We are so blessed to have so many amazing skin care and makeup products available to us, but there are some that really do rise to the top. So since I’m a makeup artist who specializes in helping those of us with mature skin, I’m focusing on my picks for the makeup products in each makeup category that I’d recommend most highly to those of us who are older.

As I made my choices, here’s what I kept in mind:

1. When I use this product, does it continually exceed my expectations?
2. Does the formula work especially well for older women?
3. Is it easy to use?
4. Do I always feel a sense of satisfaction after I’ve used the product?
5. Does it have a good shade range?
6. Is it a good value for the money?

And of course, let’s be honest, what factors into every choice is just good old personal preference. So what I like, you may not like, and you may be scratching your head wondering why in heaven’s name I selected a particular product. And frankly, there are many other good products in each of these categories that I simply haven’t had a chance to try yet.

If you watch the accompanying video on YouTube, you’ll find links in the description box below the video for all the products I’m talking about today.

A Cult Favorite Eye Primer

Recently, I tried a couple of new eye primers, and were O.K, but not outstanding. Nothing has overtaken my love for Urban Decay’s Primer Potion in “Eden.”  It really covers up the discoloration on my eyelids and my eye shadow stays in place perfectly throughout the day. So, this product is an easy pick for the top spot in this makeup category.

Excellent Eyebrow Products

There are so many different types of brow products at many different price points. But what swayed me in the direction of the choice I made was how quick and easy this type of product is to apply. I picked Anastasia of Beverly Hills’ Brow Definer pencil which is their pencil with a wider applicator.

The wider applicator makes it quicker to apply, and I must say that why it really works well for me is that the “Medium Brown” color matches my brows perfectly. I was really close to picking Elf’s Instant Lift Brow Pencil, which only costs three dollars compared to twenty-three dollars for the ABH Brow Definer product, but the Elf palette doesn’t match my brows close enough.

Stunning Eyeshadow

It’s very difficult to pick a single eyeshadow product. I wanted both neutral tones and some beautiful pops of color, and I picked Sydney Grace’s “Enduring Love” palette. The formula is really top notch and provides a variety of different colors to choose from.

Corrector and Concealer for the Challenging Under Eye Area

I recently found an under-eye corrector/concealer combination which I’ve really come to love, and it’s from the drugstore brand Elf. I take just a little of the Elf Hydrating Camo Concealer in “Light Peach,” dot it under my eyes, and then brighten my under eye area using the Elf Camo Concealer in “Fair Beige” which is slightly lighter than my foundation.

The Elf “Hydrating Camo Concealer” is perfect to use under the eyes because it spreads easily, it doesn’t cake, and it has good coverage. But the concealer I use to cover up age spots and other issues on my face that I love is Clinique’s “Even Better Concealer.” It has the best coverage of any concealer I’ve tried and a really large shade range of 42 colors.

A Multi-Tasking Face Primer

For face primer, I love Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas. It’s oil free and weightless, glides on very easily, helps blur pores and even adds a touch of soft focus radiance because of the crushed pink and gold pearl in the formula.

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

My Go-To Favorite Foundation

The foundation category was really challenging. I love combining my L’Oreal Age Perfect Serum Foundation with my Catrice True Skin Hydrating Foundation. But, when I really want an overall flawless look with a little better coverage, I go to my Eve Pearl HD Dual Foundation. Although it’s a cream, it’s really quite weightless and provides excellent coverage. And it was specifically designed to do just that because when HD – or high definition – television came in, most people on TV were really worried that their facial flaws would be visible.

Since Eve Pearl had won 7 Emmy Awards for her work as a makeup artist on The View, she knew she needed to create a foundation that would work for the women on The View when HD Television came in. And this foundation was her answer.

What I also love about this foundation is that it comes in a convenient compact with a darker and a lighter color so you can basically customize the color for your particular skin tone. So in the summer when our skin gets a bit darker, we also have the option of going with the darker shade.

A Great Drugstore Contouring Option

Contouring uses both lighter and darker colors. Elf has a cream contour kit with four shades which is pretty good. But although the dark colors work well, the two lighter colors are definitely for people with a warm skin undertone. If I only need to use a dark contour, I’ll usually pull out my Wet ‘n Wild Contour Stick in “Where’s Walnut.”  

