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• Makeup primer is one of those steps you might be tempted to skip, but you'll be happier with your foundation application if you don't.
• It can help make your makeup apply more smoothly and last longer, and depending on the formula, can also help mattify and decrease the appearance of large pores.
• Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is our top pick because it gives skin a velvety smooth finish to help base products glide on and stay in place all day long.

Primer like a gimmick, but I promise it isn't. The step adds a cumulative 30 seconds to your routine but makes a world of difference in your makeup application whether you wear foundation or not.

But there are so many options out there. Choosing a primer can quickly become overwhelming if you're wandering around the beauty aisle unprepared. There are ones that mattify, hydrate, illuminate, blur pores, and more. How can you ever pick just one? 

There are two important things to keep in mind when shopping for a primer — your skin type and base makeup preferences. People with oily skin might gravitate toward mattifying or pore-blurring primers, while those with dry skin might prefer hydrating or radiant primers. Even those who don't wear foundation can benefit from primer to keep other products like eyeshadow in place, especially if your makeup does the Slip 'N Slide before your first cup of coffee.

This breakdown of the best makeup primers I've personally tested will help you narrow down the sea of options to find your one perfect pick.

Here are the best makeup primers you can buy in 2019:

• Best makeup primer overall: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
• Best radiant primer: Becca Backlight Priming Filter
• Best moisturizing primer: Too Faced Hangover RX Replenishing Face Primer
• Best solid primer: Milk Makeup Blur Stick
• Best blurring primer: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer

Updated on 5/24/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated links, prices, recategorized Milk Makeup Blur Stick as our Best Solid Primer, and swapped in Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer as our Best Blurring Primer.

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best makeup primer overall

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is a blockbuster beauty product that blurs imperfections and helps you achieve a smooth, long-lasting makeup application.

I can't stand when products I normally love pill up because of something I applied underneath, and the cult-favorite Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is designed to prevent exactly that scenario.

It's a silky smooth white liquid that quickly becomes transparent as you work it into the skin. This primer creates an even base on which to blend your foundation and concealer by minimizing the appearance of redness, pores, and imperfections. The formula contains broad spectrum SPF 15 for some added sun protection, though I and your dermatologist, most likely would caution against using makeup as your primary sunscreen.

My skin feels super soft after applying Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer and I find that my makeup lasts all day without settling into fine lines. It's oil- and fragrance-free, and made without parabens or sulfates, so the formula is not irritating or greasy on my sensitive skin. Thanks to the airy texture, I find it leaves me matte without that dehydrated effect. Hourglass is also one of my all-time favorite beauty brands, and every single product I've tried, including this one, blends seamlessly and leaves me looking flawless but not "makeup-y."

This is one of the most universally beloved primers on the market. It's been mentioned by countless publications including Rank and Style, Allure, and Byrdie, and has more than 6,800 reviews and a 4.4 rating on the platform Influenster and 3,900+ 5-star reviews on Sephora.

Pros: Oil and fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types

Cons: Expensive

Buy Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer at Sephora for $54

The best radiant primer

Don't let the intense luminosity scare you off — Becca Backlight Priming Filter gives you a gorgeous, natural glow that shines through foundation.

I don't know what kind of fairy dust they're working with at Becca Cosmetics HQ but these people know about glow.

The Becca Backlight Priming Filter is the first primer I ever wanted to write poetry about. It makes my complexion look healthy and bright, whether worn alone or under foundation or tinted moisturizer. Unlike with some of our other picks though, this one didn't extend my foundation wear-time.

I tend to gravitate toward this primer in the winter when my skin is feeling dull or on occasions when I'm wearing fuller coverage foundation. Just one pump blurs imperfections and imparts the most natural champagne-colored luminosity to the skin. 

The radiance comes from Filtering Luminescent Pearls that diffuse light and add subtle shimmer — not glitter. The formula also contains nourishing vitamin E.

With a 4.2 star rating on Sephora based on 1,300+ reviews, this is a fan-favorite primer that has been featured on Best Products, Cosmopolitan UK, Vogue UK, and Women's Health, among other publications.

Pros: Beautiful natural glow, can be worn alone or with foundation, cruelty-free, paraben-free

Cons: Has a strong scent, doesn't extend foundation wear-time

Buy Becca Backlight Priming Filter at Sephora for $39

The best moisturizing primer

Quench your thirst with the hydrating, coconut water-infused Too Faced Hangover Rx Replenishing Face Primer.

Dry patches and overall dehydration are the bane of anyone's existence. Enter Too Faced Hangover Rx Replenishing Face Primer— a super-light moisturizing primer that plumps skin and keeps makeup looking fresh all day.

I reach for this when I'm doing my makeup several hours after applying skin-care products to give my skin an extra shot of moisture. If you have dry skin, you'll probably want to use it on the daily. It's hydrating without being greasy, so you can use it under matte base products without disrupting the finish, though people with oily skin might prefer our mattifying pick more.

Another plus is the travel-friendly packaging. The primer is housed in a flexible tube with a pump on the end. The design prevents spillage in transit and also makes it very difficult to accidentally dispense too much, thus cutting down on waste. The cruelty- and silicone-free formula is packed with coconut water and probiotics to keep your complexion happy.

"New favorite face primer!" writes one Sephora reviewer. "It is the smoothest thing I have ever put on my skin, feels amazing. It is super hydrating and my makeup goes on beautifully and prolongs it so well!" Still not convinced? There are nearly 3,000 other reviews and mentions in Women's Health, Cosmopolitan UK, Women's World, and Best Products.  

Pros: Moisturizing, silicone- and cruelty-free, travel-friendly pump packaging

Cons: Strong coconut scent, not ideal for oily skin

Buy the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer at Sephora for $34

The best blurring primer

The Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Blur Primer instantly blurs skin for an almost-airbrushed look and provides a smooth base for makeup.

This is YSL's iconic Touch Éclat in primer form — it gives your complexion a wonderful glow, is versatile to use anywhere on your face, and makes your skin look airbrushed and primed for makeup.

The gel-like formula is made with four oils — corn, apricot, passfloria, and rice bran — to hydrate, mattify, and blur out the appearance of large pores. There are also tiny flecks of golden shimmer for a nice radiance. I didn't find that they made my face look glittery, it's almost like I applied highlighter over my entire face. 

To use, you just pump a tiny bit of primer from the bottle (because a little goes a long way, and because this bottle is expensive) and smooth it all over your face. The instructions say to let it set on your skin for 10 seconds before applying base makeup, and both I and reviewers suggest following it closely otherwise the foundation won't go on as smooth. 

The Touche Éclat Blur Primer holds a 4.4 out of 5 stars on Sephora with more almost 2,000 reviews, and an even higher 4.6 rating with more than 1,300 reviews on Influenster. — Jada Wong

Buy the Yves Saint Laurent Éclat Blur Primer at Sephora for $54

The best solid primer

The Milk Makeup Blur Stick is a unique solid primer that minimizes the appearance of pores and mattifies the complexion.

If you want a heavy-duty primer but in solid form for portability, look no further than the Milk Makeup Blur Stick. As the name suggests, it blurs pores and imperfections. The solid formula allows for targeted application, so you can place it only where you need it, sort've like a giant glue stick.

I like to use the Milk Makeup Blur Stick on the oily parts of my T-zone and apply a different primer on my drier, rosacea-prone cheeks. The travel-friendly packaging makes it easy to bring on the go for touch-ups — you can even tap it on top of makeup to absorb oil if you get shiny throughout the day.

I love how easy this is to swipe on quickly without making a mess. The instructions recommend warming the product on the back of your hand before you apply to the skin, and I second that because otherwise the product tugs on your skin if you apply directly from the stick.

Like with most Milk products, The Blur Stick is free of silicone, oil, talc, and animal cruelty, and it's also vegan.

Though the Blur Stick sounded gimmicky at first, I was really impressed with the skin-smoothing results. The Sephora reviews are somewhat mixed, resulting in a 3.5-star rating from more than 2,000 reviews, but many shoppers rave about the effects.

"It's not a primer that you can feel is there like others (probably because it's silicone free) but it does keep my makeup in place.," writes one reviewer.

As far as professional reviews go, the Blur Stick has been recommended by editors at Glamour, Fashionista, and Nylon.  

Pros: Vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, oil-free, portable, non-liquid

Cons: Needs to warm up before applying smoothly

Buy the Milk Makeup Blur Stick at Sephora for $36

• I tried three popular makeup removers to try and find the best ones.
• I rated them on effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and price.
• The winner was Aveeno.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

If you wear makeup with any regularity, then you've probably heard that it's a wise idea to take it off before going to bed. Doing so can help prevent your skin from becoming congested and clogged. Although I wholeheartedly agree it's a great idea, I must admit that I'm not as diligent as I should be about removing my makeup at night. I knew I needed to correct the problem at hand by finding inexpensive and easy-to-use makeup remover wipes.

On a quest to find out which makeup remover wipe outdid the competition, I sampled three different name brands as a part of INSIDER's test series. We've put other similar beauty products to the test like this $75 eye makeup kit and the Subtl Beauty makeup stack.

I purchased the wipes from Target.com and spent less than $6 for each pack of makeup remover wipes

However, the prices may vary depending on where you shop. These brands are available at other popular nationwide retailers like CVS and Walmart. Here's what I tried:

• Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cleansing Makeup Removing Wipes (25 count), $5.99
• Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes, Unscented (25 count), $4.79
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and Face Wipes (25 count), $4.99

I wore a full face of makeup to test each brand including concealer, foundation, powder, eye shadow, waterproof mascara, and lipstick. Each day, I used a different brand of wipe to remove my makeup. I rated the wipes based on effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and price. Keep reading to see which one is my top pick.

I started with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cleansing Makeup Removing Wipes and they were so soft.

The Aveeno makeup removing wipes caught my eye because of the high ratings. On Target.com, these wipes have 499 total ratings and nearly five overall stars. After using these wipes to remove my makeup, I can totally understand why. The small towelettes are thick and durable. I was able to scrub my makeup off using just one wipe without the product ripping or thinning.

Another perk? The Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cleansing Makeup Removing Wipes left my skin feeling baby soft like I just applied lotion to my face. The one downside to these wipes is the fragrance. At first, it didn't bother me at all, but then, the smell lingered longer than I would've liked. I actually had to wash my face with soap and water because I just wasn't a fan of the smell. While these wipes checked all of the boxes and were easy to use, I don't think I would use them again for this reason, so if you like the smell, these are a great go-to.

The next makeup removal wipes I tested were Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, and they were very similar to Aveeno's makeup wipes.

Overall, I found Neutrogena's makeup wipes to be soft and moist. In fact, the quality and texture are very similar to the Aveeno makeup removal wipes. It only took one of the Neutrogena wipes to remove all of my makeup.

However, the fragrance on these wipes was fairly mild as compared to the Aveeno makeup removal pads. While I didn't have to wash my face after using the Neutrogena wipes, I did notice that my skin appeared a little red and irritated. It's tough to say if this was from wearing makeup all day long or if it was a result of my skin reacting to the ingredients in the wipe. The redness subsided in fewer than 10 minutes.

The final makeup removal product I tested were the Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes, but I had to use more wipes than I planned.

I really wanted to love these wipes. Sadly, the Simple Makeup Remover Wipes were not as soft and thick as the Aveeno and Neutrogena makeup removing towelettes. Although I was wearing the same amount of makeup as I did when I tested the previous two brands, I used twice as many Simple wipes to get all of the makeup off my face. I also had to scrub longer and with more pressure to remove each layer of makeup.

The upside to Simple's Makeup Remover Wipes is that my skin didn't become irritated — just a slight tingle. However, due to the fact that it took several wipes and attempts to get all of the makeup off of my face, I'm not sure I would try them again.

Aveeno's Ultra-Calming Cleansing Makeup Removing Wipes are my winner.

It was the most expensive of the three brands at $5.99 a pack, but I love how soft my skin felt and that it wasn't irritated. I'm not sure if I'd purchase them again, but they were pretty solid all around.

My quest for the perfect makeup remover wipes continues.

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Tea tree oil is the latest acne-fighting ingredient, lauded for the calming and anti-inflammatory effects that help it soothe blemishes.
• Our top pick is The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, a multiuse, vegan oil that can be applied as a spot treatment to diminish breakouts and redness.

With so many ingredients claiming to be "the ultimate acne fighter"it's tough to decide which one is worth the investment. Do you go for a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatment? A glycolic acid toner? All of the above? What's more, acne-fighting ingredients are often sensitizing to those with reactive complexions.

If nothing you've tried has worked, you may want to give tea tree oil a shot. The ingredient has been found to have antiinflammatory effects, which means it can help treat a variety of issues, from inflamed blemishes to dry patches. Marie Claire's senior beauty editor, Chloe Metzger, loves tea tree oil as an acne treatment for her sensitive skin.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil is a safe product to use. "When used topically, tea tree oil is generally safe and might be helpful in treating acne and other superficial skin infections." Side effects are low, but people with eczema should avoid it. While studies have shown the positive effects of tea tree oil, it should be noted that studies are inconclusive.

No ingredient is one-size-fits-all, but if I have you intrigued thus far, check out these five great tea tree oil beauty products. Introducing anything new to your skin care routine is a risk, so before you dive in headfirst, apply on a small area of your skin and keep an eye out for signs of irritation. Or, consult a dermatologist to see if tea tree oil could work for you.

Here are the best tea tree oil beauty products in 2019:

• Best overall: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
• Best face mask: Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask
• Best concealer: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full Coverage Treatment Concealer
• Best shampoo: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
• Best moisturizer: The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

The best overall

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil has a simple formula that works in a variety of ways.

Go back to basics with The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil. The tiny jade-colored bottle houses a tea tree oil-based solution formulated for use on both the face and body.

This is a great pick if you're looking to use concentrated tea tree oil as a spot treatment. When you feel a blemish coming on, you can swab some on as a preventative measure. The brand also suggests adding a few drops to bathwater to make your bath extra relaxing and detoxifying.

