The 33 Products That Will Trick People Into Thinking You Have a Professional MUA
If I had it my way, I’d have a whole glam squad help me get ready in the morning. I can picture it so clearly: I’d be scrolling my phone, drinking my smoothie, and answering emails while a professional MUA applied my makeup beautifully and a hairstylist gave me a perfect blowout. I love the glamour of it all: the alligator clips, the silk robe, the mirror with circle lights that feels so Old Hollywood—you know, the essentials you need to create that "I have my own glam squad” feeling. Although that’s not my reality, I can still achieve that same feeling with the gems I found below. And if you need proof that these products work miracles, my friend asked me the other day if I had gotten my makeup professionally done. Keep scrolling to see some of my favorites from renowned makeup artists such as Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, and Gucci Westman and more must-haves for makeup-artist-level results at home.
For a professional-level pout, this specific liner is necessary.
Easy makeup-artist trick: Use pink powder to instantly brighten skin.
Fluttery lashes are just a swipe away with this best-selling mascara.
When they call this a liquid filter, they're not kidding. It blurs your complexion like no other.
Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie Grainge love this skin tint, so you obviously have to try it for yourself.
I’m copying this tip from TikTok superstar Alix Earle: Line your waterline with white or nude liner to make your eyes pop.
I’m truly obsessed with this blush and all 11 of its pretty, shimmery shades.
All of the best makeup looks are finished with this setting spray.
A red lip is a classic that instantly makes you look glammed up even if you aren’t wearing any other makeup.
This serum makes you glow so much you might not even need highlighter. But I’d still suggest it.
Try this application tip from celeb makeup artist Mary Phillips: She uses cream contour and then layers foundation over it for naturally sculpted cheekbones.
Tweezers are an essential tool for shaping brows and applying falsies.
Add natural depth and dimension to the eyes with this classic palette. To be honest, these neutral shades are all you need.
This mask replenishes the skin and provides a flawless canvas for makeup.
Proper skin prep is vital for seamless makeup application, and sunscreen is a step that should never be skipped.
A good eyelash curler has been a mainstay in my beauty routine for over a decade.
No wonder beauty gurus swear by a sponge. It gives a natural, airbrushed finish.
A must for holding your hair back while your glam squad (or your bestie) does their thing.
You’ve probably heard all the buzz about this brush. I’m here to confirm it’s that good.
Pat McGrath is an acclaimed makeup artist, so of course, her blush gives the most natural, gorgeous flush. I’m a fan of Electric Bloom, a vibrant coral red.
If you’re going on a trip, have a big event, or just have way too many beauty products (ahem, me), this is the case for you.
This toner will reveal your skin’s best glow. It clarifies with alpha and beta hydroxy acids and purifies with eucalyptus essential oil.
Makeup artist Gucci Westman swears by these illuminating drops. You can get them in golden bronze, nude peach, and cool pink finishes.
Emma is an associate beauty editor of branded content. She’s a passionate writer who loves all things beauty, wellness, and personal growth. Before pursuing writing, she worked in influencer marketing at Gallery Media Group, which owns digital brand PureWow. She lives in New York City, where you can usually find her running to a Pilates class or sipping on a green juice in the park.