Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk: Its whipped, light-as-air texture glides over even the most cracked of pouts, creating the illusion of soft, kissable lips.

M.A.C. Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo: A red lipstick to rule ‘em all? You bet. Expect a universally flattering hue that grants intense colour payoff in a single swipe.

Nars Orgasm Blush: This baked baby is beloved for its weightless formula that dusts cheeks in a subtle — yet striking — shade of pink. Its witty name just adds to the fun, really.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation: Highlighter is optional when you have this glow-giver in your arsenal. A single pump delivers on a natural, airbrushed finish, while two and above blurs imperfections ranging from zits to dark eye circles.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation: This was *the* game-changer of the 2010s. Its diverse shade range and pore-diffusing abilities makes it a favourite amongst makeup mavens everywhere.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: A must-have for those with oily complexions, this bad boy eliminates grease and shine without drying out skin. In short? The fluff of dreams.

Dior Diorshow Blackout Mascara: Dramatically lengthened and volumised lashes are what you’ll get from its potent, ultra-black kohl pigments. For optimal results, apply in zig-zag motions and work your way from the base of lashes to the tips.

Kat Von D Beauty Tattoo Liner: High-pigment, smudge-resistant, and equipped with a precise brush tip that allows for effortless application. Few liners have come close to this.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade: Both natural, hair-like strokes and strong, bold lines are possible with this long-lasting, buildable formula that go on like a dream. Blend quick, though — its budge-proof once it dries down.

Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray: Our beat faces wouldn’t survive a minute in this climate if it wasn’t for this baby. Never leave us, please?

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50: AKA “Jesus in a bottle”, this toner-lotion is one of the most potent chemical exfoliators out there. While drastically improved skin is guaranteed, it does reek (strongly) of vinegar and milk. A small price, we say.

Pixi Glow Tonic: If a deep, gentle cleanse is what you need, look no further than this clarifying toner-water. All manner of dirt and debris are brought to the surface and eradicated, leaving only healthier, balanced skin in its wake.

La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturiser Cream: Yes, it’s the infamous moisturiser at $500 a pop. Fans swear by its hydrating prowess that penetrates deep into skin, visibly smoothing and plumping tired, haggard complexions.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+: No-frills, bells, or whistles — think a simple yet effective emulsion that sinks into skin instantaneously, soothing and moisturising parched areas with ease.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum: Its sour scent is no deterrent considering its formidable ingredient list that banishes everything from dark spots to fine lines.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: It’s no wonder celebs and beauty buffs alike consider this an in-flight essential. The fragrance-free, nutrient-packed formula dissolves dead skin cells to reveal a smooth and clear complexion.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil: Its unique blend comprising advanced retinol ester and powerful botanicals is the magic cure to stressed, sensitive skin.

Ouai Dry Shampoo: The lingering stench of char kway teow tangled in your locks can’t hold out against Ouai’s star product. A quick spritz rids of shine and build-up while also leaving your mane smelling of lemons. Mm.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk: Its whipped, light-as-air texture glides over even the most cracked of pouts, creating the illusion of soft, kissable lips.

M.A.C. Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo: A red lipstick to rule ‘em all? You bet. Expect a universally flattering hue that grants intense colour payoff in a single swipe.

Nars Orgasm Blush: This baked baby is beloved for its weightless formula that dusts cheeks in a subtle — yet striking — shade of pink. Its witty name just adds to the fun, really.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation: Highlighter is optional when you have this glow-giver in your arsenal. A single pump delivers on a natural, airbrushed finish, while two and above blurs imperfections ranging from zits to dark eye circles.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation: This was *the* game-changer of the 2010s. Its diverse shade range and pore-diffusing abilities makes it a favourite amongst makeup mavens everywhere.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: A must-have for those with oily complexions, this bad boy eliminates grease and shine without drying out skin. In short? The fluff of dreams.

Dior Diorshow Blackout Mascara: Dramatically lengthened and volumised lashes are what you’ll get from its potent, ultra-black kohl pigments. For optimal results, apply in zig-zag motions and work your way from the base of lashes to the tips.

Kat Von D Beauty Tattoo Liner: High-pigment, smudge-resistant, and equipped with a precise brush tip that allows for effortless application. Few liners have come close to this.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade: Both natural, hair-like strokes and strong, bold lines are possible with this long-lasting, buildable formula that go on like a dream. Blend quick, though — its budge-proof once it dries down.

Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray: Our beat faces wouldn’t survive a minute in this climate if it wasn’t for this baby. Never leave us, please?

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50: AKA “Jesus in a bottle”, this toner-lotion is one of the most potent chemical exfoliators out there. While drastically improved skin is guaranteed, it does reek (strongly) of vinegar and milk. A small price, we say.

Pixi Glow Tonic: If a deep, gentle cleanse is what you need, look no further than this clarifying toner-water. All manner of dirt and debris are brought to the surface and eradicated, leaving only healthier, balanced skin in its wake.

La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturiser Cream: Yes, it’s the infamous moisturiser at $500 a pop. Fans swear by its hydrating prowess that penetrates deep into skin, visibly smoothing and plumping tired, haggard complexions.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+: No-frills, bells, or whistles — think a simple yet effective emulsion that sinks into skin instantaneously, soothing and moisturising parched areas with ease.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum: Its sour scent is no deterrent considering its formidable ingredient list that banishes everything from dark spots to fine lines.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: It’s no wonder celebs and beauty buffs alike consider this an in-flight essential. The fragrance-free, nutrient-packed formula dissolves dead skin cells to reveal a smooth and clear complexion.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil: Its unique blend comprising advanced retinol ester and powerful botanicals is the magic cure to stressed, sensitive skin.

Ouai Dry Shampoo: The lingering stench of char kway teow tangled in your locks can’t hold out against Ouai’s star product. A quick spritz rids of shine and build-up while also leaving your mane smelling of lemons. Mm.

Beauty | Buro Loves

Best cult makeup, skincare, and hair products of all time from La Mer, M.A.C, Charlotte Tilbury, and more

All-time high

Text: Emily Heng

Image: Instagram | @narsissist

Call us cynical (or maybe it's just the experience talking) but we have our doubts when it comes to many a beauty cult-classic. As with anything that sounds too good to be true, we often find ourselves questioning the validity of glowing reviews, no thanks in part to the scandals that have broken the beauty world in the last decade. Do we have on our hands, a truly phenomenal formulation, or just the hive-mind talking? Does it pack a punch, or is it all just packaging? Impressive, or impressive for its time? To ease your minds, we examined and tested the buzziest of the bunch. Above, the ones that passed our (rigorous) standards with flying colours — and are deserving of household-name status.

Beauty

Nars

Skincare

Makeup

Dior

M.A.C

Charlotte Tilbury

Laura Mercier

Kat Von D Beauty

Fenty Beauty

Anastasia Beverly Hills

The Cult of Limited Edition

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Best cult makeup, skincare, and hair products of all time from La Mer, M.A.C, Charlotte Tilbury, and more

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