Many beauty experts recommend using tea tree oil to target blemishes and areas of redness and inflammation, and a basic multitasking product like this one is ideal. Shoppers are inclined to agree: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil has a 4.4-star rating on Ulta based on more than 350 reviews and the same rating on Influenster based on more than 1,900 reviews.

Glitter Guide's Kara Manos calls it, "An ideal spot treatment that won't irritate your skin," and it's also been featured by InStyle. The formula is 100% vegan and each minuscule bottle contains oil from 15,000 tea tree leaves sustainably sourced from Kenya.

Pros: Can be used as spot treatment or to prevent breakouts, affordable, vegan

Cons: Contains fragrance that may irritate some

Buy The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil from Ulta for $10

The best face mask

The Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask combines hydrating squalane with purifying tea tree oil for a detoxified (but not irritated) complexion.

Anyone with blemish-prone skin has likely tried a drugstore's worth of face masks that describe themselves as "detoxifying." Many of them are ineffective, overly drying, or some combination of both. Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask is none of those things.

The product is a combination of squalane (the oil Biossance puts in all its products to make them hydrating without being greasy), tea tree oil, and French green clay. Together, these ingredients combine to unclog, soothe, and moisturize congested skin. Since I have sensitive skin, I apply products like this only to the areas where I tend to break out or experience oiliness, like my nose, T-zone, and chin.

If you're less reactive or more prone to breaking out all over, you can use it on your entire face without much risk of stripping the skin. You can even apply as a spot treatment on your worst blemishes for more immediate results.

For a relatively new product, this mask has already garnered plenty of buzz: There are currently more than 200 customer ratings on Sephora's website, with an average of 4.4 stars. Best Products loves how it "purifies and calms the skin."

Pros: Non-drying clay mask, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, squeeze-tube packaging

Cons: Expensive

Buy the Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Detox Mask at Sephora for $39

The best concealer

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer fights blemishes while concealing them, thanks to the tea tree oil in the formula.

I usually side-eye makeup that tries to double as skin care. Chances are, you aren't applying enough foundation or eyeshadow to get the full benefits of the SPF, moisturizer, or anti-aging ingredients found in the formula.

But the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer is an exception. It contains tea tree oil to target blemishes while you cover them up, described by the brand as "drying lotion and concealer in one." In addition to acting as a full-coverage concealer, the product fights breakouts with an effective cocktail of tea tree oil, kaolin clay, witch hazel, and AHA/BHA chemical exfoliants.

 The Cut's Ashley Weatherford writes, "Most acne makeup is terrible [but] It Cosmetics' Bye Bye Breakout concealer is remarkably different."Byrdie, Refinery29, and Bustle also give the product high marks. The downside to this concealer is that it only comes in seven shades, most of which lean on the lighter side. Hopefully, the brand will expand its range in the future.

One Ulta customer writes, "Hands down the best concealer and treatment, and super easy/convenient to use. I will carry one in my purse and keep one at home. A little pricey but well worth the splurge!"

Pros: Concealer and spot treatment in one, easy to apply

Cons: Doe-foot applicator isn't the most sanitary, only seven shades

Buy IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer from Ulta for $28

The best shampoo

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo soothes irritated and flakey scalps while leaving hair shiny and clean.

I tend to avoid "real" shampoo because I have curly hair that is easily dried out by many formulas. But every once in a while my scalp gets really itchy, which is when I reach for Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo.

A soothing cocktail of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender come together to calm the scalp and leave hair shiny, smooth, and smelling great. Plus, it's like a shot of coffee to the head on sleepy mornings: "The refreshing tingle wakes up weary hair and spirits," reads the product description.

This is a downright cult favorite as far as shampoos are concerned, with a 4.6-star rating at Ulta based on nearly 800 reviews, and a 4.6-star rating on Influenster based on more than 2,500 reviews. Best Products editor Ashley Phillips is also a big fan, calling the product "a reliable option when you need an extra-deep clean."

A shopper wrote on Ulta's website, "I have had intense dry and itchy scalp since I was little and this has cleared it up better than anything I've ever tried! it smells absolutely amazing and leaves my scalp refreshed and feeling light and way less tight!"

There's also a more hydrating lavender mint version that Best Products and Total Beauty recommend.

Pros: Good for itchy and flaky scalp, great scent, relatively affordable

Cons: May leave a burning sensation for some

Buy Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo from Ulta for $14

The best moisturizer

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion is a miracle for oily skin — a non-greasy moisturizer that hydrates while controlling shine.

If your face tends to resemble an oil slick by the end of the day, check out The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion. It utilizes Community Trade Tea Tree Oil from Kenya in a moisturizing base to hydrate your skin without the grease.

As the name suggests, you'll look matte all day, instead of shiny. This is a great pick for summertime or to use as a primer underneath makeup, especially if your oily T-zone tends to break up your foundation.

Best Reviews named it one of the best face creams with tea tree oil due to the "lightweight consistency," though the reviewer points out that some may find the strong scent unappealing, which can be said for many tea tree oil products.

This product is an Amazon's Choice pick with a 3.7 rating based on 424 customer reviews. 

"I have oily and acne prone skin and most moisturizers only give me more of both. With this, I'm confident that it's not going to cause more breakouts. What's most amazing to me, is that I can apply it to oily skin and it 'takes away' the shine rather than adding it," writes one Amazon shopper.

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, can be worn during daytime, vegan

Cons: Strong scent, not hydrating enough for dry skin

Buy The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion on Amazon for $12.49

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Eyeliner doesn't have to be intimidating.
• With a good eyeliner and a little practice, you can get the perfect cat eye or any liner look you want.
• The 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil from Urban Decay is our top pick for best eyeliner overall because it glides on smoothly to create many different looks and stays on for up to 24 hours. 

Eyeliner is definitely a if-I-have-time beauty item, but man, does it makes a big impact when I use it.

While eyeshadow and mascara can draw attention to and open up your eyes, eyeliner defines their actual shape and helps make deep-set or small eyes look a little bit larger — at least, when wielded correctly.

Since there are so many eyeliners out there, we decided to make your shopping a little bit easier by rounding up the best choices in several different categories. So whether you like your liner subtle and natural, in which case, a traditional pencil is your best choice, or dramatic and winged out — reach for liquid or gel — you'll definitely start making time in the morning to use any of these picks.

Here are our picks for the best eyeliner in 2019:

• Best eyeliner overall: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
• Best swivel-up eyeliner pencil: Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
• Best liquid eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
• Best gel eyeliner: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner
• Best drugstore eyeliner: NYX Slim Eye Pencil

Updated on 5/30/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated formatting and prices.

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best eyelash curlers you can buy

The best eyeliner overall

The Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil glides on without tugging, sticks around without smearing, and has a huge range of both wearable and fun colors. 

Want a subtle, slightly smudged line? You got it. Want a winged cateye that won't smear or smudge? No problem. Want an eyeliner pencil in every color under the rainbow? Then you'll love Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. The only difficulty is going to be choosing your favorite one out of the 45 shades.

Urban Decay is known for trendy, high-quality makeup with tons of pigment and unconventional names. You'll find a shimmery copper pencil called Smog, a matte gray pencil called Desperation, and a shimmery purple pencil called Vice, to name just a few. But the names are part of the fun with this premium brand.

The 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is waterproof, so it stays in place even through the saddest movie or the happiest wedding. But it doesn't tug on lids or set in with a dry feeling. In fact, half of the ingredients are moisturizing for a creamy, soft feeling on your lids.

Once applied, you have around 30 seconds to gently smudge the line, if desired. After that, the color is set until you take it off.

More than 10,000 of the 15,300+ reviews on Sephoragive it five stars — that's a lot of satisfied buyers. Happy customers praise the vibrant colors, smudge-free performance, and ease of gliding the pencil around the eyes.

Pros: Huge choice of colors and finishes, won't smudge, gentle on delicate skin, easy to use

Cons: Not a swivel-up liner, so you'll need a sharpener to keep the point honed

Buy the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil at Sephora for $22 (originally $20)

The best eyeliner pencil that swivels up

With the Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, you'll always have a freshly sharpened point, making it easy to draw a precise line. 

If you don't want to be bothered with a separate sharpener for your eyeliner pencils, you'll appreciate the convenience of Sephora's Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil.

As the name suggests, this liner sticks around until you take it off, but that doesn't mean it's difficult to use or that it will tug on your skin as you apply. It glides on smoothly and blends out easily with the built-in smudge tip if you want a smoky look. But once set, the liner stays in place without running or smearing.

There are more than 6,000 reviews of this popular eyeliner pencil on Sephora, where the product holds a 4.3-star average out of 5. One pleased shopper summed up the words of many with her comment, "I have been using this eyeliner for years. Easy application, long lasting, no smudge. Simple and efficient!"

There are 19 colors to choose from including a few fun brights. Most are slightly shimmery, but there are some matte choices, including black.

Pros: Self-sharpening, has a built-in smudger, nice colors, waterproof formula

Cons: Most of the colors are shimmery, so if that's not your thing, your selection will be limited

Buy the Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil on Sephora for $12

The best liquid eyeliner

If you love the drama of cateye liner, you'll love how easy it is to achieve with Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

Liquid eyeliner has a learning curve — there's no getting around it.

While it creates the most dramatic lines out of all the other formulas, it's also the easiest type mess up whether you apply unevenly, layer on too heavily, or smudge by accident. Stila's liquid eyeliner makes it a little easier, however, with its convenient design.

Much like a felt-tip marker, it's fairly easy to draw a line as thin or as thick as you want, and if you want a little flare, the marker makes it easy to achieve a cateye wing. The waterproof formula dries quickly, and won't smudge or smear once set. Stila's eyeliner is our top pick in our guide to the best liquid eyeliners too.

There are more than 6,100 reviews of the eyeliner on Ulta, and 90% of those reviewers said they'd recommend the product to a friend. Many buyers commented on how easy it was to apply the eyeliner and how long it lasted without running. On the downside, some did mention that it isn't easy to remove — which actually is a testament to the liner's staying power.

There are 11 colors to choose from, including black, dark blue, deep green, and several shades of brown. There's even an icy white shade for the daring. 

Pros: Pen-like design makes it fairly easy to use for a liquid eyeliner

Cons: Not a huge color selection, may be difficult to remove

Buy the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner on Ulta for $22

The best gel eyeliner

The Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner goes on with the drama of a liquid and the ease of a pencil. 

If you crave the dramatic look of liquid eyeliner, but despair of ever mastering the small brush or marker format, you'll love the ease of applying Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner. It's shaped like a traditional pencil liner and goes on just as easily.

The lux gel glides on smoothly, so you won't feel any tug or pull around your eyes. It goes on with a strong line, but if you want to soften it, go ahead and smudge it quickly. Once it dries, it's set until you take it off. The formula contains skin-soothing ingredients, including vitamin E and rosehip oil, so it nourishes your eyelids as you wear it.

This is one of the most popular gel eyeliners on Sephora, where it has more than 3,600 5-star reviews and an average of 4.3 stars out of 5. A few shoppers did complain that the eyeliner didn't last as long as they'd expected and that it was difficult to apply neatly. But for the most part, buyers love the way it doesn't run or smear once set and that it's easy to apply. They're also impressed with the 40-shade lineup, and the array of natural and bold looks they can create. 

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner comes in shimmer, matte, satin, and glitter finishes in a ton of colors ranging from neutral black and brown to lilac, hot pink, and bright blue.

Pros: Amazing color selection, easy to apply, easy to create bold looks

Cons: Might not last as long as expected, expensive for an eyeliner

Buy the Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner at Sephora for $25

The best affordable drugstore eyeliner

You don't have to break your budget to buy a great eyeliner when you can get the Slim Eye Pencil from NYX for less than $5.

Just because an eyeliner doesn't cost much doesn't mean it's not a great product.

Case in point: NYX Slim Eye Pencil.

This basic eyeliner goes on smoothly and contains coconut oil to help moisturize your lids. While it's not waterproof, it does stay in place quite well, and you can achieve a wide range of eye looks depending on your preference.

With more than 1,800 reviews and an average of 4.0 stars on Ulta, this is undoubtedly a popular eyeliner. Buyers commented that the pencil was easy to use and goes on smooth, easy to blend out for great daytime and nighttime looks, and easy to remove at the end of the night.

On the downside, some reviewers did feel the pencil didn't last long enough or smudged too easily, and some said the color faded as the day went on. But, in general, how long the pigment stays on your skin is made up of factors like your skin's oil levels, if you rub your eyes, and more so the wear-time is always subjective. 

There are 24 colors of NYX Slim Eye Pencil to choose from including white, teal, baby blue, taupe, and seafoam green. 

Pros: Great price, many colors, smooth application

Cons: Might smudge or fade for some

Buy the NYX Slim Eye Pencil at Ulta for $4.50 (originally $3.99)

Check out our other great makeup buying guides

The best mascara you can buy

If there's one thing many women never leave home without, it's mascara. It makes your eyes pop and brightens up your face in an instant. We tested dozens of mascaras to find the best, and Chanel Le Volume Mascara is our top choice because it delivers long, lush lashes that last all day. 

Here are the best mascaras you can buy in 2019:

• Best overall: Chanel Le Volume Mascara
• Best drugstore brand: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara
• Best volumizing: Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
• Best lengthening: Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
• Best curling: Benefit Roller Lash Super-Curling and Lifting Mascara
• Best waterproof: Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara
• Best fiber formula:L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara 

The best long-lasting lipsticks you can buy

One of the major grievances I have with lipstick is that you apply it only to find your lips are bare the next time you look in the mirror. The solution is to amp up your beauty arsenal with a long-lasting lipstick that will stay put all day or night long.

In this guide, you'll find everything from cult favorites to drugstore steals. For luscious lips that last all day, read on in the slides below to discover our top picks.  

