As a beauty editor, it’s kind of hard to be impressed by cosmetics. Color-changing lipstick, holographic highlighter, bubbling (literally) face masks — publicists send you everything. The products that stick out to me the most aren’t the most trendy or gimmicky. They simply work, and work well. After 14 years (going on 15) of trying things, there are more than a few hair, skin, makeup, and body products that I keep using, even when something newer and “cooler” hits the shelves. Here are 12 beauty products that I’ve loved so much that I bought them with my own money after the sample ran out.Cinique's 3-step Skincare System to eliminate the guesswork with a proven routine that's stood the test of timeI used Clinique's 3-Step system consistently from college through my 20s, and my skin was always clear and healthy. Eventually, I had to take breaks to test other products for work, but it's still on my bathroom sink, and I revisit it often. To this day, I recommend it to anyone looking for a solid skincare routine but overwhelmed by all the options out there. It's complete with All About Clean facial soap, Clarifying lotion, and Dramatically Different moisturizer. One of the best features, though, is that there are four different formula combinations based on your skin type: Very Dry to Dry, Dry Combination, Oily Combination, and Oily. No matter your skin, there's a system specifically designed for you. Buy the system as a set, or mix and match the formulas yourself. The Bevel razor that's been giving me a clean shave with no razor bumps or ingrown hairs for nearly 10 years I first tried the Bevel safety razor on my bikini line in 2016 and I haven't stopped using it since! The products are mainly marketed to men who want a clean, smooth shave that won't result in irritation like razor bumps and ingrown hairs, but I've found them to work on my body hair, too. I use it to shave my underarms, legs, and bikini line. The double-edge blades and weighted razor handle are intentionally designed to cut the coarsest and curliest textures at skin-level so that all hair types can enjoy a pain-free shave. It’s also reusable, so you only have to replace the blades after each use! Bevel also makes shaving cream, balm, oil, and a brush, which I can report are all great because I've used them. But now I just use the razor and blades with a drugstore shave cream, and a few drops of Tend Skin and Oui The People body gloss (also mentioned in this list) after my shower. I cannot tell you the last time I've had a razor bump or ingrown hair.A body gloss to seal in moisture and make skin look sexy and silkyI'm really into body care. Body washes, scrubs, lotions, butters, oils — I love 'em all! Oui The People hydrating body gloss is a lightweight body oil that absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a sexy, glowy finish. It's formulated with organic avocado oil to soothe the skin and support healing, plant-derived squalane for deep hydration and a healthy skin barrier, and rosehip seed oil to boost collagen production. The orange blossom is also light and citrusy, which I personally love because I prefer clean and vibrant scents. I like to apply it on top of my body lotion or butter as a last step in my body care routine. It makes my skin feel supple, and the subtle glow makes my arms and legs look sexy.Fenty's fail-proof contour stick that's easy to apply and blend, and lasts me all year longThese Fenty Beauty Match Stix matte contour “skinsticks” are a useful addition to any makeup kit, whether you're a newbie or professional MUA. I've been using the shade Espresso for about eight years, and it's the most user-friendly contour product I've owned. You just swipe the cream-to-powder stick in the areas you want to chisel, and blend with a sponge or brush. In addition to being fail-proof, the application is super quick; I'm talking 60 seconds quick! It lasts a while before you have to replace it because the stick is pretty chunky. I don't contour every day, so mine lasts through the year. It comes in nine shades to suit all complexions.A lightweight leave-in conditioner serum that easily absorbs into my hair and keeps it hydrated and lustrous For over a decade, Moisture Love has been one of my favorite brands for my naturally curly, low porosity hair. I use this leave-in conditioning serum the most, mainly to do twist-outs, and to mix with water to use as a detangling and curl refresher spray. The formula is very lightweight, which makes it easy to penetrate and moisturize my hair. And the moisture lasts — I can honestly say my hair always feels soft, and it never looks dull or dry after I use this stuff! Avocado and macadamia oils help to control frizz and boost growth and shine, so whether I'm wearing twists or natural curls, my hair looks lustrous and healthy. Essence GantThis pigmented cream blush stick that's moisturizing, radiant, and