My current TikTok algorithm is quite eclectic and I couldn’t be happier: videos of true crime theories and shark attacks are juxtaposed with organization, fashion trends, and lots and lots of beauty tutorials. While some of them haven’t proven useful for me (the eyeliner hack using a credit card placed at an angle along the eye was a mess), I love seeing new ways to do my eyebrows, get a natural glow, or line my lips. Since it’s been a while since I shared my go-to beauty products, here are eight I’ve been lovely lately.
Huda Beauty Setting Powder (in Pound Cake): You know a powder is sought after if it’s sold out each time you attempt to buy it in store. Since my skin is more dry than oily, powders never have played a consistent role in my routine, but when I saw this one’s ability to create a blurring effect, I was intrigued. I started with the smaller size and I’m already regretting that decision since it’s as good as all of the lofty praise it’s received. While it comes with a cleverly designed built-in puff in the cap, I prefer to apply it with a concealer brush or a triangle makeup sponge under my eyes, in the middle of my forehead and around my nose. Not only does it keep my makeup in place all day, but makes any fine lines seemingly disappear while providing an air-brushed appearance.
Anastasia Brow Freeze: We’re only halfway through the year and this product has already earned VIP status in my makeup bag as one of my best buys of the year. As anyone who’s been around for a while knows, my eyebrows have been my biggest pain point and I’ve tried nearly every gel/pomade/wax out there in order to give my stubborn brows some lift that actually holds. This mirrors the effect of brow lamination, with eyebrows that stay exactly where you brushed them until you wash it off at night.
Tigi Hair Wax Stick: This is my go-to product when I want a slicked back hairstyle that looks polished without much effort. I make a ponytail or a bun then run this over my hair to eliminate any frizz or flyaways. It leaves a satiny finish, one that’s not too shiny nor matte, which pairs beautifully with glowy skin and chunky hoops.
Supergoop! Glowscreen with Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops: Speaking of glowy skin, I’m still just as committed to this sunscreen, that delivers the prettiest sheen, and have found that combining it with a touch of Drunk Elephant’s Bronzing Drops gives the ideal amount of warmth to my skin. On days when I don’t want to wear a lot of makeup, just a dollop of this duo with a lip gloss makes me feel put together.
Benefit POREfessional Hydrating Primer: I’ve been loyal to the original version for years – it creates the smoothest base for makeup, while also minimizing pores, so when I realized there was a new hydrating iteration, I was sold. It’s as good as the original, but even better for those of us whose skin is always on the thirsty side.
Tower Beauty Mascara: Of all beauty products, I’m least committed to my mascara, always willing to try out a new product with the promise of longer, thicker, darker lashes. I’d used the Tower Beauty Mascara in the past, but got distracted and bopped between other options in recent years only to make my way back (with no interest in stopping). It’s the Goldlilocks of mascara, delivering well defined, lengthened lashes that can look minimal or dramatic, depending on how much you layer and your preference.
Stila Muted-Neon Liquid Liner: I don’t typically impulse-purchase beauty products that veer more trendy, but made an exception for this pastel blue liquid liner. And it does exactly what I’d hoped: delivers a bright pop of color to my lids while still seeming…subdued and minimal, despite sounding like an oxymoron.
