Some makeup products are exciting for a few weeks, and then somehow end up forgotten in the back of a drawer. Others earn a permanent spot in your makeup routine because no matter how many new products you try, you always end up going back to them.
These are those products for me!
I’ve loved makeup since college, and over the years I have tried more eyeshadow palettes, mascaras, foundations, lip products, and brow products than I could ever count. I love trying something new, but I’m also very loyal when I find a product that truly works. Some of the products on this list are newer discoveries, while others have been in my makeup collection for well over a decade.
I also live in hot and humid state, which has definitely influenced some of my favorites. Heat and humidity have a way of showing you very quickly whether your primer, eyeliner, foundation, or setting spray actually works! I also travel pretty often, so I tend to love products that I know I can pack in my makeup bag and trust from the beginning of the day until the end.
This is not a list of the newest or most viral makeup products. These are the products I actually use, have repurchased, travel with, or continue reaching for even after trying something new.
So, whether you’re completely rebuilding your makeup collection or just wondering if there is something better than what you already have at home, here are the best makeup products and beauty favorites I currently recommend.
All product recommendations are independently selected based on my personal experience, testing, and honest opinions. If I include affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my blog, but they never influence which products I recommend or the opinions I share.
How I Chose the Best Makeup Products on This List
The biggest question I asked myself while updating this article was simple: Do I actually still use and recommend this product?
I did not want to fill this list with products just because they are popular or because everyone is talking about them. To earn a spot, a product needed to be something I genuinely enjoy using and would feel comfortable recommending to a friend.
I also looked at how often I reach for each product, whether I have repurchased it, how it compares with other products I have tried, and whether it has remained useful as my makeup preferences have changed over the years.
Some of these products are longtime holy grails. Others replaced products I previously recommended because, realistically, our favorites change! That is exactly why I plan to continue updating this list as I discover new products that are actually good enough to take one of these spots.
Best Eyeshadow Primer – Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original)
I have literally been using Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion since 2007, which honestly feels a little crazy to say out loud! This was one of the first products I started using when I really became interested in eye makeup, and after all these years, I still have not found another eyeshadow primer that works better for me.
And trust me, I have tried!
The biggest reason I remain so loyal to this primer is creasing. I live in Florida, and heat and humidity are not exactly friendly to eye makeup. Without a good primer, I can absolutely tell the difference by the end of the day. My eyeshadow starts moving around, settling into the crease, or just does not look as fresh as it did when I first applied it.
With the Urban Decay Primer Potion, I can do my eye makeup in the morning and feel confident that it will still look good later that night. I also find that my shadows apply more evenly and stay where I actually put them.
I only use a small amount, so one tube lasts me a long time. This is also one of those products that always ends up in my travel makeup bag because vacation is definitely not the time I want to experiment with an eyeshadow primer that may or may not work!
After nearly two decades of using it, I think it is safe to say this one has earned its spot.
Best Eyeshadow Palette – Urban Decay Naked 3
Previously, my recommendation for the best eyeshadow palette was the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette, and I still think it is a beautiful palette. But over time, I had to be honest with myself about which palette I was actually reaching for more often.
That answer was the Urban Decay Naked3.
What I love most about Naked3 is how easy it is to use in real life. The rosy neutrals, soft pinks, deeper mauves, mattes, and shimmer shades give me enough variety to create different looks without making the palette feel overwhelming.
I can use it for a quick everyday look, something polished for work, or a more dramatic look for a date night with my husband. That versatility is what keeps bringing me back to it.
I also love that the pigmentation is buildable. Sometimes I want an eyeshadow that gives me a lot of color immediately, but for everyday makeup, I usually prefer being able to slowly build a look without accidentally going too far. Naked3 makes that very easy.
This probably is not the palette I would recommend to someone who only wears bright, colorful eyeshadow. But if you love wearable neutrals with a little softness and romance to them, this is such a beautiful everyday palette.
If I could only keep one eyeshadow palette in my collection, this is the one I would choose.
Best Mascara – Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
Every year, I love purchasing one of the Sephora Favorites mascara sets because it gives me an excuse to try several of the mascaras everyone is talking about. I have discovered some really good ones that way, including a few less expensive options that I would absolutely buy again.
But somehow, I always end up back at Diorshow.
For me, mascara is all about making my lashes look fuller and longer without having to spend forever building up layer after layer. Diorshow gives me the dramatic lash look I want better than anything else I have tried.
I especially notice the difference when I wear it after spending time testing other mascaras. There are definitely less expensive mascaras that perform well, but when we are talking about my personal favorite rather than the best value, Diorshow still wins.
