The makeup products Beauty Editors actually use

A subtle sun-kissed glow

“I’ve tried many bronzing and contouring products in my time, each one usually leaving my skin looking muddier than the next (sans any notable lift or glow — rude). The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand ($60 from Charlotte Tilbury) was the turning point in creating a contour step I actually see glossy results from. As a sleek liquid formula with just the right amount of sheen to it, it’s surprisingly simple to use — I like to pick up a little with my angled contour brush, sweep it upward along cheekbones (rather than below) and gently blend out. It looks scary for a minute (it’s very pigmented), but I assure you, the colour melts into skin whilst maintaining your carefully carved angle.”

A blurring face powder

“As a slightly spoiled beauty editor, I’ll admit that if a product breaks in any way, I usually let it go. However, the lid of this Gucci Poudre de Beaute Mat Naturel Face Powder ($120 from MYER) broke in transit on my last holiday and I still carry it around in two parts, because I refuse to live without it. That’s how good it is. My skin gives dry a new meaning, so picking a powder has always been tricky territory for me — this is the first one I’ve tried that allows me to set my base without giving ‘lifeless corpse’. The blurring effect is also a true gift — it doesn’t add coverage per se, but the hazy finish leaves skin looking more even regardless.”

A versatile eye shadow palette

“If you share in my perspective that peachy-pink is a neutral, this Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Spice Palette ($54 from Adore Beauty) offers the ultimate edit of everyday colours. Personally I prefer my nude shadows on the warmer side, so I enjoy the fact that all shades (from the subtle shimmery mocha to the matte cocoa and the molten-metallic gold) are deliciously rich, warm and flattering on the face. My brush gravitates toward the top left lid-neutralising shade most frequently, but I also enjoy a light dusting of the glitzy middle trio or a little lower row crease definition.”

A barely detectable foundation

“For the past few years, every time I try to wear a foundation rather than a skin tint, I immediately regret it. That is until I was introduced to the viral TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation in ‘21N Ivory’ ($38 from W Cosmetics). Besides the fact that this stuff is unbelievably easy to apply — I can swipe it all over my face in just a few seconds using the applicator sponge it comes with — it also goes onto the skin in very sheer, buildable layers. The result is a flawless finish that also looks really natural. But most importantly, I can’t feel it on my face.”

A liquid blush that's easy to blend

“I’ve been obsessed with baby pink blush for the past few months, and Huda Beauty’s Blush Filter in ‘Bubblegum’ ($41 from Sephora) has become a firm favourite in my collection. I like to concentrate my blush high on the apples of my cheeks to minimise any darkness under my eyes, and then I blend it downwards, and onto the bridge of my nose for a Devon Aoki inspired, boyfriend blush-esque look. Because the doe foot applicator dispenses the smallest amount of product, I can quickly dot the liquid formula onto my face and blend without fear that I’ve overloaded my cheeks with colour.”

A contour that doesn't look orange

“I have neutral undertoned skin that leans cool, so I try to steer clear of traditional warm-toned bronzers. Instead I like to add a bit of sun-kissed colour to my complexion using a shimmer-free, cool or neutral toned liquid contour like Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Contour Wand in ‘Fair Medium’ ($60 from Charlotte Tilbury) or Glossier’s Cloud Paint in ‘Sail’ ($38 from MECCA). I usually draw lines of contour across the top of my forehead, my temples, and down next to my ears to elongate and slim my round face, and I blend everything in an upwards motion, and into my hairline with Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Brush ($45 from Sephora). Then I paint a line from the outer corner of my eyes to my temples, and dot a small amount just above my cupid's bow and underneath my bottom lip, and gently blend that too.”

A shimmer-free highlighter

"There’s little left to say about Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Highlighter Glow Stick in Sculpting ($83 from David Jones) beyond the fact that I’m currently on my third tube — and it takes me an extraordinary amount of time to get through it. In other words, if Chanel ever discontinues it, you can count on me ugly crying before hoarding every last backup I can get my hands on. What makes it exceptional? The subtle, skin-like dewiness with just the faintest hint of iridescence (but ZERO shimmer). Giving a natural radiance that suggests a well-rested complexion, and that you’re someone who regularly meets your daily greens quota. Oh, and if you need a final seal of approval: this was the highlighter I wore on my wedding day. If that’s not a commitment, I don’t know what is."

