Forever Obsessions in Beauty
*Our team personally purchases, tests and researches every product we recommend. We take pride in our high standards and unbiased reviews. 
Illustration: eclare/MidjourneyAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through my links.Tried, true, and repurchased—beauty products we’ve loved for years.
1) Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint by Fenty Beauty
[Fragrance-Free | 100% Cruelty-Free | Non-Comedogenic | Vegan and Gluten-Free | No Parabens or Phthalates]This tint is so great that it has replaced all other foundations. The coverage is light to medium, feels extremely lightweight, completely buildable, and lasts all day (even in hot, humid weather). I use this throughout the year, but for colder months, I make sure I prep my skin well to prevent it from clinging to any dry patches. This is fragrance-free and great for my really sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Photo: Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint ($39)
2) Clinique Moisture Surge™ Lip Hydro-Plump Treatment
[Fragrance-Free | Dermatologist-Tested | Allergy Tested | No Parabens or Phthalates]I always suffer from dry lips, and I’ve been looking for a lip treatment that was going to save my cracked, bleeding lips from utter dehydration. This is the product my poor lips have been searching and praying for 😆. It’s ridiculously loooong-lasting (I rarely need to reapply) and much better than all the other more popular lip masks and balms. This makes my lips dewy, hydrated, and plump!
Photo: CliniqueMoisture Surge™ Lip Hydro-Plump Treatment ($20 to $23)
3) Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
[100% Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Latex-Free | Give Back | Sustainable Packaging]Like many, I completely fell in love with the original Beauty Blender, but spending $20 every 3-6 months on a makeup sponge started to feel excessive for my wallet. After researching and trying out a bunch of different alternatives, I realized this was the best makeup sponge for me. It’s firmer and denser, but doesn’t suck up all my foundation and gives a beautiful, seamless finish for a fraction of the price.
Photo: Real TechniquesMiracle Complexion Sponge ($4 to $7)
4) Elf Instant Lift Brow Pencil
[100% Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Hypoallergenic | Non-Comedogenic | No Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, and Hydroquinone | Fair Trade Certified™]Again, like many, I have used the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz for years—but once drugstore brands improved their formulas with cleaner, fragrance-free ingredients, I very happily made the switch. It has a built-in spoolie brush, buildable coverage, and is extremely affordable!
Photo: e.l.fInstant Lift Brow Pencil ($4)
5) Elf Wow Brow Gel
[100% Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Hypoallergenic | Non-Comedogenic | No Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates, and Hydroquinone | Fair Trade Certified™]Even when I was using higher-end brow pencils, they wouldn’t last on my brows cause I have such oily skin. Then I discovered the power of a brow gel, and I no longer have the problem of my eyebrows fading in the middle of the day 🥹. I only need a tiny bit, and they look fuller without that crunchy, stiff feeling. If I’m feeling lazy, I just use this, and it gives the brows a very natural look. I also love the smaller tube—it’s travel-friendly and easy to finish before it expires.
Photo: e.l.fWow Brow Gel ($6)
6) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind® Eraser Multi-Use Concealer
[Vegan | Dermatologist-Tested | Fragrance-Free | Mineral Oil-Free | Paraben-Free | Talc-Free | Give Back]This is such a good, affordable concealer—lightweight, creamy, fragrance-free, and really brightens the under eye. If I’m in a rush, I use this to cover spots, the rosacea on my cheeks, and other imperfections. And the best part? I don’t even set it with powder, and there’s little to no creasing.👏
Photo: MaybellineInstant Age Rewind® Eraser Multi-Use Concealer ($8 to $13)
7) Maybelline Tattoo Studio® Sharpenable Longwear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil
[Clean | Waterproof | Smudge-Proof | Fade-Resistant and Sebum-Resistant | Sharpenable]This eyeliner is a must-try—it’s a truly solid product. I use it on both my waterline and along my lash line, and it glides on smoothly without budging or giving raccoon eyes, even on oily eyelids. I have extremely sensitive eyes, and it doesn’t irritate them at all. The staying power is excellent: I apply it in the morning and can trust it to still look great hours later.
Photo: MaybellineTattoo Studio® Sharpenable Longwear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil ($10 to $14)
8) Maybelline Tattoo Studio 36H Pigment Brow Pencil
[Clean | Waterproof | Sharpenable]This brow pencil is a gem and an easy everyday favorite. I have sparse brows, and the pigment is defined yet natural, keeping them polished without ever feeling heavy. Because it’s so long-wearing, you can even skip a brow gel!
Photo: MaybellineTattoo Studio 36H Pigment Brow Pencil ($9 to $12)
9) Pixi by Petra On-the-Glow Blush CheekTone
[Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Clean and Skin-Loving Ingredients]This blush has honestly become one of those products I reach for without even thinking! In the summer, it gives that fresh, juicy flush, and in the winter, it helps me look alive (and not like I’ve been under a blanket for three months). The formula melts into the skin so naturally—never patchy, just an effortless, healthy tint. (Another bonus: it comes in a petite size!) 🎀
Photo: Pixi Pixi by Petra On-the-Glow Blush CheekTone ($18)
10) Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
[Non-Comedogenic | No Oil, Alcohol, Parabens, Fragrance, SLS & SLES, Phthalates, Talc, EDTA]This is a best-seller and a favorite by many for a reason. This concealer is smooth and buildable, blends seamlessly, doesn’t settle into fine lines, and feels lightweight without ever looking cakey. It’s a reliable go-to that will always have a place in my makeup bag. (It applies beautifully using just your fingertips.)
Photo: NarsSoft Matte Complete Concealer ($34)
