‘I’m a Makeup Artist, and These Are the 6 Products You’ll Never Regret Spending Money On’

Experimenting with makeup is great, but there’s something especially fulfilling about falling in love with a few great products you know you can rely on time and time again. The only issue, though, is that the journey to finding those forever staples can wind up being a pretty pricey one, and comes with the risk of shelling out for products that wind up in the back of your makeup drawer, untouched.

To help you avoid spending your hard-earned cash on formulas you won’t actually use, we tapped professional makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell to reveal six makeup investments you’ll never regret spending money on. Keep scrolling to shop her picks, below.

Skin Prep

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream — $38.00

“A lot of people focus on primers,” says Sewell. Instead, she recommends devoting your energy and dollars to products that give skin the hydration and nutrients it needs to create an even base for makeup.

“You want your skin to shine through the makeup products you’re laying over it,” she explains. “If your skin isn’t prepped properly, even the most expensive foundation isn’t going to do much for you.” Her go-to is this “universal moisturizer,” which is packed with skin-barrier-strengthening ceramides and fatty acids, and can be used on even the most sensitive skin.

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation — $64.00

“I literally don’t shut up about the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation,” says Sewell.

While the product has a higher price point, it’s beloved by makeup artists (and editors) for its ability to truly work with your skin—Sewell calls it “your skin, but better.” But don’t just listen to us. The product has received over 2,000 five-star reviews on Sephora, with customers calling it “my go-to foundation” and “the holy grail foundation.”

Refy Brow Sculpt Shape and Hold Gel with Lamination Effect — $24.00

Brow gel ofen doesn’t get the praise that it deserves. A quick brush of the stuff can make you feel instantly more put together—no other products required. Sewell recommends this sculpting gel, which offers a long-lasting hold and gives brows a laminated look. It’s got a double-ended brush to make application easy, which means the brows of your dreams are only a few swipes away.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask — $22.00

Whether your go-to look is vibrant red or au natural, hydration is crucial for keeping your lips from drying out or cracking throughout the day. Sewell’s go-to for extra nourishment and a quick shine is this beloved sleeping mask, which seals in moisture and offers a nice wet-looking finish. Don’t worry, it’s not just for sleep—You can wear it all day long… which is exactly what W+G’s beauty editors do all winter.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Setting Powder — $45.00

Using a setting powder is one of the most effective MUA hacks for long-lasting makeup. “The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Setting Powder is amazing to help set the cream makeup you’ve applied,” says Sewell. Pro tip: dab the product into your skin with a sculpting brush to get rid of any shiny spots.

Ren Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser — $34.00

“Nothing feels better than doing a skincare routine at night,” says Sewell, but it’s crucial to find products that actually remove the makeup and dirt from underneath your skin’s barrier. This, she explains, is important for preventing any breakouts and skin flareups

To get the job done, Sewell loves this jelly cleanser, which she says is effective for “melting away” all the products you’ve been wearing throughout the day.

Now that you know which makeup investments are worth it, learn how to properly apply them by following along with the tutorial below. 

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