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✨ Best Makeup Finds That Truly Work For Everyone

Lipstick emoji 80 items
This makeup list is made up of products I’ve tried, loved, and continue to reach for. These are the staples that perform in real life — they blend well, last through long days, and work for everything from natural everyday looks to full glam. I found...
Sections
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Foundations

These are the foundations I reach for when I want skin to look flawless but still like skin. I’ve tested these in real life — and they deliver reliable coverage, blend beautifully, and actually last.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
When I want a foundation that actually lasts all day, this is my choice. It handles humidity better than most, controls shine without drying out, and gives this flawless, matte finish that still feels comfortable. I use it on days when I know I’ll be...
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Great for travel or long days when you want zero makeup meltdowns. This foundation is a staple in my make up bag, I use it ALOT and I get so much wear from it, here it really means ‘a little goes a long way’ - No need to build up, this is an easy app...
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Base - Douglas
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This foundation became my ride‑or‑die when I needed something that lasts all day — heat, humidity, sweat — you name it. I first found it before a wedding I as attending and I needed to look AMAZING. I was blown away by how little touch‑up I needed by...
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation (Original Formula)
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A surprising gem for everyday looks; long‑wearing and buildable without breaking the bank. I was testing out foundations and I came across this which was so easy to apply with outstanding results!
La Girl Pro Coverage Foundation
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
The coverage is beautiful — full yet natural, resisting oil and shine even in long sessions under hot lights. The shade range is one of the best parts (a signature Fenty promise), and it blends effortlessly for any coverage level from sheer to full. ...
Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This Full Coverage 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer Kit is perfect when I want a smooth, flawless base without overcomplicating my routine. The foundation evens out my skin beautifully, while the matching concealer blends seamlessly to cover redness...
Full Coverage 2-In-1 Foundation & Concealer

Concealers

These concealers are the ones I trust to brighten under-eyes, cover blemishes, and clean up makeup without creasing or caking.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This one’s legendary for a reason. I use it when I want brightened under-eyes and clean, defined coverage. It hides imperfections without feeling cakey, and a little goes a long way. It’s become my go-to on days when I want my eyes to pop and my base...
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I discovered NARS’s concealer when I needed something that could hide dark circles during long shoots — and it instantly became a staple. It’s creamy without creasing and brightens under‑eyes so naturally.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I have repeatedly reached for this when I want under‑eye brightness or to touch up blemishes. It blends seamlessly with a sponge or brush, never cakes, and gives a fresh, awake look without that heavy “mask” finish.
Fit Me Concealer
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This felt like a backstage favourite instantly — long-wearing and very buildable, which I love for both under-eye correction and blemish coverage. It doesn’t slip or fade through heat or long hours.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC30 0.3 oz
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Jonathan Martins profile picture
I discovered this color corrector on a day when everyone’s complexion under harsh studio lights looked dull and uneven. Applying it before concealer instantly evened out redness and shadows in a way that made editing almost unnecessary. It blends lik...
Huda Beauty Color Corrector | Light, Medium, Full Coverage

Powders

These powders are perfect for setting makeup, blurring texture, and controlling shine without making the skin look dry or heavy.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I found this powder while hunting for something that would set my makeup without looking heavy. After baking with it once, I was hooked — it smooths texture, brightens under‑eye, and keeps foundation locked in place all day without creasing. It’s bec...
Huda Beauty Loose Bake Powder | Translucent & Setting Options
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This was one of the first mineral foundations I ever tried, and I still come back to it when I want a breathable yet reliable finish. I love how it sits on skin — not heavy or wet, just soft and diffused. It’s perfect for everyday wear and especially...
bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This is my go-to finishing step if I want that polished, soft-focus finish. I dust it over foundation and concealer to blur fine lines and set everything without heaviness. It makes a noticeable difference in photos and in real life — just smoother, ...
bareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I reached for this when I needed a powder with real staying power but a soft skin finish. It controls oil without making skin look flat, and I love that it layers under the eyes without emphasizing fine lines — which is rare in many setting powders. ...
MAC Studio Fix Micro Veil Loose Powder
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This powder was one of those game-changer products I stumbled upon when I wanted camera-ready skin that still felt and looked natural in real life. I first tried it before shooting, and it genuinely blurred texture, minimized shine, and kept everythi...
Airbrush Flawless Finish - 2 Medium - Makeup Finishing Powder
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This one was a discovery on days when I wanted my makeup to feel lit from within. It keeps everything set while also giving a radiant vibe under soft or bright lighting — perfect when I’m taking photos or filming. It doesn’t dull your foundation, jus...
NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder, Translucent Crystal, 10g/0.35 ...

