What are five makeup items that make you smile every time you use them?

Guerlain Gems Rouge G Lipstick, Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque, Tom Ford Amber Absolute Private Blend, Pat McGrath Decadence Eyeshadow Palette, Chanel Jersey Blush.

— Christine

52 Comments

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Seraphine Avatar

MAC Lady Danger Lipstick (Because even though I rarely wear it, when I do I always think, “I should wear this more often.” I should listen to myself.)

Smashbox Petal Metal Gilded Rose Highlighter (Because I love the subtle sparkle that lasts all day long.)

NARS Stefania Lipstick (Because my list must have some fuchsia happiness. I almost put the similar MAC Flat Out Fabulous here, but the retro matte finish is a pain to deal with. Stefania is easy to apply, easy to wear, and therefore, smile-inducing.)

MAC Kid Eyeshadow (Because even though a nude eyeshadow might seem like a strange choice on a list like this, it just goes on so easily and blends so well.)

Guerlain Rouge G #21 Lipstick (Because OMG, it’s just so gorgeous!)

Nancy T Avatar

This won’t be easy, because some of these are combos, not singular!
1.) Chanel Empriente du Desert quad
2.) Viseart Amethyst Theory palette
3.) Nars Goulue blush with Fenty Metal Moon Highlighter
4.) UD Outspoken Vice Lipstick topped with a little bit of Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Laquer in Luce (OMG!!!)
5.) MAC Yoni Crush lipstick

Honorable, and EQUAL mention goes to ND Lila Palette, PMG La Vie En Rose Palette, Smashbox Petal Metal Covershot Palette, PMG Strangé and She’s Heaven Luxetrance Lipsticks, Smashbox Rosemantic Highlighter, MAC Whisper Of Gilt, CP Might Be. Goes to show that I have quite a few lovelies that immediately bring a smile to my face whenever I use them!

Nancy T Avatar

Idk what the heck happened, Seraphine, but my comment wound up as a “reply” to your comment!
Anyways, I was trying to put in a very different reply to your comment, that I am a fellow MAC Kid eyeshadow fan. It is my FAVORITE transition shade ever. I’m so thrilled that MAC made the decision to bring Kid back into their permanent line!

Seraphine Avatar

Lol…oops!

Your #4 looks very intriguing.

I had been wanting MAC Kid for so long and I jumped om it as soon as it came back. I love the texture and how it starts sheer, but is so buildabke. It’s my most useful eyeshadow.

Raeanne Avatar

1. MUFE Nudes You Need Palette, because this was my first high-end eyeshadow palette;
2. NARS Anna, Raquel, and Fanny lipsticks in the Audacious line;
3. NARS Isolde eyeshadow duo;
4. BECCA Blushed Copper shimmering blush; and,
5. Any Maybelline Creamy Matte lipstick, but especially Nude Nuance, Clay Crush, Divine Wine, and Touch of Spice.

And for a bonus: Every night when I remove my makeup with the Shiseido cotton wipes. LOL

Kesha Lindsay Avatar

Raenne,

I love the Shiseido cotton wipes, too. They’re super soft. Sometimes I get annoyed that they aren’t quite long enough to wrap around my fingers. When I’m feeling like that, I go back to my Miss Webril cotton wraps which I love because you can pull them off in the length that you want.

Kesha

LindaP Avatar

1. Estee Lauder Aerin Rose de Grasse. It is everything.

2. Chanel Golden Sun Blush (use it every damn day just about)

3. Persona eye palette tied with Chanel Empriente du Desert (Pat McGrath’s Platinum Bronze is about to knock these two out of contention, but I’ve had it for only a few days.)

4. Givenchy Brun Createur lipstick

5. Guerlain Meteorites Voyage. I love how that last step just pulls it all together.

Georgina Avatar

Love this question. My 5 are:

– Hourglass ambient lighting powder in mood light
– Burberry eyeshadow in Rosewood
– Urban Decay lipstick in Ladyflower
– Chanel blush horizon from a few years back (it’s 15g and will last me forever)
– Guerlain meteorites pearls

AB Avatar

Fun question!
1. Marc Jacobs highliner in Jazzberry
2. Guerlain Peau de Soie foundation in N01 (old formula; I shall be sad when I finish the bottle)
3. Viseart Liaison eyeshadow, from the Tryst palette
4. Cle de Peau concealer (it’s like a miracle every time)
5. NARS Risky Business lip gloss (perfect, happy color on me)

Mags Avatar

Kat Von D Alchemist Palette
Kat Von D Ozzy Studded Kiss Lipstick
Darling Girl Fairy Floss Eye Pigment
Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Asphyxia
ColourPop Glass Bull eyeshadow

So, I guess that means makeup that really makes me smile is pastel & duochrome! lol

Van Avatar

ColourPop’s Blotted Lip in On A Stick is such a gorgeous, happy coral that really pops on my skin tone; I would describe the effect as a watercolor neon stain. It brightens my entire face.

