Beauty Experts' Favorite Makeup Products
10 Makeup Experts Reveal the Products They Can't Live Without
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In a world where new products are launching on the hour, it can be overwhelming (not to mention expensive) trying to sort out the tried-and-true gems. Thankfully, we have access to makeup artists to help vet the rising stars and trusty staples. After all, it's part of their job to keep track of the top performers for their long list of celebrity clients and events. (There's no explaining to a Golden Globe winner that the biggest moment of her life was drowned out because you chose the wrong mascara.)
We chatted with some of the top experts on the don't-leave-home-without-it beauty picks that are worth the splurge. We learned they love everything from gorgeous foundations (Giorgio Armani and Laura Mercier came up over and over again) to lash-enhancing mascaras (Diorshow prevails!) and the blending sponge that will give you velvety skin. Keep reading to learn more!
Tom Ford Eye Quad
"This is still one of the best eye shadow quads on the market. It comes in so many variations of pigments — from neutrals to jewel tones and everything in between — for creating a wide range of looks. My personal favorites are Orchid Haze, Disco Dust, and Cocoa Mirage." — Robert Sesnek
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad ($82)
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
"This is hands-down my favorite foundation. It's so lightweight I can make it look sheer or build it and get more coverage. It makes any skin [type] look gorgeous and dewy!" — Brigitte Reiss-Anderson
Beautyblender
"I can't survive without this product! I use it to apply everything from skin care and to prep to foundation or [to apply] cream blushes and liquid highlighter. I also use it (wet and dry) for any buffing and blending to make sure my clients all look flawless and hydrated. It is truly versatile and the most important thing in my kit." — Kirin Bhatty
Beautyblender ($20)
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner
"I love how dense the colors this liner comes in. In addition, it goes on smoothly and dries fast, making a perfect (and sometimes intimidating) cat eye an easy-to-do." — Mai Quynh
Nars Blondie Eyeshadow
"This is the best taupe eye shadow in existence. In addition to providing the perfect base for a smoky lid, it's great for contouring the eyes and cheeks. It's definitely an all-time fave!" — Molly R. Stern
Nars Blondie Eyeshadow ($25)
Chanel Angled Brow Brush #12
"I love a pair of full-looking brows. It gives youthfulness and suits pretty much all face shapes. To create the look, my must-have tool is this Chanel brush. The brush's bristles are wide and thick — essential for creating bushy, untamed-looking brows." — Min Min Ma
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
"Everyone should own this product! Once you get the hang of how to properly use it — apply lightly after foundation with a small concealer brush — you will look flawless. The concealer literally covers everything, while still looking totally natural." — Ashleigh Louer
Diorshow Black Out Mascara
"I always carry at least five tubes of this mascara. I have yet to find a formula that's darker. When compared, Black Out literally makes the other mascaras in my kit look gray. I can also trust it won't run and become messy, which is an added bonus and a must for any red carpet job." — Ricky Wilson
YSL Rouge Pur Couture the Mats
"Mattes are huge right now and this is one lipstick I can't do without — it stays on for hours! The 203 Rouge Rock shade is my red carpet go-to red lip color. The dark, rich, velvet color photographs beautifully. And unlike other mattes from other brands, it does not dry your lips out." — Liz Olivier
MAC Brow Set
"While probably one of the most boring beauty products to buy, I always tell people brow gel is one of the most important. This one in particular will groom brows and keep them in place all day. It is totally colorless, so it works well over brow pencils or shadows and looks equally great just on its own if you don't fill your brows. It's definitely an essential — I use it on every single one of my clients (guys and girls) and on myself every day!" — Amber Dreadon
MAC Brow Set ($17)