Blush

These are my go-to blushes for adding life back into the face. Whether I want a subtle flush or a bold pop of colour.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I first grabbed this blush on a slow afternoon when I wanted something that felt like skin instead of makeup. It surprised me with how weightless it feels — a tiny amount gives such a natural, lit‑from‑within flush without looking streaky or “painted...
Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush 0.25oz ...
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This cream stick first made its way into my bag when I wanted something that skipped powder and went straight to a fresh, natural glow. What I love about Tarte’s SEA formula is how it melts into skin — it doesn’t sit on top or go patchy, which can ha...
Tarte SEA™ Cream Blush Stick
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A classic staple I’ve relied on for years — especially when I want a refined but vibrant cheek pop. I discovered this during a shoot where sheer creams weren’t lasting under lights; this powder held up all day and still looked fresh. The texture is s...
M∙A∙C Powder Blush – Natural Blush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This is one of my most-reached-for blushes. The colour feels natural on the skin — not too bright, not too flat. I like that it builds easily, so I can go from a subtle flush to a more polished finish without it looking streaky.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This blush hits the sweet spot between soft and visible. I use it on casual days when I want that “just spent time outdoors” glow. It blends beautifully and doesn’t compete with the rest of the face.
bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
One of my go-to timeless picks, especially for looks where I want a classic rosy glow. I found this as a subtle everyday option that feels elegant without being overpowering. It blends effortlessly and gives a soft, natural finish — ideal for daytime...
Talc-Free Powder Blush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A beautifully blended blush + bronzer duo that I found during a daytime editorial where we needed a warm, sunkissed effect. It gave cheeks warmth and definition in one swipe — perfect for everyday looks with minimal effort.
Baked Blush-n-Bronze Marbleized 2-in-1 | Cheek Lifting Blush With Contouring ...

Contour

These contour products are the ones I’ve found that actually sculpt the face without looking muddy or overdone.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I go for this when I want a bit more structure. The shades are beautifully laid out for light to deeper contouring, and the formula blends in a way that looks sculpted but not stark. Great for date night or when I want a bit more definition.
Morphe Contour
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I first reached for these because I wanted multi-purpose sticks that travel well and don’t need brushes. The contour shade (like Mocha) gives a nice depth that blends seamlessly, while the blush shade (like Petal Poppin) adds a warm pop of tone witho...
Match Stix Contour/Blush Skinstick
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This contour palette changed how I approach face sculpting. I found it right when I was transitioning from subtle everyday contour to a more professional, multi-shade contour routine. The hues are beautifully balanced — warm where you want warmth, co...
Studio Fix Sculpt and Shape Contour Palette Light/Medium | M∙A∙C Cosmetics
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Perfect for simple sculpting looks, this palette gave me surprisingly natural contour and color for how easy it is to use. I picked it up before a long day of shooting and the blendability and wear impressed me all day long.
Contour Makeup: Contouring Creams & Brushes
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A cream bronzer/contour that gave me warm definition without heaviness. I found this when I needed contour that wouldn’t look harsh under daylight — and it melted right into the skin, giving structure with a soft, natural bronze vibe.
Fenty - Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A classic product that gives dimension without shimmer. This was one of the first brozers in my make up bag and I have always repurchased because of how in love with it I am.
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer 8g/0.28oz
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A staple when I want dimension without harsh lines. This bronzer feels warm and natural, and I love using it to gently shape my face or add sun-kissed colour around the perimeter. It’s one of those products that quietly upgrades an entire look.
Tarte Park Ave Princess Bronzer

