5 Beauty Products That Work on Everyone—Really!

A true one-size-fits-all beauty product is hard to find, since what looks good on your best friend could seem garish or washed-out on you. But there are certain ones that really do work for every person and every skin tone, according to makeup artist and Stila Global Director of Education Sarah Lucero. Think of them as the LBDs of your beauty wardrobe—they never fail to deliver. Here, the universal winners.

BB Cream With a Bonus
Like there's some unspoken rule, BB creams are rarely available in more than two or three shades. The secret to making a BB work for you: Find one with extra properties (like bronzing or illuminating) and use it as a makeup booster. This way, you can mix it with moisturizer for diffused color—which makes it more forgiving than straight from the tube—or with your go-to foundation. “I mix it with any foundation formula to achieve a natural, bronzy glow,” says Lucero.

We love: Stila Stay All Day 10-in-One HD Bronzing Beauty Balm SPF 30 ($38, sephora.com)

Creamy Blush
Cream and liquid blushes are so sheer that there's no way for them not to look believable. “They tend to have a clear base, so the color pops but you can still see you skin through it,” explains Lucero. “The rosy glow looks like it belongs there.” While the texture makes them nearly foolproof regardless of the hue, there’s no way you can go wrong with a peach or coral shade. The only drawback: They don't last as long as their powder counter-parts, so stash a travel-friendly version like Stila Convertible Color ($25, sephora.com) at your desk or in your purse for touch-ups.

 

We love: Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Everlasting Honey ($18, sephora.com)

Allover Luminizer
It’s like strobing, simplified: A quick dusting of luminizing powder gives skin that lit-from-within effect that’s usually achieved either by witchcraft or lots of candlelight. “A rose-gold luminizer is universally flattering on skin,” says Lucero. The rose-gold tone is key, or else you risk running into frosty territory, which flatters very few people. The result should instead be gleaming and glowing, notes Lucero.

We love: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light ($45, sephora.com)

A Shadow Palette of Nudes
There’s a reason Urban Decay’s Naked Palette—and its newer sequels—are such runaway hits. While neutrals are tried-and-true for office hours or easy daytime looks, don’t mistake that for boring. “Shimmery beige shadow enhances the eyes,” says Lucero. “They allow you to go for a dramatic dramatic, especially if you add black liquid liner and lots of lashes.” Plus, having a preset range of shades takes guesswork out of it—and gives you endless options for experimentation.

We love: Urban Decay Naked2 Palette ($54, sephora.com)

Burgundy Eyeliner
Here’s the thing: While black eyeliner is both a classic (no contest here) and universally flattering, opting for a color instead can have a pretty payoff. “Warm shades look more natural than traditional black,” explains Lucero. “You still get intensity and depth, but it doesn't look so artificial.” She’s a fan of deep burgundy and eggplant shades, which make a subtle—but worthwhile—difference. Try them with a smoky eye for a modern spin.

We love: Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Aubergine ($17, clinique.com)