Here are the best long-lasting lipsticks you can buy:

• Best long-lasting lipstick overall: Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick
• Best long-lasting lipstick to splurge on: Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani
• Best long-lasting lipstick on a budget: Maybelline Super Stay Matte Liquid Lipstick
• Best all-natural long-lasting lipstick:Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick
• Best long-lasting lipstick with a satin finish: Mac Liptensity Lipstick

The best blush you can buy for any skin tone

Blush can add some color to your cheeks no matter your skin tone. These are the best blushes we've tried.

The right blush can help bring an entire makeup look together, wake up your face on tired mornings, or reinstate some life on your cheeks after you've blotted out your natural color with foundation.

Here are the best blushes you can buy:

• Best blush overall: Glossier Cloud Paint
• Best powder blush: BECCA Mineral Blush
• Best multitasking blush: Bite Multistick
• Best glowy blush: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush
• Best drugstore blush:L'Oréal True Match Super Blendable Blush

• On Wednesday, beautyYouTuber Jeffree Star sent out a tweet asking fans if they'd like to receive free makeup from his brand, Jeffree Star Cosmetics.
• Fans began to share photos of their best makeup looks alongside the hashtag "JeffreeStarPRList," which quickly began to trend on Twitter.
• Star is still responding to fans on Thursday, and has so far promised to send free products to 12 people.
• This isn't the first time Star has shared makeup from his brand. He previously sent makeup to a 40-year-old artist who asked brands to start "accepting older women."
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

In addition to being a YouTuber and musician, Jeffree Star is also the founder of Jeffree Star Cosmetics, a makeup brand that was recently named the second most popular beauty website, according to Women's Wear Daily.

If you've ever wanted to try a product from the brand, now is your chance.

On Wednesday, Star began a giveaway in which he's choosing people to receive packages full of free makeup from Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

The giveaway began after on Twitter after a user shared a photo of a box they seemingly received from Star, which was full of new lip glosses. Star then responded, saying "Love you too!! Who else should I add to the #JeffreeStarCosmetics PR list???"

Tweets quickly began pouring in, and the hashtag "JeffreeStarPRList" trended. Over the course of the night, Star had added eight people to his list.

The giveaway continued Thursday morning, and Star proceeded to promise another four people with free makeup.

Read more: YouTuber Jeffree Star gave a tour inside his giant closet filled with thousands of dollars' worth of Birkin bags

Some fans, however, acknowledged the vast number of tweets being sent to Star, and made light of the low odds they faced.

This isn't the first time Star has given away free makeup. On May 12, the makeup mogul offered to send beauty packages to a 40-year-old cosmetologist who urged makeup brands to start "accepting older women."

While it's unclear how many more people, if any, Star will add to his list, it seems the makeup mogul is rewarding some of his fans by treating those who have shared photos of their standout makeup looks.

Representatives for Jeffree Star did not immediately reply to INSIDER's request for comment.

• Read more:
• A woman says her $18 liquid lipstick held up after getting into a car accident, and people are loving her unconventional makeup review
• YouTube influencer Jeffree Star says his stolen makeup was being sold at Burlington stores after burglars ransacked $2.5 million worth of beauty products from his warehouse
• Watch makeup artist Jeffree Star try the new Kit Kat-inspired eye-shadow palette that comes with an actual chocolate bar
• James Charles, Tati Westbrook, and Jeffree Star seem to have put an end to their fierce public feud

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: 14 details in 'Game of Thrones' season 8 episode 4 you may have missed

Insider Pickswrites about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• With bronzer, getting a sun-kissed glow can be easier — and safer — than sunbathing for hours. 
• There are a ton of formulas and finishes, but instead of having you try them out yourself, we did all the hard work for you.
• For the ultimate sun-kissed glow, Becca's Sunlit Bronzers are our top pick for their creamy powder formula and blendability.

Whether you have fair skin like me and want a radiant, sun-kissed color all year round, or you're trying to maintain a post-vacation glow, bronzer should be a must-have product in your makeup arsenal.

But before we even get to the products themselves, application is key.Use a big, fluffy brush to sweep bronzer almost like you're writing the number 3, starting from your temples, going under cheekbones, and finishing along the jawline. You can also use what's left over on the brush across your nose and chin, and make sure you blend it out to your ears and neck too. Less is definitely more so don't cake product onto the brush, but build up the color instead.

Bronzing powders with a matte finish are ideal in the winter months and can also be used as a contour powder, while bronzers with a shimmer are great in the summer to maintain a glow or to give you some sparkle for a night out.

There are a lot of bronzers out there but some can be too shimmery or sparkly, others might make you look like an Oompa Loompa or even like you've just done Tough Mudder. That's why we've gone through hundreds of expert and buyer reviews to find the best bronzers, and then tried and tested them for ourselves to see if they live up to the hype. 

Here are the best bronzers in 2019:

• The best bronzer overall: Becca Sunlit Bronzer
• The best bronzer for fair skin: Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder
• The best bronzer for medium and deep skin: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzing Powder
• The best bronzer under $10: Milani Baked Bronzer
• The best all-natural bronzer you can buy: W3LL People Bio Bronzer
• The best liquid bronzer you can buy: Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops

Updated 5/30/19 by Jada Wong: Updated copy, formatting, prices, links, added Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzing Powder as our best bronzer for medium and deep skin, and swapped our best gel bronzer pick as it was discontinued for Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops as our pick for best liquid bronzer.

SEE ALSO: The best natural makeup you can buy

The best bronzer overall

For a fabulous year-round faux glow no matter your skin tone, Becca's Sunlit Bronzers are the best you can buy.

The Becca Sunlit Bronzers are my favorite. Available in five shades for a variety of skin tones, they deliver the perfect natural, luminous glow.

There are five colors to compliment any skin tone. The colors range from Bali Sands, a soft golden beige for fair skin tones, to Maui Nights, a rich sienna shade for deep skin tones. Bali Sands was amazing on my fair skin and made my complexion look radiant and healthy.

Becca's range of matte bronzers come in a creamy powder formula with a hint of luminosity. The bronzers give your skin a healthy-looking, gorgeous glow without adding too much shimmer. The powder is buildable, too, so you can go from a hint of color to just-stepped-off-the-beach bronze.

Don't just take our word for it. Allure and Byrdie recommend the Becca Sunlit Bronzers and buyers on Ulta give the range glowing reviews — no pun intended.

Pros: Variety of shades to suit all skin tones, compact is easy to carry in your bag

Cons: Fairly expensive

Buy Becca Sunlit Bronzers from Ulta for $38

The best bronzer for fair skin

If you have fair skin like me but want a healthy, natural glow year round, Laura Mercier's Matte Radiance Baked Powder should be your go-to bronzer.

If, like me, you have pale and pasty skin but love a bit of color year round, the right bronzer can give you a natural-looking, healthy glow. But it can be hard to find a bronzer that doesn't make you look orange. It's ideal to go for lighter shades like peach, warm beige, or honey hues. You should avoid bronzers that have red or brown tones because it'll look comically deep and unnatural. 

Laura Mercier's Matte Radiance Baked Powder is my favorite bronzer for light skin. It gives you a subtle, natural, and radiant glow. I use Bronze 02, but it comes in two other shades, one lighter and one deeper. It's great in winter months too, as it has a matte finish.

Baked powders differ from pressed powders as they are actually creams that have been baked until they're dry. This gives them a soft, velvety texture and luminous finish.

The lightweight formula is easy to apply, delivers a flawless, no-makeup look, and glides on evenly without streaking. Unlike many other bronzers, Laura Mercier's last for up to eight hours, but they don't feel heavy on your skin.

Ingredients include vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant, and jojoba oil to moisturize and soften the skin. This bronzer is also the perfect handbag size.

As well as being popular with makeup artists and beauty bloggers, the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powderis highly rated by InStyle and Rank and Style. It gets top marks from Sephora buyers too.

Pros: Natural look, good for sensitive skin, non-dusty, non-drying, lasts for up to eight hours

Cons: Pricey

Buy Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder from Sephora for $42

The best bronzer for medium and deep skin

For medium and deep skin tones, Benefit's Hoola Matte Bronzing Powder offers new shades that flatter, contour, and add depth.

Eighteen years after Benefit debuted the original Hoola bronzer powder, it's still an iconic and best-selling item. Three more shades of the bronzer have launched since then, two of which are great for medium and deep skin tones. 

People with medium and deep skin tones usually have issues finding a bronzer that actually shows up on their skin — and looks natural too. But Hoola Matte Bronzing Powder in Caramel and Toasted have been well-reviewed by shoppers and beauty editors for its blendability, versatility to double as contouring powder, intense color payoff that you can actually see on skin, and just that all-around "finally!" moment.

Several editors at Refinery29 praised the two deeper shades, with one editor who tried Caramel saying, "When Benefit announced it was creating darker shades of Hoola, my immediate reaction was: 'OMG, it's happening.' As a makeup lover, I've always heard about the greatness of this product, but when I applied the original, the shade disappeared like a setting powder. But as soon as I swiped Caramel on my hand, I knew my time had come (Alexa, play Etta James' "At Last")."

Another editor who tried the shade Toasted said, "I've known about the Hoola bronzer for years, but never tried it because — well, the original shade looked more like a setting powder for me than a bronzer. And when I saw this Toasted shade in the box, I thought it would be too red on my skin (my expectations were rather low, I admit), but the color is just the right shade to give depth to my cheeks." 

The bronzer holds a 4.6-star rating on Influenster with 36,000+ reviews, and a 4.6 again on Ulta with more than 1,300 reviews. Most reviews on both sites are for the Original shade but recent reviews tout the new shades, with one Ulta shopper saying, "For reference, I'm about NC45 in MAC and 420 in Fenty and I find that the color Toasted looks very nice on my skin. It's the perfect shade to give my face some warmth and add some dimension."— Jada Wong

Pros: Great for medium and deep skin tones, very pigmented, matte finish provides versatility as a contour powder, comes with brush 

Cons: Included brush isn't the best

Buy the Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzing Powder at Ulta for $30 

The best bronzer under $10

For a natural, streak-free golden glow at a very affordable price, Milani's Baked Bronzers are our top pick.

You don't need to splurge to get a gorgeous, glowing complexion. In fact, we were amazed that Milani's Baked Bronzers deliver such great results for less than $10.

Milani Baked Bronzers come in three shades including Dolce, a light natural bronze that has more of a matte finish and is ideal for fairer skin, and Glow, a terracotta-toned bronze with gold shimmer suited for medium to deeper skin tones.

These bronzers are easy to apply and you only need a use a small amount for a beautifully radiant glow. Dolce looked great on my pale skin. The two other bronzers have quite a bit of shimmer, which makes them better for summer or a night out.

It's not just us who love this drugstore bronzer. As well as being highly rated by Total Beauty, Rank and Style, and Allure, Target buyers love it too. However, a few buyers reported that the color looked orange-y on their skin tone, which can happen if you're fair and use a bronzer with red or brown tones.

Pros: Great price, long lasting, includes a mirror and brush, vegan, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and sulfate-free

Cons: Some might find the two deepest colors too shimmery

Buy Milani Baked Bronzer from Ulta for $8.99

The best all-natural bronzer

For an all-natural, sun-kissed glow without a single ray of sunshine, the Bio Bronzer from W3LL People is your best bet.

I love W3LL People's products and this mineral-based loose powder bronzer is no exception. It delivers a gorgeous, radiant glow without any toxic ingredients. It's free of artificial preservatives, parabens, chemicals, dyes, fragrance, silicone, dimethicone, phthalates, sulfates, petroleum, and talc. The bronzer contains organic aloe, chamomile, and green tea to soothe and protect your skin.

The W3LL People Bio Bronzer is designed to warm the complexion, even out and balance the skin tone, and correct excess redness. Don't be put off by its cocoa color, the natural tan shade flatters a variety of skin tones from light to medium-dark and looked amazing on my fair skin. As it's a loose powder, you only need to use a small amount to give you a truly natural, healthy-looking complexion that lasts all day long.

Not only do we think this is a great bronzer, it's an Allure Best of Beauty Winner and is highly rated by Bare Beauty and most Birchbox buyers.

Pros: Free from artificial preservatives, parabens, sulphates, talc, fragrance, and phthalates, universal shade suits most skin tones, a little goes a long way

Cons: Can be messy

Buy W3LL People Bio Bronzer from Birchbox for $21.99 (originally) $16.99)

The best liquid bronzer you can buy

If you want to mix your bronzer with your foundation or base makeup for a seamless all-over glow, try the Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops.

Sometimes, no matter how well you blend out your bronzer, you might still find that it can look patchy or uneven. It could be the brush you're using, the base makeup you're wearing, any dry skin you might have — and it's just too much to think about when all you want is to just glow like the sun. That's when these Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops come in.

True to its name, this is a liquid formula that you add to your existing base makeup or even facial moisturizer to take the look from 0 to 100. This makes it look more seamless and natural, and saves you the additional step of blending.

The shade Candlelight is a really nice warm and shimmery bronzer that you can use all over when mixed in with your moisturizer or foundation, or in the 3 technique we mentioned earlier. Either way, it'll give you the healthy sun-kissed glow you've been waiting for. 

At $42 for a small half-ounce jar, it can definitely seem expensive but instructions and shoppers on Sephora say you really just need one or two drops with each use. It has a 4.4 out of 5 stars on Sephora with more than 1,500 reviews. Some shoppers were disappointed by the lack of shimmer effect they saw after they applied the product, while others were blown away by the multi-faceted effect. I'd definitely say that it's subjective based on how much or little you use and your own skin tone, but it's hard to argue the efficacy of these drops when more than 1,100 Sephora shoppers rate it 5 stars. — Jada Wong 

Pros: Great for many skin tones, can be blended into base makeup for an all-over glow or used on top 

Cons: Expensive, shimmer levels might not be what you'd expect 

Buy the Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops at Sephora for $42 

Insider Pickswrites about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• If you want your makeup to last longer and look exactly the same hours after you applied it, you need to invest in a good makeup setting spray.
• Our top pick is the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray because it's weightless and will help your makeup last for up to 16 hours.

