her effortless makeup look, Malana used Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (£54), followed by Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (£25). To highlight her eyes, she swears by Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (£23) in the shade Medium Brown, L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara (£11), and Milk Makeup Highlighter (£23) in the shade Lit on her cheekbones. Malana finished off this look with Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (£32) and Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer (£14) in the shade Deep.

LaPlaca continued, "I like to start with an even, glowy canvas for the skin (Kosas Tinted Face Oil, £40, is a favourite for this), then go in with a brow pen (I've been loving Glossier Brow Flick, £15) and brow brush to amp them up. If I have extra time, I'll add in the eyeliner, but honestly, it's optional. Finally, a swipe of my go-to Chanel lipstick, et voilà!”

"I’m using mostly Nars here to create this look with a foundation (£37) and lip,” Brown said. 

You can wear just a lip for this look, or you can put on a layer of your go-to foundation.

Tyla-Lauren shared, "For the perfect nude lip, Taupe from MAC is my favourite because it complements my skin tone perfectly—I honestly think it works on everyone so well! And to finish off the look, I love adding a darker liner with it."

Cung continued, "I always use a felt-tip liner to do my cat eye and do the wing part with a pen-style liquid liner.”

Kean suggests that "any pink eyeliner would be perfect for re-creating this look.” And rather than applying the eyeliner to the inner lash line, apply it to your crease, and wing it out for a cute, creative take on your cat-eye look. 

Whether you opt for a deep indigo or a bright pink, this cute cat-eye variation is an easy makeup look to try. All you’ll need is a good eyeliner. 

This makeup look is easier to re-create than it looks; rather than just outlining your lid or your eyeliner, outline the under-eye, top eye, and outer edges. Then, fill in your full lid with an eye shadow of your choice. Anoushka recommends using Fenty Beauty’s Precision Blending Eyeshadow Brush (£20) to blend your shadow. 

Finally, to ensure the perfect electrifying eye look, Anoushka swears by putting on Glossier’s Lash Slick mascara to finish it off.

Fatima recommends creating this look to find your perfect base foundation (hers is Estée Lauder Double Wear Makeup in Toasty Toffee, £35) followed by the colour liner of your choice. Ultimately, when it comes to creating cute makeup looks, in the words of Fatima, it’s all about "finding what accentuates your own features.” Be it a cat eye or something else, now’s the time to get creative and find the makeup routine that’s easiest for you.

Li continued, "To create this look, I used E.l.f.’s eye primer and just applied some eye shadow with my fingers.” 

"To finish off the look, I added color to my lids then accentuated it with another color in the corner of my eyes!” Li explained. Who said makeup had to be hard? 

You can opt for a fun yellow like Elif did or pick your own statement colour to inject a little delight into your life. 

For this look, Baker recommends applying Kosas’s Waterfall eye shadow all over your lid. She finished off the look with Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Dip (£25) along with Kosas Color & Light Crème in Velvet Melon (£32) on her cheeks. 

Falling for Cheng’s look? The eye shadow palette she used is the Revolution x Patricia Bright Rich in Colour Shadow Palette (£20), or you can get the same effect by sweeping this Glossier shade on your eyelid.

Kretzu confessed that her secret to creating this dewy look is "to mix Beautycounter’s Skin Tint with Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi. It gives you a healthy dose of color and glow without leaving the house!”

So what product does Allison swear by to create this look? She confessed, "The product that makes this look so easy and simple is the Hollywood Flawless Filter by Charlotte Tilbury. It’s my favorite product ever—it gives your skin a natural glow with just the right amount of coverage so you don’t feel weighed down, but your skin looks amazing!”

Niller continued, "I then highlight the cheekbones and brow bone, add a little mascara, brush up my brows, and add a bit of blush and bronzer on the hollows of the cheeks and dab some on my eyelids as well. It instantly makes me feel good and ready for the day!”

For her effortless makeup look, Malana used Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($24), followed by Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30) and Nudestix All Over Face Color ($30) in the shade in the Nude. To highlight her eyes, she swears by Anastasia Brow Wiz ($23) in the shade Medium Brown, L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara ($11), and Milk Makeup Highlighter ($15) in the shade Lit on her cheekbones. Malana finished off this look with Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder ($23) and Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer ($11) in the shade Deep.

