If you're deciding on a new makeup, hair, or skincare product, you obviously want it to work incredibly well. There are some items that have truly stood the test of time and become cult classics. These are cosmetics that give you noticeable results. Thankfully, Ulta carries many of the things we're talking about. Whether you need an excellent waterproof mascara or a dry shampoo that will revive your hair, there's a formula for that. We rounded up the ultimate must-have items you need for your vanity. Take a look at the essentials, and invest in them for game-changing outcomes.
This L'Oréal Colour Riche Matte Lipcolour ($9) comes in so any colors and a smooth, creamy finish.
The matte blue hues in this Ofra Cosmetics Must Have Mattes Professional Makeup Palette ($59) will create a head-turning smoky eye.
Control frizz and detangle with this smoothing It's a 10 Travel-Size Miracle Leave-In Product ($12).
I have had this CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder ($7) is my cover-up rotation for over a decade now. Every time I use it, I get compliments on my smooth complexion. The powder reduces the appearance of pores and keeps oily skin in check. Sweep it on over liquid foundation for a flawless complexion.
During cold and windy days when your eyes start to water, this Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara ($23) will hold up.
This Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Racy Liquid Velvet Lip ($24) in Adult-ish is a red-pink hue that's perfect for everyday. It stays on throughout coffee and lunch. The color payoff is impressive, and the matte finish is lovely. Bonus points: The sodium hyaluronate in the formula keeps lips soft and nourished.
Mario Badescu's Facial Spray ($7) is a burst of rose water, aloe, and herbs that is as soothing as it is refreshing.
If you want full lashes that practically look like falsies, try this Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara ($23).
The shimmery finish of L'Oreal Infallible Paints Lips Metallic ($10) in Moon Lust automatically gives you a cool-girl vibe. This formula has amazing staying power.
Create countless looks with this Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Ultra 32-Eyeshadow Palette ($15).
Use an angle brush with the matte colors in this MAC Eyeshadow Burgundy Times Nine Palette ($32) to create more intense looks.
I put this Soap & Glory Speedplump Overnight Miracle Moisture Mousse ($20) on before I go to bed to wake up with smooth, quenched skin. The lightweight formula sinks into your pores without feeling greasy.
No time to shower? No problem. This Klorane Travel-Size Dry Shampoo ($10) is formulated with oat milk to cleanse your hair and remove dirt.
The pigmentation and blendable formula of the E.L.F. Powder Blush Palette ($6) are truly impressive. The colors look beautiful on the skin and instantly make you look more awake. This blush also has serious staying power — it won't fade all day long.
The Morphe M501 Pro Pointed Blender Brush ($8) seamlessly blends highlighter into your cheekbones.
For perfectly sculpted arches, fill them in with this L'Oréal Brow Stylist Frame and Set ($13). The cream pomade glides right on and stays put so you don't have to worry about smudging.
For squeaky-clean skin, wash your face with this Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Purifying Foam Cleanser ($12).
Your eyebrows will look full with just a few swipes of this Soap & Glory Archery Volu-Boost Fibre Gel ($14).
Forget having dry locks on vacation. Moisturize your hair with this Pureology Travel-Size Hydrate Sheer Shampoo ($8).
There's nothing worse than a manicure chipping on your weekend getaway, so be sure to pack this Zoya Travel-Size Remove+ Nail Polish Remover ($5) just in case.
The Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush ($14) will become a daily tool in your makeup arsenal. It easily blends liquids, powders, and creams to give you a flawless-looking complexion.
If you have bags under your eyes, this Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer ($9) is your answer. It lasts all day and has excellent coverage.
For a standout lip that isn't necessarily red, test out this Lancome Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick ($22) in Rosemantic.
Beauty experts rave over this Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Bronzer ($6) that has subtle shimmer and blends well.
Achieve a sexy matte finish with this unique NYX Powder Puff Lippie ($8). It comes in eight shades that leave a soft, velvety finish for a sought-after pout.
You'll shine from miles away with this Flower Beauty Galactic Glow Holographic Palette ($17). The lilac hue is incredibly flattering on all skin tones.
Containing moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E and shea butter, this cruelty-free Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Calm Lip Save ($20) is an editor favorite. The minty fresh formula isn't just for your lips either, you can use it on dry patches as well.
Fight acne on the go with this Murad Travel-Size Acne Complex Cleanser ($9). It's rich with green tea and menthol, which can cool down inflamed skin you might get while traveling.
The warm peach shades in this NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Multi-Finish Shadow Palette ($18) will give you a beautiful metallic smoky eye.
Refresh throughout the day with this Mario Badescu Travel-Size Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater ($5).
Take care of your color-treated hair on the go with this Matrix Travel-Size Biolage Colorlast Conditioner ($5).
You'll look like you're wearing falsies when you swipe on this Essence Get BIG Lashes Volume Boost Waterproof Mascara ($4) that never smudges.
I swear by this L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation ($13). It gives my face a flawless, airbrushed look and truly lasts all day. It comes in 12 colors that work for a large spectrum of skin tones.
If you have problematic skin, you might want to consider packing these Peter Thomas Roth Travel-Size Max Complexion Correction Pads ($14). The glycolic and salicylic acid will help diminish any unwanted blemishes.
Despite the popularity of mood-changing beauty products, they are scarcely found at the drugstore at this price point. This shade-shifting Maybelline Baby Lips Glow Balm ($4) leaves you with a pink tint while infusing your pout with moisture.
