The Best High End/Luxury Makeup I Bought in 2020
Let’s just get right into it! It was supposed to be a Top 10 best and worst but there were so many amazing products I got to try this year that I fell in love with, that are now in my regular rotation.
So I decided to expand my bests list. So without further ado- here’s 20 of the best high end/luxury makeup products I bought in 2020!
Natasha Denona Glam Palette
This won’t come as a surprise. Being more of a cool tone loving gal, the minute this palette dropped it made my heart skip a beat. Finally! A breath of fresh air amidst all the warm tones we were surrounded with in these past couple of years. It reminded me of a more grown up, luxe version of the tones in my very first beloved Naked 2 palette from Urban Decay, which I loved and used to death back in the day.
This palette is a very comprehensive shade study in greys, taupes and neutral browns. To have these kind of shades in the recent buttery upgrade of performance of the Natasha Denona formula, and in this midi size of her palettes that gives enough range, but also not too overwhelming to use- makes it a winner for me.
Even though it is called the Glam Palette, you can also use this for very wearable everyday looks, taking it from as soft as you’d like to as smoky and glam as you’d like. The only negative thing I can say about it is about the decision of the shade names, which I go more in depth in my review here, which I’m glad was brought up and addressed.
Other than that, I’d go as far as to say, if I wasn’t a beauty blogger/junkie/enthusiast/makeup collector/reviewer- however you’d like to call us- I’d be happy having this as my only year round go to palette. Oooff! That felt bold to say. 10/10 would recommend.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer
The decision for Charlotte Tilbury to create a matte bronzer with the same formula and finish of their Airbrush Flawless Finishing Powder, was a great one. I’m all about bronzers- I love the warmth and dimension it gives to the face. I always look for 2 main things when deciding on a bronzer - that it’s not too red/orange, and it is able to blend well and not just “sit there”, looking too obvious and streaky.
Nothing is worse when you already have a flawless base and then you come in to apply bronzer and it just doesn’t blend, and you’re left with a stark contrast between base and bronzer. This new CT bronzer, has just the right undertone giving the perfect amount of warmth. For my skin tone, which is around an NC 20-25, I use the shade Medium 2 and it’s a nice rich caramel that fuses beautifully with the skin, and doesn’t look like there’s a bunch of product sitting on top of it. The application, as well as the finish is very smooth and seamless and lasts upwards of 7 hours for me.
3. NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints
As you may or may not know, I fell back in love with NARS this year- especially with the launch of their Afterglow collection in the Summer. I usually love NARS for their creamy concealer and cult blush and bronzers, but I took a look outside those products this year and am very happy with what I found!
First up is the Oil-Infused Lip Tints. I had the pleasure of being able to try three shades, Reef, Orgasm and Laguna and across the board they are very consistent with the heavenly gel-oil, non sticky, non greasy texture that glides effortlessly on the lips. I don’t know how else to describe it other than it feels. so. good.
It’s not like a lip gloss, although it gives the shine, and it’s not like a balm either that gives you a heavier feel- it’s closest to what I’d call a jelly-like feel. It feels like your lips are thoroughly moisturized and helps to disguise lip lines as well. In terms of color payoff it’s not the most apparent, only a hint of it peeks through and after a few minutes it blends into your original lip color again but with a hint of sheen. The shade Orgasm does leave a slightly more lasting pink tint and Laguna upon application shows a golden glow.
But when it comes to these, I adore them for the formula- it’s super hydrating and comfortable, giving my lips all the love they need.
4. NARS Afterglow Lip Balms
Next up are the NARS Afterglow Lip Balms. It’s the era of mask wearing, and just because our lips aren’t on show, doesn’t mean they’re to be neglected. In fact, I think they need more TLC. I find these to be the perfect lip product to wear under my mask and bring around in my purse.
It’s just a straightforward luxe and light moisturizing lip balm, that adds a sheer hint of color to your lips, but doesn’t leave them feeling heavy. It’s no fuss and pretty to reach for and look and when you apply and re-apply throughout the day. It’s also great to wear as your prep your skin before doing a makeup routine. So, once you do get to the finishing touches, your lips will be nice and soft. I use them every day and one of them is always in my purse, and it makes me and my lips feel good, even under my mask, when I wear them. My favorites are the shade Laguna and Fast Lane.
5. NARS Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette
This was my surprising find from NARS that I absolutely adore! Who knew their eyeshadows are so great! I always had the impression it would just be lackluster and so-so, and from chatting with other beauty creators they do feel it is a bit of a hit and miss- but this palette- is definitely a hit. I talk about it more in depth in my review here. Whilst the ND Glam is the best ultimate cool toned palette of 2020 IMO, this NARS Afterglow would be my best warm toned palette.