A Blush That’s So Easy to Apply and Ticks All the Boxes

Cream and liquid blush and highlight work especially well for those of us who are older because our skin usually gets drier. Fortunately, there are a lot of good cream blush products and highlighters, but the winner in the blush category for me is Merit’s Flush Bomb Blush.

It’s absolutely the easiest blush to apply because it’s fairly sheer and can be applied directly from the applicator. And there are 5 gorgeous colors that work with different skin tones. It’s the ease of application that puts this one at the top of the list for me.

Some Special Highlighters

The RMS Living Luminizer wins my vote for the best subtle sheen highlighter. It’s subtle, soft and luminous – just lovely. And I love the fact that it comes in five different colors.

For my favorite “glowiest” highlighter, I’m going with the Rare Beauty Liquid Luminizer in “Enchant”—which is a gorgeous soft pink. It comes in 7 other colors as well so there’s a great shade range. It’s very easy to softly pat in, it has great color pay off and glow and I love the liquid formula.

Setting and Finishing Powders That Are Top Notch

My go-to setting powder for my face is a cult favorite: Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Powder. It’s so finely milled and just works wonderfully to mattify the T-Zone of my face.

Finishing powder provides a lovely, soft finishing touch for our makeup. I waited a long time to purchase the Hourglass Ambient Light palette because I frankly wasn’t convinced that it would be worth it considering the price. But I snapped up this palette about two and a half years ago when it went on sale. It’s definitely pricey – even on sale – but I don’t think I’ll ever use up these powders. I use them regularly and yet there’s not even a dent in any of them.

I almost always use the lightest finishing powder at the end of my makeup application, and I also use a touch of the blushes and the bronzer. It’s difficult to explain exactly what these powders do, but I feel they create a soft, subtle almost filtered look. They do a fabulous job of melding together a makeup look so it looks absolutely flawless.

Some Outstanding Lip Products

The final lip product category includes lip liners, lipstick and gloss. For those of you who have watched some of my videos, my lip liner choice will come as no surprise to you whatsoever. It’s L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Lip Liner.

As far as I know, it’s the only lip liner to have beautiful color and a built-in ingredient which provides a barrier to prevent lipstick from feathering. It’s this 2-in-1 formula which makes it the top pick in my book. Plus, there are eight gorgeous colors.

There are so many lipstick formulas, they come and go so quickly, and lipsticks are so much a matter of personal preference and whether we look better in warm or cool colors – that I almost didn’t even include this category.

My current favorite formula and color is one from Huda Beauty called “After Party” which is a plum-colored metallic formula. I usually lighten it up a bit by mixing it with a fun retro light pink color from Too Faced called “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.”  Now this kind of sparkling metallic look is certainly not to everyone’s taste, but I love it!

I also have to give an honorable mention to a lipstick from Milani called “Violet Volt” which is a lovely satin formula. And of course I love a metallic gloss as well so right now I’m enjoying Huda Beauty’s Lip Strobe gloss in the color “Mystical.”

Now I hope you’ll share some of your absolute favorite makeup products in the comments section below.

What are some of your all-time favorite makeup products? What do you feel is the most challenging makeup product to find that works especially well for those of us who are older? How do you go about finding good products?

Is there anything better than getting your hair cut and/or colored, leaving the salon and feeling like a supermodel? No, we don’t think there is. But because of the current climate, seeing your hairstylist might not be as easy and getting your split ends cut off or your roots done might just be a quick in-and-out appointment without all the fun. That’s one reason why we’re so obsessed with actors and influencers who switch up their look on a dime. We’re jealous, sure, but it’s also aspirational AF. So, we’re rounding up the best celebrity hair makeovers of 2021 as they come so you can drool with us.

Though, it’s not just about drooling over these looks. Saving this page and referring back to it at the hair salon can help you decide if curtain bangs or a bob is right for you. Hairstylists actually love when you show them photos because they can get a real feel of the vibe you’re looking for and can adjust the look into something that suits your wants and needs. This goes for color, too. Did you ask for balayage when you really meant a shadow root? It’s easier to just give examples of what you want.

Some of these celebrity looks aren’t permanent. Stars love to play around with wigs, extensions and faux bangs. But there’s nothing wrong with that. Real or faux, we’re taking inspo from our favorites to figure out our next look for 2021 and beyond.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Christopher Smith/Invision/AP.

