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Buzz Feed
3 minutes ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
These Drugstore Beauty Items Are Better Than Luxe Ones
As a beauty reporter, it's not just my personal obsession but also my job to research and test my way through skincare and makeup products at every price point. What I've found is that, in many cases, you do get what you pay for. But other times, I learned that drugstore formulas outperform their luxury competition for a fraction of the price. Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more. A makeup artist-endorsed definition mascara This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified potential of drugstore formulas. The L'Oreal Voluminous mascara line was previously recommended to us by professional makeup artists as a good budget option for anyone looking to experiment with mascara shades that go beyond just black or brown. There's something about the product consistency of this mascara and the fluffy barrel brush that makes my lashes look longer and noticeably volumized, without looking weighed down or spidery. It also never flakes or smudges, even when the tube is a little older. I've even opted to try a few other colors, including the deep violet shade that I like so much, I find myself grabbing for it more than my go-to black. You'll want to opt for this if you're after a set of lashes that look fanned, wispy and not overly unnatural. Though I haven't tried it out for myself, some online discourse suggests that this formula is very comparable to the Lancôme High Definition mascara, which is also known for weightlessly lengthening it from Amazon for $8.98+ (available in three sizes and 18 colors/versions). A magical loose powder with an old school formula This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in three shades, including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin, nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth and blur texture, absorb excess oil and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also super affordable and lasts though I consider this vintage icon in a league of its own, I have heard this formula compared to the likes of Laura Mercier's well-known loose setting powder, which contains botanicals and skin conditioners to blur and soften the skin, but costs $43 for just one ounce of product (the Airspun is 1.2 ounces). Get it from Amazon for $6.74 (available in three shades). A "glass skin" highlighter stick that doesn't feel drugstore I'll admit it, I was influenced by TikTok to try out these new highlighter sticks from L'Oréal that promise to offer a more elevated kind of glow (unlike those chalky strobe highlighters of 2012). The finish is very unique and, like the brand claims, makes skin look glass-like, reflective, and very healthy. It comes in three "glassy formula" shades, though I have both the pearl and pink, and they are both virtually translucent, which I actually prefer. The texture is also not creamy at all, but instead feels lightweight and second-skin-like when applied to areas like the high points of my cheeks, inner corners of the eyes and cupid's bow. Even though this conveniently comes in the form of a stick, I like rubbing it on my fingers first before dabbing it onto my skin to avoid any disruption of my liquid and cream products my opinion, this formula seems strikingly similar to Merit's Day Glow highlighting balm, which promises that same dewy sheen without any sparkle. If you want a more robust glow, the L'Oréal Lumi Le Glass comes in three "glowy" formulas that are advertised to have a slightly more opaque it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in six shades). A ceramide-filled lotion that doubles as the perfect makeup base I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now, and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it's the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skin care products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer. Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes). A velvety liner that rivals Charlotte Tilbury's famous "Pillow Talk" Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips. Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 12 shades). A flexible and imperceptible concealer The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 28 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark it from Amazon for $8.98. A fine-line liquid eyebrow pen that looks like real brow hairs I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how Nyx's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills (currently out of stock), a brand known for its incredible brow products. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+. A creamy and pigmented gel eyeliner that doesn't move I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this gel-cream eyeliner by indie beauty brand af94. Available in six shades (I have the black and navy blue), it applies with the ease and control of a traditional pencil eyeliner but with greater opacity than you would expect and no skipping or dragging on the skin. It actually feels more like a cream than anything else and is similar to other gel-based pencils of luxury origins like Bobby Brown's Perfectly Defined gel eyeliner. I like that I'm able to smoke it out a bit into a wing with a fine eyeliner brush to get that soft cat eye look and because it's a gel formula, it really doesn't budge once it dries down. I've even worn it to dance classes and it doesn't move. You also don't need a sharpener because it's a twist-up pencil that automatically sharpens with each if you're curious about what my favorite eyeliner brush is, it's also a drugstore find that comes in this five-piece brush set by it from Ulta for $5.60 (originally $8). Latex-free makeup sponges that perform exactly like the Beauty Blender For the longest time, I only used a Beauty Blender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost around $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even a 5-pack from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in five color sets). The most hydrating and cushiony lip oil I've ever used If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs about $6 more. Get it from Amazon for $9.97. A milky skin conditioner that reminds me of Laniege Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my it from Amazon for $18.30. A nourishing body oil that's not greasy My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my it from Amazon for $22+ (available in two sizes).
