Does anyone else feel like the aisles at Mecca Maxima and Sephora should be organised by product, not brand? So, all the eyeliners go together, all the bronzers go together — and there would be info on what exactly each one does. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets overwhelmed (and let’s face it, slightly overexcited) by the sheer amount of choice in those stores!
I acknowledge that this isn’t the worst problem to have — having access to these beauty havens is one of the perks of living in a big city. But even if you live in the country and do your makeup shopping at the local chemist, I’m sure you’ve deliberated over which cult products are worth splashing your hard-earned cash on. Unless you happen to be friends with a makeup artist (lucky you!) it can be really hard to know which products actually live up to their hype. Sure, beauty blogs and Instagrammers are great for this — but often the recommendations are based on just one person’s opinion.
This is exactly why Reddit is the holy grail for product recommendations. Specifically, the sub-Reddits r/makeupaddiction and r/skincareaddiction. This is where all the beauty obsessives hang out and man, they really know their sh*t! Not only is it a fantastic source for beauty tips, you’ll get unbiased product opinions from hundreds of thousands of people. While everyone has their personal picks, these are 9 of the products with the most upvotes.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
This is my favourite foundation. It’s a freaking miracle. Zero flashback or creasing or anything unholy.
-Reddit user goingawayshop
Shop the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Been struggling with acne for the last year since I decided to tone down my harsh regimen. I can finally say that Paula’s Choice 2% BHA is a holy grail item and has prevented any serious acne from surfacing.
-Reddit user MetaPhysicalWit
Shop Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
It’s amazing and it sticks to the skin until I wash it off. It’s the best thing ever.
-Reddit user Tucktion
Shop the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade.
The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ Multi-Technology Peptide Serum
I really do notice a difference in the fine wrinkles around my eyes, and my forehead looks a lot smoother. My skin just looks better when this is a regular part of my routine, and I missed it when I couldn’t get hold of it for two months.
-Reddit user CrikeyAphrodite
Shop The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ Multi-Technology Peptide Serum.
Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Palette
Shop the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Palette.
MAC Fluidline
I definitely love MAC’s Fluidline, in blacktrack! It lasts so long and I feel like it’s the only thing that stays on all day, even with grease and what not. I’ve seriously woken up with “last night’s make up” too many times and I’ve had my eyeliner stay completely perfect the next morning.
-Reddit user ebrftw
Shop MAC Fluidline.
Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara
I’ve used this mascara for a year and absolutely adore it! It makes the blonde-ish nubs I have for eyelashes as close to perfect as I can find.
-Reddit user muddysparkles
Shop the Benefit They’re Real! Mascara.
Laura Mercier Radiance Primer
Love all her primers (the oil-free and hydrating versions are great as well), but the radiance one just gives this nice subtle luminous base for my makeup. I thankfully have pretty good skin, so sometimes I just use this and a little concealer under my eyes/around my nose and it looks great.
-Reddit user Praier
Shop the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer.
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder brings back an inner glow to my face that foundation can sometimes mask! It’s the perfect daytime highlighter.
-Reddit user Arabiannights
Shop the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder.