Latest news with #RealTechniques
New York Times
09-05-2025
- Health
- New York Times
There Are Plenty of $5 Makeup Sponges at the Drugstore. This Is Why We Stand By the Original $20 Beautyblender.
Hannah Frye/NYT Wirecutter The sponge is made from a latex-free polyurethane foam, which gives it that flexible, comfortable feel when it hits the skin. To use a Beautyblender, you dampen the sponge, squeeze out excess water, then, as the brand suggests, 'bounce' the sponge across your foundation, concealer, powder, or any other complexion product (though not eyeshadow or lip products). That bounce is one of the features we loved most. Other sponges we tested, such as the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, have densely packed foam that hits the skin. But the Beautyblender is airy and light when it's wet, touching the skin like a soft cushion, even on sensitive areas like the undereyes. When dampened, the foam expands enough to cover a few inches of skin at a time, speeding up the application process, but it doesn't grow to the size of a monster sponge. Others we tested got so large we couldn't fit the tip into all the nooks and crannies of the face. Beyond the nitty-gritty of shape and feel, the sponge outperformed its look-alikes for everyday makeup wear. In our guide to the best makeup brushes, a tester said this sponge 'finishes a makeup look flawlessly,' compared with others she's tried that often left behind streaks and unblended patches. It also checks the box as the only sponge you need because, unlike many others, it can hold all kinds of makeup products, including liquid, cream, and powder. Some sponges drop super-fine powders while others soak it up before it reaches your skin, but the Beautyblender has a nice balance — it picks up the powder and puts it onto your face with ease. The same is true for liquid formulas like foundation and concealer. In our guide, one tester said she used 'a lot less' of her favorite liquid foundation with the Beautyblender compared with other sponges. But just know, this is only true if the sponge is damp. 'Moistening the Beautyblender sponge creates a barrier that keeps makeup from sinking in and wasting product,' author Elizabeth Denton said in the guide. Hannah Frye/NYT Wirecutter You should wash your makeup sponge after every use. It may seem like a lot of work, but truly great makeup sponges are easy to clean — the Beautyblender included. All you need to do is place dirty sponges in a bowl of lukewarm-to-warm water mixed with a few drops of liquid soap, and use your hands to work the soapy water into the sponge for about 15 seconds, senior staff writer Nancy Redd said in this step-by-step guide. Then, rinse the sponge and squeeze it. You'll know the sponge is clean when the water runs clear, so consider colored water a sign to repeat the wash process. Beautyblender sells branded sponge cleaner (as do other sponge brands), but you don't need to buy it — liquid soap works just fine. Nancy tested Dial liquid soap and Dr. Bronner's unscented liquid castile soap, both of which got the job done. Start sparingly with the soap, though. Apply just a small dollop to the water to start and add more as needed, because excess soap residue can be difficult to remove from a makeup sponge, Nancy said. We washed all of the sponges we tested and considered the Beautyblender to perform the best in this area, too. Some makeup sponges hold onto makeup like velcro, but this sponge rinsed clean without too much huff and puff. Arguably more important, it held up over multiple washes without any damage. This isn't a small feat — many sponges age like milk, losing structure and little chunks of foam with every wash. But the Beautyblender bounces back to life without peeling apart, a feature that extends its longevity (and at $20 a piece, that's pretty important). Store your Beautyblender in any place with ample airflow and light — for example, in a special holder like this. Hannah Frye/NYT Wirecutter To keep your sponge as nice as possible for as long as possible, the brand suggests storing it in a clean space with ample airflow and light. Storing the sponge in a dark place with no airflow may promote bacteria and mold growth. Even if you're traveling, it's worth finding a to-go container with some kind of airflow. Otherwise, you might arrive at your destination with a musty sponge. Still, even if you do everything right, clean it after every use, and store it like a trophy, the Beautyblender won't last forever. The brand suggests the sponges 'typically last' three to six months. This is a pretty big window, but the brand says how long it lasts depends on how well you care for it. Anecdotally, I've used the Beautyblender sponge in my personal makeup routine on and off for years, and mine typically caps out around the four-month mark with regular use (except for the one time my cat stole it a week post-purchase, a criminal offense given the price). However, plenty of Reddit users claim their sponges lived beyond a year — not necessarily recommended. So although $20 may get you half a year of good use, not everyone will find the Beautyblender's longevity and wash-well capabilities to