I’ve worked with many top-selling brands on makeup development innovation and strategy throughout the many years in my beauty industry career… Time and time again, I get asked “What are your favorite makeup products that you personally use and love (without being bias)?” The truth is, I do not use just one brand or makeup line. I curate my own makeup routine based on the favorites I’ve discovered throughout the years. It takes a lot for me to fall in love with beauty products (since I get to try so many different products).
Personally, I like a simple makeup routine that works smarter, not harder 😉
I prefer multi-functional products that help me get the results I want, contain active ingredients (whenever possible) that puts my makeup to work throughout the day with skincare benefits, and has a quick N’ easy on-the-go makeup application.
I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite makeup products that I use regularly. Some of which I had the pleasure of developing and launching personally throughout my career, and others I’m just a fan and did not have a hand in developing – in those cases I’m just a fan (I’ve noted full transparency below each product description).
Should you recognize any of your personal favorites in the below list, be sure to comment below and share which products you love and why you’re a fan too!
My personal makeup fave’s:
Beauty Blender – Foundation Applicator
I used to apply my foundation with a brush until my mind was blown by the official “beauty blender”… Using a traditional foundation brush is nice and all, but can sometimes leave streaks and doesn’t always blend as flawlessly as desired. But once I discovered this gem, I can’t go without this product when applying my foundation. Please know that many other makeup brands and stores often sell look-alike products, but I haven’t found any that compare to the high quality of the official brand. This product comes in different colors and sizes. I personally use both the traditional size and also love the mini version for blending under-eye makeup.
*I have never worked for this brand, but am a huge fan of this sponge blender applicator!*
Beauty Blender Silicone Travel Case
If you happen to use a Beauty Blender, you’re going to love this cute little silicone travel case accessory! I actually discovered this affordable gem on amazon. It’s a great case for keeping your blender in your makeup bag when on-the-go, allows your beauty blender to breathe, without being as exposed to germs. I keep mine clean by rinsing the case with dish soap and then letting it air dry on a clean towel on my counter-top as needed.
*I have never worked for this brand, but am a huge fan of this product!*
Our lil’ Secret – Makeup Concealer
If you love a lightweight-feeling concealer with buildable to full-coverage payoff, then this gem of a concealer from Frankie Rose Cosmetics is a makeup gem that should be on your radar! I use this on its own as concealer and also have purchased the same formula in darker shades for when I feel like being extra and doing a liquid contour. This formula is super blendable, doesn’t feel cakey, and honestly gives me everything I want in a concealer. I have recommended this product to many friends who continue to thank me for putting this product on their radar!
*I have worked with this brand and was part of the original team who launched this product. I can honestly say I am not bias about this product. I have tried hundreds of concealers by other top brands and competitors and choose to use this gem of a product instead. I also love the NARS concealer (which is similar) but I still prefer the concealer by Frankie Rose if I had to choose only one.*
Matte Perfection Foundation
If I’m gonna wear liquid foundation on my face, It better feel like I’m wearing nothing, but be able to give me flawless looking skin instantly… Frankie Rose Cosmetics Matte Perfection is a game-changer at achieving exactly that! This formula feels super lightweight (no cake-face here), yet provides buildable to full-coverage throughout the long day. I’d describe this foundation to being a similar feeling and similar coverage to some of the likes of MakeupForever’s HD Skin Foundation or Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation (only the FR Matte Perfection Foundation looks n’ feels better on my skin without breaking the bank).
*I have worked with this brand and was part of the original team who launched this product. I can honestly say I am not bias about this product. I have tried hundreds of liquid foundations by other top brands and competitors and choose to use this gem of a product instead. I also love the HD Skin Foundation (which is similar) but I still prefer this liquid foundation if I had to choose only one.*
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer Stick
I recently got sucked into a few favorites from Merit Beauty… Hands down, this bronzer stick (Important: When applied by using their incredible Merit Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brush) is my latest makeup obsession!! I use this bronzer stick for contouring around my forehead, cheek bones, and jawline, and I also love wearing a lil extra of it when I decide to use self-tanning mousse on my body (as it helps my pale face match my body during more pale seasons lol). There’s just something so fabulous about the blendability of this formula when applied with their No. 1 brush. Side note, I have tried their foundation stick (settled into my dry patches too easily) and wasn’t as big of fan as I am with this bronzer stick formula that actually blends so smooth and flawlessly!! I love how Merit beauty products are so easy for on-the-go application (I could legit apply their products while en route to the office during a subway ride lol 😉
Formula Features:
- Microfine Pigments: Add a touch of color without covering up your skin’s natural texture.
- Fatty Acids: Condition skin and lock in moisture.
- This cruelty-free, clean, and vegan bronzer is super lightweight, hydrating, and ultra-blendable.
