“I forgot about regular foundation with this water-based product, because it literally melts into my skin and it’s so light and hydrating. It feels like I’m not wearing anything.”

“Lately I can’t leave the house without a little blush. Dior Rouge Blush is divine and stays on all day. I love the 962 Poison color that gives me such a natural, fresh look.”

“I LIVE for the perfect full brow look, so I use this product to make sure my brows are not moving the whole day (spoiler alert: They won’t for 12 hours!).”

“I am totally in love with this fragrance—it smells like a beautiful lazy summer day in the nature of my childhood cottage.”

“Mr. Perfect for lips! This isn’t sticky, gives amazing color, and stays!”

“Liquid exosomes are a little Korean miracle for my skin. Two months of using them has transformed my face into baby skin (okay, almost…😊).”

“The scent that gets stopped in the street—literally. Clean yet addictive with a subtle sensual edge that lingers, it’s the kind of fragrance people remember and ask about.”

“My ultimate ride-or-die. It gives insanely long, jet-black lashes with zero clumps. But the real game changer? It melts off in seconds with warm water—no rubbing, no drama. For someone who hates removing eye makeup, it’s simply the best.”

“Proof that French skincare just does it better. This serum is deeply hydrating without feeling heavy, and it keeps my dehydrated skin plump, comfortable, and glowing. I’m on my fourth bottle and still not over it—it’s perfect for those early fine lines, too.”

“I apply these drops to the length of my damp (after washing) or dry (on non-wash days) hair and they give such a great shine without looking heavy And the feeling is just sooo smooth. It’s also the perfect finishing product for after a blowout.”

“I am a very no-makeup girl and love foundations that are light and natural but not too dewy as I think that trend is a bit of the past already. This one makes my skin look velvety and isn’t absorbed by the skin even on a long day.”

“I usually try to avoid mascara (no-makeup girlie, indeed), but that’s only because I already fear having to take it off as soon as I apply it. This product has been a game changer! It’s applied to the lashes (almost like a mascara), and the formula helps to erase even waterproof products so that they can be washed off easily. It also contains squalane for an extra boost of lash care.”

“This is my ‘magic cream’ for instant revival—it brings back radiance and lasting plumpness by the next morning. I rely on it before shoots and big events when my skin needs to look rested and refined fast. The texture melts in without greasiness, softening fine lines and giving that lit‑from‑within finish that reads beautifully on camera. It’s pricey, but it’s worth it.”

“I fell in love with Takami after a media trip to Japan, where I really got to understand the brand’s philosophy and meticulous detail. I use this as the first step, day and night, to support a healthy stratum corneum, for smooth texture, and to brighten a dull complexion. Everything I layer on afterward absorbs faster and works harder.”

“My SOS serum for when seasonal shifts or stress leave my skin temperamental. The cushiony gel texture calms on contact, helping reduce visible redness while keeping moisture locked in so my barrier feels supported. In a week, my tone and texture look more even, makeup sits better, and that tired, tight feeling is gone. It’s the product I pack for travel and big deadlines because it reliably gets my skin back to a soothed, healthy‑looking glow.”

“This brand combines ancient Indian wisdom and quality ingredients with something that feels almost intuitive if you have been brought up in the country. One of my favorites is the Vetiver Invigorating Botanical Water. A spritz of this extremely light product evokes something deep—like an earthy aftertaste of rain. Almost forgot to mention that it’s the best pick-me-up for puffy eyes and Monday mornings.”

“This product has been a complete game changer for me. I got diagnosed with LPP last year, a skin disorder which basically manifests in patches of pigmentation on sun-exposed areas. This meant rethinking all my skincare and testing what my skin could handle. I’m not big on heavy foundations, but this tinted moisturizer has become a constant. The squish-and-use packaging is perfect for workdays (saves time and product)—plus, the finish is sheer, dewy, and easy to layer with blush or highlighter. This one’s a 10/10.”

“I am one of those people who is constantly afraid of overdoing it—be it caffeine or makeup. Enter Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the shade Virtue, which is the perfect blush for when I need just the right amount of ‘extra’’ for any occasion. The doe-foot applicator requires just a touch on the apples of your cheek, and you are done. Point two: It is super pigmented, so how much is too much? That’s completely on you. I usually layer it up with a highlighting balm on the cheekbones and I am all set!”

