- We asked Insider employees from around the world to dish on the best makeup and skin-care products they’ve bought in the last six months.
- From bargain mascaras to splurge-worthy serums, here are all of the ones we now can’t live without.
- See the full results of our Insider Beauty Survey here.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Everyone has beauty staples that they return to time and time again, but it’s still important to shake things up to avoid getting stuck in a rut.
We asked Insider employees from across the world to dish on the best makeup and skin-care products they’ve bought in the last six months, and it turns out there are plenty of new discoveries worth adding to your collection.
Read more: The 17 beauty products everyone who wears makeup should own
From bargain mascaras to splurge-worthy serums, here are all of the beauty products we’ve bought lately that we now can’t live without, ranked in ascending order by price.
Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner — $3.49
According to 24-year-old Rebecca from Brooklyn, New York, this low-end option is "so cheap and works great!"
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara — $4.99
Paige, 22 from Staten Island, said of this top pick: "It's under $5 and it makes my eyelashes look so voluminous and thick. It's my holy grail and I've repurchased it at least a dozen times. The wand is the perfect size and the formula is the perfect consistency."
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — $5.90
Rosie Percy, 29 from London, said: "I had comedonal acne for years and nothing could shift it (from hormones to antibiotics). Finally read about this product, and within 10 days it had made a very noticeable difference. I've been using it for about a year now and my skin is almost perfectly clear."
The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 — $6.80
24-year-old Corina from Queens, New York is a big fan of this cult product, which is just as effective as it is affordable, claiming to "offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin."
e.l.f. Smudge Proof Mascara — $6
This affordable mascara, a favourite of 25-year-old New Yorker Jennifer, has separate brushes for your upper and lower lashes.
Bulldog Original Beard Oil — $7.99
This oil, which "improves the shine of the beard without making it look greasy," according to the brand, has become a must-have item for 52-year-old Matthew from New Jersey.
Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey — $8.89
Alana, 26 from New York, said: "I have natural thick hair that can get dry in winter months. For me, it's the only pomade that seals in the moisture and makes my hair super soft and shiny!"
Tarte Tarteist Pro Lash Adhesive — $9
Marissa, 22 from New Jersey, said: "Unlike the free sample size tubes that come with most false lashes, you don't have to wait for this glue to dry. It goes on tacky and lashes stick immediately. Also the black color (unlike white/clear) blends in with liquid eyeliner - and it's only $9!"
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three — $11.50
Qayyah, 25 from London, said: "I had no idea before moving to London how hard the water was, how annoying it can be for hair-washing, and how drying it is on the skin.
"As well as being great for clarifying, the EDTA in this shampoo is a chelating agent. This helps stop the minerals in hard water creating build-up in your hair when you're shampooing, so it doesn't end up dull, dry, or heavy."
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+/PA++++ — $15
28-year-old New Yorker Walter is a big fan of this Japanese sunscreen.
"This post hits the main advantages but the gist is American sunscreens are goopy and slimey and weak while this is easy drying, comfortable, powerful and great at protecting the face from UV," he said. "So several times a year I spend a bunch of money to get several of these."
Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter — $15
33-year-old Gili brom Brooklyn will be buying this body butter time and time again because "the smell is intoxicating."
Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation SPF 20 — $15.99
"It's so beautiful on the skin, it gives nice coverage, and really gives you a healthy glow," said Natalie, 32 from Brooklyn. "Plus it's from the drugstore so it's really affordable! I scream about this foundation to everyone I know."
A313 Vitamin A Pommade — $15.99
Herrine, 24 from New York, said this retinol cream is available without prescription at drug stores in France.
"The potency makes it difficult to attain in the US, but if you can get your hands on it, it's a game changer! One pea-sized amount three nights a week will transform your skin. It renews skin, treats/prevents acne, softens skins, and brightens a dull face."
Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick in "Zip" — $18
Tanya, 27 of New York recommends this lipstick which is described by the brand as "a new kind of lip color that gives the look and finish of just-blotted lipstick, without the blot."
Glossier Boy Brow — $16
This "eyebrow fluffer," which aims to "thicken, shape, and groom brows into place," is a favourite of 24-year-old Corina from Queens, New York.
Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 — $19.50
Dubbed "amazing" by 25-year-old LA resident Mikala, your skin will thank you for this lightweight sunscreen.
Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in "Plum Pop" — $19.50
"It's the perfect consistency," says 28-year-old Ashley from Brooklyn. "It's hydrating without being shiny. Never makes my lips looked chapped. And the color is natural and perfect for everyday despite having a purple-ish hue."
Glossier Priming Moisturizer — $22
"It's very lightweight but also stackable so it can be as thin or creamy as you want," according to 22-year-old Madison from New York. "I prefer thin for mornings and then a little more for nighttime."
