27 Ulta Items For People Who Think They Suck At Makeup
Promising review: "Love this lip balm/treatment. I bought the 'strawberry sorbet' color/flavor, and it smells and tastes delicious. The product itself is very moisturizing and hydrating. I can pop it on with just lip liner, wear it by itself, or with a full lip look. Very versatile. It's been a great purse lippie. I've been using it so much that I had to force myself to put it away to use my other lip balms/treatments in my collection. Would repurchase!" —GogoramaPrice: $22 (available in eight shades)
Benefit Cosmetics' Super Setting Spray, just in case your preferred skin texture lives between blurred and matte. Much like the brand's beloved Porefessional Primer, this setting spray helps to minimize the appearance of pores, lock makeup in place, and decrease shine with just a few spritzes.
Promising review: "This is a good setting spray as it does minimize the appearance of your pores and gives you that blurring effect. I wanna say it is a dewy finish, but just add the powder after you've sprayed it and make sure it's dry so you have that matte finish. It also mists evenly so you don't have big drops on your face that can ruin your makeup!!" —DanielaPrice: $16 (also available in full size for $35)
Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint for the makeup lovers who enjoy playing with blush, bronzer, and eyeshadow, but detest the feeling of a full-coverage foundation. This skin tint blends seamlessly into the skin while providing a medium coverage for any dark circle or redness you'd like to cover. What's even better is that it's packed with niacinamide to protect against antioxidants, PLUS SPF 40 to help ward off damaging UV rays!
Promising review: "GORGEOUS foundation. I have very sensitive and acne-prone skin and this foundation works wonders on my skin! It goes on so smoothly and does not irritate me at all!" —JessicaPrice: $48 (available in 30 shades)
Maybelline's Lash Sensational Sky High mascara that makes it easy to achieve full, defined, come-hither lashes with just a few strokes — clumps not included.
E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer aka your secret to a shine- and texture-free glow during your day-to-day. You can wear this under your foundation for extra hold, or even wear it on its own for a natural, blurred effect.
Essence's Quick Wing! Stamp Eyeliner to make creating a killer wing seamless every single time. No longer will you have to fret over asymmetrical wings — all you have to do is use the stamp end of this liner on your outer corner, and then use the liner end to line the remainder of your upper lash line.
Promising review: "I love it. I don't know how to draw eyeliner, but this is so easy to draw with." —AuroraPrice: $4.99
Urban Decay's Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette, just in case you've been really leaning into seasonal color analysis, which told you you're an autumn or spring. This palette comes with a lot of colors and textures that you can either use for your light, everyday looks, or for your more dramatic special-occasion looks.
Promising review: "I LOVE this palette. I've had my eye on it for over a year, and am so glad I bought it. The colors are the colors I gravitate toward, and compliment my skin tone. The shadows are very pigmented and easy to blend. You can create an everyday natural look with them, or go more dramatic. Highly recommend!" —SusPrice: $59
Or Stila's Pocket Play Shadow Palette if a large palette may be intimidating for you. This palette comes in both warm- or cool-toned versions and is housed in packaging compact enough to go everywhere with you.
Promising review: "I got Wild Flowers and I'm so impressed. I love the color scheme and the glitters are perfect if you like to do a wash style or even packing it on. I don't remember Stila releasing eyeshadows in the past that were this pigmented and great quality. The pans are on the smaller side, but so, so worth it. I hope they create more color combinations because the formulation is *chef's kiss*." —Ulta CustomerPrice: $30 (available in three versions)
Nyx's Brow Glue that locks brow hairs into place all. day. long. If you like the look of full, feathery brows, this is the product for you.
Promising review: "This was the first brow gel I have ever purchased, and I have not found any better. I purchased the clear one, and it doesn't leave my brows white or chunky. It is always windy where I live, so this product keeps my brows looking groomed even when the weather isn't the best. The packaging, the quality, and the price are all top tier. I hope they never discontinue this product because they knew what they were doing when they made this. 🔥" —JessicaPrice: $10 (available in five shades)
Maybelline's Super Stay Teddy Matte Lip Tint for a soft-focus pop of color. This formula is matte and stays within the lip line after application, all without cracking or flaking like traditional liquid lipsticks.
Promising review: "This lip tint was super pretty and applied super well in one go! I wore it for about eight hours, and it lasted the entire day. It also has a decent flavor to it as well if you're someone who licks their lips a lot like I do." —MorganPrice: $12.99 (available in 10 shades)
Pür's Silky Tint Creamy Multitasking Stick so you can add warmth *and* sculpt your face with one easy stick! This glides on like a dream, and you can totally use it for a quick wash of color on your lids when you're in a pinch for time.
