One of my favorite parts of blogging is that we get to feature so many creative, chic people’s beauty and style tips… I’m constantly picking up new tips to add to my routine! Lately though, I’ve been getting a lot of requests to share some of my beauty essentials, and the truth is, I’ve amassed quite a few must-haves that I find myself constantly recommending to friends. You know, those items that send me into a panic when I think I might run out – which is why I usually stock up on 3 at a time. The items that I pack into travel-sized containers for a trip so I don’t have to go a single day without them. Click through for all my picks – and let me know if you have any personal faves that should have made it onto my list!
This dermatologist favorite was recommended to me for years before I finally started using it…and boy am I glad I did. The gentle formula gets every last trace of makeup off without drying out my skin.
Ever since I started using my Clarisonic every other day in the shower, blackheads have become a thing of the past. It also opens up pores so that any treatment lotions I apply post-shower absorb really well.
Acanya Gel.
Although I was blessed with relatively clear skin through my teenage years… that whole pregnancy thing threw my hormones into a tailspin resulting in some very annoying breakouts over the last year. My derm prescribed Acanya Gel and, applied once daily, my skin has become totally clear and (dare I say) even glowing.
The perfect balance for my combination skin, this lightweight cream leaves my skin moisturized without making it shiny.
Yves St Lauren Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation.
This foundation is the newest addition to my makeup bag, and I’m already completely obsessed. It feels really lightweight, but totally evens out my skin and keeps it that way all day. And it somehow manages to look dewy but not greasy. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it an “11.”
It’s a cult favorite for a reason. I use this creamy stick to cover undereye circles and redness. The secret here? A tiny dab’ll do you.
Nars Blushes.
I’m not one for a lot of bright color on my face, but these highly-pigmented powders mean that a little bit makes a big impact. I wear the “orgasm” shade (of course) almost daily, but am also a huge fan of “desire” when I’m in the mood for a girly “flushed cheek” look.
Buxom Insider Eyeliner.
I recently forgot to pack this on a trip and had to use a different eyeliner, reminding me of just how superior this one is. The formula glides onto inner lids so smoothly and stays, allowing me to create a subtle yet defined eye in about 5 seconds flat.
Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara.
I’m a major mascara girl, and I have a theory: better to buy cheap formulas and switch them out frequently, than to splurge on expensive formulas that you feel like you need to use up until they’re gone. Ever notice how mascaras are always way more impactful those first couple of weeks before they start to dry out? I stock up on this affordable version 3 tubes at a time, and it never clumps or flakes.
Fresh Sugar Rosé Gloss.
It’s the perfect transparent “just-bitten” shade, adds tons of moisture to parched lips and smells like roses. What’s not to love?
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray.
Why save this setting spray for “all-nighters?” I mist it on before heading out the door every morning to help my makeup last through meetings, lunches, baby cuddles, photo shoots…basically, life. At the end of the workday, an extra dust of powder and swipe of lipstick are all I need to refresh my look.
Frederic Fekkai Volumizing Shampoo & Volumizing Conditioner.
I’m always on the hunt for anything to bulk up my fine strands, and this duo definitely sets the stage for major body. Smells great, too.
Living Proof “Prime”.
This new product has revolutionized my hair routine, allowing me to skip an entire day between washings without having to deal with limp locks! It somehow magically “locks” in style, so that on day #2, a spritz of dry shampoo and blast of heat from the hair dryer are all that’s needed to revitalize my look.
Bamboo Volume 48 Hour Sustainable Volume.
I spray this on damp hair before blow drying to add volume and body without weighing it down. It’s the only volume spray I’ve every used that really visibly works.
Can’t live without this stuff. At the end of the day (or on “day #2 – see previous slide), I spray this all over at the roots, then rub-rub-rub with my fingertips, and sometimes add a blast of heat with the hair dryer. Result? The most voluminous, full-of-body hair every without a greasy strand in site. In all honesty, it doesn’t smell the best ever, but trust me: it’s worth it.