LaPlaca continued, "I like to start with an even, glowy canvas for the skin (Kosas Tinted Face Oil, $42, is a favorite for this), then go in with a brow pen (I've been loving Glossier's Brow Flick, $18) and brow brush to amp them up. If I have extra time, I'll add in the eyeliner, but honestly, it's optional. Finally, a swipe of my go-to Chanel lipstick, et voilà!”

"I’m using mostly Nars here to create this look with a foundation ($49) and lip,” Brown said. 

You can wear just a lip for this look, or you can put on a layer of your go-to foundation.

Tyla-Lauren shared, "For the perfect nude lip, Taupe from MAC is my favorite because it complements my skin tone perfectly, and I honestly think it works on everyone so well! And to finish off the look, I love adding a darker liner like Coco Loco by Jordana ($4) with it because it pairs perfectly.”

Cung continued, "I always use a felt-tip liner to do my cat eye and do the wing part with a pen-style liquid liner.”

Kean suggests that "any pink eyeliner would be perfect for re-creating this look.” And rather than applying the eyeliner to the inner lash line, apply it to your crease, and wing it out for a cute, creative take on your cat-eye look. 

Whether you opt for a deep indigo or a bright pink, this cute cat-eye variation is an easy makeup look to try. All you’ll need is a good eyeliner. 

This makeup look is easier to re-create than it looks; rather than just outlining your lid or your eyeliner, outline the under-eye, top eye, and outer edges. Then, fill in your full lid with an eye shadow of your choice. Anoushka recommends using Fenty Beauty’s Precision Blending Eyeshadow Brush ($24) to blend your shadow. 

Finally, to ensure the perfect electrifying eye look, Anoushka swears by putting on Glossier’s Lash Slick mascara to finish it off.

Fatima recommends creating this look to find your perfect base foundation (hers is Estée Lauder Double Wear makeup in Toasty Toffee, $56) followed by the color liner of your choice. Ultimately, when it comes to creating cute makeup looks, in the words of Fatima, it’s all about "finding what accentuates your own features.” Be it a cat eye or something else, now’s the time to get creative and find the makeup routine that’s easiest for you.

Li continued, "To create this look, I used E.l.f.’s eye primer and just applied some eye shadow with my fingers.” 

"To finish off the look, I added color to my lids then accentuated it with another color in the corner of my eyes!” Li explained. Who said makeup had to be hard? 

You can opt for a fun yellow like Elif did or pick your own statement color to inject a little delight into your life. 

For this look, Baker recommends applying Kosas’s Waterfall eye shadow all over your lid. She finished off the look with Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss in Dip ($27) along with Kosas Color & Light Crème in Velvet Melon ($34) on her cheeks. 

Falling for Cheng’s look? The eye shadow palette she used is the Revolution x Patricia Bright Rich in Color Shadow Palette ($25), or you can get the same effect by sweeping this Glossier shade on your eyelid.

We recommend a vibrant, almost coral colour rather than pale shade to avoid the pink-eye effect.

This budget-friendly mascara is a triple threat, adding length, volume, and curl to the lashes.

Choose a soft pencil that blends but stays put so you don’t end up with raccoon eyes by the end of the day.

If you’re steady with liquid eyeliner, by all means, do that, but a pencil is easiest.

Use a (clean) pinky to apply this cream formula along the lower lashline and across the lid.

A palette with tons of colours gives you plenty of options to mix and match (and allows for trial and error).

This clear lip gloss is a makeup-artist secret for getting a perfect, non-sticky sheen on the eyes.

Cat eyes require a black liquid liner with a lot of control, and this one features a super-precise tip and smudge-proof formula.

Sivan Ayla used this exact shade to achieve her look. (It’s also waterproof!)

Choose whichever neutral shadow suits you, or blend more than one for a custom shade.

Start with one layer and then build as you go for more intensity.

You can use whatever eye shadow you have on hand, but a stick formula gives you the most control and makes application a breeze.

