I’m an avid lover of all things beauty related. However, this past year, a few beauty products stood out to me. I’ve been using the following items at least twice a week, so they’ve become a staple in my everyday beauty routine. Here are five products that I’ve been consistently using—and loving—to consider adding to your makeup pouch.
- Clinique’s Clinical Clearing Gel
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You. Need. This. Now. The Clinical Clearing Gel was the first product that came to mind as I began drafting this article. The serum helps clear pimples within 3-4 days, and I’m not kidding. I use it as a spot treatment rather than applying it to my whole face because it is slightly pricey for a small bottle. However, a little goes a long way so a huge amount isn’t necessary. It has cleared up my pimples after performance makeup breakouts or even stress acne.
- NYX’s Epic Wear Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeliner
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From swimming at the beach to crying over Netflix dramas, this eyeliner doesn’t come off for anything. I use the black NYX eyeliner almost every day and it never loses its sharpness. If you enjoy lining the inner corners of your eyes, it stays on there too whereas other liners I’ve tried fade. Makeup remover is the only item that will erase the eyeliner. It’s fairly easy to wipe away, so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing and harming your skin. I also have this product in blue and white and I receive so many compliments when doing graphic liner.
- L’oreal’s Voluminous Mascara – Cobalt Blue
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Brown-eyed girlies, I’d like to specifically dedicate this one for you. I saw a TikTok last year containing beauty hacks to bring out my own brown eyes, so I figured I should try one out. Lo and behold, I bought the L’oreal Cobalt Blue Mascara. The blue from the mascara and the orangey tints from the eyes contrast each other, and it looks amazing in the sun. No joke. The mascara is only about $9 depending upon the store it’s purchased from. For those of you without brown eyes, don’t feel excluded. It’s still a great accessory to pair with bright outfits or a bold look for a party. It also pairs well with the previous product I mentioned, the NYX eyeliner, specifically in Sapphire.
- Tarte’s Lights Camera Splashes Mascara
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This is my go-to waterproof mascara for long dance rehearsals and the pool. I don’t have to worry about the product transferring to my lower eyelids when I sweat. The mascara does stay put in the water too, but it is tedious and time-consuming to remove. You will need to use makeup remover pads rather than cotton balls. I haven’t found another waterproof mascara that lengthens my lashes with a natural-appearing build, so this has definitely been my favorite.
- E.L.F Wow Brow Gel
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This gel is the perfect way to enhance the natural shape of your brows. I used the Wow Brow Gel before a model casting to comb my brows and add a hint of color. The gel contains tiny fibers that can also help build your brows. If you’re intending to add more color, I would recommend adding another product or powder to lay on top. This is the least expensive product on my list sitting at $5.
These products will go with me into 2023 and beyond. I’ll be on the lookout for beauty products in the upcoming year to include in a skincare routine or a makeup look for a night out.