So there I was, standing on a subway platform in Seoul and looking about as hot as day-old kalbi. It was early November and just a smidge above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. I was feeling frumpy AF in multiple layers of Uniqlo's finest Heattech and tourist-y sneakers, also sporting a chin breakout and bloodshot eyes, courtesy of jet lag. By contrast, the women around me wore fur-trimmed coats and expensive-looking heels, with impeccable skin and perfectly applied lip stains. As I'm sure you can imagine, I felt totally fine standing next to them!

The only thing that kept me from feeling like my style game was completely off was my flick of L'Oreal Paris Infallible Paints Eyeliner, $9.99. I bought it in the shade Wild Green, figuring I'd wear it once or twice and forget about it. I ended up wearing it every day of my trip. It was just the thing I needed to boost my meh face and self-confidence. — Katie McCarthy

Image via @lorealmakeup

As a makeup minimalist, there aren't many cosmetic products that I obsess over. Sure, I love to swatch, swipe and test out gorgeous makeup, but you'll never catch me red-handed wearing it. If I opt for makeup, which is likely once a week or for a special occasion, my staples are concealer, blush, highlighter and mascara. As for my pout, I wouldn’t dare wear lipstick, and lip gloss doesn't seem natural-looking in my book, so I typically choose a lip balm or butter for hydration and a slight sheen. That is until I found this luxurious lippie. The Tom Ford Lumière Lip ($54) is the perfect "lipstick" for a girl that wants to go au naturel with a touch of sheen. 

It' a translucent balm that reacts to your pH so you get a customized lip color each time you wear it. For me, it's typically a very natural pinkish coral shade and it looks fantastic, especially against my sun-kissed skin. And this lippie isn't only a hit because of its custom color, it's chock-full of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and plant extracts. Hello, moisture.

If you can't wait to try this on your kisser, run to Sephora and snag one for $54. Trust me, it's totally worth the splurge.

 

Thumb via @tomford

I wish I was someone who could claim to have great skin but alas, that is not my lot in life. Instead, I have dark undereye circles, I have brown spots, I have stubborn red areas, I get a zit or two now and then. That's why I'm grateful for really, really good concealers, including my latest fave, BareMinerals BarePro 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer, $24. The stick formula is thick and opaque, so it quickly disguises anything you'd rather not show to the world. And though it's very creamy and easy to spread around, once it's in place, it's not going anywhere. From now on, my dark circles will remain my secret.

cover image via @bareminerals

I've been searching for the perfect eyeshadow palette for years and I've finally found it with the Pat McGrath Labs MTHRSHP Platinum Bronze Palette, $38.

It's pretty much all I ever wear now. The shade selection of rich metallics (and one essential matte in dark brown) makes it ideal for every occasion, from daytime to black tie. And the formula — oh, the formula — is every bit as beautiful as the colors. It applies like butter, full-coverage in a single swipe, and it wears all day without budging.

I typically apply Deep Velvet and Smoke and Mirrors to add a little drama to my lash line, then blend it up to the crease with Ritualistic. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll top my lids with the extra-sparkly Telepathic Taupe and add a touch of Platinize to my lower lashline.

Bottom line is, if you're looking to treat yourself, it might just be time to go Platinum Bronze. — Rosie Narasaki

Cover Image via @patmcgrathreal

I've always been a fan of rocking a golden glow. In fact, I dare say I look happier and healthier with bronze skin. That said, I'm also a huge stickler for sun protection in hopes of avoiding sun damage (aka premature wrinkles) and skin cancer. I've tried so many self-tanners and most of them leave much to be desired. Whether it's the off-putting smell or streaks or over-drying formulas — I'd pretty much given up hope on them all together.

I recently tried St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water, $42, and it's become my go-to tanner. The first thing you'll notice is the product is completely clear. It's made up of 100% naturally derived ingredients like green mandarin water and hibiscus flower extract — two anti-pollution ingredients that add to the delicious scent. Can we talk about that fragrance? Instead of smelling like you just sprayed chemicals all over your body, it smells like a light, refreshing, tropical perfume that you would deliberately spray from head to toe.

Application is simple: pump the crystal-clear mousse into the provided mitt and smooth all over your freshly washed and exfoliated self. Since there is absolutely no color, you're left with a little sheen of the product to help guide you through the areas you've already applied. The brand also makes a terrific face mist from the same line that will give your face natural color, just like your body. Once finished, you only need to wait a minute or two before dressing as the product does not transfer to clothing or your sheets. I like to apply it before going to bed and marvel at my natural, totally even, streak-free tan when I wake up. I look like I just got back from vacation, not at all like I'm sporting a fake tan. Over time, your color gradually (and evenly) fades until your next application.

If you're looking for an easy-to-apply, natural-looking self-tanner that doesn't streak, transfer or stink, I suggest giving this one a whirl — you may not want to use anything else.

To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin

Thumb via Instagram @sttropeztan