16 Seriously Underrated Beauty Products the Pros Love

I asked some of my beauty pro friends to share their unsung heroes and can't wait to try them all

I’ve been on a mission lately to shine a spotlight on products that don’t get the intense praise they deserve (like my ode to Vanicream here). And I wanted to learn some new ones too so I asked a few beauty pro friends: what’s your favorite underrated product? Their recommendations didn’t disappoint. Adding to cart asap.

Beautyblender Bounce Foundation

“This launched in 2018 and it’s been in my kit since. I use it on nearly everyone and EVERYONE asks what it is. The finish is natural but not too matte, it lasts all day and the shade range is great. Definitely a staple and so many people seem to be unaware of it.” —Lottie, makeup artist and co-host of We Speak Beauty podcast

Dior Backstage Glow Palette

“I think I have tried and own just about every highlighter on the planet but this is hands down the best out there. Gorgeous glow without chunky sparkle which creates a natural dew to the skin. I use this on everyone and even use it on the eyes.” —Lottie

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Bodyography Epic Brow 2-in-1 Eyebrow Gel and Liner

“My unsung hero. It offers medium hold with supreme definition. I love it so, so much.” — Katie Jane Hughes, makeup artist and founder of KJH.brand

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Virtue Healing Oil

“It’s a very lightweight oil that has pure hair identical protein that repairs hair and creates the perfect finish sheen. I use it for myself every day and on all of my girls. There isn’t anything else other than my coffee that I use daily.” —Adir Abergel, hairstylist

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Back Lotion Applicator

“No specific brands but this is a gadget I frequently recommend to patients, especially for those with dry/eczema skin but cannot reach their back and live alone and need to apply moisturizer or even medication to that area.” — Dr. Jenny Liu, Board-certified dermatologist

Urea

“Urea is an underrated ingredient. Happy to see it now gaining more attention. I feel like AHAs are all the hype and they are great, but can burn on sensitive skin especially those with dry flaky skin or KP and need to use an AHA moisturizer. Urea is a great humectant and over time will also help with those concerns but doesn’t burn. A few products I really like: Cetaphil rough and bumpy with 20% urea (great for rough and cracked feet/heels too), Cerave Diabetic relief has urea, and is not just for those with diabetes, and The Inkey List 10% urea cream is great for face as well.” — Dr. Liu

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Veil Cosmetics Automatte Mattifying Balm

“I love it because it can take the place of powder in most situations by toning down the shine but still keeping a fresh skin finish. It also filters/diffuses skin texture. It’s great for everyone but I find it especially helpful with more mature skin because putting powder on mature skin can sometimes crease and define lines and wrinkles and also make the skin looks and feel dry.” — Allan Avendaño, makeup artist

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

“These cream-to-powder blushes blur skin while giving you buildable color that lasts all day. You can even use it on your lips. Everyone will love the ease of using your fingers or a brush to give you a natural looking flush.” — Allan

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion

“Hands down the best, most effective SPF I’ve ever used especially when it comes to makeup application. This literally disappears into your skin, with absolutely not white cast and even primes the skin for makeup. The other best part is that there will never be flashback whenever you take that group photo making you look like a ghost.” — Allan

Orcé Cosmetics Come Closer Serum Foundation

“WOW these foundations looks so beautiful on, like second skin. The natural radiant finish is so beautiful but the true beauty lies in the skin care properties that improve your skin tone and texture while giving you a flawless finish.” — Allan

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Hibiclens Antiseptic Foam

“This isn’t the sexiest recommendation but it’s definitely underrated. I won’t let it anywhere near my face, but whenever I’m working out a lot, I end up with red bumps on my butt. None of the anti-acne body products have ever helped, but Dr. Dendy Engelman thought it might be folliculitis and she suggested I try this foam. I used it a few times in the shower and they cleared right up. It works so well I’ll take the embarrassment of admitting I need it in order to tell other people about it!” — Jennifer G. Sullivan, beauty columnist at The Cut and co-host of Fat Mascara

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Zoya Naked Manicure Perfectors

“These have been my most used product for years. They’re sheer, streak-free, buildable tints that give the nail bed a subtle, healthy glow. They’re like no-makeup makeup for nails. I use them to enhance negative space nail art, as a fresh take on the classic milky sheer nude nail, paired in a French mani, or even just on its own to protect my nails. The Lavender perfector brings out the blush tones in the nail bed. The pink is my favorite nude because it achieves the impossible— it’s a nearly universal nude. (I can only think of one client it didn’t look well on.) The formula and the effect are dreamy.” —Miss Pop, nail artist

Oylie body oil

“I actually hate the texture of hand cream. This, I love. It’s quick absorbing and makes skin glow. I put it on my legs in the summer for glowing gams. It’s my wannabe ’90s supermodel trick.” —Miss Pop

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göt2b Schwarzkopf —Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray

“It’s super inexpensive, less than $10 for a large can or you can get a mini can (I love a mini everything because I travel so much and I can put it in my kit). It is one of the hardest holding hairsprays and it does not flake!” —DJ Quintero, hairstylist

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