We've all had those days where we've left the house with our makeup looking flawless only to notice by lunchtime that our foundation or eyeshadow has started to smudge or fade.

Thankfully, a makeup setting spray is the perfect solution to this problem. Much like hairspray, a setting spray is applied at the end of your beauty routine to lock in the makeup and help it last longer.

But unlike setting powders that just protect makeup like foundation, blush, and concealer, a setting spray can be applied to your entire face to help keep eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick from smudging, caking, creasing, and settling into fine lines.

Not only will the right setting spray help keep your makeup in place, but it can also help improve the look and health of your skin. Some feature ingredients that help brighten and hydrate skin, while others help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and boost your skin's elasticity.

Like most makeup products, the number of setting sprays on the market can be overwhelming. So we did the research to find the best options available. Whether you're looking for a setting spray that works best for your skin type or one that features SPF, your makeup will look great all day and night long with any of these picks.

Here are the best makeup setting sprays you can buy in 2019:

• Best makeup setting spray overall: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
• Best makeup setting spray for oily skin: NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray
• Best makeup setting spray for dry skin: Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray
• Best clean makeup setting spray: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
• Best makeup setting spray with SPF: Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30

Updated on 5/31/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated copy, pricing, links, swapped in Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist as our best clean makeup setting spray and Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 as our best makeup setting spray with SPF pick as the original products were discontinued.

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best makeup setting spray overall

The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray is a cult-favorite setting spray because it keeps makeup looking freshly applied all day.

The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray has been one of the most popular makeup setting sprays for years. Not only does it keep your makeup in place for up to 16 hours, but it can also make your skin look smoother. Plus, it works on all skin types and prevents makeup from cracking, fading, or settling into fine lines.

Unlike other setting sprays that can feel sticky when first applied, this spray goes on as a microfine mist that you will barely feel. It's made with a patented technology that actually lowers the temperature in your makeup to help keep it in place even in hot, humid, or windy conditions.

The setting spray is an Allure Best of Beauty winner and has been recommended by both InStyle and Elle magazines. It has more than 460,000 likes on Sephora with more than 9,100 reviewers giving it a 4.4-star average rating.

One Sephora shopper wrote, "I love wearing makeup but have always had a problem with it fading and/or smudging (especially eyeliner). I've tried probably everything on the market to prevent this. This spray is unbelievable. I can put on my makeup at 6:00 AM before work and when I get home after 7, it still looks perfect — hasn't smudged or faded at all! SO happy to have finally found a product that works for me!"

The spray may be on the pricier side, but it comes in a mini size as well so you can test it before splurging on the standard-size bottle.

Pros: Fine lightweight mist, helps keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours, helps make skin look smoother, works on all skin types and in all climates

Cons: Pricey

Buy the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray at Sephora for $32

The best makeup setting spray for oily skin

If oily skin makes your makeup melt or run, try the NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray.

The NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray helps your makeup last all day and night. If you have oily skin, you'll no longer have to worry about looking shiny, as the spray will leave your makeup with a gorgeous matte finish.

Fans of the product say that not only does it keep their makeup in place for hours, but the matte setting spray also stops excess oil from breaking through. Multiple reviewers said they'd normally have to use blotting papers to remove excess oil by midday but they no longer have to thanks to this handy spray.

The affordable setting spray went viral in 2017 after a shopper named Sofia left a 5-star review on Ulta saying, "I was hit by a car and through the hit itself, the rain, the ambulance ride, and the hours in the hospital my makeup stayed completely intact the entire time. When I was discharged from the hospital I had to take off my makeup and none of it had moved. if this setting spray can survive being hit by a car then that's all the proof I need and I'll definitely be buying it again."

A few shoppers did note that the spray has a strong smell at first but that it wears off after a minute once the spray sets in.

Pros: Keeps makeup in place for hours, prevents excess oil, matte finish, affordable

Cons: Strong smell at first

Buy the NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray at Ulta for $8.50 (originally $8.49)

The best makeup setting spray for dry skin

Looking for a setting spray that hydrates and moisturizes skin? Try the Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray.

The Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray is a multitasking mist that works three ways. It can be used as a primer before putting on makeup, setting spray to lock makeup in place, and refreshing spray whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up.

It's specially formulated with coconut water, aloe leaf juice, and more to smooth, hydrate, and brighten skin, while at the same time helping to promote skin's elasticity and tone.

The setting spray has a 4.5-star rating on Influenster with more than 2,500 reviews, and a 4.3 on Sephora with more than 1,000 reviews. One reviewer wrote, "I have extremely dry skin and this is AMAZING. It hydrates and refreshes and I use it throughout the day. Without it, my makeup usually gets flaky but this fixes the problem. Love this spray and will always get more."

A few people said the spray bottle's spritzer was very powerful and can drench your skin if you spray too close to your face, so they recommend holding the bottle at least six inches away when applying.

Pros: 3-in-1 product, keeps makeup in place for hours, hydrating and refreshing

Cons: Can get drenched if sprayed too close

Buy the Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray on Sephora for $32

The best clean makeup setting spray

Hydrate your skin while keeping makeup from getting dry and cakey with the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist.

If you're looking for a spray that you can use several times a day without messing up your makeup, the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is your new go-to. It's a super-fine mist that you can use before, during, and after makeup application without drenching your face. Like the name implies, the mist makes your skin look dewy and glowy — think of it as a natural highlighter. 

The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist also has a "Clean at Sephora" seal which means it's made without a whole host of questionable ingredients like sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and more. Instead, it's formulated with red algae, hyaluronic acid, green tea, and 20% botanical oils to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 

I won't use this on special occasions like weddings when I need a heavier-duty one like Urban Decay's, but I definitely use this several times a day to keep my makeup from getting dry and cakey. There's nothing worse than seeing that my foundation has cracked around my cheeks like a stock photo of a desert several hours later. 

It's definitely a splurge at $48 a bottle and using it multiple times a day will use up the product faster than others, but it's one of my favorites for the moisture and glow it adds to my everyday look. It holds a 4.5-star rating on Influenster with more than 9,000 reviews and comments all very similar to this one by a major fan, "OMG this product is A-MA-ZING!!!! The mist is super fine and the product is super hydrating and has a dewy finish JUST like their Dewy face cream, which I am OBSESSED with!!!"— Jada Wong

Pros: Clean at Sephora seal, made with clean ingredients, preps skin before makeup, prevents makeup from caking, works on all skin types

Cons: Expensive, strong initial smell 

Buy the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist at Sephora for $48

The best makeup setting spray with SPF

For additional SPF protection that won't ruin your look, try the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30. 

If you're going to be out for a while, work the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 into your routine stat. It has SPF 30 for additional sun protection and dries down to a matte finish — great for summer when I look like a greaseball before I can finish my coffee. 

I use sunscreen daily underneath makeup but forget to reapply on most days, so this one comes in really handy before I head out to grab lunch or on weekends when I'm out and about. After all, you can never really have too much sun protection.

The 1.7 ounce is on the small size considering the $36 price tag (Urban Decay costs $32 for a 4-ounce bottle), but I actually find the size more convenient to carry around in my bag than with other sprays. And since it's meant to be used to set my makeup while offering SPF, I'm only using a spritz or two each time so a bottle can last a few months.

Some shoppers complain of the nozzle getting jammed and not spraying a fine mist but rather an uneven spritz, which is a common issue with many plastic pump sprays. It's happened to me once or twice, but I work around the situation by running the nozzle under warm water before using it. — Jada Wong

Pros: Additional SPF protection, made without oxybenzone, keeps makeup in place for hours, vegan, 70% organic, cruelty-free 

Cons: Nozzle can get clogged, spray might be uneven depending on how close it is used

Buy the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30 at Sephora for $36

Check out our other makeup buying guides

• We tested out eight beauty sponges to find the best one.
• We tested the sponges on how well they blend, texture, and speed.
• The Miss A Paw Paw Wonder Blender comes out on top with an overall great performance and a $1 price tag.

Here's a transcript of the video:

Nico: I'm gonna be testing out not one, not two, but eight beauty sponges to find the absolute best one. Obviously, we all know and love the Beautyblender. It's used by everyone from makeup artists to everyday makeup wearers, but at $20 a sponge, it is a very expensive tool to buy every few months.

Nico: Even though makeup is so subjective and it's all about your own experience, I do have some criteria that I plan on judging these sponges on. Blending is obviously my No. 1 most important thing. It needs to blend well, but I'm also gonna be looking out for the texture of the sponges. I don't want them to be too soft or too firm or soak up a lot of product, and I also wanna make sure that the sponges have a good speed, and by that I mean they blend everything out in a decent amount of time. Since I'm gonna be comparing all these sponges to the Beautyblender, I figured we might as well start with it.

SPONGE #1: Beautyblender, $20

Nico: So the Beautyblender worked great, just as I expected it to. I've never had an issue with blending when it comes to the Beautyblender, and there was no surprise with how well it worked today.

SPONGE #2: L'Oréal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, $7.99

Nico: It grew pretty significantly, so I think that helped do everything a lot quicker, blend everything out faster, and I kind of love how it blended everything out. I feel like I see less product soaked up in this sponge than I saw with my Beautyblender, so I am really impressed with this sponge. I loved it.

SPONGE #3: Morphe Highlight & Contour Beauty Sponge, $8.00

Nico: I tried changing my pressure up to see if it would lighten the sponge beating I was getting, and it just doesn't make me feel any better. I just think the firmness of this sponge is a little much, and because it didn't really expand too much, I did have to spend a little bit more time blending with it.

SPONGE #4: JAPONESQUE Kumadori Beauty Sponge, $9.99

Nico: So, mmm, don't love the Morphe sponge. 'Cause it is firm, I did have to go over certain spots a little bit more, but in the end, I think the overall effect looks great. Everything looks blended and fine. It was pretty fast too. I felt like I didn't have to take too much time to fix the problem areas, so that's a plus.

SPONGE #5: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, $5.99

Nico: This sponge is just, it's not what it used to be. I feel like it soaks up a lot of product. Yeah, it's just not my favorite. It took a while to blend, and I still feel like it's not as well blended as I wanted it to be, so yeah, this one's just, it's not my favorite.

SPONGE #6: Miss A Paw Paw: Super Soft Wonder Blender, $1.55

Nico: I love how much it expands when you get it wet. The texture is so soft. It's not too soft to the point where it's just soaking everything up. It blends everything out beautifully. It was really fast. I just love this sponge. This is a great sponge.

SPONGE #7: Revlon 4-in-1 Blending Sponge, $6.95

Nico: This shape sucks! And it's also making my hand tired. I'm confused. It was a lot harder than I thought it was gonna be. I just don't like the texture. It didn't blend extremely well, and I had to go over so many spots over and over and over again, ugh.

SPONGE #8: EcoTools Total Perfecting Blender, $4.99

Nico: This is just a really good drugstore sponge. I feel like the texture of it is really nice. It blended everything out great 'cause I feel like I still see most of the product on my face. It didn't sheer it out too, too much. So I really like this one too.

We have a winner...

Nico: My top pick for the best all-around beauty sponge is... the Shop Miss A Paw Paw Wonder Blender. Yay!

Interviewer: Why?

Nico: I'll tell ya why. Oh, I'll tell ya why. I have a lot of reasons for picking this sponge as the best one out of all the sponges I tried out today. It just ticked every single box for me. It blends beautifully, it expands to a great size for some speedy, speedy blending, and on top of that, it's really soft and gentle on the face without soaking up every single drop of product. And just the literal icing on the cake is that the sponge is only $1.55.

Nico: For one Beautyblender, you could get about 13 of these Paw Paw Wonder Blenders. I'm going for that. The L'Oréal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender was my very close second to that Paw Paw sponge. Beautyblender did get third place out of all the rest of the sponges, but I feel like at this point, it's a matter of personal preference. The Beautyblender is a great sponge, I'm not saying that it's not, it's just something that I feel like is out of range for a lot of people, and there are so many sponge alternatives on the market now that I don't think you need to pay that if you can't afford to pay that. You could find something that's just as great and blends your makeup just as well with a buck. 

Join the conversation about this story »

• On May 22, Kylie Jenner released the first range of products from her new skin-care brand, Kylie Skin.
• YouTubers are sharing brutally honest reviews of the beauty products.
• Jeffree Star and Shane Dawson described the products as "basic."
• However, other YouTubers like Caroline Hirons and Patrick Starrr said Jenner's skin-care brand worked well and is good for beginners.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Kylie Skin, a new skin-care brand by Kylie Jenner, launched on May 22 with a range of facial products. Nearly every item in the line, including a controversial walnut scrub, sold out in minutes following the launch. But YouTubers don't seem to be holding back their honest opinions about her products.

On Sunday, the beauty mogul Jeffree Star uploaded a video in which he reviewed the Kylie Skin line alongside Shane Dawson. At the start of his video, Star said he was both nervous and excited to try the line.

"I'm a little nervous, because when it comes to reviewing anything Kylie, people think, like, there's past tea — which there is — but like, we don't care about each other," Star said. "There's no, like, real, like, animosity. I just don't really review her stuff anymore on my channel."

Star and Dawson began by reviewing Jenner's $10 makeup-removing wipes, which they both described as "a little dry."

From there, they tried the $24 foaming face wash.

"There is fragrance in here, which I don't like," Star said, adding that skin-care products "really shouldn't have added fragrance because it could be an irritant if you have sensitive skin."

Next, Dawson said the $22 vanilla-milk toner made his skin tingle and turned his face red, while Star said it "did remove a lot of dirt."

To complete their review, Star said the line's $24 moisturizer didn't leave him feeling as moisturized as he'd hoped, and he compared the $20 eye cream to a similar one from the skin-care brand Tatcha.

Dawson also said the $28 vitamin C serum smelled like "dog bacon," though he seemed to like the texture of the product.

Despite their mixed reviews of the products, Dawson and Star said they felt overall that Jenner's skin-care line was "basic."

