Feel like getting all dolled up with nowhere to go? Check out our staffers’ 15 must-have makeup essentials, from cheek stains to lip gloss, and restock your beauty drawer for fall.
Rachel Pickus, Creative Associate
Kosas The Big Clean Volumizing + Lash Care Mascara
Even in pre-pandemic times, I rarely left the house without a quick swipe of mascara. Although I now do it out of routine, it’s nice to feel a bit of normalcy in my everyday life. Most recently, I’ve become obsessed with this one from Kosas, which delivers fluffy, Bambi-esque lashes with zero fallout. This may just be my holy grail mascara…
Danessa Myricks Vision Flush in Bread-n-Butter
When it comes to beauty, I’m a sucker for anything low-maintenance. So when I heard Danessa Myricks’s Vision Flush was the *perfect* lip and cheek stain, I practically jumped at it. This dusty rose hue in particular delivers just-pinched cheeks and perfectly stained lips that last throughout the day. Whether it’s for a Zoom call or a quick grocery run, this product has become my quick fix for a healthy glow.
J.Hannah Mini Polish Set
Ever since quitting nail salons cold turkey, I’ve implemented at-home manis into my weekly routine. What can I say, there’s just something about painted nails that makes me feel “put together,” which is why I’m always on the hunt for new additions to my polish collection. Currently I have my eyes on this set of neutral hues that will serve as a nice segue into the fall season.
Leya Kaufman, Head of Sales & Brand Partnerships
Perricone MD No Makeup Bronzer Borad Spectrum SPF 20
I look forward to continuing my faux summer glow through the fall and winter seasons with this new secret weapon. It’s the only bronzer that doesn’t look overdone or cakey on me when I apply it. I’ve also been using this to add a light contour to my look when I want to feel like the Zoom call is really a casting call.
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in Moonlight
Since my eyes aren’t covered by a mask when I’m on the street, I’ve been adding pops of glimmer onto my lids as a way to feel glam for NYFW. It’s a subtle glow-up move that doubles as a mood elevator during these times. Also, this champagne hue feels like it was made for me—a glitter-obsessed grown-up.
Ilia Color Haze Multi-use Pigment
I think I’m in love with Ilia. Just a touch of this pigment brings life to my look and blends nicely with my newest go-to skincare makeup hybrid products. Ever since I started using this, I’ve been eager to build out the rest of my clean beauty collection.
Halle Lagatta, Associate Creative Producer
Freck UFOMFG Pressed Pigment Palette
I don’t stray too far from my house, but when I do, I make sure that my eyes POP. The more I wear my mask, the less I feel the need to put much on my face below my cheekbones. Having fun with these eyeshadows has allowed me to experiment in ways I’ve never done before. My favorite combo is “big bang” and “swooped.”
Rodin Luxury Lip & Cheek Oil
In the pre-mask era of my life, I cherished putting on a fun lip and cheek to match, and I’m not about to let any pandemic stop me! After finishing up my morning skin-care routine, I add this to my lips and cheeks to add some color to my face. There’s nothing worse than cheeks that aren’t rosy!
Saie Dew Balm
Whether I’m staying in all day or heading out on the town—it doesn’t really matter—I basically smear this all over my face. Brow bones, Cupid’s bow, cheek bones, tip of nose, collar bones…nothing is safe from this perfect highlighting balm—despite slathering myself with it. I don’t have to worry about looking too shiny or, worse, greasy. This subtle highlighter has been a much-welcomed addition to my makeup routine, and it fits perfectly in my mini bag for on-the-go touch-ups.
Hannah Baxter, Senior Beauty Editor
Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Rosé
There’s nothing I love more than a multi-tasking makeup product, and Gucci Westman nailed it with her highlighter singles. This dusty rose option is ideal for adding a pop of color to my cheeks and a bit of reflective highlight, *and* swiping it over your eyelids for a subtle (but no less gorgeous) shimmer. Even if I’m having the most blah day, I just paint my face with this, and I instantly feel a bit happier.
Joey Healy Brow Lacquer
I don’t care if I’m leaving my apartment on a given day or not, I have to do my brows. They’re large and fluffy, but also patchy in places, so I just brush them out with this gel (the teeny-tiny brush is ideal for creating the exact definition you want) and give them a touch more fullness. It couldn’t be easier to use.
Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly Gloss in Coconut
My lips are exceptionally pale, so unless I use some sort of tinted lip product, I’ll feel deathly. This totally clean formula delivers a non-sticky gloss with a mix of nourishing apricot kernel and raspberry seed oils. The semi-sheer finish is also the perfect hint of color.
Kelsey Dobbs, Senior Marketing Manager
Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40
With more time for my skin care at home, I have been focusing on my SPF routine. This product from Supergoop is a hybrid sunscreen and makeup product, and I am all about it. This lightly tinted product gives you the best glow and checks the box for SPF—a win-win in my book!
RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer
I have streamlined my makeup regimen over the last six months and have become incredibly loyal to my multi-use products. I love this coconut oil-based product from RMS that I use as a cream bronzer and even as an eyeshadow for those times that I safely dine outdoors with friends or family.
tarte Sea Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara
I am always on the hunt for a clean mascara that really works. Recently I have been loving this find from Tarte. The application is natural while still providing noticeable volume for my lashes. This formula stays put without smudging, yet is easy to remove at the end of the day.