Bite Beauty Line & Define Lip Primer — $22
Emma, 25 from Brooklyn, said of this product: "It's basically a clear, waxy lip liner that you can use for any type of lipstick so it doesn't budge or smear, eliminating the need to buy different colors of lip liner for each lipstick. In short, it's genius. A friend introduced me to it in college and I buy it over and over again."
Glossier Solution — $24
This "exfoliating skin perfector" from cult brand Glosseier "really cleared up and evened out my skin," says 23-year-old Melina from Brooklyn.
Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara — $25
22-year-old New Yorker Shivani is a fan of this "super volumizing" mascara which "stays on for a super long time, and makes my eyelashes look great!"
Shana, 30 of New York, added: "It makes my lashes look (naturally) longer and thicker."
Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème — $27
Chloe, 28 from New York City, said this is the best product she's bought lately.
"I've been trying hard to find an under-eye concealer that will hide the dark circles under my eyes without drying them out, and this one does the trick," she said. "I discovered its magic when I had my makeup done for a TV appearance, and it worked perfectly for being on camera but also isn't too much for everyday wear. The makeup artist who introduced me to it said that it's good enough to cover up tattoos!"
Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush — $28
"In the winter months my skin can look a little dull and this cream blush adds a nice flushed look that is still natural," according to 24-year-old New Yorker Julia. "Also, it's so easy to apply since it comes in a stick form and the cream formula blends easily with just my fingers so I don't need to use an extra brush."
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer — $30
Mikala, 25 from Los Angeles, liked this NARS concealer so much she bought it a second tine.
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector — $32
Kirsten, 29 of Queens, New York, said: "I can't live without my Becca undereye corrector. I have really dark circles under my eyes, have tried a lot of products over the years, and nothing gives me the coverage I need like this."
Ouai Rose Hair + Body Oil — $32
Julie, 40 from New York, said: "I love Ouai's Rose oil, which you can use on your body and hair. I wish I could find this scent in a perfume because it smells so amazing, and is weirdly instantly calming."
Chanel Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Defining Longwear Eyebrow Pencil — $33
Rachel, 32 from Manhattan, New York, said: "I rarely wear makeup, but if I'm trying to just put one thing on, this is my go-to. I have thick brows, but sometimes they come out looking sort of empty in photos - this matches my hair and skin perfectly, is super easy to use (I don't have to worry about messing it up), and has a brush on the other side for combing through. It also doesn't smudge."
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic — $35
This REN tonic is a favorite of 25-year-old New Yorker Meira, who said: "It cleaned up my pores and left my face feeling soft and clean. I used to get acne on my forehead and now I am crystal clear."
Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask — $36
28-year-old Ali from London said she's "obsessed" with this mask. "I have really dry skin, and the gel-like mask soothes it overnight without being too heavy or sticky on the skin - there's nothing to wash off in the morning but my skin is noticeably softer," she said.
NARS' The Multiple — $39
33-year-old New Yorker Olivia is a fan of this multi-purpose stick, which can be used on eyes, cheeks, lips, or the body.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream — $42
"I've been having skin troubles lately and this one feels much lighter and more hydrating than what I've used in the past," said Katya, 22 from New Jersey. "Very happy so far!"
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder — $44
Rachel, 26 from London, is a big fan of this bronzer because "it's not sparkly and looks really natural."
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask — $48
This "amazing" cult product is totally worth the splurge, according to 25-year-old LA resident Mikala.
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation — $49
"It's expensive, but NARS is the only makeup brand I have found that understands darker skin," said 32-year-old Londoner Shona.
"Most brands don't cater to minorities because it doesn't make financial sense, fobbing them off with ashey or orangey shades. But NARS' foundation perfectly matches my skin. I'm prone to acne and scarring, so it does a lot for my confidence."
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate — $49
"It hydrates, it smells good, it some how cures everything by the morning," said Becky, 27 from San Francisco.
Goop G.Day Black Pepper + Rosie Hip Energy Body Oil — $60
This body oil from Gwyneth Paltrow's brand "ACTUALLY takes care of dry winter skin," according to Julie, 40 from New York.
The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial — $80
Nico, 23 from New York, said: "This stuff completely changed the texture and discoloration I had on my skin. It's very pricey but the results are so worth it."
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel — $88
25-year-old New Yorker Carly said: "I use them 3 times a week and can see a noticeable difference with the texture, pigment, and overall health of my skin. My skin is the clearest it has ever been because of it."
Dior "One Essential" Skin Boosting Serum — $125
"This is the best serum I've ever tried," said 33-year-old New Yorker Hilary, who said it gave her "clear, well-hydrated skin."
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum — $185
Megan, 30 from New York City, said: "I bought it as a sample first, and then had to splurge on the bigger bottle. It's super moisturizing and has done wonders for my skin and break outs. I can tell when I haven't used it, and now have a travel sized bottle, too."
