Here at R29, we spend a lot of time scouting for beauty products you haven't already heard of, despite the fact that there's a treasure trove of cult classics to consider. What beauty junkie, for instance, hasn't eyed a bottle of, say, that infamous NARS Orgasm blush? The ultra-luxe Eve Lom cleansing balm? We've seen them mentioned on websites, magazines, and heard about their allegedly miraculous abilities straight from the mouths of our favourite YouTubers.
So, we thought: We could do a list of the cult classics. But then, we thought: They've seen that before. That's when we decided to come up with a list of the products that make our spidey senses tingle — the bona fide, killer buys that are destined to earn cult stardom. These are the things we've seen on set and backstage, the miracle moisturisers and lippies our go-to makeup artists are constantly wielding, and the blowdry balms our favourite stylists feel lost without. They fill our very own medicine cabinets and makeup bags, and they consume an unreasonable amount of space on our desks. (It's work, though!)
Click through to see what exactly made our list — hopefully there's a product here for you. As always, feel free to fill us in on what you think should be the next big thing. We're always looking for recommendations.
"My skin has gotten so much better over the past few months, but I still get the occasional breakout. The second I anticipate one, I tap a dot of this overnight sulphur paste onto the offending spot, and when I wake up the next morning, it's practically deflated." — Maria Del Russo, beauty editor
Malin + Goetz Acne Treatment Nighttime, available at Malin + Goetz.
"This bad boy is new to the beauty scene, but I can say with confidence that I think it will be a game-changer for years to come. It's formulated with turmeric (which is trending hardcore right now) as well as cranberry extract. Combined, they help to brighten and revitalise your skin as well as incorporate some exfoliation in the mix." — Taylor Bryant, former beauty news editor
Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Masque, available at Kiehl's.
"I have an ever-growing collection of tinted moisturisers and BB creams, and while I know having 15-plus tubes of hydrating base is a little excessive, I can't seem to get enough. However, the most recent formula that I've fallen for has eclipsed many of my tried-and-true formulas. Why? The amount of coverage a single pump provides. The medium-coverage cream feels like moisturiser when buffed into the skin, but has a natural, dewy finish and can be layered for more coverage. Plus, SPF 50! Need I say more?" — Mi-Anne Chan, beauty writer
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+, available at Ulta.
"I have tried every texture spray on the market, and this is by far the best one I have ever sprayed in my beachy waves. It adds just the right amount of definition, hold, separation, and grit — without looking or feeling like a sticky mess. I am obsessed." — Cat Quinn, beauty director
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray, available at Ouai.
"I am a trademark lazy girl, especially when it comes to my morning beauty routine. So, I've started to rely on just the staples that really make a difference. This eyebrow gel is easy to apply, versatile in colour, and makes my entire face look brighter. And, the jar lasts forever." — Julie Bogen
Lancôme Sourcils Waterproof Eyebrow Gel-Cream, available at Nordstrom.
"This face mask is like magic in a jar for congested skin. It brightens, unclogs pores, and makes skin crazy-smooth, all without making my skin red or irritated. The vibrant berry colour is also pleasing to the eye, so you'll probably end up snapping yourself on the couch while it's doing its work. Or, at least I have." — Lexy Lebsack, West Coast beauty editor
Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel, available at Renée Rouleau.
"I live for hair masks. I use one weekly (sometimes every three days, if my hair is feeling real thirsty), and I've lost count of how many I've actually tested. But the one that I continuously go back to is Aussie's Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner. It's perfect for the days I don't feel like stepping out of the shower, slapping on a shower cap, and waiting around 30 minutes for the deep conditioner to work its magic. It truly only takes three minutes for it to transform your hair — and does it ever transform — and it makes detangling a breeze and a half. " — Taylor Bryant
Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner, available at Walmart.
"This is just your basic, highly concentrated (5%) benzoyl peroxide treatment. But somehow, it doesn't turn my skin into a peeling, flaky mess like other ones do. I smear this over an active breakout and wake up to clearer skin by morning." — Cat Quinn
Kate Somerville Anti Bac Clearing Lotion, available at Sephora.
"Not only does this brush look absolutely stunning, but it works wonders with just about any type of powder product. The bristles aren't too densely packed, so it picks up just the right amount of product (say, contour powder or blush) and applies evenly on the skin. Plus, since the bristles are tapered it's the perfect size for brushing on colour under my cheekbones and onto the apples of my cheeks." — Mi-Anne Chan
Japonesque Kumadori Contour & Highlighting Brush, available at Ulta.