Start by blending a small dot of this cream shadow in the center of the lid, and then add more depending on your desired look.

We recommend a vibrant, almost coral color rather than pale shade to avoid the pink-eye effect.

This budget-friendly mascara is a triple threat, adding length, volume, and curl to the lashes.

Choose a soft pencil that blends but stays put so you don’t end up with raccoon eyes by the end of the day.

If you’re steady with liquid eyeliner, by all means, do that, but a pencil is easiest.

Use a (clean) pinky to apply this cream formula along the lower lashline and across the lid.

A palette with tons of colors gives you plenty of options to mix and match (and allows for trial and error).

This clear lip gloss is a makeup-artist secret for getting a perfect, non-sticky sheen on the eyes.

Cat eyes require a black liquid liner with a lot of control, and this one features a super-precise tip and smudge-proof formula.

Sivan Ayla used this exact shade to achieve her look. (It’s also waterproof!)

Choose whichever neutral shadow suits you, or blend more than one for a custom shade.

Start with one layer and then build as you go for more intensity.

You can use whatever eye shadow you have on hand, but a stick formula gives you the most control and makes application a breeze.

Start by blending a small dot of this cream shadow in the center of the lid, and then add more depending on your desired look.

"You don't have to break the bank to have awesome red lips," Kaling says on her IGTV. "What's great about this is whenever I've worn this, it lasts for hours and hours and doesn't leave a ring around the outside when the inside is naked after eating. I love this stuff, and it's really cheap."

"Kosas is an awesome, relatively new line," she says in the video. "I love this because it's red, but you can wear it to a meeting without looking too vampy like you want to date the person you're meeting with."

"My lips, like a lot of dark-skinned women's lips, have like six different colors in it," Kaling says in the video. "It starts very pink in the inside and gets darker as it goes to the outer edge of my lip. When I want to not look that makeup-y, I'll use this Kat Von D Lolita lipstick. It's good for that no-makeup look when you just want your lips to be all one color." 

"If you want a classic '90s matte fuck-me red lipstick, you must own Ruby Woo," Kaling says on IGTV. "This one I've had for so long. This is when I want to look like Cindy Crawford is one of those music videos from the '90s. This is a must-have."

"This is a real statement lip," Kaling says. "This is like, I'm a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race. I want to make a statement." 

"Hey, I'm Barbie," Kaling says. "Look at how cute and pink this lipstick is. This is incredibly moisturizing. It's Supreme color from Bite Lip Lab. It has the word 'lab' in it—it's basically medicine." 

"When you are going on a date and you want to project 'I like you, I'd like to kiss you,' the classic red for dark-skinned girls is Cruella [by Nars]. It's very red, it's very out-there, so for me, I feel a little vulnerable wearing it. But for a photo shoot or something, I really like it." 

"I was so excited about this YSL lipstick in this glittery packaging," Kaling told her Instagram followers. "This is actually Zoë Kravtiz's collaboration. This color is 126. What's cool about it is that it's more of an orange-red. I usually like blue-reds because my skin tone is yellow-brown. But this is an orange-red I really like. It's very moist. Everything is so matte now, but I kind of like that this one is a little shinier." 

"Pat McGrath is an amazing makeup artist who also happens to have dark skin. She makes this insanely good line of lip colors. This one is called Flesh 3. It's kind of a terracotta color." 

"I love to apply this primer from Hourglass after the moisturiser I applied has fully absorbed," celebrity makeup artist Quinn Murphy shares. "It fills in any texture issues like wrinkles, lines, and/or pores while simultaneously neutralising excess grease and oil. It also reflects light in a beautiful way—almost like a blur tool."

"Concealer always comes before foundation and in a warm peachy shade," Murphy adds. "I apply the concealer in the dark areas under the eyes and over any redness too. Then, I pat on the foundation over the concealer. Using colour theory—the opposite of purple-y dark circles is orange-salmon—is important. It cancels out the bruise-like tones so you don't end up over-applying foundation."

"If I need powder, I use a transparent HD powder on a dampened Beautyblender and roll it into the skin," shares Lee.