It’s much less boring that other straight up warm/red/orange/brown palettes we’ve seen all year. It does have the classic neutrals mixed in, but it also has an array of textures (pearl, shimmer, sparkle, mattes) and colors that resemble a soft pink sunset all packed in this compact 12 shade layout, that make it inspiring to reach for and more special. Not to mention the outer melted effect packaging is some major visual eye therapy.
It’s a warm neutral color scheme with an added element of magic and whimsy, and on top of that the quality delivers. Easy to blend, easy to layer, pigmented mattes and shimmery shimmers- with great lasting power and very little fallout. Very, very pleased with this palette.
6. Natasha Denona Mini Retro Palette
I love Natasha Denona Mini palettes. I actually enjoy them more than her larger ones. Some may argue that the formula isn’t on par with her larger palettes but to be honest I haven’t had any bad experiences with the minis that I have in my collection. I also love the size and layout of them, that makes it easy for me to put a look together. The price of it doesn’t put too much of a dent in my wallet either. Out of the ones I have, the Mini Retro is the standout, and not only for this year- but overall.
There’s something very dreamy and romantic about this color story, and I love that I’m able to create wearable looks with a twist that makes it more interesting to apply and look at when the shades are combined. I do think however that for deeper skin tones this may not give enough depth and contrast, so it can be paired with other palettes.
It’s a unique combination of neutrals olives, and pinks with a range of textures including a sparkly multidimensional duochrome that brings any look to life. If in the future Natasha Denona decides to launch a 5-pan palette with just this formula, I’d be all for it. I cannot rave about this Mini Retro Eyeshadow Palette enough. It’s absolutely stunning to look at, and a joy to apply as well with it’s amazing formula.
7. Fenty Beauty Cream Bronzer in Amber
Although I love the shade Amber – it’s the perfect cool toned taupe brown to contour with for fair-light skin tones- I was not a fan of the Fenty cream contour sticks. They were dry and hard to blend.
The new cream bronzer compact however is a completely different story. The formula is very creamy with a strong color payoff and most importantly, easy to blend and diffuse into the skin without it looking muddy and spreading around everywhere. This is on my bests list because after years- I have now finally found the perfect contour shade (which is different from bronzer, btw) that is in a cream formula, that doesn’t make my skin look ashy, and achieves the sculpted look. I don’t do a full cream contour every day, but on the days that I do want to go full on glam, or on days I need a little faux nip and tuck to my jawline- this product makes all the difference- even if it does take a little more time.
So if you are confused as to what is your contour shade and have similar skintone to mine – I suggest giving Amber a try. I haven’t found anything else quite like this shade on the market yet. I do hope Fenty decides to launch this one in powder form too, for the days I want a quick sculpt and go application.
8. Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse Holo’daze
The Fenty Gloss Bomb formula is one of my all time favorites! But a little secret- I’ve never really bought a full size one because I just know I can’t get through a whole bottle, and I want to try as many colors as I can.
Also, Fenty does these really cute mini gloss bomb sets with either a highlighter or diamond bomb, which I also love to collect. In the past my heart has fallen for Fenty Glow, Sweet Mouth and Fu$$y. Believe it or not, I did manage to go through an entire mini Fenty Glow and Sweet Mouth- I have no idea how I did it. And Fu$$y is the remaining with just about halfway to go. I was thinking to repurchase Sweet Mouth and then the Holiday Glossy Posse dropped and the colors in the set were too beautiful to resist! So I didn’t miss the chance to pick it up.
These made it to my best list because it’s just something I’m fond and familiar of on a personal level. Sometimes you just want to go back to something you know, and this time I found the shades in the set to all be different from one another! In my opinion these are a lot more well thought out compared to last years- with four distinct & limited shade releases that were not previously available before.
The colors in this set are Baby Brut (baby peach with white sparkle), Cake Shake (rosy bronze), Taffy Tease (pink coral), Ruby Milk (cool fuchsia). The formula is also lovely and reliable, in that even after the gloss subsides, my lips are feeling plump and hydrated.
9. Hourglass Sculpture Unlocked Mini Quad
We all saw this one coming. This is another one of those- if I didn’t buy any other blush/highlighter/face palette/bronzer and just had this one in my arsenal- I would be happy with it. It has every complexion product you’d need in a compact setting, with superior formulas I haven’t found anywhere else. It also makes your skin look so luminous, healthy and radiant.