sure to get you complimentsNot to pit blushes against each other, but the Higher Standard Cream Glow blush sticks by LYS Beauty can easily hold their own against any cheek color out there. The first time I swiped this blush in Courageous, a poppy orange, I let out an audible gasp! The pigment is exactly as it looks in the tube: rich and radiant. No hard pressure necessary, the cream formula makes it exceptionally easy to slide on your face. And the illuminating finish is simply stunning, especially when the sun or good lighting catches you. The cruelty-free and gluten-free formula is made with good ingredients, like green tea extract, watermelon seed extract, and rosehip oil, so your skin gets some care with the cosmetics. The blush stick comes in seven shades.This lip stain that has all the color payoff without the hefty price tagDon't sleep on Sephora Collection! I've been using the cream lip stains for too many years to remember at this point. Available in 51 shades, the stains wear more like cream liquid lipsticks. The pigment in those little tubes really pack a punch. And the wear is incredible! You can go through your day as usual, eating and drinking, and it will not budge. An eyebrow pen to fill in my sparse brows with realistic hair-like strokesI wasn't blessed with full brows, but thanks to NYX Lift & Snatch eyebrow tint pen, you can't tell. There are 10 shades total to pick from, and I'm shade Espresso. The pen is very easy to use. Personally, I like to first brush my hairs with a spoolie and lightly outline my brows with a pencil. Then I give my Lift & Snatch pen a little shake before removing the top and making short, quick strokes. It literally resembles hair! A buildable foundation that makes my skin look flawless When it comes to foundations that look like skin and have a glowy and flawless finish, Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow foundation with hyaluronic acid is my favorite of the more prestige options. (I'm shade 445N.) Even though it's considered medium coverage, it feels extremely lightweight and somehow blurs and conceals like a full coverage formula. It's made with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and make skin look plumper, and mandelic acid to smooth and refine the skin. More than makeup, Care & Glow is formulated like skincare. Once you try it, it'll be a mainstay in your makeup bag.Revlon's One-Step tool that makes drying full, long hair a breeze, and cuts down styling timeThe year was 2018 when I first put Revlon's One-Step dryer and styler to the test. It gave my thick, curly hair the best, and QUICKEST, blowout I'd ever been able to achieve on my own. It looks like a paddle brush with holes for the air to circulate. There are three temperature settings – low, high, and a cool shot – and I've never gotten heat damage from this dryer. And I use the high setting the most. It's also built to last, as I've had this same dryer for seven years and it still works like new. A fine setting powder to blur imperfections for a filter effect without the filterI like for my makeup to look like my natural skin, but better. Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur Talc-Free Longwearing translucent loose setting powder, infused with hyaluronic acid, camouflages imperfections and creates a soft-focus effect without leaving a heavy, cakey finish. Available in four shades, the16-hour wear powder works for fair to deep skin tones. A jar runs you about $50, but it lasts a long time, and the results are truly stunning. Sometimes I wear it alone without foundation if I want to look more even and polished without having to do all the steps of full glam.A luxury sleeping retinoid oil that's worth the splurge if you have mature skinI started using Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping retinoid night oil in my early 30s; I'm a year shy of 40 now. Retinoid ester works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, supports skin's natural elasticity, and evens the look of redness, while avocado seed oil is rich in vitamins B, C, D, E, and A, and plumps the skin. The oil's blue color is natural from blue tansy and German chamomile, which soothe skin. I apply it after cleansing and toning at night, and I wake up to soft, glowy skin in the morning. My face is also pretty free of discoloration and lines, with the exception of fine lines around my eyes when I smile. So far, I've aged naturally without any cosmetic procedures or treatments like filler and Botox (although I certainly plan to integrate cosmetic work in the future). But right now, I lean on products like this oil made especially for mature skin.
I've Seen Tons Of Gimmicks In My 15 Years As A Beauty Editor – Here Are 12 Products That Really And Truly Work
I get a lot of free beauty, but here's what I love so much I'm willing to pay for it.
1,665 words~8 min read






