Nicole’s 50 Best of Beauty Awards: The Ultimate Edit of Niche Luxury, Timeless, & Skin-Loving Icons
Discover 50 of Nicole’s hand-selected beauty must-haves from niche luxury innovations to reliable, skin-friendly staples that deliver radiant, beautiful results with every use.
Disclaimer: I do use affiliate links in this blog meaning that if you purchase anything through my affiliate links I receive commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products that I have heavily researched, tested and loved, and/or used for several years.
Nicole’s 50 Best of Beauty Shoppable Edit:
[1] Sisley Paris Phyto-Teint Perfection Foundation: Best Non-Comedogenic Foundation
A couple years ago, some last minute pre-trip shopping led to a major discovery: my usual non-comedogenic foundation was out of stock, and a consultant pointed me towards Sisley’s foundation line. To my surprise, their formulas are non-comedogenic, which essentially means "non-clogging" for anyone prone to breakouts.
I’ve been spotlighting non-comedogenic makeup since one of my very first blog posts back in 2023. It is still shockingly rare to find luxury formulas (or any formula, for that matter) that don't clog pores, and as someone who battled acne in high school, I do not take risks with my skin. I personally justify the Sisley price point due to it being non-comedogenic, having a truly flawless full coverage finish, offering a wide array of shades that was able to match my ghostly pale skin perfectly, and built-in Sisley skincare benefits (also talked about in my “Skincare-Infused Makeup: The Future of Beauty” blog post).
[2] Dior Dreamskin Care & Perfect: Best Foundation Primer
I have been loyal to Dior’s Dreamskin Care & Perfect as my foundation primer for almost a decade now! While I have experimented with other products over the years, I always find myself coming back to this one. It truly does create a “blurring effect” with a consistency smoother than a baby’s bottom—it is the perfect canvas for your foundation to have a glowy, radiant finish. Please note that non-comedogenic labeling tends to only apply to makeup products, so definitely do a test patch first!
[3] Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara: Best Everyday Mascara
I discovered Chantecaille’s Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara about seven years ago, and like most, was both intrigued and appalled at the $78 price point. A higher price does not always equate better quality, but in this case it absolutely does! I had tried every mascara under the sun prior to this, being a makeup junkie straight out of the womb. This Chantecaille mascara creates the most natural looking and delicately long lashes possible. Not only that, it is fragrance free and contains rose oil to condition the lashes. The tubes have incredible longevity as well!
[4] Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner: Best Pencil Eyeliner
Our Posh Spice really did her big one with these Satin Kajal eyeliners! I have them in multiple colors and the saturation, staying power, and packaging quality is second to none. I mean it when I say a teeny, tiny bit goes a long way! The pigment payoff is truly incredible. I especially love the sequin green color for hazel eyes!
[5] Surratt Artistique Face Brush: Best Powder Brush
I found the niche hype around Surratt makeup brushes on Reddit years ago, but had a hard time justifying the $280 price tag despite the rave reviews. This past Black Friday, they were doing 30% off so I decided to take the plunge on the famous Artistique powder brush with the much better discounted price. I have a collection of high-end brushes so I was honestly skeptical how much better it could be. Boy, was I proven wrong! Just looking at the brush upon unboxing it was a sight to behold. The hairs are almost microscopically thin, and it is undeniably the softest thing I have ever touched in my life. Any powder looks airbrushed with every sweep. If you’re looking to invest in the platinum standard of makeup brushes, I recommend taking advantage of their Black Friday sale. These brushes will last a lifetime!
[6] Valmont LumiSence Serum: Best Glow Activating Serum
I still have yet to blog about my switch to Valmont’s Luminosity line, but after a year of consistent use, I am completely devoted. This LumiSence serum is a splurge product, but will make you glow like no other product can. The bottle is small but mighty, and you only need a little bit to reap the benefits. Not only is it glow activating, but it also excels at the challenging task of shrinking the pores. This is a winner for bringing tired and dull skin back to life!
I have preached about using this makeup remover since literal middle school, as it remains undisputed as the best of the best! As someone who loves a full beat, thorough makeup removal is absolutely necessary for maintaining healthy eyes, lashes, and skin. There is nothing worse than a semi-effective formula leaving you with irritated raccoon eyes. This Clinique Take the Day Off truly takes off EVERYTHING, even the most stubborn waterproof products. This is a staple that belongs in everyone’s routine!
[8] ALASTIN HA (Hyaluronic Acid) IMMERSE Serum™: Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum
I received a sample of this Alastin product after getting my first Clear + Brilliant laser last year, and was so obsessed that I decided it earned a coveted spot in my skincare routine! I tend to be dehydrated, and this serum is the best solution as it hydrates and plumps the skin instantly. It also won Oprah Daily's 2022 O-ward for “Best Hydrating Serum”! This is a medspa-approved, high-performing product for a dewy, healthy glow.
[9] CHANEL Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush N°200: Best Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush
This Chanel dual-ended eyeshadow brush is honestly chef’s kiss for the It Girl on the go. I find that the brush lengths are perfectly calibrated with one side providing a perfect blend on the upper lid, and the opposite side precisely adding drama along the lower lash line. There are caps on both ends as well, which makes it a perfect travel companion and a permanent “what’s in my bag” staple. It also makes for a chic (and useful) gift!
[10] Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade: Best Eyebrow Gel
Does the iconic Glossier Boy Brow even need an introduction? I’m constantly testing new product launches, but it has consistently reigned supreme for me. The magic is in the applicator with a perfectly petite brush, allowing me to navigate my arches and varied density zones with total precision. The color match is also true-to-tone, though I’m just as obsessed with the clear gel. It’s a classic for a reason!
[11] Valmont Wonder Falls Makeup Removing Cream: Best Milky Cleanser
This lesser known gem was recommended to me by my facialist at Maison Valmont in Beverly Hills. If there is one Valmont product to invest in, it would be Wonder Falls because it is so much more than just a makeup remover. It starts off as a luxurious cream then turns into a silken oil within a couple minutes of facial massage. I had never experienced a cleanser that left such a supple, post-facial glow until trying this product. I would give it every beauty award if I could!
[12] BY TERRY Hyaluronic Glow Setting Mist: Best Setting Spray
Last year, I embarked on a weeks-long hunt for the best setting spray in preparation for the Cowboy Carter tour. I researched dozens of formulas on the market, deep dived Reddit, and scanned every unbiased review, ultimately landing on By Terry’s Hyaluronic Glow Setting Mist. I wanted it to be long-lasting and contain skin benefits without a hairspray-like finish. This product fit the bill perfectly! It contains eight hyaluronic acid types and lasts up to 16 hours. After putting it to the test at the concert, my two best friends and I were ecstatic; it stayed all night and we were still glowing past midnight. It is one of my proudest discoveries!