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Saie launches new Slip Tint Setting Powder - and here's why it's a summer staple
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Saie has recently launched its brand new Slip Tint Undetectable Baked Setting Powder to rival Laura Mercier's iconic Translucent Setting Powder. I have been using Laura Mercier's Translucent Setting Powder for years to soak up any excess oil around my T-zone, but it may have met its match with Saie's new drop. What I love about Saie's Slip Tint is it is a multi-purpose make-up cosmetic as it functions as a setting powder, highlighter and bronzer – depending on the shade – as it adds an extra glow to my complexion while minimising any shine. This clean formula has been crafted using Phytosqualane, Silica, Hyaluronic Acid andlipids extracted from Jojoba Esters plant to create a skincare and make-up hybrid. This setting powder reduces excess oil, while also hydrating the skin. It offers a glowy finish, despite its function to reduce oiliness and set your make-up in place. Available in five shades, including very light to light, light to medium, medium to tan, tan to deep and deep to rich. BUY NOW FOR £26 Firstly the Saie Slip Tint is a pressed powder rather than loose powder, which I personally prefer to prevent wasting any product. The Saie Setting Powder is as lightweight on the skin as it promises to be, yet it delivers a natural glowy finish, sets your make-up in place without a single trace of setting powder or a cakey finish. This talc-free setting powder has been formulated with clean ingredients, including Phytosqualane and Silica, which work to smooth and blur any fine lines or enlarged pores. It also absorbs excess oil for a flawless finish. The formula also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, as well as Jojoba Esters, which contains lipids that smooth and hydrate the skin, while providing a film to hold your make-up look in place. The powder promises to hold your make-up for eight hours, which I can attest to. In fact, I have worn it from day to night in the height of summer without my make-up budging. I always seek out non-comedogenic formulas to prevent any breakouts, which is another big tick this Saie creation delivers on. This setting powder is available in five shades, including very light to light, light to medium, medium to tan, tan to deep and deep to rich, so you can perfectly colour match the product to your skin tone. This is rare when it comes to setting powders and what sets it out from the crowd as it doesn't dull or lighten your complexion like others. While Saie's Slip Tint reduces any oily areas around my T-zone, it also lifts, brightens and adds a glowy finish to my complexion too, though it is not pearlescent or shimmery. While I opt for the light to medium shade on oily areas, I have also experimented using other shades as a bronzer on my cheeks, which was equally as effective in adding a pop of colour and definition to my cheeks without leaving me too shiny or one dimensional. This setting powder has been dermatologist tested, so it is safe to use on sensitive as well as blemish prone skin. Whether you sweep all over the face, or on select areas, is entirely up to you. Already Saie's Slip Tint has garnered an impressive 4.9 out of five stars from shoppers. Gloria's review read: 'I've been using this pressed powder and I'm seriously loving it. It gives me a natural finish without looking cakey. My skin still looks glowy like a soft, healthy glow, but not glittery or shimmery at all. It just looks like my skin, but better. I use it to set my make-up and it blends so nicely.' More Trending While Angie added: 'I enjoy this powder, it is light on my skin, doesn't not look powdery and it sets my make-up beautifully! I like how the shade is flexible since I'll be able to wear it once the season changes. There is no scent to it but there's some radiance to it, so this won't give you a matte look, which I appreciate since I have dry skin! it does not sit in my fine lines either!' A separate shopper, named Dahlia, echoed the same sentiment and shared: 'I am a huge powder girly and I've been looking for one that sets my makeup but doesn't look dry, especially under my eyes. I use it all over my face and under my eyes and it sets my makeup without taking away all the glow I want to keep. It looks really good under my eyes too and they finally don't appear crusty. The formula feels buttery almost! I love the compact and this will last me a long time since a little goes a long way.' Sold. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: I'm a shopping writer and here's what I'm buying this week – from Berghaus to Skin Rocks MORE: Bella Hadid reveals 'secret' beauty travel hack – it's none other than this £9.50 skin cream MORE: This skincare product completely transformed my skin – I get everyone to use it! Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Buzz Feed
7 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
I'm A Beauty Reporter. I Swear These Drugstore Products Are Even Better Than Luxury Ones.
