My Top 3 Nonnegotiable Beauty Items

I’ve tested more makeup products than I’d like to admit — some hyped, some hopeless. But a few have actually earned permanent status in my makeup bag. These three are nonnegotiable — the ones I’d immediately replace if I lost my bag, my mind, or both.

1. L’Oreal Paris Faux Brow Pen (Blonde)

If you’ve ever overplucked in the 90s (guilty 🙋‍♀️), this pen is a small miracle. The double-brush tip gives you actual hair-like strokes — not that weird Sharpie look. It fills fast, stays put, and doesn’t leave you with crunchy brows. I use the Blonde shade, but it’s surprisingly universal if you go light-handed.

🖤 Why it made the cut:

It looks the most natural of every brow pen I’ve tried — no blocky cartoon brows here. You do have to put in a little effort, but for someone like me who’s historically challenged in the “making an eyebrow not look stupid” department, this thing has seriously upped my brow game.

2. Revlon ColorStay Waterproof Eyeliner (Black Brown)

There’s waterproof, and then there’s this. This liner doesn’t just survive humidity, sweat, or the occasional mid-day meltdown — it refuses to budge. It goes on smooth, doesn’t tug, and the Black Brown shade gives just enough definition without that harsh “jet black” look.

🖤 Why it made the cut:

This is the only eyeliner that actually stays put. Period. It literally will not move. I’ve tried others, but I always end up coming back to this one. It’s been my go-to for years, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

3. wet n wild Photo Focus Loose Setting Powder (Soft Pink)

This powder is criminally underrated. It blurs, sets, and gives a soft glow without that heavy, dry look a lot of powders leave behind. The pink tint adds just enough brightness to make your skin look alive — even if your sleep schedule doesn’t.

🖤 Why it made the cut:

It’s cheap, and it does its job really well. Some powders scream “hey, I’m wearing powder,” but this one gives a subtle glow without the chalky finish. You don’t see powder marks everywhere — just smooth, even skin. And the price? You can’t beat it. Honestly, it works the same (if not better) than the high-end powders people brag about.

Final Thoughts

I’ll keep testing new products (because that’s my toxic trait), but these three have survived every makeup purge and bag switch. If you’re tired of wasting money on overhyped nonsense, start here.

💬 Tried any of these? Have a ride-or-die product I need to test next? Drop it in the comments — I’m always down to compare notes.

📌 Before you go:

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