In my opinion what sets this a part from other Hourglass palettes, is that it has a better runway to work with more skintones, too. It’s compact enough to bring everywhere, and it has enough product to last you quite sometime, making the cost per wear (yes, it’s a thing) worth it in the end.
But moreover than that it is an extremely high quality, and reliable product. I find that compared to previous years, the formula upgraded even more. It’s a lot more buttery and smooth to apply. Product picks up easier on the brush too. The combination of finishes in this quad is also special in that they included the metallic highlighter, which is blinding but also looks like it’s naturally part of the shine to your skin, as well as a more universally flattering blush that’s not too pink nor orange.
If you are looking for a complexion product, and only had one thing to put on your wishlist for the remainder of this year or early next year (whilst it’s still available)- I would highly recommend this quad. For my in depth review, comparisons & applications video, please visit here.
10. Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Quints
Dior knocked it out of the park this year with the release of their new eyeshadow quints. First off- all the colour combinations are spectacularly gorgeous and created with intention. Their new upgraded formula revamp is also spot on. They are far creamier than the original, as they’ve added aloe vera and pine oil. And at first swipe, they are all buttery and beautiful and give maximum opacity. Not the harsh full color pigment opacity, but a very elegant toned down version of it that makes it for an effortless wear. It’s perfect for those who want to wear eyeshadow and channel some creativity with their eyes without it looking like it’s “too much”.
Dior also managed to create shadows with virtually no fallout- where you’d like the eyeshadows, is where they’ll be. I also love the new layout.
As you know I’ve been much more into smaller eyeshadow palettes as it’s easier to create looks with them for days I’m rushing, so for me, 5 shades in a palette is more than enough these days. I picked up Black Bow for a classic smoky glam and Nude Dress for an everyday easy neutral wear this year. I have Soft Cashmere and Plum Tulle on my wish list for next year.
11. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
I love wearing makeup- even these days when we are wearing masks, I still love getting dolled up and doing a full face. So having a good setting spray is an essential part of the finishing process for me. Ever since forever I’ve loved the cult classic Urban Decay All Nighter, and this year when Charlotte Tilbury launched their setting spray, I was up for trying something different. I admit, it’s also because I wanted something a little prettier looking on my vanity, too. I’m most indeed into packaging and the aesthetic of a product. After trying a slew of disappointing setting sprays from Hourglass to ABH, I was very happy I found an alternative to my favorite UD that performs just as well, if not, even better.
I like setting sprays that are pretty much like a hairspray for your makeup, so if that’s not your thing, you may not like this setting spray. Once it sets, my makeup did not budge all day and all night and I loved that it makes it look one with the skin. It livens up the look of the skin, making it look just the right amount of dewy without looking oily. I’d describe it as making the skin look and feel hydrated. The mist is very fine and it has no strong apparent fragrance.
It also stays true to the claim of it’s Airbrush Flawless range, that is all about a smooth, soft, diffused matte finish and that is what it does. A very soft focus luminousity that if very flattering for the face and amplifies the beauty of the makeup. Just wonderful! This will be something I will definitely be repurchasing time and time again.
12. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure
This blush is actually a repurchase of the full size in the shade Mood Exposure, which I am utterly in love with. The first time I tried Mood Exposure, it was part of an Hourglass face palette. In the past I had not actually too much into blush- I have only been more appreciative of how flattering and youthful it can be, this year. What I do love about Mood Exposure is the beautiful mauve color of it.
When it comes to my everyday blush, I do prefer one that’s not too pink or coral, so this was perfect. Combined with the luminous, skin-like finish brought only by Hourglass’ unique formula, it was a no brainer to have a full-sized version in my makeup drawer.
13. Patrick Ta Double Take Creme Blush in She’s So LA
It was a good time getting into blush because cheek products were totally hot this year! As I just said, blushes that aren’t too pink or orange (standard blush colours) will always catch my eye. I love how Patrick Ta decided to come out with a cheek product that includes both a powder and cream formula in this bronze, warm peachy shade called She’s So LA, which was created exactly for people like me that want to get into blush but not have it so obvious.
The blush duo gives versatility to play with both types of formulas, and layering one texture with the other does give the look more dimension, and it also does well for lasting power. This shade is not one I see often and I describe it as giving my skin a sunkissed look, and goes so well with bronzers and an array of everyday looks. I also appreciate the thoughtful packaging of it, where the cream product is protected by a plastic cover. The compact itself feels weighty and luxe.
