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

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

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

Swipe on this ultra-thick salve, and your lips will instantly transform. If you use it before bed, you'll wake up with a super soft pout, but it's also great for daytime wear. Because of the thick formula, this lip mask gives you a pretty glossy effect to rival some of your faves. Plus, it comes in a ton of yummy flavors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dab just one of these oil blotters on your face before a selfie session to instantly whisk away all the oils that have built up during the day. Just one tiny sheet will leave you totally matte and shine-free. Plus, it comes with a compact mirror to make sure you've wiped away all of the excess oil.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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