Luxury Makeup Review: Primers, Foundations, Powders & Color Makeup I Truly Love
Many of these thoughts first appeared as small, scattered posts on Pinterest and Lemon8. A single image, a short caption, a quick note on texture or finish. As more people saved them, shared them, and asked about the exact products behind the looks, it felt natural to gather everything into one cohesive place. This post is a reflection of what I have genuinely used, tested, and returned to over time. It is not a list of what is trending or “most talked about,” but a carefully edited selection of products I continue to reach for. These are the ones that quietly earn their place on my vanity, which is exactly the spirit behind Glam Journal.
Primer
A good primer sets the entire mood of a base makeup look. For dry or dehydrated skin, it is less about dramatic color correction and more about how the skin feels once foundation goes on. I tend to focus on adhesion, comfort, and a natural glow rather than obvious tone adjustment. The best primers, in my experience, quietly improve texture and luminosity without competing with the foundation that follows.
Bobbi Brown Primer
Bobbi Brown’s primer is one of those dependable products that never overcomplicates things. The added SPF makes it especially practical for daytime wear, while the formula delivers a subtle brightening effect that looks like healthy skin rather than makeup. The finish is softly dewy, with a nourishing feel that sits comfortably on dry skin throughout the day. It works particularly well for office makeup or everyday looks where you want your base to feel polished but effortless.
CPB (Clé de Peau Beauté) Primer 〔Glam Journal〕
This is a true luxury primer in the quietest sense. The texture is refined and silky, and the glow it gives is incredibly delicate, almost as if the skin itself has been rested and well cared for. It doesn’t rely on heavy shimmer or visible correction, but instead enhances the skin’s natural clarity. Dry skin and more mature skin types will especially appreciate how it smooths without flattening the complexion. It’s the kind of product that makes foundation look better simply by being underneath it.
YSL Primer
YSL’s primer feels almost weightless. It spreads like water, instantly hydrating the skin and leaving behind a clean, sheer luminosity. There is no color correction here, which makes it ideal as a pure base primer. It doesn’t interfere with the finish of your foundation or cushion, and instead creates a smooth, hydrated canvas. Perfect for those who want glow without any visible makeup effect at the base layer.
Concealer
When it comes to concealer, I usually think in two directions: products that melt seamlessly into the skin for a natural finish, and products that provide stronger coverage for targeted correction. Whether you prefer quick, minimal application or more precise detailing, the texture and blendability matter more than sheer coverage numbers.
HOURGLASS Concealer
This concealer has a creamy, buttery texture that blends effortlessly into the skin. It offers solid coverage while still looking remarkably natural, which is not easy to achieve. Once applied, it almost disappears into the complexion, smoothing over imperfections without leaving edges or heaviness. It’s ideal for under-eye use and spot concealing when you want your skin to look refined but still like skin.
MAC Six-Color Concealer Palette 〔Glam Journal〕
This palette is incredibly practical, especially for beginners or anyone who prefers efficiency. With six shades covering correction and concealing needs, there’s no need for complicated mixing or layering multiple products. Everything you need is in one compact, making it perfect for quick application and travel. It’s straightforward, reliable, and surprisingly versatile.
BURBERRY Trench Concealer #C20
This is a quiet standout. Lightweight and hydrating, it delivers a very clean, refined finish that feels distinctly high-end. It works beautifully both as a concealer and as a subtle highlighting product for brightening certain areas of the face. The effect is understated but polished, giving the skin a fresh, elegant clarity rather than obvious coverage.
Foundation
Foundation should enhance the skin, not mask it. I gravitate toward formulas that respect the natural texture of the face, whether that means ultra-lightweight finishes or more perfected, luxurious coverage depending on the occasion.
Lancôme Foundation
This foundation offers a very natural, lightweight finish with almost no detectable makeup feel. It evens out the complexion without creating a mask-like effect, making it ideal for skin with minimal imperfections. On good skin days, this is the kind of foundation that simply makes everything look a little more balanced and refined.
BURBERRY Foundation 〔Glam Journal〕
An all-around exceptional product. The texture is finely milled and melts seamlessly into the skin, offering coverage that feels substantial yet elegant. It delivers a truly luxurious finish that looks smooth, even, and thoughtfully polished. This is the kind of foundation that represents high-end base makeup at its best.
Estée Lauder Foundation
Known for its high coverage and matte finish, this foundation excels in longevity and durability. It sets quickly and wears extremely well, even in heat or humidity. Application technique is key here: working in sections ensures a flawless, even result. When applied correctly, it delivers a perfected, long-lasting base that stays put all day.
Cushion Foundation
Cushion foundations are about convenience without sacrificing finish. The best ones feel intuitive to use and adapt well to different skin conditions.