Irina Shayk

The model showed up to New York Fashion Week looking totally different — and seriously chic — in a bob with bangs. It’s most likely a wig but it looks so good, we’re hoping she does it for real.

Source: Instagram

Camila Cabello

The singer first took to TikTok to show off her chic new bob — a far departure from her usual long locks. Response from fans was mixed, with many disliking the change and saying she looks too much like “Fifth Harmony Camila.” We think she looks incredible and like the grown-up performer she’s turning into. Hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos is responsible for the blunt bob.

Source: Instagram

Chrissy Teigen

After seeing how good Kourtney Kardashian looks with short hair, Chrissy Teigen decided to join the celeb bob club. She credited hairstylist Sabrina Porsche for the sleek cut and style.

Lorde

We had to do a double-take when we saw Lorde’s (faux) blonde hair in her new music video for “Mood Ring.” She looks a lot like The Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy.

Source: Instagram

Kylie Jenner

OK, Kylie! The beauty boss rocked knee-length hair and a gold bikini to celebrate Kylie Cosmetics’ 24K Birthday Collection, which launches on August 10. Remember: this is the revamp with new formulas.And that

RW/MediaPunch /IPX.

Zoey Deutch

The actress was seen in full Y2K hair and clothing on the set of Hulu’s upcoming movie Not Okay.  Although it’s most likely a wig, Deutch famous friends love this look for her. “Wait I love your hair like this,” wrote Riverdale‘s Madelaine Petsch on Instagram. We couldn’t agree more.

Source: Instagram

Gabrielle Union

Often when a woman does the “big chop,” it’s because there’s damage to their hair or they had to cut it off for a reason. But Gabrielle Union is showing you can go ultra-short just because it looks amazing. “The movies always show women cutting their hair when all is lost but I wanted to know the feeling of making a change when things are gravy. It hits different and its foreign to me but I ❤❤❤ this new new,” she wrote on Instagram.

Source: Instagram

Emma Chamberlain

Do you hear that? That’s the sound of all of Gen Z making a hair appointment to copy Chamberlain’s cool-girl bangs.

Source: Instagram

Jennie

The Blackpink singer slays with Y2K-style full bangs. She credited hairstylist Preston Wada for the chop.

Source: Instagram

Margot Robbie

The actor covers this month’s British Vogue looking like a ’70s supermodel with caramel blonde hair and new bangs.

Source: Instagram

Paris Jackson

Y2K beauty and fashion are trending like crazy. Just take a look at Paris Jackson’s color-block hair. We’re loving the emerald green shade poking out from under her blond hair.

Source: Instagram

Florence Pugh

The actress is giving us Y2K vibes with pastel purple ends. We’re not sure who did the color (maybe she did it herself?) but the gorgeous waves were created by hairstylist Peter Lux.

Instagram.

Demi Lovato

Mullets are trending like crazy and apparently, Demi Lovato got the memo. The front of her hair is short and the back is all the way past her shoulders.

Instagram.com/sophiet.

Sophie Turner 

Just a week after debuting piece-y bangs, the Game of Thrones star went fully red! She shared a cute mirror photo wearing Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour merch and showing off her matching red Casetify Cottage Core case.

Source: Instagram

Ciara

“Pelirroja,” Ciara wrote on Instagram. (Pelirroja is Spanish for redhead.) The singer is looking stunning with long ginger hair giving off a bit of a sexy princess Ariel vibe.

Instagram.com/sophiet.

Sophie Turner 

“Ya gal’s bang’d up,” the Game of Thrones star wrote on Instagram stories over the weekend. The choppy, piece-y style is different from the blunt bangs we’ve seen her rock before. We love this low-key fringe for summer because it’s easy to pin back or grow into curtain bangs.

Source: Instagram

Kim Kardashian

We’ve seen the media mogul try just about every hairstyle but the lob will always be our favorite. This one has a gorgeous curled-under ’70s vibe.

TikTok.

Charli D’Amelio

We’re obsessing over D’Amelio’s new chop with ’90s-style layers that feel so fresh for summer.

Source: Instagram

Miranda Cosgrove

She’s back, baby! Hairstylist Clayton Hawkins gave Cosgrove pretty blonde highlights for the iCarly revival.