The obvious downside is the price. Mascara is something you have to replace regularly, so I completely understand not wanting to spend luxury prices every time you need a new tube.
My tip is to watch for holiday sets. I usually look around Christmas because Dior has offered sets where you can get two mascaras for close to what you might normally pay for one. We always love a good sale!
For a more budget-friendly option, check out my list of the best drugstore mascaras.
Best Eyeliner – Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Apparently, Urban Decay knew exactly what I needed when I started building my makeup collection because this is already the brand’s second appearance on this list!
One of my biggest complaints about pencil eyeliner is when I have to keep dragging the pencil back and forth over the same area just to get enough color. I do not want to sit there pressing harder and going over my eye five times to get the look I wanted in the first place.
That is why I love the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner. It applies so easily and gives me the pigmentation I want without all that extra work.
I especially love using it on my waterline because it stays in place better than so many other eyeliners I have tried. My everyday favorite is Zero because a good black eyeliner goes with just about everything.
When I want something a little more fun, I will sometimes reach for Uzi and add a little sparkle to my look. I love having the option to keep things simple or make my eye makeup a little more interesting without changing my entire routine.
This is another product I trust enough to travel with, which is always a very good sign in my makeup collection.
Best Brow Pencil – Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Pencil
For the longest time, my go-to brow pencil was from Benefit, and I recommended it to just about everyone. But once the Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Precision Pencil came out, it quickly earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.
Since doing my brows is probably my least favorite part of my makeup routine, I need a pencil that is quick, easy to use, and gives me natural-looking results without a lot of effort. I do not want to spend forever trying to make both brows look perfectly even!
The ultra-fine tip makes it easy to fill in sparse areas with small, hair-like strokes, and the formula glides on smoothly without feeling too waxy or drying out. I can add definition exactly where I need it without making my brows look too heavy or overly drawn on.
I also love how well the shade matches my natural brows. The finished result makes them look fuller and more polished while still looking like my brows.
It has become the brow pencil I reach for every day and the one I recommend most often. For more of my favorite brow products, check out my full guide to the best eyebrow products for natural-looking brows!
Best Brow Gel – Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel
Even though Benefit won the brow pencil category, Anastasia Beverly Hills still earns a place on this list with its Clear Brow Gel.
One of the first things I love about this product is that it is clear. Brow products can already be tricky enough when it comes to finding the right shade, so I love having one step in my routine where I do not have to think about color matching at all.
But the biggest reason I keep using it is the way it holds my brows without making them feel like they have been glued to my face.
I have tried brow gels that made my brows feel hard and crunchy throughout the day, and I cannot stand that feeling. I want my brow hairs to stay where I put them, but I do not want to constantly notice that I have product on my face.
With this gel, I can finish my brows, brush everything into place, and then forget about it.
It is especially useful on days when I do not need to completely fill in my brows but still want them to look polished. And, yes, this is another product that usually comes on vacation with me!
Best Primer – Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
I think primer is one of those makeup steps that is easy to skip until you find one that actually makes you notice a difference.
For me, that is the Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer.
My favorite thing about this primer is the way it creates a smoother base before I apply foundation. If my skin texture or pores are looking a little more noticeable that day, this helps everything look more even without feeling like I added another heavy layer to my face.
The texture is lightweight, and I never feel like I need to use a huge amount. A little really does go a long way, which is always nice when you are buying a higher-end makeup product.
What I notice most is how my foundation looks later in the day. Makeup is always going to look a little different after hours of wear, but this primer helps my foundation continue looking smoother and more put together instead of breaking down as quickly.
I would especially recommend this to someone who wants a classic smoothing primer without adding a lot of extra color, shimmer, or heaviness underneath their foundation.
It is not the most exciting-looking product in my makeup collection, but it is one of those behind-the-scenes products that makes everything else look better.
Best Foundation – Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
With so many celebrities launching beauty brands, I think it is completely fair to wonder whether a product is actually good or whether people are excited because of the celebrity behind it.
Rihanna did not need my help becoming iconic (lol), but I have to give her credit here. Fenty Beauty absolutely earned its place in the beauty world, and the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation is still one of my favorite products from the brand.
The biggest thing I need from a foundation is reliability. I want something that will still look good hours after I apply it, especially because I live in Florida and makeup can have a very hard time surviving the heat.
This foundation has continued to be one of my go-to choices because it stays in place and gives me the coverage I want without making me feel like I need to constantly check my face throughout the day.
I also love the huge shade selection. Foundation matching is hard enough without having to choose between a handful of shades that are only kind of close to your skin tone.