"I could talk about this brush at length — and when someone asks me for a hair-brush recommendation, I do. Here's why: It's a dead ringer for Mason Pearson's industry-standard Handy Mixture brush, in both appearance and how effectively it transforms hair. They're both made from bristles taken from boars raised in cold temperatures (I'm not sure why this is desirable, to be honest, but I'll go with it) to distribute oil, both have nylon bristles to detangle, and both have chic black handles. But this one is a fraction of [Mason Pearson's] cost." — Lexy Lebsack
Sonia Kashuk Hair Brush, available at Target.
"I love my apartment, but I hate the dry heat my radiator gives off in the winter. Some mornings I wake up with a face so dry, I feel like nothing will ever be able to make it supple again. Without fail, this mask (which only takes three minutes!) fixes my skin every damn time. I slather it on, make myself a cup of tea, and then pat the excess into my skin. My face is instantly hydrated, and I'm ready to face the world scale-free." — Maria Del Russo
Sisley Paris Express Flower Gel Mask, available at Nordstrom.
"This is no mere foundation brush; it’s a multitasking marvel that works with just about every single cream or liquid product I’ve tried. I love using it for foundation because the dense bristles quickly buff product into the skin without soaking it up. Then, I’ll turn the brush on its side and blend in my concealer around my eyes and nose. To add some colour to my cheeks, I’ll grab a pot of cream blush or bronzer, dab the brush into it, and blend it on my cheeks and under my cheekbones. It makes makeup application super-fast because you don’t have to switch between a million different makeup brushes." — Mi-Anne Chan
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, available at Ulta.
"I recently wrote a love letter to this vitamin C-packed sleeping mask, so if you want to get really detailed about what makes this so great, I recommend heading there. For those of you who prefer the CliffsNotes version, it's really, really, REALLY freaking good at getting rid of those post-acne red marks." — Megan McIntyre, beauty features director
Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Mask, available at Ulta.
"We’d be confident betting that most, if not all, colourists would recommend this shampoo and conditioner to their clients — it’s that good. It’s lightweight and leaves hair super-shiny, and will add some longevity to your dye job." — Megan Cahn, senior beauty editor
Shu Uemura Colour Lustre Brilliant Glaze Shampoo, available at Shu Uemura; Shu Uemura Colour Lustre Brilliant Glaze Conditioner, available at Shu Uemura.
"I've waxed poetic about this mascara before, but I am serious — it's a game-changer. It lifts, curls, separates, and lengthens my lashes. And the curling thing is legit; I don't even know where my lash curler is these days." — Cat Quinn
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara, available at Sephora.
"Adding fullness and body to fine hair requires layering the right formulas into damp locks, a good blowdry, and clever styling. Or, you can just spray Sachajuan's miracle formula into the mid-sections of hair. I'd argue that this spray doubles the size of hair (not kidding). Plus, it gives matte texture and a bit of grit, which is never a bad thing in my book." — Lexy Lebsack
Sachajuan Volume Powder, available at Birchbox.
"This leathery-woody fragrance, a relaunch of the 2002 original, is easily one of the cosiest, most wearable scents you'll find. It's not so leathery that it veers into cowboy territory; this leather is more like that of a well-worn club chair. There's citrus (bergamot, mandarin) for subtle freshness, too. It's not especially potent, so don't worry too much about over-applying. (And if you do, it's so pleasant, hopefully your cube-mates won't mind.)" — Anne-Marie Guarnieri, former deputy editor, beauty
Helmut Lang Cuiron, available at Helmut Lang.
"Yes, I know: Nars' eyeshadows — pencils and powders — are already revered by everyone. But I'm going to put an unpopular statement out there by saying these new shadow sticks are BETTER than both those already established cult classics. The colours on these guys are pretty impressive — my favourite is the mauve-y-taupe Oaxaca — and they go on like a dream. I draw in the outline of my top lashline and up and around the crease, then colour it in and use my fingers to smudge. They have the gliding power of the pencils and the colour payoff of the shadows, but they stay in place loads better. No creasing, no bleeding, no fading." — Megan McIntyre
Nars Velvet Shadow Stick in Oaxaca, available at Nars.
