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Call me extravagant, but there’s just something special about designer beauty. I can still vividly recall being a teenager, practically begging my parents for a lift to the mall, just so I could step foot into Norstrom, Bloomingdale’s, or Sephora and daydream about taking a Chanel makeup compact out of my purse or winding up a red Dior lipstick tube. It’s an experience I’m convinced many of my fellow beauty editor colleagues shared when we were younger.
Whether it’s the best red lipstick money can buy or the gourmand perfume that makes you smell like dessert, I couldn’t resist asking some of my closest beauty editor pals about their absolute must-haves in the designer beauty world. We have tried hundreds, if not thousands of beauty products, so I trust that they have a discerning eye and keen understanding of what is so good it becomes something they use for years.
From the iconic to the under-the-radar, my colleagues and friends have provided me with their tried-and-true designer beauty recommendations that have stolen our hearts and some space in their wallets. These products have been vetted, purchased, and repurchased—I guarantee you that you’ll find a new favorite to add to your rotation. Keep scrolling!
As a beauty writer myself, my personal favorite designer beauty product is none other than the Dior Rosy Glow Blush in Pink. Ever since I learned that applying a light pink powder right above your cheek allows your blush and concealer to seamlessly blend together, this has become a staple in my beauty vault.
Yves Saint Laurent
Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick
“I’m such a lip hoarder—you’ll find anywhere between 8 to 10 lippies in each purse I own, but I constantly find myself reaching for the YSL Candy Glaze. Part balm, part plumping gloss, it quickly revitalizes my parched lips and leaves them with a long-lasting non-sticky shine. Most days I use it on its own but I love that it can also be used as a topper over lipstick. The packaging is also gorgeous and I feel rich every time I pull it out of my bag.” — Mary Honkus, beauty editor and writer
Guerlain
Kisskiss Liplift Lipstick Primer
“I love lipstick, but as someone with perpetually dry lips, it can be tricky to achieve that super-smooth look. The only product that has helped me achieve the perfect base for smooth application is Guerlain’s KissKiss Lip Lift Lipstick Primer. It feels velvety on my lips, smooths out any fine lines and dry patches, and grips my lipstick for long-lasting color.” — Pia Velasco, beauty editor and writer
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Satin Kajal Liner
“Victoria Beckham is as good at developing makeup as she is at designing a pair of impeccably tailored trousers. Her cosmetic prowess first came to my attention when she collaborated with Estée Lauder back in 2016. I still have the Eye Metal shadow in Bitter Clove, which to this day I consider the most perfect shimmery bronze shadow I’ve ever applied on my eyes. When Beckham launched her own range (taking Lauder’s head of global makeup development and marketing, Sarah Creal, with her), I was relieved to discover that the Lauder collection wasn’t a fluke.
“Easy to use and ridiculously wearable, [Beckham’s high-quality products] fit organically into your everyday routine. I particularly love her Satin Kajal Liner (Sequin Green, Smoky Quartz, Sea Grey, and Ash are a few standout shades) and Posh Lipstick, and wear the Cheek Posh Blush Stick almost every single day. (I switch between Playground and Miniskirt.) I don’t love a lot of the designer makeup brands on the market today. They often feel superfluous and uninspired. But I genuinely get excited every time Beckham drops a new product because, from an outsider’s perspective, it feels like she takes her beauty range seriously, considering and perfecting every single element, from the pigment to the packaging.”‘ — Sophia Panych, beauty editor and writer
Pat McGrath
Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Lip Balm
This was the first luxury lip balm I ever tried, and I’ve sworn by it ever since. I combine it with any lip liner, and it takes my lips to the next level. It feels super smooth and nourishing while naturally enhancing the contour of my lips.” — Jenna Curcio, beauty editor and writer