Instagram.com/kimkardashian.

Kim Kardashian

Look who’s blonde again! But it was only for a few hours. Kardashian was shooting an upcoming campaign either for KKW Beauty or Skims. She actually did get her eyebrows bleached and we actually loved the look with her naturally dark hair. But then when they put the blonde wing on it was like, whoa. Right before she left the studio, she snapped a photo showing us she’s back to brunette again, including the brows.

Source: Instagram

Sabrina Carpenter

Say goodbye to curtain bangs and hello to ‘Bardot bangs!’ Hairstylist Laurie Heaps gave Sabrina Carpenter piece-y bombshell bangs inspired by the iconic French star Brigitte Bardot. We’re obsessed.

Source: Instagram

Selena Gomez

In an Instagram photo promoting her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, in April 2021, Gomez showed off her newly dyed blonde hair. The picture saw the former Disney Channel star light blonde tresses and dark roots. She most recently dyed her hair blonde in 2017 in a color dubbed by her hairstylist Nikki Lee as “Nirvana Blonde.” Gomez’s 2021 color was also done by Lee and Riawna Capri. “We’ve been doing Selena’s color for over a decade now. She typically keeps it pretty natural, but this time she went for a big change. This blonde is unique to her as we had to make sure there was an equal balance of cool and warm for her skin tone. It’s an edgier look and perfect for summer,” the hairstylists said in a statement.

https://twitter.com/eolsenarchive/status/1372591228886396930

Elizabeth Olsen

At the virtual launch of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier miniseries, Olsen debuted a totally different look from her usual copper-blonde hair. The bangs! The darker color! So chic.

Source: Instagram

Chrissy Teigen

We love how Teigen is playing around with wigs lately and experimenting with hair color. Although she only kept the silver shade for a day, we hope she brings it back. It looks amazing on her.

Source: Instagram

Kristen Bell

It seems like Bell is dressed up in character to film a TV show or movie but we’re loving these piecey bangs on her and we hope she keeps them up IRL.

Source: Instagram

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

While filling us in on the Covid-19 relief package, AOC showed off her adorable new haircut. When followers commented saying they loved the chop, she replied, “Let’s not start another national crisis over it, right?”

Source: Instagram

Gigi Hadid

The model mom returned to the runway, walking in the Versace fall 2021 show. Hairstylist Panos Papandrianos wrote “Ginger for Gigi” on Instagram, making us believe he really did dye the model’s hair this gorgeous red shade for the occasion.

Source: Instagram

Olivia Rodrigo

The ‘Drivers License’ singer jumped on the curtain bang trend thanks to hairstylist Clayton Hawkins. They’re subtle but make a big difference in her look. One interesting note: Sabrina Carpenter has them too.

Source: Instagram

Lana Condor

The actress looks so great in this pastel pink wig, maybe she’s considering doing it IRL? “Get ‘Anyone Else But You; to 5 mil streams and I’ll keep it,” she wrote on Instagram. Though, she told STYLECASTER last year, “I don’t know that I’d ever dye dye my hair. I think my mom would kill me, you’d know?”

Source: Instagram

Ashley Graham

The model had everyone thinking maybe she got a pixie cut but her hair is actually the result of new growth post hair loss. “Postpartum baby hairs come through!” she wrote on Instagram.

Source: Instagram

Emma Roberts

A new color and cut for the birthday girl! “Emma always looks and feels her best blonde,” said her hairstylist and Nine Zero One co-founder Nikki Lee. “We decided to keep her a warm blonde and went for a ’90s supermodel vibe. With a new baby and a big birthday, we went out with a bang! Lisa Satorn added extensions for length and fullness. I kept her haircut free and flowing with piecey layers around the face.” Lee keeps her client’s hair healthy with the In Common 3 Step Treatment System ($105 at In Common).

Source: Instagram

Katy Perry

Why not start with one of the biggest hair chameleons? Though she’s been ultra-blonde for a while, we can’t help but miss a brunette Katy Perry. It’s classically chic and fits her personality. So, when we saw these photos of backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live, we were so excited to see the long brown hair. But it seems it’s a wig and she’s already back to blonde.