"People are constantly asking me how I get my texture. The secret? I just amp up what I have with what's in this little blue tube. I let my hair air-dry a bit while I do my makeup, and then scrunch a quarter-sized dollop into my strands. Once I get to the office, my hair is defined, dried, and looking fly." — Maria Del Russo
Bumble and Bumble Don't Blow It (H)Air Styler, available at Bumble and Bumble.
"As someone who washes her hair once a week, I am crazy about dry shampoo. And until recently, I had to settle for cocktailing formulas to get me the exact results I wanted. No longer. This aerosol from Living Proof not only thoroughly de-greases oily roots, it also gives incredible volume. If you haven't tried it, do it. Now." — Cat Quinn
Living Proof PhD Dry Shampoo, available at Birchbox.
"There's nothing I hate more than foundation that gives you a flat, powdery, matte complexion. I like my skin with a side of glow, please, which I why I add a couple drops of this oil to my daily base formula. It blends seamlessly with my liquid makeup and gives my skin a luminosity that helps it look like healthy skin, rather than a mask of foundation. This trick is a saviour in the winter months, when my face is a flaky, irritated mess." — Megan McIntyre
Odacité Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate, available at Odacité.
"It's madness, at $100. Let's just get that out of the way. But there's a reason we named it 2015's Most Innovative Skin-Care Launch in our Beauty Innovator Awards: An oil-based retinol formula means less of the flaking, redness, and irritation you often experience with most retinol products. I can't believe it hasn't been knocked off yet." — Anne-Marie Guarnieri, former deputy editor of beauty and fashion
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, $105, available at Sephora.
"I get to try a lot of foundations and concealers, but I always come back to this one. I discovered it six months ago and was freaking amazed by its incredible non-cakey coverage. Plus, the doe-foot applicator is the perfect shape — seriously, it’s spongier and a little larger than your average applicator, and picks up just enough product to cover my undereyes, around my nose, chin, and any problem areas on my face. On most days, I just slick this stuff on my face and blend, top it off with a little blush and powder, and zip out the door. It’s one of those products that I know I can count on to look great all day." — Mi-Anne Chan
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer, available at Urban Decay.
"Sometimes it's the simplest products that are the most adored. I've tried a number of facial sprays in my day, but this is the one I go back to time and time again. I store it in my fridge, and spritz right before leaving my apartment in the morning. I keep one on my desk for some midday hydration. And I keep one more, for good measure, in my gym bag for a post-workout treat." — Taylor Bryant
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, available at Ulta.
"If I had a nickel for every makeup artist who told me how much they loved this compact, I'd have enough nickels to buy a spare one, and they're not cheap. Seriously, there's a reason makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury's palette is quickly becoming a coveted cosmetic: It's really easy to use! The taupe-y contour colour blends into many skin tones without being glittery or obvious, and the highlighter is subtle but still eye-catching. You don't need to have any contour skills to use this one, which is why it's destined to be a cult classic." — Lexy Lebsack
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Face Sculpt & Highlight, available at Nordstrom.
"This is not your typical dry shampoo. Though it will do the job of sucking the oil out of your unwashed strands, its most celebrated quality should be that it will add major texture and thickness. A few spritzes of this, and you’ll get a matte finish that allows your hairs to stack on each other and build. If you’re looking to make your look even more dramatic and voluminous, this is your dream product." — Megan Cahn
Serge Normant Dry Shampoo, available at Birchbox.
"Before I tried this blush, I was convinced that all blush did was make you look like a porcelain doll. But then, during an event with Estée Lauder, Victor Henao — the brand's director of global makeup design — swept this stuff on me, and I was shocked. My eyes instantly looked brighter, and my complexion looked more even. I've been using it ever since, and I think my look is better for it." — Maria Del Russo
Estée Lauder Pure Colour Blush in Lover's Blush, available at Estée Lauder.
"ColourPop’s powder products are incredible. When you first touch them, you might think they’re super-spongy creams, but they are in fact powders with an incredible punch of pigment. I like applying these with my fingers, sweeping the colour across my lid for a really easy one-shadow look. (But they also work with brushes, if you’re willing to build them up.) The colour selection is incredible, the shadows are top-notch, and for $5 a pop (sorry, had to), do you really have to mull that over?" — Mi-Anne Chan
ColourPop Eyeshadow in Boy Band, available at ColourPop.
