We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. An eye primer because if you're applying eyeshadow without primer, you're not getting its full effect. Not only will it make your eyeshadow look bolder and extra pigmented, but it'll also combat oil and creasing so your smoky eye looks flawless all night long.
Promising review: "I am very happy with this purchase! The primer lasted on my client for 14 hours, including 10 hours of on-camera work and running around doing interviews. Pleased as punch! This is what I needed to hear! Finding a good shadow primer is like the holy grail in the life of a makeup artist. I have used many products and wasted a lot of money and I believe I found a winner with Elizabeth Mott’s product! I am thankful and impressed!" —Miss Lilly
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
2. And a pack of eyeshadow shields to catch excess makeup while applying it and leave your under-eye area looking clean afterward.
Promising review: "I've been a certified makeup artist for 12 years. Used for my cousin's wedding makeup, and they worked really well as far as catching fallout and shaping goes, but taking them off, they really stick so just be gentle. Still great." —Andrea
Get a box of 120 pieces from Amazon for $6.99.
3. The cult-famous Essence Lash Princess mascara beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and, most of all, for its $5 price tag! Because knowing about this holy grail will make you feel like you're in on a secret all the professionals know: You don't have to shell out for pricey mascara.
Promising review: "I am a makeup artist. This mascara outperforms nearly every other mascara I have used, and I am 55 and have purchased and used an innumerable amount of drugstore and specialty mascaras. All the high priced ones are SUPPOSED to do what this very quiet, low marketed very black mascara does; coats every lash, thickens, and lengthens every time and for this price?!?! Sssshhh, don't tell anyone, lol." —Laura Price
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
And check out our full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more details.
4. Plus: An eyelash separator comb because when you've spent so much time crafting the perfect eye look, the *last* thing you want is clumpy, sticky lashes (and to risk messing up your makeup while fixing). With a slightly bent handle that makes it easier to hold, this stainless steel comb will gently separate your lashes and remove any clumps, leaving them perfectly ~wispy~.
It also comes with a cap to cover the comb end for travel and storage.
Promising review: "As a pro makeup artist and someone who has loved wearing makeup for as long as I can remember, I was elated to come across this little tool. The way it is rounded to the shape of your eye makes combing through lashes that have mascara on them perfectly uniform and even while gently separating them. Sturdy, easy to clean, and takes two seconds to separate lashes if they get stuck together. Love it!!" —Jessica
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in five colors).
5. A pack of multipurpose dermaplaning razors for safely exfoliating your face and removing peach fuzz if desired, since it'll also help your makeup go on more smoothly. It doubles as an eyebrow razor so you can shape your brows and easily remove any stray hairs.
Promising review: "I'm a makeup artist and kept hearing from others about how face shaving (derma-planing) makes makeup look better and makes skin glowy, and decided why not, let's try it! And I'm so impressed! I wish I had a picture of how much white peach fuzz came off in small strokes as I was using this! I loved it as an eyebrow tool, too. It's important to properly cleanse before using as you will be opening up your pores in the process for exfoliating, some of the reviews said they broke out and I imagine it's because they didn't properly cleanse. From research, they recommend not wearing makeup the day you use this and applying moisturizer after. I dipped the blade in rubbing alcohol to sanitize after using, too. I don't know how some reviews said they cut theirselves with this tool, I was nervous to try this because of those reviews but honestly no. Hold the tool at a 45 degree angle, make small strokes downward and hold the skin taut on the area you are shaving, and you'll be fine. Give it a try!" —dl
Get a three-count from Amazon for $5.94 (also available as a pack of nine).
6. A Revlon volcanic face roller to keep excess oil at bay throughout the day, absorbing shine in seconds without messing up your makeup or requiring you to pack on more powder. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, this clever roller might just be your new holy grail.
The face roller is reusable! Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use.
Promising review: "As a pro makeup artist, I need something super quick for on-set touch ups that won't spill powder everywhere. This thing works great for quick and easy shine control!" —Becky Laschanzky
Get it from Amazon for $13.38.
7. A waterproof eyeliner stamp that addresses the bane of every makeup wearer's existence: creating the perfect, symmetrical cat-eye. Now you don't have to spend an hour redoing your wings — this easy-to-use stamp creates the same wing on each side, and no one will even know the difference. 🤫 Even some makeup artists will opt for this easier option!
One side is the curved wing stamp, and the other is a regular fine tip liner for defining the rest of the eye. It comes in a pack of two, one for each eye.
The Flick Stick comes from New Zealand-based brand and small biz Lovoir Beauty.
Promising review: "I can’t even with the 🎉awesomeness🎊 of this product! I live in Florida with the humidity and this DOES NOT BUDGE!!! Easiest eye EVER and perfect for those who have a hard time with this look! Even we makeup artists (I personally have over 20 years experience) will take an easy way out!! Why make it hard when it doesn’t have to be?! That is what I teach in my makeup classes and this will be a STAPLE in my classes!!! Love this so much!!!" —Natalee Goehrig
Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (available in three sizes and a combo pack).
8. A vegan, pro-approved Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer, perfect for a quick touch-up (without cakiness!) on days when you're not feeling a full face of makeup. Dark, puffy under-eye circles and redness are no match for it.
It has an antimicrobial cushion applicator so you can dispense concealer and immediately apply it without a mess.
Promising review: "As a makeup artist using everything under the sun product-wise, I am extremely impressed by this concealer! I use this personally on myself and don't even have to touch the product with my fingers! Blends like a dream and is very light, does not cake in the creases AT ALL, and wears all day perfectly. Totally recommend this to everyone!" —Bioya Shopper
Get it from Amazon for $5.95+ (available in 16 shades).
9. A soothing, multitasking eye cream that'll brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E.
Promising review: "I don’t think I’ve ever left a review on Amazon before. This eye cream is THAT good. I worked as a makeup artist for years and am still a product lover. I’ve been using an eye cream daily since I was 19 (over a decade), so have tried lots of brands, and this stuff is phenomenal! It’s now become my go-to cream for my face, eyes, neck, AND décolletage. My skin veers toward dry and I haven’t found a face cream I like as much as this that isn’t $75, so I just use it all over. The jar is big enough for that and a little goes a LONG way. Use this cream twice a day under the eye, and you will fall in love, too. I keep telling people about this and sending them the link so they can buy their own. I just randomly found this on Amazon while browsing and feel like I hit the jackpot. I hope they never stop making it." —L.R.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (also available in two smaller sizes for $14.99+).
10. Plus: A pack of 24-karat gold cooling eye gels to tackle your undereye circles and puffiness the way a makeup artist would for a client before an important event. These feel incredible under your eyes and get to work right away, using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and snail secretion filtrate to give your sensitive undereye skin some much-needed TLC.
Promising review: "As a makeup artist, I’m always trying to find new products to moisturize the under-eye area, which is a particularly dry area for most of my clients. I absolutely love these patches, as they also help with dark under-eye circles! I usually keep them in the fridge so they are cool when I place them on my clients' faces, leave it for 10 minutes and it immediately looks like they got the best facial of their lives!!! Love these masks, can’t live without them! So easy to use, and a great beauty hack for under-eye puffiness and dark circles!!" —Fernanda
Get a pack of 20 pairs from Amazon for $15.97.
11. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges — reviewers (and MUAs) sing their praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender, since you get five of these for less than $10! Plus, when it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish.
Promising review: "Love these sponges, they’re soft, not dense or hard, extremely malleable and will blend your foundation to perfection. Better buy and longer usage than the Real Techniques sponges at Ulta and Target and the $20 Beauty Blender sponge. I’m a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist, I only want high-quality products for my clients, and these sponges are what I use for foundation." —Dionne Ford
Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in eight colored sets).
12. A soft but dense flat-top foundation brush if your go-to foundation applicator is in sore need of replacing, or you're just not happy with your current tool. It's expertly designed to apply and blend out powder *or* liquid concealers, blushes, and foundations, with an ergonomic diamond-shaped handle that's easy to grip.
Check out a demo of this makeup brush on TikTok!
Promising reviews: ""As a professional makeup artist who has worked on actors, this brush saves so much time and it's BETTER than the Beauty Blender. No joke. Try it!!!" —Taylor
"I bought this brush after NikkieTutorials raved about it, and she was right. This brush applies foundation beautifully! Other foundation brushes I have used are streaky, but this one provides a flawless finish. For $8, this brush is just genius! I’m sure it will be a bit of a nightmare to wash, but it’s super dense so what can we expect? I think I still prefer sponges just because they are so versatile in being able to apply concealer, contour and highlighter, but this brush will be my go-to foundation brush from now on. Really great product!" —dragonmermaid
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in nine colors).