Promising review: "The Pür's You Go Pearl Multitasking Stick is beautiful! The packaging makes it super easy to dispense the product and convenient to take on the go. The pearly color worked well for my olive undertones. I use two methods for application. The first is just my hands — I'll warm the product up on the back of my hand, then apply using my fingers to the high points of my cheeks and nose. The second — If I want a more precise application, I'll pick up the product with a brush and apply it to the inner corner of my eyes and brow bone. The product wears well and layers well both under and over powder. I'm interested in trying the more pink shade now! Highly recommend this!" —JasminePrice: $26 (available in six shades)
Stila's All Day Liquid Eye Liner that'll have you feeling like a pro-level artist in no time. This waterproof formula doesn't smudge or feather, and its color pay-off pretty much belongs in the makeup hall of fame. If you are just getting into creating sharp wings or graphic designs, this durable, pigmented, and easy-to-glide formula is for ya!
Promising review: "This is my favorite liquid eyeliner (I've tried a couple of drugstore options, as well as the Too Faced eyeliner). This one isn't too wet and glides on perfectly. This product makes it easy to make lines of any size. Very easy to control! The only con is I wish that the product lasted longer." —SophiePrice: $24 (available in eight shades)
Clinique's Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey so you can take the brand's iconic Black Honey hue to your cheeks, too! This particular shade looks amazing on most skin tones — now, you can opt into a full-face flush with the added bonus of nourishment thanks to safflower oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and castor oil.
Promising review: "Didn't know my cheeks needed this. I have never been a big fan of using lip oils in my cheeks but tried this and wow do I love it. It gives me a dewy glow that lasts all day without clogging pores or anything. My cheeks stay on the dry side and this has been a total game-changer. It has become a must-have for my daily routine." —MelPrice: $27
Nudestix's Nudies Matte Lux All Over Face Blush that comes with its own brush! This is perfect for those who travel often — you can use this one, non-bag-crowding stick as a blush, eyeshadow, or even lipstick!
Promising review: "Blush is not an integral part of my routine so being able to keep this in my bag to brighten up my cheeks when I need to is great. Obviously purchased it because I can apply it, keep my hands clean, and not have to carry around in additional brush or beauty blender." —ViPrice: $35 (available in five shades)
Or opt for Dibs Beauty's Desert Island Duo Stick, which is a blush stick, yes, but also comes with a highlighter! Now, you won't have to choose between a sunset blush look or reflective glass skin.
Promising review: "The colors are perfect. They are easy to apply and blend in flawlessly! Work well with my dry skin." —SherriPrice: $36 (available in nine shade combos)
about-face's Matte Fluid Eye Paint, because the trick to "not sucking at makeup" is to remember that no one *actually* "sucks" and that makeup is meant to be FUN! These eye pigments are a testament to this — they're super easy to blend with your finger or a brush, offer high pigment in a single swipe, and come in an array of colors to help you experiment with your newfound makeup hobby.
Promising review: "I just have to brag about this product. I have always applied eyeshadow by starting with concealer as a base, setting with powder, then eyeshadow. I broke my dominant arm a while back, and blending became very difficult for me. I had never used liquid shadow before because I assumed it would be difficult to work with — messy, sticky, tacky, etc. This product gave me the ability to do eyeshadow again while I had very limited mobility. I swear, you barely have to manipulate it for it to blend seamlessly. Anyone with any skill level can make this product blend into the skin flawlessly. It doesn't dry too quickly, but once it does, it is totally dry and doesn't leave tackiness. While I was struggling badly with my limited mobility, this product allowed me to do my makeup again and feel like myself with very little effort, which was all I could give at the time. I am so grateful I had this product during one of the hardest times of my life. I was very dependent on others for almost every other thing I had to do, but with this product, doing my makeup was something I was capable of, and it made my healing journey more bearable." —carleycPrice: $16 (available in 31 colors)
Tarte's Shape Tape Concealer that I opt for when I don't want to wear foundation, but I still want to mask my genetic dark circles. This high-coverage concealer covers all types of breakouts and uneven tones while melting into the skin! It's great if you're into a full makeup look that doesn't feel cakey.
Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer, because you worked hard to perfect your eye look, darn it, and you WON'T let sweat or oily lids ruin your work. This primer clings to all types of shadows to keep your lid, crease, and brow bone colors in check all day long.
