8 Beauty Experts Share Their Must-Have Makeup Products

Palettes can be especially economical, since you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck in terms of finishes and shades. New York City makeup artist Abby Lauren is a fan of LORAC Eyeshadow Palettes. “They go on so smooth, are super-pigmented and blend like a dream,” she says. Plus, because the palettes offer both matte and shimmery finishes, you can create a million different looks with it.

When it comes to palettes, the formulas count as much as the range of eyeshadow colors. That’s why Nashville-based makeup artist Chelsea Reynolds uses it almost every day. “The shadows are super creamy and buttery and have minimal fallout”—meaning they wear longer—“and high pigmentation,” she says. The combination of matte and metallic shades in the palette gives her the flexibility to intensify an eye-makeup look for a special occasion.

If your makeup slides off your face before you get to lunch—due to sweat or oily skin—you could use a primer like this. “It’s made a huge difference in a great way,” says D.C.-based makeup artist Meaghan Robinson. The formula reduces the amount of excess oil on your skin and minimizes the look of pores for skin that stays smooth and matte all day.”

Forget faux lashes. With this creamy, inky mascara, you won’t need them. “It’s the mascara that every woman needs in her makeup bag,” says makeup artist and beauty blogger Hope Chaney, who loves how the formula makes her lashes look longer and fuller. “As if it weren't already the perfect mascara, it’s also cruelty-free.” Clearly, there’s not much it can’t do.