"While none of us are exactly sure what an essence actually is (Serum? Moisturizer? Toner?), one thing's for sure: It changed my skin-care game virtually overnight (okay, maybe over the course of a couple weeks). Missha's First Treatment Essence is what some refer to as an SK-II dupe, but I'd go as far as to say that it's almost better — and comes in at a much lower price point. It's the winner of Soko Glam's Best of Beauty award, and is also a winner in my heart. It leaves my complexion brighter and more even-toned, and helps improve elasticity with ferment filtrate." — Taylor Bryant
Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence, available at Soko Glam.
"I've always been skeptical of cleansing conditioners — sure, they work great for really curly hair, but those of us with fine hair are left with a greasy, limp mess. This little guy changed my entire perception of the category, thanks to its lightweight formula and ability to soften and cleanse without stripping or dumping too much oil on my head. My hair is a lot easier to style when I use this, whether I'm using a blowdryer or just doing my air-drying thing." — Megan McIntyre
Hairstory New Wash, available at Hairstory.
"I typically dislike jasmine-based scents. I find them cloying and overly strong. But there's something about L'Absolu that is working for me. Unlike the original For Her, which is powdery and rose-y, this version heads into more earthy, patchouli territory. The jasmine gives it a ladylike floral vibe, but never smells unbearable or overwhelming." — Anne-Marie Guarnieri
Narciso Rodriguez For Her L'Absolu, available at Sephora.
"Not too pink, not too peach, not too wintry, not too summery, not too purple, not too white, not too opaque, not too sheer. This creamy nude is just right, and I wear it all year round." — Cat Quinn
Essie Nail Color in Urban Jungle, available at Beauty.com.
"I've adopted a cat-eye as my new signature look, and I've gotten the application down to a science. I sketch the actual flick with Eyeko eyeliner, but the cherry on top is a good set of lashes. Thanks to NARS Audacious, my eye look is always on point. The formula is both smudgy and separating at the same time, making for a perfectly undone mascara look that always looks good." — Maria Del Russo
NARS Audacious Eyeliner, available at Sephora.
"I've recently started using a retinol, and because of that, I needed to swap to a more gentle exfoliant. This one from Juara fits the bill — and makes my skin look incredibly bright and radiant. I use it in the morning, and most of the time, I don't even need to use a highlight after. It makes my skin that glowy." — Maria Del Russo
Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub, available at Birchbox.
"I honestly have no idea why more people don't know about this product. It's up at the very tippy-top of my eye-makeup list, and for good reason: It's super-easy to apply, with the glide-on feeling of a cream, but stays on like a powder shadow. But what really makes these bad boys so good are the colours — liquid-metal shades that mesmerise. I'm fanatic about every shade, but the Misty Rock lilac hue is my favourite for the way it intensifies my green eyes. I like to accentuate the aforementioned Nars shadow stick by placing this strategically in the inner corners of my eyes and my lower waterline. Add a thin line of dark-purple liner on the upper waterline and lid, and you've got a super-flattering and interesting look — I've actually had people on the subway ask me what I'm wearing." — Megan McIntyre
By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow Stick in Misty Rock, available at SpaceNK.
"With the knowledge that brown lipstick is having a major moment, I set off on finding the perfect shade. The second I swiped this one on, I knew it was a winner — especially when all of my coworkers and friends started complimenting me on the hue. It's quite possibly the most perfect shade of brown. It's dark enough for evening, but its buttery texture makes it daytime-appropriate. I haven't taken this stuff off for about a month — and I don't plan to all season." — Maria Del Russo
Bite Beauty Butter Cream Lipstick in Marzipan, available at Sephora.
"This chemical peel for your feet is weird, gross, and amazing! Before or after a summer of sandals and sun — this is not something you want to do when your feet might be in public — Baby Foot will help shed all those calluses and dead skin, leaving your feet, well, baby-soft. And the peeling process is insanely satisfying." — Megan Cahn
Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel, available at Drugstore.com.
"DevaCurl's No-Poo is already somewhat of a classic among the curly-haired bunch. It's one of the first cleansing conditioners to come on the market, and has been raved about ever since it first hit the shelves. Just this year, the brand came out with a slightly tweaked, more hydrating version for ladies with tighter coils. It includes new ingredients like chufa milk and quinoa, and is sure to be a staple for textured ladies — starting now." — Taylor Bryant
DevaCurl No-Poo Decadence, available at Sephora.
