Want to Feel Like a Professional Makeup Artist? Here Are 35 Products to Try

1. An eye primer is a must-have. Without it, you're missing out on the full potential of your eyeshadow. It not only makes the color more vibrant and pigmented, but also helps control oil and prevent creasing, keeping your smoky eye flawless all day.

2. These eyeshadow shields help catch excess makeup as you apply it, ensuring that your under-eye area remains clean and fresh-looking afterward.

3. The famous Essence Lash Princess mascara, adored for its ability to give bold, dramatic lashes while keeping them separated to avoid clumping. And the best part? It’s only $5! This holy grail mascara will make you feel like you're in the know, revealing that you don’t have to splurge on expensive mascara to achieve this look.

4. Additionally, an eyelash separator comb is essential because after spending so much time perfecting your eye makeup, the *last* thing you want is clumpy, sticky lashes (and possibly ruining your makeup while trying to fix them). This stainless steel comb, with its slightly curved handle for easier grip, gently separates lashes and eliminates any clumps, leaving them beautifully wispy. 

5. A set of multipurpose dermaplaning razors designed for safely exfoliating the face and removing peach fuzz, which helps makeup apply more smoothly. It also works as an eyebrow razor, making it easy to shape your brows and remove any stray hairs.

6. Keep excess oil under control with a Revlon volcanic face roller, which absorbs shine in seconds without disturbing your makeup or needing additional powder. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, this ingenious roller could become your new go-to product.

7. A waterproof eyeliner stamp that solves the common makeup dilemma of achieving the perfect, symmetrical cat-eye. No more spending hours perfecting your wings — this simple stamp creates identical wings on both sides, and it's so precise that even makeup artists sometimes choose it for convenience! 🤫

8. A vegan, pro-approved Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer, ideal for a quick touch-up (without the risk of cakiness!) on days when you want a light makeup look. It quickly covers dark, puffy under-eye circles and redness.

9. This soothing, all-in-one eye cream is designed to brighten and firm the delicate skin under your eyes, reducing puffiness, fine lines, and bags. But it doesn’t end there — this powerful cream also nourishes the area with healing ingredients such as rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E. 

10. Plus: A set of 24-karat gold cooling eye gels designed to combat under-eye circles and puffiness the way a makeup artist would prep a client before a major event. These feel amazing under your eyes and work instantly, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and snail secretion filtrate providing your sensitive under-eye area with some much-needed care. 

11. An internet-favorite set of makeup sponges — both reviewers and makeup artists rave about these as a budget-friendly alternative to the Beauty Blender, offering five sponges for under $10! When it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for achieving a flawless finish.

12. A soft but dense flat-top foundation brush if your go-to foundation applicator is in sore need of replacing, or you're just not happy with your current tool. It's expertly designed to apply and blend out powder *or* liquid concealers, blushes, and foundations, with an ergonomic diamond-shaped handle that's easy to grip. 

13.

A smudge-proof Maybelline matte liquid lipstick that’s so long-lasting, professional makeup artists trust it for long, hectic days (such as weddings) when there’s no time for smudges or frequent touch-ups. This beautiful matte lip color holds up flawlessly for hours, so you can focus on other things during your busy day.

14. Here's a set of 40 acne patches to have on hand for those last-minute pimple emergencies, especially before a big event. Stick one on before bedtime or even wear it during the day, thanks to its nearly invisible design. The tea tree and calendula-infused patch works to absorb pus and reduce inflammation, leaving your skin smooth and clear afterward.

15. A timeless classic, the Urban Decay Naked palette is a must-have! Featuring a combination of rose-toned, shimmering, and matte neutrals, it's ideal for creating a variety of eye looks, from subtle everyday styles to bold smoky eyes. Its enduring popularity among makeup artists proves this iconic palette never goes out of style.

16. This budget-friendly rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette offers 40 vibrant shades in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes, allowing you to experiment with virtually every color imaginable! A favorite among both beginners and pros, it’s the perfect all-in-one palette for those eager to explore bold, colorful eye looks.

17. Additionally, there's an eyeshadow color removal sponge that makes it easy to switch between shades without the hassle of cleaning your brushes. Simply rub your brush on the sponge for a few seconds, and it’s ready for the next color—no mess, no fuss!

18. Vibrant Nyx liquid liner enables you to use your liner like an artist with their brush, creating the perfect cat-eye — sharp enough to make Taylor Swift proud — as sharp as a blade... or you can experiment with dots, squiggles, or any shapes you fancy. The precision of the liquid liner brush makes application effortless, and it’s waterproof and smudgeproof, keeping you worry-free all day.

