When it comes to beauty, few voices carry as much influence as the editors of ELLE. These are the individuals who test, swatch, spritz, and swipe their way through thousands of products every year—and still come back to a few tried-and-true favorites. Whether it’s a cult-favorite mascara or a moisturizer that consistently saves stressed skin, each of these items has earned its place.
From timeless classics to recent breakthroughs, the following products represent the crème de la crème of beauty, according to those who live and breathe the industry.
A Skin Tint That Doubles as Skincare
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Many editors have gravitated toward lightweight complexion products, and the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint has become a go-to. It blends skincare and makeup in one effortless step, offering SPF protection, hydration, and a dewy glow that never feels heavy.
The Red Lipstick That Works for Everyone
NARS’s “Dragon Girl” Velvet Matte Lip Pencil continues to dominate the red-lip conversation. With just the right balance of cool and warm undertones, it flatters a wide range of skin tones. Bonus: the crayon-like format makes precision application foolproof.
A Blush That Mimics a Natural Flush
The Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush has been spotted on vanities from Paris to New York. With color-adapting technology, it subtly adjusts to your skin’s pH to deliver a just-pinched effect.
The OG Mascara That Still Reigns Supreme
Lancôme’s Monsieur Big Mascara is one that ELLE editors return to repeatedly. It offers volume, drama, and zero smudging—even after long days on set or late-night events.
The Foundation That Refuses to Cake
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is an industry staple. Its buildable texture and lit-from-within finish make it a favorite for red carpets and editorial shoots alike.
A Dry Shampoo That Actually Works
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Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo doesn’t just mask oil—it absorbs it completely. For editors with demanding schedules, it keeps hair fresh between wash days without buildup or dullness.
A Brow Gel That Stays Put
Benefit’s 24-Hour Brow Setter has earned its reputation for good reason. This clear gel locks hairs in place all day without flaking or making brows feel stiff.
The Face Mist That Calms and Sets
Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir is a fixture on ELLE desks. It’s refreshing, hydrates instantly, and can be used pre- or post-makeup. The herbal scent is an added perk.
The Lip Balm That’s Always in Their Bags
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is adored for its non-sticky texture and glossy finish. With nourishing ingredients like shea butter and vegan waxes, it does more than just coat lips—it truly hydrates them.
The Nail Polish With Editorial Status
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Chanel’s Le Vernis in “Ballerina” is a minimalist’s dream. Its sheer pink tone gives nails that clean, groomed look editors are obsessed with.
The Cleanser That Does It All
Editors love the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for its luxurious texture and spa-like scent. It melts away makeup, dirt, and SPF with ease.
A Fragrance That Always Turns Heads
Le Labo Santal 33 remains a favorite. With its woody, spicy, and slightly leathery scent, it has become a signature for many fashion insiders.
The Cream That Multitasks Like a Pro
Weleda Skin Food has reached cult status in both the beauty and fashion world. Used as a primer, highlighter, or hand cream, its versatility has made it a staple.
A Concealer That Hides Everything (Without Creasing)
The Kosas Revealer Concealer is packed with skincare benefits while still offering true medium-to-full coverage. Editors use it on tired under-eyes, redness, and blemishes without worrying about caking.
The Cult-Favorite Hair Oil
The Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil continues to win raves. It smooths flyaways, adds shine, and smells like a bouquet of wildflowers and honey.
A Highlighter That Delivers a Lit-from-Within Glow
Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wand in “Spotlight” has graced the faces of countless cover models. Its easy-to-blend formula offers that glass-skin finish without glitter.
A Lash Serum That Shows Results
GrandeLASH-MD is one of those products editors swear by—often secretly. With daily use, it strengthens lashes and promotes visible growth in just weeks.
A Face Mask That Fixes Tired Skin Fast
The Jet Lag Mask from Summer Fridays is a favorite among editors dealing with late nights and early mornings. It hydrates, cools, and revives dull complexions.
The Clean Deodorant That Stands Up to Stress
Corpus Naturals Deodorant not only looks chic on a vanity but also offers long-lasting protection without aluminum. Editors love the Neroli scent for its freshness.
A Shampoo That Delivers Shine and Strength
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo helps protect color, repair damage, and add luster to hair in a single wash. It’s a must for frequent stylers.
The Moisturizer That Never Breaks Them Out
Tatcha’s Water Cream is beloved for its lightweight texture and calming properties. Editors with sensitive or acne-prone skin find it strikes the perfect balance.
A Lipstick That’s Both Matte and Moisturizing
The Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Lipstick has won hearts with its plush formula and vintage-style packaging. “Goldie Red” remains a best-seller for a reason.
A Sunscreen That’s Actually Fun to Wear
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 provides sun protection with an added luminizing finish. It’s a top pick for editors heading into meetings makeup-free.
A Setting Powder That Keeps Shine Away
Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a kit staple. Editors rely on it to reduce shine and lock in makeup without disturbing the finish.
The Eye Cream That Works Overtime
Drunk Elephant’s C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is rich yet fast-absorbing, helping to brighten and firm the under-eye area. It’s a savior after long flights and late nights.
A Hair Tool Worth the Investment
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The Dyson Airwrap is the gadget most often called “life-changing” by ELLE beauty staff. From curling to smoothing, it styles without extreme heat.
A Toner That Balances Without Drying
Fresh’s Rose Deep Hydration Toner features real rose petals suspended in the bottle. It tones and hydrates simultaneously, making it a post-cleanse must-have.
The Primer That Extends Every Look
Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer grips foundation for hours, without that tight, sticky feeling. Its cannabis seed extract also offers subtle hydration.
A Body Lotion That Smells Like Luxury
Nécessaire’s Body Lotion is fragrance-free but rich in niacinamide and multivitamins. Editors pair it with a spritz of perfume for all-day softness.
A Scalp Scrub That Clears Buildup
Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo leaves the scalp feeling clean and balanced, without irritation.
A Tonal Eyeshadow Palette That Does It All
The Urban Decay Naked3 Palette continues to hold its ground, thanks to its flattering rose-toned hues. It’s ideal for daytime wear or a soft smoky eye.
The Anti-Frizz Cream That Actually Works
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Virtue’s Un-Frizz Cream is packed with alpha keratin to repair hair while smoothing it. Humid days don’t stand a chance.
A Clean Lip Tint That Pulls Any Look Together
Ilia’s Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm provides color, hydration, and shine in one swipe. “Memoir,” a mauve-pink, gets a lot of love.
The Cult Favorite Moisturizer
Augustinus Bader’s The Cream earns its high price tag. Backed by stem cell research, it’s favored by editors for its visible results.
A Hair Mask That Repairs Damage Fast
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask works in just four minutes and has become a backstage favorite for runways and shoots.
A Gel Eyeliner That Stays Put
Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon is creamy enough to blend but sets like a waterproof dream. “Blacquer” is a staple.
The Best Budget Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser offers derm-approved hydration for under $15. Editors always keep a bottle on hand.
The Night Cream That Reboots Skin
Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair is almost always mentioned in ELLE’s beauty roundups. With years of clinical backing, it’s trusted to improve skin texture and tone.
The Product That Does It All
In the mix of luxury skincare and hardworking multitaskers, one keyword often emerges among editors’ top picks—40 Iconic Beauty Products ELLE Editors Swear By—and these items prove exactly why they’re worth the hype.
