1. Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme
This lip plumper is the real deal. I noticed fuller lips just minutes after I applied the clear gloss, and they stayed full for hours after application (TooFaced, $28). I’ve had great results from Clinicians Complex as well, but Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme was the first plumper I’ve used that kept my lips full for hours without reapplying. However, the Too Faced plumper might sting a bit, so if you have really sensitive skin and lips, I might recommend the Clinicians Complex, which has a cooling effect (Amazon, $39).
More: Makeup essentials you should never skip
2. Fabulips “Pout-O-Matic” kit by Bliss
For many of us, winter weather brings dry, flakey lips that look even worse when covered with the trendy dark lip shades of the season. The Fabulips Pout-O-Matic by Bliss has been an absolute lifesaver for me (Bliss World, $48). It comes with a lip scrub and electronic tool that are used together as a power-packed duo to gently remove dead skin from your lips and hydrate the new layer of skin. If the whole kit sounds intense, Lip Strip by Laura Geller is a great scrub for a less aggressive exfoliation approach (Laura Geller, $19).
3. KISMET Lovely liquid illuminator
A dewy finish can really help bring out your cheekbones in a photo. This is where the work of a great highlighter comes in. My favorite highlighter is the KISMET Lovely illuminator (KISMET Cosmetics, $19). I only need to use a small amount of this liquid solution to create a beautiful glow that lasts through the night. I’ve also used and liked the liquid Becca highlighter in Opal, but I prefer the KISMET highlighter in Rosy as it stays in place and lasts a bit longer (Becca Cosmetics, $41).
4. Bareskin liquid foundation by Bare Minerals
For those of us with sensitive skin, it can be difficult to find a smooth finish liquid foundation that doesn’t cause breakouts. Bareskin by Bare Minerals creates a full coverage foundation look without clogging your pores with a heavy solution (Bare Escentuals, $29). The lightweight layer stays well and leaves your skin with the luxurious look of liquid foundation that photographs well. Maybelline SuperStay 24hr makeup is my second choice here (Maybelline, $11). It’s a great option if you’re looking for a more affordable foundation from the drugstore
5. Stay All Day waterproof liquid liner by Stila
As the night goes on, eyeliner tends to smudge and wear off. A good waterproof liner can help you maintain a photo ready face without the need to constantly reapply. The Stay All Day waterproof liquid liner by Stila has been my favorite (Stila Cosmetics, $22). Maybelline Master Kajal is a solid runner up (Maybelline, $8).
6. Kylie Lip Kit
If you get the chance to snag one of these, do it! The Kylie Lip Kit comes with a liner and a liquid matte lipstick to create the perfect lip look (LipKit by Kylie). What I like about this product in comparison to others is that the solution goes on smoothly and doesn’t dry out your lips like some of its lower-priced competitors. Kat Von D’s line of liquid matte lipstick is also a great option if you’re looking for lasting color that goes on smoothly (Kat Von D Beauty, $20).
More: How a makeup artist gets the perfect holiday lips
7. Volume Booster by CHI
CHI’s Volume Booster is hands down the best volumizing product I’ve tried to date (Ulta, $15). The solution is applied to and brushed through damp hair before blow drying to create volume evenly throughout your hair. I prefer it to other glazes and root boosters because the solution is lightweight and doesn’t make my hair feel as though it’s saturated in product.
8. Bellami Curling Wand
The Bellami curling wand comes with six interchangeable barrel options to give you the versatility of multiple curling wands in one tool (Bellami Hair, $140). It also has an adjustable temperature range of 356 degrees Fahrenheit to 430 degrees Fahrenheit. The best part about this wand is that it creates soft, silky curls that last the entire night without holding sprays.
9. Smashbox Photo Finish
To ensure that my trusty Bareskin foundation will stay in place under exceptionally rough conditions like a night out dancing or a day in a humid local, I use Smashbox Photo Finish (Smashbox, $36). This primer has a dedicated following of beauty mavens who swear by its ability to help your foundation maintain full coverage.
Hopefully these products will help you take more beautiful photos during your upcoming vacations and events. If you have a product you’d recommend, let me know in the comments below!