In a world of overconsumption and endless new beauty brand launches, it’s hard to know what is worth buying. I often find myself spending hours browsing new products online, only to end up overwhelmed by the amount of new things to digest, and buying nothing at all. Sometimes it’s just easier to stick to what you know and love!

I’ve tried hundreds of products over the years, both personally and professionally as a makeup artist, and these are 7 products that I’m LOVING recently. These are the products and product categories that I recommend to clients and friends, have repurchased (or will when they run out!), and reach for over and over. I've also included my current favourite in each category.

Of course everyone’s preferences are different, so what I am obsessing over might not be everyone else’s holy grail, but if you’re looking for some new fabulous products - this one is for you!

1 . A Hydrating Milky Toner

If I could convince everyone to add just one skincare product to their routine, it would be a hydrating milky toner. They're brilliant for boosting hydration without feeling heavy, and they help prep the skin for a beautiful makeup application. Think of it as giving your skin a big drink of water. A milky toner is an awesome addition to your makeup routine, but is also a great addition to your morning and night skincare routine - especially if you’re feeling extra dry or dehydrated this winter.

**My favourite:**

**Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner.**
It leaves my skin feeling soft, plump and hydrated and sinks into the skin. The rice extract helps even out complexion over time, while the milky texture supports the skin barrier and takes away that tight feeling after cleansing. My makeup sits noticeably better when I've used it beforehand!

2 . A Lengthening & Separating Mascara

My lashes are so stubborn - as soon as I add mascara they immediately drop. Not with these two mascaras! I love a mascara that makes my lashes look long and defined rather than thick and clumpy. A separating mascara opens up the eyes beautifully.

**My favourites:**

**Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara**
This mascara gives beautiful length and separation, and builds well without being clumpy. One side of the brush adds volume, while the other separates- amazing!! It’s also great for the gals with sensitive eyes as it’s ophthalmologist tested, and washes off easily with warm water - rather than a makeup remover that could cause potential irritation.

**L'Oréal Telescopic Extensionist**
An amazing budget friendly option. This mascara has a super thin brush which gives gives incredible length while simultaneously staying separated. I never knew my lashes could look so long until I used this mascara for the first time.

3 . A Finely Milled Highlighter

I’m not a big fan of a chunky or glittery highlighter. When applied wrong they create texture that was never there. I much prefer a finely milled highlighter that looks skinlike and healthy.

**My favourite:**

**Hourglass Ambient Lighting Finishing Powders**
Technically they're finishing powders rather than traditional highlighters, but that's why I love them! They blur, soften and add the most beautiful luminous glow without emphasising texture or pores. Your skin just looks healthier and more radiant.

4 . A Strong Hold Brow Gel

Brows frame the entire face, so a good brow gel can really pull a makeup look together. So many brow gels are hard to use, leave a weird white residue, go crunchy or just do nothing at all. Not ideal.

**My favourite:**

**L'Oréal Brow Lamination**
The small brush is the perfect size for shaping every brow hair, and the hold is incredible!!!! It actually lasts. I like to backcomb the brows first so that every hair is coated before I brush them into place.
If you prefer something softer and more flexible, I also love the **Refy Brow Sculpt**. It creates a fluffy laminated effect with more of a waxy finish rather than a super strong hold.

5 . A Versatile Blush

If there's one product that instantly makes you look healthier and more awake, it's blush. I love a formula that looks like it’s part of your skin rather than sitting on top of it.

**My favourite:**

**MAC Glow Play Cushiony Blush.**
This blush is so amazing for so many reasons. It blends really beautifully into the skin and leaves a natural and skin like finish. It’s versatility is what makes this blush so fab - you can apply it over foundation, over powder or on bare skin. You can apply it with a brush, a sponge, your fingers, or even put the compact straight onto your face. Super duper user friendly. It also doubles as a lip colour for an extra cohesive look.

My favourite shades are Ginger Luck for a warm & natural everyday look, Totally Synced for a pale babydoll vibe and my all time fave is Heat Index, which looks super intimidating in the pan, but sheers out into the most gorg fresh pink that lifts the face instantly.

6 . A Buttery & Creamy Bronzer

A creamy bronzer is one of the easiest ways to add warmth and dimension without your makeup looking heavy. Using a creamy and buttery bronzer doesn’t move any of the makeup underneath and melts beautifully into the skin, especially in winter when the skin can get dehydrated.

**My favourite:**

**Rhode Pocket Bronzer**
This has quickly become one of my favourite bronzers because it's unbelievably creamy and almost blends itself. The shades are gorg and allow the bronzers to create soft definition without looking muddy or orange. They are super user friendly due to the slow dry down time and buttery finish!

7 . A Dark Lip Stain

I am hopeless with lip products!! I put a gorgeous lip combo one and an hour later I’ve somehow eaten it all off. To be honest if I’m out and about, the last thing I am thinking of is touching up my liner. Lip stains have been a game changer for my makeup routine. Unlike a normal liner, a lip stain tints the lips so as your lipstick and gloss wear off, you’re still left with colour on your lips. I love a dark liner and light coloured lippy so a dark lip stain is my go to.

**My favourites:**

**Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain** in **Mocha**.
**Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain** in Amelia or Rosa
**NYX Lip Lingerie Liner Stain** in **Up All Night**.
All of these are great lip stains! I like a plumb/warm brown colour. I apply it on my top lip first, blend out the harsh lines, then repeat on the bottom lip and follow with a gloss or lippy. Natural colours are a fab option as well if that’s more you! Remember to store upside down to avoid the lip stain drying out.

Final Thoughts

Beauty products are incredibly personal, but these are the seven I consistently repurchase and recommend. Do you have a holy grail product I should try? I'd love to hear about it in the comments. & if you're looking for a personalised makeup application for your next event, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Anna xxx

7 Products I Can’t Live Without