For a sheer yet noticeable highlight, try the L'Oréal Studio Secrets Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer ($13). Put it on before your foundation to add luminosity to your face. The liquid formula melts into your skin.
The CoverGirl Roses TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette ($12) is a newer product from the brand, but we already predict it will become a staple. The soft, rosy colors are so versatile — wear the lighter shades to the office or a plum smoky eye at night. Wet the darkest shade and use it as an eyeliner. We love that affordable palettes are becoming a bigger trend in drugstores.
Perfect for packing color onto your lid, the Morphe M408 Chisel Shader Brush ($4) is an essential in anyone's brush collection. The natural bristles make placing a shimmery shade at the center of your lid super easy.
For long trips, make sure to keep your makeup tools clean by spraying them with this It Cosmetics Travel-Size It's Your Brush Love Mini Bottle ($12).
Toner is a total beauty essential, and Dermalogica's Travel-Size Multi-Active Toner ($12) is alcohol-free, meaning it won't dry you out while you're traveling.
You'll be beyond impressed by the color payoff of the shades in this NYX Love You So Mochi Electric Pastels Eyeshadow Palette ($20).
This lightweight and oil-free Smashbox Travel-Size Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($16) will make your makeup last so much longer.
We couldn't choose just one nude shade of NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick ($7); we love them all. The plush matte finish makes your lips feel pillowy soft.
Get rid of oil and add volume to your locks with this Soap & Glory The Rushower Scent-Sational Dry Shampoo ($12).
If you love bright shades, this BH Cosmetics Take Me Back to Brazil Palette ($16) will be a dream come true for you. We can't wait to create Summer looks with all of these playful hues.
Behold, the Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette ($54) — one of the biggest beauty releases of the year. The warm, rusty tones look beautiful with all eye colors.
We tried this NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede Metallic Cream Lipstick ($7) in New Era, a deep metallic bronze, and we are utterly obsessed. It will be our go-to for a long-lasting lip.
Get rid of dull, dead skin by using this Soap & Glory The Scrub Of Your Life ($12). The amazing scent includes notes of fresh bergamot, mandarin, rose, jasmine, peaches, and strawberries.
Clean your face at the end of a long day with this soothing and gentle Wet n Wild Makeup Remover Micellar Cleansing Water ($5).
Este Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup ($40) truly stays on all day long. The formula melts right into your skin for a flawless look. One fan of the product explained why she loves it: "I have tried so many different foundations. I have oily/acne-prone skin and can't ever find one with full coverage that stays on all day. This is it!"
This Soap & Glory The Mighty Contourer 3-in-1 Contour, Blush, & Highlight Kit ($15) is my go-to compact when I'm traveling. It includes everything I need for a full-on face refresh.
Soft millennial pinks go with just about any beauty look, and the trend isn't dying down anytime soon. We apply this Too Faced Melted Latex Liquified High Shine Lipstick ($10, originally $21) when our face needs a subtle boost of color.
This luscious Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Milk Lotion ($12) smells so yummy — like almonds and brown sugar. Keep your body moisturized by slathering it everywhere.
The massive Morphe Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette ($38) has 35 eye shadows ranging from neutral to bright hues to play with to your heart's content. With matte, shimmer, satin, and glitter shades, you'll find endless ways to wear this palette.
The four versatile shades in this Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit ($40) pop against all skin tones. The gleam is noticeable without looking overwhelming. One customer said, "I always get compliments!," while another claimed, "AMAZING AND BLINDING." That should leave you pretty convinced.
Our editors use this Soap & Glory Poutstanding Double-Ended Lip Contouring Crayon ($12) all the time. Rhubarbarella is a gorgeous pink-nude shade that is perfect for everyday use.
The shades in this BareMinerals Crystalline Glow Bronzer & Highlighter Palette ($34) were made with crushed rose quartz crystals for a healthy-looking glow.
Living up to its name, Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara ($20) is perfect for swimming.
Shown center is the L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara ($10), the holy grail of drugstore mascaras. We tested out the newest product and were obsessed with its thickening and lengthening powers.
If you want to add some color without using pencil, try this E.L.F. Cosmetics Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Brow Gel ($5).
The CoverGirl Roses TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette ($12) is a newer product from the brand, but we already predict it will become a staple. The soft, rosy colors are so versatile — wear the lighter shades to the office or a plum smoky eye at night. Wet the darkest shade, and use it as an eyeliner. We love that affordable palettes are becoming a bigger trend in drugstores.
You'll look like you're wearing falsies when you swipe on this Essence Get Big Lashes Volume Boost Waterproof Mascara ($4) that never smudges.
If you're a cult user of this brand, pick up the Clinique Travel-Size Foaming Sonic Facial Soap ($5) before your next trip. Its oil-free formula will keep your skin cleansed and refreshed.
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara ($24) is well-liked because it's not flaky or clumpy.
The creamy formula of this Soap & Glory Peach Pout Completely Balmy Lipstick ($12) gives your lips a good dose of color.
Achieve bouncy volume at your next event with this lightweight and plumping Living Proof Travel-Size Full Thickening Mousse ($16).
You'll have the perfect range of bronzers and blushes with the Benefit Cosmetics Cheek Parade ($58) palette. It's an incredible deal for the amount of product you get.
Quench dry skin anywhere you go with this vegan Tarte Travel-Size Maracuja Oil ($16).