ICYMI, Cosmo’s first-ever global beauty issue with cover star Olivia Rodrigo just dropped. Featuring a single cover star across all international editions, it marks the first time in the magazine’s storied history that one person has fronted every Cosmo cover worldwide. To celebrate the moment—and the issue’s broader beauty theme—I tapped fellow international beauty editors from 18 different countries and regions, all revealing their holy-grail picks in one place. Keep scrolling to see the full list, which includes lots of familiar brands like Chanel and Rare Beauty and some under-the-radar local favorites too.
The beauty world is constantly evolving, with new formulas and innovative products hitting the market all the time. It can be overwhelming to navigate the sheer volume of options available. To simplify things, we reached out to a diverse group of beauty editors from around the globe – 18 in total, representing 18 different countries and regions – to uncover their current must-haves. These aren’t just fleeting fads; these are the products these experts rely on, day in and day out, to achieve their signature looks and maintain healthy, radiant skin. Their selections span a range of categories, from foundations and concealers to skincare and hair care, offering a comprehensive overview of what’s trending and truly effective right now. This curated list promises to introduce you to some incredible products, whether you’re a seasoned beauty enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of makeup and skincare.
Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch
“I forgot about regular foundation with this water-based product, because it literally melts into my skin and it’s so light and hydrating. It feels like I’m not wearing anything.”
This water-fresh foundation from Chanel has quickly become a favorite among beauty editors seeking a natural, skin-like finish. Its lightweight, buildable formula provides sheer to medium coverage while delivering a dewy, luminous glow. The key to its popularity lies in its unique texture, which blends seamlessly into the skin without feeling heavy or cakey. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a minimal makeup look but still want a flawless complexion. The formula also contains skincare benefits, helping to hydrate and even out skin tone. It’s a versatile product suitable for various skin types and a fantastic option for achieving a fresh, healthy look.
Dior Rouge Blush
“Lately I can’t leave the house without a little blush. Dior Rouge Blush is divine and stays on all day. I love the 962 Poison color that gives me such a natural, fresh look.”
A touch of blush can instantly brighten the face and add a healthy flush. Dior Rouge Blush is a powder blush known for its buildable color and long-lasting wear. The formula is finely milled, ensuring a smooth application that doesn’t look patchy. The 962 Poison shade, a rosy-brown hue, is a particularly popular choice for creating a natural, effortless look. This blush is praised for its ability to blend seamlessly into the skin, providing a natural-looking flush that lasts throughout the day. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate any makeup look.
MAC Cosmetics Pro Locked Brow Gel
“I LIVE for the perfect full brow look, so I use this product to make sure my brows are not moving the whole day (spoiler alert: They won’t for 12 hours!).”
Achieving perfectly shaped and long-lasting brows is a common beauty goal. MAC Cosmetics Pro Locked Brow Gel is a cult favorite among beauty professionals and enthusiasts alike. This clear, gel-like formula provides strong hold without stiffness, ensuring your brows stay in place all day long. It’s a multi-tasking product that can be used to groom, shape, and lock brows into their desired position. The formula is lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it suitable for all-day wear. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to achieve a polished and defined brow look.
Perfumer H Rose With Insect
“I am totally in love with this fragrance—it smells like a beautiful lazy summer day in the nature of my childhood cottage.”
Fragrance is a powerful tool for expressing personal style and evoking memories. Perfumer H Rose With Insect is a unique and captivating scent that blends the delicate aroma of rose with subtle, earthy notes. The fragrance is described as a nostalgic and comforting scent, reminiscent of a peaceful summer day spent in nature. The blend of floral and earthy elements creates a complex and intriguing aroma that is both fresh and sophisticated. This fragrance is a standout choice for those seeking a unique and memorable scent.
Haus Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Oil
“Mr. Perfect for lips! This isn’t sticky, gives amazing color, and stays on all day.”
Finding a lip product that delivers both color and hydration without feeling sticky can be a challenge. Haus Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Oil offers a solution. This innovative formula combines the benefits of a lip oil and a lip stain, providing a comfortable, hydrating feel with a wash of color. The hybrid formula ensures long-lasting wear without drying out the lips. It’s a versatile product that can be worn alone for a subtle tint or layered over other lip products for added color and shine. Its non-sticky texture makes it perfect for everyday wear.
Liquid Exosomes
“Two months of using them has transformed my face into baby skin (okay, almost…😊).”
