13 Vogue Editors Share Their Hero Makeup Products, From Trusted Lipsticks to Effortless Mascaras (2024)

Discovering the perfect makeup products for you makes all the difference, especially ones that remain useful even as trends pass. Whether it’s the foundation that perfectly matches your complexion, the creamy pigments that get you out the door in minutes, or the setting powders that lock your look in place all night, makeup products certainly have the power to boost moods and confidence—and Vogue editors are immune. Read on to explore the makeup essentials they reach for again and again; or the fragrances and skin-care salves we covet too.

Elise Taylor, Senior Living Writer

I love this Tom Ford lipstick so much that I wrote a thousand-word ode to it on this very website. Need I say more?

Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor

Merit’s clean mascara is phenomenal. I also love this eyebrow glue from Nyx. A little goes a long way, and it keeps your brows in place until the moment you wash your face at night!

Kiana Murden, Beauty Commerce Writer

My makeup regimen certainly cycles through products old and new often, so I honestly don’t consider anything my hero makeup product. However, I still find much joy in discovering new additions that deserve a lasting spot in my ever-evolving collection. Unexpectedly, Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Liner in Blackberry quickly became my go-to liner, paired with a gloss for the ultimate berry lip. Otherwise, the Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Bronzer became the first option that made me part from my previous years-long obsession with a now dated Sonia Kashuk pickup.

Christian Allaire, Fashion & Style Writer

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer for life! I never get more compliments on my skin than when I use it—the perfect amount of glow and coverage. I recommend it to all my guy friends who are dipping their toes into makeup and want light coverage. Rare Beauty’s liquid blush in the shade Happy is the best—it’s highly potent so you only need the smallest drop of product on each cheekbone.

Lilah Ramzi, Features & Commerce Editor

Consider this the umpteenth time I’ve waxed poetic on this Gucci lipstick, but it’s the only shade of lipstick I wear, and I want to never stop wearing it. Swipe it on for the perfect red-red—no bluish undertones here!

Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Jewelry Director

I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but RMS Un Cover-Up concealer is an always for me—it’s a clean concealer with buildable coverage that doesn’t cake or pill, and has a slight illuminating effect (without looking shiny). A colleague once remarked how a little under my eyes (mid-fashion week car share) made me look like I had just taken a 12-hour nap—if that isn’t an endorsem*nt, I’m not sure what is.

Madeline Fass, Fashion Market Editor

For a while, I stopped wearing mascara altogether because I always felt it looked too heavy and unnatural. That was until I was recommended to ditch the inky jet black pigments for softer brown instead. I have since reintroduced that step in my makeup routine for nights out and special occasions for an understated yet still enhanced lash look. I’ll also add a few dabs of Ilia’s Multi-Stick on my eyelids, and voilà! A subtle eye makeup moment that works nicely with my complexion and eye color, my makeup heroes!

Steff Yotka, Global Director of Social Media

There is no universally flattering red lipstick, but MAC’s glossy Dubonnet shade is the one that works for me. It goes on very lightly, which makes it great for applying throughout the day to different intensities.

Taylor Anderson, Associate Social Media Manager

If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly on the go and somehow never budget enough time to do your makeup. In order to get ready quickly, I rely heavily on Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara and Image Ormedic Lip Enhancement Complex. The results? A perfect no-makeup makeup look.

Clarissa Schmidt, Commerce Producer

This, to me, is the holy grail of setting powders! I love the transparent shade because it’s easy to apply, incredibly lightweight, and blends in effortlessly. My favorite part is the staying power—my look stays in place all day and still looks fresh into the night.

Charlotte Diamond, Associate Fashion Editor

This is not a hot or new take whatsoever, but Glossier truly makes the best everyday no-makeup makeup. I swipe on a few coats of their clear Boy Brow and Skywash in the shade Valley every morning, and I’m out the door feeling refreshed and put together.

Arden Fanning, Contributor

I wear Youthforia’s blush oil all over my face—cheeks, eyes, lips—to make me look fully alive when I’m half awake (the formula is supposedly skin-friendly enough to actually sleep in). It’s pH-reactive, kind of adjusting like a mood ring, and turns into a really dewy pink that smooshes around transparently without hard lines.

Atalie Gimmel, Senior Social Media Manager

This brow gel and pencil is the two-in-one product that has transformed my makeup routine. I love the fact that it simplified my ability to achieve fluffy brows without sacrificing shape or lasting hold. There are people who can’t go a day without eyeliner or lipstick—I’d like to add brows to that category.