A Makeup Minimalist's Guide to About-Face Products

I'm not usually one to line my lips, but I decided to give it a try with the Matte Fix Lip Pencil ($12) in the color False Alarm. Let me tell you, this matte liner glides on my lips like a dream, and if it could talk, it would say, "I'm here to stay, and I'm not going anywhere." I use it to line my lips and then lightly fill them in so that they look softly tinted. The color lasts for hours even after eating and drinking.

I was excited to try the Shadowstick ($14) in the shade 2002, a shimmery icy blue that fed my nostalgia. I'm already a fan of shadow sticks, and I love that this one is super easy to blend. It takes me less than a minute to get my desired shadow look simply by using my fingers to blend and smudge — and then it just stays put. Furthermore, the range of colors is quite satisfactory as it goes from your basic neutrals to more eccentric hues such as Acidic, which is a pearly chartreuse, or Chaos Theory, a pearly yellow.

As someone who doesn't skip out on highlighter, the Light Lock Highlight Fluid ($18) brings a luminous, pearlescent effect to my minimal makeup looks. When I am not in the mood for applying makeup or simply don't have the time but still want to appear radiant, a few drops of this highlighter mixed with my moisturizer or sunscreen leave a gorgeous, natural-looking glow. Also, as a sucker for packaging, I love the mirrored detail, and she sits pretty on my bathroom vanity.

I only reach for an eye primer if I need my shadow to stay on all day, and the Shadow Fix Eye Primer ($13) helped keep it in place during my latest trip. It feels light and creamy, something I appreciate since I have dry skin and can't commit to just any eye primer. Moreover, it helps lock down my shadow and makes the shade a hint more vivid.

The Matte Fluid Eye Paint ($16) is a must for anyone who wants their eye makeup to make a statement. It's described as "a powerful one-swipe punch of liquid eye color that delivers bold, buildable pigment," and I can definitely agree. It goes on so smoothly with a doe applicator, and you can use your fingers or favorite tool to fully blend it. But beware, as once it sets, it's not going anywhere. Whatever your mood, there's a variety of punchy colors or muted tones to choose from.

If a lively eyeshadow isn't enough, the Fractal Glitter Eye Paint ($16) can be worn alone or layered to create an unmissable eye effect. This shimmering mousse eyeshadow was already intriguing to me from the durable pouch packaging that's perfect for travel, and after applying it, I was blown away by the intensely glittering, nonchunky outcome from just a single swipe.

The Paint-It Matte Lip Color ($16) has a mousse-like texture that is nondrying and leaves a strong flush of color that lasts through eating and drinking. It'd been a while since I'd done a matte lip, because more often than not, my lips felt super dry afterward, but this liquid formula doesn't leave my lips feeling flaky or dehydrated. Instead, it gives me a saturated dose of color and a brighter smile.