My 4 Favorite Beauty Products Right Now (Bestie-Approved)

Hello, beautiful people! I’m beyond excited to share a roundup of four makeup products I’ve been obsessed with lately. 💖 These are the tried-and-true favorites I find myself reaching for every single day. Consider this a personal recommendation list from your beauty-loving friend who’s done all the testing (so you don’t have to). We’re talking long lashes, perfect lines, lush brows - the works! So grab a coffee (or a matcha latte, no judgment) and let’s dive into my current must-haves.

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara

I never leave the house without mascara, and Tarte’s Tartelette Tubing Mascara has totally stolen my heart. Tarte calls it “lash extensions in a tube” - and honestly, they’re not kidding. The first time I tried it, I was amazed at how one coat made my lashes long and defined, and two coats gave a falsie-level drama. It’s the brand’s first tubing mascara and went viral on TikTok when it launched, so of course I had to see what the hype was about. Spoiler: the hype is real! Let me break down why this mascara is chef’s kiss:

• Micro-Tubing Magic: Instead of painting lashes with heavy pigment, it wraps each lash in lightweight “tubes” for unreal length and lift. This tubing technology means no clumps, no flaking - just smooth, fluttery lashes.

• All-Day Wear: It’s life-proof! The formula is 24-hour smudge-proof, flake-free, and sweatproof, so your lashes survive work, gym, even humidity. I’ve worn it through hot summer days and even a tear-jerker movie, and not a smudge in sight.

• Super-Soft Lash Feel: The formula is infused with lash-loving ingredients like shea butter and castor oil to condition your lashes. My lashes never feel crunchy - they stay soft and flexible, but hold a curl all day. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free!

• Epic Brush: The wand has 296 tiny bristles that grab every lash. It separates and fans out my lashes beautifully, giving that wide-eyed, fanned effect. I even use the tip vertically on my lower lashes for a cute 60s Twiggy vibe.

How I use it: I apply one coat from base to tip with a gentle wiggle, then quickly go in with a second coat before the first dries (tubing mascaras work best that way for maximum length). Two coats and my lashes legit look like extensions - it’s wild. The best part? Removal is a breeze: a bit of warm water and makeup remover, and the little tubes slide right off (no scrubbing, no raccoon eyes). This makes it perfect for anyone who hates the hassle of removing stubborn mascara.

Who will love it: If you struggle with smudgy mascara or hate flakes on your cheeks by noon, Tartelette Tubing Mascara is your dream come true. It’s also amazing for anyone with sensitive eyes or contact lenses - I get zero irritation or flaking into my eyes. Basically, if you want long, lifted, “are-they-real?” lashes that last all day, you need to try this. I’ve converted a few friends already, and they’re just as hooked. 😉

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

Meet the eyeliner I can’t live without: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil. This pencil has reached cult-favorite status for good reason. I’ve been using it for years, and it never lets me down when I want either a sharp cat-eye or a sultry smoky look. Think intense color payoff with the easiest, creamiest glide - truly the best of both worlds. Here’s why it’s an MVP in my makeup bag:

• Ultra-Creamy & No-Tug: The formula is buttery smooth. It glides on without any dragging or pulling on the delicate eyelid. (Bye-bye, painful eyeliners!) It’s packed with moisturizing vitamin E and oils, so it feels almost like a gel going on. This makes it super easy to apply, even if you’re a beginner.

• Waterproof & Budge-Proof: Once it sets, it stays. We’re talking cry-proof, sweat-proof, and life-proof wear. I can tightline my eyes in the morning, and by evening it’s still perfectly in place - no raccoon smears. I’ve survived weddings, rain, and allergy season with this liner without looking like a panda.

• Playtime Then All-Day Hold: You get a few seconds to smudge it out for a smoky effect if you want, and then it locks in for up to 16 hours of wear. I love that versatility - I can do a precise wing or smudge it along my lash line with a brush for an effortless smoky eye. It won’t move or crease once it sets, though, so your artistry stays intact.

• Rainbow of Shades: This liner comes in over 30 shades and multiple finishes (matte, metallic, glitter - you name it). I have the classic black (“Perversion”) for everyday sharp wings, a rich brown (“Whiskey”) for softer looks, and a couple fun colors like deep purple and teal for a pop of color. The pigment is intense in every shade, so one swipe gives bold color that pops. It’s so fun to experiment and layer with these.