"As someone with very moderate acne, I'd tried just about every cleanser with zit-fighting ingredients on the market. Nothing worked. But then, I started using Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser. And wouldn't you know it? My skin has never looked better. Not only does this stuff dissolve your makeup in seconds, it leaves your skin squeaky-clean and intensely hydrated. I've never been glowier." — Maria Del Russo
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, available at Glossier.
"This sleepy Australian brand makes some of the best hair products available on the market, especially in the styling category. But they hit it out of the park with this duo, made specifically for fine, colour-treated hair. We have never bought into the idea that your shampoo and conditioner should coordinate, but this ultra-gentle formula is ideal for distressed strands, and does work especially well when used together." — Anne-Marie Guarnieri
Kevin.Murphy Angel.Wash and Angel.Rinse, available in-salon only.
"I've already sung the gospel of this cleansing oil and what it's done for my skin. But seriously — this stuff is major. It removes my makeup in seconds, and leaves my skin feeling silky-smooth. Even my acne-prone skin reacts kindly to this sumptuous oil, which I'm still scratching my head about." — Maria Del Russo
Mullein & Sparrow Cleansing Oil, available at Mullein & Sparrow.
“My clients and I are constantly battling with dry lips! I always do a treatment in the spa for them, but this is great for in-between visits.” — Kerry Benjamin, celebrity aesthetician
"I love a good face mist, but it's not something I ever considered a treatment product — it's more of a comforting, benign moisture product. Then, I was introduced to Yüli's Panacea Elixir, and it changed everything I thought I knew about face mists. A few spritzes of this organic concoction in the a.m. and p.m., and my zits were instantly calmed, redness was diminished, and my complexion looked and felt hydrated, soft, and dewy." — Megan McIntyre
"Tucked away in this unassuming jar is the only balm that keeps my skin from flaking all winter. Seriously — Sweet Bee is the closest thing to a miracle that I’ve ever found. (Shoutout to makeup artist Gloria Noto for recommending it to R29ers!) It melts into skin, giving you an instant glow, and keeps you hydrated all day. I’ve been recommending it to my friends since the mercury started to drop." — Maria Del Russo
"If you haven't gotten in on the sheet-mask wave, these bad boys are a great introduction. I've been slowly working my way through the range of Dr. Jart's masks and, I have to say, the Pore Minimalist is my favourite so far. It includes Korean charcoal, spearmint extract, and arginine, which provide the skin with pore-tightening results and an overall glowing complexion." — Taylor Bryant
“If you haven’t heard about this yet, you should have: It’s sort of an ‘instant wonder’ mask for dull skin — it improves the overall appearance of your complexion, leaving you tighter, brighter, and feeling a little lighter.” — Phillip Picardi, former R29 senior beauty editor
"Beloved by models and makeup artists alike, this is that rare beauty product that really does benefit everyone. Place the little plastic cylinder in the freezer for a few hours, and then attach it to the handle and go to town rolling your face. Undereye puffiness will be diminished, skin will appear lifted and vibrant, and you'll look and feel way more awake and alert. Bonus: It's also great for helping relieve tension and pain from headaches and migraines. Is it any wonder we can't stop raving about this little gadget?" — Megan McIntyre
“This is the only organic product that I use and sell. It burns a little when you apply it, but it feels like it’s working. I got hooked on it initially as it was really helping my eczema, but it’s great for pigment, acne, and it really moisturises, too.” — Kerry Benjamin
"Hands down, this is the most effective, most pleasant to use 'take the day off' makeup remover I have ever had the pleasure of smearing on my face. It has a petroleum-jelly-like texture, but it's the exact opposite — it features sunflower-seed oil, greater-burdock-root extract, annatto seed, iris root, and orange extract to hydrate and nourish as it purifies your pores. Rub it onto dry skin and massage it into your face, then splash on some water and watch as it transforms into a milky emulsion that rinses away dirt, grime, and even the most resilient waterproof makeup. And, don't even get me started on the scent — sometimes I just pop open the tube for no other reason than to inhale its intoxicating aroma." — Megan McIntyre
“Never have I ever met a cleansing balm that actually took off a full face of makeup without scrubbing myself into mean, red oblivion — before this one. This guy is packed with antioxidants, peptides, white lily, and omega-rich oils. I smooth it on, brush my teeth, and then rinse off. What’s left is pretty, hydrated skin…and I love it.” — Phillip Picardi
"Full disclosure: I have only tried this product a grand total of one time. However, so much did it impress me from that little test that I am fully and totally invested in its sure-to-be-cult status. Created by one of Germany's most revered dermatologists, this anti-ageing cream features fern extract, which has been shown to protect the skin's cell DNA from damage as well as protect against environmental ageing. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it great for those of us suffering from both wrinkles and acne (curse you, hormones!). All I know is that I smoothed this dreamy cream on my skin and fell head-over-heels in love with every aspect of it — the scent, the feel, and the way it made my skin look. I'm composing a haiku of devotion to it right now." — Megan McIntyre
Royal Fern Anti-Ageing Cream, available in-store at Bergdorf Goodman.
