The Standard Setters

There are the good products, but then there are the great products. Ones that set standards for the similar products that I will always end up comparing them to.
The one product that is hardest to beat is the Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm. It is thick and nourishing without being greasy, and it is incredibly effective, especially as an overnight treatment. I have yet to find anything like it as it checks all the boxes for me when it comes to a quality lip balm. Another nightstand favourite is the Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream. It is moisturizing without being greasy and the packaging makes it easy to get every last bit of product out.
Eye makeup can be a struggle for me at times as I have slightly oily lids that result in smudging and creasing by the end of the day. That is why even with a cream shadow I have to use a primer, unless it is the Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes. These are my go-to in the mornings as I can just swipe it on, blend it out, and call it done. It makes a good base and a great one wash wonder that will last all day. Another long lasting eye product is the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner. The fine brush tip allows this pen liner to work its way into the tight corners and fine flicks. It is incredibly pigmented too, just like the Urban Decay Naked2 Basics palette. Matte shadows tend to be chalky but not with the Urban Decay ones that are the definition of buttery shadows.
And while matte shadows tend to be chalky, matte lipsticks tend to be drying. Fortunately that's not the case with the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils. They are long lasting and bold without sucking all the moisture out of the lips. NARS always knows what they are doing, and the NARS Blushes are another good example. I love the pigmentation and colour range, and the lasting power is incredible as well.
The one thing I am still eager to try from NARS is their creamy concealer and I know already I will be comparing it to the MAC Studio Finish Concealer. This concealer provides excellent coverage without being cakey or drying, and it also comes in a great shade range.
Do you have some products that you compare everything else to?