Lips

These lip products are all about comfort, pigment, and versatility. I’ve worn them for everyday looks and nights out.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
When I first used MAC lipstick, it instantly became my fallback for events — rich color that lasts and never feels dry. Never cracks and long lasting. Also easy to touch up if needed after a long night.
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick | Ruby Woo, All Fired Up, Dangerous & More
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This shade makes anyone look amazing! You should try it, its an easy go-to and great for everyday wear. I found this in the mac store and through youtube videos, the hype is real, this is a great product!
M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick | Including Velvet Teddy, Taupe, Mehr & ...
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I found this gloss while trying to match lip colors to a bold eye — it ups every look with a shine that isn’t sticky and a shimmer that catches light just right. It’s become the gloss I reach for when I want “polished, camera‑ready lips” without fuss...
Gloss Bomb Stix Shimmer - 0.12 oz Lipstick
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I found my love for gloss when testing shiny finishes on camera — this delivers a shine that doesn’t feel sticky. It's such an awesome formula and the brand is one of the BEST!
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Another outstanding product, you can see if they have a tester in your local make up store - thats where I found this gem and I have never stop reaching for it!
Dior Lip Glow
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Kiko is an amazing brand with alot of great products, but their best, by FAR - their lipgloss, you have to try it! The feeling is outstanding and looks so perfect on the lips!
Kiko: Liploss
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
These became my go‑to for everyday lip definition because it’s creamy, pigmented, and actually lasts through drinks and meals without feathering.
Rimmel Lasting Finish 8HR Lip Liner (Various Shades)
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
One of my top brands which I will never stop using, these formulas are really something to be proud of and wear all the time, these lip pencils will always be in my make up bag.
Fenty - Lip Liner

Brows

These brow products help shape, define, and lift brows while still keeping them natural-looking.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This fiber-infused brow gel is one of Benefit’s most popular products because it does two things at once: it tints and volumizes. The tiny micro-fibers cling to hairs to make brows look fuller and more textured — great if you want a natural but lifte...
Benefit Gimme Brow+ Gel
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I picked this up when I wanted a brow gel that could stand up to busy weekends and unpredictable weather, and it impresses every time. The formula adds subtle tint and hold without feeling crunchy or stiff, so my brows look styled yet natural — not l...
NYX Pro Makeup Zero to Brow Longwear Brow Gel
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I stumbled on this brow gel when I wanted something that could tame unruly brows without stiffness — and it delivers lift and natural fullness every time. The formula holds hairs all day, defines shape without flaking, and blends with pencils beautif...
Legendary Brows: Tinted Brow Gel
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I discovered this brow gel when I wanted something a bit more luxe with visible results. What caught my eye was its fiber-infused formula that not only holds brow hairs in place but also gives them a thicker, more defined look — perfect for days when...
MAC Eye Brows Big Boost Fibre Gel
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A classic, everyday luxe pencil that felt polished from first use, affordable pick for beginners.
Lancôme Brow Shaping Pencil
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Hands down one of the most reliable brow pencils I’ve tried. It glides on with just the right balance of pigment and blendability, and because it’s waterproof, it doesn’t fade or smear throughout the day. I especially love how easy it is to create ti...
INKcredible Waterproof Brow Pencil
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A fantastic balance of pigment, blendability, and value. I first grabbed this when I needed something affordable that didn’t look flat or artificial — the fine tip makes it easy to build hair-like strokes, and it’s perfect for soft everyday brows or ...
Powder Louder Brow Pencil | NYX Professional Makeup
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Perfect for both beginners and regular users, this dual-purpose product combines a soft pomade formula with a pencil-like application. I started keeping this in my grooming bag for days when I want my brows defined but not overly styled. It glides ea...
Fill & Fluff Eyebrow Pomade Pencil
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Add soft depth and dimension — great for fuller-looking brows with minimal effort. This product is great for beginners and also for pros, what ever your level, you should try!
COVERGIRL Easy Breezy Brow Powder Kit
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A great budget-friendly pick with solid performance. I use this when I want a brush that works well with brow gels or pomade products — the angled end helps get crisp definition while the built-in spoolie blends everything out for a natural finish. I...
E.L.F Brow Lift Applicator

