I started shopping for designer beauty products at a young age…while I was still in high school, actually. I would save the money I earned from my part-time job and various babysitting gigs, and I’d use it to buy the lux makeup products of my dreams—the odd Chanel eyeliner or a single Dior nail polish. In hindsight, I guess becoming a beauty editor was a kind of kismet.
While I could never afford to buy all of the products I bookmarked, I could afford one every now and then. And hey, they were fairly attainable for my teenage budget (at least compared to the luxury fashion pieces I’d see on the same sites). Therein started my love affair with designer makeup, something that’s aspirational, yet accessible.
Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to test a wide variety of designer makeup brands and products. Some became instant favorites; others I left behind. Ahead, see the 22 designer makeup products that are worth the money, according to this brutally honest beauty editor.
Let’s start with one of the most iconic brands of them all, Chanel. To create this look, I used a few of my favorite Chanel products, including an incredible dewy foundation, a powder blush that’s housed in a chic compact, and a bold red lipstick.
I started out by applying this foundation all over my face with a Beautyblender ($20). I’ve waxed poetic about this product before, as it just so happens to be my favorite natural-looking foundation. It’s just so smooth and silky, and once it dries down, it looks incredibly seamless on my skin. For everyday wear, it really can’t be beaten.
Next, it was time to add a little color to my cheeks with this silky powder blush that’s housed in a shiny, black compact (it’s the kind of compact that looks so sophisticated when you keep it on your vanity or in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups). I loved the soft color it imparted on my skin and the natural-looking finish that seemed to read “I was just out in the sun,” and not “I just put on makeup.”
To add some drama and definition to my eyes (albeit subtle drama and definition), I used this eyeshadow palette. It contains four pearlescent shades. I mixed the two brown shades and applied them just above my lash line. I applied the light pink in the inner corner of my eyes, and finally, I applied the darker pink in the middle of each lid. You can’t see it very well in the picture, but in real life, it gave my eyes a sophisticated and slightly frosted look.
This mascara was recommended to me by Who What Wear’s beauty director, Erin Jahns. She said she’s been fixated on it lately for the length and definition it gives her lashes, and I agree. With just a couple of swipes, my lashes were longer, darker, and more fluttery.
The final touch was a swipe of bold, red lipstick. I used the brand’s Rouge Allure L’Extrait, which is a fairly new formula. It’s known for its highly pigmented color payoff, satin finish, and hydrating formula. I must say, most lipsticks I’ve tried tend to dry out my lips over time. This one didn’t. It’s all thanks to a deep moisture complex. Oh, and did I mention it’s refillable? I love sustainable luxury.
Here’s another light-to-medium foundation I love.
I use this cream bronzer year-round to make my face look a little defined and a little sun-kissed. It’s a classic.
I’ve been using this lipstick for over a year now. It makes my lips look shiny and plump, and this shade, called Boy, is the perfect brown-ish nude.
Next, I created a look using my favorite Dior products. The name of the game with this one was understated and classic French-inspired beauty, so I paired subtle winged liner with a bold, bright, and glossy lip color.
I’m not usually a primer person, but this one has converted me. It’s probably the most luxurious primer I’ve ever tried. Not only does it do a good job of gripping makeup, but it mattifies my skin and provides a smooth base for subsequent foundation. Plus, it doesn’t feel heavy or too silicone-y on my skin; it’s lightweight and nearly invisible.
As someone who prefers light-to-medium coverage (like the aforementioned Chanel foundation), I was surprised by how much I liked this foundation seeing as it’s medium-to-full coverage. The formula is creamy and lightweight, it covers my redness and dark spots, and it provides a nice, dewy finish.
Even if you’re a black eyeliner loyalist, I beg you to try this brown one. It creates a more natural-looking, lived-in look (even if you choose to do winged liner as I did). The sharply pointed pen glides over the skin, depositing highly pigmented liquid that dries down almost instantly. There’s a reason this liquid liner is in my top five favorite liquid liners of all time.
It’s no surprise I like this mascara because it’s kind of a classic. It adds volume, length, and definition to lashes without clumping or looking too obvious. I will say, after a few hours, it does tend to smudge along my lash line, but I don’t hate that. In fact, I lean into it because it makes me feel like an effortless French girl.
I’ve also never been a lip plumper person, but I swear when it’s Dior we’re talking about, that doesn’t matter. That’s because it’s no average lip plumper. Sure, it adds some visible volume to the lips, but it also feels like a gloss (not-sticky) and imparts high-pigment color and shine.
This lip oil went viral on TikTok for its high-shine, high-moisture formula. I always have one on hand.
This blush might look shockingly pink in the compact, but when it’s blended out on the skin, it looks bright, youthful, and radiant.
I use this palette for highlighter, blush, and even eye shadow. Talk about a multipurpose makeup product.
For my final look, I did my best to channel Sophia Loren. Did I sip on an espresso while I applied my makeup? Yes. Did I picture myself walking down a street in Rome? Yes. Did it result in a sultry Italian-inspired look? I tried. Of course, there was no better brand to turn to for this one than Valentino. Even though the designer only recently launched beauty products, some of them have become makeup bag mainstays.
Whereas the Dior foundation was thicker and creamier, this one was slightly thinner and runnier. I must say, I actually preferred the finish on this one over the Dior one. My skin is prone to shine, so the semi-matte finish made my complexion look soft and velvety.
I’ll cut right to the chase: I love this product. The peachy pink color is so flattering, and it applies smoothly and blends out perfectly. The addition of light-reflecting pearls brings a subtle radiance to the skin. While I just used it as a blush (and put a little on my nose for good measure), it can also be used as an eye shadow. I plan to use it as such next. I think it would bring out the best in all eye colors.
This dual-ended eyeliner is brilliant. On one end, there’s an inky liquid formula. On the other end, there’s a smooth gel formula. It’s so convenient and both liners are highly pigmented, easy to use, and long-lasting. I have zero complaints.
This is my favorite nude lipstick. I know that’s a big statement to make, but it’s true. The color is so flattering and the formula is so creamy. My lips looked smooth and felt hydrated the whole time I wore it.
A 3-in-1 product, this little tube includes a brow pen, pencil, and brush. It’s just as convenient for travel as the brand’s dual-ended eyeliner.
This silver glitter is everything. It’s blended into a creamy base so it can be worn alone or on top of the brand’s Stick With Me Glitter Primer ($25) for long-lasting wear.