"Stubborn dry patches don't stand a chance against this body oil, made by top stylist and editor Linda Rodin. Made up of 11 essential oils — like jojoba, primrose, and argan — it's not only a great moisturiser but also works overtime as a perfume." — Taylor Bryant
“I love this product to help smooth wrinkles and your chest overnight!” — Kerry Benjamin
“This is a wireless, ultrasonic microdermabrasion device. With the help of the micro-bubble-jet energy, ultrasonic energy, and electric-property ions, this provides three professional-grade treatments in one. It gently removes dead skin cells, dirt, and debris from a moistened skin surface, while a thin metal spatula vibrates ultrasonically to extract pores without pain. It also has different ‘modes,’ with different wavelengths, to suit various concerns.” — Kerry Benjamin
"If I could, I'd give the entire Tatcha range of products Cult Classic status — it truly deserves it. Rather than pick just one — which would be like choosing a favourite child in beauty-editor world — I'll highlight my most recent obsession, the Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream. Unlike practically every other hand cream I've ever tried, it doesn't make my hands feel sticky and greasy, and it helps eradicate even the roughest, scaliest, reddest patches of skin. It has a super-thick, almost balm-like texture, so a little goes a long way. I've seen an improvement in my hands' winter flakiness, and my nails and cuticles also seem more hydrated and healthier. It doesn't hurt that the scent is also heavenly — I'm now the weirdo randomly sniffing my hands at my desk. I'd be embarrassed if it didn't smell so damn amazing." — Megan McIntyre
“Two words: What hangover?” — Phillip Picardi
“This is a completely organic, anti-frizz leave-in conditioner that’s made with sustainable ingredients from California. With its handful of essential oils, it not only smells amazing, but helps to restore health to your hair and scalp. Use a dime-sized amount and run it from roots to ends to prep for your blowdry.” — Adir Abergel, celebrity hairstylist
"This is one of my all-time favourite products for shorter lengths on women — it isn’t greasy, but it gives great shine. And, it isn’t matte, but it gives incredible texture and separation. I rough-dry the hair and put the lightest amount of wave in it with a curling iron, and then I warm a dab of this product in my palms and work it in from the mid-lengths to the ends." — Kristin Ess, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of The Beauty Department
“This is the most wonderful detangler in the world. Plus, it also creates incredible shine! Spray five to 10 times all over before brushing once you get out of the shower. It’s never, ever heavy if you spray it on wet hair!” — Kristin Ess
“This is literally like lotion for your hair. It creates the perfect second-day feel, where hair has separation and moisture without getting greasy. Use after styling to create definition, smooth flyaways, and prevent dryness.” — Jen Atkin, celebrity hairstylist
“You know that feeling you get when you’re at the shampoo bowl and your scalp is just being rubbed and massaged to perfection, and your eyes get all squinty and happy, kind of like you’re a cat whose back is being scratched? That’s THIS for your shampoo — little beads help exfoliate the scalp, while chamomile and St. John’s wort prevent colour loss.” — Phillip Picardi
“This is an Australian brand that’s 100% vegetable-based with added essential oils. Spray this liberally on the roots, then blowdry — it can be used for anybody, but it’s especially useful for anyone who loves voluminous hair." — Adir Abergel
“Although it was originally designed for removing extensions, this brush is a must-have for detangling. I literally use it every day — it’s perfect for right out of the shower to brush out tangles faster than anything, without pulling!” — Jen Atkin
“It will always be cool to have a subtle whisper of blush-pink to your hair, even if it’s just for a wild weekend. I apply this after shampooing wherever I want a hint of pink! It’s great for blondes.” — Kirstin Ess
"Quite possibly the most perfect blue-red lipstick in existence, this gorgeous shade by Lipstick Queen Poppy King achieves the dual feat of longwear power and comfort. One swipe of this, and I know I'll be complimented on my standout pout. I've worn a lot of reds in my day, but this one puts all others to shame." — Megan McIntyre
“This is my favourite face highlighter for women with medium to medium-dark skin tones, or just for anyone who’s pale and wants to bronze up! It’s creamy, so it’s easy to use — just apply to cheekbones, eyelids, and even under the lower lashes and across the lid, to add a bronze halo to the eye.” — Katey Denno, celebrity makeup artist