The finish is definitely more on the matte side, so that is something to consider depending on the type of foundation you personally prefer. But when I want a foundation that looks polished and is made for a longer day, this is still the one I reach for.
Thanks, Rihanna!
Best Setting Powder – Tatcha The Silk Powder Protective Setting Powder
I know some people may be surprised by this choice because there are several setting powders that seem to be everywhere.
For me, Tatcha The Silk Powder stands out because it gives me what I want from a setting powder without making my makeup look completely flat.
I use setting powder because I want to help lock everything in place and control unwanted shine, but I still want my skin to look like skin. I do not want to apply a beautiful foundation and then cover it with so much powder that everything suddenly looks heavy or dry.
Tatcha gives me a softer, more radiant finish while still doing the job I need it to do.
I also personally prefer that the formula is talc-free. There are plenty of popular powders with different formulas, but I wanted a talc-free option that could still compete with the setting powders everyone already knows and loves.
This one does exactly that for me.
I especially like applying it lightly rather than packing on a heavy layer. A little powder in the areas where I actually need it helps keep my makeup looking polished without taking away all the natural dimension from my face.
It is definitely a splurge, but it has remained my favorite setting powder for a reason.
Best Bronzer – Benefit Cosmetics
Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer
I previously recommended the Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Bronzer, but after it was discontinued, I needed to find something else that gave me the natural, sun-kissed look I loved.
I ended up going back to an old favorite: Benefit Hoola Bronzer.
There is a reason this bronzer has been around for so long. It is incredibly easy to work with, which is one of the biggest things I look for in a powder bronzer.
I do not want a bronzer that deposits so much pigment with one touch that I immediately have to start fixing my makeup. Hoola lets me slowly build the color until I get exactly the amount of warmth and definition I want.
Some days I only want a little color around my face. Other days I want to build it up and create more noticeable definition. I can do both with this one.
I also appreciate that the Hoola line offers multiple shades because one bronzer shade is never going to work for everyone.
And can we talk about the pan size? There is nothing more frustrating than trying to squeeze a big, fluffy bronzer brush into a tiny compact!
This is easy, dependable, and natural-looking, which is exactly why I keep coming back to it.
Best Contour Stick – Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick
Cream products can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you are used to working with powder. I completely understand why someone might look at a contour stick and immediately worry that they are going to end up with two dark lines on their face that refuse to blend.
The Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick is the opposite of that experience for me.
What makes this product so good is how easy it is to control. I can apply a little product, blend it out, and build more only if I need it. I never feel like I have to race against the formula before it gets stuck exactly where I first applied it.
The finish also looks natural instead of overly dramatic. I love contour when it gives the face a little extra shape and definition, but I personally do not want it to be the first thing someone notices about my makeup.
The dual-ended design also makes it convenient to use and travel with. I love a product that can make my routine easier without sacrificing the final result.
Whether you are completely new to cream contour or already use cream products all the time, I think this is one of the easiest contour sticks to work into your routine.
For more favorites from the brand, check out my guide to the best Makeup by Mario products.
Best Powder Blush – Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Collection
I cannot tell you how many times I have hit pan on this blush.
That should probably tell you everything you need to know!
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush is one of those products that gives my cheeks color while also making my skin look more dimensional and radiant. I love blush, but I do not always want a completely flat block of color sitting on top of my makeup.
This formula gives me the flushed look I want with a soft glow built into it.
My favorite shade is Mood Exposure. It is one of those shades I can reach for again and again because it works with so many different makeup looks.
During the summer, I also tend to use Dim Infusion more often. I love changing little details in my makeup depending on the season, and switching blush shades is such an easy way to do that.
The price is definitely higher than a drugstore blush, but this is one of the products where my actual usage speaks for itself. I have used enough of these to hit pan multiple times, which does not happen very often in my makeup collection.
If I am recommending a powder blush based purely on what I personally use the most, this one easily wins.
Best Highlighter – Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter
I originally purchased this highlighter during a Sephora savings event, and once I started using it, I understood the hype immediately.
My shade is Mesmerize, and I honestly had not seen another powder highlighter look quite like this on my skin.
Even though the formula is a powder, the finish reminds me more of the way a cream highlighter melts into the skin. It gives me that beautiful glow without looking like I simply placed a stripe of powder on top of my cheek.
That is what makes it special to me.
I love a noticeable highlight, but I still want it to work with the rest of my makeup instead of sitting on top of everything. This catches the light beautifully and gives my makeup that extra something without requiring a complicated application technique.
A small amount can make a difference, so I do not feel like I need to keep layering it on.
