This gem from Physicians Formula gives me that back-from-vacation glow that I want to wear every day. It is light, buildable and free from heavy shimmer or glitter. The adorable compact with purple and green palm trees houses the delicate, coconut-scented bronzer that instantly transports me to a relaxing beach vacation — in my mind and my complexion. — Hannah Savin
While some women are all about mascara, blush is my desert-island pick. Nothing perks up a tired complexion like a wash of color on my cheeks. Circa Beauty Ultrasuede Cream Blush in Portofino, a pretty coral, delivers a convincing "just in from the outdoors" flush that would set Mr. Darcy's heart aflutter.
The silky cream melts into skin seamlessly and spreads easily for a natural — not streaky — finish. The smallest dab gives cheeks a luminous glow, but it's completely buildable, too. The challenge with most cream blushes is finding one that stays put, and this one keeps my cheeks radiant for a solid seven hours. — Jill Provost
I've been a compulsive lip gloss applier for almost as long as I've had fine motor skills. Lately, the lip gloss I cannot stop reaching for — no joke, I've been applying it between typing sentences here — is Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine. True to its name, it effectively nourishes lips with each swipe. Even better, it does so without feeling sticky (aka the cardinal sin of lip glosses). The pigment is subtle and flattering, it doesn't come with any funky flavors, and at under $10, I can keep my desk (and my purse and my clutch) stocked without going broke. — Mary Squillace
This drugstore mascara threw me for a loop. Recently, I've been testing dozens of high-end mascaras, so when this $5 mascara snuck its way into my pile and gave my lashes the same dramatic effects as its spendy counterparts I was dumbfounded. With just a couple swipes, this mascara gives my lashes volume and length, without clumping or resulting in spider lashes.
If you apply the product at the very base of your lashes, the mascara provides a nice coat at the roots, which adds density to the lash line and results in a more alluring and full-lash look. — Jessica Amaris
While many coveted highlighters out there are priced around what you'd spend on a tank of gas, this highlighter from E.L.F. gives you so much bang for your buck. For just six bucks, you get a superpigmented glimmer that is easy to use and comes in a handy little compact for easy transportation. It is near foolproof in that you can apply it with just about any brush of your choice or your finger (like I do) for an effortless, non-robotic, ethereal glow. — Hannah Savin