"I'm going to be honest: Everything to me feels very, like, basic, which is totally fine," Dawson said. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"My face feels basic," Star said, adding, "I don't feel like myself."

Read more:People are criticizing Kylie Jenner for washing her face while seemingly wearing foundation in a video to promote her new skin-care line

Facialist and YouTuber Caroline Hirons also reviewed the full Kylie Skin collection

In her video, Hirons said she wasn't a fan of the makeup-removing wipes (though she did say she doesn't use them at all) and walnut scrub, and criticized Jenner's advertising campaign for the line.

"Not mentioning a dermatologist and trying to make people think that perhaps you could have skin like Kylie just by using this — you've got plenty of time to fix it," Hirons said of Jenner. "Just be a bit more honest in your future videos."

Still, Hirons shared mostly praise for the brand.

"What I think we shouldn't forget is there is potentially a whole demographic of young people, predominately girls, young women, who previously may only have used a face wipe and nicked a bit of their mum's moisturizer," Hirons said. "If this is encouraging them to take care of their skin, then I am fully on board."

Read more:The 2 Kylie Skin products that an expert thinks are worth trying — and the 2 that aren't

One of the most positive reviews of the Kylie Skin line arguably came from makeup artist Patrick Starrr

Starrr reviewed Jenner's products after attending the brand's launch party.

"But that doesn't mean that I'm not going to be honest with you about her new brand," Starrr said in his video.

While testing the products, Starrr said he mostly enjoyed each item, though he said that the foaming facial cleanser was scented too strongly for his preferences and that the packaging for the vanilla-milk toner was "not legible," especially for "a more mature audience."

At the end of his review, Starrr advised his followers to check out Jenner's vitamin C serum, eye cream, and walnut scrub, all of which he said he would purchase.

Starrr's review was met with backlash from some viewers who accused him of not being fully honest. Some said they believe Starrr didn't want to criticize the line in an attempt to stay on Jenner's public-relations list, which would allow him to receive free products from her brand, primarily for reviewing purposes.

"A review from someone who is friends with the owner will NEVER be genuine," one YouTube user wrote. "That's just the way the cookie crumbles."

"I understand it's hard to say anything bad about your friends products but always be honest," another user commented under Starrr's video. "You have a big following and people will actually believe anything you say."

"This review seems so fake," another said. "I feel like he's reaching for good things to say."

Representatives for Jenner, Star, Dawson, Hirons, and Starrr did not immediately reply to INSIDER's requests for comment.

• Read more:
• James Charles went to Kylie Jenner's party for her new skin-care line, even after she unfollowed him during the Tati Westbrook drama
• Jeffree Star is giving away free makeup, and all you have to do is send him a tweet
• YouTuber Jeffree Star gave a tour inside his giant closet filled with thousands of dollars' worth of Birkin bags
• A woman says her $18 liquid lipstick held up after getting into a car accident, and people are loving her unconventional makeup review

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This stunning visualization breaks down all the ingredients in your favorite processed foods

• Beyoncé's makeup artist, Sir John, has teamed up with Luminess Cosmetics to launch a "Lion King"-themed collection. 
• The eight-piece makeup collection features an eye-shadow palette, sculpting palette, two liquid lipsticks, two matte lipsticks, a highlighter, and a lip balm. 
• The collection will be released on June 15. 
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

As soon as we heard there was going to be a"Lion King" remake with photorealistic computer animation, one of the first things we thought about is how beautiful it's sure to look. The colors in the original are gorgeous enough, but with a 2019 spin, they're crisp and bold and vibrant. So it makes perfect sense there would be a"Lion King"-themed makeup line, but we didn't expect it to be this good. That's probably because Beyoncé's ultra-famous makeup artist Sir John is behind the line. (Bey lends her voice to the film as Nala. We cannot wait for it.) He teamed up with Luminess Cosmetics on an eight-piece limited-edition collection that's sure to sell out even before the movie release.

The collection features an eyeshadow palette, sculpting palette, two liquid lipsticks, two bullet lipsticks, highlighter and lip balm, all in brilliant packaging. If you're not familiar with Luminess, it's been around for almost 25 years and started as an airbrush cosmetics line. They've since expanded into a full-service brand. Take a peek at the entire collection, below.

Kingdom Sculpting Palette

Six cool-toned matte sculpting shades.

$42 at Luminess 

Can't Wait to Be Queen Eyeshadow Palette

Twelve high-pigment eyeshadows in matte and shimmer finishes.

$42 at Luminess 

Circle of Life Highlighter

A multi-use, gold-toned face and body highlighter.

$40 at Luminess 

Be Brave Matte Lipstick

A smudge-proof lipstick with a matte, velvety finish.

$24 each at Luminess 

Be Prepared Liquid Lipstick

A long-wearing, full-coverage liquid lipstick.

$24 each at Luminess 

Legacy Tinted Lip Balm

A moisturizing balm with a hint of rosy color.

$24 at Luminess 

The entire Sir John x Luminess collection is available on the Luminess website on June 15. It will also be available on Ulta's website on June 16 and in Ulta stores July 1.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Nxivm founder Keith Raniere began his trial. Here's what happened inside the alleged sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Whether you're serving up high-def contouring for the 'gram or just trying to look amazing on the daily, a good makeup sponge can help. 
• There are a ton of different ones out there, and at different price points too.
• But the original Beauty Blender is our top pick for the best makeup sponge because it delivers a flawless finish. At $20, it's pricey but definitely a worthwhile investment.

Since I first started wearing makeup as a junior high schooler in 1998, the game has really changed. Your fingertips and a bag of disposable sponges may have done the trick in the past, but makeup enthusiasts the world over (myself included) have been blessed to discover the magically seamless look that comes from a great makeup sponge and we're not going back.

Makeup sponges can generally be used dry or wet for applying and blending liquid or cream makeup. You can also apply base makeup with fingers or a brush and then go over it with a moist sponge to create an airbrush-like finish that you just can't achieve any other way.

From dabbing on some sheer BB cream or foundation to blending a hardcore, full-coverage contoured look, nobody relies on the dinky little sponge pads that comes with your makeup anymore. Instead, a wide variety of specialized sponges has flooded the market, with a price range that's just as wide.

So how can you tell which ones are worth the money or are a low-budget steal, and which ones you should leave on the shelves? I read countless online reviews from makeup mavens and tested ten sponges myself at a variety of price points to find out which are keepers.

Here are the best makeup sponges you can buy in 2019:

• Best makeup sponge overall: Original BeautyBlender
• Best budget makeup sponge: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
• Best silicone makeup blender: Nylea Silicone Makeup Sponge
• Best for makeup sponge for speed: The Makeup Bullet
• Best makeup sponge for switching between products: Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge

Updated on 6/4/2019 by Jada Wong: Updated copy, formatting, links, and prices.

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best makeup sponge overall

Flawless finish and precise detail are par for the course with the cult-classic Original BeautyBlender.

No shocker here. The original BeautyBlender has been a full-on cult favorite for years.

Multiple mentions from Kim Kardashian West's fave makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, and Kim herself, didn't hurt its massive popularity, either. While this blender is the most expensive on our best-of list at $20, its high-quality materials and flat-out amazing function make it worth every cent.

I love the narrowed tip that let me get into tough corners like around my nose. It even worked to touch up concealer under my dark under-eye circles mid-day without smudging my lower lash mascara. The density and "bounce" is also just right. You can use it dry, but many people — myself included — think it works best when it's just a bit damp. The sponge grows significantly when wet, then you just squeeze it out and dab for an absolutely perfect sheer finish.

I tried it with both BB creams, tinted moisturizers, and full-on foundations and here's what I found. When using a foundation, put a few squirts onto the back of your hand and then use the BeautyBlender like a paintbrush to apply. It's made of a latex-free hydrophilic foam which prevents it from absorbing too much product.

If you're using a super moist BB cream or tinted moisturizer, however, I found that the brush did absorb a bit too much product for my liking. Instead, for BB cream, I spread it all over my face with my fingertips, then used the sponge to dab and blend all over to create a flawless surface with no stroke marks.

The original color is bright pink, but it's now available in a range of shades. With literally thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and Sephora, I'm not alone in thinking the original blender is worth the money. It holds up to several washings (some kits come with a special shampoo and scrubby), so while initial investment may be higher than some of the other blenders, this high-quality choice will last and last. That means less environmental waste with this greener option.

Pros: Great for small areas of the face, provides a flawless finish without soaking up too much product

Cons: It's on the more expensive end, and some people have reported counterfeits being sold on Amazon, so be careful what you order

Buy the Original Beauty Blender at Sephora for $20 

The best budget makeup sponge

With many of the same features as the Beauty Blender at a much lower price, this Real Techniques Sponge is a great runner-up choice.

The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is a close second behind the original BeautyBlender. And for those of you who balk at spending $20 every couple of months on a little piece of foam, this should be considered the go-to choice.

With a similarly pointed tip on one end, you can reach nooks and crannies, and with a flat edge on the other, cream contouring works like a dream. The only major difference is in the characteristics of the foam.

The Real Techniques sponge doesn't quite have the bounce of the original, though it's close enough that you can use it without missing much. The polyurethane foam is still latex-free, but doesn't work its textural magic in the same way, and it absorbs a little more product. This sponge can't stand as many washings before it starts to tear or break apart  either.

Regardless, this is a makeup sponge I used to use and I still stand by it as an excellent budget choice. As one reviewer on Amazon said, the Miracle Complexion sponge is a "great dupe for the Beauty Blender," and "blends better than a brush."

And for the entirely reasonable price of $9.19 for a pack of two on Amazon, where this bestseller has garnered almost 70% 5-star reviews, you can afford to buy a few extra.

Pros: A great price for good quality makes this sponge great for everyday use

Cons: Wears a bit faster and easier than more expensive options

Buy a two-pack of the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge on Amazon for $9.19 (originally $8.99)

The best silicone makeup blender

The Nylea Silicone Makeup Sponge is easy to clean, is super affordable, and will save you from using excessive foundation.

The Nylea's sealed silicone exterior means 100% of your makeup ends up on your face, not absorbed into foam. It's also incredibly easy to wash in the sink and has no little crevices for bacteria to hide in.

Amazon user, A. May, took the words right out of my mouth by explaining how "this beauty blender is easy to clean and doesn't soak up makeup which saves…money. It takes a little getting used to and a different technique than a traditional beauty blender does, but once you get the hang of it your makeup will look amazing."

One Amazon reviewer called the Nylea the "best applicator ever," since it saved her so much product waste. "I use high-end foundation and I end up using around 4-6 pumps every application," she writes, adding, "I used ONE pump and covered my face completely with this sponge. When I was done I washed the sponge with my normal face wash and it looks brand new."

The idea of an easy-to-clean, smooth silicone applicator is perfect in theory, but not everyone loves the reality of the way the applicator works. Several Amazon reviewers report that you can't just use your normal sponge technique and expect the perfect finish with this tool.

I also found that my usual application technique didn't quite work the same, and I had to do a little different motion with little swirls in order to reduce smear lines. But if the perks of this silicone blender look good to you, learning a new technique may well be worth it.

Pros: Reduces makeup waste and the spread of bacteria

Cons: Requires learning a special technique to get a perfect finish 

Buy a two-pack of the Nylea Silicone Makeup Sponge on Amazon for $6.99 (originally $5.99)

The best blender for speed

The Makeup Bullet is a genius tool that combines the flawless finish of a traditional sponge with the ease and speed of your own fingertips.

The first time you use the The Makeup Bullet you may feel a little silly.

It's made so that you stick your fingers inside the bullets and wear one, two, or three at a time. When I first tried the Makeup Bullet, I had one on each pointer finger and looking in the mirror, I thought I looked a bit like a witch with long black fingernails. But you know what? I didn't hate it. Actually, I kind of loved it.

Although some people have said it doesn't fit their fingers, the size and shape worked for me. I had to practice my technique a bit first, but soon, I was able to apply foundation, BB cream, or any other liquid makeup just as quickly and easily as I'd apply regular lotion with my fingers. Because I didn't have to go back over the entire application area with a sponge or brush to smooth out lines, it was also a lot faster.

This genius fingertip blender concept came from Emmy-award winning makeup artist and entrepreneur, Eva Jane Bunkley, who in an email with Business Insider, said, "I have been so elated with the positive response my product has received from the beauty community worldwide."

Indeed, the Internet is rife with bloggers who love the multitasking, "hands-free" action the bullet gives them. Many say it's especially great for blending around the eyes. Others say it's easy to use dry without soaking up too much product. 

Pros: The dexterity of your own fingers combined with the smoothing action of a sponge means you can apply makeup in less time

Cons: Is pricier than some options, and may take a little getting used to before you find your own technique

Buy a four-pack of The Makeup Bullet on Ulta for $24.99

The best makeup sponge for switching between products

The Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge has a super-soft plush feel for cream and a flat side for blending powder so you can multitask.

With more than 40,000 likes and a 4.3-star rating on Sephora, Fenty's answer to makeup sponges is another can't-lose choice.

Rihanna's cruelty-free Fenty Beauty line has already gotten lots of great press for its high quality and vast array of makeup shades, but the Precision Makeup Sponge is also being lauded for its super-luxe touch, flawless results, and ability to work on liquid and powder, all for about 25% less than the cost of the original BeautyBlender.

The product page on Sephora is chock full of reviewers evangelizing over the softness and bounce, along with plenty of buyers promising their newfound dedication to this new blender in lieu of others. But one issue with the extra softness is that some feel it results in more product getting absorbed and wasted by the sponge.

One reviewer on Fenty's website said it's "not as dense as the Real Techniques sponge," and "feels similar to the beauty blender," but noted that the "flat edge" and neutral color of the Fenty option are bonuses.

When I tried the Fenty sponge, I also appreciated that the three-sided shape means the flat side of the sponge worked really well with powder, which is something that the original BeautyBlender can't do as well. You can also use one corner of the flat side for precision concealer application, but it's just not as precise as the Beauty Blender's fine tip in my opinion.