“I can’t live without Dior’s Lip Glow Oil, which is why I have a different shade stored in every bag I own. On days I don’t want to wear a full face of makeup, I just throw some concealer and gloss on, and I feel like an Instagram model. The shades are pigmented enough to tell you have some color but not too pigmented to where you feel overpowered.” — Iman Balagam, beauty editor, writer, and consultant
Chanel
Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick
“Chanel Baume highlighter is the best for a natural glow. Prettiest finish ever, and it’s so easy to apply. I use it on my Cupid’s bow, under my brows, cheekbones, and the corners of my eyes. Plus, it’s Chanel, so the packaging is so chic and timeless.” — Hannah Baxter, beauty editor, writer, and consultant
Chanel
Miroir Double Facettes Mirror Duo
“I swear by Chanel Beauty’s Mirror Double Facettes! Not only is it perfect for those quick touch-ups, but it makes one the ultimate ‘girl’s girl,’ as everyone always needs a mirror, but not everyone carries a mirror… but you.” — Stixx M., beauty editor and writer
Gucci
L’obscur Lengthening Mascara
“I didn’t care about mascara in the slightest before this one. I’d usually take whatever one said waterproof. But this mascara showed me how good mascara could really be. It doesn’t flake, dries quickly, and makes my eyes look like I’m wearing lash extensions you can see from the cheap seats in the back of the theater. This is a must-have in my book.” — Amanda Mitchell, beauty editor and writer
Mugler
Angel Elixir Eau De Parfum
“Mugler Angel is such an iconic fragrance that’s still modern today (especially since gourmands are back). It announces you before you enter the room and lingers long after you leave. Not for the faint of heart or sensitive of nose, but the wear of this scent is so heady and addictive.” — Sable Yong, beauty writer and editor
Armani Beauty
Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
“Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is a longtime favorite among makeup artists and beauty editors alike, but its younger sister, the Luminous Silk Concealer, doesn’t get nearly as much love—and it’s really good. Like its predecessor, it blurs and blends into the skin seamlessly, leaving behind a luminous, airbrushed finish. On the flip side, the formula is thinner and more pigmented than the foundation, which makes it ideal for covering dark circles, pimples, and other imperfections without looking cakey or creasing. A little goes a long way, and the medium coverage is gloriously buildable. It’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, and caffeine to reduce puffiness and inflammation. No matter how many concealers I try, I always reach for this one when I need reliable, long-lasting coverage that won’t separate or crease throughout the day.” — Danielle Cohen, beauty editor and writer
Dior
Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Use Balm
“Dior’s Le Baume cream is a favorite of mine to soften dry hands or elbows. It’s so lightweight and comes in a chic compact that easily fits in my bag when I’m on the go. I also love Yves Saint Laurent Beauté’s Pure Shots Light Up serum for a quick glow during the day or when I go out, and the Resurfacing serum is great for smoothing my skin at nighttime.” — Aaron Royce, writer and editor
Yves Saint Laurent
Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint With Hyaluronic Acid
“This cheek tint from YSL Beauty stays in rotation in my routine whether I’m dressed up in full glam or just running out the house for a quick errand. The color is buildable, plays nice with other makeup, and feels like velvet. On my no-makeup days, I like putting this on my lips for a pop of color with some balm, and I always feel more put together.” — Aimee Simeon, senior beauty editor at Well+Good
Yves Saint Laurent
Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
“This is my go-to, everyday mascara. The chubby, tapered brush lifts and separates even the smallest of lashes, and the weightless formula glides on without leaving a single clump behind. Oh, and it doesn’t flake. I swipe on two or three coats in the morning, and the result is fluttery, soft lashes with lots of definition and length.” — Ama Kwarteng, beauty director at Coveteur
Gucci
Matte Beauty Powder
“I’ve always been averse to powders — I’d rather be greasy than have a cakey, cadaver-like finish — but Gucci’s has recently become an essential base to my routine. After swiping on my concealer, I tap this matte formula under my eyes and on my T-zone for a blurred, second skin-like finish. I use the shade 02, which has a cool-toned, medium-fair tint to keep ghoulish flashback at bay.” — Jennifer Hussein, beauty commerce writer at Allure