“I was initially skeptical about Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet—another floral? But then...plot twist. The first spritz feels like a clean, hopeful morning with a touch of bergamot that’s light, fresh, and slightly citrusy. As it settles, rose and peony unfold into something soft, airy, and undeniably feminine. And just when you think it ends there, white musk leaves a clean, comforting trail that’s quietly addictive. The bottle is just as chic. I especially love the delicate jacquard bow at the neck, crafted through thousands of intricate thread crossings in France, a subtle detail where the true luxury lies.”

“When it comes to lipstick, I’ve always gravitated toward deeper shades since not every shade blends seamlessly with my complexion. There are two colors that never fail: a classic wine burgundy and a rich deep-brown, both permanent staples in my makeup pouch. That’s why I instantly fell for Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Velvet 232 Renversante. The texture is matte yet incredibly comfortable, never drying, with just the right hint of moisture. The pigment is rich in a single swipe, delivering a polished finish that feels refined without trying too hard. The color holds for up to six hours, even through meals and drinks—which, honestly, is rare for a formula this comfortable.”

“Honestly, this eyeliner is one of the best products I’ve discovered in the past five years. From one of Indonesia’s standout local beauty labels, Make Over Hyperblack Superstay Liner delivers a formula that’s incredibly easy to apply with a deep, intense black payoff. It dries quickly, and while it starts off with a slight satin finish, it gradually sets into a rich, true matte. The applicator is slim and precise, making it effortless to create clean, defined lines even for the smallest details. What I love most? It’s waterproof and smudgeproof, with no need for touch-ups throughout the day.”

“Summer is my favorite season, so this couldn’t be anything other than my new favorite fragrance. I can’t wait to wear it all year round, just to keep a little bit of warm air with me.”

“In the summer, the skin on my face fills with freckles, but by October, they fade away. With this tool, in less than five seconds, I can be sun-kissed always and again.”

“Light yet deeply hydrating, this cream by my skincare guru is my secret to glow-proof skin.”

“A reliable option for strengthening and maintaining the skin barrier. With consistent use, even sensitive skin feels noticeably more stable. The rich, ointment-like texture may not be for everyone, but it effectively relieves dryness without feeling overly greasy. It’s also suitable for all ages, from children to adults.”

“It feels lightweight and fresh on the skin, almost like skincare. While the coverage isn’t heavy, it leaves the complexion looking beautifully refined. Among the shades, B10 stands out, and I’ve even seen actresses specifically choose it for how naturally it complements Korean skin tones.”

“An at-home ultrasound device that targets both the dermis and underlying fascia. It helps maintain skin vitality and provides a subtle lifting effect over time. While it delivers relatively high energy comparable to in-clinic devices, its easy to use and doesn’t require professional expertise, which makes it something I reach for often.”

“The texture of this is literally like a cloud—I can’t get enough of it. I love using it daily to hydrate my skin and it has a great scent.”

“I have oily skin that usually absorbs blush really quickly, but this one has been a game changer. It lasts perfectly all day and I love the variety of shades.”

“This is the perfect moisturizer for long days or events, as your makeup will last all day on top of it. It’s been recently reformulated to promise more hydration for everyday use, too.”

“Two beloved Arab staples, dates and honey, are infused into a peptide-plumping tinted gloss, making it an instant treat for our pouts and palette.”

“Dubai’s perfume princess, Mona Kattan, has the Middle East hooked on Fleur Majesty, her royalty-inspired fragrance bursting with notes of peony, rose, praline, and musk.”

“This luxurious Saudi Arabian moisturizer is known to be desert-proof as it uses four different types of hyaluronic acid in its creamy formula.

“Aesop’s hand balms are forever a fave. They smell incredible, leave your hands feeling super soft and nourished, and somehow make my nails grow, too.”

“This just launched and it’s my new ride-or-die. It keeps my brows perfectly in place all day, and they have a vibrant red shade which is such a fun, unexpected addition to the collection.”

“This perfume smells like a total dream. You get the soft, milky sweetness of mochi and rice but in a way that feels delicate rather than overpowering. Bonus points for the bottle, which is just mega aesthetic.”

“This finely milled powder is a heat-resistant essential that blurs and locks makeup in place for a smooth finish that won’t cake under the sun.”

“Available in 20 shades to flatter various skin tones, this breathable tint stays fresh and lightweight even during the hottest afternoons.”

“This creamy, long-wearing liner gives you comfortable, smudgeproof definition in universal shades that actually stay put through busy days, big meals, and coffee runs.