13. A smudge-proof Maybelline matte liquid lipstick so long-lasting, MUAs trust it for long, busy days (like weddings) when there's no time for smudging or constant touch-ups. This gorgeous matte lip can handle itself and will look flawless for hours, so that's one less thing you have to worry about when your day's schedule is packed.
Promising review: "Wow! Very happy and need to order in more colors. I’m a makeup artist and I test the longevity of wear on all my makeup. I literally still had lipstick on the following day after putting it on at 3 p.m. the day before. It is matte so if you have dry lips I suggest you exfoliate prior to use. Definitely buy!" —S.S.
Check out BuzzFeed's Maybelline liquid lipstick review for more.
Get it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in 38 colors).
14. A pack of 40 acne patches for when you have a pimple emergency right before a big event and need it to disappear ASAP. Apply one before bed or even wear it throughout the day thanks to how clear it is — the tea tree and calendula-infused patch draws out all that pus and inflammation to leave your skin flat and clear afterward.
Avarelle is a small business that aims to make the best skincare that's also honest and affordable. All their products are vegan and cruelty-free!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "I recently tried Avarelle pimple patches, because *yes* I love a good hydrocolloid patch like little else. I wasn't sure whether these would be any different from the patches I already had from another brand, but I was so wrong. The Avarelle patches drew out gunk more effectively from my blemishes and gently sped up the healing process (I think because of the calendula, tea tree, and cica). My sensitive, reactive skin loves this stuff. I also could tell immediately that the patches were in fact thinner and more transparent than others I've had, which especially given how well they work is quite a feat. Will be a repurchase for me for sure."
Promising review: "Overall great experience, was pleasantly surprised. I'm a makeup artist and use this for emergency blemish coverage with brides and grooms." —Mavis Kirk
Get a 40-pack of the small patches from Amazon for $8.49 (also available as a pack of 80).
15. A versatile Urban Decay Naked palette that's a classic for a reason! Its rose-hued, shimmery, and matte neutrals are perfect for everyday eyeshadow looks, whether you're keeping it natural or crafting a more dramatic smokey eye. This icon never goes out of style, which is why many MUAs love going back to it.
It contains 12 shades, with matte, shimmer, and metallic options. It's also cruelty-free.
Promising reviews: "Beautiful colors! I'm a professional makeup artist and this is my favorite palette. I actually love the brush that comes with it, too." —makeupdiva12001
"All the brides I've had always ask me for looks that this palette holds. Goes well with a lot of natural looks, whether meeting your mother-in-law for the first time or a midday brunch. Looks amazing on older clients, too. Highly recommend this to all makeup artists, folks with lots of brunch dates and people over 50 that want to look radiant and fresh! Love love love!" —BeautifulEden
Get it from Sephora for $59.
16. And a budget-friendly rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades so you can play around with pretty much any color! Loved by amateurs and professionals alike, this is a great all-in-one palette for anyone who's not afraid to dabble with bright colors.
Also, if you follow beauty influencers, you miiiight notice this is extremely similar to the James Charles x Morphe palette, which cost almost $40. 👀
Promising review: "I was skeptical about these because of the price, but the quality is amazing. Very pigmented, very blendable and customizable. This palette is perfect for a beginner or an experienced makeup artist. Very happy with my purchase. I use a melting makeup balm to remove at night and it does not stain my skin." —tiffany schulz
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
17. Plus, an eyeshadow color removal sponge that'll let you experiment with colorful eye looks without the pain of cleaning or switching between brushes for every color. Just rub your brush in this pan for a few seconds, and it'll be good to go for your next shade!
I can testify that this works SO well. I'm horrible about cleaning my brushes (I know...shameful) and this makes it super easy to clean a brush in a matter of seconds. So even if I'm trying to do a *slightly* more elaborate eyeshadow look for the day, this makes the process of switching colors as quick and painless as possible. Also, it's *super* lightweight, and I've already tossed it in my bag and brought it on vacation with me. This is one of those products I won't be traveling without in the future if I plan on doing eyeshadow at any point — and it means you only need to pack one or two eyeshadow brushes!