be worthwhile. For professional makeup artists, Elizabeth told me, cheaper options might make more sense, as they often need new sponges for every client. But for everyday personal use, these features make a big difference in the experience over time. The Beautyblender sponge wowed us with its quality, performance, and durability, sweeping the competition. If it didn't, we wouldn't have crowned it the best. While the testing panel went in skeptical, suspecting the steep price wouldn't be justified but, alas, it was. We didn't take color into account as it's a basis of personal preference, but for those who are particular, you'll be glad to know Beautyblender has a vast array of options to choose from — pink, denim blue, black, green, nude, and beyond. Oh, and they even have itty-bitty blenders, too, if you have a love for the smaller things in life. Some people will still prefer the plentiful, cheap dupes out there, and that's fair. But we stand by the fact that, for now, you can't get the same Beautyblender performance or durability elsewhere for less. Sometimes, the original just hits better — or shall I say, bounces. Elizabeth Denton contributed reporting. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder. What I Cover Hannah Frye is a staff writer reporting on beauty and style for Wirecutter. She was previously an editor at Mindbodygreen. She has been using skin-care items since she was 11 (which, she says, is a fact, not a recommendation). When she isn't making new Pinterest boards or shopping for vintage clothes on eBay, she's testing vegan recipes in her Brooklyn apartment.
Buzz Feed
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
30 Little Additions That Will Make A Huge Difference In Your Makeup Routine
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. Because why are you still saying you're bad at makeup in 2025 🤔 1. A pack of soft and bouncy makeup sponges — people are saying they're better than Beauty Blender and Real Techniques at a fraction of the cost. Their soft texture allows for a smooth and even application, whether you're blending out foundation, concealer, or contour. Reviewers also love how durable these little sponges are and that they don't easily rip or tear when your wash them. Promising review: " New holy grail! These sponges are amazing! I've been buying the Beauty Blender for years and as you all know they are $20 for just one. An aunt of mine had ordered these and I tried one and I was amazed by the quality of these. These are my new go-to everyday sponge. I love them!! You get five for half the price of a Beauty Blender. These double in size when wet and they apply foundation if you are debating just buy them! You won't be disappointed. 😊" — Aileen S Get a set of five from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in five sets). 2. A light-up makeup mirror so you never have to do the awkward bathroom counter lean again just to get your eyeliner on point or apply those lash clusters perfectly. The flexible gooseneck brings the mirror closer to your face, letting you adjust the angle; plus, it features a super bright LED light and 7x magnification for flawless makeup application. Promising review:"The suction is awesome; I have moved this mirror every which way and it hasn't come off once. I'm really pleased with how well it has held up on my vanity mirror. Bending over the counter top to apply my makeup in the morning was driving me wild. It took me a day or two to get used to the magnification but that has actually be super helpful with applying mascara. I'm very pleased." — Jade Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 3. A touch-up dermaplaning tool for a quick and easy way to shape your brows and get rid of peach fuzz. Not only will they leave your skin feeling silky smooth, but they're also perfect for prepping your face for flawless makeup application. It comes with a precision cover to help you shape your brows to the exact shape you want. Or leave them just how they are — remember, removing facial hair (or any hair) is optional, not necessary! Promising review:"Plucking the more egregious of my thick black hairs is at least a 2–3x/week effort. I opened these rather hesitantly — I mean, they are sharp blades going on your face — took a sip of Prosecco for courage, washed my face and started shaving. I could not believe how easy and quick it was. After a couple of swipes down my cheek, I noticed that it was done. I thought it was going to take a lot more skill and time. First complete face shave (full cheeks, upper lip, lower lip, jawline) over and done with in less than three minutes with outstanding results. So much easier than tweezers and depilatories!! Wow." — Tara D. Get a three-count from Amazon for $5.94 (also available in a pack of nine). 4. E.l.f.'s Power Grip Primer, a gel-based hydrating primer that will keep your makeup in place all 👏🏽 day 👏🏽 long 👏🏽. This primer also has a smoothing effect, reducing the appearance of pores and giving you a velvety canvas for your makeup. Promising review:"This is the HOLY GRAIL of primers!! It's really sticky and keeps my makeup set for hours! This is the best primer I've ever used!