Great Skin Serum

Skin prep is a step you can’t skip if you want beautiful makeup. You don’t need several products—just a few that get the job done. The Great Skin Serum gives a dewy glow in just one application, hydrating and plumping skin with a lightweight finish. I love wearing this product on its own or under makeup, as it gives me the glow I’m looking for and makes my skin feel amazing.

The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Think of the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick as a skin tint and concealer in one. With buildable coverage, you can spot-treat specific areas or apply it evenly for an even complexion. The formula is light and doesn’t feel caky, even after building the coverage. With a light to medium coverage, it’s suitable for anyone looking to enhance their skin but who isn’t a regular foundation wearer. Packed with fatty acids that condition skin while locking in moisture, it’s a your-skin-but-better type of feel.

Brush No. 1

Brushes are essential for applying makeup. The No. 1 Brush is dense enough to blend out complexion makeup without streaking or pilling, and feels wonderfully soft on the skin. I prefer to use brushes with dense hair both personally and professionally because they blend products so well. I tested this brush to blend several cream products, and it worked wonderfully and did not irritate my skin.

Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer

Adding a warm flush to the skin can give that “just got back from vacation” look, but bronzer can be tricky to master due to its varied shades and tendency to look orange. The Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer melts into my skin without turning orange or ruddy, which is crucial for me as I’m so fair.

I found that applying it along the cheekbones and blending it upward gave my skin both warmth and a lift, and the balm is easy to both mix and layer. The formula is excellent for all skin types, especially dry skin, which may experience streaking with traditional bronzing powders. Think of this product as the most natural-looking, easy-to-blend bronzer in a conditioning balm formula.

Flush Balm Cheek Color

I love cream blush and wear it daily. I’m all about a natural-looking skin flush, which is why I instantly fell in love with the Flush Balm Cheek Color. It glides on the skin like silk, blends without streaking, and layers well for more saturation. The formula is light, unlike other cream blushes, which can deposit too much color on the initial swipe.

On days when I want to wear minimal makeup, I reach for this blush to add the extra color I need. Microfine pigments work with the skin to enhance natural texture rather than cover it up. I found the best way to wear and apply this blush is to smile and use it on the apples of the cheeks, blending it out with a brush to distribute the color evenly.

Brow 1980

Brow pomades are a great alternative to a pencil when you want a full, fluffy look. The Brow 1980 pomade is easy to swipe through the eyebrows, depositing color on the hair and lifting brow hairs. With Kaolin clay and mineral pigments that provide a subtle tint to brow hairs, I find this pomade looks natural and is easy to apply. I achieve the best results when I take the brush, run it backward through my hair from the tail of my brow to the front, then use it to brush my brow hairs upward. Wear it alone or with a brow pencil for a more distinct shape.

Solo Shadow Eye Color

Solo Shadow, available in both sheen and matte formulas, is ideal for applying color to the eyelid without committing to an intricate eye makeup look. I appreciate the sheen it gives and find it easier to use with a shadow brush than with my finger. The color does deposit sheerly, so if you want more saturation and contrast, you’ll need to layer it a few times for a more noticeable finish. It wears well both on its own and as a shadow base for powder eyeshadow formulas.

Day Glow Highlighting Balm

Day Glow Highlighting Balm gives your skin an instant glow and shine without looking greasy or feeling tacky. Highlighter comes in different formulas; this one is a dream, as you can swipe it on the cheek, blend it, and sheer it out with a brush. I like to apply it directly on top of my blush, then bring it up to the brow bone for added highlight. The round shape allows for the highlighter to be distributed evenly, with zero noticeable sparkle.

Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara

For lashes that need both a tint and a lift, this mascara helps you achieve both. Since it’s a tubing formula, it’s also easy to remove with just water or a gentle cleanser. I like the size of the brush and how easy the formula is to both wear and apply. For a more voluminous look, apply 2-3 coats of this mascara to enhance volume and achieve fuller, thicker eyelashes.

Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil

My lips are often dry, so I always have a balm or lip oil on hand to keep them moisturized throughout the day. This Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil doesn’t deposit bold color, but it provides a subtle tint to the lips and leaves them feeling conditioned (omega-3 fatty acids and rosehip oil are the hero ingredients). The one thing I noticed the most is that there’s zero stickiness in the formula, which is hard to find in a lip product with a glossy finish. I reapply this lip oil throughout the day and love the feel of it, as it doesn’t cause my lips to flake with repeated use or build-up.