Twelve FJ readers share the beauty products that get them the most compliments
image via @merit/INSTAGRAM
words by daisy henry
“When you just want your skin, but better.”
Everyone has that one beauty product that always attracts compliments, no matter what. It could be a lipliner all your work colleagues want to borrow, the blush your sister asks you about or the perfume that makes strangers talk to you in club bathrooms.
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It’s a smug feeling being the source of a beauty secret people want in on. And sure, part of you might want to gate-keep – after all, is it really your signature scent if everyone around you starts wearing it? But sharing is caring and it’s through the recommendations from others that we discover our favourite products in the first place.
Hannah, 32, she/her
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I love the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint (available at Mecca for $81). It instantly boosts my skin’s moisture for a dewy finish, while still looking like my skin. I warm the product in my hands first, press it into the skin and then blend it out with a brush, which gives me a flawless lightweight coverage. You only need a dime, so it lasts ages.
Kira, 26, she/her
I’m not sure if this counts because I technically complimented my work colleagues and begged her to tell me what was on their lips, but I love the Dermal Therapy Tinted Lip Balm in Rose Pink. It’s only nine dollars from Chemist Warehouse and now people are asking me where I got it from! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
I love how cheap it is and how easy it is to use. It’s a gorgeous subtle pink colour and goes on like lip balm. It makes my whole face look refreshed!
Grace, 26, she/her
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Nomad by Who is Elijah! I always get complimented on this when I enter the room. It’s a beautiful scent and it’s available at Priceline or online direct for a few different sizes and prices. The scent is strong but unique. Only two sprays in the morning will last me all day!
Who is Elijah has a great discovery pack, too where you can try all their scents so you can find the perfect one. Wall Street is another personal fave that always captures other people’s attention.
Jo, 38, she/her
I love the Maryse Dew Highlighter. It’s from a New Zealand brand and retails on their website for $58NZD. It’s full of skin-loving nutrients that reinforce luminous skin.
Lisa. 21, she/her
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I love the Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant and Superfood Face Oil, which you can get at Mecca for $60-$120 depending on the size. I have super dry skin, to the point where it’s literally flaking off my face if I’m not on top of it. This oil has healed my moisture barrier and made it glow so much. I just put a couple of drops on after cleansing and before moisturising.
I find I really need an oil for how dry my skin is and nothing I’ve tried has even come close to Sunday Riley. I struggled a lot with acne as a teenager and although it has cleared, it left my skin quite scarred. After using this consistently, my skin has never been so clear. I genuinely never thought I’d be able to get rid of my acne scars so it makes me so happy to hear my friends tell me they think my skin is glowing, too.
Fran, 21, she/her
I love the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. I bought mine from Mecca for a whopping $116, but if you’re anything like me (i.e., not the best makeup artist in the room), then this palette is like your wiser older sister. I finish my base off with this (magic) powder on my forehead, cheekbone and nose and it sets and illuminates everything.
When people compliment my makeup I immediately attribute it to this product. While the price sets you back a week’s worth of groceries I promise you won’t regret it.
Priya, 31, she/her
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I get so many compliments on my skin thanks to the Hydration Hero Balm from Tomorrow-Today Beauty. It’s $80 and instantly plumps my skin and pushes out fine lines. I apply it in the morning to my forehead and any areas that need a boost of hydration. I also use it at night to lock in my serums so I wake up glowing.
Shayley, 21, she/her
Mine is the Gwen Stefani sparkly eyeshadow in blue. I don’t know how much it is because my boyfriend got it for me as a gift from Sephora. It goes on so easily with just my fingertip, I just pat it in and it has a really pretty sparkle. Every time I wear it I feel like a fairy and get lots of compliments, which is nice because I don’t wear makeup too often.
Frederica, 32, she/her
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My holy grail product, the Stila One Step Correct, is available for $60 at Mecca. I know this is technically a primer, but it’s the perfect consistency and level of coverage when you just want your skin, but better (which is every day, IMO).
I use one pump, mix it on the back of my hand and then apply it with my fingers. That’s all you need to neutralise redness and blur imperfections. For bonus points, I mix a drop or two of illuminator (currently Nars), for an extra glow and set with a finely milled powder through the T-zone for a full day’s wear. Foundation, who?
Ash, 20, she/her
I adore the Poppy King Lipstick in the shade ‘Anger’. You can buy it straight from their website for $44AUD. Poppy King makes multiple shades of gorgeous reds, with different undertones to suit everyone. ‘Anger’ is a blue-toned red – it’s matte but creamy and super long-lasting.
I always hesitate with matte lipsticks but this is so comfortable to wear and I love that it’s a long-running Australian-founded brand that my mum used to wear, too!
Kylie, 27, she/her
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I can’t get enough of the Merit Flush Balm, which you find online for $48. I’ve tried out a few colours but landed on the shade ‘Cheeky‘. I’m not particularly skilled when it comes to makeup but it’s so easy to use. Even if I’m not wearing any other products, I’ll usually add a bit to my cheeks for a creamy glow before heading out the door. I’ve turned multiple friends onto it now!
Bianca, 30 she/her
I swear by the Tomorrow-Today beauty hydration hero balm. It leaves me looking dewy, acts as a primer and locks on the moisture on my skin. I say it’s paramount to my youthful skin. I apply it after sunscreen, but before foundation and at night after moisturiser but before face oil.
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