beauty

I'm beauty addict and these 5 products guarantee a compliment, every single time.

There’s just something exhilarating about someone acknowledging your *cough cough* extremely good taste in beauty products

Whether it’s from your bestie, your work wife, or even just yourself when you catch a glimpse of your #BeautyLookOfTheDay in the mirror, a little kudos for the hard-working products you’re investing in always feels ace. 

As someone who revels in the process of slathering the latest and greatest on her mug, I’ve tried my fair share of products, each with a varying degree of acknowledgment from those around me. 

Watch: How to clean your beauty products. Story continues below.


Video via Mamamia

Some products I take for a whirl, and no one gets too fussed (which is totally fine, BTW, I do it for myself). But every now and then, I test-drive something that my pals just can’t stop noticing. 

I’ve done a roundup of five standout products that make me feel my best and always get people asking what the magic product is. 

A quick reminder that everyone’s skin is unique, so patch test new beauty goodies and seek advice if you’re unsure if a product is for you. I’m not a dermatologist, and these are just my own experiences trialling beauty products. 

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MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger, $32.

Image: Iconic

There’s a reason that the red lip has stood the test of time: it’s an impact-making, confidence-boosting classic. 

Lady Danger is everything I want in a red lip: MAC's matte lipstick formulas have insane staying power, perfect pigment, and the ability to lift your whole look with a single swipe. 

If I’m ever feeling a little... bleh, I simply pull my hair back into a low bun, pop on some blush and this red lippy, and my mood is instantly lifted. 

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I’ve been using this same classic red for years (with the occasional newbie in the mix to keep things fresh). To this day, every time I swipe it on, a flurry of queries come my way. 

Suva Hydra Liners, $24.

Image: Suva Beauty

We all know that eyeliner highlights our peepers in the best way possible. Add a punchy pigment to the mix, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to make an impression. 

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These magic little pots are water-activated, meaning that the liner doesn’t dry out the way many liquid eyeliners often do. They’re also super pigmented, so the colour pay-off is next level and the pot itself lasts a seriously long time.

I’ve swiped many an eyeliner across my lids, and yet Suva’s iconic, bright ‘n’ bold liners remain an all-time fave. 

If I were to break this product down to compliments per wear, it’s practically free – literally, every time I sport one of these liners, people stop me in the streets to comment on the striking pop of colour. 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, $65. 

Image: Mecca.

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When I recently came back from Hawaii, I was holding on to the vacay vibes with every ounce of my being, including my very low-fi, beachy approach to makeup (read: not a lot at all). 

One product I picked up while I was over there, and haven’t been able to put down since, is the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

This product has an ‘OMG you’re glowing’ comment in the bag. I know this, because upon my arrival home, that’s all anyone would tell me. 

At first, I put it down to that post-holiday glow. But, as the weeks slipped away and the glow persisted, I realised that it was this little baby that was lighting up my face (and my day). 

According to their website, one is sold every two minutes, and it’s easy to see why. Inspired by the flattering glow of Hollywood lighting effects, this product uses a combo of finely milled powders and airbrush polymers to bring the radiance like nobody’s business. 

You can wear it alone (my pick post vacay), underneath foundation, or mixed in with it. A true multi-tasker ready to beam you with compliments! 

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Mecca Max Brow Guru Micro-Matic Pencil, $18, and Mecca Max Brow Guru Brow Soap, $16.

Image: Mecca.

If I’m being honest, there are few compliments as wonderful as, ‘your eyebrows look great.’ So much so, that it’s actually a running joke with my partner. 

Eyebrows are like the frame of the face, so I am naturally incredibly picky with what I’ll use on mine. I want brows that are full and fluffy but also neat… so ya know, not an easy feat. 

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Mecca Max’s Micro-Matic Pencil gets the assignment (and, might I just add, at one of the best price points I’ve come across). Only the lightest touch is needed to fill out and shape my brow, and it looks natural and fuss-free. 

Pair it with the brow soap? It honestly looks like my brows have been done by a professional every.single.time. 

I know that this really counts as two products but they’re a match made in heaven - and this combo always gets people asking for the brow deets! 

I Don’t Know What EDP, by D.S and DURGA, $264.

Image: Mecca

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There are only about five or six fragrances that I religiously re-purchase. To crack permanently into the rotation — big deal, friends. ‘I Don’t Know What’ by D.S and DURGA has done just that. 

A fresh addition to my fragrance collection, I truly cannot get enough. And neither can my co-workers and friends who can’t stop asking what fragrance I’m wearing. A little investigation of reviews for this fragrance proves that I’m not alone – it’s a compliment hogger. 

This little gem is actually a fragrance enhancer, meaning it can be worn by itself or layered with other fragrances. It’s a woody yet sophisticated scent, and even though the price tag is spendy, it’s an EDP so it does stick around all day. 

Big special mentions to the Sunday Riley CEO Brightening Serum, $128 and CEO Glow Oil, $120, for pretty much guaranteeing a ‘you’re glowing’ comment, and the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Minette, $72, for always eliciting a ‘what blush are you wearing?!’. 

These products have always made quite the impact for me – what are your most complimented beauty purchase?

Feature image: Supplied

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