Dorit Kemsley’s Purple Blazer at Garcelle’s Party

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Episode 16 Fashion

Dorit Kemsley looked perfect in her purple blazer and pink tie neck top at Garcelle’s party. I have to say I like this toned down look on Dorit. Even though it’s not really “toned” down because it’s still pretty bold and bright. But it has it’s own simplicity especially compared to some of her other looks. And it made her show up which is always a plus. Though I’m sure she still took photos in it because how could you not?!

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to See Her Saint Laurent Blazer

Click Here to Shop Her Saint Laurent Pink Blouse

Originally posted at: Dorit Kemsley’s Purple Blazer

We are so blessed to have so many amazing skin care and makeup products available to us, but there are some that really do rise to the top. So since I’m a makeup artist who specializes in helping those of us with mature skin, I’m focusing on my picks for the makeup products in each makeup category that I’d recommend most highly to those of us who are older.

As I made my choices, here’s what I kept in mind:

1. When I use this product, does it continually exceed my expectations?
2. Does the formula work especially well for older women?
3. Is it easy to use?
4. Do I always feel a sense of satisfaction after I’ve used the product?
5. Does it have a good shade range?
6. Is it a good value for the money?

And of course, let’s be honest, what factors into every choice is just good old personal preference. So what I like, you may not like, and you may be scratching your head wondering why in heaven’s name I selected a particular product. And frankly, there are many other good products in each of these categories that I simply haven’t had a chance to try yet.

If you watch the accompanying video on YouTube, you’ll find links in the description box below the video for all the products I’m talking about today.

A Cult Favorite Eye Primer

Recently, I tried a couple of new eye primers, and were O.K, but not outstanding. Nothing has overtaken my love for Urban Decay’s Primer Potion in “Eden.”  It really covers up the discoloration on my eyelids and my eye shadow stays in place perfectly throughout the day. So, this product is an easy pick for the top spot in this makeup category.

Excellent Eyebrow Products

There are so many different types of brow products at many different price points. But what swayed me in the direction of the choice I made was how quick and easy this type of product is to apply. I picked Anastasia of Beverly Hills’ Brow Definer pencil which is their pencil with a wider applicator.

The wider applicator makes it quicker to apply, and I must say that why it really works well for me is that the “Medium Brown” color matches my brows perfectly. I was really close to picking Elf’s Instant Lift Brow Pencil, which only costs three dollars compared to twenty-three dollars for the ABH Brow Definer product, but the Elf palette doesn’t match my brows close enough.

Stunning Eyeshadow

It’s very difficult to pick a single eyeshadow product. I wanted both neutral tones and some beautiful pops of color, and I picked Sydney Grace’s “Enduring Love” palette. The formula is really top notch and provides a variety of different colors to choose from.

Corrector and Concealer for the Challenging Under Eye Area

I recently found an under-eye corrector/concealer combination which I’ve really come to love, and it’s from the drugstore brand Elf. I take just a little of the Elf Hydrating Camo Concealer in “Light Peach,” dot it under my eyes, and then brighten my under eye area using the Elf Camo Concealer in “Fair Beige” which is slightly lighter than my foundation.

The Elf “Hydrating Camo Concealer” is perfect to use under the eyes because it spreads easily, it doesn’t cake, and it has good coverage. But the concealer I use to cover up age spots and other issues on my face that I love is Clinique’s “Even Better Concealer.” It has the best coverage of any concealer I’ve tried and a really large shade range of 42 colors.

A Multi-Tasking Face Primer

For face primer, I love Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas. It’s oil free and weightless, glides on very easily, helps blur pores and even adds a touch of soft focus radiance because of the crushed pink and gold pearl in the formula.

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

My Go-To Favorite Foundation

The foundation category was really challenging. I love combining my L’Oreal Age Perfect Serum Foundation with my Catrice True Skin Hydrating Foundation. But, when I really want an overall flawless look with a little better coverage, I go to my Eve Pearl HD Dual Foundation. Although it’s a cream, it’s really quite weightless and provides excellent coverage. And it was specifically designed to do just that because when HD – or high definition – television came in, most people on TV were really worried that their facial flaws would be visible.

Since Eve Pearl had won 7 Emmy Awards for her work as a makeup artist on The View, she knew she needed to create a foundation that would work for the women on The View when HD Television came in. And this foundation was her answer.

