I Have a Weakness for Designer Makeup—My "Can't-Skips" at Sephora and Nordstrom
I'll admit it—I have a weakness for designer makeup, and it all started when I was younger and not yet a beauty editor. I remember scouring fashion magazines from front to back, obsessing over the luxe makeup products the editors were recommending to readers like me. Fast-forward to today, and I'm a beauty editor myself. It's only fair that I share my recommendations, right?
Designer makeup is known for many things, including luxe packaging and a comparatively high price point. However, this high price point often signals high quality, which is why some designer makeup products are so worth it to me. From a concealer that erases dark circles to a mascara that creates thick, lush lashes, I put together a list of my "can't-skip" designer makeup products. Keep scrolling to see (and shop) all 15.
The perfect palette for on the go, this luminous bronzer, blush, and highlighter palette seamlessly blends into skin, giving it a gorgeous glow.
Want to achieve a lit-from-within glow—aka, the perfect flush? You've got to grab this coral-nude shade from Armani. It blends like a dream and feels so luxurious on the skin. It also offers a flush of perfect color.
Personally, I keep this stellar find from Gucci with me at all times. This face-and-lip gloss is a must-have for cold winter months and chilly weather.
Lightweight and buildable, this foundation from YSL gives you that barely there makeup look with a fresh, dewy finish. I love that it contains hyaluronic acid for hydrating benefits.
I see glittery eye shadow making a comeback in 2024, so owning this little gem from Valentino is an easy way to ensure you're ahead of the curve. You can high-impact sparkle and expect zero fallout with this in your makeup bag.
I can't get enough of Byredo's makeup products, and this kajal eyeliner is no exception. Whether you apply it on the eyelids or your waterline, you'll get major color payoff that lasts all day long.
I've gone through numerous setting powders as a beauty editor, and this one from Pat McGrath is one of the only ones that doesn't crease. Made specifically for the under-eye, its silky texture keeps the face looking fresh and illuminated.
A duo unlike any other, Chanel's Le Rouge Lip Colour is a two-for-one—you get saturated lip color and high-shine gloss. The best part? Your lips will stay hydrated for all-day comfort.
A deep, rich shade of magenta for winter lipstick? That's an absolute yes in my book. This one, from Louboutin, is both creamy and matte, meaning you'll get opaque color payoff with lasting hydration. A win-win.
Are you an eye shadow novice or expert? With this palette from Hermès, it doesn't matter. The silky shadows are easy to apply and blend no matter what your makeup artistry level is.
The cult-favorite item from Givenchy has long been adored by customers for its ability to take away any trace of texture or oil on the skin. There are multiple shades and color combos to choose from, but I like this pink one because it blends seamlessly into my blush.
Whenever I go somewhere that has a warm and humid climate, I take this matte foundation with me. You can barely see it on the skin, yet it smooths, evens, and perfects my skin. It's an easy solution for any visible pores or texture I might have.
I can't get enough of this product because it's a blush, bronzer, and highlighter in one. It's so flattering that I wear it without foundation. Dust this across your cheekbones, add a bit of mascara, and you're done.
Two mascaras for the price of one (and they're on sale). The formula is highly pigmented, coating lashes in an inky black formula for maximum definition. The brush head works wonders for adding volume and density to sparse lashes.
One of my favorite concealers, this cream formula looks flawless for up to 24 hours of wear. It's hydrating, blends effortlessly, and keeps my dark circles undercover. Add a lightweight powder on top, and you'll have bright, illuminated under-eyes.
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