*I have never worked for this brand, but am a huge fan of this product!*
Merit Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brush
I am such a fan of this product and definitely need to do some investigating as to why I love it so much… I’ve tried plenty of other synthetic makeup blending brushes before, but this one seems to blend better than all the others so far! I use this every day to apply my Merit Beauty Bronzer Stick and my favorite Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush. It works fantastically, regardless of whether you apply the stick directly to your face and then blend, or if you choose to apply the makeup product to the brush first and then apply it to your face. Both ways work fabulously in applying and delivering great product payoff. I will recommend this face blending makeup brush over and over again, simply because I love it!
*I have never worked for this brand, but am a huge fan of this product!*
Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush “Cheeky”
I have been a huge fan of cream blush for quite some time now as it really provides a more hydrated dewy look while delivering just the right amount of color payoff (in comparison to traditional powered blush). You can apply cream blush directly to your cheeks, apply to fingertips then cheek and blend, apply with a beauty blender, or you can apply it with a blending brush. This Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush in the shade called “Cheeky” is my fave hue of a cool poppy-like pink. My favorite way to apply this product is with the Merit No. 1 Blending Brush.
*I have never worked for this brand, but am a huge fan of this product!*
Almay Velvet Foil Cream Eyeshadows
I rarely wear eyeshadow now days, but when I do, this is the only formula you will find me wearing!!!
Velvet Foil Cream Eyeshadows comes in a wide variety of shades (5 shades via amazon, 9 shades via walmart). My all-time favorite shade is called “CUPID GLAZE” that gives off a subtle rose gold shimmer effect and really looks fabulous with anything I wear. This liquid-like cream shadow is the only eyeshadow I’ve ever experienced that doesn’t crease!! It’s long-lasting sensitive formula is approved for up to 24 hour wear (which is so rare to find – not that I actually wear it for 24hr, it just lasts all day long without creasing). This gem of a product is incredibly easy to apply on-the-go, is very blendable, and really helps elevate your look.
INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cream eyeshadow in a fun paint tube format
- Long wear formula – up to 24 Hour wear
- High intensity color
- Crease-proof, smudge-proof, fade-proof all day
- Infused with Vitamin E and a botanical blend of ingredients.
- Hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
*I have worked with this brand and was part of the team who originally launched this product at Revlon for Almay. I can honestly say I am not bias about this product. I have tried hundreds of eyeshadows by other top brands and competitors and choose to use this gem of a product instead. Throughout my career in makeup product development and innovation, this was my most favorite product I’ve ever launched. I am no longer affiliated with the company and do not receive any brand incentives by sharing this product – I’m just sharing one of my favorites.*
L’OREAL Lash Paradise Mascara
It might come as a surprise to you, but this affordable mascara is actually a dupe for the top selling mascara in America (Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara)! Only, this formula doesn’t seem to flake or have fall-out unlike the more expensive alternative. Therefore, I’m a big fan of the more affordable version by L’OREAL. I’m able to achieve a similar look thanks to the hourglass shaped wand tip applicator with another affordable option with Revlon’s Volumazing Mascara (yay for its non-flaky formula). I highly recommend checking out these affordable options if you’re looking for voluminous fluttery lashes.
*I have never worked for L’OREAL, but am a huge fan of this product!*
Buxom Power-Tinted Lip Balm Plumper
One of my go-to lip products! My favorite shade is called “Big O”.
This BUXOM stick is a visibly plumping and moisturizing tinted lip balm that blooms into your custom shade by reacting with your lips’ pH level.
I am an avid chapstick girl and it takes a lot for me to become a fan of lip products (I like to keep it simple with just enough color, non-sticky, and hydrating)… This products achieves all of what I like in a lip product and also gives a subtle illusion of slightly more fuller natural looking lips, while locking in long-lasting moisture to chapped lips. The shade “Big O” looks best on my skin tone and I also like using the slightly warmer hue called “Dolly Fever”, but Big O is still my all-time favorite! Each plumping balm stick contains a large amount of product that goes a long ways and lasts a long time (I tend to purchase this a couple times a year).
INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHTS:
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: Helps to add comfort and suppleness.
- Plumping Peptides: Help to visibly plump lips.
- Unique pH Reactor: Works to transform lips to their most flattering custom shade.
- Free of parabens and mineral oil. It is also cruelty-free.
*I have never worked specifically for BUXOM, but am a huge fan of this product!*
YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Balm
When I tell you this is a favorite if mine, I’m not exaggerating (my purchase history reveals I’ve ordered this lipstick balm 5 times in the last 2 years – not to mention it goes a long way)… My go-to shade is pictured above and is called “88 Rose Nu True Rose”. The reason this lip product is so amazing is because its a blend between a lipstick and a lip balm!! It gives just the right level of cover payoff, glides on so smoothly, is long lasting, and provides hydration.
*I have never worked for this brand, but am a huge fan of this product!*
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