When I first moved into my flat earlier in the year, I made a promise to myself that the spare room turned office/beauty room would be nothing less than spotless at all times… of course, that didn’t happen. In between my weekly PR packages of new beauty launches which I’m extremely lucky to receive and my continued ‘I deserve it’ mindset, it’s safe to say at this point that Shrek’s swamp is probably more organised than my beauty room.
But this spring, I’m determined to have my makeup and skincare products arranged in an orderly fashion. Several bin bags of old beauty products and a charity pile later and my beauty room is in much better shape. I’m finally able to separate my lipsticks from my cleansers, however my clear out made me realise that there were a few products in particular that I will never part with.
Below, I share my must-have beauty products that I will always use. Hopefully you’ll find something you’ll love too.
REFY’s brow sculpt is genuinely one of the best products that I’ve used to get the perfect at-home brow lamination look. It’s definitely replaced my desire for monthly brow laminations. Simply brush hairs in place with the applicator for your desired look.
Morphe will always have a place in my heart as my first big eyeshadow purchase was one of the well-loved artistry palettes. Years later and they still continue to make some of my favourite products. This palette, in particular, is created in collaboration with Madison Beer and has the perfect mix of day-to-night shades and finishes at such an affordable price.
The power of a good eye patch should never be underestimated, especially when it’s the perfect fix to de-puff and rejuvenate the eye area. MIJ Masks eye patches and face masks have become a key staple during my skincare routine thanks to the super hydrating ingredients and luxurious feel.
Despite this being released in 2011, I still swear by this perfume to this day. If you’re into non-overbearing fruity and floral scents, this is one is for you. Formulated with notes of violet and hibiscus for a long-lasting scent.
This cult classic certainly needs no introduction—boy brow has been keeping my brows in check since 2018! Whether you’ve got sparse or the thickest of brows, it does a great job of keeping them in place. As someone with sparse brows, I can confirm that this has been a saviour at making them look fuller.
As the cold weather continues there’s nothing like a good hand lotion to soothe the effects of dry cracked skin. This vegan and cruelty-free hand lotion is formulated with a nourishing blend of Brazilian botanicals and scents of floral notes to freshly sliced grapefruit, woody patchouli and a creamy dash of chopped sandalwood.
This long-wearing matte lipstick has been a repeat purchase of mine over the past few years due to its creamy-to-matte formula that glides on effortlessly. Whether worn alone, with a subtle lip liner or a bold hue, it’s a shade you just can’t go wrong with.
This eyeshadow palette is one of those products that I genuinely wonder if I should start stockpiling because it’s that good. Anastasia Beverly Hills not only gets it right when it comes to long-lasting formulas and unique shades, but its inclusive collabs too. This palette with Jackie Aina continues to be a favourite of mine with its super-cool blend of matte and metallic finishes. Shades wiggalese and trust issues have become my go-to for a perfect inner corner pop!
I think I rave about the benefits of using cleansing balms on a daily basis but for very good reason. Cleansing balms do a really good job at melting into the skin to remove makeup and the day’s impurities without the worry of it being too harsh or stripping the skin. This cleaning balm from e.l.f. is packed with hyaluronic acid and peptides which leave the skin feeling more plumped and hydrated.
There’s nothing like a good bronzer to achieve an effortless sun-kissed look and this Benefit bronzer does an incredible job at just that in a few simple swipes.
Despite having several leave-in conditioners ready to test out, my heart (and my head) just can’t seem to get enough of Ouai and Byredo’s super hydrating and delicious smelling leave-in conditioner. I’ve tried many hair products over the past few months that claim to cater to all hair types with no avail until this incredible launch. My afro hair thrives off the enrichment of the nutrient-rich amino acids, protective vitamin E and strengthening proteins within the leave-in conditioner. No matter your hair type, this is one product you wouldn’t want to part with.
I’ve had MAC’s Ruby Woo lipstick in my life for around 10 years and no red thus far compares. Come day and night or rain and shine, I’m sure to have this buildable and universally flattering red matte lipstick tucked in my bag. Despite it being a matte lipstick it glides onto the lips to unveil a truly flawless pop of colour.
This hyped liquid exfoliant is a firm favourite in my routine and does one of the best jobs I’ve seen at removing dead skin cells from the face without any dryness. The product details state that it can be used on a daily basis, but I find using it one to two times a week works for me.
I spend so much of my time relaxing and daydreaming away in the shower, so it’s only right that I’m accompanied by a gentle body wash to treat my skin. This body wash is formulated with the likes of agave extracts and jojoba esters which do an amazing job of soothing and softening the skin. Plus, you also have the option of refilling your original bottle at select Space NK stores or purchasing a refill bottle online and attaching it to your original pump which is great for the planet.
Lastly is & Other Stories affordable and super indulgent hand soap. Scented with sprinkles of pink pepper and musky notes, it’ll leave your hands feeling delicately cleansed.
