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1. An extremely buildable L'Oreal Paris mascara to create some *serious* volume (especially if you're like me and love to layer) with feathery soft, full lashes to lust over. Pro-tip: use a lash primer first before applying to create an even bolder look.
2. A silky Glossier sheer matte lid tint if you're SO over using shadow brushes (or traveling with big, bulky palettes) and would much prefer a super simplified method of getting high-quality color on your lids.
3. A Beauty Blender makeup sponge there is really no comparison to when it comes to a top-tier pro-blending tool. Yes, I know it might sound strange to some to spend a little extra on a sponge than you normally would, but trust, these are SO WORTH IT. The perfect partner for all forms of primer, foundation, highlighter, and concealer, ensuring a smooth, seamless blend every single time.
4. A genius 2-in-1 lip balm and buildable lipstick with semi-gloss enriched with sunflower butter to help moisturize and condition chapped and dry lips all while providing the ~perf~ amount of pretty color that goes on your lips oh-so smoothly. What a winner. 🏆
5. A creamy, waxy Glossier boy brow reviewers are raving is a life-changing pomade for taming, shaping, and adding just the right amount of color and depth to your already gorgeous brows. Simple and easy to use, it's also super packable for long trips and quick touch-ups.
6. A Milani 3-in-1 setting and finishing spray so all that hard work you did on your beautiful beat stays put and looks fresh throughout the day (or night), no matter what you're up to or what it's like outside.
7. A Physicians Formula bronzer that not only smells like a tropical vacation but also gives you that wonderfully warm, natural glow even during times of the year when you aren't getting as much sunlight. The subtle shimmer finish is simply the cherry on top.
8. A pack of Neutrogena makeup remover wipes which are personally ~my~ go-to as they clean all manner of makeup gunk off super well, feel VERY soft and smooth, never irritate my skin, AND leave my face feeling fresh as a daisy afterward. Truly top-tier.
9. An eyeshadow palette chock full of vibrant, eye-catching colors reviewers gush are highly pigmented, flake-resistant, and just downright gorgeous to look at. Pro-tip: when experimenting with color, use the wheel to better select and blend two complementary colors (e.g. purple and yellow) to really make your eyes POP.
10. A waterproof CoverGirl eyeliner so you can "draw the cat-eye sharp enough to kill a man," just like Taylor Swift said. Fade-resistant and smooth, it's also easy to clean off with soap and water and makes drawing exact lines around your eyes a cinch.
11. A hydrating E.l.f. primer that fills in pores, smooths over any imperfections, *and* has vitamin E for that dewy glow you get after doing a face mask or visiting the spa. Save money on pricey skincare and go with this tried-and-true, bestselling face transformer that's easy on your wallet and awesome on your face.
12. A L'Oreal Paris true match liquid foundation that'll leave your skin smoother and more hydrated than it was before, plus it's ~packed~ with luminous mineral pigments for a lightweight and lovely brightening effect. Talk about a glow-up. 🌟
13. A volume booster lash primer infused with mango butter and acai oil (yum) for naturally nurtured lashes. Condition, moisturize, soften *and* thicken with this baby BEFORE you put on your fave mascara and get ready to see night and day results. Best of all, it's totally vegan.
14. A pack of clear argan oil lip gloss with no scents or flavors (but ~lovely smells~) because sometimes you just want to moisturize your smackers on the go. This has ALL the benefits of a cooling, soothing balm but is super portable and easy to use. You also really can't beat the price of these so if accidentally you lose one, it's absolutely no worries.
15. A loose face and setting powder so effective and multifunctional, you'll wonder what your life was like before it. Lightweight and with lasting coverage, it offers a flawless finish to "bake" highlighter and contour and can even serve as a foundation, should you so choose.
16. A pro concealer highly recommended for evening out skin tone, covering up dark circles, or using as a base for your contour, eyeshadow, or highlight. It basically does everything and has a wonderful natural finish that's totally trendy right now.
17. A Wet n' Wild cream blush stick which is almost too dreamy, if you ask me. Toss one in your pocket or purse and re-up for the camera (or an important date) within minutes. A little pop of color on your cheeks always goes a long way.
18. A Milk Makeup hydro grip primer to be worn underneath your makeup so it lasts as long as humanly possible. And your skin gets that fresh, dewy glow-up everyone dreams about. Oh, and did I mention it's 100% vegan and cruelty-free, too?
19. A delicious-smelling NYX Professional butter lip gloss for when your lips are feeling dry and in need of a little extra TLC. Reviewers love the scent, buttery softness, and, of course, the long-lasting color. Mwah. 💋
20. A L'Oreal Paris anti-redness BB cream ideal for those of us who suffer from redness (ugh, so annoying). Best of all, this stuff works wonderfully on its own as a primer/foundation/concealer all-in-one, delivering a natural-looking, neutralizing base to your highlight, blush, and contour. Talk about a money-saving triple threat.
21. A pack of washable 'n' reusable cleaning cloths if you want a gentle, environmentally friendly alternative to disposable makeup wipes in which no makeup remover or other chemicals are needed to get your face smooth and squeaky clean. A total game-changer for makeup aficionados.
22. NYX Professional brow glue for a nonsticky, extra strong hold so you can style your brow hairs any which way you like without worrying they'll budge after all your efforts.
23. A Maybelline poreless matte setting powder reviewers are saying is an absolute steal for the price and has remained popular for years for good reason. Controls shine even if you sweat (or glisten), cushions countless formulas, concealers, and foundations, and gives your that "I woke up like this" look all day long.
24. An E.l.f. concealer that lasts up to *16 hours* giving you full coverage with a gorgeous matte finish. Filled with skin-loving ingredients like avocado oil (delish), reviewers adore that it's easy on sensitive skin and dries quickly.
25. Or a creamy, versatile E.l.f. monochromatic multistick (big fan of E.l.f. in this house) to make your cheeks, lips, or lids shimmer and glimmer on a moment's notice. It's easy to blend with your fingertips too, so no brushes needed.
26. A CoverGirl clean volume mascara if you're in the market for a vegan formula that gives you big, bold, perfectly separated lashes with one of the best applicator brushes you ever did see. No more clumping here.
27. A retractable Revlon lip stain which not only provides a delightful pop of highly pigmented color, but also moisturizes your luscious lips with a delectable mix of shea, mango, and coconut butter. Pucker up, baby.
28. And a cult-favorite, multi-use NYX Professional jumbo eye pencil that can be used as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, and highlighter. Great for anyone looking to downsize their makeup bag, save serious $$, and still get fantastic results every. single. time. Sign me up.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.