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 5. Plus, a tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eye primer that'll help enhance the pigment of your eyeshadow, giving it that ✨ pop ✨ you crave. It also helps control oil on your lids to make your makeup last all day. Why spend more on Mac Paint Pot when this exists? Promising review:"This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." — Chloe Get it from Amazon for $11.89. 6. A waterproof eyeliner stamp to get the perfect winged liner every. dang. time. Doesn't matter if you're a makeup pro or a beginner who barely knows the basics — this pen is easy for anyone to use. Just line the stamp side up with the corner of your eye and firmly press, then follow up with the felt tip on the other end to connect your wing with the rest of the liner. The result: a wing that could cut glass. 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). 7. Or, an easy-to-use guide wand and eyeliner duo that's like a magic wand here to make applying liner SO much easier. The design helps steady even the shakiest of hands, while the flexible silicone tip, which can be easily replaced, is gentle on your delicate eyelids. Guide Beauty is a woman-owned small biz founded by makeup artist Terri Bryant after her own Parkinson's diagnosis made some once-routine makeup techniques more difficult. So she set out to listen to the most common makeup struggles and develop tools to make application easier for everyone! Promising review:"I have extremely hooded Asian eyelids and shaky hands so eyeliner has kind of always been insurmountable to me and I had pretty much given up on it before trying this. I bought it with hopes it would work but it's now an actual game changer in my makeup routine. Upon first attempt I was able to do winged eyeliner for each eye in under five min. and the eyeliner has not budged since application. I haven't worn it out yet, but it feels like a pretty strong hold. Overall I'm in love with this product." — Hailey Get it from Guide Beauty for $50. 8. A creamy eyeshadow stick, which is available in a delightful array of matte, shimmer, and metallic shades and glides on like buttah. This stick lets you be the artist, giving you total control over where the color goes. Plus, it's got a nifty smudger built in for seamless blending. Amazon Promising review: "This is my fifth color. This is the best thing to happen to makeup. I can do a smokey eye or a natural one in under a minute. I suck at makeup. This makes it so easy. I am also 51. The Coco color has some shimmer. It does not crease or define my wrinkles. Putty and Clay are amazing." — kristyn Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in 30 colors). 9. Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub ideal for really making your lippies pop by giving them a smooth base to work with. This scrub exfoliates your lips, removing any dead or peeling skin to leave your pout plump and moisturized. It uses real cane sugar from Maui for exfoliation along with Hawaiian kukui oil to restore moisture to parched lips. Tip: To keep things hygienic (and ramp up the exfoliation), you could use a lip brush like the one pictured above to scoop out and use the scrub on your lips. Promising review: "This works so, so well for me. I have struggled with dry, chapped lips forever. I have had breakouts of perioral dermatitis that has affected my lips. I am also an anxious lip-biter. Lately I have been trying to take better care of my skin, lips included. This is the first lip scrub I have ever tried. First of all, this stuff smells incredible and doesn't leave a bad taste on your lips. It is super easy to use. And I never see any dry skin on my lips after using it. I have actually been able to wear lipstick several days in a row which I NEVER do, because it always used to dry my lips out and look flaky. I will definitely continue to use this." — Morgan Get it from Amazon for $16.99. 10. Plus, a Lucas' Papaw Ointment ready to put all your other lip products to shame. Made from pure Australian pawpaw (aka papaya), this magical tube gives your lips that glossy, well-moisturized look that lasts. Reviewers say it's also brought soothing relief from cuts and cracked skin, burns, insect bites, and even eczema. I initially bought this to try out because I saw Sophia from the global girl group Katseye wearing it, and her lips are always hydrated and glossy-looking. When I tell you this is the best lip product I've ever had (and I've tried plenty)! It has a nice texture; it's not too thick like petroleum jelly, but it isn't runny either. My lips actually feel moisturized hours later, unlike other products (which I'm convinced dry your skin out, causing you to keep reapplying). I can confidently say this balm just earned a permanent spot in my rotation. Promising review: "I've tried all the big names, and there is nothing that beats Lucas' Papaw. It comes in three, which is perfect as I have one in my car, in my purse, and one at home. I could buy more and stock in every corner of our house. I swear by this product; goodbye to cracked lips forever! The value and quality is superb!" — OffcamMama Get a pack of three from Amazon for $21.85. 