Pros: Looks and feels luxe, and can work on liquid and powder makeup

Cons: Still on the pricier side, and doesn't offer a super fine applicator tip

Buy the Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100 at Sephora for $16

• On Wednesday, Sephora will temporarily close its US stores, distribution center, and corporate office to hold one-hour-long inclusion trainings across the company.
• Sephora announced the trainings on social media nearly a month after SZA, a Grammy-nominated musician, accused a store employee of racially profiling her and calling security while she was shopping.
• Despite Sephora's intentions, a day of training may not be enough to end discrimination throughout the company, according to Ronn Torossian, a crisis management expert and CEO of the public relations agency 5WPR.
• To achieve real success, retailers could hold long-term trainings rather than single-day sessions in an attempt to prevent racial discrimination before it starts.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

You won't be able to shop for your favorite beauty products at Sephora on Wednesday morning.

According to the company's social media pages, Sephora will temporarily close its US stores, distribution center, and corporate office for one hour in attempts to foster a "more inclusive beauty community" through inclusion trainings.

The closures were announced nearly one month after Grammy-nominated musician SZA accused a Sephora employee of racially profiling her.

But Sephora isn't the first brand to announce such trainings, and it's unlikely to be the last company to face accusations of racial profiling. And though these trainings have been introduced with seemingly good intentions, the practice might not be enough to rid Sephora, and other companies, of racial profiling and bias.

Sephora announced its day of inclusion trainings on social media

In May, Sephora took to Facebook to announce that it would be closing its US stores on the morning of Wednesday, June 5. The retailer also announced it would close its distribution center and corporate office that same morning.

A video campaign called "We Belong to Something Beautiful" was shared alongside the message. In the video, Sephora said it "believes in championing all beauty, living with courage, and standing fearlessly together to celebrate our differences."

"We will never stop building a community where diversity is expected, self expression is honored, all are welcomed, and you are included," Sephora wrote in its video.

In a press release sent to INSIDER, Sephora's chief marketing officer Deborah Yeh said the company has had plans for inclusivity training in the works for months. 

"The 'We Belong to Something Beautiful' campaign has been in the works for a year," Yeh said in the press release.

"The plan to close our US stores, distribution centers, call centers, and corporate office for a one-hour inclusivity workshop with our 16,000 employees has been in development for over six months, timed with our first campaign chapter debuting on June 6," she added.

The trainings were announced nearly a month after SZA accused a Sephora employee of racially profiling her

On May 1, the Grammy-nominated musician posted a tweet in which she said a Sephora employee at a store in Calabasas, California, called security to make sure that she wasn't stealing makeup.

The musician nicknamed the employee in question "Sephora Sandy," and said she had "a long talk" with them.

"Lmao Sandy Sephora location 614 Calabasas called security to make sure I wasn't stealing. We had a long talk. U have a blessed day Sandy," SZA wrote on Twitter.

In another tweet, she wrote that she was trying to shop for Fenty Beauty products "in peace."

Sephora promptly responded to the musician over Twitter, and called SZA a "part of the Sephora family."

"You are a part of the Sephora family, and we are committed to ensuring every member of our community feels welcome and included at our stores," Sephora's tweet reads.

At the time, Sephora shared a statement with INSIDER in which representatives for the retailer said Sephora aims to be "an inclusive and welcoming space" for its shoppers.

"We have been informed of an incident at our Calabasas store and in addition to reaching out to SZA directly, we are gathering more information about the incident in order to take the proper next steps," a Sephora representative said in the statement.

"We take complaints like this very seriously, profiling on the basis of race is not tolerated at Sephora," the statement continued. "Our purpose has always been rooted in our people and ensuring that Sephora is an inclusive and welcoming space for all our clients."

Read more: SZA says a Sephora employee called security to make sure she wasn't stealing beauty products

In the more recent press release sent to INSIDER, Yeh said the retailer's day of training was not inspired by SZA.

"While it is true that SZA's experience occurred prior to the launch of the 'We Belong to Something Beautiful' campaign, the campaign was not the result of this tweet," Yeh wrote. "However, it does reinforce why belonging is now more important than ever."

Sephora isn't the first brand to close its stores while hosting employee-training programs

On May 29, 2018, Starbucks closed 8,000 of its stores across the US to host racial-bias training. The company did so after two black men were arrested in April 2018 at a Starbucks in Philadelphia.

According to a previous Business Insider report, a Starbucks employee called police after Rashon Nelson asked to use the bathroom without purchasing anything. Witnesses recorded the arrest of Nelson, as well as his friend, and said the two men "didn't do anything." 

Weeks later, Starbucks hosted trainings that included educational videos, like clips of Stanley Nelson's "You're Welcome" documentary (independently created for Starbucks' trainings), lectures from experts at an anti-bias organization called the Perception Institute, and chances for employees to discuss their own experiences with racial bias.

To create the training program, Starbucks pulled together a team comprised of former US Attorney General Eric Holder and the musician Common, among others.

While it's not entirely clear what Sephora's inclusion workshops will entail, Yeh said in Sephora's latest press release that the brand plans to "re-commit to building an environment of inclusion" on Wednesday.

"We'll be discussing what it means to belong, across many different lenses that include, but are not limited to, gender identity, race and ethnicity, age, abilities, and more," she said.

Sephora and Starbucks initially approached similar situations very differently

In a statement sent to INSIDER, Ronn Torossian, a crisis management expert and CEO of the public relations agency 5WPR, said Sephora's handling of its incident with SZA could have made all the difference in the future of the brand.

"Starbucks chose to ignore the problem early on, which did not help them in the long run," Torossian said in a statement. "Sephora, on the other hand, confronted the situation right on Twitter and responded to the singer's tweet."

"While this isn't always the best option, it's important to be clear and concise when determining the overall message and response that the brand is sending out into the public," he continued.

SZA likely isn't the sole reason why Sephora plans to temporarily close its stores

While SZA's incident with the company may have pushed Sephora to act quickly, it's now common for retailers to publicize their training methods.

"Sephora's new manifesto is a call to action in order to please the public and not face further scrutiny," Torossian told INSIDER.

"Retailers and brands are always reshaping their policies regarding diversity and making sure their standards stay up to date," he continued. "I doubt Sephora didn't have anything in the pipeline, but that doesn't mean the incident with SZA didn't help put that into action."

Representatives for SZA did not immediately reply to INSIDER's request for comment.

Inclusion trainings might not be enough to end racial profiling at Sephora and other companies

Inclusion trainings can be necessary for corporations like Sephora, however, that doesn't mean the trainings are always effective.

"When it comes to this level of public scrutiny, being that a high-profile celebrity was involved, it's somewhat necessary for retailers to react swiftly and determine the appropriate course of action," Torossian said in a statement.

"While this does not totally combat the issue, from a public relations standpoint, it does help mitigate some of the trolling and tension between the retailer and the public," he continued. "The move is one that falls in line with Sephora making an attempt to restore its image and brand reputation within the public sphere."

To achieve real success, retailers could hold long-term trainings rather than single-day sessions

Speaking to INSIDER, Torossian said education, like unconscious bias training, and a strong community of employees can greatly benefit brands like Sephora.

"Unconscious bias training is extremely important when it comes to setting high standards in the workplace and informing employees their actions could have consequences," Torossian said.

"While the retailer is not able to completely control racial profiling, it is their job to enforce inclusive practices within the brand," he continued. "If employees are representations of the brand, Sephora should hold them accountable when it comes to issues of bias either on the corporate level or on the sales floor."

Still, that might not be achievable after a single day of training. According to a 2018 report from Forbes, unconscious bias training is most effective when used continuously over time.

"It is impossible to change long-term behaviors, stereotypes, and perceptions via one-day training,"Janice Gassam wrote on Forbes. "How can you possibly expect to eradicate learned stereotypes and bias when individuals spent their entire lives thinking in a certain way?"

Gassam emphasized the importance of repeating training to ensure that it stays in employees' minds.

"In order for unconscious bias training to be effective, it has to be done frequently," she continued. "A one-time training is simply not effective and is a waste of time, money, and effort."

Ideally, companies like Sephora should be attempting to prevent racial discrimination before it occurs

While inclusive trainings can be effective, especially if held over time, Torossian believes companies should "determine the best practices and tools to recognize and mitigate its effects" before any consumers or employees are affected by discrimination.

He believes that "companies should work with their communication leads ahead of time to ensure that messaging is set and public facing because you can never know when a crisis may arise."

According to Torossian, companies need to make their message clear at all levels — and not just to store employees.

"Everyone from the C-Suite down should be actively involved in determining the right infrastructure for their business to make sure the impact of these programs lasts through changes in leadership and employee turnover," he said.

• Read more:
• Designers like Gucci are failing to learn from their mistakes and keep selling clothes that spark accusations of cultural insensitivity
• The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will no longer be televised. Here's why the supermodel-filled event should be scrapped altogether.
• Moschino is being sued by a former employee who claims that their manager racially profiled black customers
• Dunkin' Donuts apologizes after an employee called the police on a family because they were speaking Somali

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Nxivm founder Keith Raniere began his trial. Here's what happened inside the alleged sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.

• Kylie Jenner recently sent a free Kylie Cosmeticslipstick bundle to a fan who claimed on Twitter that theirs had been stolen.
• Other Twitter users quickly turned the exchange into a meme, in which people are now asking Jenner to send them expensive items like new cars and skin-care products.
• Some people even asked the makeup mogul to send them large sums of money.
• Earlier in the year, Khloe Kardashian also sent free merchandise to fan, and faced backlash as a result.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Lip kits from Kylie Cosmetics typically range in price from $27 to $29. But thanks to the brand's founder, Kylie Jenner, one lucky fan can say that they got a bundle for free.

On Sunday, Twitter user Megan Etter said their Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit was previously stolen while at a bar. The person also said they would "never forget" the incident, which "hurts all over again" anytime they remember it.

Kylie Jenner offered to replace the fan's lip kit, which they said was stolen 

On Monday, Jenner responded with a tweet of her own, saying, "What color? I got you."

Etter quickly replied with the shade name of the lip kit, called Punk, and thanked the makeup mogul for her response. She also apologized for not answering sooner, as she'd been sleeping.

By Tuesday morning, the new lip kit had arrived at the Twitter user's doorstep.

"This is probably one of the nicest things someone has done for me," Etter wrote on Twitter. "Thank you so much for replacing my lipstick. I'm extremely grateful."

Read more: Kim Kardashian trolled Kylie Jenner after watching her 10-second face-washing tutorial on Instagram

Almost immediately after Jenner replied to her fan, many on social media turned the Twitter exchange into a meme

While some asked Jenner to provide them with expensive items like new cars or skin-care products, others tried to get the makeup mogul to send them large sums of money.

Jenner isn't the only member of the Kardashian family to send free merchandise to a fan

She's also not the first member of her family to consequently face backlash after doing so.

In March, Khloe Kardashian responded to a fan on Twitter who said they'd have to work extra shifts to afford jeans from the television star's brand, Good American.

Shortly after the exchange, Kardashian sent a package of clothing to the fan, which many people criticized.

While some said that Kardashian's jeans were too expensive in the first place — Good American clothing ranges in price between $45 and $209 — others felt that the star was simply promoting her clothing line.

Some also pointed out that Kardashian appeared to send the package after facing backlash for her previous response to the fan, in which she said it was "cute" that the woman was willing to work extra shifts to purchase her clothing.

Representatives for Kylie Jenner and Megan Etter did not immediately reply to INSIDER's request for comment.

• Read more:
• Kylie Jenner shared a video of a typical day in her life, but baby Stormi steals the show
• Jeffree Star said his face felt 'basic' after using Kylie Jenner's skin-care products, and he's not the only YouTuber with strong opinions about the line
• People are criticizing Kylie Jenner for washing her face while seemingly wearing foundation in a video to promote her new skin-care line
• Kylie Jenner wore a velvet minidress with a pair of $139 clear heels

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This stunning visualization breaks down all the ingredients in your favorite processed foods

• On May 30, YouTuberJaclyn Hill launched her namesake beauty brand, Jaclyn Cosmetics, which currently sells 20 shades of nude lipstick.
• Many customers on Twitter say lipsticks they've ordered arrived damaged, and, in some cases, completely broken.
• Other Twitter users say they didn't receive their orders on time, and that the brand's customer-service team has been unresponsive. However, some said they were able to get a refund quickly.
• In a statement sent to INSIDER, a representative for Jaclyn Cosmetics said the company believes that "less than half of one percent of orders were impacted by compromised product."
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

From Kylie Jenner's walnut scrub to James Charles' eye-shadow palette, beauty products created by celebrities and YouTube stars are often met with backlash.

Now, beauty vlogger Jaclyn Hill is facing criticism after the launch of her namesake beauty brand, Jaclyn Cosmetics. Hill announced her new company in a YouTube video on May 23, and its first line of lipsticks went on sale May 30. Currently, the brand sells 20 shades of nude lipstick — 16 of which are sold out at the time of writing — for $18 each.

But now that customers are starting to receive their orders, many say that the lipsticks are damaged on arrival. Some people have also said they have been unable to reach Hill's customer-service team with questions and concerns, though others have commended the brand for responding swiftly.

People on Twitter who say their lipsticks arrived damaged are asking Jaclyn Hill to explain why

While some people said their lipstick was damaged upon opening, others said their products broke after a single use.

Some people say they believe the lipstick was made with a strange consistency

One Twitter user says they received a lipstick covered in "black dots." Another described their Jaclyn Cosmetics lipstick as being "lumpy."

Hill responded to the latter tweet with a now-deleted message, in which she said she was confused by the customer, who previously described the lipsticks on Twitter as being "so creamy, so comfortable, and so nude."

When fans asked why Hill deleted her tweet, the beauty mogul said she's "not afraid of anything," but that her message "seemed much more harsh" than she intended.

Later, Hill said she hasn't "seen one other person complain" about damaged lipstick. The beauty mogul also said the fan may have ruined their lipstick by wearing it on top of another product, which could therefore create bumps. 