An immovable brow gel

"Unfortunately for me, my brows have a mind of their own. Fortunately for you, that means I’ve tested nearly every brow product in existence claiming to offer some level of control. Most fall short — but Suratt’s Expressionistes Brow Pomade ($59.27 from Revolve) is the one I keep coming back to. Providing enough styling hold to brush my brows into submission, yet still drying down naturally, and never looking dry or flaky. And the brush? One-sided and rake-like, which looks weird but makes application easy. That said, I always follow up with a clean spoolie to brush out any excess."

A lip product that plays double duty as a blush

"Apologies (but not really) for another Chanel endorsement — I’m a sucker for double-duty products, so anything that works on both lips and cheeks deserves immediate adoption. While Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue Ultrawear Liquid Lip Colour ($75 from MYER) isn’t officially sold as a lip-and-cheek product (Chanel calls it a longwear liquid lip colour), the stain-like formula works beautifully in both roles. I usually reserve the included top coat for nights out, but even without, the staying power is unmatched. What really sets it apart, though, is how graceful the fade out is — unlike many liquid lip colours or stains, you don’t need to worry about it settling into lip lines or clinging to dry patches throughout the day. For my fellow pale olive complexion people, I wear the shade ‘Soft Rose’. Which gives a perfect, natural pinky flush — a shade that’s notoriously hard for me to find, since many colours read too brown or too grey on me."

A skin care infused concealer

“When it comes to complexion products, I regularly reach for skin care-infused options. Knowing that I’m doing the most for my skin, while also keeping it looking fresh and flawless (let me live in my delusion) is everything. My not-so-secret must-have is actually a well-loved beauty editor essential, we’re talking about the skin-brightening, Revlon Illuminance Serum Concealer ($29.95 from MYER). The lightweight nourishing formula has become a mainstay in my routine and I can’t imagine the day it doesn’t conceal my dark circles."

A strong hold clear brow gel

“If, like me, your brows are an unruly and at times untameable mess then you need a good brow gel. As a dedicated, at-home brow-dyeing gal (I promise it’s a worthwhile swap), all I need is a strong-holding clear gel and I’m good to go. My forever fave (and almost empty) fave is the Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting Gel ($34 from Sephora). The double-sided wand offers both short and long bristles depending on if you’re after a quick lick of a coat or a more structured lamination look, or a little of both for somewhere in between."

A classic bronzer

"If you’ve not tried the iconic and forever OG Benefit Hoola Bronzer ($63 from Sephora), what are you waiting for? The cult-fave formula now comes in multiple shades (we love a shade inclusive range), but for me, the classic Hoola tone is the perfect shade for a bronzy all over glow. And let’s be real, I go in with a heavy, ‘wishing it was summer’ hand without looking crazy OTT."

A natural-looking blush

“One product I always love to help bring my makeup together is blush. Whether I’m doing a minimal or full-glam look, I feel blush finishes the look and makes everything look cohesive. A favourite of mine that I use every day is Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil in Rose Crush ($63 from Sephora). It’s super blendable and creamy, and I can build it up to have more colour payoff if I want a look that’s a little more bold. It sits on the skin with a natural finish, and doesn’t look too glossy or matte — the perfect in between!”

An easy to wear eye colour

“Long gone are my 2015 glittery purple cut-crease days… who would have thought?! These days, I’m all about finding products that look great but are quick and efficient to apply. Enter: Merit Solo Shadow in Studio ($38 from Merit). I love that it’s a cream-to-powder shadow which makes for an easy wash of colour across the eye — it looks like I’ve put in a lot of effort to do an eye look when in reality it’s taken me about 10 seconds. The bonus is that it is also a great base if I want to add other eyeshadows or a shimmer for a more dramatic, evening look.”

A Goldilocks concealer

“I’ve always been a little picky when it comes to concealer — some are too think, some don’t have enough coverage, and some just don’t feel quite right. That all changed when I started using the Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer ($38 from MECCA). It’s light enough that it doesn’t feel crepe-y around my eyes, yet full coverage enough that it covers my dark circles and pigmentation. I feel like Goldilocks when I say that the formula, texture and coverage is just right.”