“This is THE product to cover up the evidence of jet lag, unreasonable weather, red carpet flashes, occasional breakouts, and Fashion Week skin. It’s pigmented and slightly dry, so it stays put, and builds up to a full coverage in a pinch. I’ve been known to mix it with a little moisturiser to create sheer, all-over coverage. Almost every artist I know carries this product — use the yellow-based side to cover redness and the peach base to take care of dark circles.” — Robin Black, makeup artist and founder of Beauty Is Boring
“Rumour has it Kim K is a fan of this product, which is great for brightening your complexion. Apply it to the T-zone, under the eyes, and on the tops of the cheekbones, then bounce into the skin with a damp sponge for a truly flawless makeup look.” — Phillip Picardi
"If you’ve constantly struggled with getting the perfect cat-eye, then this is the product you’ve been waiting for. Feline Flick has a felt tip that makes application a snap, but its packaging is also a winner. The pen has a finger-friendly grip, allowing you greater precision in your handling. It’s like a magic wand, but better because it's makeup, obviously." — Maria Del Russo
“This is my favourite way to make pale, light, light-medium, and medium bodies look golden and glowy. I mix it with body lotion and a little bit of luminiser, and then rub it into the skin — it offers a great, sheer application of colour.” — Katey Denno
"I stumbled upon this little gem thanks to my amazing brow whisperer, Kristie Streicher. I get my brows tinted, but since she's based in L.A., I have to have something to keep my brows looking full in-between my appointments. That's when she pointed me toward this little pencil. And, I mean little — the micro-fine precision point means you can use it to mimic the look of tiny brow hairs, which helps to make your fill-in job look way more believable. It's the next best thing to my tinting sessions with Kristie." — Megan McIntyre
“Some people cut a rug. Some cut a bitch. Me, myself? I cut a cheek. Shade & Illuminate is the most intimidating palette in my kit — it took me months to master it. But, once I did, I felt like a samurai who had earned his sword. Chiseled features and the most insane, camera-ready highlight in the game. Makeup artists love it, and so will the beauty addict reading this post.” — Phillip Picardi
“This is the perfect way to add 100%, all-natural moisture to lips and add a hint of colour without looking like you’re wearing anything at all.” — Katey Denno
“This is an insider favourite — it’s a three-prong liquid liner that makes the perfect tightline simple. A tightline instantly makes your eyes appear more open and your lashes look thicker.” — Robin Black
“Powder bronzers are fine in the summer, but really, they’re just too much on me in the winter. This creamy base is the right hit of bronze that warms me up and makes me look dewy, hydrated, and fresh-from-the-beach. Even though we all know I don’t ever come out from under my umbrella without SPF 50.” — Phillip Picardi
"I’m typically one to spend an arm and a leg on complexion products. But, NYX has totally changed that with this concealer: I’ve been using it for a few months, and nothing covers up my red spots and pimples better. I’ve even taken to using it as a highlighter, since the formula has light-diffusing particles that double to create an illuminating effect." — Maria Del Russo
“ZuZu has a line of nontoxic liquid liners that are available in truly electric colours. I tend to use the navy and green most often, but I’m also a big fan of the classic black! In the green-beauty world, it can be tough to find true, dark blacks — but this one is.” — Katey Denno
"I'm not one for gimmicky makeup, but this tube mascara from L'Oréal is the exception to the rule. It comes with a primer, which I ignore because the mascara formula itself is actually pretty bananas for your lashes all on its own. Swipe it on, and it creates a physical 'tube' around the lash that lengthens, defines, and extends your fringe without any clumps. They come off with just warm water, so no tugging and pulling on your eyes with makeup remover required. One thing to note: If you've never used tubes, when they come off it can look like your lashes are falling out — they're not; the tubes just fall off whole and make it appear like you are moulting. Glamorous!" — Megan McIntyre
“Meet the freshest, most subtle blush for light-to-medium skin tones. Tap it into the skin with your ring finger for an undetectable flush.” — Phillip Picardi
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