As a beauty editor, I'm constantly scrolling through Instagram to find and save makeup content. I call it research, although I'm sure other people would call it an obsession. I save every mesmerizing makeup look and mini-tutorial into a specific collection. I reference that collection whenever I'm working on a story about specific trends, tools, techniques, or eras (most recently, Ireviewed my collection of posts before writing a piece on the top 10 most iconic '70s makeup looks). Sometimes, though, I go through it when I need a little inspirationof my own.
Seeing as my collection has grown well beyond triple digits, I thought it was high time to go throughit and pull out my most favorite makeup looks of them all.It took me a lot of time and focus, but over the course of a couple of weeks, I completed my goal. Keep scrolling to see 15 of the bestmakeup looks on Instagram (at least in my humble opinion).
(Image credit: @tobimakeup)
There's only one thing I love more than a red lip, and that's a glossy red lip. Tobi Henney is the makeup artist behind this look, which is modeled by Barbara Palvin. To me, this is holiday makeup inspiration at its finest (althoughI can't think of aseason or situation in which a glossy red lip wouldn't be appropriate).
(Image credit: @tobimakeup)
Another look from Henney, this one is all about yellow-gold eyes and glossy pink lips.
(Image credit: @sarah_novio)
Each part of this look is pure perfection—from the '80s-inspired draped blush to the feathered brows, fluttery lashes, and matte red lip. I don't know about you, but pairing pink and red is one of my favorite color combinations.
(Image credit: @hungvanngo)
The credit for this sultry '60s-inspired look goes to makeup artistHung Vanngo. The '60s were my favorite decade for makeup, thanks to their focus on bold lids and lashes (on that note, check out the most iconic '60s makeup looks).
(Image credit: @selenagomez)
I've had this photo of Selena Gomez saved on Instagram for a while now (it's also one of Vanngo's looks). I love how the hot-pink half moons are highlighted in her inner corners by her bronzed base makeup.
(Image credit: @zendaya)
It's not an exaggeration to say that I've been admiring this photo ever since Zendaya first posted it. Who knew graphic cat eyeliner paired so well with a curly topknot?
(Image credit: @haileybieber)
Hailey Bieber's holographic eyeliner stickers are the most amazing (albeit unexpected) detail.
(Image credit: @patidubroff)
Yellow eye shadow seems like it would be hard to pull off, but Margot Robbie and her makeup artist Pati Dubroff prove that it can be executed beautifully—especially when it's paired with soft petal-pink blush.
(Image credit: @beautyisboring)
This graphic pistachio-green look comes from Robin Black, the insanely talented makeup artist (and photographer) behind Beauty Is Boring. I could gush about this makeup look forever and it still wouldn't be enough.
(Image credit: @beautyisboring)
The same goes for this look, which is also by Robin Black. I love a bold powder-blue moment, especially when the rest of the look is kept neutral and muted to keep the focus on the eyes.
(Image credit: @freshlengths)
Lesley of Fresh Lengthsdemonstrates the subtle power of a single swipe of yellow eyeliner.
(Image credit: @antonmakeup)
Anton Khachaturianis the makeup artist behind this elegant makeup look on Lana Condor. A soft wash of taupe eye shadowacross her eyelids keeps the berry lip the main focus.
(Image credit: @lemonhead.la)
A lot has changed since I was in elementary school, but my love for glitter hasn't. These days, I keep it regulated to my eye makeup, and I often draw inspiration for how to wear it from Lemonhead LA's Instagram account. This particular look was created usingthe brand'sSpacepaste ($38) in the shade Private School, which is a metallic aquamarine color.
(Image credit: @nikki_makeup)
Nikki Wolff is the expert makeup artist behind this graphic eyeliner look. It might look deceptively simple, but that sharp precision is incredibly difficult to replicate (trust me—I tried).
(Image credit: @nikki_makeup)
Here it is: the final look to round out my 15 favorites. I can't say enough about this—it's a pure and utter dream in eye shadow form. I love the blue liner, the lilac shadow, and the pink halo above it. It's truly one of the best makeup looks I've ever laid eyes on.
5 Makeup Essentials to Shop Now
Armani Beauty
Luminous Silk Foundation
This iconic foundation offers medium coverage and a radiant finish.
Merit
Brush No. 1 Tapered Blending Brush
I use this blending brush for a little bit of everything—foundation, blush, and even concealer.
Charlotte Tilbury
Cheek to Chic in Pillowtalk
Go for a monochromatic moment and match your blush to yourPillowtalk Lipstick ($34).
L'Oréal
Voluminous Mascara
One of my favorite mascaras is this volumizing formula.
Makeup by Mario
Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
To me, this is a perfect nude eye shadow palette. I love the blendable powder formula.
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