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If I Had To Rebuild My Makeup Collection From Scratch: Products I Would Repurchase In A Heartbeat
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items This carefully curated list represents years of trial, error, and far too much money spent finding products that actually deliver. If my entire makeup collection disappeared tomorrow, these are the exact items I'd immediately replace - no hesitation,...
Sections
14
Primers
Primers
Foundations
Concealers
Color correctors
Contour/bronzer
Primers
This French staple is what makeup artists use on me when I get my makeup done professionally - it hydrates without being too heavy and makeup glides over it beautifully
Lait-Crème Concentré - Daily Face and Body Cream
My affordable holy grail that never lets me down - lightweight but still hydrating enough for my dry patches, and my makeup never pills over it
Daily Moisturizing Lotion - CeraVe
Worth every penny because it's basically a primer and moisturizer in one, cutting down my morning routine while making foundation apply like a dream
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base Hydrating Primer
This moisturizer somehow absorbs completely into my skin without leaving residue, creating the perfect base for foundation without pilling
The Dewy Skin Cream Rich Line-Plumping Moisturizer - Tatcha
Primers
Initially skeptical about the "10-in-1" marketing hype, but it genuinely creates a smooth canvas for foundation. Has that sticky texture that helps makeup grip to my skin without feeling uncomfortable once it sets
Marshmellow Smooth Makeup Primer - NYX Cosmetics
The green gel looks weird but feels amazing on skin. Creates that tacky base that makes foundation last through sweaty situations. Worth the splurge for special events, especially in the summer
Hydro Grip Hydrating Face Primer - Milk Makeup
The $10 dupe for Milk Hydro Grip that performs nearly as well. Has the same tacky feel but occasionally pills if I apply too much product or layer it over certain moisturizers
e.l.f. Power Grip Face Primer
The OG primer that still delivers. Creates that silicone-smooth canvas that blurs pores instantly. Perfect for days when my skin texture is acting up
The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer - Smashbox
Feels like skincare but acts like primer. Smooths everything without that heavy silicone feel and makes foundation glide on like butter
The Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer - Tatcha
Surprisingly good $6 option that controls oil in my T-zone. Not as long-lasting as high-end options but perfect for quick errands or casual days.
Photo Focus Matte Face Primer - Wet n Wild
Foundations
Pricey but worth it! Looks airbrushed without feeling heavy, and amazingly doesn't break down on my oily T-zone after hours of wear.
Airbrush Flawless Foundation - Charlotte Tilbury
I'm always skeptical about celebrity makeup brands, but this surprisingly delivers. Skin-like finish while covering redness, doesn't settle into fine lines, and feels genuinely hydrating throughout the day.
Haus Labs foundation
The reliable classic for when you need serious coverage that will not budge. Can look heavy if you're heavy-handed, but nothing beats its staying power for long days.
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation | Estée Lauder
Seriously rivals high-end options at a third of the price. Doesn't oxidize weird on me and lasts through my workday without separating on my T zone.
Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation - Loreal Paris
My go-to for everyday wear. Blurs pores without looking flat and works great with a setting spray. Perfect for when I need to look put together but not overly done.
Fit Me® Matte + Poreless Foundation Makeup - Maybelline
Concealers
Finally a full-coverage concealer that doesn't make my undereyes look creepy and dry. Expensive but a little goes a ridiculously long way.
Dior Backstage Concealer
ersatile enough to use as concealer, foundation touch-ups, or even contour. The massive tube makes the price more reasonable since it lasts forever.
Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer - Too Faced
My reliable go-to for six years straight. Perfect medium coverage that blends easily with just my finger when I'm in a rush.
Radiant Creamy Concealer - NARS Cosmetics
The best drugstore concealer! The sponge applicator I don't love but it actually works well for undereyes. Lightweight but still covers my dark circles without creasing badly by end of day.
Instant Age Rewind® Eraser Multi-Use Concealer - Maybelline
Color correctors
This is actual magic! It cancels my dark circles rather than just covering them. A bit pricey but I use the tiniest amount and it lasts forever.
Magic Vanish - Fair - Color Corrector - Charlotte Tilbury
The pot is small but mighty. The peachy tone genuinely neutralizes blue tones under my eyes before I apply concealer.
Bobbi Brown Under Eye Color Corrector
Contour/bronzer
This duo is literally my ride-or-die. I've tried so many contours that either look muddy or disappear after an hour, but this one just hits different. The cream side melts into skin like butter but doesn't slide around, and the powder sets it without...
Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo
Perfect for quick application and doesn't require a brush. The cooler tone creates an actual shadow effect rather than just bronzing.
Match Stix Contour Skinstick — Fenty Beauty
Smells like vacation and gives the most natural warmth to my face. Blends easily even when I'm not being careful with application.
Murumuru Butter Bronzer - Physicians Formula
Blush
This blush is seriously potent - I typically use 3 small dots and that's plenty for a noticeable flush. The formula has this amazing way of melting into skin rather than sitting on top, so it looks like I'm naturally blushing rather than wearing make...
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush | Long-Lasting Dewy & Matte Blushes
Safe to say I'm in love with these sets! The cream base gives a dewy look and the powder on top sets it for crazy longevity.
Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
The $10 blush that outperforms ones triple its price. Gives that perfect peachy glow without emphasizing texture on my cheeks.
Baked Blush - Luminoso - Milani Cosmetics
Highlighters
Gives the most gorgeous glow that looks like naturally perfect skin rather than obvious shimmer.