My tips & experience: I usually draw a line along my lashes and quickly smudge it with a tiny brush for a smoky vibe - you have maybe 30 seconds before it sets forever. Once it’s set, it truly does not budge on me (I’ve even fallen asleep with it on… woke up with perfect liner, oops!). If I want a crisp wing, I sharpen the pencil (the UD Grindhouse sharpener is great for this) and draw my flick - the precision is excellent for a pencil. It’s also amazing on the waterline; I can line my upper waterline to make my lashes look thicker, and it won’t smear down. And did I mention it’s vegan and cruelty-free? Gotta love that.

Who will love it: Anyone who wants rich color payoff with zero fuss. If you’ve been scared of eyeliner because it’s hard to apply, this is your pencil - it’s so creamy that it practically glides itself on. Also, if you need something that truly lasts (oily eyelids, long work days, emotional Netflix marathons), the 24/7 liner has your back. From makeup newbies to pros, everyone can appreciate a pencil that’s this reliable. It’s an award-winner and a bestseller for a reason (one of these is sold every 20 seconds in the U.S.!). Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you lived without at least one of these in your kit.

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

Okay, let’s talk lashes - specifically, growing your own longer, fuller lashes. I was initially skeptical about lash serums, but GrandeLASH-MD completely won me over. I’ve been using this iconic serum nightly, and the results have been beyond my expectations. We’re talking noticeably longer, fluttery lashes that had even my friends asking if I got extensions. (Nope, they’re mine! 😇) Here’s why this serum has earned a forever spot on my vanity:

• Proven Results: This serum is ophthalmologist-tested and proven to enhance your lashes’ appearance - longer, thicker, healthier-looking lashes in as little as 4-6 weeks. It’s won awards and is from the #1 lash serum brand in America, so it has a serious pedigree. I noticed a difference around the one-month mark: my lashes were longer and a bit darker, and by 3 months the transformation was undeniable (full results usually show by 12 weeks). It’s like watching your lashes go from petite to va-va-voom!

• One-Swipe Ease: Using it is a breeze - just one thin swipe across your upper lash line each night (like applying liquid eyeliner). The applicator brush is tiny and precise, making it easy to get right at the lash roots. I love that it’s a once-a-day, one-and-done step in my routine. Consistency is key, but it doesn’t feel like a chore at all.

• Lash-Loving Ingredients: GrandeLASH is packed with a blend of vitamins, peptides, and amino acids that condition and strengthen your lashes. It even contains a gentle prostaglandin analog (fancy science talk for a growth ingredient) to really boost length. Plus, goodies like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and botanical extracts keep the lashes hydrated and healthy. So, you’re not just getting length - you’re getting stronger, more resilient lashes overall.

• Safe & Compatible: This serum is ophthalmologist tested and I’ve had zero irritation using it nightly (and I have pretty sensitive eyes). It’s also safe for contact lens wearers and even if you have lash extensions. I appreciate that it’s paraben-free and cruelty-free as well. Basically, it’s designed to slot into your routine without fuss - I apply it after cleansing at night, let it dry for a minute or two, and done!

My lash journey: When I started, my natural lashes were nothing to write home about - short and sparse, especially at the outer corners. After using GrandeLASH-MD for a couple of months, I noticed I wasn’t piling on as much mascara because I didn’t need to. My lashes now almost touch my brow bone with mascara on - something I never thought I’d say. On no-makeup days, they have a nice natural curl and presence that I used to only achieve with falsies. In fact, I haven’t reached for my falsies at all since my lashes filled in! It’s such a confidence boost to have long lashes 24/7, no extensions or strip lashes required.

One tip: you must keep using it to maintain the results (if you stop, your lashes will gradually go back to normal over a few weeks). I don’t mind though - it’s become as routine as brushing my teeth. A single 3-month bottle lasted me just about 3 months of daily use, so it lines up perfectly with the growth cycle.