Urban Decay’s Psychedelic Sister pencil was one of my first high-end makeup purchases and makes a great base for a jewel toned eye. (I was so happy when UD released Dye because it seemed like the closest to an eyeshadow equivalent in terms of pigmentation and intensity, even considering that Psychedelic Sister already has a corresponding eyeshadow.) I always get compliments when I wear this shade.

The texture and packaging of Besame lipstick makes me feel glamorous whenever I use it.

I bought ColourPop’s Brow Boss gel off of Jkissa’s glowing recommendation. When I tried it, my reaction was, “What is this witchcraft.” Lol. My brows aren’t very unruly so I can’t say much about its holding power, but what this definitely does is add volume, texture, and a nice finishing touch to the rest of my face. It makes me feel extra polished.

Finally, Besame’s translucent vanilla powder. Its scent definitely puts a smile on my face, but I mostly love the finish: smooth without being dry. I usually don’t have time for this step, so when I do, it’s an indulgence.

Deborah S. Avatar

1. Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Lipstick in “The Perfume of His Gaze” . It is a sheer lip tint that I use over MAC Lip Liner in NightMoth. The name alone would be enough for me to smile every time I wore it but it is just the perfect tint to my lips. Oh, I also use it just tapped on my lips.

2. Guerlain Meteorites in “Perles des Neiges” the LE holiday release from a couple of seasons ago. Truth be told I like all of the shades but some are way too dark for my pale skin. I use them as blushes but for the true strength of meteorites they need to be buffed on the skin. I love the way they bring my look together at the end and also, I am one that really loved the delicate violet scent.

3. Dior e/s quint in “Provoke”.

4. Nars Adoration blush duo. in particular the shade on the right.

5. MAC Fix+

Dana Avatar

1) Pat McGrath Mothership Decadence
2) Pat McGrath tranceluxe lipsticks (doesn’t matter which one lol)
3) JD Glow eyeshadows (soo amazing!)
4) Natasha Denona Lila palette
5) Pat McGrath La Vie en Rose & Subversive used together

funny how all almost all my loves are shadows, that has to change, I need to branch out!

Matilda Avatar

1. The tube from MAC lipstick in Vermillion from the Chris Chang collection. The lipstick did not work for me, so I transplanted MAC Lustering from its original black tube into the Chris Chang tube.

2. MAC Full Coverage Foundation – a vast improvement over my bare face.

3. MAC Huggable lip color in Red Necessity – beautiful in the tube and on me.

4. MAC Lipstick in Milan Mode – such a happy color.

5. E.L.F. Moisturizing Lipstick in Ravishing Rose – a steal at $1.49 – as good as a MAC lipstick

Nicole Avatar

1. Burberry Midnight Brown single shadow (it is, absolutely, my favorite brown eyeshadow in the universe)
2. Anything from the original Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham collection (not the second release… so disappointing!)
3. Clinique Beyond Rose perfume. It was originally a release for the Middle East, but I found it in a Cosmetics Company Store, drove all the way home, couldn’t stop sniffing myself (lol) and then Shane and I drove over an hour to get it the same day. It smells amazing, but it’s the remembrance of our field trip to get it together that makes it so special to me. (I think it’s available stateside now and I HIGHLY recommend it if you love incense fragrances.)
4. Tom Ford Tobacco Oud. Just…OMG.
5. TokyoMilk Dark lip elixirs. They smell so good and are so ridiculously well-priced ($7). A must have for lip moisture junkies. And did I mention they smell SO GOOD.

Rachel R. Avatar

What a fun question!

1. Guerlain Meteorites Voyage pressed powder compact. It’s pretty, and I love the weight of it. It feels kind of fancy and lux when I use it.

2. Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick in Cougar (MAC Kelly Yum-Yum Dupe): The ultra-bright pink always makes me happy.