Promising review: "Makeup artist emergency staple. I brought this with me to a wedding I was in, and since I was traveling I ended up only bringing three makeup brushes with me. Due to time constraints, I was asked to help doing makeup on some of the women in the bridal party. This thing was a LIFE SAVER. It was so easy to wipe away pigment between choosing different colors (since I only had three makeup brushes). The sponge was super easy to clean and disinfect in between users, and since it is basically just an abrasive sponge, it was light and didn't take up any space in my bag. This is not a full brush cleaner, you definitely still need to wash your brushes to disinfect. However, this is great for switching up colors and not having to use a million brushes, and would come in handy during traveling. I am recommending this as a quick fix for all of my makeup artist friends and makeup fans." —Proudmercer
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
18. Vibrant Nyx liquid liner so you can wield your liner like an artist with their paintbrush and draw the cat-eye — as Taylor Swift might say — sharp enough to kill a man...or add dots, create squiggles, and experiment with any shapes you like. The thin liquid liner brush makes drawing with precision a breeze, and it's both waterproof and smudgeproof so you can head out all day without worry.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis says, "I'm wearing the blue liner there on the left, and the reviews are 100% right. This liner LASTS. I love to throw it on top of my usual black liner when I want an extra pop on a night out or am just feeling a little 'adventurous.' The liner's super thin tip glides nicely and makes it easy to be precise, too!"
Promising reviews: "Guys, I have hella hooded eyes, and any time I tried those expensive Sephora or Ulta eyeliners, they would smudge or fade INSTANTLY. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! The color pops, it's easy to use, and it NEVER SMUDGES, NEVER FLAKES, DOES NOT MOVE IN WATER!!! I fell asleep with it on, and it looked like I had just applied it when I woke up. ... Best eyeliner out there, take it from a girl who has tried ALL of those expensive eyeliners. I will never switch to anything else." —Jakjak
"As a professional makeup artist, I’ve used many of different products throughout my career. One staple I will keep in my kit is this liner. It gives a perfect patent leather finish to any eye look and the small brush is easy to use to create and wing." —Champale Thomas-Brown
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in 14 shades, including matte or metallic).
19. And also from Nyx: A jumbo eye pencil that works as a liner, primer, and all-over shadow. Reviewers particularly adore shade Milk for a pigmented, no-smudge, long-lasting white eyeliner and highlighter — and for creating a bright base to make your eyeshadow really pop. But it comes in over a dozen shades ranging from neutral to bright colors, making it a versatile tool for crafting your perfect lewk.
Promising reviews: "This is the perfect white eyeliner! I tried so many and they never came out this pigmented. Others would blend in with my eyeshadow and turn out muddy. But this one stayed put and maintains its pigment. Super white and affordable." —Olivia Gwyan
"I've always wanted this one (in shade Milk); if you're in the makeup world then you know this is like gold. I love how it makes my eyes more noticeable and it helps make my colors show up better on my waterline if I wanna add some shadow to my lid. This is definitely a must-have in your makeup kit." —Itschante_mua
Get it from Amazon for $5.20+ (available in eight shades).
20. Plus: a sharpener to keep your eyeliner, lip, and brow pencils sharp, with two holes to fit both standard and jumbo-sized pencils. Plus! The shavings are stored inside until you're ready to empty it, so you won't end up with loose shavings inside your makeup bag anymore.
Promising reviews: "I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 13 years. This is the sharpener you want." —Drea Lorraine
"I have used this sharpener for over 20 years. It doesn’t break, I just lost mine. You can’t find it in the store. It sharpens lipliners or small eyeliners, and it sharpens large pencils as well. It keeps the shavings in the back, so the only time to remove is when it needs to be emptied. REVLON: Do not ever stop selling this beauty holy grail of sharpeners." —MrsMommyLoves7
Get it from Amazon for $3.29.
21. Maybelline Lip Lifter gloss eliminating that age-old problem of gloppy stickiness that inevitably catches hold of your hair. 🙄 Formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid, this tinted gloss comes in seriously *gorgeous* shades and doesn't feel sticky — and it's so nourishing, it basically doubles as a lip balm.
