26 Life-Changing Beauty Products Everyone Should Have in Their Makeup Bag (2024)

26 Life-Changing Beauty Products Everyone Should Have in Their Makeup Bag (1)

Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

As a beauty-obsessed assistant editor here at Seventeen, I get first dibs on all things skincare and makeup before they hit shelves or get a chance to go viral on TikTok. From Kylie Cosmetics' new matte lipsticks to glitter peel-off masks that get rid of blackheads, there are so many fun makeup essentials I test out here at work. However, I'm still tapped in as a Beauty Insider at Sephora (yessss I'm VIB) and an Ultamate as part of Ulta's Rewards Program. There are just some tried-and-true beauty products that I can't live without and don't think twice about recommending, especially makeup products for newbies and teens.

So, from me to you, here are my all-time favorite ride-or-die beauty products. Get your debit cards ready because this list will change your life and skin and help elevate your glam routine. Meet the best beauty products, makeup, and skincare for teens.

1

Best SPF Foundation

BareMinerals BarePro Performance Wear Liquid Foundation

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If you hate wearing foundation then you'll be happy to know that this light-as-air formula is basically like going makeup-free. The 40-shade range makes for easy color-matching and just like a moisturizer, you can rub it on with your fingers and still look airbrushed-perfect. Plus, it's SPF 20, so you're always protected.

2

Best Highligter

Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter

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I first tried this highlighter for a Seventeen YouTube video, after it went viral for its Silly Putty-like texture, and instantly fell in love. Thanks to the buttery formula, this shimmer positively glides on, giving you that perfect dewy glow (or so my friends have told me, *literally* every time I wear it). Unlike competitors, it has no annoying glitter flakes, just a natural-looking pearlescent sheen and it comes in a five-shade range for every skin tone.

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3

Best Self-Tanner

St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water

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Don't be afraid of faux tanners. This tiny bottle will keep you perfectly bronzed even in the darkest winter months. Mist on the water-clear formula whenever you need a little color, and within hours you'll develop a totally natural glow (emphasis on natural). No streaks, no orangey tint.

4

Best Brow Pencil

Sephora Collection Retractable Brow Pencil

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When you dye your hair for the first time, it may be hard to find a brown pencil that matches your new shade. This one is natural-looking and perfectly matches everything from blonde to auburn locks while still picking up on the undertones of your hair. No matter if you're a ginger or a brunette, or a shade somewhere in between, don't worry. Sephora's got a whole range of shades to fit every hair color.

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Too Faced's famous pink tube transforms my wispy see-through lashes into falsie-level fringe in seconds. Keep one at home, one in your purse, and one at your desk – just to be safe.

6

Best Drugstore Liquid Lipstick

Wet n Wild Wet N Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick

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I've tried every liquid lipstick in the game, and trust me, this $5 version holds up next to even the priciest competitors Smudge-proof and air-light, with HELLA pigmentation–this is the holy grail of liquid lipsticks.

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7

Best SPF

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

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Ofc, wearing sunscreen is a nonnegotial, but you'll actually look forward to applying sunscreen all because of Supergoop's insane formula. The clear, gel sunblock sinks right into your skin and leaves it feeling ultra-soft. You seriously have to test it yourself to believe it.

8

Best Longwear Eyeliner

KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Eyeliner

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I've been using this liquid liner for years, because it DOES. NOT. MOVE. This pen supplies everything you look for in an eyeliner: razor-sharp lines, a super-pigmented, non-streaky finish, and long-lasting wear.

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9

Best Cream Blush

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush

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I love this blush because of the creamy, glide-on texture. It goes on smoothly and has a range of unexpected shades–which is perfect for someone like me who prefers a hard-to-find brick-red tint.

10

Best Face Mask

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask

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Even though it's already internet famous, this pore-clearing mud mask is a relatively new addition to my skincare lineup. Once you try it, you fall in love. It's adored by fans, because of its acne-fighting properties and leaves your skin feeling so, so soft.

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11

Best Beginner Eyeshadow Palette

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche La Palette

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You can never have too many nude eyeshadow palettes–at least, that's what I tell myself as I stockpile them in my bathroom. This one has a great range of creams, caramels, and browns in various levels of shimmer.

12

Best Moisturizer

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisturizer Glow Face Cream

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This little jar will give you a punch of juicy citrus-packed hydration with every application. It's got a lightweight texture that keeps your skin moisturized, but doesn't leave behind shine–and don't worry about the price tag, a little goes a looong way.

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13

Best Cleanser

Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash

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Get excited to wash your face every single night. Yes, even when during those late-night study seshes, you'll be ready to wash the day away with Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser. Fresh is famous for this cleanser because the squishy gel leaves your skin feeling 100% clean while leaving behind no residue.

14

Best Exfoliator

Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

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Ok, I won't lie to you–the smell is not great, but the results more than makeup for it. Slather it on in the shower and afterward, you won't be able to stop touching your face. Even if you don't have acne-prone skin, this will leave you feeling silky smooth.

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15

Best Bronzer

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna SUN STALK'R INSTANT WARMTH BRONZER

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Yes, another Fenty Beauty shout-out. I can't help it! They're the best! I use this bronzer daily to carve out those edges–but in a low-key type of way. Every application looks 100% natural because Riri really nailed the smooth-finish formula.

16

Best Brow Pomade

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade

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If you like a pot over a pencil, ABH's pomade is the best of the best. The super-thick formula allows for major control over your application. Swipe the color on with a spoolie for a natural, brushed-out look or use an angled brush for super sharp arches.

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17

Best Fast Drying Nail Drop

Essie Quick-E Drying Nail Drops

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If you pride yourself on your ability to ruin a perfectly good manicure and from an expert perspective, let me tell you, these drops are a game-changer. Drip them onto your fresh paint job, and within seconds; your nails are dry. A moment of silence for all the at-home manis I ruined before these drops came into my life...

18

Best Acne Spot Treatment

Neutrogena On-the-Spot® .75 oz. Acne Treatment

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Now 43% Off

This acne treatment is benzoyl peroxide-based, which means it kills bacteria in your pores while reducing inflammation. Dab it on your latest volcano before bed and by morning you'll see a huge difference–in three days, you'll forget it even existed.

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19

Best Brow Wax

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax

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I've been searching for *years* to find a product that can tame my brow cowlick without plastering the hairs to my face glue stick-style. Thanks to ABH's Brow Freeze, I've finally succeeded. This hardcore gel keeps my arches in place.

20

Best Mattifying Setting Spray

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

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Just like the famed concealer it was named for, this baby works. A light spritzing of this setting spray keeps your face at 100% all day long.

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Kelsey Stiegman

Senior Style Editor

Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.

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Jasmine Washington

Assistant Editor

Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.

26 Life-Changing Beauty Products Everyone Should Have in Their Makeup Bag (2024)
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