The world of skincare is constantly evolving, with new ingredients and technologies emerging regularly. Liquid exosomes are a relatively new addition to the skincare market, but they are quickly gaining popularity for their potential anti-aging and skin-regenerating properties. Exosomes are naturally occurring vesicles secreted by cells that contain proteins, RNA, and other bioactive molecules. Liquid exosomes are essentially concentrated extracts of these vesicles, designed to deliver these beneficial molecules directly to the skin. While research is still ongoing, many users report improvements in skin texture, hydration, and overall radiance after incorporating liquid exosomes into their skincare routine. They are often touted for their ability to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Frédéric Malle Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle Eau de Parfum
“The scent that gets stopped in the street—literally. Clean yet addictive with a subtle sensual edge that lingers, it’s the kind of fragrance people remember and ask about.”
This fragrance collaboration between Frédéric Malle and Acne Studios is a testament to the power of understated elegance. The Eau de Parfum offers a clean and modern take on perfumery, with a subtle sensual edge. It’s not an overpowering or overly sweet fragrance, but rather a sophisticated and intriguing scent that leaves a lasting impression. The blend of notes creates a unique and memorable aroma that is both fresh and captivating. This fragrance is a perfect choice for those who appreciate minimalist design and understated luxury.
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Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
“My ultimate ride-or-die. It gives insanely long, jet-black lashes with zero clumps. But the real game changer? It melts off in seconds with warm water—no rubbing, no drama. For someone who hates removing eye makeup, it’s simply the best.”
Finding a mascara that delivers length, volume, and easy removal is a common beauty quest. Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara has earned a loyal following for its impressive performance and convenient formula. This tubing mascara features unique silicone bristles that create individual tubes around each lash, providing dramatic length and definition without clumping. The mascara is also praised for its effortless removal – simply use warm water to dissolve the formula. This makes it a perfect choice for those who dislike harsh makeup removers and prefer a gentle, no-fuss approach to makeup removal.
Bioderma Hydrabio Serum
“Proof that French skincare just does it better. This serum is deeply hydrating without feeling heavy, and it keeps my dehydrated skin plump, comfortable, and glowing. I’m on my fourth bottle and still not over it—it’s perfect for those early lines, too.”
French skincare is renowned for its efficacy and minimalist approach. Bioderma Hydrabio Serum embodies these qualities. This lightweight serum is designed to deeply hydrate and replenish moisture, leaving the skin feeling plump, comfortable, and radiant. The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture. It’s suitable for all skin types, even those prone to dehydration, and is a great addition to any skincare routine. Many users report a noticeable improvement in skin texture and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines after incorporating this serum into their routine.
Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
“I apply these drops to the length of my (after washing) or dry (on non-wash) hair—and they give such a great shine without looking heavy. And the feeling is just sooo smooth. I’m also a perfect product to use after a blowout—for a great finishing touch.”
Achieving smooth, shiny, and frizz-free hair is a common hair care goal. Kerastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil is a luxurious treatment that delivers on its promise. This lightweight oil is infused with a blend of nourishing ingredients that smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and add intense shine. The formula is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, leaving hair feeling soft and manageable. It can be applied to damp or dry hair, depending on your needs. This hair oil is a great addition to any hair care routine, especially for those with dry, frizzy, or damaged hair.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation
“I am a very no-makeup girl and love foundations that are light and natural but not too dewy as I think that trend is a bit of the past now. This one makes my skin look velvety and isn’t absorbed by the skin even on a long day.”
The trend towards heavy, dewy foundations has shifted, with a renewed appreciation for natural-looking coverage. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation perfectly embodies this trend. This medium-coverage foundation provides a natural, velvety finish that enhances the skin’s natural radiance without looking cakey or heavy. The formula is lightweight and breathable, allowing the skin to breathe while providing a flawless complexion. It’s suitable for all skin types and is a great option for those who prefer a natural, no-makeup look.
Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme
“This is my ‘magic cream’ for instant revival—it brings back radiance and lasting plumpness by the next morning. I rely on it before shoots and big events when my skin needs to look rested and refined fast. The texture melts in without greasiness, softening fine lines and giving that lit‑from‑within finish that reads beautifully on camera. It’s pricey, but it’s worth it.”
Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme is a cult-favorite moisturizer known for its luxurious texture and remarkable efficacy. This rich cream is designed to provide intense hydration, plumpness, and radiance. The formula is infused with a blend of potent ingredients that work together to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and boost overall luminosity. It’s a splurge-worthy product that delivers noticeable results, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and revitalized. Many users report a noticeable improvement in skin appearance after incorporating this cream into their routine.