11. Followed by a buildable blurring pudding pot with a dreamy, pudding-like texture that leaves a soft matte finish — use on your lips and cheeks for that gorgeous airbrushed look, like an IRL filter. Promising review: "These are incredible. Such a pretty velvet matte finish. Feels like cream pillows on the lips. You do have to moisturize your lips beforehand, though, because these pots do not provide any moisturize. But they're so pretty that it's more than worth it to just put on a little lip balm before hand. Also I'd suggest getting the silicone lip applicator — it's not necessary but it keeps the pot from getting all messy from your fingers. The silicone applicators cheap and super easy to clean too. They apply the product so smoothly too. Also, I love how bouncy these pots are! Makes putting on makeup so fun" — Sanura McGill Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in 30 shades). 12. A skincare-infused Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Glow Serum that hydrates and preps your skin, blending hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to give it that smooth, juicy look and ethereal glow. It's lightweight enough to layer under makeup, or you can wear it on its own (which I personally do) for a low-effort, natural, everyday look. Sephora It also has antioxidants that help protect your skin from environmental stressors! Promising reviews: "I love this. It's such a beautiful glowy but not sticky primer. I wear it a lot on its own with a little mascara, little concealer and gloss. It smells like heaven and never breaks me out. Perfect for those dry skin ladies like me." — Allizen "This under the Huda Beauty Easy Blur foundation is a dream combination. My skin looks absolutely flawless. The texture of the product is beautiful it sinks right into the skin and adds a beautiful glow on its own. I'm oily so I tend to stay away from glowy primers but this is one of my new favorite products!" — Ghosoon Get it from Sephora for $34 (available in three shades). 13. And a satin-finish TirTir cushion foundation offering 72 hours of flawless wear, blending seamlessly to hide redness, blemishes, and under-eye bags. It has buildable coverage, perfect for a natural look or full glam. Plus, it's packed with hibiscus and red propolis extracts for a boost in skin elasticity. *AND* to top it all off, its oval-shaped puff can reach every little corner of your face! Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation. Promising review: "I struggle with finding a foundation that's not orange. Someone recommended I try a Korean product and this started going viral around the same time. I lucked into a perfect color match on the first try, but I've learned t here are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at al l. It did settle into my under-eye wrinkles without primer so if you're older that's something to keep in mind. Overall beautiful and long-lasting. This will be my go to foundation from now on." — AJ Bond Get it from Amazon for $21 (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match). 14. A flat-top oval brush made with compressed but oh-so-soft fibers that work together to blend your foundation and concealer perfectly, giving you the seamless, airbrushed look of your dreams. You'll feel like a seasoned makeup artist! This one works with liquids, powders, and creams, and is beloved by over 31,000 5-star reviewers. Promising review: "I was skeptical at first, but the second I made my first swipe of foundation on my face with this, I was amazed. The application is so smooth. I used to use my fingers thinking that the heat from my hands would help the foundation go on better, but this is far better. It also comes with a plastic case, perfect for travel or storage." — Carolyn Z. Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 11 colors). 15. An eyebrow stencil kit, which comes with 30 self-adhesive stencils to help you nail that perfect brow shape. This kit is a total game changer, especially if you tend to go a bit overboard with plucking or feeling inspired by those TikTok eyebrow filters, but never quite getting it right. The kit comes with 30 different eyebrow stencils, a shaping razor, and a double-sided waterproof eyebrow pencil. Promising review:"Really great! Surprisingly! I bought these expecting the worst and they were awesome! There are tons of different eyebrow stencil options. I found one closest to my eyebrow shape. I struggle with drawing my eyebrows to match. Their shapes are naturally quite different. This set did a great job. I used my own brow pencil however because the light brown color is very crayon brown. I like a more taupe color for my brows." — Chls Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 16. The fan-fave Nyx makeup setting spray that every makeup enthusiast should have in their arsenal. A few spritzes of this miracle elixir will lock your makeup in place, preventing it from smudging, melting, or fading away. Perfect for those days when your foundation seems to have a mind of its own. This personal makeup assistant comes in four different finishes: matte, dewy, radiant, and plump. Promising review: "Love this spray. Like that it's small and portable. It does set your makeup matte, which I love. Keeps my makeup in place all day. I use it pretty much daily when it's summer. It is great for when you travel to anywhere hot and humid and don't want your makeup to slide off." — Tina Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in four finishes and a larger size). 