10 Beauty Products Everyone Raves About (That Actually Live Up To Their Reputation)
You know how sometimes you pop into Sephora (or any beauty-centric spot like Ulta or the beauty departments at Saks, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom) and just feel compelled to buy something, anything at all? I know that’s not just me. Maybe you don’t need anything–you just want something. I’ve been there. Rather than flailing blindly about hemming and hawing, I put together a little guide for you of some products you can grab and go and be totally satisfied with! Do believe the hype.
1. NARS blushes
Perhaps the cult product that is NARS Orgasm blush isn’t your speed. That’s OK. Orgasm is pretty amazing, though; it’s the perfect, slightly-shimmery peachy pink that looks gorgeous on almost everyone. However, any of the NARS blushes are excellent quality and worth every penny. I like Desire, Luster and Gilda.
2. NARS Copacabana highlighting stick
Sorry to pound the NARS drum, but the Copacabana Multiple highlighting stick is a true magic product. Swipe it across your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose and perhaps under your brows or on the Cupid’s bow of your lips for a pearly, subtle glow.
3. Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners
These liners last forever even if you have oily eyelids like me. I’m addicted to ultra-black Zero; it’s one of the only products I’ve ever repurchased. They recently overhauled the color range so there’s a gorgeous shade for you no matter your preference, from dusty gold to bright cobalt blue.
4. CoverGirl Lip Perfection lipsticks
Sometimes the urge to buy makeup hits you at Target. Grab one of these. They’re very high quality for their low price point. Hot is one of my favorite reds, while Delish is a lovely, creamy nude.
5. BeneFit BrowZings!
Even if you’re a totally newbie at brow grooming, BrowZings are pretty foolproof. In the compact, you get wax and pigment to shape and tint your brows, as well as a small brush and tweezer. I think powders like this are much easier to use than eyebrow pencils.
6. MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo
The greatest bright red on earth. That’s all we need to say.
7. Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow
If you’ve been tinting and shaping your brows for awhile, this is what you need. Aqua Brow does not mess around. The tiny tube lasts forever because you only need the teensiest drop to fill in your brows with an angled brush. Once you’ve painted them on (trust me, it looks very natural), they’re there for good. They last through a splash in the swimming pool, in the middle of humid summer and occasionally through the night if you forget to take your makeup off. (No judgement.)
8. Lancome mascara
You can try to convince me that other mascara brands are better but I will never, ever budge. Lancome makes the best mascaras. Period. If lashes are your “thing,” spend the money and try one. (They often come in gift sets, freebie bonus!) I’ve used Hypnose for almost ten years.
9. Dior Addict Lip Glow
OK, I realize spending $25+ on a tinted lip balm is crazy, but sometimes it happens. This one enhances your natural lip color in a pretty, subtle manner and imparts a hint of gloss while it hydrates your lips. Also, owning a Dior lip balm is the ultimate in fancy, and sometimes we just gotta give in to the fancy. It’s fine.
10. MAC Fluidline gel eyeliner
Move over, Bobbi Brown. This gel liner is the real winner here. It’s really easy to use with the help of a good angled brush; with the help of a good angled brush, you’ll be drawing on a perfect cat eye in no time. With two gentle coats, it’s the blackest black that lasts all day and into the night. Once again, this is one product I buy and rebuy from year to year. 
