Over the last few months, I have really narrowed down my go-to products when it comes to my skincare and makeup routines. A few years ago, I would have definitely considered myself a “product person”. I loved to try whatever was viral on social media and add it to my collection. Over time, though, I found myself getting overwhelmed with the amount of products that were not being used very often. Much like a big closet clean out, I decided to be honest with myself about the products that I truly love, use everyday, and work well for my skin. This is not to say that I don’t try new products here and there (I definitely still do!) but in an effort to minimize the contents of my makeup bag, I have been trying to wait until I fully run out of a product before repurchasing it or buying something new. In many cases, I have found myself returning to the same brands time and time again, so I thought it would be fun to share my top 5 overall must-have beauty products with you today! Some I have used for years, and others are relatively new to me, but I am so happy with my current routine! I hope this post provides some inspiration if you are in the market for some new products or are just interested to learn more about some of the things I have been using and loving. I hope you enjoy!
makeup remover balm
Starting off with a tried and true! The Drunk Elephant Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser has been a staple in my skincare routine for years! My mom uses this product as well and I have recommended it to so many friends! I have tried other makeup removers and similar cleansing balms but always find myself coming back to this one. I can confidently say that it is one of the only makeup removers you will catch me using! The “butter” description is the best way to explain the consistency of this product. I scoop out a little bit from the jar and emulsify it in my hands before applying to a dry face. You can see the makeup breaking down as you work it in and it does a great job of removing everything on your skin, including waterproof mascara! Despite the oil-like consistency, it does not leave your skin feeling greasy or clogged. Follow up with your usual cleanser and skincare products of your choice. I promise you your skin will never feel cleaner!
rhode glazing milk
If you’re looking for the secret ingredient to achieve dewy, glowing, and hydrated skin, look no further than the Rhode Glazing Milk! My skin has been feeling so dry this winter and I was in desperate need of some hydrating skincare. Since I had run out of almost all of my everyday products, I decided to splurge on the Rhode kit. These products are known to repair the skin barrier and hydrate your skin while leaving you with a natural non-greasy glow. This is exactly what my skin needed and these products did not disappoint! The full skincare set includes the cleanser, glazing milk, glazing fluid, and barrier repair cream. While I love all of these products and will be repurchasing each one, the glazing milk is truly the star of the show! This adds instant hydration to your skin and provides a natural-looking dewy glow which acts as the perfect base for your everyday makeup routine. Since incorporating this product, my makeup applies so much smoother and the dry patches on my skin are virtually non-existent! If you decide to try anything mentioned in today’s post, let it be this!
merit glow serum
On the topic of glowy skin, the Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum is another one that has changed the game! I had used this product in the past, but recently rediscovered it and I am so glad that I did! This serum contains four different types of hyaluronic acid that helps to lock in moisture. It also contains niacinamide to help brighten and smooth your skin along with cacao seed extract and Japanese goldthread root that help to support a healthy skin barrier without clogging your pores. A little bit goes a long way with this product! I have really appreciated the extra glow and hydration this serum adds to my dull, dry winter skin. I typically apply one pump before starting on my makeup which leaves me with a natural glow that lasts all day!
merit complexion stick
Going along with the glow serum, The Minimalist complexion stick from Merit has quickly become my primary face product. This is another tried and true that I have used for years. This complexion stick is a lightweight foundation and concealer in one that truly is one of those “your skin but better” products. It offers buildable coverage and acts as the perfect base for a natural, subtle makeup look. This product applies so smoothly and is complemented incredibly well by the glow serum. Despite having dry skin, I have never felt that this product looks caked on and has done a great job of evening out my overall skin tone. The sleek packaging makes it easy to travel with or throw in your purse for touch-ups on the go. I typically opt for a fuller coverage foundation for special events but this is definitely my first choice for everyday!
peptide lip tints
After being so impressed with the Rhode skincare line, I decided to branch out and try more of their products. I ended up ordering a set of the peptide lip tints which comes with all four of the signature shades – ribbon, toast, raspberry jelly, and espresso. Despite the intimidating colors of the packaging, each one is absolutely gorgeous! The color payoff is sheer, but very buildable if you wanted more pigment. I have worn all four shades and love switching them out based on the look I’m going for on that particular day. They are so easy to take on the go and I have been keeping one at my desk to re-apply between telehealth calls during the work day!
Thank you so much for reading! Have you tried any of these products? Leave a comment below or send me a message on Instagram – I would love to hear from you!
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