17. A genius eyeshadow color removal sponge if you're someone who usually sticks to using one eyeshadow brush. This lets you remove quickly pigment from your brush when switching shadow colors. Now you can finally recreate that vibrant look from your saved inspo pics. Amazon BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says, "I picked up this color removal sponge from Amazon after hearing about this hack on TikTok and can testify that it actually works SO well. I'm *so* bad about cleaning my brushes (I 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!" Get it from Amazon for $6.99. 18. The internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller in case your skin creates more oil than a KFC. This roller removes excess shine from your face WITHOUT disturbing your makeup. It's also compact so you can keep one in your purse, car, office drawer... you get the point. Promising review:"I have a naturally oily complexion. If I put anything on like foundation, concealer, highlighter, blush, bronzer (even with putty primer, finishing powder, and setting spray) I get oil buildup within a couple of hours. This stick worked so well. I put my full face of makeup on at 7 a.m., had a presentation at 1 p.m.. Used this through the morning and right before my presentation and my makeup looked so good. Highly recommend!" — Molly Get it from Amazon for $8.66. 19. Or a pack of 100 blotting papers you can whip out whenever you need to keep that oily shine at bay. These will keep you matte all day and *won't* disturb your makeup, according to reviewers. Promising review:"This is a must-have for those who use makeup. No matter how expensive the makeup is, we all will sweat it out. We will all get that greasy skin that looks icky. Just take one of these, dab it on your face and the grease is gone. You can see the grease on the paper. Way worth the cost." — Honest Reviewer Get a 100-count pack from Amazon for $6.95 (available in three styles, plus packs with a mirror). 20. A Neutrogena makeup-correcting stick if you know the struggle of spending hours on your makeup only to mess it up with one wrong move. This little tool is like a Magic Eraser for your face. You know those annoying smudges or mistakes you make when applying eyeliner or lipstick? Well, this fixes them in a snap. No need to panic or start your makeup all over again! 🙌🏽 Amazon Promising review:"Why didn't someone think of this sooner? For years, I've been using cotton swabs dipped in makeup remover to remove little goofs or mistakes. This is so much better and portable! Erases waterproof mascara marks around my eyes easily. Must-buy product!!" — Katherine Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 21. Along with a self-sharpening clear lip liner to keep your lipstick in check without the stress of making mistakes like with traditional pigmented liners. Plus, the clear shade makes it versatile, working effortlessly with any lip color you throw its way. Amazon Promising review:"I like that you don't have to sharpen this liner! It stays on good and helps my lipstick last longer." — SoonerGal Get it from Ulta Beauty for $8.49 or Amazon for $6.98 (available in 14 other colors). 22. A Nyx instant brow styler if Cara Delevingne has been on your Pinterest inspo board since high school. With just a few swipes, this magical potion will give your brows that extra *oomph* and hold them in place for 16 hours with no flakiness or icky white residue! Nyx is a cruelty-free brand. If you want something that focuses a little more on pigment, try this one out! Promising review: "I bought this on a whim to try to get my newly curling dark brown brows under control. Many other 'clear' products I've tried leave a white residue. I'd been using the brown Patrick Ta Major Brow which works and is fine, but it's expensive and takes a little longer to prepare and apply. This Nyx product is so fast and easy — swipe and go, leaves virtually no residue, keeps the brows laying straight, and is a fraction of the cost of many Sephora products I've tried." — E Morris Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in five colors). 23. A silicone reusable eye makeup shield to catch any eyeshadow pigment fall-out and ensure that your base layer stays gorgeous. It easily wipes clean and can also double as an under-eye de-puffer if you pop it in the fridge or freezer. Promising review:"This moon slice is perfect and everything I've ever wished for. I wanted an eyeshadow shield that a) wasn't sticky, and b) was reusable. This particular gadget gets bonus points for being made of silicone, which is stiff yet flexible and fits comfortably — and pleasantly — under the eye. I also feel the grippy nature of the silicone helps catch eyeshadow fallout better than, say, a business card. All in all, this is an amazing little tool." — Kat Get it from Amazon for $13.26+ (available in two colors). 