Promising review: "As a pro makeup artist I find myself reaching for these more than any of my luxe brand lip products. Literally every shade is gorgeous. The large applicator applies the product smoothly and quickly. I cannot say enough good things about this product. An amazing value. Every client I have introduced these to has reached out to me and told me how much they loved the gloss and immediately purchased additional shades. You will not be disappointed." —Justin Case
Get it from Amazon for $6.98+ (available in 22 shades).
22. And a lip-plumping gloss set so you can achieve the luscious lips of your dreams without booking an appointment for fillers. It goes on like regular lip gloss for a natural plumping effect, with just a slight tingle thanks to the ginger in it.
You'll get one ginger-infused lip plumper to pop into your purse for the day and one minty sleeping mask to wear at night.
Promising reviews: "I loved this stuff, it was magic. The evening moisturizer was fabulous. It is the first plumper that actually works for me. Will be buying more for gifts!!!!!" —Alexandra
"I love this duo!!! I am a makeup artist so I've tried almost every lip plumper on the market! This is a great value since you get two different products for lower than the cost of one tube by other brands. Keeps my lips hydrated as I live in dry Arizona. I'm so excited I came across this!" —Mandy Burden
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
23. A bottle of Tower 28's Daily Rescue Facial Spray you'll want to keep on hand if your skin is prone to redness, dryness, and irritation. This pH-balancing toner soothes and nourishes stressed-out skin, and leaves out ingredients common in other products that can make irritation worse, like oils, fragrance, and alcohol.
Reviewers with eczema say this helps calm flare-ups and doesn't cause any stinging! It's great for acne-prone skin as well.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman–owned small business based in Los Angeles, California.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "I finally bought a bottle of this, and I'm so glad I did. It soothes my parched skin, and I can tell it's calming irritation, too — I recently noticed an incoming perioral dermatitis breakout (an acne-rosacea hybrid that's notoriously difficult to treat), and after a few days of using this, the bumps and redness on my face were completely gone. It saved me from needing to scramble for an expensive treatment, which is kind of unbelievable. It also makes my skin feel more hydrated and more balanced. This thing is understated but mighty, and has a permanent place in my skincare collection."
Promising review: "This is a must-have in both my professional kit and my personal kit. Tower 28 doesn’t disappoint with any of their products and this is no exception. Amazing for prepping your skin before makeup application, helpful in reducing redness and keeping your skin hydrated so makeup looks flawless. Your skin feels instantly refreshed and dewy." —jlopez2397
Get it from Sephora for $12+ (available in two sizes).
24. The infamous Weleda Skin Food cream, an ultra-rich plant-based moisturizer your dry skin will drink up, leaving it hydrated and ~luminous~. Reviewers and MUAs alike love it as a makeup primer!
Promising review: "This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. I’m an esthetician/makeup artist and have spent so much money on skincare. This is by far my favorite product. I use it at night, mainly on my face, and my skin soaks it right up. Does not break me out. I love a dewy look to my skin so I also use it under my makeup. You have to warm it up in your hands before applying. It will leave a glow on the skin. It makes skin sooo much softer and decreases texture and discoloration. It has a herbal smell, which I enjoy, but it’s an acquired smell. I’ve read reviews saying it doesn’t absorb but I didn’t experience that. I use a pea-sized amount, rub it between my hands for five seconds and pat it gently into my face. I have combination to oily skin." —Alex pope
Get it from Amazon for $10.11+ (available in two sizes).
25. Rare Beauty's viral, bestselling liquid blush, which makes giving yourself a natural, dewy flush the easiest thing ever: Just add a dot or two on each side of your cheeks, then blend. Nicki was right when she said, "Gotta keep an eye out for Selener" — because this blush is taking the makeup world by storm.
Check out just how effective it is on TikTok, where one creator shows a demo how far just one (!) dot of this on your cheek goes.
Promising reviews: "A holy grail blush! You need it as a makeup artist. Pigmented, easy to blend, and super long lasting! Yassss Queen Selena!" —dallasmus
"I'm a makeup artist and have used this on every skin tone imaginable and it blends seamlessly! This even works on top of powders too, which is amazing!" —TheKingKasie
Get it from Sephora for $23 (available in 12 shades).
26. A bottle of Nyx setting spray so your carefully crafted makeup look can survive up to 16 hours of wear, through humidity, sweat, rain, and snow, without any smudging or melting. Reviewers have put it to the test and say it's a cheaper swap for Mac and Urban Decay's setting sprays.
Promising reviews: "I worked as a makeup artist for years, including with major brands like Lancôme, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Mac, etc. I could not find anything that worked this GREAT! I still get amazed at how busy I can get and at the end of the day, my makeup still looks fresh. So worth the little money spent on this product. I just love it!" —Geri
"Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of tissues. But otherwise it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I’ve used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." —Stephanie
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four finishes — matte, dewy, radiant, and plump — and also a jumbo size)
27. Alcohol-free micellar water that gently but effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and even waterproof makeup from your face without leaving it dried-out or requiring any harsh rubbing.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "I've used this micellar water for several years and *love* it for my sensitive skin! It's especially great for days when I don't have the energy to drag myself to the bathroom to properly wash my face. I keep a bottle of this by my bed and just soak a cotton pad with micellar water to clean my face."
Promising reviews: "Love. Can’t live without it and I use it in my professional kit as well." —Lexie
"I am not even sure where to start! I have never loved a product I have been so hesitant to buy! I used a small amount on a round cotton thingy — I didn't even over soak it or pour it all over it. I applied to my very sensitive eyelid and like MFing magic, the eye lash glue came off like it was never sticky! Let me tell you, soap and water doesn't have s**** on this and I am forever sold! I scrubbed my eyelids with two different soaps to get off the glue! I didn't have to rub hard at all! A must buy for anyone who doubts this works." —Aletta Joy
Get it from Amazon for $3.98+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).
28. Compostable facial radiance pads for a simple step that'll help your makeup go on more smoothly — just swipe one of these around your face after cleansing to tone, exfoliate, and brighten all at once.
Some people even use these in place of cleaning when they can't be bothered to fully wash their face, so...there's that too. These pads are vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
Promising review: "Really great gentle exfoliant for gentle skin. I am a working makeup artist and usually use one of these on every client in order to get rid of any dry skin or texture without having to worry about it being too intense. An absolutely must-have staple. HACK: Keep them in the fridge for a nice refresh and cut them in half to make them last longer!" —Dainzigggg
Get them from Sephora for $38 (also available in a mini size; refill pads also available) or get a two-pack from Amazon for $62.
29. An award-winning, long-wearing multipurpose lip, cheek, and eye pigment from makeup artist Danessa Myricks. If you love a multi-use product, you have to try this one, since these *stunning* glossy, matte, and metallic shades can go all over your face. You'll feel like an artist painting your "canvas" in the best possible way!
Danessa Myricks is a Black woman makeup artist–owned biz that makes unique, high-performing, multifunctional makeup.
Promising review: "Colorfix is a makeup artist's dream. If you want to create a bold opaque eye, vivid liner, or budge-proof primer then you will LOVE this product. I use this on photo shoots and on myself daily and there is no product like it on the market." —gabbyfishermua
Get it from Sephora for $18 (available in 40 shades and finishes).
30. And a blurring setting powder designed by another iconic makeup artist, Patrick Starr. The translucent shade is actually clear and doesn't look white on darker skin, and it gives you the *smoothest* matte base that'll look basically poreless under your foundation. Especially for oilly skin, this is a MUST.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jordan Grigsby owns this and swears by it. She writes, "I love love love this stufffff, omg. My skin is oily oily (gotta say it twice for emphasis) and I have spent my entire teen/adult life looking for products that'll make me matte and KEEP me matte. I've tried so many setting powders and literally none can compete with this one. This powder is a serious bad B. I mean, pores? Nonexistent. Oily shiny face? Not up in here. BTW I am a brown-skinned woman and the translucent shade works perfect for me. No caking, no flashback, nothing. Looks just like my skin!!
One/Size is a queer, Filipino-owned business founded by makeup guru Patrick Starr to ensure that makeup is really one size fits all.
Promising review: "A friend told me this powder was amazing, and WOW, I cannot say enough good things about it! It smoothes my pores and fine lines flawlessly. I’ve been using it on myself but as an MUA I cannot wait to use this on my clients! Definitely recommends" —chloest
Get it from Sephora for $18+ (available in two sizes and four finishes).