What I also love about this foundation is that it comes in a convenient compact with a darker and a lighter color so you can basically customize the color for your particular skin tone. So in the summer when our skin gets a bit darker, we also have the option of going with the darker shade.

A Great Drugstore Contouring Option

Contouring uses both lighter and darker colors. Elf has a cream contour kit with four shades which is pretty good. But although the dark colors work well, the two lighter colors are definitely for people with a warm skin undertone. If I only need to use a dark contour, I’ll usually pull out my Wet ‘n Wild Contour Stick in “Where’s Walnut.”  

A Blush That’s So Easy to Apply and Ticks All the Boxes

Cream and liquid blush and highlight work especially well for those of us who are older because our skin usually gets drier. Fortunately, there are a lot of good cream blush products and highlighters, but the winner in the blush category for me is Merit’s Flush Bomb Blush.

It’s absolutely the easiest blush to apply because it’s fairly sheer and can be applied directly from the applicator. And there are 5 gorgeous colors that work with different skin tones. It’s the ease of application that puts this one at the top of the list for me.

Some Special Highlighters

The RMS Living Luminizer wins my vote for the best subtle sheen highlighter. It’s subtle, soft and luminous – just lovely. And I love the fact that it comes in five different colors.

For my favorite “glowiest” highlighter, I’m going with the Rare Beauty Liquid Luminizer in “Enchant”—which is a gorgeous soft pink. It comes in 7 other colors as well so there’s a great shade range. It’s very easy to softly pat in, it has great color pay off and glow and I love the liquid formula.

Setting and Finishing Powders That Are Top Notch

My go-to setting powder for my face is a cult favorite: Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Powder. It’s so finely milled and just works wonderfully to mattify the T-Zone of my face.

Finishing powder provides a lovely, soft finishing touch for our makeup. I waited a long time to purchase the Hourglass Ambient Light palette because I frankly wasn’t convinced that it would be worth it considering the price. But I snapped up this palette about two and a half years ago when it went on sale. It’s definitely pricey – even on sale – but I don’t think I’ll ever use up these powders. I use them regularly and yet there’s not even a dent in any of them.

I almost always use the lightest finishing powder at the end of my makeup application, and I also use a touch of the blushes and the bronzer. It’s difficult to explain exactly what these powders do, but I feel they create a soft, subtle almost filtered look. They do a fabulous job of melding together a makeup look so it looks absolutely flawless.

Some Outstanding Lip Products

The final lip product category includes lip liners, lipstick and gloss. For those of you who have watched some of my videos, my lip liner choice will come as no surprise to you whatsoever. It’s L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Lip Liner.

As far as I know, it’s the only lip liner to have beautiful color and a built-in ingredient which provides a barrier to prevent lipstick from feathering. It’s this 2-in-1 formula which makes it the top pick in my book. Plus, there are eight gorgeous colors.

There are so many lipstick formulas, they come and go so quickly, and lipsticks are so much a matter of personal preference and whether we look better in warm or cool colors – that I almost didn’t even include this category.

My current favorite formula and color is one from Huda Beauty called “After Party” which is a plum-colored metallic formula. I usually lighten it up a bit by mixing it with a fun retro light pink color from Too Faced called “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.”  Now this kind of sparkling metallic look is certainly not to everyone’s taste, but I love it!

I also have to give an honorable mention to a lipstick from Milani called “Violet Volt” which is a lovely satin formula. And of course I love a metallic gloss as well so right now I’m enjoying Huda Beauty’s Lip Strobe gloss in the color “Mystical.”

Now I hope you’ll share some of your absolute favorite makeup products in the comments section below.

What are some of your all-time favorite makeup products? What do you feel is the most challenging makeup product to find that works especially well for those of us who are older? How do you go about finding good products?

I’m not trying to brag too much here, but I’m pretty certain that I have one of the coolest, most enviable jobs around. Reason being? I scour the internet for the best shopping deals and coolest trends every day, and get to test out so many amazing new clothing pieces, beauty products, and home goods. I’ve been a shopping writer and editor for a few years now, and have developed a knack for determining which products are worth every penny, and which ones are better left in the virtual cart. 