24. A lash lifting kit if you're tired of always having to curl your stubborn lashes before doing makeup. This lash kit can give you a cute curl that'll have people questioning if you're wearing falsies or not. It's also reusable — one reviewer said they were able to get five uses out of the kit! The instructions are easy to follow and results can last 4–6 weeks, so you'll be able to say goodbye to those expensive salon appointments. This kit includes lash glue, lash perm, lash fixation, lash nutrition, lash cleanser, five silicone pads, three lash cleaning brushes, 10 lash micropores, 10 brushes, and five gel under-eye pads. Note: If you have sensitive skin, especially around your eyes, some reviewers noted this can cause irritation. Promising review: " Okay I'm not gonna lie, I was worried that this stuff would either not work at all or make all my lashes fall out. Thankfully, it was neither and the results are UNREAL. I HIGHLY suggest watching some YouTube videos of other people using their perm kits before attempting to use yours. I have big fingers and small eyes so it was difficult for me to get the lift pads in the right positions but once that was over, the rest was a breeze. Unlike some of the other kits I've seen on here, this one has basically everything you need. The only other things I needed were a mirror, some tissue, and a little bit of plastic wrap to cover my lashes while waiting for the lotions to work their magic. I'm totally impressed and will definitely be buying this again! — Ryan Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 25. An illuminating L'Oréal moisturizer so you can bask in the bronzy glow of fabulous skin. This moisturizer has light coverage and helps color correct any little blemishes you might have while creating a fresh, dewy look. Amazon Promising review:"Didn't need this but bought this due to watching a TikTok. Pleasantly surprised by the magical erasing powers. This product has magic dust. Gives you a great glow and erases imperfections with the thinnest layer." — Kim Wilmot Get it from Amazon for $13.87 (available in five shades). 26. CoverGirl's TruBlend matte concealer reviewers say is similar to (if not better than) Tarte's Shape Tape, AND it's under $10!! With 28 different shades to choose from, you're basically guaranteed to find the perfect match for your skin tone — plus, it's super easy to blend. No more awkward orange or ashy patches on your face! Promising review:"My everyday holy grail concealer! I really love this concealer for my everyday makeup because it covers very well my blemishes without leaving my skin feeling heavy. It's really matte, it blends out beautifully into the skin, and I love that this it's exactly my skin tone!" — Marilegny G. (@marimuabeauty) Get it from Amazon for $7.94+ (available in 28 shades). 27. A set of Lilac St. false lash segments, aka your secret to a captivating eye look that can last up to 10 days. All you do is gently brush the mascara-like glue onto the underside of your natural lashes and attach the segments wherever you want to add that extra pop of length and volume. And this little bit of lash sorcery won't break the bank, either. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says, "I've worn these lashes, and tbh I'm never going back to strip lashes again! These look much more natural, are easy to apply, and don't budge until removed!" Lilac St. is woman- and AAPI-owned BTW! Promising review: " At-home lash magic! I've been wearing this brand for a year now, I don't know what I did before. They are perfection, I use their extra strength lash glue and I can easily get 10–14 days out of a set. I also use sizes 10mm-16mm for a beautiful natural look and I get so many compliments. OFTEN people think I get professional lash extensions!!! If they ever went out of business I'd be so lost without them!! Just do it already treat yourself. PS — Give yourself so time to adjust to this method before deciding if you like it. Watch some videos to figure out how to put them on. It's worth it I promise." — Stephanie R. Get the original lashes from Amazon for $12.95 (available in lengths from 10mm–16mm). You can also get a starter kit (including 10mm and 12mm lashes, glue, and applicator) for $38. 28. Or a GrandeWrap tubing mascara that doesn't just coat your lashes but actually wraps around them, giving you that fluttery long look like professional extensions. It's packed with provitamin B5 and mango butter to condition your lashes instead of making them stiff. And when it's time to say goodbye at the end of the day, the "tubes" slip off like a charm — no raccoon eyes or harsh scrubbing needed. Ulta I'm typically a lash cluster girlie because all the mascaras I've tried in the past are always clumpy, too hard to remove, and gave me raccoon eyes. I wanted to try this out since it claimed to also help promote better lash health. This is the best mascara I've ever used. It actually separates my lashes and gives noticeable length without being a gross clumpy mess. Now keep in mind, this gives you *volume*, not density. So if you want that thick dramatic strip lash look, this is not for you. But, if you're like me and prefer the more natural "lash extension look," this is for you. I also love that it removes so easily. I just apply a cleansing oil and let it sit for a few seconds, and it wipes completely off. Promising review:"The first time I bought a tubing mascara I wasn't impressed, but I saw all these reviews for this one and I have to say I am so very impressed with it. My lashes were longer and had volume. No flaking or raccoon eyes; it went on so nice and layered well. The brush is great, and it looks good on top and bottom lashes. So glad I gave this one a try. I have finally found my 'can't be without' mascara." — Malea Get it from Ulta for $25. 