31. An eyebrow soap kit to help you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you're going for — and keep them looking defined and fluffy throughout the day. When it comes to precision and hold, this stuff is *chef's kiss*.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this and am amazed at how much fuller my brows look! Application is also super easy and quick! I took three pictures — the top picture is before I applied it, the middle picture is after application, and the third picture is after I've drawn a line under my brow to clean up the look and filled in some sparse areas." —P.A.
"I'm a makeup artist and my trademark is my platinum brows. My brows have never looked better." —Gonzo
Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in a one- or two-piece set, and with a brow gel).
32. Luminous Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter guaranteed to make you feel like a ~goddess~ when you brush its melted metallic finish across your cheekbones, with pearl pigments creating a gorgeous reflective effect (no chunky glitter here!). Reviewers say a little goes a long way, and it's buildable, so you can go as bold or subtle as you like.
Promising reviews: "Wow, this is a vibrant highlight. The rose color looks beautiful on my skin but I have to use a VERY light hand when applying. It almost looks like a large pan of eyeshadow and can easily look like a stripe of eyeshadow across your cheeks. If you enjoy a bold highlight then this is for you. The quality is up there with high end. If you're fair I'd definitely get the rose gold over the other colors." —C. Wallace
"I'm a makeup artist and I've been using this since 2017. I just love this so much. The formula is so soft, almost creamy. It doesn't have glitter on it so it's not a fake highlight; it looks beautiful. Molten Gold is my favorite shade, and I like to mix it with Molten Peach." —A Castro B
Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in five shades).
33. A NYX glitter primer because glitter is SO pretty but also so notoriously tricky to apply without it getting everywhere. This cheap primer is such a hack for getting it to stay in place and create precise looks that won't budge until you're ready to take it off.
Promising reviews: "I’m a professional makeup artist and I use this on all my glitter-eyed brides. My brides always gave me positive feedback about glitter staying all throughout the day/night. I would recommend this 100%. Also, for the price it is WORTH IT." —Shruti
"Loooooove this. I've used a lot of glitter primers and usually they work for a little while an hour, maybe two, and never up against sweat. I used this on Halloween and am now using it to swatch any of my glitters for nails or makeup. And this holds AMAZINGLY. I did dishes and made lunch while having the pictured snowflake on to swatch glitter colors and it did not budge, I had to use micellar water and a makeup wipe just to get it off a little. So definitely recommend!" —Seriously Lacqueing
Get it from Amazon for $6.
34. A nourishing Mario Badescu facial spray for refreshing and setting your makeup, taking away that powdery finish and giving you a lovely glow that won't mess up the day's look. It can also come in clutch if your face is looking dry or cakey, and it has the loveliest smell thanks to the rosewater!
I also personally love this stuff for no-makeup days when I want to look more lively and ~dewy~ — it adds some nice hydration as well!
Promising reviews: "I'm a professional makeup artist, and I couldn't LIVE without this stuff. My clients love it, too. It smells amazing, gives your skin a nice glow, reduces redness, and can even set or refreshen your makeup! Awesome, awesome stuff." —Amazon Customer
"I initially looked into this because I saw a very well-known celebrity using it and then found out that many makeup artists use it as well. It smells great and sprays on nicely without running down your face. I use it after the shower sometimes on bare skin without moisturizer but I also use it after applying makeup because it takes away the powdery finish from my face. Great product at a great price." —RK
Get it from Amazon for $5.25+ (available in two sizes and in packs).
35. And an ergonomic, aerosol-free continuous water mister perfect for gently misting your face after makeup application, since the spray is so ultra-fine that it doesn't leave any big droplets! People also love it for refreshing their hair and for making an alcohol spray to disinfect makeup and brushes after use. She's versatile!
It can also spray 360 degrees with 98% water evacuation, so it's designed not to waste a single drop of liquid!
Promising reviews: "I’m not one to write reviews, but trust me this bottle is a must-have. It sprays easily without needing to apply much pressure. I’m a makeup artist and I’m in love with this product. Will buy again. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" —Andrea
"Another amazing product TikTok made me buy. Was looking for some thing for when I wet my hair in the mornings. My old typical spray bottles kept breaking or leaking. This one has a longer spray time and the mist is perfect when I don’t want to get my hair too wet. All in all worth it especially for the price." —M. Zuniga
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four sizes and in a pack of three).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.