7 Makeup Must-Haves We Can't Live Without

Lost Your Makeup Bag? These 7 Beauty Essentials Will Save the Day!

From the perfect complexion-saver to the ultimate brow and lash duo, these staples will have you looking flawless in no time. Whether you're rebuilding your collection or just want to simplify your routine, these picks are non-negotiable!

All products on this page have been selected by our Editorial team, however we may receive a commission on some products.

Zahrin Lukman | Unsplash

Brightening CC Serum | By Terry, £62

If we could only bring one product to a desert island, By Terry’s Brightening CC Serum would be it. This skincare-infused illuminating serum enhances your natural glow while hydrating and smoothing the skin. Our favourite shade is Sunny Flash: a warm, golden bronze that adds an effortless sun-kissed radiance—perfect for those no-makeup makeup days.

Infused with rosehip extract and Optical Glow technology, it blurs imperfections while keeping skin nourished. Whether worn alone, mixed with foundation, or used as a bronzer, its glow-boosting formula is a must-have for instantly reviving dull skin. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely—because some essentials just can’t be skipped!

Available at byterry.com

By Terry

Precisely, My Brow Pencil | Benefit, £26

At the Dopamine Edit, we don't fell human without our brows. Benefit’s Precisely, My Brow Pencil is a go-to for effortless, natural-looking brows. With its ultra-fine tip, this pencil allows you to create precise, hair-like strokes, filling in sparse areas with ease. The smooth, waterproof formula ensures long-lasting wear, while the built-in spoolie helps blend for a flawless finish. Whether you prefer soft definition or bold, sculpted brows, this pencil delivers perfect arches every time. Easy to use and ultra-reliable, it’s a must-have for any beauty routine!

Available at benefitcosmetics.com

Benefit Cosmetics

Radiant Creamy Concealer | NARS, £28

A true makeup-bag must-have, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer delivers the perfect balance of coverage, hydration, and a radiant finish. Its creamy, buildable formula effortlessly conceals dark circles, blemishes, and redness while brightening the complexion for a naturally flawless look. Infused with hydrating and light-diffusing ingredients, it blends seamlessly without creasing or settling into fine lines. Whether you need full coverage or a quick touch-up, this long-wearing, skin-enhancing concealer is a staple you’ll repurchase again and again!

Available at narscosmetics.co.uk

NARS Cosmetics

Kevyn Aucoin

The Eyelash Curler | Kevyn Aucoin £26.40

We’ve tried them all, but Kevyn Aucoin’s The Eyelash Curler is hands down the best. With its perfectly curved design and precise grip, it lifts and curls lashes effortlessly—no pinching, no crimping, just a long-lasting, eye-opening curl. There’s something about curled lashes that instantly makes you look more awake, polished, and put together, even on no-makeup days. If you’ve ever underestimated the power of a good lash curler, trust us—this one will change the game. Once you try it, you’ll never go without it!

Available at cultbeauty.co.uk

Huda Beauty

Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara | Hourglass £32

After testing countless mascaras, but Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is the one we keep coming back to. This game-changing tubing formula delivers insane length, lift, and definition without clumping, smudging, or flaking. It gives that fluttery, fanned-out lash extension effect—without the hassle of actual extensions. Best of all, it removes effortlessly with just warm water, no rubbing needed. If you’re looking for a mascara that truly does it all, this is the one you won’t want to be without!

Available at cultbeauty.co.uk

Glossier

Cloud Paint | Glossier, £22

When it comes to blush, Glossier Cloud Paint is the one we can’t live without. This lightweight, gel-cream formula melts into the skin for a natural, flushed-from-within glow that’s completely foolproof. Whether you prefer a soft wash of color or a more buildable pop, it blends seamlessly for that effortless, dewy finish we love. With a range of flattering shades, there’s a perfect Cloud Paint for everyone.

If you’re as obsessed with Glossier as we are, don’t miss the Glossier products our editor swears by—because this brand knows how to nail the “your skin, but better” look!

Available at glossier.com

Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder | Huda Beauty, £34

Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Loose Powder in Banana Bread is a game-changer for flawless, matte skin. This finely-milled powder sets makeup in place without looking cakey, while its yellow-toned hue brightens and balances all skin tones. It’s perfect for baking, setting, and controlling shine throughout the day, giving you a smooth, airbrushed finish. The sweet scent and silky texture make it a joy to apply, leaving your complexion perfectly matte and radiant all day long.

Available at sephora.co.uk 

Hourglass