I like to wear both the cream and powder together, but you can also wear them individually. All in all a very beautiful product in terms of color, texture, finish and versatility!
14. Patrick Ta Major Brow Shaping Wax
Another Patrick Ta product I love that is now a part of my makeup routine to calm these unruly brows down. This was introduced and recommended to me by one of my very dear friends in L.A and she was telling me how it was an easy to work with and strong wax that could be a perfect match for Asian brows. My brown as straight, straight straight. And they insist to grow downwards.
I have decided to honor their natural movement and forgo the upward raising fluffy soap brow look- it just doesn’t want to, and I end up looking very, very funny. So what I do use this product for it to keep the brows in place and lay down flatter. It’s the only wax product other than latex free lash glue and soap that manages to do that. I definitely prefer using this Patrick Ta brow wax versus the other two as I’m sure lash glue and soap are’t doing any favors for brow care.
This product has made a dramatic difference in my brow routine and how it frames my face. I picked up the clear one, which leaves none of that crusty white residue as well, which is a plus in my books.
15. Pat Mcgrath Mothership VIII: Divine Rose II Eyeshadow Palette
Oh what can I say about this palette. I’ve included a cool palette, a warm palette, and this I’d say is my best “colourful” luxurious palette purchase this year. I have not been excited for a palette launch as much as I have for this one. Pat Mcgrath is one of my favorite brands and her eyeshadows are one of my favorite formulas.
Like Hourglass for the face, Pat Mcgrath for eyeshadows have a unique finish that is unlike any other eyeshadow out there. Her mini and smaller palettes are quite alright, but if you want to real PMG experience, the eyeshadows in her Mothership palettes is where the magic is. The Divine Rose II is a palette that I’m constantly inspired by when I look at it. I just want to reach out for it again and again and create a lot of looks.
This palette has many different textures, including her special shades and one extra special showstopper called VR Sextraterrestrial which is a metallic triochrome. It shifts from a fuchsia to a green to a peach, depending on where the light hits. It’s the first multichrome I’ve seen done well by a luxury brand.
I have a few Mothership palettes now, and performance wise I think they just keep getting better and better. Should this be your first Mothership palette? If you’re into more wearable colours and want to get the most use out of it, then no, perhaps not- there’s Bronze Ambition and Divine Rose I that are more user-friendly. But being that the PMG brand is a lot more avant-garde, makeup couture and edgy, this Divine Rose II is truly her best work of art to date.
16. Pat Mcgrath Divinyl Lip Shine in Nude Venus
Another winner from Pat Mcgrath is her line of Divinyl Lip Shines, in particular for me, a lover of all things beige, the Nude Venus shade. This year all things that are nourishing and flattering for the lips, and a good option to wear under the mask makes it on to my bests list.
This Divinyl Lip Shine is the perfect combination between a lipstick and lip balm. It is different from the NARS balms in that aspect. The color absolutely shows through more and is a comfortable wear.
It feels nourishing and also gives a good amount of color payoff. Very creamy upon application, although it doesn’t have the best staying power. It’s an easy reapplication throughout the day, though. Another thing that sold me on this was the pink packaging, but of course. I love looking and pretty things and it makes me happy to reach out for it and use it more.
17. Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lipstick in Velvet Fawn
The Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lipsticks deserve their own in-depth review, which I unfortunately haven’t got around to doing yet. But they absolutely deserve a spot on my Bests list this year. I have long followed Lisa Eldridge and her work in makeup artistry, but this is my first time trying her lipsticks. As expected, they were a standout among my lipstick collection.
So much detail and thought that comes into the packaging and details to this lipstick. Despite their matte finish, they’re creamy, have a great one swipe opacity and feel comfortable on the lips. After a while, you almost feel like you’re not wearing anything on the lips! They don’t emphasize any dry patches, and that’s probably in part because it’s not a completely flat matte.
My favorite shade of the three I purchases is Velvet Fawn. I am always on the hunt for perfect beige nude lipsticks, and this year I wanted to go a little paler, a true nude for my skin tone. I found a gem with this shade, and that is why I love it so much. It’s not easy to find as many beige lipsticks run too warm, or too peach. It’s absolutely perfect. A paler peach toned beige 90’s nude that doesn’t make me look sickly. It’s also a versatile shade I can combine with others, and use for a variety of looks. It particularly looks stunning paired with a smoky eye.
It still doesn’t top my love for CT lipsticks in terms of formula and feel. But there’s something very chic, romantic and vintage-esque about LE True Velvets that transports you a place where time moves just that little bit slower to savour it. And that is part of the magic of the LE experience that comes with her brand and her products.
18. Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette in Universal 001
It may not be a new release but I’m trying to purchase more things with intention these day, where it’s not always about the latest and greatest, but more of – what would I like to try / what would I like to use / what would I get more use from / what kind of product am I looking for – there’s just a lot of thought and questions I ask myself now before purchasing something.
Before picking this glow face palette, I was looking for a blinding highlighter in a shade other than champagne. I was looking through some Becca selections which were pretty amazing too, and there were also some from the classic Dior range, but ultimately this palette is what my heart set on. I go into much more depth into it here , but what makes this a standout palette for me is in its formula and finish. All the shades are very smooth, with great color payoff, high shine and there was no feeling of powderiness nor fallout during application.
Even though these are very intense, they are buildable so you can control how subtle or strong you’d like them to be. I also find these highlighters to be beautiful in natural light and on the camera with a flash where it blends beautifully with the rest of the skin- and not just showing that one streak of cheek highlight.
There’s a lot of versatility as well with the colors. Other than wearing the white, champagne and pink shades as highlighters, I also love interchanging them as inner corner highlights or one swipe eyeshadows. The candy pink is also so adorable used on top of blush for a little shimmer. The bronze is the least I reach out for in terms of highlighter use- but it’s wonderful for eyeshadow and lower lash line defining.
Wear time was great and it lasted upwards of 7 hours before I noticed some fading. There was also very little fallout with these formulas. If you already have similar shades in your collection, you can easily skip this. However if you love mix and matching your highlighters and would like to experience a superior formula and shine of a luxury highlighter- the quality of these shades are excellent.
19. Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliner in Pillow Talk
This was a game changer for my eyeliner game. For many of my eye looks I’ve now traded in my usual black/charcoal gel liner for this gorgeous burgundy eyeliner shade that instantly adds a very elegant, subtle but significant wow factor to the eyes. The shade and how it inspired me to step out of my usual routine is why this makes it on my bests lists.
I had never thought using anything in the red leaning family would be flattering for my eyes. In terms of formula it’s also wonderful- glides easy, creamy, and great color payoff. I’d love to try the Walk of Shame eyeliner next for a more vibrant deep red. But if you’re looking to slowly venture into the world of color liners but still keep a put together, classy look- the Pillow Talk shade is absolutely darling and approachable.
20. Pat Mcgrath Permagel Ultra Glide Lip Pencil in Buff
Lip liners and what they can do for your lips just don’t get talked about enough. I never paid so much attention to them either actually, but as I get older I do notice I lose a little volume and definition to my lips. So lipliners help to define the pout and it also is a great support for lipstick- think of it as a “bra” for your lipstick. It keeps it from feathering, bleeding and also provides a great contour for a more perky pout.
I’ve long loved NYX lip liners as I didn’t want to spend too much on them, but this year since I’ve used them more and more, I wanted to try a more luxurious lip liner. I am fond of Marc Jacobs and CT lip liners but the winner amongst them all is none other than Mother Pat herself. Her lipliner, particularly in the shade Buff, for fellow beige and nude lipstick lovers, is worth every cent.
It is such an easy glide, great opacity and even comfortable enough if you’d like to wear it on it’s own. The shade, which is a soft pinky beige is also versatile to wear with quite a wide spectrum of shades in the beige nude to nude pink family. Compared to the others I’ve tried, longevity is excellent (it’s practically water and food proof!) and it helps to keep the lipstick you wear last longer too, as it defends again smudging and feathering.
Thank you for reading my thoughts & opinions on the best high end/luxury makeup products that I bought in 2020. Please note that this is not a must have or needs list! I love makeup and it’s one of my passions, but it is definitely something that is not a basic necessity in life. But it is one of the things that makes me happy so I make room in my life for it, and love sharing my thoughts and experiences about them with you.
So if you are planning to shop for some special luxury makeup products in the near future that this little rundown can help you make some decisions. We all know makeup doesn’t come cheap! So it’s nice to have a little more help to make sure what we spend our hard earned money on is worth while.
So let me know! Do you spot any faves? Do you feel the same way? Are any of these on your wishlist? Sound off in the comments below!
Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll cover my most disappointing high end/luxury makeup purchases of the year. See you soon!
*If you are planning to shop any of these items, all the following websites I’ve linked above are able to ship to Indonesia. Most of these products can also be found in local stores, online shops and marketplaces. If not ordering directly from the official website or store, please do your research on the product, shipping, authenticity, and other applicable terms & conditions. Always remember to shop mindfully and responsibly.