Okay, there's some science involved here. While our makeup artists agree the best foundations for mature skin should be more luminous and dewy rather than matte, you don't want to verge shimmery, and certain complementary products (such as bronzer) should always be matte. 
"Concealer under the eye should be a light and luminous formulation, and concealer to hide blemishes or dark spots needs to have more pigment and coverage," Lee confirms. "Also, be very mindful of shimmer—it tends to bring attention to the texture of the skin, so it's not very flattering if it drops from the eyelid."

"This foundation from Chanel is one of my favourites for clients with more mature skin," says Lee. "It's a lightweight formulation that provides a very light finish whilst retaining a luminosity."

"Again, this is a very light-diffusing formula, but it has a *slightly* more matte versus luminous finish," Lee explains. "It requires no powder, making it perfect for a uniformed finish without a lot of product."

"Stay away from heavily matte products; they look chalky and settle into fine lines," warns Krinksy. "Healthy skin isn't matte. Think about how you look after a workout or a nice walk. Your skin is glowing—that's what you want your makeup and skincare to re-create." 

Although Murphy is also a fan of Koh Gen Do's Moisture Foundation for mature skin, this formula from the brand boasts a slightly lighter coverage and is another go-to he keeps on hand for clients like Sofía Vergara, Naomi Watts, Kate Hudson and Reese Witherspoon. 

"Since they don't settle into fine lines, dewy foundation formulas are also great for more mature skin because you can move them around and adjust your application easily. I love this glow-enhancing foundation from Surratt," Krinsky adds. 

Both celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg (think Rashida Jones, Leslie Grossman, Busy Philipps, Chelsea Handler, Christina Applegate, and Lauren Graham) and Krinsky say they're big fans of this cult-favourite foundation formula from Charlotte Tilbury. It expertly smooths and hydrates and also features a helpful dose of SPF for an extra kick of protection.
"I like to work with formulas that start light and you can build... If your formulas are too heavy right off the bat, you can usually see it, and they'll also be more likely to settle into more mature skin!" says Greenberg. 

Is there a more iconic foundation? We've never heard a professional makeup artist NOT praise its skin-perfecting magic, and Murphy, Greenberg and Krinsky swear by it when it comes to catering to their 40-plus celebrity clientele. Even though it has the prettiest satin finish, Greenberg says there's still enough moisture in the formula to make mature skin glow instead of falling flat. Murphy also adds that it's one of the best foundations for those seeking light-to-medium coverage. 

Suqqu is one of those under-the-radar brands that aren't household names but are fawned over by makeup artists and celebrities. A famed export from Japan, this rich foundation is one of the best for mature skin, according to Greenberg, and helps to keep the skin supremely hydrated while also providing the perfect ration of dewy coverage.

Greenberg also shares Clé de Peau Beauté's epic foundation as another great option for older skin. The brand actually has a number of options that differ in consistency, coverage, and formula, but this game-changing cream pick is a best seller and award winner. It's luxurious, highly moisturising and full-coverage (but definitely buildable—fear not), and it makes for the smoothest natural glow. 
"I use a Beautyblender (£18) and a brush to work the foundation into the complexion and make it look like a second skin," says Greenberg.

"This foundation has a moisturising, highly pigmented, light formula. It has that essential coverage but is still light," explains celebrity makeup artist Jo Strettell, who regularly works with Demi Moore, Helen Mirren, Holly Hunter, Patricia Clarkson, Sigourney Weaver, and Brooke Shields.

"Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer is perfect for older skin thanks to its multitasking blend of skincare ingredients that aid moisture and its great coverage that blurs imperfections," Strettell adds. "I use this when we are aiming to achieve a more natural or editorial look."

If you're looking for a "glowy, dewy, light coverage," Murphy says this foundation formula from Nars is one of the absolute best. Like Greenberg, he also prefers to use a damp sponge (like a Beautyblender) for his application. "This allows me to build the coverage and get the desired coverage for different areas of the face," he explains. "Using a tapping motion gives the skin a beautiful airbrushed finish."