29. A hydrating lip-plumping gloss here to make you wonder if you've mysteriously swapped smiles with Angelina Jolie herself. This set comes with a daytime formula featuring ginger essence to give you that extra ✨ plumpness ✨ and a nighttime formula with mint to repair and moisturize. You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips. Promising review: "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 Get it from Amazon for $9.98. 30. And finally, an incredibly soft MakeUp Eraser here for when you're ready to wind down and bid adieu to your masterpiece. This reusable cloth works its magic with just a touch of warm water, easily whisking away all traces of makeup, even stubborn mascara, without tugging or pulling at the skin. Now you can relax without worrying about any leftover makeup causing breakouts. 😌 It has two sides — one that can wipe off all your makeup with water and light scrubbing, and another that exfoliates your skin. And each one lasts for up to five years! Promising review:"This did exactly what it claims to do. I use some warm water on a little part and my whole makeup comes off, even mascara! I used to always buy makeup wipes and this has saved me so much money. I just throw it in with the laundry and it's perfect. I've been using it for over six months now and it hasn't failed me at all, it's worth the money!!" — Sharmin Rahman Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in 16 styles). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
The Independent
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Best make-up brush sets for flawless application
When was the last time you cleaned your make-up brushes? If the answer is 'I can't remember', then perhaps it's time for an upgrade. Whether you've been scratching your foundation on with the same crusty bristles you bought in your teens or your kit consists of flimsy tools with barely three hairs between them – take this as your sign to ditch the dusty brushes. If you're not clued up on the perks of a good set of make-up brushes, let me fill you in. For starters, applying foundation with your fingers can be messy, to say the least, but using a high-quality brush affords you more play time with your product – meaning you'll have extra manoeuvrability to achieve the perfect, seamless finish before the cream or liquid sets on your skin. When it comes to applying eyeshadow, it all comes down to blending, so, it pays to have a set of brushes that will help you build pigment but also enable you to define edges. There are plenty of affordable options, too, including those from the likes of Real Techniques, Made by Mitchell and more. Whether your brush is crafted with real or synthetic bristles isn't quite as important these days, with the synthetic market offering a good variety of high-quality kits. That said, the density of those bristles is worth noting. When I'm shopping for new brushes, I like to pay attention to characteristics such as softness versus structural integrity (more on this in the testing section below); whether the brush is shaped or tapered to the area it's designed for, and if the styles included adequately caters to my make-up routine. With so many brush sets on the market – think: Hourglass, Spectrum, Bobbi Brown – knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Thankfully, I made it my job to hunt down the very best kits for an airbrushed complexion, perfectly sculpted brows and, of course, seamlessly blended eyeshadow. Here's how I got on... How I tested To test each set, I applied a full face of make-up, ensuring I used every brush included, be it for lip lining or contouring. I paid attention to the effectiveness of the brushes when it came to holding and transferring pigment, as well as how long it took the brushes to blend foundation, concealer, eyeshadow and so on. I also noted how the bristles moved, whether they were stiff enough to pack on product as necessary and, by contrast, flexible enough to move and dust formulas lightly. I considered the value for money of each offering, plus its ease of use in day-to-day life. Scroll on for my full verdict. Why you can trust us As The Independent 's resident beauty writer, I know a thing or two about make-up. Having reviewed everything from bronzers and foundations to eyeshadows and more, I have high expectations when it comes to make-up brushes and will always look for quality products and materials at reasonable prices. The best make-up brush sets for 2025 are:
