Makeup products the Tweak team fell in love with this year
Swatch and tell
At the Tweak office, our mornings often kick off with complimenting a team member about her new lipstick or a bold new eyeliner shade, which is quickly followed by a stream of enthusiastic recommendations. As a primarily women-led team, conversations about work and “I-just-started-using-this” have become one and the same for us.
As the unwritten rules of girlhood have taught us, we’re always on the lookout for products that the other person would love. And with all of us having different aesthetic preferences, budgets, skin textures, and concerns, our makeup bags are as varied as we are in shape, size, and most definitely, in products.
So, we’re taking this internal makeup essentials session out of the office. Here’s a roundup of the team’s absolute favourites and we’re hoping you’ll fall just as hard for them as we did.
The Tweak team’s favourite makeup products
Simply Nam Velvet Cream Magic Blush
“I’ve stress-tested several cheek tints, cream and powder blushes, but this one has survived Mumbai’s summer and my absolute lack of patience for touch-ups.
The cream formula checks all the right boxes: it melts into the skin, delivers serious pigment, builds up easily, and doesn’t get eaten up by dry skin. In fact, it goes a step further with hydrating ingredients like sweet almond, coconut, and moringa oils that actually nourish your skin as you wear it. If you’re unsure which shade to pick, Maid of Honour (a favourite of the brand’s founder and celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni) works beautifully on warm undertones.”
— Mamta Mody, Editor
Mokae Arc Angel Clear Brow Gel
“After some disastrous threading sessions at my local parlour in my early 20s, my left brow ended up looking like the feral twin of my right, always a little too arched with hairs that refused to submit to any shaping. Eventually, I gave up and decided to grow them both out, leaning into the naturally wild look.
Recently, I picked up Mokae’s Arc Angel Clear Brow Gel, created by celebrity makeup artist Sandhya Shekar. It feels like the lowest-effort trick to tame my brows. The key is to hold the spoolie horizontally against the brow and brush upwards. The clear gel has a soft hold that never feels crunchy, and it lasts till the end of the workday.”
— Mamta Mody, Editor
Lakmé Be-Jewel Luminous Skin-Tint
“I am not someone who typically likes wearing foundation; I usually apply my sunscreen and go straight in with blush. But this one caught my eye because it was a tint that was meant to give a dewy, glowy look without the heaviness of a full-coverage base.
The first time I applied it, I went way overboard (told you, I’m clearly not a foundation-girlie) and ended up looking like Hrithik Roshan from Dhoom 2 – when he was disguised as a statue inside a museum.
My face was white and pasty, and the tint refused to blend. But once I figured out that I only needed a thin layer, it was perfect. The product blends smoothly with just my fingers, sits well over sunscreen and has this natural, dewy finish but with a subtle built-in highlighter. It lasts through the day and is super easy to take off.”
— Damyanti Gurtu, Brand partnerships manager
e.l.f Cosmetics Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50
“As someone with acne-prone skin, I’ve always stayed away from base products because I’d almost always wake up with a new breakout after wearing makeup. So when I started looking for a lightweight, non-comedogenic skin tint, this one quickly became my go-to, and honestly, my only base product.
It covers acne scars without that suffocating, cakey feeling. The formula is lightweight, slightly watery, and spreads beautifully. I usually apply it with a brush for an even finish, but you can use your fingers too.
One thing I’ve picked up along the way: prepping your skin with a good moisturiser makes a real difference. It helps the product glide on more smoothly and prevents any dryness. That said, don’t go overboard; too much moisturiser will cause pilling. It’s all about finding that sweet spot for a flawless finish.
I save it for special occasions rather than wearing it daily, but every time I do, I’m reminded of why I love it. If you have acne-prone skin and have been hesitant about wearing base makeup, this is worth trying.”
— Eshika Gupta, Video producer
Nykaa Cosmetics Whipped Blurring Multi-use Blush Pot
“The shade Why So Whipped? caught my eye immediately, it’s wearable enough for everyday use, yet pigmented enough to actually show up on my skin. The hype around this blush is completely justified.
It has a mousse-like, squishy texture in the pot that gives a smooth, powder-like finish, virtually weightless on the skin. A little goes a long way, so just a small amount gives a fresh, natural-looking flush that lasts for hours. The pigmentation and longevity set it apart.
One thing to note: double cleansing is recommended for a thorough removal at the end of the day.”
— Ketki Hulamajage, Social media manager
WishCare Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
“Trying a tinted fluid sunscreen felt like a bit of an experiment and a worthwhile one. This formula from WishCare delivers a smooth, natural finish without any greasiness making it an easy everyday option for combination skin.
The lightweight, fluid texture blends effortlessly and offers just enough coverage to even out the skin, a welcome bonus for those days when you want a polished look with minimal effort.”
— Ketki Hulamajage, Social media manager
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara
“My unique genes have given me long lashes that are straight and face downward. Tired of being anxious about pulling out my eyelashes every time I used an eyelash curler, I decided to test out multiple mascaras. My search ended with the Panorama mascara because of its wand, which is straight, and has multi-length bristles to evenly coat your smaller inner lashes and longer outer ones. The wand fits quite well for my eye shape and I’m able to get a natural lift whenever I wear this mascara.
Typically, I would avoid a waterproof formula because it’s so hard to take off, but this one is surprisingly lightweight and it comes off with micellar water. Although I like to double cleanse just in case. It doesn’t clump and has no distinguished mascara smell either. I’m currently on my second tube in six months.”
— Jhanvi Adatia, Features writer
P.A.C Shade Corrector Wheel
“I originally bought this to colour correct lipstick shades, but the black has since taken over as my most-used shade, just not for its intended purpose. It’s become my go-to eyeliner.
The switch came from frustration with liquid liner that tugged at my skin as it dried down, and inevitably peeled. A gel eyeliner was suggested as a more comfortable, controlled alternative and this one delivers exactly that. It’s easy to apply with a brush, feels smooth on the skin, and lasts without budging. I set it with a translucent powder to keep it from smudging in the heat, but that’s a small extra step for an otherwise fuss-free formula.
The fact that it’s a colour-correction wheel also means you’re getting excellent value — the quantity-to-cost ratio is hard to beat.”
— Jhanvi Adatia, Features writer
e.l.f Cosmetics Expert Liquid Eyeliner
“As someone with extreme short-sightedness, this eyeliner has been a game-changer. The fine-tipped brush allows for precise application right up close to the mirror, without the bristles grazing my lashes, which also means cleaner glasses and contact lenses (small win!).
The formula itself is quite reliable, it has consistent colour payoff, it doesn’t clump over time, and it has impressive staying power through long summer days — even without being waterproof. This one was gifted to me, and I liked it enough to repurchase. At its price point, it’s an easy yes.”
— Arya Kulkarni, Intern
MARS Edge of Desire Matte Lip Liner
“At its price point and with a shade range this good, it felt like a no-brainer to try. Spiced Cranberry is a particular favourite, one swipe delivers clean, defined colour with a matte, sharp finish.
It stays put for a few hours, though it does fade after eating, as most lip liners do. On the plus side, the formula glides on smoothly and it doesn’t dry out my lips.
It’s a great pick for anyone dipping their toes into makeup, or simply looking for a reliable, budget-friendly liner for daily use.”
— Shravani Garad, Intern