Who will love it: If you’ve ever dreamt of naturally longer, fuller lashes, this is for you. It’s especially great if your lashes are short, brittle, or thinning - the conditioning formula will help them appear healthier and stronger. Also, if you’re someone who hates fiddling with false lashes or extensions, GrandeLASH-MD can give you that fluttery lash look with your real lashes. Just be prepared for people to ask, “Are those your real lashes?!” (my favorite humble-brag moment, ha!). A quick disclaimer: as with any lash serum, if you have super sensitive eyes, do a patch test and follow the instructions. I had a tiny bit of itchiness the first week, but it went away. Overall, this serum has been a game-changer for me - I’m basically addicted to seeing my lashes in the mirror now!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Last but NEVER least, let’s talk brows. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is an OG legend in the brow world, and it’s still my ride-or-die for achieving perfect brows. As someone who went a little overboard with tweezers in the past (90s skinny brow phase, anyone?), Brow Wiz has been my savior for creating natural-looking, fuller brows with minimal effort. It’s like a tiny magic wand for brows, and here’s why it stands out:

• Ultra-Slim Precision: The Brow Wiz pencil has an ultra-fine 1mm tip that allows you to draw the most precise, hair-like strokes ever. This skinny tip mimics real brow hairs so well that my filled-in spots look incredibly natural, not like obvious makeup. Whether you’re adding to sparse tails or sketching in a missing arch, the precision is on point.

• Perfect Formula (Wax + Pigment): The formula is a dry wax blend that’s just the right balance of firm and pigmented. Translation: it’s not so creamy that it slips and slides, but not so hard that it’s scratchy. It lays down color that adheres to the skin and brow hairs, and that slight waxiness helps hold your brow hairs in place too. The payoff is buildable - it’s foolproof to avoid overdoing it. I never end up with scary sharpie brows; Brow Wiz makes it easy to achieve that soft, feathered look.

• Built-In Spoolie Brush: On the opposite end of the pencil, there’s a spoolie brush that is essential for blending. After drawing in my brow strokes, a quick brush-through with the spoolie softens any lines and blurs the product for a super natural finish. The spoolie is just the right size and fluffiness. I basically consider it part of the formula because the magic really happens when you blend - hello, believable brows!

• Shade Range: Anastasia Beverly Hills offers 12 shades in Brow Wiz, which is amazing - there’s a match for everyone. I use “Dark Brown” most days, which perfectly matches my brunette hair without pulling too warm or ashy. But I’ve also tried “Medium Brown” and “Ebony” when I had different hair, and it’s so nice to have options. The shades are very well-balanced (no weird orange-y tones), which is why so many people rave that they found their exact brow match with ABH.

My Brow Routine with Brow Wiz: I start by lightly outlining the bottom edge of my brow to define the shape, then use tiny flicks upward through the sparse areas - especially at the front and arch of my brows. The fine tip makes these flicks look like baby hairs. Then I extend the tail with a few careful strokes (if I’m feeling bold, sometimes I elongate my brow slightly for a snatched look). After that, I blend with the spoolie - this step is key! Blending softens everything so it truly looks like my brows but better. The whole process takes maybe 30 seconds per brow, and the difference is night and day. My brows go from patchy to full, fluffy, and perfectly defined, yet no one can tell I filled them - I just get compliments like “Your brows look so good!” and I’m like thank you, Brow Wiz.

Another thing I love is that Brow Wiz’s formula stays put all day. It’s not marketed as waterproof, but I’ve never had issues with it smearing or fading, even on my oily T-zone. Yet it also comes off easily with makeup remover at night - a nice balance.

Who will love it: If you want natural-looking brows and need a product that’s easy to use, Brow Wiz is the one. It’s fantastic for beginners because the fine tip and buildable pigment make it hard to overdo - your brows won’t turn into big blocks by accident. It’s also beloved by pros for its precision and realistic finish. Whether you have very sparse brows (it can create the illusion of hairs where there are none) or full brows (it can just add a bit of shape and polish), this pencil is ideal for all brow situations. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, and lasts a good while because you only need light strokes each use. I honestly panic if I misplace my Brow Wiz - that’s how much I rely on it for my daily look. Once you have one, you’ll understand the hype. It truly lives up to its reputation as an “award-winning” brow product that outperforms trends (microblading who?!).

Final Thoughts: Those are my four ride-or-die beauty favorites of the moment! 🥰 Each one has earned a special place in my routine by delivering on its promises and making me feel confident and put-together. I hope my candid take on them helps you discover something new for your own makeup bag. Nothing beats the feeling of finding that product that just clicks with you, and these are definitely it for me.

If you’re a makeup enthusiast like me, I highly encourage you to explore these products and see what the buzz is about. Whether you’re after sky-high lashes, bulletproof eyeliner, fluttery natural lashes, or flawless brows - these picks have got you covered. Trying new makeup is half the fun of being a beauty lover, and who knows, one of these might just become your next holy grail too.