Still, she urged her followers to alert her if they had received a damaged product, or have any other problems with their lipstick.

Other customers took issue with the brand's customer-service team

On Twitter, some people said that they never received their orders, and didn't receive a response from the brand after inquiring over email. Some also expressed interest in getting their money back.

Read more: People are criticizing Kylie Jenner for washing her face while seemingly wearing foundation in a video to promote her new skin-care line

Still, some fans defended Hill and her namesake brand

According to some customers, the Jaclyn Cosmetics customer-service team was quick to respond and provided refunds.

Another fan argued that the lipsticks might be breaking as a result of outdoor temperatures, and that "canceling" Hill and her brand would not help the situation at hand.

In a statement sent to INSIDER, a spokesperson for Jaclyn Cosmetics said 'less than half of one percent of orders were impacted by compromised product'

"The response to the launch of Jaclyn Cosmetics has been incredible," a spokesperson for Jaclyn Cosmetics said to INSIDER in a statement. "Of the incredible volume of orders that were placed at launch, we believe less than half of one percent of orders were impacted by compromised product."

"We are actively reaching out to our customers with questions and concerns and have added to our customer service team to make sure that any questions are swiftly addressed," the spokesperson continued. "We are keeping an eye on the Jaclyn Cosmetics social channels and info@jaclyncosmetics.com, and welcome all feedback. We love our customers and are proud of our successful launch."

• Read more:
• Jeffree Star said his face felt 'basic' after using Kylie Jenner's skin-care products, and he's not the only YouTuber with strong opinions about the line
• YouTuber James Charles' online store appears to have been taken down following his explosive feud with former mentor Tati Westbrook
• Sephora is temporarily closing its stores for inclusion training, but it might not be enough to stop racial profiling
• Jeffree Star is giving away free makeup, and all you have to do is send him a tweet

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Nxivm founder Keith Raniere began his trial. Here's what happened inside the alleged sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.

• I recently tried all 27 products from Colourpop's"DisneyVillainsMakeup" collection.
• My favorite items are the Jelly Much Shadows and Lux Lipsticks, which, in my opinion, are full of pigment and super long-wearing.
• Personally, I wasn't impressed by the collection's lip glosses and highlighters, which I found to be too sheer.
• Overall, I think this makeup is best suited for Disney fanatics who would appreciate the details of the collection, from its stunning packaging to its humorous shade names.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Six months after releasing its princess-inspired Disney Designer Collection, Colourpop unveiled a villain-themed makeup line in March.

The collection is filled with 27 products, including lipstick, eye shadows, highlighters, and more. Each item is currently available on Colourpop's website, with prices ranging from $7 to $22. You can also buy the entire line as a set for $199, or choose a specific villain's four-piece set for $25.

As a huge Disney fan and longtime Colourpop user, I knew I had to try all 27 items from the collection. Find out what I thought of the makeup below.

Editor's note: INSIDER was provided with the products featured for reviewing purposes, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

To begin testing Colourpop's "Disney Villains Makeup" collection, I decided to start with my favorite product: eye shadow.

I was immediately impressed by the product's bold packaging, which depicts colorful scenes of villains like Maleficent, the Evil Queen, and Cruella de Vil. It also has the word "Misunderstood" written in neon-pink letters across the palette.

The $22 Misunderstood eye-shadow palette is comprised of 15 shades.

You get a decent mix of matte, shimmer, and duochrome shades in this palette, which is great for those who like to experiment with new looks.

No mirror is included in the palette, which might be a deal breaker for some. But personally, I enjoy the glossy villain-themed print inside, and am just fine using a separate mirror.

Upon first glance, I was worried that the palette's shades would be a bit too dark for my preferences.

I usually wear light neutrals or bold neons, and this palette includes a lot of dark shades. However, I've loved Colourpop eye shadows that I've tried in the past, so I decided to give it a go.

Sure enough, the first two rows of shadows are stunning — and they apply brighter than they appear in the pan. The blue shade is a bit patchy, in my opinion, but still easy enough to work with. 

From left to right, the shades are called No Spots, Mongrels, Diablo, Devious, Tragic, Underworld, Pain & Panic, Forest of Thornes, Flotsam, and The Fates.

The bottom row of the Misunderstood palette shocked me.

I didn't think I would use the bottom row of the eye-shadow palette, but it actually ended up being my favorite of the bunch. Each shimmer shade is boldly pigmented, and the two black shades are some of the best I've ever tried.

Overall, I'm impressed with the Misunderstood palette, which is, in my opinion, filled with high-quality shadows — the shimmers are especially beautiful. I also appreciate each shade name, which are references to Disney villains.

From left to right, the shades above are called Revenge, Sing, Jetsam, Facile, and 101.

If powder eye shadows aren't your thing, this collection also includes six jelly shadows.

I'd never tried Colourpop's range of Jelly Much Shadows prior to this collection, but was beyond impressed with the products. Not only are they affordable at $8 a shade, but this collection also includes a wide range of colors, from a shimmering taupe to a bold blue.

The Jelly Much Shadows are unlike any eye makeup I've ever tried before.

Sure, the wet texture of these products takes a bit of getting used to, but in my experience, the color payoff was well worth it. 

From left to right, the shades are named Perfectly Wretched, Cursed, Just Your Voice, I Own You, Spindle, and Not Today.

Read more: Too Faced is selling an eyeliner to match its wildly popular 'Better Than Sex' mascara, and it's one of the easiest products I've ever used

The "Disney Villains Makeup" collection comes with two glitter products, called Glitterally Obsessed.

Each glitter pot retails for $8, and includes a ton of product. Personally, I'm a huge fan of glitter, and will wear it on just about any occasion, so I was excited to try these from Colourpop.

While the glitter products are fun to use, I personally think there are better makeup items in the collection.

I swatched the blue shade named Anomaly on the left, and the silver-toned Do I Look Like I Care? color on the right.

While I'd love to wear these to a festival or party, removing these glitters afterwards is, in my opinion, too much of a hassle. Then again, that's often the case with just about any glitter product.

This collection includes six Lux Lipsticks, almost all of which are on the bolder side.

Each one retails for $8, and is named after a different villain. Two shades are matte, while the other four are crème.

From left to right, the shades shown above are named Hades, Dr. Facilier, and Cruella.

The lipsticks are packaged in sleek black tubes with silver villain-themed prints.

In my opinion, the dark packaging perfectly suits the theme of this collection. From left to right, these shades are called Maleficent, Evil Queen, and Ursula.

First, I tried wearing the collection's range of nude and red lipsticks.

Colourpop's lipsticks are another product that I've previously tried and loved from the brand. This range was no different.

While I prefer matte products, and would have loved for all six shades to be available in that formula, I found the Crème Lux Lipsticks to be long-lasting and full of color. 

Above, I'm seen wearing the Crème Lux shades in Hades (top left), Dr. Facilier (top right), and Cruella (bottom left), and the Matte Lux shade in Evil Queen (bottom right).

I then tried the two berry shades: a Matte Lux Lipstick in the shade Ursula (top) and a Crème Lux Lipstick in the color Maleficent (bottom).

Maleficent is, in my opinion, a beautiful magenta lipstick that should look good on any skin tone. However, I'm a bit disappointed by Ursula. In my experience, the matte formula was difficult to apply, and quickly bled outside the lines of my lips.

Up next were the six Ultra Glossy Lip products.

Each lip gloss retails for $7. From left to right, the shades are called Sad But True, Puppies!!!, My Pet, Hot Headed, Shadow Man, and Bad Apple.

Unfortunately, I was pretty underwhelmed with the entire range of glosses.

In my opinion, I think these products work better as lip toppers: glosses that you wear to enhance another lip product. Some of the sparkly shades like Puppies!!! and My Pet are pretty, but to me they look nearly identical.

The same goes for the three red and orange shades — Hot Headed, Shadow Man, Bad Apple— which, in my opinion, aren't flattering.

Personally, I also dislike the applicator for these lip glosses. Rather than having a standard, doe-foot applicator, each gloss has a bristled brush, which I found uncomfortable on the lips and difficult to use.

Before trying the collection's Super Shock Highlighters, I was instantly impressed by the range's packaging.

Even the cardboard boxes that contain the highlighters are stunning. Each one features a print that's unique to a villain. Inside are the actual highlighters, packaged in black pans with prints of neon characters.

For Disney fans like myself, I think these items are a must-have — even if you don't wear highlighter that often.

The actual highlighters didn't blow me away at first.

After reading so many rave reviews of Colourpop's Super Shock Highlighters— which retail for $10 in this collection — I was surprised to see the products look so sheer when swatched on my arm.

However, I tried the lightest shade, called You Idiots! You Fools! You Imbeciles!, on my cheeks, and achieved much brighter results.

Overall, I think this villain-themed collection is best suited for fans of Disney.

As a makeup enthusiast, I enjoyed most products in this beauty line. Colourpop's lipstick formula, in my opinion, stands out among all others on the market — and this collection has a decent range of them.

I also loved each eye product from the line, especially the Jelly Much Shadows. Still, there are some products, like the collection's lip glosses and glitters, that I personally don't think are worth purchasing.

As a Disney fan however, I find myself wanting to hold onto each product as a collector's item. The packaging of these products, in my opinion, is stunning, and looks great on a vanity. I also love the shade names of each item, as they reminds me of some of my favorite Disney films.

To see the entire range of Colourpop's "Disney Villains Makeup," visit the brand's website.

• Read more:
• I tried all 14 products in Urban Decay's 'Game of Thrones' makeup collection, and found it's so much more than a collector's item
• A beauty YouTuber uses a toy washing machine to clean her makeup brushes — see how it works
• A beauty brand made for men is facing backlash for saying male skin is 'tougher' than women's
• SZA says a Sephora employee called security to make sure she wasn't stealing beauty products

• On Tuesday, Leslie Jones called for a boycott on Sephora after she says her makeup artist and a friend were treated poorly while shopping there.
• The comedian reiterated her message on Instagram, and began the hashtag "NoMoSephora."
• In a statement to INSIDER, Sephora said the "information shared by Leslie Jones" is "concerning," and that "the situation she describes does not reflect [the company's] values."
• One day after Jones tweeted about the brand, Sephora hosted inclusivity trainings throughout its US businesses, which the brand said had been planned for six months.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Leslie Jones wants people to skip their next trip to Sephora.

On Tuesday, the "Saturday Night Live" star took to Twitter with a story about her makeup artist, and the wife of her best friend. In her tweet, Jones said the two visited Sephora's "2103 Broadway store" in New York City, as her best friend's wife "needed makeup and to learn how to apply."

According to Jones, her makeup artist eventually "called in tears" as a result of "how bad" a "salesperson and manager" treated them.

"I sent my makeup artist @LolasBeautyMark and my best friend's wife to @Sephora 2103 Broadway store," Jones wrote on Twitter. "She needed makeup and to learn how to apply. My makeup artist just called in tears of how bad they treated her and my friend's wife!! The salesperson and manager. SO NO MORE SEPHORA."

In response to a tweet about the incident from ET Canada, Jones clarified that it was her friend and makeup artist who were left in tears, and not her.

"I said my makeup artist and my best friend's wife," Jones said on Twitter. "My artist was helping her with makeup and decided to take her there for products. She was in tears. So tell the story right. Nobody puts Leslie Jones in tears son!!"

The comedian then reiterated her message on Instagram

"If we spend money in your store, we deserve customer service too," Jones added on Instagram. "SO F--- YOUR STORE."

"You got to close your store to teach your employees sensitivity," Jones said in the caption of her post. "How about fire they a-- and hire people who got sensitivity. Cause they exist!!! I'm tired of this s---!! What happened to customer service? Do we just not give a f--- anymore!! #NOMOSEPHORA"

Sephora representatives described the information Jones shared as 'concerning'

In a statement sent to INSIDER, representatives for Sephora said the brand holds itself "to a high, and public, set of standards around creating a welcoming space for each and every client."

"The information shared by Leslie Jones regarding [makeup artist] Lola Okanlawon's experience at Sephora is concerning, and the situation she describes does not reflect our values," Sephora representatives said.

"We have reached out to Lola to gather more information," the statement continued. "It is our priority to build an inclusive community and a place where all clients feel respected. Our journey has not been perfect and is by no means complete. We will continue to learn and work toward this goal."

SZA accused Sephora of racially profiling her in April

In April, Grammy-nominated musician SZA accused a Sephora employee of racially profiling her.

"Lmao Sandy Sephora location 614 Calabasas called security to make sure I wasn't stealing. We had a long talk. U have a blessed day Sandy," SZA wrote on Twitter.

Read more: Sephora is temporarily closing its stores for inclusion training, but it might not be enough to stop racial profiling

Sephora hosted inclusivity trainings at its US stores this week

On Wednesday, Sephora temporarily closed its US stores, distribution center, and corporate office to hold one-hour-long inclusion trainings across the company.

Sephora announced the trainings on Facebook in May alongside a video campaign called "We Belong to Something Beautiful." In the video, Sephora said it "believes in championing all beauty, living with courage, and standing fearlessly together to celebrate our differences."

In a press release previously sent to INSIDER, Sephora said the company had plans for inclusivity training in the works for months before it was announced.

"The plan to close our US stores, distribution centers, call centers, and corporate office for a one-hour inclusivity workshop with our 16,000 employees has been in development for over six months, timed with our first campaign chapter debuting on June 6," Sephora representatives said.

"While it is true that SZA's experience occurred prior to the launch of the 'We Belong to Something Beautiful' campaign, the campaign was not the result of this tweet," representatives added. "However, it does reinforce why belonging is now more important than ever."

Representatives for Leslie Jones did not immediately reply to INSIDER's request for comment.

