As a beauty editor, I'm constantly scrolling through Instagram to find and save makeup content. I call it research, although I'm sure other people would call it an obsession. I save every mesmerizing makeup look and mini-tutorial into a specific collection. I reference that collection whenever I'm working on a story about specific trends, tools, techniques, or eras (most recently, I reviewed my collection of posts before writing a piece on the top 10 most iconic '70s makeup looks). Sometimes, though, I go through it when I need a little inspiration of my own.
Seeing as my collection has grown well beyond triple digits, I thought it was high time to go through it and pull out my most favorite makeup looks of them all. It took me a lot of time and focus, but over the course of a couple of weeks, I completed my goal. Keep scrolling to see 15 of the best makeup looks on Instagram (at least in my humble opinion).
There's only one thing I love more than a red lip, and that's a glossy red lip. Tobi Henney is the makeup artist behind this look, which is modeled by Barbara Palvin. To me, this is holiday makeup inspiration at its finest (although I can't think of a season or situation in which a glossy red lip wouldn't be appropriate).
Another look from Henney, this one is all about yellow-gold eyes and glossy pink lips.
Each part of this look is pure perfection—from the '80s-inspired draped blush to the feathered brows, fluttery lashes, and matte red lip. I don't know about you, but pairing pink and red is one of my favorite color combinations.
The credit for this sultry '60s-inspired look goes to makeup artist Hung Vanngo. The '60s were my favorite decade for makeup, thanks to their focus on bold lids and lashes (on that note, check out the most iconic '60s makeup looks).
I've had this photo of Selena Gomez saved on Instagram for a while now (it's also one of Vanngo's looks). I love how the hot-pink half moons are highlighted in her inner corners by her bronzed base makeup.
It's not an exaggeration to say that I've been admiring this photo ever since Zendaya first posted it. Who knew graphic cat eyeliner paired so well with a curly topknot?
Hailey Bieber's holographic eyeliner stickers are the most amazing (albeit unexpected) detail.
Yellow eye shadow seems like it would be hard to pull off, but Margot Robbie and her makeup artist Pati Dubroff prove that it can be executed beautifully—especially when it's paired with soft petal-pink blush.
This graphic pistachio-green look comes from Robin Black, the insanely talented makeup artist (and photographer) behind Beauty Is Boring. I could gush about this makeup look forever and it still wouldn't be enough.
The same goes for this look, which is also by Robin Black. I love a bold powder-blue moment, especially when the rest of the look is kept neutral and muted to keep the focus on the eyes.
Lesley of Fresh Lengths demonstrates the subtle power of a single swipe of yellow eyeliner.
Anton Khachaturian is the makeup artist behind this elegant makeup look on Lana Condor. A soft wash of taupe eye shadow across her eyelids keeps the berry lip the main focus.
A lot has changed since I was in elementary school, but my love for glitter hasn't. These days, I keep it regulated to my eye makeup, and I often draw inspiration for how to wear it from Lemonhead LA's Instagram account. This particular look was created using the brand's Spacepaste ($38) in the shade Private School, which is a metallic aquamarine color.
Nikki Wolff is the expert makeup artist behind this graphic eyeliner look. It might look deceptively simple, but that sharp precision is incredibly difficult to replicate (trust me—I tried).
Here it is: the final look to round out my 15 favorites. I can't say enough about this—it's a pure and utter dream in eye shadow form. I love the blue liner, the lilac shadow, and the pink halo above it. It's truly one of the best makeup looks I've ever laid eyes on.
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This iconic foundation offers medium coverage and a radiant finish.
I use this blending brush for a little bit of everything—foundation, blush, and even concealer.
Go for a monochromatic moment and match your blush to your Pillowtalk Lipstick ($34).
One of my favorite mascaras is this volumizing formula.
To me, this is a perfect nude eye shadow palette. I love the blendable powder formula.
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