PRADA Cushion
This cushion offers a soft, semi-matte satin finish with decent coverage. It does dry slightly faster than others, which makes it particularly suitable for combination skin, especially in spring and summer. Dry skin users will benefit from good hydration prep beforehand to ensure a smooth application.
YSL Cushion & Charlotte Tilbury Cushion 〔Glam Journal〕
Both are extremely user-friendly. YSL’s cushion feels more moisturizing, giving the skin a fresh, luminous look, while Charlotte Tilbury’s version lasts longer and has a slightly more powdery, set finish. They are both easy to reach for, dependable, and require very little effort to look good on the skin.
Loose Powder
Loose powder is often underestimated, but it plays a crucial role in refining and setting the complexion without dulling it.
CPB (Clé de Peau Beauté) Loose Powder 〔Glam Journal〕
This powder instantly cleans up the complexion without leaving any white or ashy residue. It sets makeup beautifully while maintaining a natural skin tone. The large jar makes it a great long-term investment, and the finish remains fresh and refined for hours.
Chanel Loose Powder
Chanel’s loose powder excels at oil control and setting power. A thin layer is enough to lock makeup in place, keeping combination to oily skin looking fresh throughout the day. It provides structure and longevity without heaviness.
Lancôme Absolue Powder
This powder has a unique, almost serum-like texture that melts into the skin. It leaves a soft, velvety finish with a subtle blurring effect, as if a gentle filter has been applied. The result is incredibly refined and luxurious, perfect for those who value skin-like finishes.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow, for me, is about atmosphere rather than intensity. Soft blending, wearable tones, and elegant finishes matter more than bold pigmentation.
TF Eyeshadow #31
This gray-purple palette includes three matte shades and one satin shimmer. The pigmentation is moderate, making it perfect for everyday wear. The powders are finely milled and blend effortlessly, creating a soft, dreamy look. The center satin shade is especially beautiful, adding just enough dimension.
Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow #EE 〔Glam Journal〕
A muted pink-brown palette that feels more atmospheric than neutral. The pearl shades are subtle, while the shimmer adds a gentle sparkle that elevates the look without overpowering it. It’s understated, elegant, and extremely wearable.
Dior Eyeshadow #002
This palette offers a refined color story with excellent balance. The textures are smooth, the tones are versatile, and the overall effect is polished and timeless. It works beautifully for both everyday makeup and more elevated looks, depending on how it’s applied.
Highlighter
Highlighter should enhance the skin’s natural structure, not sit on top of it.
MUF Highlighter #H100
A matte ivory shade that blends seamlessly into the skin. It creates that coveted “no makeup, just good skin” effect, subtly lifting and brightening without visible shimmer.
MAC “Gingerly” Highlighter 〔Glam Journal〕
A long-time favorite for good reason. The texture is extremely fine, allowing it to be built up from a soft glow to a more radiant finish. It leaves behind a natural, healthy sheen that looks effortless.
Bobbi Brown “Five Barbecue Stripes” Highlighter
This soft champagne gold shade has a hint of pink, creating a luminous, dewy glow. It layers beautifully with blush, adding freshness and dimension to the complexion.
Blush
Blush brings life back into the face, and the best formulas mimic a natural flush.
Laura Mercier Blush #Rose
This shade gives the impression of color coming from within the skin. It is highly pigmented, so applying lightly in layers creates the most natural and beautiful result.
Charlotte Tilbury Blush #Ecstasy 〔Glam Journal〕
A soft milk-tea pink paired with a deeper rose center. The result is gentle, feminine, and subtly captivating. It adds warmth and character without overwhelming the face.
Chanel Blush #71
A bright coral-pink with fine shimmer that instantly lifts the complexion. The color payoff is excellent, and it brings an immediate sense of freshness and vitality.
Lip Glazes
Lip glazes complete the look by adding softness and personality.
TF Lip Lacquer #20
A cool-toned chestnut red-brown with a mirror-like glossy finish. It melts into the lips, feeling juicy and smooth while maintaining an elegant, composed look.
CHANEL Dual-Ended Lip Tint #154 〔Glam Journal〕
A blend of white peach and cinnamon tones that creates a perfect nude milk-tea shade. Worn sheer, it feels light and fresh; layered, it becomes a rosy-beige with more depth. Easy, versatile, and full of quiet energy.
Dior Lip Lacquer #640
A white peach oolong shade that feels soft, youthful, and fresh. It’s sweet without being childish, like spring petals resting on the lips.
If I were to keep just one makeup set that feels luxurious without being complicated, this would be it. Each product in this edit earns its place through performance, texture, and how naturally it integrates into daily makeup routines. The Glam Journal approach has never been about chasing trends or viral launches, but about curating beauty products that hold up over time. These are formulas I return to because they make the skin look better, feel comfortable, and remain reliable across seasons. In the long run, truly great luxury makeup is not about excess, but about thoughtful choices and products that continue to perform long after the hype fades.