Promising review: "I have tried other eye shadow primers and always prefer this one. Something about this magical potion allows your eyeshadow to never quit, give up, or move out on you! I love the Original, it's like magic because you only need to apply a little bit and it invisibly holds your eyeshadow in place. What's creasing? I have not experienced creasing in YEARS ever since I've used this product. In fact, I've experienced my eye looks to be totally intact for 24+ hours when I've had a big night and 'forgot' to remove my makeup. I always use this magic and am amazed by how long this product lasts. I am not sure when I'm going to run out..." —Ulta CustomerPrice: $28
E.l.f.'s Halo Glow Liquid Filter that's all the rage on TikTok as an affordable illuminating skin tint that's just as good as the expensive stuff. This has a light-medium coverage, making it a great base for your no-makeup makeup look.
Promising review: "This was exactly what I wanted! I get compliments about how my face is so 'glass-like', it's perfect for my skin and smooths out my face amazingly! Price is perfect for it and it goes a long way. :)" —RyPrice: $14 (available in 12 shades)
Sacheu's Peel Off Lip Liner stain so your lip liner can last! Much like a peel-off lip stain, this liner stains the perimeter of your lips to create a line that stays PUT until the end of your day.
Promising review: "Love this lip liner! I mainly use it as a liner rather than on my whole lip because I think it looks prettier that way. It doesn't take long to dry, and peeling off is quite fun. I love the shade MUAH-ve, I'm like light-medium toned and it's a beautiful dark pink/brown shade." —RachelPrice: $12 (available in seven shades)
E.l.f.'s Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara that builds little tubes of mascara around your individual lash hairs for a wispy, legnthy look! This formula is water-resistant, meaning it won't run in the event of happy tears or rain. However! Unlike waterproof mascara (yes, there's a difference between water-resistant and waterproof!), this removes super easily at the end of the day.
BeautyBlender's OG makeup sponge, because it's been hailed as the creme de la creme from most makeup artists. It's great for creating a diffused effect for foundation, cream bronzer, blush, and highlight!
Promising review: "Love it. I don't often buy name-brand 'hyped' products, but this is the one makeup applicator I am willing to splurge on. I use this to apply concealer so a soften bendable tool is essential in the sensitive area around my eyes. I've tried other brands more affordable options but keep coming back to this blender. It's easy to wash and lasts a long time. I am a loyal user and will repurchase again and again!" —oily goilyPrice: $20
E.l.f.'s Perfect Finish HD Powder, aka everything you need if you want to up the ante on your matte complexion while decreasing the amount of reapplications you do throughout the day.
Promising review: "I've had this powder since high school, and it's one of my favorite E.l.f. products. I have very VERY oily skin, and this powder mattifies my skin like no other. It's perfectly translucent, so I can use it with any foundation or even on top of sunscreen. 10/10 chef's kiss." —elflover89Price: $6
Winky Lux's Flower Balm that has a pretty flush of color that blooms to your natural pH! I reach for this on days when I don't really have time to do makeup, but still want to add a touch of moisture and color to my lips.
Nudestix's Nudefix Cream Concealer if you're looking for a concealer that also nourishes your skin. This concealer has a buildable coverage, creamy formula, and applies super smoothly. Plus! It's packed with K-Beauty fave skincare ingredients like sweet berry to help minimize redness and hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture levels!
Promising review: "This is ITTTTT when you're looking for undereye circle coverage. It's smooth and lightweight but it covers the eye baggage! I hate when concealers feel thick, like an extra layer that can easily be moved around the eye area. This sets well and truly covers the intense dark circles I get all of the time!" —GoosePrice: $29 (available in 12 shades)
Erborian's CC Red Correct SPF 25, since sometimes you don't *actually* need a full-coverage foundation — a color-correcting CC cream can be enough to even outyour skin. This has a green base to help balance out redness caused my rosacea, scars, and even sunburns, all while protecting the skin from UV rays with SPF!
Benefit Cosmetics' Silky Soft Powder Blush, because whether you're a makeup novice or a full-on pro, you need this iconic blush in your beauty arsenal. This powder blush adds a flush of color almost instantly and comes in a whopping 12 shades that work with most undertones!
Promising review: "This product is the best blush I've ever used (and at my age I've used many!!). It isn't pink or peach hued, but a warm color in between, so it looks good with everything I wear." —CindyPrice: $33 (available in 12 shades)
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