This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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We like to think we’re pretty knowledgeable (read: obsessive) when it comes to beauty products, but every now and then, we stumble across a get-gorgeous treasure that takes us completely by surprise. How can such an amazing product be on the market without our knowledge?
So, we thought we’d share the love by asking some of the best names in the beauty biz to spill the beans on their secret stashes. These beauty unicorns are theproducts in-the-know pros swear by — that most people don’t even know exist. Read on to discover the hidden primping gems and find out what you need to stock up on before everybody else gets clued in.
Biolustré Restore Daily Maintenance Treatment Shampoo
Your hair can only take so much before it starts to revolt. This treatment gives a little TLC to your overworked strands by restoring elasticity to prevent breakage and create stronger locks, says celebrity hairstylist Patrick Melville, who works with mega-watt stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Carrie Underwood.
$19.90, available at DermStore.
Hanskin Super Magic BB Cream
“This is perfect for the person who doesn’t like to wear much makeup, like me,” says manicurist and salon owner Jin Soon Choi, who works with Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway, and Beyoncé. “It has good coverage and moisturizes at the same time.”
$34, available at The BB Cream Shop.
Talika Eye Touch Eye Contour Sticks
Working long hours or partying too hard? Instead of camouflaging dark circles, consider erasing them. Makeup artist Kathy Jeung, who works with Gwen Stefani, uses these ginseng-infused applications to combat tired eyes and fine lines, because mom doesn’t need to know exactly what we’ve been up to. Why make her worry?
$31, available at Talika.
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness
Whether you are heading to the salon or dying your own hair, this collection of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments will give your new color nine lives. It removes minerals and product build-up, so “color is radiant, and also helps conditioning products penetrate into each strand,” says hairstylist and colorist Marie Ferro, who works with Jane Seymour.
$3.50-$13, available at Malibu C.
Kaplan MD Lip 20 Treatment
This all-natural, anti-aging lip treatment is a lot of great things wrapped up in one: lipstick, sunscreen, plumper, and moisturizer, according to makeup artist Rachel Gangemi, who works with Brooke Shields and Kim Cattrall.
$30, available at Kaplan MD.
Sans Activator 7 Body Oil
Don’t let the name fool you — this body oil is a secret sauce for taming hair frizz too. Celebrity hairstylist Erin Anderson, who works with Chloë Sevigny, uses it on medium to thick hair. “I love this as an alternative to other hair oils that have become popular recently. It doesn’t have any silicone, so hair can drink it up without feeling greasy.”
$50, available at Woodley & Bunny.
Neulash Lash Enhancing Serum
The secret to great lashes might not be in your mascara after all. Gangemi swears by this renewing serum, which rejuvenates weak, thin, and sparse lashes.
$95, available at Neulash.
ColorProof CrazySmooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo
Put down that ponytail holder. Just because it’s raining out doesn’t mean that you have to suffer a bad hair day. Ferro’s new weapon of choice is this straightening shampoo that smoothes away flyaways and cuts down on blow-drying time. We’ll take two!
$34.95, ColorProof for salons.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Tint
Looking for an all-natural tinted moisturizer? Dawn Brocco, a hairstylist and makeup artist who has worked with Kristen Bell, turned us onto this one, which is free of oil, silicone, and parabens, yet still has enough opacity to get the job done. Plus it contains coconut and wild berry extracts to sooth and nourish your skin.
$25, available at Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.
Evo Shape Vixen
Anyone who has fine hair knows that adding volume (and keeping it) is easier said than done. To solve that conundrum, Anderson uses this weightless lotion to pump up limp hair that could use a little boost. Best of all, she swears it will hold the height. “I apply it generously all over to towel-dried hair and begin the blow-out process. The result is gorgeous, full, and voluminous hair that will last.”
$26.95, available at Evo.
Concha Nacar De Perlop Natural Bleach Cream
If you are looking to brighten your skin or even out its tone, this might be the best-kept secret, according to Jeung, who suggests using it on the face for 10 to 30 minutes to cleanse, exfoliate, and tighten pores.
$5.49, available at Amazon.
Hantz Professional Styling Glaze
Want to know how to get the perfect, magazine-ad sheen to your hair? Look no further than this styling glaze. “It adds ultra shine to the hair without weighing it down. Plus it allows you to style hair in numerous ways — straight, voluminous, or curled,” says Melville.
$10, available at Hantz Professional.
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up
“I can’t live without this concealer,” says Brocco. “It’s great for all skin types and eco-friendly.”
$30, available at Spirit Beauty Lounge.
Salux Japanese Exfoliating Beauty Wash Cloth
Scaly skin be gone! “These wash clothes feature a special coarse texture that exfoliates skin. Best of all, it’s very affordable and lasts forever,” say Choi. In addition to using it on the body, she recommends using it on hands and feet too.
$5.98, available at Salux.
Beauté Cosmetics Liqui-Gel Stain
“This is one of the best lip stains out there,” says Jeung. Unlike most versions, this liquid gel formula will leave your lips kissably soft — not dried-out and sticky.
$29, available at Beauté Cosmetics.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè
Also known as 24-Hour Miracle Lotion, makeup artist Levi Vieira uses this cream as a hydrant, primer, and makeup remover on stars like Chloë Sevigny. “It works great on all skin types, but if you tend to get oily, use less,” he says.
$16, available at Embryolisse.
Inglot Matte Collection AMC Eyeliner Gel
Like a good man, a good eyeliner is hard to find. Enter, Inglot: “It’s by far the blackest liner out there. No need for a second pass,” says hair and makeup artist Brittany Gharring, who uses it on clients like Carmen Electra for a perfect cat-eye finish.
$12, available at Inglot.
By Terry Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid Blush
This liquid blush has a luminous finish and “gives a gorgeous rosy radiance to the cheek,” says Jessica Alba’s makeup artist Fiona Stiles, who loves the color on fair to olive skin.
$58, available at Barneys.
Uslu Airlines Nail Polish
This indie makeup company from Germany is giving mainstream brands a run for their money thanks to its futuristic colors and clever names. Each nail lacquer is inspired by a destination and named after its airport code. Best yet: “The colors wear beautifully and withstand very active hands,” says Anderson, who uses them in her esteemed Brooklyn salon, Woodley & Bunny.
$27, available at Feminin Rascal.
Onesta Play Paste
A perfect disguise for primping, this pomade creates effortless texture and hold without looking like you did a thing. “I use this religiously on anyone with shorter hair. It gives a light hold and a natural look,” says Brocco.
$19.48, available at Amazon.
Illustrations by Ammiel Mendoza
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