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:
*See descriptions below the 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!
[13] Shiseido Water in Lip Sakura Lip Balm: Best Lip Balm
The Shisedo Water in Lip is the best lip balm in the universe (period!). Even in the depths of Reddit you’ll find that so many others unanimously agree that this is the best lip product that they have ever tried. It contains hyaluronic acid and Japanese hot spring water for the ultimate long-lasting hydration. It can be hard to find international shipping online, but if you walk into any Japanese market they will have it!
[14] Chantecaille Pure Rosewater: Best Hydration Mist
The price tag of Chantecaille’s pure rosewater might be a jump scare, but I promise it is 1000% worth every penny! The product description drops this insane bar: “the delicate petals are hand-harvested and steam-distilled in artesian well water in the South of France”. Whenever I spray it on my face, I am immediately transported to a magical place! I mean it with my whole being when I say it smells like the freshest, dew-covered, handpicked roses; it has become a non-negotiable part of my daily beauty ritual. I also cannot go on a trip without their travel-sized version (and the packaging is so chic covered in pink petals)!
[15] Addiction Tokyo The Liquid Eyeliner: Best Liquid Eyeliner
Addiction Tokyo has hands down the best liquid eyeliner I have ever tried (and trust me, I have tried them all!). The application brush is sturdy yet agile, and gives the most saturated inky black color that does not budge. This is a bittersweet addition, as I got hooked on Addiction Tokyo after my many visits to Maison Kose in LA—the holy land for J-beauty including Jill Stuart Beauty, Decorté, and SEKKISEI. A few months ago, Addiction Tokyo closed down operations in the U.S. so I am going to have to import future orders from Japan (it’s that good!). While I’m planning to test some U.S.-accessible products in parallel (Clé de Peau is high on the list), Addiction Tokyo still holds the crown!
[16] MBR Eye Cream Smooth 100: Best Eye Cream
One of my most popular beauty blog posts is on Medical Beauty Research’s Eye Smooth 100 which enters the top tier of the “luxury skincare tax bracket” at $688 USD. It was recommended to me by my facialist and I made the fatal mistake of not checking the price, but went on to falling in love with the incredible results. It firms the eye area, improves microcirculation, calms swelling, significantly reduces dark circles, minimizes muscle contractions, and stimulates collagen—to name just a handful of its benefits. I have tested several more accessible products over the past year, but nothing has come close to the results of this product! When a product works better than actual procedures, the investment starts to make sense!
[17] Decorté Liposome Advanced Repair Cream: Best Lightweight Night Cream
I discovered Decorté over a year ago, and it is crazy to see how much it has infiltrated the Western market in such a short amount of time! You can find the brand sold at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks, and even Ulta! The Decorté Liposome serum is famous for being the #1 seller in Japan (and the product often spotlighted in our Shohei’s Decorté commercials), but I actually find that the advanced repair cream is even more incredible! I initially got a sample packet from Maison Kose in LA, and immediately saw overnight results. It feels lightweight, yet delivers an incredible amount of hydration without feeling greasy. The formula is powered by proprietary Night Multilayer Bioliposomes, which delivers ultra-fine microcapsules to the skin throughout the night.
[18] DIOR Forever Skin Contour Stick: Best Contour Stick
When Dior first launched this contour stick, my jaw actually dropped seeing it was non-comedogenic. Contour sticks are usually the ultimate "pore-clogger" because of their heavy, concentrated formulas so this product is a total game changer for acne-prone skin. I use shade 03 Medium, which believe it or not looks incredible even on my ghostly pale skin. I’m actually considering picking up 01 Light for my lightweight makeup days. Pro tip: instead of drawing directly on my face, I’ve started swiping the stick onto my contour makeup brush first. It creates a much more diffused, subtle sculpt that looks like a natural shadow rather than a stripe that needs an intense blending session.
