As the fashion and beauty guru of Seventeen, I literally get paid to test out the newest makeup and beauty products before they even drop (yeah, I know, it’s awesome). I’ve tried everything from powdered lipstick to foam foundation and, of course, every single product with Kylie Jenner’s name on it. But at the end of the day, I still find myself in line at Sephora with the same trusty beauty products buys I’ve been using for years – plus, one or two new favorites, obviously.
So from me to you, here are my all-time favorite, ride-or-die beauty products that I have to have stocked at all times (and that you should too). Ready your debit, because this list will change your life. Meet the best beauty products, makeup, and skin care for teens.
- Bestseller
Heaven’s Hue Highlighter
I first tried this highlighter for a Seventeen YouTube video, after it went viral for its Silly Putty-like texture, and instantly fell in love. Thanks to the buttery formula, this shimmer positively glides on, giving you that perfect dewy glow (or so my friends have told me, literally every time I wear it). Unlike competitors, it has no annoying glitter flakes, just a natural-looking pearlescent sheen and it comes in a five-shade range for every skin tone.
- Bargain Alert!
Retractable Brow Pencil
My fellow redheads know, it’s hard to find a brow pencil that stocks ginger shades. This one is natural-looking and perfectly matches my auburn locks, while still picking up on the brownish undertones of my hair. If you’re not a redhead, don’t worry. Sephora’s got a whole range of shades to fit every hair color.
- Bestseller
Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water
I’ve always been hesitant to try faux tanners, because my skin is just so pale – that is, until I tried St. Tropez’s Bronzing Water. This tiny bottle will keep you perfectly bronzed even in the darkest winter months. Mist on the water-clear formula whenever you need a little color and within hours you’ll develop a totally natural glow (emphasis on natural). No streaks, no orange-y tint.
- Bargain Alert!
MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick
I’ve tried every liquid lipstick in the game and trust me, this $5 version holds up next to even the priciest competitors (I’m looking at you, Kylie Cosmetics). Smudge-proof and air-light, with HELLA pigmentation – this is the holy grail of liquid lipsticks.
- Cherry Bomb Lip Scrub
frank body
You already exfoliate the rest of your body on a weekly basis – your lips need the same treatment. Frank Body’s lip scrub deserves your cash purely for the smell alone, but it also really works. Flakey lips are no match for this sugar treatment.
- Agave+ Intensive Vegan Lip Mask
Bite Beauty
Swipe on this ultra thick salve and your lips will instantly transform. I use it before bed, so I wake up with a super soft pout, but it’s also great for daytime wear. Because of the thick formula, this lip mask gives you a pretty glossy effect to rival anything you’d find on the shelves of Ulta. Plus, it comes in a ton of yummy flavors (maple is my favorite).
- Bestseller
GLAMGLOW
Even though it’s already internet famous, this pore-clearing mud mask is a relatively new addition to my skincare lineup. Once you try it, you fall in love. It’s adored by fans, because of its acne-fighting properties and leaves your skin feeling so, so soft.
- Colour Riche Eye La Palette Eye Shadow
L’Oreal Paris
You can never have too many nude eyeshadow palettes – at least that’s what I tell myself as I stockpile them in my bathroom. This one has a great range of creams, caramels, and browns in various levels of shimmer.
- BarePro Performance Wear Liquid Foundation
BareMinerals
I hate wearing foundation, but this light-as-air formula is basically like going makeup-free. The 40-shade range makes for easy color-matching and just like a moisturizer, you can rub it on with your fingers and still look airbrushed-perfect. Plus, it’s SPF 20, so you’re always protected.
- Seventeen Beauty Awards Winner
On-The-Spot Acne Treatment With Benzoyl Peroxide
Neutrogena
This acne treatment is benzoyl peroxide-based, which means it kills bacteria in your pores while reducing inflammation. Dab it on your latest volcano before bed and by morning you’ll see a huge difference – in three days, you’ll forget it even existed.
- Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Supergoop
For the first time in my life, I actually look forward to applying sunscreen – and it’s all because of Supergoop’s insane formula. The clear, gel sunblock sinks right into your skin and leaves it feeling softer than any moisturizer I’ve ever tried. You seriously have to test it yourself to believe it.
- Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna
I love this blush, because of the creamy, glide-on texture. It goes on smoothly and has a range of unexpected shades – which is perfect for someone like me who prefers a hard-to-find brick red tint.
- Bestseller
Better Than Sex Mascara
Too Faced
Too Faced’s famous pink tube transforms my wispy see-through lashes into falsie-level fringe in seconds. I keep one at home, one in my purse, and one at my desk – just to be safe.
- Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
Proactiv
Ok, I won’t lie to you – the smell is not great, but the results more than make up for it. I slather it on in the shower and afterward, I cannot – I repeat, CANNOT – stop touching my face. Even if you don’t have acne-prone skin, this will leave you feeling silky smooth.
- Seventeen Beauty Awards Winner
SUN STALK’R INSTANT WARMTH BRONZER
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Yes, another Fenty Beauty products shout out. I can’t help it! They’re the best! I use this bronzer daily to carve out those edges – but in a low-key type of way. Every application looks 100% natural because Riri really nailed the smooth-finish formula.
- Bargain Alert!
Quick-E Nail Drops
Essie
I pride myself on my ability to ruin a perfectly good manicure and from an expert perspective, let me tell you, these drops are a game-changer. Drip them onto your fresh paint job and within seconds, your nails are dry. A moment of silence for all the at-home manis I ruined before these drops came into my life…
- Shape Tape™ Stay Spray Vegan Setting Spray
Tarte Cosmetics
Just like the famed concealer it was named for, this baby works. A light spritzing of this setting spray keeps your face at 100% all day long. But by all means, don’t take my word for it – there are 544 5-star reviews that speak for themselves.
- Bargain Alert!
Oil Absorbing Facial Blotting Sheets
Dab just one of these oil blotters on your face before a selfie session to instantly whisk away all the oils that have built up during the day. Just one tiny sheet will leave you totally matte and shine-free.
- Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash
Fresh
When it comes to face wash, I’ve always just used whatever comes across my desk – until I met Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser. Now, I actually get excited to washing my face at night. Fresh is famous for this cleanser, because the squishy gel leaves your skin feeling 100% clean, while leaving behind no residue.
- Dipbrow Pomade
Anastasia Beverly Hills
If you like a pot over a pencil, ABH’s pomade is the best of the best. The super-thick formula allows for major control over your application. Swipe the color on with a spoolie for a natural, brushed-out look or use an angled brush for super sharp arches.
- Facial Ice Roller
Even though I have a freezer full of jade rollers in various designs, I keep coming back to this baby. I like it, because of the flat roller – it applies even pressure across your skin, unlike the rounded versions. The sterling silver roller stays icy cool, for a relaxing treatment that helps to release the stress tension I tend to hold in my face.
- Tattoo Eyeliner
KVD Vegan Beauty Products
I’ve been using this liquid liner for years, because it DOES. NOT. MOVE. This pen supplies everything you look for in an eyeliner: razor-sharp lines, a super-pigmented, non-streaky finish, and long-lasting wear.
- Vitamin Nectar Moisturizer Glow Face Cream
This little jar will give you a punch of juicy citrus-packed hydration with every application. It’s got a lightweight texture that keeps your skin moisturized, but doesn’t leave behind shine – and don’t worry about the price tag, a little goes a looong way.
- Pore Blur Powder
Everyone needs a sheer powder to add that perfect matte finish to a full face. Innisfree’s totally-sheer formula is lightweight, odorless, and keeps oil to a minimum, but doesn’t leave you looking powdery.