• Read more:
• SZA says a Sephora employee called security to make sure she wasn't stealing beauty products
• People say lipstick they ordered from beauty YouTuber Jaclyn Hill's new brand was broken when it arrived or fell apart after a single use
• Moschino is being sued by a former employee who claims that their manager racially profiled black customers
• Kylie Jenner gave a free lip kit to a fan who said theirs was stolen, and now people are asking the makeup mogul to send them things like money and cars

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Nxivm founder Keith Raniere began his trial. Here's what happened inside the alleged sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.

• Finding the perfect shade of foundation and lipstick is difficult for women of color due to the lack of shade ranges available.
• Co-founders KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson started Mented in 2017 to create nude lipstick specifically made for brown skin tones.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Join the conversation about this story »

• On Sunday, Glamlite Cosmetics will release its newest food-themed makeup products: eye-shadow palettes that look like pizza slices.
• Two versions of the palette will be sold — the Meat Lover's Slice Palette and the Veggie Lover's Slice Palette — and each retails for $22.
• The collection also includes a $14 liquid lipstick called Pizza Lips, which is said to be a matte red shade.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

If you love pizza as much as you love makeup, you'll probably want to check out the newest beauty launch from Glamlite Cosmetics.

On Sunday, the indie beauty brand is releasing two new eye-shadow palettes that look like individual pizza slices. Each palette will retail for $22, and there will be two different versions available: the Meat Lover's Slice Palette and the Veggie Lover's Slice Palette.

The collection also includes a $14 liquid lipstick, fittingly called Pizza Lips.

The Meat Lover's Slice Palette is ideal for those who like to wear bold eye makeup

This red-toned palette comes with 10 eye-shadow shades, all of which are named after pizza toppings. Pepperoni, for example, is a sparkling red color, while Red Onions appears to be a bright purple.

According to the brand's Instagram page, the palette includes "four diamond shades, one shimmer, and five ultra pigmented mattes."

The Veggie Lover's Slice Palette features a unique color scheme 

Green eye shadow might not be everyone's go-to look, but the 10 shades included in this palette appear to be wearable.

From the sparkling green Jalapenos color, to the matte Yellow Peppers, you can likely create a variety of looks from this palette. 

Fans of pepperoni will want to try the lipstick from Glamlite Cosmetics' latest collection

Included in this collection is a $14 liquid lipstick called Pizza Lips, in the shade Pepperoni.

According to the brand, the product dries into a matte red shade, and is packaged inside a pizza-themed box. It was also designed by the Glamlite Cosmetics founder, Gisselle Hernandez, to "suit women of all skin tones," according to a statement sent to INSIDER.

In a statement sent to INSIDER, Glamlite Cosmetics' founder Gisselle Hernandez said this pizza collection was inspired by customers

"Our [original pizza palette] was purchased by tens of thousands of people from all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life," Hernandez said in the statement. "We instantly began receiving hundreds of emails and messages from our customers telling us that our pizza palette had become a staple product of their daily makeup routine."

"They asked if we would create a more portable, compact version of the product so that they can take it with them wherever they go — we listened," she continued. 

In 2018, Glamlite Cosmetics released its first-ever pizza palette

The 18-shadow palette was released in December 2018, and bears a striking resemblance to the actual dish.

Like the newer palettes, each shade included this product is named after a pizza topping, and a variety of shadows are included, ranging from matte to shimmering colors.

Read more: You can now buy an eye-shadow palette that looks like a pizza and it even comes in a takeout box

The brand's original palette is still available to purchase for $40 on the Glamlite Cosmetics website.

The brand also sells a number of other food-inspired beauty products

The brand's Taco Palette retails for $38 and includes 15 eye-shadow shades.

It also sells a $40 eye-shadow palette that looks like a cheeseburger and is packaged in a takeout box.

To learn more about the pizza slice eye-shadow palettes, visit the Glamlite Cosmetics website.

• Read more:
• I tried all 27 products in Colourpop's Disney villain-themed makeup collection and found it's more than a collector's item
• People say lipstick they ordered from beauty YouTuber Jaclyn Hill's new brand was broken when it arrived or fell apart after a single use
• Kylie Jenner gave a free lip kit to a fan who said theirs was stolen, and now people are asking the makeup mogul to send them things like money and cars
• Sephora is temporarily closing its stores for inclusion training, but it might not be enough to stop racial profiling

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Eyeliner pencils are one of the most versatile items you can have in your makeup collection.
• They're ideal for creating a diffused smokey eye, sharp wing, or tightlining the waterline for added drama.
• Our top pick is the Urban Decay 27/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, a creamy formula that lives up to its name and comes in a range of interesting colors.

I'm not a liquid eyeliner kind of person, though I really admire the look. There's just not enough margin for error, and it's easy to mess up. I prefer pencil liners most of the time; they tend to be more easily smudged and smoked out for more of an undone vibe, ideal for my shaky hands!

Pencil liners simply have more versatility and are more forgiving than liquids. You can use them to create defined winged liner, do a messy smokey eye, or to tightline around the inner part of your eyelid for additional drama. Some pencil liners are even creamy and blendable enough to use all over the lid as shadow.

The best pencil eyeliners are formulated with hydrating ingredients that help them glide onto the lid with minimal tugging or skipping, which is better for the thin skin on and around the eyes, as well as for the finished product of your makeup. Add a tiny dash of color to the lash line or create an artistic, graphic look with these five top picks.

Here are the best pencil eyeliners you can buy in 2019:

• Best eyeliner pencil overall: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner
• Best metallic eyeliner pencil: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
• Best unique colors: Glossier Colorslide Technogel Eye Pencil
• Best microliner: Hourglass 1.5 mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner
• Best drugstore eyeliner pencil: NYX Retractable Eye Liner

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best overall

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner is the creamiest, most pigmented and blendable pencil eyeliner you will ever use, and it's available in a ton of colors and finishes.

I thought I was done discovering favorite eyeliners until the Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner hit my desk. I'm notoriously shaky-handed, and therefore struggle with getting a smooth line, but this formula is so creamy that it's almost foolproof.

Described as "a gel pot eyeliner in a crayon," the Highliner contains vitamin E and rosehip seed oil, both of which contribute to the glide-on application. My jaw actually dropped the first time I applied one of these and saw how seamlessly the color went onto my lid without leaving awkward gaps between my lashes.

As I get older, I become increasingly attentive about caring for the skin around my eyes, and it's nice to know I can get gorgeous color payoff without tugging and pulling. Highliner comes in more than 40 shades and three finishes: shimmer, matte, and glitter. Each one is waterproof and boasts 12-hour, smudge-proof wear.

Elle UK says the finish is "so vivid and vinyl-esque, it's easy to mistake it for a liquid." Other publications that recommend Highliner include Allure, InStyle, Refinery29, PopSugar, Rank & Style, Marie Claire UK, and Cosmopolitan. The formula has over 4,000 reviews on Sephora and a 4.3 star rating.

Pros: Super creamy, tons of color options, twist-up packaging

Cons: Expensive

Buy Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner on Sephora for $25

The best budget

The NYX Retractable Eye Liner is an under-$6 option that performs as well as some of its high-end counterparts.

There's affordable and then there's cheap. At $5.49, NYX Retractable Eye Liner is definitely in the latter category. But don't the price tag fool you — the formula does not skimp on quality.

This is a tiny pencil that easily fits in the waterline or between lashes. It's highly pigmented and easy to apply, with the twist-up applicator that doesn't require sharpening. I used the color Aqua Green often on nights out in college for a fun pop of color, and even though I've tried many higher end formulas since, this remains one of my favorites.

NYX Retractable Eye Liner has a 4.6 rating on Target, based on 101 reviews. "I bought the Aqua Green liner to wear at work, usually on 10-11 hour shifts, and this liner stays put fantastically!" writes one shopper.

InStyle, Allure, and Refinery29 have also given the pencils high marks.

Pros: super affordable, no sharpening, creamy formula

Cons: pretty small color selection

Buy NYX Retractable Eye Liner on Target for $5.49

The best metallic pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil comes in a billion easy-to-blend shades for every style of makeup.

The first eyeliners I ever really loved were the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. I started using them when I was 16-years-old and they remain one of my favorite formulas to this day. The formula is smooth, both easy to apply and to build up to an intense pigment.

Most of the shades are metallic — not completely matte but not glittery — which makes the range a bit less versatile (though there is a matte black called Perversion). One of my favorite shades is Smog, a lighter brown described by the brand as "copper shimmer."

Formulated with hydrating jojoba oil, cottonseed oil, and vitamin E, they are a breeze to slide across the upper or lower lashline. The shade range is constantly evolving; currently, there are 27 colors in stock on the Sephora website, leaning heavily on variations of purple, brown, and blue.

Reviews.com considers this the absolute best pencil eyeliner on the market, thanks to easy application and long-lasting wear. Writers at Elle UK, Refinery29, InStyle, StyleCraze, Rank & Style, and PopSugar are also big fans, and the product has over 10,000 5-star reviews on Sephora.

Pros: Wide color range, creamy and moisturizing formula, easy to blend, long-lasting, cruelty-free

Cons: Expensive, few matte shades

Buy Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil on Sephora for $21

The best for unique colors

Glossier Play Colorslide is a gorgeous, long-lasting liner pencil available in an eye-catching line-up of colors.

I always look to Glossier when it comes time to stock my everyday makeup bag. The brand's products are so no-fuss that I can practically apply them without a mirror. The same cannot quite be said for Colorside, a creative take on colorful pencil liner available through Glossier Play, Glossier's sub-brand of "dialed-up beauty extras." But it's still a breeze to apply.

Described by Glossier as "technogel eye pencil,"Colorslide is a budge-proof eyeliner that goes on smoothly, though it is a bit tackier in texture than Marc Jacobs and Urban Decay's offerings. If you find it tugging on your lid, try giving the tip a quick sharpen to help it go on like buttah.

I especially appreciate the color selection, which includes 14 unique shades, including mustard yellow Nectar and metallic green Cash Salad. My current lineup consists of Hardcore Velvet, a deep teal, and Candyland, which is metallic pink. I plan to pick up some other colors as soon as I can justify purchasing more liners.

This is a newer launch, with only 81 reviews on Glossier's site. One shopper writes, "These are the best eyeliners I've ever used [...] The colours are pigmented enough for my liking as I'm not looking to do anything too out there, but they are buildable if you are wanting a bolder look. They blend perfectly together and you can create a slim line, which is never something I've been able to do with a liner pencil before."

Writers at Glamour, The Zoe Report, and Man Repeller also give Colorslide high marks. "[T]he eyeliner went on smoothly and smudged easily with the tip of my finger for a cool smoky effect," writes MR fashion editor Harling Ross, a self-described makeup amateur.

Pros: Affordable, smudge-proof, pigmented, unique colors, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic

Cons: Require sharpening

Buy Colorslide on Glossier for $15

The best microliner

Hourglass 1.5 mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner has a tiny point to help create fine, delicate lines.

Microliner is wonderful for lining the waterline if you have small eyes or creating a very small and defined line along the upper or lower lashes. The Hourglass 1.5 mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner has an extremely fine tip, allowing for maximum precision.

While the color selection isn't super adventurous, you get all the staples in this range — bronze, navy, brown, black, and gray. The range actually makes sense when you consider that liners this teeny tiny are often used on the waterline, where a pop of color is fun but maybe not the most versatile.

The design of the liner mimics that of a mechanical pencil; you click the bottom to bring more product up above the surface. The instructions recommend you dispense only two clicks at a time, otherwise, you run the risk of snapping the pencil and rendering it pretty useless. It claims to last for 17 to 20 applications.

"THIS. IS. A. GAME-CHANGER. the tip is so so skinny, it actually gets the product between the lashes, and it lasts all day," writes one Sephora reviewer. The product has 693 reviews on the Sephora website, with a 3.8-star rating.

"I couldn't make a mess and get too thick of a line even if I tried," writes Glamour's Leah Melby Clinton.

Pros: super tiny, easy to control, works for waterline, cruelty-free

Cons: only lasts 17 to 20 uses

Buy the Hourglass 1.5 mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner on Sephora for $18

• A JoJo Siwa makeup kit from Claire's has been recalled after a batch of its products tested positive for asbestos. 
• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tweeted a warning about the product on Thursday.
• According to the FDA, asbestos is a known carcinogen and is often found near talc, which is an ingredient used in many cosmetics.
• Claire's has previously faced similar problems with products containing traces of asbestos.
• Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.

Cosmetics aimed at children and teens have recently come under fire for potentially containing traces of harmful chemicals. On Thursday, JoJo Siwa's makeup line from Claire's became the latest kid-oriented line with products that tested positive for asbestos, according to the FDA.

The FDA tweeted a warning to its followers that the teen star's makeup kit from Claire's had been recalled after a batch of its products tested positive for asbestos.

The set, which is identified in the tweet as Batch/Lot No. S180109, appears to contain an eye-shadow palette, two lip glosses, and two nail polishes inside a heart-shaped plastic pouch featuring the "Dance Moms" alum's logo.

"Today, the FDA is releasing new results from its continued testing of cosmetic products for asbestos & is warning consumers to not use 2 additional products that have tested positive for asbestos & have been recalled," the US FDA wrote in the tweet. The second product in question is the Contour Effects 2 palette from Beauty Plus Global.

A representative for Nickelodeon said in a statement provided to INSIDER that the company is looking into the matter. 

"We take safety very seriously and require our licensees to comply with all applicable laws and safety standards relating to licensed products," the representative said. "We are reviewing this matter with Claire's in light of the advisory from the FDA."

This isn't the first time Claire's has faced problems with asbestos this year. The FDA previously issued a warning in March 2019 after several of the brand's makeup items including an eye-shadow palette and compact powder were found to be contaminated with asbestos fibers.

Read more:Asbestos has been found in Claire's eye shadow, highlighting a disturbing 'black hole' in beauty-product safety

According to the FDA, asbestos is "a naturally occurring mineral that is often found near talc" and is a known carcinogen with many health risks. Asbestos can make its way into beauty products if the talc is not sourced carefully in the mining process.

Representatives for Claire's did not immediately respond to INSIDER's request for comment. 

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