It’s mid-January and there’s nothing like the fresh start of a new year. New goals, new resolutions and new dreams. If one of your New Years resolutions was to improve your personal appearance or take time to get ready for the day, you’re not alone. Nickira Celeste, a professional makeup artist based in Atlanta, shares her top long-lasting makeup picks in each category to help you look your best in 2025 and beyond.
Lip Stain
“A lip stain is good to use because it’s not heavy on the lip,” Nickira said. “So they feel pretty comfortable and also you don’t have to worry about it smearing or going away. It’s an effortless, easy option for your makeup.”
Nickira’s recommendations: Benefit Benetint
Face Primer
“I have a controversial hot take on face primer. I rarely use a primer, not only on myself but on my clients as well,” Nickira said. “But if I do use a primer, I use skin prep, I make sure the skin is well taken care of. I believe primers are a marketing tool for companies to get you to buy more. But if you take care of your skin, you don’t need a primer.”
Nickira’s recommendations: Bobbi Brown Face Base and Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer.
*Pro tip: Nickira likes to use the Face Base and Hydro Grip products together.
Makeup Setting Spray
“I love a good setting spray. Setting sprays are like hair sprays for your face, that’s the best way I can describe them,” the Atlanta makeup artist said. “It locks in the makeup and also helps to bind the makeup together so it all looks seamless and flawless. There’s no texture, all the steps look like one effortless look. That is why I use setting spray. My favorite is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. A lot of people like the One/Size setting spray, it’s good if you want the bullet proof makeup. If you’re outside in Savannah in 100 degree weather and you don’t want your makeup to run, it’s good for that. But the Charlotte Tilbury helps to bind the makeup together, it’s the most versatile setting spray that I use.”
Nickira’s recommendations: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and One/Size by Patrick Starrr On ’Til Dawn Setting Spray
No-Run Eyeliner or Tips to Keep Eyeliner from Running
“I would just use a waterproof eyeliner. Use a high quality waterproof eyeliner and don’t over apply it,” Nickira said.
Nickira’s recommendations: Makeup by Mario Master Pigment Pro eyeliner and Inglot AMC Eyeliner gel.
No-Run Mascara or Tips to Keep Mascara from Running
“I do like the Milk Makeup Kush mascara,” Nickira said. “I always do waterproof, always.”
Nickira’s recommendations: Milk Makeup Kush mascara.
Best Matte Powder
“My favorite powder I’m actually allergic to so I don’t like to recommend it,” Nickira said jokingly. “But it’s Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder. I love it. And then if you want a second recommendation, MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation if you want a pressed option. And you want something velvety? Those products are very velvety, not cakey, they really blend in very well into the skin when you use them properly. And they don’t look super dry on the skin.”
Nickira’s recommendations: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder and MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
*Pro Tip: Follow the steps below for a flawless undereye look.
“I will highly set with the Huda powder and I’ll set with a velvet square, one of those wedges, and I’ll set – I don’t bake – I’ll set under the eye so I’m not putting a bunch of products under my eye, right after concealer, right after the studio fix foundation,” Nickira said. “The two products really help to smooth out the undereye very well.”
Best Foundation for Winter
“I love the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection – that’s my absolute favorite and Armani Luminous Silk any time of the year,” Nickira said. “It gives a smooth finish but it’s not very heavy. It’s very buildable. In the summer, it gives you a bit of glow, but right now they have a bit of moisture in them so it’s not going to dry you out with the cold weather.”
Nickira’s recommendations: Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation and Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.
Follow Nickira on Instagram: @NickiraCeleste for more makeup and beauty tips.
The Emerald Glam 