3. Urban Decay Urban Spectrum Palette. Because it’s perfect, and I adore Junkie.

4. Urban Decay Electric Palette. High-quality neons. Need I say more?

5. MAC Lipstick in La Vie En Rouge. It’s the perfect bright coral-red of my dreams and looks sensational on me.

Kesha Lindsay Avatar

The Ordinary Hi-Adherence Primer: Because it makes me think of Wayne Goss and his sly little wink and the cutest expression he made in the video that made me buy it.

NARS Goulue Blush: I have dark skin and I did not think such a seemingly light pink blush could look good on me. I got this as a sample in Sephora to make up for poor customer service. I was so pleasantly surprised by my new little friend. I almost want to get a full-sized, but I’m not yet Rouge status. It’s also sold me on NARS. I will definitely consider their products moving forward.

Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadows: I have them in Molten Midnight and FairyTail. Bronzed Bell and Smoky Storm are next. And then I’ll stop. I promise. I love them because on days when I don’t have time, they look like I put in the effort. And when I do put in the effort, they take my look out of this world.

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara: I smile when I use it because it feels good to know I have THE ONE. No more trying out mascars. Nope. Got that sorted. I do, though, need a bottom lash mascara…something really tiny and with a slim brush. Any suggestions?

Pat McGrath Decadence Eyeshadow Palette: I smile when I see it because it makes me feel RICH!! Such a luxurious treat. And everything I do with it is RIGHT! Ooo, I love it!!

Nicole D Avatar

Chanel Blush Harmony of Powders – Spring 2018 Collection
Chanel Les 4 Ombres in 302 Première Éclosion – Spring 2018 Collection
Dior Addict Lip Tattoo liquid lipstick in 351 Natural Nude
Guerlain Rouge G #62 (a coral-pink on me)
Marc Jacobs Highliner in (Brown)ie

Z. Avatar

– tarte tartelette in bloom (first high end eyeshadow purchase and probably my HG eyeshadow palette
– too faced just peachy mattes palette (love me a good all matte eye!)
– becca x chrissy teigen face palette (beach nectar is one of my faves!)
– becca parisian lights highlighter (is it pink? is it gold? either way, it’s flattering!)
– tarte park ave princess lipstick (I will continue to cry and mourn the discontinuation of this perfect everyday nude)
– honourable mention to the bite amuse bouche lipstick in sugarcane because it was a gift my boyfriend got for me

Nancy T Avatar

This won’t be easy, because some of these are combos, not singular!
1.) Chanel Empriente du Desert quad
2.) Viseart Amethyst Theory palette
3.) Nars Goulue blush with Fenty Metal Moon Highlighter
4.) UD Outspoken Vice Lipstick topped with a little bit of Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Laquer in Luce (OMG!!!)
5.) MAC Yoni Crush lipstick

Honorable, and EQUAL mention goes to ND Lila Palette, PMG La Vie En Rose Palette, Smashbox Petal Metal Covershot Palette, PMG Strangé and She’s Heaven Luxetrance Lipsticks, Smashbox Rosemantic Highlighter, MAC Whisper Of Gilt, CP Might Be. Goes to show that I have quite a few lovelies that immediately bring a smile to my face whenever I use them!

Pamela Avatar

I love my Nars orgasm blush and my Pat McGrath subliminal platinum bronze pallete. I just ordered Pat’ s La vie en rose pallete and can’t wait for it to arrive.

Erica Avatar

ABH Modern Renaissance

MAC Margin Blush

MAC Lipsticks especially Velvet Teddy, Hug Me, Blankety, Kinda Sexy and newly, Spirit

Fenty Killawatt Highlighter in Lighting Dust & Fire Crystal

NARS Orgasm

Marie-Estelle Avatar

Pat Mcgrath la vie en rose palette. It inspires me to create fun looks. From bold to soft and it is so long lasting on me (think 14hours).

Shiseido lisptick sweet desire. MLBB (just a tad of warmth), goes with almost everything, hydrating, long wearing, and looks even better on the lips after reapplying. I will be finishing it soon and repurchasing.

Chanel camelia de plume (and its dupe Chanel lion highlighter). It just is the perfect cooler highlighter on me… ❤️.

Laura mercier matte radiance highlighter. It is the one highlighter I can use no matter what. I would love having a lighter shade for winter months in this formula. Totally would repurchase.

Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk lip liner. I like my catrice waterproof lip liner (1 euro and awesome performance) but the colour range is very limited… And CT just does it better. This shade in particular makes most nudes wearable. It just won’t budge all day!