“I’ve been using this mascara since it first launched, and even though I tend to rotate between a few, this is the one I always come back to. It gives my lashes a subtle lifting effect that still looks effortless. I love it.”

“I can’t live without blush—in fact, it’s the first thing I’d save in a fire. I carry dozens in my bag and I’ve tried almost every one on the market, but my all-time favorite will always be Chanel’s Baume Essentiel. It gives you that sun-kissed glow and a radiant, natural finish.”

“Let’s be honest: Reapplying sunscreen once your makeup is done? Not exactly the vibe. That’s why this tinted sunscreen stick is perfect—I even use it as my foundation during the summer. Plus, it hydrates your skin and helps prevent dark spots.”

“Tom Ford has always mastered that “expensive-looking” finish, but this new iteration has significantly improved in terms of longevity. It strikes the perfect balance with its coverage—blurring imperfections effortlessly without ever feeling heavy. It uses light refraction to make the facial contours look sculpted yet natural. The result is a sophisticated, understated glow that looks like your skin is just having its best day ever.”

“This anti-aging newcomer has an interesting angle. Unlike common collagen supplements, it emphasizes supporting elasticity—the core of skin resilience. The texture is incredibly refreshing and breaks the typical greasy impression of creams, making it perfect for the warming weather in Taiwan. It absorbs quickly with a noticeable hydrating feel, and my skin remains in great condition the next morning. Since it’s neither sticky nor heavy, it works perfectly for daytime prep without any pilling under foundation.”

“I’ve always been a fan of the dreamlike atmosphere of the original EDP, but this new Extrait de Parfum offers a completely different sensorial experience. While the EDP feels like a sun-drenched morning on the French Riviera, the Extrait captures the allure of the coast at dusk. It’s more intoxicating and festive with a richer olfactive depth. Wearing it feels like a brief, much needed getaway from the city's hustle—a profound sense of escapism in a bottle.”

“This is what I reach for when I want to stretch my hair one more day before washing and need to do a neat slicked bun. It gives hold to any texture but also nourishes with bio-actives, glycerin, and aloe vera for total hair nourishment.”

“I am a diehard for a brow pen, but I have such a soft spot for this pencil definer that gives easy, soft lines that mimic hair perfectly. Props also that it survives my sweaty workouts every week.”

“I normally shun floral perfumes, but this one had me hooked from the first spritz. Violet is at the top of the scent, but as it settles, it has beautiful creamy, woody notes of white tea and cedarwood that you’ll love if you love Santal 33 and Glossier You.”

“Prada makes some of the best designer makeup IMO, and their new blush is no exception. The texture is unique; it almost reminds me of a cushion foundation that starts as an easy-to-blend cream and sets to a long-lasting powder. It has a blurring effect on cheeks that mimics the watercolor blush trend I’m seeing all over my feed.”

“I’ve used the original UV Clear for nearly a decade, so my expectations were high for this new version, especially because I’ve been dealing with more hormonal breakouts lately. After six weeks of daily use (with no other routine changes), my skin genuinely looks clearer and brighter. I’ve had fewer inflamed breakouts along my jawline, and my post-acne marks from old breakouts have faded, too.”

“I’ve been talking about how Dyson needs to create a travel-friendly version of their iconic Supersonic hair dryer for years now, and finally, it’s here. The compact size is carry-on friendly, but it’s still powerful enough to blow-dry my shoulder-length hair in less than seven minutes. It also has universal voltage compatibility, so you can use this baby abroad without frying your hotel room outlet.

“A product I’ve been obsessed with since the moment it launched. Juicy, high-shine gloss, a soft, hydrating formula, an oversized applicator, instantly recognizable packaging, and candy-like shades—every detail of the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil feels perfect. Every similar product I try after this one inevitably gets compared to it, but honestly, there’s no point. It’s simply unmatched.”

“This is a bronzer I’d been wanting to try for a long time, and luck for me it turned out to be absolutely perfect. I’m obsessed with the luxurious, retro-inspired packaging and the silky, lightweight texture. The neutral shade 01 fair works beautifully for both bronzing and subtle sculpting.”

“This year, this is the palette I reached for the most. It’s the perfect everyday collection of neutral shades that can be used to create anything from a soft, barely-there look to something more defined and intense. I love everything about it: the packaging, the matte formulas that blend effortlessly, the rich foil metallics, and the unreal sparkles with a fine texture and multidimensional shimmer.”

Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.