As a beauty reporter, it's not just my personal obsession but also my job to research and test my way through skincare and makeup products at every price point. What I've found is that, in many cases, you do get what you pay for. But other times, I learned that drugstore formulas outperform their luxury competition for a fraction of the price. Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more. A makeup artist-endorsed definition mascara This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified the potential of drugstore formulas. The L'Oreal Voluminous mascara line was previously recommended to us by professional makeup artists as a good budget option for anyone looking to experiment with mascara shades that go beyond just black or brown. There's something about the product consistency of this mascara and the fluffy barrel brush that makes my lashes look longer and noticeably volumized, without looking weighed down or spidery. It also never flakes or smudges, even when the tube is a little older. I've even opted to try a few other colors, including the deep violet shade that I like so much, I find myself grabbing for it more than my go-to black. You'll want to opt for this if you're after a set of lashes that look fanned, wispy and not overly unnatural. Though I haven't tried it out for myself, some online discourse suggests that this formula is very comparable to the Lancôme High Definition mascara, which is also known for weightlessly lengthening it from Amazon for $8.24+ (available in nine shades). A magical loose powder with an old school formula This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in three shades, including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin, nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth and blur texture, absorb excess oil and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also super affordable and lasts though I consider this vintage icon in a league of its own, I have heard this formula compared to the likes of Laura Mercier's well-known loose setting powder, which contains botanicals and skin conditioners to blur and soften the skin, but costs $43 for just one ounce of product (the Airspun is 1.2 ounces). Get it from Amazon for $6.74 (available in three shades). A "glass skin" highlighter stick that doesn't feel drugstore I'll admit it, I was influenced by TikTok to try out these new highlighter sticks from L'Oréal that promise to offer a more elevated kind of glow (unlike those chalky strobe highlighters of 2012). The finish is very unique and, like the brand claims, makes skin look glass-like, reflective, and very healthy. It comes in three "glassy formula" shades, though I have both the pearl and pink, and they are both virtually translucent, which I actually prefer. The texture is also not creamy at all, but instead feels lightweight and second-skin-like when applied to areas like the high points of my cheeks, inner corners of the eyes and cupid's bow. Even though this conveniently comes in the form of a stick, I like rubbing it on my fingers first before dabbing it onto my skin to avoid any disruption of my liquid and cream products my opinion, this formula seems strikingly similar to Merit's Day Glow highlighting balm, which promises that same dewy sheen without any sparkle. If you want a more robust glow, the L'Oréal Lumi Le Glass comes in three "glowy" formulas that are advertised to have a slightly more opaque it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in six colors). A ceramide-filled lotion that doubles as the perfect makeup base I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now, and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it's the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skincare products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer. Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes). A velvety liner that rivals Charlotte Tilbury's famous "Pillow Talk" Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips. Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in 12 colors). A flexible and imperceptible concealer The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 28 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark it from Amazon for $8.98. A fine-line liquid eyebrow pen that looks like real brow hairs I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how NYX's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills, a brand known for its incredible brow products. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+. Latex-free makeup sponges that perform exactly like the Beauty Blender For the longest time, I only used a Beautyblender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost around $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even a five-piece set from Amazon for $5.38+ (available in five color combos). The most hydrating and cushiony lip oil I've ever used If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs $6 more. Get it from Amazon for $9.97. A milky skin conditioner that reminds me of Laniege Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my it from Amazon for $18.30. A nourishing body oil that's not greasy My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my it from Amazon for $22.
Buzz Feed
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
29 Magical Ulta Products Worth Adding To Cart
A Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder, the OG powder we all know and love that'll soften pores, set makeup, and control shine like a pro. Laura put her foot in this one (and a sprinkle of witchcraft). Promising review: "This is worth the hype. I use it primarily under my eyes on top of my concealer. It makes the concealer last a lot longer and allows the concealer and CC cream to just blend right in. I've used other setting powders, and they are trash compared to this. Also, a little goes a looooong way. Buy it, you won't be disappointed." —JanelliPrice: $43 (available in four shades) Eos Shea Butter lotion that is oh so beloved by TikTok. And rightfully so — this stuff smells too good to be true. It's lightweight, will deliver a whole lotta long-lasting moisture, and will surely make its way up to the top of your favorites list. A cleansing balm to help melt away makeup and impurities after a long day of absolutely slaying your beat face. It's hard work being a baddie, but this'll make things a bit easier. Good Molecules is a small biz that specializes in skincare products!Promising review: "This balm really cleanses. I used a small amount and it seriously melted off my makeup, I couldn't believe it. Definitely recommend as a great first step to your nighttime routine." —CierraPrice: $15 A Morphe brush set — it comes with 12 brushes picked by celebrity makeup artist Ariel (@Makeupbyariel). And by the way, Ariel beats a face DOWNNN, so you know these brushes have gotta be *a chef's kiss.* You'll get 11 different brushes and a sponge!Promising review: "I'm in LOVE with my new set! The size selection is great. A brush for everything and then some! The texture and quality are unlike any other brush I've ever owned! I definitely recommend this set 1,000%!!!!" —LindseyPrice: $98 An Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencil with an ultra slim tip to help you get the thinnest, most *precise* hair-like strokes ever, keeping your brows looking super natural. It's dual-ended with a spoolie on the other end, so you can blend away easily. If we're choosing magic wands, I'm pickin' this one. The magic that is this product, omg. This brow pencil is my guilty pleasure. It's just reliable, and we love a reliable product. 👏🏽👏🏽 I've been using this for probably close to 10 years. It is a splurge product for me; I do fall for cheaper alternatives and such, but whenever I return, it reminds me that this brow pencil is truly unbeatable. It's really in its own lane. The pencil is sooo thin, so it helps create the most natural, realistic brow-like strokes, which is the look I LOVE. I mean, just look at the pic above, you can literally see the hair strokes I made using this. The colors are also so natural, I personally love the soft brown, even though my hair is naturally a very dark brown — it just looks the most realistic for me. Anastasia, girl, you did your big one with this... oh, and are you a witch? You can tell me, I won't tell $26 (available in 12 shades) And an Anastasia Beverly Hills freeze wax because you want your brows laminated, but your wallet is your biggest hater and *does not* want you to spend that money. DIY home laminated brows, it is! Luckily, this little cauldron of magic will help you achieve the look as if you cast a spell. Promising review: "My favorite brow gel ever! I've gone through about four of these so far. It gives my brows a laminated look, and they stay in place all day." —ChelseaPrice: $26 A Cécred nourishing hair oil that smells absolutely divine and will help seal in moisture without weighing down your locks. It's compiled of 13, yes 13 (!!!) luscious oils to help reinforce your hair's lipid barrier and will have you absolutely feelin' yourself. Reviewers are loving that this lightweight potion actually absorbs into your strands rather than just sitting on top. Oh, nourishing hair oil, ~I love you down to the bone.