As a professional makeup artist, I’ve tested hundreds of products over the years. But there are a few gems I keep reaching for — whether I’m prepping a bride for her big day or glamming up a client for a photoshoot. These are my top 10 makeup products I simply can’t live without, the ones that never fail me and help me create flawless, long-lasting looks for every skin tone and occasion.

1. MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Setting Spray

This holy grail setting spray does double duty — I use it before makeup to hydrate the skin and after to lock everything in place. It melts powders into the skin and gives a soft, dewy finish that looks ultra-natural. Great for all skin types!

2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

Affordable, accessible, and beautiful on the skin. This foundation offers medium, buildable coverage and controls oil without making the face look cakey. It photographs really well, which makes it a go-to for parties and bridal base work.

3. Benefit POREfessional Primer

Large pores or textured skin? This silicone-based primer smooths out everything like magic. It creates the perfect canvas for foundation and helps makeup stay put, especially in heat and humidity.

4. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

When it comes to hiding dark circles, blemishes, or brightening the under-eye area, this concealer is unbeatable. It blends like a dream, doesn’t crease easily, and gives a natural yet polished finish.

5. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Set it and forget it! This finely milled powder keeps makeup in place without drying out the skin. It blurs imperfections and controls shine without altering the color of your foundation — a must-have in every artist’s kit.

6. Huda Beauty Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette

The color range in this palette is absolutely stunning — rich neutrals, rosy shimmers, and intense metallics. It’s perfect for creating bridal, glam, or soft romantic looks. Highly pigmented and easy to blend.

7. Inglot AMC Gel Eyeliner (Shade 77 – Black)

This gel liner is the blackest black you’ll ever use. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and doesn’t budge once it sets — perfect for bridal eye looks and even as a base for smoky eyes.

8. L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Thick, voluminous lashes in just two coats. This mascara rivals high-end options at a fraction of the cost. It separates, lifts, and adds drama without flaking.

9. MAC Lipstick in ‘Mehr’ and ‘Ruby Woo’

These two shades are classics in my kit. ‘Mehr’ is the perfect everyday muted pink, while ‘Ruby Woo’ is that iconic bold red every bride loves. The formula is long-lasting, highly pigmented, and works well on Indian skin tones.

10. Beauty Blender Sponge

Whether it’s foundation, concealer, or even cream blush — I trust my beauty blender to make it look airbrushed. It blends product seamlessly into the skin and works wonders for achieving that flawless finish clients love.