CeeBee Avatar

Zoeva Rock N Roll Bride eyeliner
Colourpop DGAF super shock eyeshadow
Nars Audacious lipstick in Kate
Scott Barnes Diamond Dust (discontinued, sadly)
Guerlain Serie Noire Blush G – it took me three days to figure out there was also a brush in there! And I wore it on my wedding day, so.

Logan Avatar

1. ColourPop Supernova Shadow in Firecracker
2. ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Ignition
3. Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Diamond Dust
4. Makeup Revolution New-trals vs. Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette
5. Wet n Wild (original aka good) Comfort Zone Eyeshadow Palette

Pearl Avatar

I picked 7!

Chanel Empreinte du Desert
Pat McGrath palettes
Guerlain Meteorites Perles
Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes duos
MAC Extra Dimension blushes
Wayne Goss brushes
Estee Lauder X Victoria Beckham Modern Mercury Highlighter

Shannon. N Avatar

-Origins plantscription anti-aging power eye cream
– makeup geek romance blush (my every day blush in summer!)
– LUSH want a baby (the only lipstick I have ever finished! I’m on my third tube!)
– MAC studio fix fluid foundation (I used this in high school when my cystic acne was untreated and HORRIBLE)
– Versace bright crystal perfume (my holy grail every single day perfume!!! I wear it rain or shine!)

Rachael Dominguez Avatar

1. Laura Mercier Blaze cream blush it’s flattering, it is youthful and lasts
2. Rituel de Fille Lovespell cream shadow it is a natural product and looks great across my whole lid, doesn’t crease at all
3. Chanel illusion d’ombre in Melody its a simple, flattering color that is an easy no makeup look, doesn’t crease
4. Any of my Covergirl Smoochies lipsticks and I have about 100+ mostly high end lipsticks. I love the formula and the stupid cases and they feel amazing and are the most moisturizing of any lipsticks I have
5. Pat McGrath lipshine (the moisturizing one in the white case) love the case, love the product

Jana Avatar

Oh my…
To narrow it down to five, hum…
#1- Soleil Tan De Chanel
#2- Hourglass Radiant Magenta
#3- Too Faced Peach Perfect setting/brightening powder because I do love the smell and it works so well!
#4- Pat McGrath MTHRSHP Sublime
#5- Colourpop Super Shock Shadows (The metallic or glitter finishes
(Alternate- Marc Jacobs mascara ❤)

It’s a good thing this was makeup because I couldn’t narrow my smile making skincare down to 5 or 6 ?

Jana Avatar

Me too. I love to use my Clarisonic. Foundation brush head to blend it out, It looks so natural only better.
That Tan De Chanel really does make me smile every single time ?

Mariella Avatar

First (no surprises) -Chanel Empreinte du Desert ( bet a lot of others smile when using that one)
Dior Rosy Glow Awakening blush
Marc Jacobs skinny liner in Blacquer
MAC Craving lipstick
MAC Red Necessity Huggable lipstick

Honourable mentions (Nancy did ’em, so I will too)
Viseart Cashmere Colour Theory Palette
MAC Posh Pedigree quad and Stolen Moment Extra Dimension single
Sephora’s discontinued eyeshadows in Snakeskin Dress and Fall Leaves

Karen J Avatar

Hourglass Illusion Skin Tint, even though some reviews were less than stellar I took a chance and love it!
Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot in Frose.
Chanel Jersey blush.
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Maria Antoinette.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders in Dim and Mood light.

This question really made me realize just how many products I have and use that I adore. It would be easier to name products that don’t make me smile! (Undereye concealers and brow products, I’m talking about you, lol)

Genevieve Avatar

That is a tough question to answer, but here goes:

1. Clarins Everlasting foundation in linen – because it smooths out my uneven skintones
2. Lorac Pro Metals Palette – just love all the shades (except for black)
3. Copper lipsticks – Milani’s Candied Toffee, Elizabeth Arden’s Copper Bronze to name a few in my stash
4. Dior’s 3 Couleur’s Khaki – the best olive shades out
5. Urban Decay’s Mushroom – the best taupe shade out.

