Building a beauty kit isn't about owning every product that goes viral. It's about finding products you can rely on—ones that perform consistently, fit seamlessly into your routine, and help you look and feel your best. Whether you're perfecting your everyday makeup or preparing for a special occasion, the right combination of skincare and cosmetics can make all the difference.
To help narrow down the options, we asked celebrity makeup artist Muriel Vega Perez to share a few products he believes deserve more attention. From complexion essentials to skincare staples that prep, protect, and refresh the skin, here are beauty finds worth making room for in your kit.
JMCY Long Lasting Fixing Spray
"A setting spray is one of those products people often overlook, but it's one of the last things I use before sending a client out the door," says Muriel Vega Perez. "No matter how beautiful the makeup is, it still needs to hold up throughout the day."
The JMCY Long Lasting Fixing Spray is formulated to help minimize smudging and fading while maintaining a fresh, natural-looking finish. Rather than leaving makeup feeling overly matte or tacky, its lightweight formula helps preserve the skin-like quality of makeup—making it especially useful for long events, outdoor shoots, or occasions where makeup is expected to last for hours.
Dermorepubliq Niacinamide + Botanical Extracts Toner
"I always tell my clients that skincare is part of makeup because your skin is the canvas. The better you prepare it, the more beautifully every product blends and lasts throughout the day."
The Dermorepubliq Niacinamide + Botanical Extracts Toner combines niacinamide with soothing botanical extracts to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone while supporting the skin barrier. Its lightweight, alcohol-free formula layers comfortably with the rest of a skincare routine, making it an easy preparatory step before serums, moisturizers, and makeup.
TeaShell Niacinamide Brightening Serum
"I like products that work quietly in the background. If your skin already looks healthy, makeup becomes much easier to apply and often looks more natural," Muriel shares.
The TeaShell Niacinamide Brightening Serum focuses on long-term skin preparation rather than immediate cosmetic effects. Formulated with niacinamide, it helps improve the appearance of dullness and uneven skin tone while supporting the skin barrier, allowing complexion products to complement the skin instead of compensating for it.
Hortaleza M.D. Moisturizing Face Gel
"Sometimes clients think they need a different foundation when what they really need is better skin preparation," Muriel says.
The Hortaleza M.D. Moisturizing Face Gel delivers lightweight hydration through a refreshing gel texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy finish. Because it sits comfortably under sunscreen and makeup, it works particularly well for those who prefer hydration that doesn't feel heavy or interfere with the wear of complexion products throughout the day.
Revlon Glimmer Blush Drops
"When someone looks healthy and well-rested, it's often because there's life and dimension in the complexion," Muriel explains. "A beautiful blush can completely change the way the face comes alive."
Unlike traditional powder blushes, the Revlon Glimmer Blush Drops offer a lightweight liquid formula with buildable pigment that blends seamlessly into the skin. The customizable finish allows it to transition easily from a subtle daytime flush to a more luminous look, making it a versatile addition to different makeup styles and skin finishes.
Dr. O Skinlab Hypochlorous Skin Rescue Spray
"As a makeup artist, I appreciate products that help keep skin feeling comfortable, especially after long hours of makeup or when clients have sensitive skin," Muriel says.
The Dr. O Skinlab Hypochlorous Skin Rescue Spray features hypochlorous acid, an ingredient recognized for helping support the skin's natural barrier while providing a gentle, refreshing mist. Its versatility allows it to fit into multiple points of a routine—before makeup, after workouts, or whenever the skin needs a quick reset without adding heaviness.
K-Palette Lasting Eyebrow Liquid
"Eyebrows frame the entire face. Even with minimal makeup, well-defined brows instantly make someone look more polished and balanced," Muriel shares.
The K-Palette Lasting Eyebrow Liquid features a fine brush that creates natural, hair-like strokes, making it easy to fill in sparse areas with precision. Its smudge-proof, long-wearing formula helps brows stay defined throughout the day while maintaining a soft, natural finish, making it a dependable choice for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Ever Bilena Toast of New York Baked Palette
"I love products that can do more than one job, especially when I'm working on different clients or traveling with a lighter kit," Muriel shares. "Having versatile shades gives you more creative freedom without bringing an entire makeup bag."
The Ever Bilena Toast of New York Baked Palette features a selection of wearable neutral shades that make it easy to create both everyday and more polished eye looks. Its blendable baked formula allows for smooth application and buildable color, making it a versatile addition to any beauty kit.
BYS Blur & Brighten Quad Setting Powder
"Setting powder doesn't have to make skin look flat," Muriel says. "I like formulas that help control shine while still allowing the skin to look fresh and natural throughout the day."
The BYS Blur & Brighten Quad Setting Powder features four complementary shades designed to help blur the appearance of pores, reduce unwanted shine, and brighten the complexion with a soft-focus finish. Its finely milled formula applies smoothly over makeup without feeling heavy or cakey, making it a practical choice for setting foundation, touching up throughout the day, or subtly enhancing the skin's natural-looking finish.
SOLA Dew It Fresh Vitamin C Hydrating Mist
"Hydration doesn't stop once makeup is finished. Sometimes a simple facial mist is enough to make skin look healthier and more refreshed without disturbing the makeup," says Muriel.
The SOLA Dew It Fresh Vitamin C Hydrating Mist combines hydration with the added benefit of Vitamin C in an easy-to-use facial mist. Beyond refreshing the complexion, it offers flexibility throughout the day—whether used to prep the skin before makeup, revive a makeup look, or restore a dewy finish whenever the skin feels dry or fatigued.
A professional makeup kit and a personal beauty kit don't have to look the same, but they often share one thing in common: every product earns its place. Through years of working across different faces, skin types, and occasions, Muriel Vega Perez has learned that dependable products often matter more than an overflowing collection. These recommendations reflect that philosophy—practical essentials chosen not because they're trendy, but because they consistently support healthy-looking skin, effortless makeup application, and routines that people can confidently make their own.
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