Possibly the most famous product from the brand, the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is a bestseller for a reason. If you know me, you'll know that I tend to favour a skin tint over a foundation (I'm a big fan of the Nars tinted moisturiser for day-to-day use); however, this is one of the only foundations that I could see myself wearing daily.

Why? It feels incredibly lightweight on the skin, yet manages to deliver impressive coverage, reducing redness and minimising any blemishes that I may have. It has a wonderfully natural, luminous finish, but isn't too glowy for oily skin types. It can occasionally cling to dry patches, but this is nothing that a good moisturiser beforehand can't fix. If you're looking for a new base product to see you through both day and night, I highly suggest checking out the 40 shades on offer.

Nars really is known for its base products, and another of the brand's bestsellers is the Radiant Creamy Concealer. I am incredibly fussy when it comes to concealers, but even I can't deny how good this is.

As the name suggests, it has a beautifully creamy consistency that blends into the skin like a dream. It does feel a little thicker than other concealers I have tried before, but because of this, it delivers really impressive coverage. Not only does it help to blur imperfections, but similar to the foundation, it adds a naturally glowy finish and lasts for hours. Yes, even under the eyes.

This bronzer gives me such nostalgia. When I was growing up, this was the product everyone used for a sun-kissed finish. The thing is, the bronzer is so good that I still use it to this very day.

The powder formula is incredibly pigmented, so a little goes a long way, but it's perfect for adding a hint of warmth to your makeup look. I would usually use a separate product to contour my face, but this powder is so seamless that it makes light work of subtly sculpting my complexion. The finely milled powders add this soft-focus effect that I can't get enough of, and although it doesn't contain any shimmer, it still helps to add a natural glow. If I could only buy one Nars product for the rest of my life, this would be it.

Speaking of glow, now that party season is here, I know I will be reaching for this illuminating powder on the daily. Part of the Nars 2025 Christmas collection, this product can be used on both the face and body for a subtle hint of shimmer.

I'd actually sworn off powder highlighter products as I felt that cream formulas looked a lot more natural on my skin; however, since testing this out, I've been converted. It doesn't have that dreaded glittery finish; instead, it relies on light-relecting pigments to add a silky, pearlescent shine.

One product category that Nars really excels at is blush. The brand's powder blush is pretty much an icon at this point; however, they have since released liquid and cream versions that are just as good. If you're not sure which one to try, I highly recommend giving this holiday collection a go, which contains all three variations in the popular Dolce Vita shade.

I'll be honest, I'm a big blush person, so while these products can be used separately, I prefer to layer them for a statement finish. I like to start with The Multiple, a multi-purpose makeup stick, which adds a gorgeously sheer flush to the cheeks, before finishing things off with the powder formula to add a vibrant pop of colour.

This eyeshadow palette is one of those products that I will never travel without. It's compact enough to pop in my handbag, but it contains just the right amount of eyeshadows to create a range of different looks.

The warm pink and golden tones perfectly complement other products from the brand (especially the Orgasm blush), and the mix of matte and shimmery finishes feels perfect for this time of year. The best part? These eyeshadows are incredibly pigmented but also easily blendable. Whether I want a soft, smoky eye or a winged liner look, I know I can rely on this palette every single time.

When I first heard about this volumising mascara, I was convinced I wouldn't like it. I favour a long, fluttery eyelash look, and this sounded like the sort of formula that was going to add serious volume instead. While it certainly does deliver on volume, it does so in a soft, defined and delicate way.

The larger wand manages to coat my lashes from root to tip without any clumps, and if you do want a super voluminous finish, the buildable formula will work in your favour, too.

No makeup look would be complete without a little bit of lip gloss, and the Nars Afterglow Lip Shine is a personal favourite of mine. It feels hydrating, with a high-shine finish that doesn't disappear the minute you eat or drink something. When I want a more statement finish, I like to pair it with the Precision Lip Liner. As the name suggests, this lip liner is ideal for creating a sharp lip look, and I'm always amazed by the long-lasting colour.

That Marilyn Monroe classic rouge is perfect for when you want a punch of color—or as part of your everyday uniform. No matter how often you deploy it, a tube of red lipstick is a must in any beauty arsenal.

Your go-to shade in a skin-flattering neutral.