~ Cécred is founded and owned by Beyoncé!I finally got my hands on this bad boy, and oh, baby, it is incredible. I had been trying to figure out how to style my curly clip-in extensions and make them match my real hair, but nothing had been working. I did a braid out three times, and it was a mess. I was literally ready to give up and just straighten my hair again. That is, until I added this. This and the moisture-sealing lotion work ridiculously well together; they're the most magical duo ever for curls. My braid out turned out so perfectly, I'm still in disbelief. Plus, my hair isn't oily!! It absorbed so well. I put it on one side of my hair at a time, and the difference was wild. My curls haven't looked this curly in years, and when I add this to my straight extensions, it helps my hair blend so much better. Also, it smells so freakin' good, it's ridiculous. Cécred literally never disappoints. This oil is liquid gold. I'm obsessed. I stand ten toes behind this oil and literally every product I've tried from the line. These are my all-time favorite hair products, no competition. Promising review: "I absolutely adore this hair oil. You get a very generously sized bottle that will last you a long time. The bottle feels heavy and luxurious, and the oil always fixes whatever frizz I've got going on and smells incredible. I'm on my third bottle already, and I will never stop. I will rebuy this until my last days. Worth every penny." —KayPrice: $44 (available in a travel-size) A jar of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum body cream made with a caffeine-rich guarana extract formula to help smooth and tighten skin. Plus, I'm guessing that this is what heaven smells like, honestly, thanks to pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla. A Solawave red light therapy wand that'll help reduce dark spots and fine lines, and stimulate and lift the skin (thanks to microcurrents), all while giving you a delightful as heck facial massage and some ~therapeutic~ warmth. Your skincare products will absorb better, and puffiness won't stand a chance. Sounds like an amazing spa-like facial treatment is waiting for you, and you can do it from the comfort of your couch! Nars radiant creamy concealer because a buildable, lightweight, long-lasting (up to 16 hours!) concealer sounds like the ultimate makeup dream. Your under-eyes will be nice and bright even on those days when you only get, like, four hours of sleep. Plus, it has magnolia bark and grape seed extracts to help cover acne and calm redness, so like, what more could you need outta this little baby? A R.e.m. beauty highlighting stick that'll give you that *I'm part magical unicorn from space* glassy shine with a subtle sparkle. We all know Ari used the same wand Galinda used to uhh, attempt, to turn Elphie's frock into a ball gown. Price: $22 A Kylie Cosmetics skin tint everyone on TikTok is HYPING. Honestly, the videos literally look like witchcraft taking place all over my FYP; it's kinda wild. This light-to-medium coverage blurring elixir will literally just look like your skin, like, you may not be able to tell where your skin is and where you put on the skin tint. Check it out on TikTok! It's literally giving $32 (available in 24 shades) A Magic Melt micellar milk makeup remover by Bubble (holy alliteration) — a gentle, soft, milky concoction that'll get rid of makeup, SPF, and oil. It's perfect for sensitive skin and will leave your face feelin' clean, and residue free. I love this stuff, omg, this is my new favorite makeup remover. A couple of months ago I had to sacrifice getting my lashes done to save money because $$$ has been tight, so I started to buy and apply lash clusters myself. I'm weird and prefer to pull my lashes off the same day and sleep completely barefaced, but dang, that glue takes its job seriously. Literally, nothing could get this glue off of my eyelids. I'd blink and my eye would be stuck shut cuz there was still glue that wouldn't come off, so then I'd pick at my lashes forever. Enter this miracle. This stuff gets my makeup and the glue off no problem!!!! And it doesn't burn my eyes at all!! I don't think I've ever tried a better makeup remover. It doesn't take a lot of scrubbing, and my makeup comes off in under a minute. This is the only product that removes stubborn eye makeup without me scrubbing my eyes until they're swollen and scabbed, which has unfortunately happened more than once with other products. Don't think twice, you need $15 A Too Faced "Better Than Sex" mascara that'll condition your lashes while also adding volume and length, locking your lash curl in place. You'll get the false lash drama without the discomfort. Promising review: "I love this mascara. What I love the most is that once I put it on, it stays on and doesn't