10 Makeup Artists on the All-Time Best Products Ever
Check out this feature of our very own Kierra Lanice in Glamour.
There's something about back-to-school time that calls for a refresh. That's why this week we're throwing it back to the basics: putting "easy" makeup hacks to the test and a spotlight on the simple products that'll make a big difference. Class is now in session.
There's no denying that being a makeup artist is a pretty sweet gig. Not only can they call getting lost in Sephora an errand for work, but many of the biggest artists get early access to new products before they hit shelves. With so many options, they could easily keep updating their kits, and yet every artist has the one product that—no matter how many other brands or versions of it they try—they keep going back to. Think of them as the perfect white tee or bag that goes with everything: They're workhorse staples that deserve a permanent place in your makeup bag. The best part? Of all the recommendations we got, plenty are even found at the drugstore. Here are the products makeup pros say they can't live without.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil, $21; sephora.com
“Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencils' variety of shades reflect natural hair colors, so they never look fake. For example, when I'm blond I use the shade Soft Brown, and when my hair is black, I like to use the shade Dark Brown. The Brow Wiz pencil isn't too thin or too thick, which makes it very easy to use for beginners. It also comes with a little spooly brush on one side, so you can brush and tame any hairs that may be out of place.” —Cristal Daniela Rubio, makeup artist and influencer
Clinique Quickliner for Eyes, $18, sephora.com
“After all these years in the beauty biz, this is still my favorite eyeliner because it stays on and doesn’t budge.” —Benjamin Puckey, editorial makeup artist
Covergirl Queen Collection Dark Bronzer in Ebony Bronze, $8, cvs.com
"Many women of color shy away from bronzer—or confuse it to be a product for contouring—but everyone can reap this powder's benefits. This bronzer is the perfect color for deeper skin tones so they can get that sun-kissed glow." —Kierra Lanice, Houston-based makeup artist
La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Rose Glow, $70, nordstrom.com
"Cream blush is my go-to because it looks like skin. While powder sits on the surface, this sheer formula gives you a rosy look from the inside out. It's also made with several of the same skin care ingredients La Prairie is renowned for, including hydrating emollients like ginseng root extract and vitamin E.” —Ashleigh Ciucci, editorial makeup artist
Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Mascara, $7, ulta.com
“I don't spend a ton of money on mascaras—they always dry out no matter what the price point is. Plus, I go through them like water! Maybelline’s The Falsies mascara is my favorite of the lot, though. It gives both volume and length without getting clumpy, and you can't beat the price." —Kasey Spickard, editorial makeup artist
Vapour Organic Beauty Elixir Lip Gloss in Honor, $25, vapourbeauty.com
"I may own dozens of lip glosses, but I keep coming back to this one for its silky texture and sheer yet buildable finish that is never sticky. This warm shade of pink softly brightens lips with a touch of radiance. I love the slightly wet-looking finish it gives, and it looks perfect alone or layered over lipstick for a multi-dimensional finish." —Jo Levy, makeup artist and clean beauty advocate