This month is all about stepping into the fall comfortably. Stores like Target are beginning to roll out their fall home lines and sites are seeing increased search interest in moisturizing and clarifying products (makes sense, given that temps are sadly going to plummet and the air is about to dry). Amazon’s Movers & Shakers page—a section that shows what items are rising in popularity—is filled to the brim with soothing lotions and oils. Google is being inundated with “fall fashion” inquiries and people on Pinterest are starting to search for pumpkin recipes and candles once more. 

My shopping carts fit the bill for these fall trends perfectly. I’m shopping for nourishing face masks, sleek platform loafers, and cozy throw blankets to start my cold weather months off the right way. Check out the eight essentials I’ll be buying this September below: 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy: Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

I don’t know what it is about spending so much time indoors, but ever since the pandemic began, my scalp has been a mess. I’ve experienced more dandruff and dryness these past two years than I have collectively my entire life. My one saving grace? This simple clarifying shampoo. It removes icky product build-up from dry shampoos and conditioners without stripping my hair of its natural oils. For best results, I swap this product with my typical purple shampoo once or twice a week. 

Courtesy: Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Loafer 

I’m of the belief that if you have a good pair of loafers, you can wear them across every season. I love the androgynous vibe of the shoes. They’re punk and sexy at the same time. Unfortunately, most quality pairs are a few hundred dollars. That’s why, when I found these Sam Edelman ones, I squealed out loud with glee. The Olivia Rodrigo-esque shoes platforms come in black, tan, or green and pair them with practically every dress or pair of pants you’ve got hanging in your closet. 

Courtesy: Target.

Cable Knit Chenille Throw Blanket

There is no problem that curling into a cozy throw blanket can’t solve. This is why at the beginning of every fall season, I gift myself a new one. I love the look of all things cable knit. The sophisticated design makes tops and accessories like this blanket, which is just $25, look so much more expensive than they are. 

Courtesy: Nest New York.

Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle

It’s time for society to pass the point of calling everything pumpkin scented or flavored basic. Let’s all just agree that pumpkin anything is delicious and should be celebrated, not mocked. This September, I’m going all in on candles. Nest’s Pumpkin Chai candle is everything I want to cover my space. The spice scent is decadent without being overwhelming. Plus, the candle itself is a warm orange. You can’t find a better fall candle than this. 

Courtesy: Mr. Coffee.

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

I’m fairly certain that this clever coffee invention was made for me. It ensures that slow sippers (moi) won’t ever have to deal with lukewarm drinks ever again. To use it, all you have to do is flip the switch on, and the base will warm your cup’s bottom and keep the liquids inside nice and hot. I’ll be keeping this accessory on my WFH desk at all times. 

Courtesy: Free People.

Free People Picnic Sweater Romper

This fall, I don’t want to wear anything that requires more than a little effort to put on. Jeans? Absolutely not. A button-up shirt? You’ve got to be kidding. Heels? Please, don’t make me laugh. But this sweater romper? Sign me tf up. It’s like wearing a stylish and socially acceptable set of onesie pajamas. I plan to keep it on at home during work and lounge time, then dress it up when I go out with tights and combat boots. It’s such a simple look, but those are the best ones to style again and again.  

Courtesy: PÜR.

PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer 

There are very few people I trust with makeup advice. One of them is Rachel Nussbaum, InStyle’s beauty writer. She knows everything there is to know about the ingredients that comprise popular foundations, hairsprays, etc. Her vast knowledge comes with a lot of heartbreak. She often tells me (and her readers) of the harmful irritants that are too-often included in name brand products, so when there’s a brand she approves of, I take note. Rachel told me that Pur is on her list of A-Okay concealers, so I’m hopping on this 4-in-1 color corrector faster than a kid on a trampoline. It comes in 16 shades, costs under $25, and is free from the nastiness of phthalates, aluminum, and talc.

Courtesy: Summer Fridays.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

I’m a writer living in New York. Translation: I don’t have an income that gives me the means to spend hefty amounts of cash on skincare (nor do I want to). Spending close to $50 on a face mask would physically and emotionally pain me if I didn’t already know and love this one so much. I’ve been using Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask for years. It saved my skin when I was on Accutane, and continues to be my secret to non-greasy hydration. I’d say I have to stock up on it about every five months, and this September is one of them. I’ll be using it to prevent cracked winter skin, and before date nights or brunches to give me a Hailey Bieber-esque glow.