smear off or end up underneath my eyes (with oily skin, that was my biggest problem, looking like a raccoon)." —AdrianaPrice: $29 (available in two colors; also available in a travel size) A pack of 36 acne patches because a pimple is NOT ruining our day, babe! These patches absorb all the gunk in open pimples and help speed up the healing process without picking or popping. Abracadabra, psh, what pimple? Or a pimple-clearing gel pen that's *secretly* a magic wand from Hogwarts. (Shhhh!) It'll help stop breakouts in the early stages before they seriously do their big one and ruin your mood for the week Promising review: "This is a really good product and honestly helps my breakouts die down really quickly, it even takes the redness away." —TessPrice: $19.99 A post-blemish rescue balm to help calm dry, red skin. Put some on after you pop a zit (orrrr scroll back up and grab some pimple patches and use this balm after) to help avoid future dark spots. Ultra nourishing and ultra sus' because howwww?! Unbelievable, magical little cream. Promising review: "At first I was scared to try this, but once I finally got myself to buy it, I could never go back. It has gotten rid of all my acne scarring and red patches of skin. It is truly one of the best products on the market." —Bailey JohnsonPrice: $12.99 A Good Girl Blush by Carolina Herrera perfume that'll make everyone do a double take when you walk by because you smell so heavenly. And the bottle will be soooo cute on your vanity or dresser. If you've been searching for a signature scent, TikTok (and I) highly recommend this one. An E.l.f. brush cleanser to thoroughly remove caked-on shadows, blush, and foundation, easy peasy. This is great because it's super important to clean your beauty tools, but, like, who actually likes doing that? Price: $5 A TikTok-famous super hold setting spray that'll give you the matte look you want without fading away by midnight, like the magic that made Cinderella's dress and carriage. Coming home, looking in the mirror, and seeing that your face hasn't budged sounds like the kinda sorcery I wanna be involved with. Color Wow — a heat-activated anti-frizz treatment to apply before you blow dry. With anti-humidity technology, sorcery, and moisture repellent, it works kinda like a mini keratin treatment and seriously DELIVERS some incredible results. Oh, and Chris Appleton, celebrity stylist to both Kim Kardashian and swearssss by this stuff. A gorgeous Juvia's Place bronzer duo that'll give you a beautifully blended contour. It's so good, people *maaaay* just ask you if you've gone to Dr. Miami to get your cheeks done. An angled, chiseled face. Like handsome Squidward but like, less creepy looking. And their blush duo because the only thing better than one new blush shade is *two* new blush shades. Yay! Christmas in summer! Promising review: "The duo blush is so pretty on my skin tone. A little goes a long way. It's definitely worth the price." —BrwngirlPrice: $18 (available in six duos) A Truly Beauty boob polish made of an acai and retinol concoction that'll help smooth your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and stretch marks, and brighten, firm, and tighten your booby skin. Bestie, I'm sure your tatas already look *absolutely amazing*, but if you've ever been intrigued by these beautiful jars at Ulta (🙋🏽♀️🙋🏽♀️🙋🏽♀️), give this a try! And if anyone compliments your boobs you can be like "oh yeah, I just had 'em polished." A Dior foundation that'll deliver you some glowy, radiant medium-to-full coverage + some much-needed hydration. You'll fall in love at first swatch. Promising review: "I've struggled to find a foundation that loves my skin. This foundation sinks into the skin and feels soooo good when putting it on. I'm in love. Thank you, Ulta, for adding Dior to the selection!!" —NicolePrice: $57 (available in 42 shades) A color-correcting multistick for your eyes, lips, and cheeks — it'll neutralize dark spots and circles even if you've felt like NOTHING will cover your tired under-eyes lately. Put this over any areas with hyperpigmentation, then put your foundation or concealer on top and boom: tired under-eyes will be gone in a flash. A Touchland misting hand sanitizer that you'll quickly realize is far superior to all other sanitizers. First of all, it's a spray (genius), it's hydrating, not sticky or greasy, and will leave your hands sanitized and smelling