Dandelion Twinkle Powder Highlighter - Benefit Cosmetics
Genuinely shocked by how good this $5 highlighter is. Perfect when I want that more intense "glazed donut" look for nights out.
MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder – wet n wild Beauty
The doe-foot applicator makes precise application easy, and it melts into skin instead of sitting on top like some powder highlighters.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer ...
Brows
The ultra-fine tip creates believable hair-like strokes. Worth the price for how natural it looks and how long it lasts.
Precisely, My Brow Pencil - Benefit Cosmetics
Nearly identical to the Benefit one at less than half the price. Great for filling in sparse areas with realistic strokes.
Micro Brow Eyebrow Pencil | NYX Professional Makeup
Sets brows all day without that crunchy feel or white flakes. The tiny brush catches every hair without mess.
Super Lock Brow Glue Clear Eyebrow Gel - Maybelline
Mascaras
That tiny comb brush reaches every lash and somehow adds insane length without clumping. My go-to for defined lashes.
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara, Volumizing ...
he classic that separates every lash for that "your lashes but better" look. Perfect for work or daytime when I don't want an obviously "done" look.
Définicils High-Definition Lash Defining Mascara - Lancôme
The volume this gives is unreal without looking spidery. The only mascara that doesn't smudge at all!
Monsieur Big Volume Mascara - Up to 12x More ... - Lancome
Literally $5 and performs like a $30 mascara. The green tube is my favorite for everyday dramatic lashes that don't flake.
lash princess false lash mascara - Essence Cosmetics
Setting powder
Cult-favorite, finely-milled powder that sets makeup without flashback or adding texture. I always have it in my bag!
Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Laura Mercier
Affordable, mineral-based powder that controls shine and blurs pores with a natural finish. Amazing drugstore option!
Fit Me® Matte + Poreless Powder Foundation - Maybelline
Lips
The perfect your-lips-but-better shade that works on so many skin tones. The liner actually prevents feathering without looking obvious.
The Pillow Talk Lip Kit - Nude-pink Lipstick and Liner
The versatile liner I use with everything from nudes to berries. Doesn't dry out my lips like some other liners.
MAC Lip Pencil | Whirl, Nightmoth, Cork, Chestnut & Spice Lip ...
$5 and comes in tons of shades. Not quite as long-lasting as MAC but perfect for everyday. My favorites are beige and coffee!
Slim Lip Liner Pencil | NYX Professional Makeup
The splurge lip product that actually hydrates while adding the perfect hint of color. Not sticky like most glosses.
Girls get it.
DIOR Lip Glow Oil
The universal gloss that somehow looks good on everyone. The formula isn't hair-catching sticky and leaves lips feeling soft after.
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer - Fenty Beauty
The $10 answer to high-end lip oils. The plumping effect is subtle but noticeable and doesn't have that burning sensation.
Hydrating Lifter Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid - Maybelline
My everyday lip hero that actually stays put. Comes in tons of finishes - the mattes last forever but can be drying, while the creams feel nicer but need touch-ups. The subtle vanilla scent is way better than that weird crayon smell cheaper ones have...
Lipstick Makeup - MAC Cosmetics
Eye makeup
Hands down the creamiest pencil I've tried that somehow doesn't instantly transfer to my crease. The chocolate brown has this subtle dimension that makes eyes pop. It gives me about 30 seconds of play time to smudge it out before it locks in place fo...
Rock 'n' Kohl - Barbarella Brown Eyeliner Pencil
This pencil is seriously the gold standard for a reason. Creamy enough to blend out for a quick smoky eye but then sets down and refuses to budge. The Whiskey/Bourbon rich brown shade adds definition without the harshness of black. Worth every penny ...
24/7 Glide-On Eye Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil - Urban Decay
This warm-toned palette is seriously worth every penny. The shadows blend effortlessly with zero patchiness, and the mix of mattes and metallics lets me create multiple looks from subtle to glam. The metallics actually stay vibrant all day without pr...
I Need A Warm Eyeshadow Palette New | Natasha Denona
This pen-style liquid liner with the brush tip is my holy grail for precise lines. The fine brush point gives me total control for everything from thin lines to dramatic wings. Somehow stays jet black and doesn't fade even after 12+ hours. The felt t...
Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - Stila Cosmetics
Makeup tools
Nothing applies foundation as seamlessly as this pink sponge when dampened. I've tried countless dupes that felt stiff or soaked up product, but the original gives that airbrushed finish every time. Worth washing after each use to extend its life.
Beautyblender® Original Makeup Sponge
This 5-piece set covers literally everything I need from foundation to highlight. They wash beautifully without shedding or losing their shape like cheaper sets I've tried.
Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set | RealTechniques.com
This set has saved me so much time in my routine. The blending brush actually diffuses shadow properly without making everything muddy, and the precision brush packs on color without fallout everywhere. Sharp wings are a breeze with the angled liner ...
Eye Want It All 7-Piece Eye Brush Set - Morphe
I cannot do my makeup without this little tool! The curved shape actually fits my eye without pinching my lid. Creates a perfect curl that holds all day, and the replacement pads aren't stupidly expensive.
Eyelash Curler | SHISEIDO
This iconic puff is literally the perfect partner to Laura Mercier's Translucent Setting Powder - they're made for each other. The velour texture picks up just the right amount of powder without wasting product and presses it into foundation instead ...
Laura Mercier Velour Puff | Flawless Powder Application