[19] Jill Stuart Bloom Drop Lip & Cheek Chiffon: Best Lip Stain
When Maison Kose first opened in LA, I actually screamed! It meant I could finally get my hands on Jill Stuart Beauty without having to do international shipping. For those new to the brand, Jill Stuart Beauty is a J-beauty icon known for the most beautiful, princess-core packaging imaginable. Most products are adorned with faceted glass and crystal rhinestones truly fit for royalty. Ironically, after my first big haul this lip stain was the product I liked the least, until I realized I was using it wrong! I initially treated it like a normal lip gloss, but the pigment felt too concentrated and overwhelming on my lips. Once I started using it as a stain, it became a daily ritual achieving the perfect blotted look. I’ve seen the viral peel-off lip stains all over my TikTok feed, but the mixed reviews and wait-and-peel process always scared me away. I much prefer this product with a two-second application that delivers the perfect all-day color—and the packaging will become your vanity or purse’s standout item!
[20] CHANEL LE CRAYON LÈVRES Longwear Lip Pencil (In Pivoine): Best Lipliner
Pillow Talk may be the fan favorite, but I personally believe that Chanel’s lipliner in Pivoine is the best nude lipliner on the market. While Pillow Talk can sometimes lean a bit too muddy or orange depending on the lighting, Pivoine is the perfect, true-to-life rose nude that defines the lips without looking like you’ve overdrawn them. The formula is creamy enough to glide on without tugging, but it has a long-wear finish that actually survives my daily freddo cappuccinos. If you’re tired of the overhyped cult favorites and want a liner that actually looks like your lips but better, this is the one to invest in. The built-in brush on the end also makes it so easy to blend for diffused edges. I have lucked out the past few years with securing restocks, but this color does sell out very frequently on Chanel’s website! I normally have the best luck with Macy’s online store.
[21] Sisley Paris Phyto-Lip Twist (In 24 Rosy Nude): Best Nude Tinted Balm
I recently got this Sisley tinted balm at the Cos Bar in Aspen—easily the most beautiful location I’ve ever visited with seriously the kindest beauty advisors! As a long-time loyal Sisley customer, I wasn’t surprised that I fell in love with another product, but it actually took quite a few swatches around the store to find my version of the perfect nude shade. Rosy Nude is it. The packaging is stunning of course, but the product itself is the perfect hybrid: it’s a tinted balm that actually delivers both rich color and deep moisture. It has quickly become my #1 daily staple of products in my bag!
[22] Diorshow 5 Couleurs: Best Eyeshadow Palette
I honestly have never understood the mixed reviews on Dior’s eyeshadow palettes because I’ve been an avid collector of them since high school! The shades always complement one another perfectly, and I find that the consistency delivers the ideal balance of pigment: it’s buildable, true to tone, and easily blendable without being over-saturated or causing messy fallout on my face. I’m always open to new recommendations, but for now these still take the cake!
[23] Davines OI All In One Hair Milk for Softness and Shine: Best Heat Protectant Spray
I have been using this Davines OI Milk for over 8 years now, and it is the epitome of an absolute holy grail! This product is a rare all-in-one, but most notably an amazing heat protectant and detangler after getting out of the shower. Not only does it make your hair exponentially more manageable when brushing, but it leaves it smoother, softer, and with an incredible shine after blow-drying. If you need more convincing, both of my celebrity hairstylists approve of it! P.S. I also love Davines’ hair masks!
[24] Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil: Best Finishing Hair Oil
I have been using this Shu Uemura essence absolue oil for about 8 years as well, and it is hands down the best lightweight, finishing hair oil. I have tried all of the viral Japanese hair oils in recent years, but this one is the cream of the crop for achieving glossy, glass-like hair. Other oils can be heavy and even make your hair look greasy, but this one perfectly complements volume and styling. The bottle lasts forever, and it smells amazing!
[25] K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo: Best Dry Shampoo for Oily Hair
I have been a long-time K18 stan, as my haircut stylist was a K18 ambassador long before the brand went viral. I was ecstatic when they launched their Airwash dry shampoo, as I had tried every dry shampoo under the sun and had still not found one I loved. Shopping for both brunette and oily hair is almost an impossible task when it comes to dry shampoo, as it can often leave a white film, cause itchiness, or simply not work. I immediately fell in love with K18’s Airwash, and truly use it almost every day! It works as a liquid spray rather than an aeresol, which I strongly believe is the key to preventing the white film from building up. This will forever stay in my haircare lineup!