good as heck. Whether you like fruity smells like watermelon and mango, or warm smells like sandalwood and vanilla, these'll serve as the most perfect sanitizers ever. You'll def want 'em all. Promising review: "I am having a moment with these perfect little hand sanitizers! Love all the scents and colors, and they fit in every bag I own. Also fantastic gifts/stocking stuffers." —MarthaPrice: $10 (available in 15 scents) A Fenty gloss bomb lipstick, which Serena from Love Island uses (thanks, queen, for putting us on to it), and I mean, we all know our girl ALWAYS keeps it 100. You see these colors?! Spectacular — give me 14 of 'em right now. A glowy makeup primer that'll double as your sun protection, 'cause it has SPF 30 in it. A glowy base, long-lasting makeup, *and* sunscreen?! Oh, we scored a magic potion for sure. Promising review: "This product gives my skin a nice glow with the benefit of sun protection. A little cheek color and a little mascara, and I'm good to go for a casual day. It also plays well under foundation. E.l.f. products are an excellent value, and I found this to be better than more expensive products I've tried." —Jo-AnnPrice: $14 (available in three shades) You, holding your pimple-clearing wand, wondering what sorcery it contains: The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
The Age
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
These 10 beauty products have stood the test of time – and one's just $16
This story is part of the July 6 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories. In my career as a beauty editor, the most difficult challenge has always been to select my favourite products. And I've done a few 'best-in-beauty' round-ups in my time, including my top 100. So, here I go again with my top 10 time-honoured products (in no particular order). Let's start with Eve Lom's Cleanser ($144), crafted by legendary facialist Eve Lom and launched in 1985. It's a blend of chamomile, hops, clove, eucalyptus oil and cocoa butter and comes with a muslin cloth that is integral to the cleansing and exfoliating process. Another great all-rounder is Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream ($35). Arden developed it in 1930 and was so impressed by its ability to soothe cuts and bruises she even applied it to her beloved racehorses, while Sir Edmund Hilary used it as a balm when he climbed Mount Everest. It also soothes lips, smooths flyaway hair, highlights cheeks, helps repair cuticles and, at a pinch, polishes your shoes. I know I bang on and on about SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50+ sunscreen ($68), but that's because it's pure SPF genius that will not only help save you from the sun's ravages but is lightweight, with an easy-to-wear texture. Editing down colour cosmetics is a difficult task. For lips, Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Bitch Perfect Lipstick ($54) is in the nude lipstick hall of fame. And I cannot do this list justice without including Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($48), launched in 1971. This blackened-raisin lip gloss is universally flattering and became an instant hit when Julia Roberts applied it while singing Ain't No Mountain High Enough in the 1998 movie Stepmom. For eyes, Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Cocoa ($54) is foolproof when drawing a smoky eye. Loading Yikes! I only have four choices left and I absolutely must have two fragrances. Diptyque Philosykos EDP ($309 for 75ml) was the darling of the fashion set in the 1980s thanks to its notes of fig, coriander and coconut and has stood the test of time. And with buckets of sex appeal from its unique, freshly-cut-grass aroma, Guerlain Vétiver EDT ($190 for 100ml) is as intoxicating today as it was when it launched in 1959. For hair, Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat and Ceramide ($16) is a keeper for those who suffer from greasy, limp second-day hair. In fact, Aussies love it so much we account for a third of worldwide sales. Keep it close for an instant hair boost. Lastly, the legendary Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask ($88) is also a hair must-have, using prickly pear oil to treat the scalp and hair without weighing it down. Oops! Can I make that my 11 favourite products? I simply must add the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer ($799). I couldn't live without it.
