13 Products Make-Up Artists Always Recommend
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
Luminous Silk Foundation, £44.50 | Giorgio Armani
This foundation constantly tops bestseller lists, with a bottle sold every 30 seconds worldwide. Its naturally luminous finish and multi-tasking makes it a favourite of actresses on the red carpet – and we love how seamlessly it glides over skin. The airy texture never feels suffocating or cakey – in part thanks to added glycerine – while light-reflective pigments diffuse shine and boost glow.
What The Pros Say: “I recommend it to everyone. It has a finish that looks just like your natural skin, only smoother and more even in tone.” – Levi-Jade Taylor, make-up artist
Available at Boots.com
Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, £42 | By Terry
Designed to blur imperfections, soak up oil and give skin that ‘soft focus’ finish, this powder is incredibly lightweight and completely invisible. The hydrating formula is brimming with hyaluronic acid, while the transparent colour means it works on all skin tones.
What The Pros Say: “Few setting powders rival this. It’s available in both loose and pressed form, and it’s so light and feathery, so you never get that ghostly trail.” – Cher Webb, make-up artist
Available at ByTerry.com
Baume Essentiel, £35 | Chanel
Clear and glossy – but not too theatrical – this glow-giving stick can be scribbled onto skin and over eyelids for long-lasting luminosity. It looks really natural – there’s no chunky shimmer in the formula – so expect it to deliver the sort of radiance you might see after a facial. Start by applying a small amount onto the apples of your cheeks, then blend it upwards towards your cheekbones.
What The Pros Say: “For me, this is the best glow-giver of all time. It’s transparent, clear and glossy – but not too much – and comes in a stick format so you can apply it directly onto the skin or over your base make-up.” – Zoë Taylor, make-up artist & SL beauty contributor
Available at Boots.com
Hollywood Flawless Filter, £39 | Charlotte Tilbury
This is often described as a ‘celebrity skin filter in a bottle’, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Think of it as a primer and highlighter hybrid with a silky dry down. It subtly enhances and brightens your skin, offering a mega-watt glow that catches the light nicely. You can also use it like a primer, a base or a highlighter. Mix a little into your foundation for added radiance, too.
What The Pros Say: “I like to apply this after my skincare and SPF. I use shade three, blending it in with my fingers. You can wear it solo – it gives skin a beautiful glow on its own – or underneath foundation, which is my preference. Tap a little bit on top of your base make-up too.” – Lisa Potter-Dixon, make-up artist & beauty author
Available at CharlotteTilbury.com
Backstage Glow Face Palette, £36 | Dior
Full of beautiful iridescent shades, Dior’s Glow Palettes are perfect for accentuating cheekbones, eyelids or anywhere else in need of a little glow. There are several tones included in each, so you can use them as a glow-y blush or bronzer, depending on your preference. A big hit backstage – hence the name – you’ll often find these in the kits of top make-up artists.
What The Pros Say: “I love this palette for highlighting and enhancing bone structure. Each one contains warming, flattering shades for everyone.” – Tania Grier, A-list make-up artist
Available at Boots.com
Vanish Airbrush Concealer, £34 | Hourglass
This concealer always comes highly recommended. Available in 22 shades, it has a creamy, blendable texture that offers impressive coverage. It smooths over uneven tone – think scarring, spots and redness – and gives the perfect amount of glow. A little goes a long way – you may even find you don’t need foundation on top.
What The Pros Say: “This is my favourite concealer by far. It’s great for blurring the skin, but without being cakey or drying, which can often be the case with some concealers. Plus, it lasts forever.” – Gemma Peace, make-up artist
Available at SpaceNK.com
UncompliKated SPF50 Soft Focus Make-Up Setting Spray, £36 | Kate Somerville
If you want to protect your skin with minimal fuss, this is the SPF spray for you. It does a bit of everything: locks make-up in place, gives good glow and protects against harmful UV rays. It’s completely weightless, with a fine mist that absorbs fast and doesn’t feel sticky – all thanks to hyaluronic acid which seals in hydration and keeps the formula feeling smooth.
What The Pros Say: “A genius product, this helps reduce excess shine and grease, giving skin a soft-focused matte effect that looks so good. It’s never sticky either, unlike some spray SPFs.” – Adeola Gboyega, make-up artist & SL beauty contributor
Available at KateSomerville.co.uk
The Volume Mascara, £23 | Kevyn Aucoin
Kevyn Aucoin’s cult mascara will define even the stubbiest of lashes with a fibre-rich formula that hugs each lash for thicker, fuller results. Expect this flake and sweet-proof formula to last all day with zero smudges.
What The Pros Say: “This never gives you panda eyes and delivers both full and subtle volume depending on your preference. It comes off easily with warm water, too.” – Zoe Taylor
Available at SpaceNK.com
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, £23 | NARS
These chunky lip crayons are always spotted backstage. With the pigment of a lipstick, but the ease of a pencil, just one swipe gives you enough colour payoff to buff and blend out with your ring finger.
What The Pros Say: “These lip crayons are one of my favourite products of all time and the shade ‘Dragon Girl’ is my go-to red. It suits everyone.” – Katie Jane Hughes, celebrity make-up artist
Available at Boots.com
Perfecting Lip Balm, £34 | Omorvicza
Thick and comforting, this gives lips a plumped-up effect and a soft pink finish. It immediately smooths dry, chapped lips with ingredients like hyaluronic filling spheres and quenching ceramides, creating the perfect base for any lipstick.
What The Pros Say: “You’ll always find this in my kit. It’s the best balm and gives my lips such a healthy, soft-looking sheen.” – Gemma Peace
Available at SpaceNK.com
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, £25 | Rare Beauty
These liquid blushers went viral on TikTok for a reason. With a creamy, blendable formula, they provide a matte flush to cheeks that really goes the distance. With a large doe-foot applicator, they’re easy to apply and there’s a shade to suit everyone.
What The Pros Say: “I love the shade ‘Joy’. Plus, you only need the tiniest bit to make an impact – I love taking it onto the eyelids too.” – Saskia Wright, make-up artist
Available at RareBeauty.com
Liquid Eyebrow Pen, £22 | Suqqu
SUQQU is a brand full of unsung heroes, including this liquid pen. With a tiny, flexible felt tip, it allows you to draw on realistic-looking hair strokes with ease. It’s also waterproof, so you never have to worry about it smudging.”
What The Pros Say: “This brow pen is one of the best for faking the illusion of extra volume. It’s so easy to use – just use short, deft strokes in an upward motion.” – Jessica Kell, make-up artist
Available at Selfridges.com
Skin Nova Primer, £27 | Vieve
This has the kind of satisfying liquid consistency that blends like a dream. Just a few pumps give skin instant luminosity, prepping it well for any make-up that follows. It works well with all textures – be it powders, creams or liquids.
What The Pros Say: “I love this primer – especially when my skin needs a quick pick-me-up. It’s full of skin-loving ingredients to hydrate and illuminate. Make-up glides over it so smoothly.” – Adeola
Available at Vieve.co.uk
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