Rare Beauty has become one of my favorite brands over the years, and this is still one of the products I immediately think of when someone asks me what they should try from the line.
Best Lipstick – PAT McGRATH Labs MatteTrance™ Lipstick
Matte lipstick and comfort do not always go together.
I love the look of matte lipstick, but I do not love spending the day feeling like my lips are dry, cracked, or covered in a thick layer of product.
That is where Pat McGrath MatteTrance stands out for me.
The color payoff is beautiful, but the formula still feels much more comfortable than so many other matte lipsticks I have tried. I can get that bold, polished lip look without feeling like I need to immediately cover it with lip balm.
It also stays put better for me than many traditional lipsticks while avoiding the heavy, uncomfortable feeling that can sometimes come with long-wearing formulas.
I also love the shade selection. Whether I am looking for an everyday nude or something much bolder, there are plenty of options that still have that same beautiful formula.
This is definitely a luxury lipstick, and I know there are good affordable lip products out there. But when I am choosing my favorite lipstick based on formula, comfort, color, and the overall experience of wearing it, Pat McGrath is still at the top of my list.
Best Lip Gloss – NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss
I probably own seven or eight different shades of NYX Butter Gloss, which tells you how I feel about this product!
This is one of my favorite examples of a beauty product that proves you do not always have to spend more money to get something good.
I love wearing these glosses by themselves, but I probably use them most often layered over lipstick. They are such an easy way to change the look of a lip color and add a little shine without making my lips feel unbearably sticky.
That is a big deal for me because I cannot stand a gloss that feels like my hair is going to become permanently attached to my lips every time the wind blows!
The coverage depends on the shade, but I generally find them easy to wear and easy to keep in my purse for quick touch-ups.
Do I need to reapply them during the day? Yes.
But honestly, that is the case with most traditional lip glosses I use, so I do not really consider that a major downside.
With so many shades and such an affordable price compared with luxury glosses, these are incredibly easy to recommend.
Best Setting Spray – Urban Decay All Nighter
I have tried plenty of setting sprays that left me wondering if they actually did anything.
Urban Decay All Nighter is the one where I genuinely notice a difference.
What I love about it is that it does not completely change the makeup look I just spent time creating. I do not want a setting spray to suddenly make my face much more matte, much more dewy, or just different from what I intended.
I want it to help everything last.
That is exactly what All Nighter does for me.
This is especially important during long days, vacations, and Florida weather. When I know I will be out for hours and do not want to constantly worry about my makeup breaking down, this is the setting spray I trust.
It is also one of those products where I notice its value most when I stop using it. If I skip setting spray for a while and then start using All Nighter again, I remember exactly why I keep repurchasing it.
After trying so many others, this is still the only setting spray that consistently makes me feel like the extra step was actually worth it.
Best Body Spray – Sol De Janeiro Hair & Body Fragrance Mist
Okay, technically this one is not makeup, but I could not update a list of my current beauty favorites without talking about Sol de Janeiro!
I am completely obsessed with these fragrance mists.
What I love most is that they smell fun and noticeable without feeling too heavy or overpowering for me. They are so easy to throw into a bag, use throughout the day, or bring with me on vacation.
I especially love choosing a fragrance for a trip and having that scent become connected to the memories from that vacation. There is something about smelling a fragrance later and immediately being reminded of a specific place or moment.
I rotate through different Sol de Janeiro scents depending on my mood, and that is part of the fun. I do not feel like I have to commit to one signature perfume every single day.
These are easy, playful, and probably one of the beauty products I get most excited about packing for a trip.
They may not technically belong in my makeup bag, but they have definitely earned their place on my list of favorites.
Final Thoughts on My Favorite Makeup Products
The biggest thing I realized while updating this list is that the best makeup products are not always the newest ones.
Some of my favorites have been in my routine for years. Others replaced products I used to love because I found something that worked better for me. That is the fun part about beauty—our routines are always changing.
What matters most to me is whether I actually use a product and whether I would honestly recommend spending your own money on it.
I will continue updating this list as my favorites change, products are discontinued, and new makeup earns a permanent place in my collection. But as of July 2026, these are the products I keep reaching for.
I hope this list helps you discover something new for your own makeup collection! And I would love to know which product has been in your routine the longest because clearly I am not ready to give up my Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion anytime soon!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my “The Best 17 Makeup Products”! I hope you found the recommendations helpful and inspiring for your beauty collection. Be sure to bookmark my blog and come back for more. Remember, beauty is limitless, and together we can explore endless possibilities. Thank you again and until next time!