The latest pro-recommended additions to my makeup collection

A few weeks back I shared my amazing experience with the NIYA Beauty app, which included a few suggestions of items I should get after the makeup artist got a peek at my current staff. I’m not surprised they were both from Charlotte Tilbury, so when I found myself at the mall last weekend I popped into Nordstrom to scoop them up.

I have four of Charlotte’s Eyes to Mesmerize cream eyeshadows, and I love, love, love them because they are so versatile. I can apply them with my finger to with a dense brush for more intense color—and I never have to worry about them creasing or sliding down my face. The NIYA makeup artist I worked with, Kimm, suggested I add the olive-grey shade “Veruschka” to the champagne, amber-gold and oyster-gold hues I already have—and I’m so glad she did. I can dab a little over my shimmery “Jean” for extra dimension by day, or layer “Verushka” with a brush and add a bit on my lower lashline for an easy yet impactful smoky eye. (It’s a winner.)

When my conversation with Kimm turned to tools, I asked about her favorite eyelash curler, because this is definitely a step I tend to skip. She recommended Charlotte’s version here too (because apparently the perennial favorite one by Shu Uemura got an update that doesn’t live up to the original). I have to say, not only have I been using it more, it really does add eye-opening curl to my lashes.

So just when I thought I didn’t need anything else to round out my makeup collection, I did—and this is further proof that a pro (not associated with a brand) is the way to go for unbiased advice.