If there’s one thing I’ve learned after building countless makeup kits, it’s that a few standout products can truly transform your routine. Whether I’m rushing to a morning meeting or getting ready for dinner with friends, these tried-and-true favourites always have my back.

Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty shook up the industry with its inclusive 50-shade range, and the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation is my top pick for its velvety finish and true-to-skin coverage. It’s oil-controlled but never powdery and it feels lightweight, even when layered. I dot it across my face with a beauty sponge and buff lightly; the result is a natural mattification that stays put through humidity and long meetings. Plus, a little goes a long way, making each bottle last weeks longer than my previous foundations.

$45

I was skeptical when I first saw this “magic mist” promise, but the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray really does live up to its name. With a fine, invisible veil of polymers and micro-fine pigments, it instantly blurs pores and softens fine lines, think of it as a real-life Instagram filter. Whenever I need a midday refresh, a few spritzes lock everything in place and gives my skin a subtle luminosity that defies the midday slump.

AirBrush Flawless Filter Setting Spray

$54

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Developed by Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush isn’t just cute packaging. It’s a cushiony gel-cream formula that delivers a flush so natural you’ll think you just came in from a walk. The doe-foot applicator lets me dab precise dots on my cheeks, and the formula blends out seamlessly with my fingers. I love that it’s buildable: one layer for a soft glow, two or three for a healthy pop of colour.

$45

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS has long been celebrated for its cult-favourite concealer, and for good reason. The Radiant Creamy Concealer offers medium-to-full coverage with a luminous finish that brightens under-eyes without accentuating texture. I’ve tested it in hot climates, air-conditioned offices, and everything in between and it doesn’t settle into fine lines or fade. A gentle pat with a tiny brush is all it takes to disguise dark circles, blemishes, or even highlight the bridge of my nose.

$56

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VII Artistry Eyeshadow Palette - Divine Rose II

Pat McGrath is the legendary makeup artist behind countless runway shows, and the Mothership VIII palette is a testament to her perfectionism. Inside are 10 pigments, supercharged mattes, metallic foils, and duochrome shifts that perform like liquid pigments once on the lid. My favourite trick: layer the satin pink base shade, then tap a metallic in the centre for dimension. Each pan is so richly pigmented that a single brush dip completes one eye look, so although it breaks the bank, it will follow you to you grave!

$229

Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil

Benefit practically pioneered the modern brow craze, and the Precisely, My Brow Pencil is their answer for hyper-realistic definition. The micro-fine tip draws hair-like strokes, while the angled spoolie softens any harsh lines. I brush my brows upward to map the shape, stroke in short lines where my arches are sparse, then brush again for a seamless finish. The waterproof formula survives sweat, wind, and even a quick rain shower.

$48

Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Double-Ended Mascara

If you are not using a double-ended mascara, then you have not lived! Huda Kattan’s namesake brand went viral with this mascara and for good reason. One end uses a microfibre brush for mega volume, while the other combs through to define and separate each lash. I start with the volume side at the base, wiggle up through the tips, then finish with the defining wand to catch strays and fan them out. The result? Fluttery, doll-like lashes without any clumps.

$55

Final Thoughts
Each of these products has earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. Some for their game-changing formulas, others for their universal shade ranges. They’re reliable, easy to use, and versatile enough to adapt to any look. I hope this roundup helps you streamline your routine and find your next beauty obsession. Cheers to effortless radiance!