Nikki Avatar

I have a 4-way tie and several picks in multiple colors!
1. Kat Von D Studded Kiss lipstick (the old matte formula-I haven’t bought any of the new cremes yet but have my eye on Backstage Bambi)-Hexagram and the now-discontinued Thin Lizzy
2. Urban Decay Electric palette
3. Tom Ford TX22 (magenta) and TX24 (copper) Lash and Brow Tints
4. Revlon Wild Orchid Super Lustrous lipstick
5. NARS x Erdem lipsticks-Bloodflower, Carnal Carnation, and the newly arrived Larkspur-or NARS Satellite of Love highlighting blush

Veronica_1017 Avatar

Hi Everyone 🙂

1. Rituel de Fille – Lovesick inner glow cream blush

2. MAC eyeshadows – I know I’m cheating but there are some colors when I revisit them I actually do baby talk too LOL heeeheee some favorites…Expensive Pink, Texture, Antiqued, Mulch, Woodwinked, Humid, Deep Truth, Tilt.

3. re-leased MAC lipsticks; Marrakesh and Rocker (I’m still doing “metal hands” in the air over these)

4. The Balm: Bahama Mama bronzer or any of their Instain blushes (Swiss Dot, Pinstripe, Houndstooth)

5. Bite lipstick in Beetroot – I love the color and the smell

honorable mention because I hope someone orders MUFE HD second skin cream blushes (typically online only) I believe they are beyond amazing and last on those of us with oily skin – colors I like and wouldn’t hesitate recommending 335 Fawn, 420 Indian Rosewood and 320 English Rose

Deanna Avatar

1) Estee Lauder/Victoria Beckham Modern Mercury Highlighter
2) Guerlain Meteorite Pearls
3) Blush Terrybly from By Terry
4) Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Chula (So bummed it was discontinued)
5) Urban Decay Scorch eyeliner

Natalia Avatar

I’m at the stage when most of my products make me happy, cause it was a long and costly process to get where I am today. So these five are the fist that came to mind. In no particualr order:

1. MAC MSF in Barely Dressed. It looks great in the packaging to start with, add the beautiful sheen you get when applied.
2. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Save the Queen. The color though! The only issue is, because of such a vibrant color, it is not easy to apply, but once you do, it WOW.
3. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 together with MAC Mineralize loose foundation. If my skin is well prepped, I smile, cause I know I’ll have plump, beautiful base for most of my long day without fail.
4. My two trusty MUFE artist eyeshadows. S560 Taupe and I520 Pinky Sand. A very ordinary (I would go as far as saying boring) combination, BUT! again, the quality, the perfect daytime colors for me, how easily they blend – just a pleasure to use.
5. UD 3rd Degree Vice Special Effects Lip Topcoat. Totally different reason for smiling here, good that I remembered this little number. I apply it generously to my lips and smile thinking yep! my lips are perfect shade of gold and sparkle like there is no tomorrow, what r u gonna do about it? :))))

Anna Avatar

1. Nars Summer Fire Lip Cover
2. Maybelline Rose Gold Tattoo color
3. Burberry Coral Red Lipstick
4. Nars Sexual Content Blush
5. CT Bronze and Glow duo

Martina Avatar

Mac fix+, Sisley Concealer, Mac Eyeshadow in Stars and Rockets, Hourglass Blush in incandescent electra and the smell of my favorite parfum beach walk by maison margiela!?

Silvia Avatar

1) Lorea’l Lumi Foundation
2) Princess mascara although is sort of a wet mascara it gives me lashes I didn’t know I had. I use another recycled cleaned mascara brush with good bristles to separate them and clean up a bit but I love them.
3) Tea Rose Milani blush or Perlacent Pink WetnWild.
4) Physians Formula Mineral Talc in light or WetnWild Ticket to Brazil. Also Milani bronzers.
5) Rose Bud matte lipstick WetnWild so, so pretty!
All the highliters in the world but Hourglass is fine anytime. Lol! Very hard to narrow down to just five. Nars anything also! Etc., etc.

Taylor Avatar

1. Pat McGrath La Vie en Rose MTHRSHP palette (ugh, it’s so beautiful! I wear the hot pink and shimmery plum almost daily)

2. Marc Jacobs O!Mega Tan-Tastic bronzer (it smells SO GOOD! And it’s beautiful on the skin)

3. Anastasia x Nicole Guerriero highlight palette (stunning colors, I wish they would make it permanent!)

4. Laura Gellar powder foundation in Porcelain (gives such a beautiful glow to the skin over a sheer layer of foundation)

5. Dose of Colors Desi x Katy Over the Top gloss (it so dang sparkly!)

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