Eyes

These are the eye products I rely on for everything from soft, everyday makeup to full glam. They blend easily, stay put, and make it simple to create eye looks.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This was the mascara that truly transformed my eye looks and I found it completely by accident while hunting for something that delivered both length and definition without clumps. I use it on everyday makeup, for gender‑inclusive looks with a natura...
Sky High Mascara
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This has become one of my “go-to” mascaras on days when I want lashes that look defined but not OTT. It adds length and separation with a lightweight feel that doesn’t weigh down lashes — perfect for daily wear or subtle glam.
MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara - Gigablack
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I fell for this one when experimenting with budget options that still look luxe. It gives real, buildable volume and a wide-eyed lash appearance, with a brush that fans out lashes beautifully. A great everyday favorite that doesn’t compromise perform...
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Smudge Resistant Mascara, Black ...
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This is the softest most beautiful eyeshadow palette, for everyday ‘no make up’ make up looks! It works with every look and every style. If you don't have this in your make up kit - why don't you?
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Eye Shadow Palette, Warm Neutrals, 0.32 oz
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I remember the exact moment I picked up this palette — it was during a hectic shoot where I needed a single collection that could go from subtle daytime shimmer to bold night‑out glam. The range of shades is versatile, from soft mattes to rich metall...
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Color Palette, I Know That's Bright
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This was one of the first palettes that made me feel confident with neutrals. The finishes are smooth and blendable, and the shades work together so effortlessly. I reach for it when I want a look that feels polished and put-together but isn’t overly...
Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This is one I constantly reach for when I want all-in-one neutrals and accent colours that go from subtle browns to deep mattes — an essential piece if you do makeup for different occasions.
Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette: Unfiltered Nudes
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I like this one for its wearable, soft-focused shades that still feel modern. The texture is silky, and it all blends together wonderfully. It’s perfect for days when I want colour that enhances rather than overwhelms, and the palette format makes it...
bareMinerals Gen Nude Eyeshadow Palette (Warm Neutrals)
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
These palettes I reach for when I want a refined, elegant look. The shades layer incredibly well — from subtle everyday glam to smoky evening intensity — and it feels like a luxury experience from the moment you open it. Swiping shimmer on the lid gi...
Eyeshadow Palettes
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This refillable palette wasn’t just a purchase — it was an investment in my makeup bag. The sophisticated shade story and luxury powder quality make blending effortless, and it feels like something you’d find in a high-end makeup kit.
Prada Dimensions Refillable Eyeshadow Palette 01 - Portait

Primer

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This is the primer a lot of my friends initially recommended, and it quickly earned a permanent place in my routine. I use it on days when I feel like my pores need a serious smoothing boost — especially around the nose, cheeks, and forehead. The tex...
Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
My discovery when I needed my makeup to look radiant and flawless under camera and in person. This silky primer feels like lotion that transforms into a perfectly smooth canvas, blurring texture while giving that subtle skin-like glow that doesn’t lo...
Mac Studio Radiance Moisturizing + Illuminating Silky Primer 1.0oz New ...
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I keep this on rotation when I want a classic, reliable base layer that keeps everything smooth and more long-lasting. It’s hydrating, softens fine lines, and gives foundation something great to stick to — it’s one of those quiet heroes in a makeup s...
bareMinerals Prime Time Original Foundation Primer
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A classic go-to when I’m layering bold or glitter shadows. It’s slightly tacky to the touch (which is great), so shadows cling without slipping, and it holds colors bright for hours.
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A reliable everyday primer I use when I want makeup to feel weightless but hold strong. It smooths pores and helps foundation apply evenly without sliding off during warm days or long wear.
L'Oreal Prime & Set
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I added this to my routine after trying several primers that felt too silicone-heavy, and it balances smoothness with lightweight wear. It blurs imperfections and helps foundation glide on evenly. I like using it for a cleaner, more velvety base with...
Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer

Setting Spray

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This classic is truly a cult winner for good reason. I stumbled on it when I wanted something that didn’t just fix makeup but also refreshed skin between layers of products. With extracts like cucumber and green tea, it hydrates while locking in your...
MAC Fix+ Original Setting Spray 30ml
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
If you’re oily-skinned or want a more matte lock-in effect, this NYX pick delivers. I use it on days I want shine-control without losing color payoff — it sets foundation confidently and pairs beautifully with powder finishes.
NYX Professional Make Up Matte Finish Spray
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This isn’t a brush, but it’s a tool in its own right. After everything is applied, a few spritzes help melt powders into skin and make makeup feel like it belongs instead of just sitting there. It’s subtle, refreshing, and makes the finish look more ...
Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

Blending

Blending is what turns makeup from visible to flawless. The right blending tools soften harsh lines, melt products into the skin, and create that seamless, skin-like finish that makes makeup look expensive.

 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Luxury meets artistry. I found this when curating the perfect pro kit — every brush feels premium, and the set covers face, eyes, and details with consistency. It’s that one collection you reach for when you want every look to feel polished and inten...
The Complete Brush Set - Makeup Brushes & Tools
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
My daily go-to. I first picked this set up when I wanted a starter kit that felt professional, not cheap — and it instantly became indispensable. The bristles are soft yet dense enough to buff foundation, blend contour, and even apply highlighter wit...
Real Techniques Essential Kit: 5 Pc Makeup Brush & Sponge Set ...
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
I first used these when I wanted a complete set that handled most application needs — and was surprised by how well they performed. The synthetic bristles are soft and cruelty-free, making this a great everyday choice for foundation, contour, eyeshad...
10 Piece Best Selling Makeup Brush Kit
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
The brush that changed how I sculpt. I found this in a pro kit when I was chasing tools that could multi-task for foundation, contour, and cream products. Its shape hits all the right angles of the face, giving sculpted definition without harsh lines...
M∙A∙C 170S Brush – Rounded Slant Foundation Brush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This brush was a revelation when I first added it to my collection — dense, soft, and perfect for buffing foundation into a smooth, airbrushed finish. I use it with everything from tinted moisturizers to full-coverage foundations, and it always leave...
Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A fantastic quality brush that feels like a secret weapon. I found this brush when I wanted something comfy in hand with high blendability — and since then I reach for it when applying base, especially on days I’m layering multiple products. It blend...
Jones Road Beauty: The Daily Brush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Luxuriously soft with professional precision. This one stood out the first time I used it — it distributes foundation evenly and feels gentle on the skin, yet dense enough to build coverage beautifully. A premium choice for everyday base work or glam...
Dolce&Gabbana: Foundation Beauty Brush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A beautifully engineered brush that blends foundation and cream products seamlessly. I picked this up after reading makeup artist recommendations and was impressed by how evenly it distributed foundation without streaks — perfect for days when I want...
Dior Backstage N°11 Fluid Foundation Makeup Brush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
Whenever I want my crease work to look defined yet seamless, this is the brush I grab. It’s firm enough to build depth but soft enough not to drag delicate eye skin. I love how it picks up pigment and diffuses it without harsh lines — especially help...
Morphe M441 Pro Firm Blender Brush
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A sleek, professional take on the cult-classic beauty blender I found when I wanted buttery-soft texture with dependable performance. It expands when damp for a dewy finish and makes blending foundation and concealer effortless — especially around tr...
BEAUTYBLENDER Professional Makeup Sponge Perfect for Darker ...
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
This one surprised me with its premium feel and smooth finish. I picked it up while testing clean-beauty tools and it delivered a seamless application on liquid and cream formulas alike — minimizing product waste and leaving that airbrushed skin effe...
The Perfecting Sponge
 
Jonathan Martins profile picture
A budget-friendly classic that works great whether you’re just starting your makeup journey or stocking up. I found this one kept its shape well and made foundation and concealer look smooth and even.
Andreia: My Blender - Makeup Sponge