As someone who endlessly visits and enjoys browsing makeup stores like Ulta and Sephora, I’ve invested considerable time, money, and energy into products I discovered through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. While I’ve certainly found some of my favorite items through these channels, I’ve also spent on products that didn’t live up to the hype. As I’ve curated a makeup routine that works for me and my skin, I have also developed a line of my favorite makeup holy grails that I will never stop buying simply because they work so effortlessly, effectively, and I don’t ever need to question whether I’m getting my money’s worth.
The first makeup product is from the beauty brand/line, Rare Beauty. The “Soft Pinch Liquid Blush,” by Rare Beauty has never failed or done me wrong. The pigment and easy application is what makes it worth the $23. Not only are all the colors suitable for different skin tones but the variety of shades allow people to dabble and try different colors and tones to see which will enhance their makeup routine. For my skin’s shade, I find myself often buying the shade, “Encourage” or “Hope,” which many people compliment. The appealing packaging is also a bonus, but I would highly recommend others to try this blush because not only is it an investment, but it’s also a great addition to your makeup routine from a brand that’s vegan, cruelty free, dermatologist tested, and suitable for sensitive skin.
The second makeup product I would strongly recommend, especially for those who don’t like heavy makeup but still want their base to look flawless and smooth, is the Glossier “Perfecting Skin Tint.” I have tried a few tinted moisturizers, both drug store and high-end, however none have compared to the one from Glossier. Not only does it even out my skin tone, but it also gives me a glow and hides the small blemishes I have. If you are someone who likes full coverage or “matte” makeup, then you may not lean towards skin tint as a product itself, however if you like dewy makeup, this product will definitely become a favorite for your day to day use. Although its price stands at $28 for a 30 ml bottle, the product itself lasts a pretty long time. I personally bought a bottle back in January, and I still have product left for at least the end of this month.
My third makeup holy grail, is the e.l.f “Brow Lift” brow gel. I remember back in 2022 people were raging about this product because of how effective it was, especially for the price and the fact that it’s a drugstore product. I often love e.l.f products; whether it’s blush, blemish cream, lip gloss etc, so I instantly knew I would love this product. As someone with brows that will not cooperate or have a tendency to not hold with other brow products, the e.l.f brow lift was able to keep my brows in place without leaving them looking flaky. It shapes and holds your brows in place, and you don’t even need a lot of product. It’s very much the type of product where a little goes a long way! This item is also only $6, and once you try it, you will most likely be repurchasing as it becomes an essential in your makeup routine/bag.
The fourth product I will forever rave about and continue to praise is the L’Oreal “Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara.” This mascara is a holy grail for several reasons which includes the price, the effectiveness, and simply its outstanding performance. As someone who has lashes that won’t hold a curl, waterproof mascara is quite literally my best friend. The mascara wand not only adds length to my lashes, but it also makes it very easy to maneuver and reach both the inner and outer lashes that are often hard for the wand to reach. Sitting at $12.99, this mascara is also very easily accessible. Since it’s a drug store product you can find at your local CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc.
My last and final holy grail makeup product is the R.E.M beauty “Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow.” This liquid eyeshadow not only comes in more than 10 shades, but its formula is also very pigmented making it long lasting. Each shade of shimmer is incredibly pretty, I often find myself having to hold back from purchasing yet another shade. Not to mention this liquid eyeshadow makes it easy to apply either with your finger, a brush or the applicator itself. Although the price is $17, the bottle does last a long time, and it does not dry out or become hard. Furthermore, the variety of shades ensures that there is always something for everyone’s taste and cup of tea.