Our Editors Share Their Desert Island Beauty Products—Starting With a $2 Lip Liner

“I had ditched lip glosses long ago, not loving how sticky and too high-shine the majority were. But this gloss offers the perfect amount of moisture for a dewy pout. What’s more, not only does it look good, but it also offers a dramatic plumping effect immediately and then gradually builds over time. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and oligopeptides, it volumizes lips while offering major hydration.”
— Isabelle, Editorial Strategist

“As someone who has previously opted for more full-coverage makeup, I haven’t worn foundation in all of 2024, thanks to MERIT Beauty’s Perfecting Stick. Marketed as not a foundation and not a concealer, this one product has replaced both in my makeup bag. I apply it under my eyes, on any blemishes, and on my high points, then blend with a brush for an even, lightweight base.”
— Bridget Chambers, Style Editor

Where has this lipliner been all my life? I’m kicking myself for spending 10x more on others that weren’t as good. “Truth or Bare” is the perfect pinky-brown shade that gives my lips natural color.
—Camille, Editor in Chief

“It’s everything you want from a mascara: elongates lashes, doesn’t pill or smudge, and—most importantly—washes off easily. You normally get one or two but not all three. I don’t know how they do it, but I’ve been wearing this mascara for 3+ years and it’s my forever go-to.”
— Brittany Chatburn, Content Marketing Director

“As someone who rarely wears makeup, it probably seems interesting that my choice for a desert island would be blue eyeliner. But on days when I just need to infuse my look with a little pop and joy, this eyeliner works its magic. I use a very thin line of blue eyeliner, but it’s just enough that when I’m talking to people while wearing it, they almost always have to stop and call out how much they love the blue. It’s the perfect way to subtly elevate your eyes, and the formula is super creamy and easy enough for even me to apply.”
— Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor

“There is no better lip stain on the market and I will die on that hill. I’ve been using this product for YEARS. My favorite colors are Bright Raspberry, Strawberry Red, and Soft Rose, but you can’t go wrong on any to your liking. The stain stays on ALL day and ALL night, isn’t drying with the gloss coating, and doesn’t transfer to your drinking glass or partner’s lips.”
— Kelly Krause, Contributing Editor

“The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is nothing short of magic and would accompany me on a desert island or tropical getaway. Its buttery texture and long-lasting hydration make it the best product to always have on hand. I just repurchased it in Vanilla for the third time—it’s that good!”
— Anna Decker, Social Media and E-Commerce Manager

“I am no one until I put on my Supergoop! Glowscreen in the morning. It quite literally brings me to life, adding the perfect amount of color and glow to my otherwise tired-looking face. I wear it alone on a day-to-day basis, but this sunscreen is also the perfect shimmery base for my makeup routine (even at night). Major props to Supergoop! for making sunscreen such an addicting part of my skincare/makeup routine. My skin will thank you in 20 years!”
— Bridget Chambers, Style Editor

“Listen, I know this product had its moment in 2022. But there hasn’t been a night since I treated myself to this lip mask years ago where I don’t put this stuff on before bed. Long story short, it’s my ride-or-die. My lips stay soft and hydrated year-round and I haven’t had chapped lips once, even in winter. My go-to is vanilla!”
— Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor

“I live for a faux glow. A bit of self tan instantly boosts my confidence and I’ve tried everything from lotions to foams to water. Hands down, my favorite is Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops. A few drops in your moisturizer turns it into a self tanner, plus you can apply it without a mitt. It’s so easy and you can control how deep your tan is by the amount of drops you use. I love!”
— Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor

“This product changed my life, and I can’t stop talking about it to everyone. The start of my skincare routine, a top off when my skin is feeling irritated, and a preventive measure before applying makeup so I don’t break out—I use this multiple times a day, every day. If you haven’t heard of this universal healing spray, it’s quite literally magic in a bottle.”
— Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor

“I’ve been searching my entire life for a product like Hero Cosmetics’ Rescue Balm. As someone who suffers from rosacea, regular foundation doesn’t cut it when it comes to a flawless face. This is THE product for me—and it’s always the first product I reach for on no-make, makeup days. It goes on green, with the same consistency as a concealer, but blends effortlessly into the skin, combatting any redness. It’s lightweight, and can be applied under makeup or on its own. Simply put—I couldn’t live without it.”
— Casey McKee, Editorial Assistant

“This ceramide serum is my secret for putting on/taking off makeup. Layered beneath my makeup, it’s the perfect primer that creates a canvas to help my products stay on all night. I use a ton of liquid-based products, so a hydrated face is key to making sure they look dewy all night and don’t dry and crack in the middle of the dance floor. And after the night ends, when I’ve scrubbed my face raw to get off all the products, I need a hydrating serum to replenish my complexion so I wake up refreshed—even after a late night. This versatile serum is both. I also slather it on my skin when my barrier needs some TLC. It’s a staple in my travel bag since it can do it all.”
— Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor

“My favorite self-tanning product, hands down. It’s foolproof to apply and the color develops within an hour. I use the one made for olive skin tones, and it gives the impression that you’ve just come back from an exotic two-week holiday.”
— Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief

“I can’t stop talking about this product. I love it so much that my mom bought it for me when I went back to Nebraska to visit. The peppermint oil feels so refreshing and the light exfoliating jojoba beads keep my skin glowing.”
— Kelly Krause, Contributing Editor

“My favorite part of my self-care routine in the evening is using body oil after a hot shower. This oil has the most incredible scent, and seamlessly absorbs into your skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. Plus, this oil makes for the most perfect, self-care moment to just pause and breathe. It’s definitely a little bit of a splurge, but it’s well worth it for how amazing it makes me feel.” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor

“My favorite self-tanning product, hands down. It’s foolproof to apply and the color develops within an hour. I use the one made for olive skin tones, and it gives the impression that you’ve just come back from an exotic two-week holiday.”
— Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief

Oribe dry shampoo! I’m not washing my hair as often since I’ve gone blonde, and this stuff is the holy grail!
—Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor

This exfoliating serum is gentle enough for my skin even when it’s being temperamental, and keeps travel breakouts at bay.
— Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor

My Aavrani hair mask! I swear this mask is the reason my otherwise dry and thin hair has been extra healthy and thicker!
— Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor

This sunscreen is an instant all-timer and my sunscreen pick for days I’m going bare-faced. It specifically protects your skin from heat damage, as well as the usual suspects. Vitamin C also gives it a brightening boost, for an instant pick-me-up.
— Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor

Okay, so I just started using this and I SWEAR by it after I cleanse, tone, and use a vitamin C serum (it’s worth the price tag.)
— Edie Horstman, Wellness Editor

I’ve been curious about at-home microneedling for a while, so when I got this microneedling roller for my birthday, I wanted to give it a real test drive before recommending. After using it 3x a week for a couple months, I’m sold. It gently stimulates collagen and preps skin to better absorb your actives like retinol and Vitamin C—and my skin has this flushed “alive” sort of appearance after using it.
— Camille Styles, Editor in Chief