My Go-To Eye Makeup Picks (Everyday Favorites)

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If you’ve ever tried a new makeup product only to be disappointed, you’re not alone. I’m definitely someone who likes to try new things here and there… but when it comes to my eye makeup, I always come back to the same tried and true staples.

These are the products I’ve used for years (some for almost 20 years!) because they’re easy, reliable, and they just work. My eye makeup routine has become a lot more minimal over time, but these go-to picks help me feel put together without doing a full glam face.

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My Go-To Eyeliner (My Longtime Favorite)

If there’s one product I will always repurchase, it’s the Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil in Black. I’ve been using this eyeliner for years — and I mean years (almost 20, honestly).

I used to apply eyeliner on both my top and bottom lids, but over time I realized I didn’t want my eyes to look so heavy or dark anymore. Now, I only use eyeliner on the bottom waterline/inside of my eye, and it has made such a big difference. It still defines my eyes, but looks cleaner and more natural.

That said — if you do like eyeliner on the top lid, this one is still amazing. It’s super easy to apply and stays exactly where you put it.

Why it works: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner is designed to be long-wearing and smudge-resistant, which makes it especially reliable for the waterline and all-day wear.

👉 Shop Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner (Black) on Amazon 

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My Go-To Mascara (I Always Come Back to This One)

For mascara, I’ve been loyal to Maybelline The Falsies Flared for a long time. I’ve tried other mascaras here and there, but I always end up coming back to this one.

It goes on smooth, layers really well, and doesn’t get clumpy (because nothing is worse than clumpy mascara… am I right?).

Also… I don’t use waterproof mascara. Weird, right? I just prefer not to. It feels harder to remove, and honestly it’s harder for me to work with. Regular mascara works perfectly fine for me — and The Falsies holds up really well without turning into a mess.

Why it works: The Falsies mascara is designed to build volume and length while still layering smoothly, helping lashes look fuller without clumping or flaking.

👉 Shop Maybelline The Falsies Flared Mascara on Amazon 

For a bolder “night out” look: When I want something a little more dramatic, I love Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara. It gives my lashes a fuller, more bold look without feeling heavy, and it’s my go-to when I want to look more done up.

Why it works: This mascara is formulated to add volume and definition while keeping lashes soft and flexible, making it a great option for a more dramatic look without feeling heavy.

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My Favorite Eyeshadow (Urban Decay Always Wins)

When it comes to eyeshadow, Urban Decay has always been my favorite brand. The pigment is so good, and their shadows blend beautifully.

Urban Decay also has an eyeshadow primer (and it IS great), but I’ll be honest… I haven’t even used it in a while because the shadows work fine without it. But if you want your eyeshadow to last all day and never budge, the primer might be worth it.

My go-to neutral palette is from their iconic Naked line. I’ve tried so many of them over the years and they all have a slightly different vibe — so it really depends on what tones you like.

The one I use now (and LOVE) is the Urban Decay Naked Mini 3. It’s simplified, easy, and has the perfect everyday shades.

Why it works: Urban Decay eyeshadows are known for their high pigment and blendability, allowing the shades to apply smoothly and wear well throughout the day.

👉 Shop Urban Decay Naked Mini 3 Palette on Amazon 

Eyebrows are something I didn’t really start filling in until the last 5 years or so. I used to use a powder that I loved… but it got discontinued. Then I found a pencil I loved… and of course, that got discontinued too. My luck 😂

So I was on a mission to find something that:

• wasn’t too thick
• didn’t go on too heavy
• was easy to work with
• didn’t make my brows look like I drew them on

The one I landed on (and still use) is the Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil in Deep Brown.

It’s the perfect everyday brow pencil and I can honestly see it being my go-to for a long time… unless the makeup world decides to discontinue it too lol.

Why it works: The ultra-slim pencil design allows for precise application, making it easier to create natural-looking brows without overdoing it.

👉 Shop Maybelline Express Brow Ultra Slim Pencil on Amazon 

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Final Thoughts

I love trying new products, but these are the ones I always come back to — because they’re simple, dependable, and make getting ready feel easy.

I’ve definitely learned that good beauty products don’t always have to be expensive. Some of my most reliable staples are affordable drugstore finds, and I reach for them just as much as the higher-end stuff.

And if you’d like, I can share my go-to “no makeup makeup” face products next too!

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