19. Also from Nyx: A jumbo eye pencil that doubles as a liner, primer, and all-over shadow. Reviewers rave about the shade Milk for its intense pigmentation, long-lasting formula, and no-smudge finish — it also works as a highlighter and creates a bright base to really make your eyeshadow stand out. Available in over a dozen shades, from neutral to bold, it’s a versatile essential for your perfect look.

20. Also: a sharpener designed to keep your eyeliner, lip, and brow pencils perfectly sharp, featuring two holes to accommodate both standard and jumbo-sized pencils. Additionally, the shavings are conveniently stored inside until you're ready to dispose of them, so you won’t have to deal with loose shavings in your makeup bag anymore.

21. Maybelline Lip Lifter gloss solving the age-old issue of sticky gloss that clings to your hair. 🙄 Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, this tinted gloss comes in stunning shades and has a non-sticky feel — plus, it’s so moisturizing that it almost works like a lip balm too.

22. Also available: a lip-plumping gloss set to help you achieve fuller lips without the need for fillers. It applies just like any regular lip gloss, giving you a natural plumping effect with a subtle tingle, courtesy of the ginger extract inside.

23. Here's a bottle of Tower 28's Daily Rescue Facial Spray, an essential product if you struggle with redness, dryness, or irritated skin. This pH-balancing toner calms and hydrates your skin, while leaving out common irritants like oils, fragrances, and alcohol.

24. The iconic Weleda Skin Food cream, a deeply moisturizing plant-based formula that your dry skin will adore, leaving it hydrated and glowing. Both reviewers and MUAs rave about it as an excellent makeup primer!

25. Rare Beauty's viral hit, the bestselling liquid blush, makes achieving a natural, dewy glow effortless: Simply apply a dot or two on each cheek and blend. Nicki was right when she said, "Gotta keep an eye out for Selener" — this blush is taking the beauty world by storm.

26. Nyx's setting spray locks in your makeup for up to 16 hours, keeping it intact through humidity, sweat, rain, and snow—no smudging or melting. Reviewers claim it's a budget-friendly alternative to Mac and Urban Decay setting sprays.

27. Alcohol-free micellar water that effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and even waterproof makeup, without drying out your skin or requiring any harsh scrubbing.

28. Compostable facial radiance pads for a quick step that ensures your makeup applies smoothly—just swipe one over your face after cleansing to tone, exfoliate, and brighten all at once.

29. This award-winning, long-lasting multipurpose pigment can be used on the lips, cheeks, and eyes. Created by makeup artist Danessa Myricks, these versatile glossy, matte, and metallic shades will have you feeling like an artist painting your "canvas" in the most stunning way possible!

30. This blurring setting powder was created by another legendary makeup artist, Patrick Starr. Its translucent formula is actually clear, so it won’t appear white on darker skin tones. It delivers a *flawlessly* matte finish that leaves your skin looking virtually poreless under foundation. Especially essential for oily skin, this is an absolute game-changer.

31. This eyebrow soap kit is perfect for sculpting your brows to achieve the ideal shape, volume, and texture you desire, while keeping them defined and fluffy all day long. When it comes to precision and long-lasting hold, this product is truly *chef's kiss*.

32. Maybelline's Luminous Master Chrome Highlighter is your secret weapon for achieving a goddess-like glow. With its stunning metallic finish and pearlescent pigments, it provides a reflective shimmer without any chunky glitter. Users rave that it’s highly pigmented and buildable, allowing you to tailor your highlight from subtle to intense depending on your mood.

33. For flawless glitter application, a NYX glitter primer is a must. Glitter is beautiful but notoriously difficult to apply without it spilling everywhere. This affordable primer is a game changer, ensuring your glitter stays put, delivering sharp and long-lasting results until you're ready to remove it.

34. Mario Badescu’s facial spray is a must-have for revitalizing your skin and setting your makeup. It erases any powdery finish, leaving you with a fresh, dewy glow without disturbing your makeup. If your skin feels dry or cakey during the day, this spray is a lifesaver, plus its soothing rosewater scent makes it a real treat!

35. This ergonomic, aerosol-free continuous water mister is perfect for lightly misting your face post-makeup. Its ultra-fine spray ensures no large droplets, making it ideal for a smooth finish. It’s also a fan favorite for refreshing hair and even crafting a DIY alcohol spray to sanitize makeup tools. It’s truly versatile!