33 All-Time Best Makeup Buys

These crease-resistant, waterproof shadows don't scrimp on vivid pigment or staying power.

$17 each; sephora.com

The pin-point precision of the sponge pen sets this waterproof liquid liner apart from the others.

$8; avon.com

With packaging designed by Lily Pulitzer, this is one of the most beloved mascaras of all-time—over a quarter billion tubes have been sold worldwide to date. The secret is a malleable formula that gives users a second or two to finalize their lash-look before it sets.

$5.29; cvs.com (or go to product finder)

These shadows can be worn wet or dry and have just enough shimmer to accent the eye and still be sophisticated.

$16; thebalm.com (or go to product finder)

Even if you're not one of the legions of BareMinerals believers (though we recommend you reconsider that decision), this blendable bronzer is the best and easiest way to fake a tan without DHA.

$18; sephora.com (or go to product finder)

Packed with skin-perfecting powders and elastomers, this drugstore primer is hoarded by some of NYC's top business women (we can't divulge names).

$12.99; drugstore.com

Few makeup junkies do not have this blush in their beauty arsenal. The peachy, subtly shimmery shade suits almost every skin tone.

$27; narscosmetics.com (or go to product finder)

Beauty editors stock up on this lip tint (it comes in plum, too), because it provides a long-lasting wash of color while also hydrating parched pouts.

$22.50; sephora.com (or go to product finder)

Few tinted moisturizers provide this caliber of glow, hydration, and breathable coverage—from the moment it touches your skin.

$42; sephora.com (or go to product finder)

Mega-makeup artist Tom Pecheux created this series of limited-edition tropical shades (they provide just enough punch to be trendy) for the Spring 2011 Derek Lam show.

$20, esteelauder.com (or go to product finder)

beauty.com (or go to product finder)

Plant cell extracts condition lashes for long-term growth; hyaluronic acid hydrates for a glossy, smudge-free finish.

$29; sephora.com

Harsh lines can age faces. This soft-tipped applicator and powder formula give eyes definition without distracting from the rest of your look.

$22; smashbox.com (or go to product finder)

Rose hip and jojoba give this lightweight foundation a barely-there finish that won't flake.

$9.74; walmart.com

Though this itty-bitty brush and smudge-free formula are designed to define lower lashes, you can also use them to reach hard-to-grab top lashes.

$10; clinique.com (or go to product finder)

This sophisticated, almost-nude lipstick complements all skin tones—even those of "little monsters."

$14.50; maccosmetics.com (or go to product finder)

This power-house pen wipes out lines and spots with light-reflecting particles. Its results are known the world over—one is sold every ten seconds.

$40; yslbeautyus.com

These natural lip stains come in shiny and matte finishes and provide an easy wash of color (plus sting-free plumping) to any pout.

$24; tartecosmetics.com (or go to product finder)

Available in a rainbow of metallic shades, these ceramide-infused eye pencils double as liner or shadow-substitutes to create instantly larger-looking peepers.

$22; suedevitt.com

Though the rounded brush design has inspired many impostors, this uniquely-shaped mascara wand and its beeswax-based formulation deliver one-of-a-kind results by being able to grab onto every lash.

$29.50; sephora.com (or go to product finder)

A combination of hydrating micospheres and shade-sensing pigments mattify your oilest areas and color-correct your palest.

$11.99; almay.com

The makeup maestro's two-step approach to covering dark circles comes in one convenient case. First neutralize blues, purples, and greens with peachy shades, then cover-up with kaolin-packed concealer (it's formulated not to settle into fine lines).

$22; bobbibrown.com (or go to product finder)

This creamy formula comes in over 70 shades and ensures even-wear for hours.

$5; revlon.com (or go to product finder)

Silica—not talc—gives this translucent powder its silky, dewy finish while keeping flakes and fine lines at bay.

$30; sephora.com

Perfect for warmer temperatures, this light-weight foundation blends well (a little goes a long way) and offers just enough coverage to get you through the work day with some glow to spare.

$45; chanel.com

Even owners of other makeup lines (we won't say who!) lust after this crushed pearl and grapeseed oil highlighter cream. Just be sure to use the sponge to blend in your dewy glow.

$27.50; qvc.com

Bring out your inner-supermodel with this finely-milled and fashionista-friendly cheek color.

$44; saksfifthavenue.com

This long-lasting lip color contains argan oil to help hydrate lips.

$19; sephora.com (or go to product finder)

Soft enough to apply natural-looking color, this pencil can be layered to get brows that would make Brooke Shields jealous.

$20; bloomingdales.com (or go to product finder)

Not only do the buildable pigments allow you create an easy day-to-night look, these reformulated shadows also come in a case that is virtually indestructible.

$58; sephora.com (or go to product finder)

The preblended color-correcting pigments in this primer take the guesswork out of fixing uneven skin tones.

$36; stilacosmetics.com

See more Stila products here.

These vibrant (and demure) hues deliver high shine without a frosty finish.

$8.99; target.com