One of the reasons I started wit & whimsy over seventeen years ago was to share my favorite products. I have loved beauty for as long as I can remember and I was constantly giving recommendations to my girlfriends. To this day I truly enjoy testing out products and really learning about the science behind them. It’s such a fun part of the job!

But as much as I love discovering new products, I also often use the same ones over and over again. So to cull through all those I keep on rotation and boil it down to my holy grail favorites – it is always a real exercise! I first wrote this post in 2017 and have now once again updated it to reflect my latest favorites. That being said, many of these I have used for nearly a decade. 

These are the best of the best. The products I rely on, come back to over and over and truly would have a hard time not having in my rotation. I am rigorous in my testing and have very high standards for performance. The products I recommend I stand behind. 

If you’re a beauty junkie like me, get ready to dive in to this lengthy post! If you end up giving anything a go, I’d love to hear about it.

Holy Grail Beauty Products

2. NUXE Very Rose Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin

After a hotel in France gave me a sample of this, I came home and bought the full size and have loved how gentle and yet effective it is as a second cleanse in the evenings.

3. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

4. Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Essence 

5. U Beauty Resurfacing Compound

This line is pricey but it is also so, so effective. This serum works to brighten, resurface, renew, tighten, equalize and defend with one complexion boosting compound. Pores look diminished, skin appears to brighten as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles visibly fade. I love this do-it-all serum. 

6. Caudalie Beauty Elixir

7. Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer with Bio-Ceramides

My go-to night cream most evenings. This is a rich moisturizer that visibly repairs the skin barrier and reduces the look of wrinkles with Caudalie’s TET8™ Patent, bio-ceramides and hyaluronic acid. My skin is so happy in the morning whenever I use this.

This cream is pricey but a little goes a long way and after regular use in 2023 I was only half way through my jar which is refillable!

8. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5

Skin in need of major TLC? Reach for this balm. It’s like a fancy aquaphor for your face but more wearable. It’ll repair your skin barrier and help it recover from any irritation. I buy a new tube every time I go to Citypharma in Paris.

9. Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Eye Cream for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The Caudalie Premier Cru eye cream brightens while also helping the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet, fine lines and wrinkles. This is my go-to evening eye cream. Bonus: it is fragrance-free.

10. Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide

One of my go-to eye creams. Great for if you suffer from dark circles, this eye cream visibly brightens, evens out the under-eye texture and hydrates the eye contour, while its cooling ceramic applicator reduces puffiness and awakens tired eyes.

3. Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm is so amazing! It truly feels heavenly going on and just melts into an oil taking all of your makeup off oh so easily. Totally hooked on this stuff and I’ve gone through at least four tubs now. 

When I double cleanse, I use this as my first cleanse. So many of you have told me how much you love it, too!

4. Supergoop Bioretinol SPF

This is a great mineral SPF with no white cast! I’ve included several of my top sunscreens in this post because I like to mix it up and it depends on the day, use case and whether I’m wearing makeup over it for how I decide which one to wear each day.

5. Kate Somerville Exfolikate

Like a facial in just two minutes. This exfoliating scrub clears pores and preps skin to better absorb the rest of your regimen, making every product and ingredient that follows more effective. I have used it for over ten years! It is especially good when your skin is experiencing troublesome breakouts.

6. Tower28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF Sunscreen

I love, love, love this sunscreen. It’s part SPF, part foundation but yet additional makeup layers well atop it. It features SPF 30 and works to protect from sun damage, blue light and works magically to even out any redness.

There’s no white cast, it doesn’t have a greasy finish like so many similar products on the market and it is the first and only complexion makeup product with the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. 

7. Caudalie VinoSun

You shake this SPF before applying it and I love that it is a mineral formula and blends easily into skin (as long as you’ve shaken the bottle first!) It dries down well and works well under makeup. I’ve been a convert ever since I first tested it! 

They have a great value set I would recommend grabbing while it is available to try it + my favorite serum.

8. Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum

This is a great HA serum for when your skin needs a drink. I’ve gone through multiple bottles.

9. Biologique Recherche Lait VIP 02

A facialist in Paris recommended this cleanser to me and after loving the small bottle I purchased, I bought the full size and have continued to use it to cleanse every morning. She told me that I needed a milky cleanser to balance my PH in the morning and said my preferred gel cleanser was actually too stripping to my sensitive skin.

This cleanser eliminates impurities, calms the epidermis, brightens and unifies the complexion and was designed for those in dry climates, polluted cities and for frequent travelers. It has been so good for my skin. 

I generally get a BR facial once a year in Paris and I’ll buy some of the products they recommend for what my skin needs at that time so sometimes I use some of the other Lait cleansers, too depending on the time of year.

The Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask is cult status for good reasons. It gives major glow in just one use. 

11. Biologique Recherche P50 Pigm 400

This toner brightens and resurfaces skin. It’s a French beauty staple in my routine as it combats clogged pores, dark spots and uneven skin tone.

12. Supergoop Powder SPF

You’ll always find this powder SPF in my bag during the day as it is my go-to for face touchups. I’ll use it on my chest and scalp, too. It makes reapplying over makeup a breeze.

13. Mighty Patch Pimple Patches

My go-to pimple patches for when I feel something brewing. They work so well to draw out the gunk! I’ve used them for 5 years and gone through countless boxes. My #1 most re-purchased Amazon item. 

Honorable mentions:

M-61 PowerGlow Peel Pads

These peel pads are so great for resurfacing and revitalizing skin in just one minute. I love that they are individually wrapped so they are perfect to bring with you on the road when skin feels like it needs a boost. They improve skin’s tone and texture while reducing pore size and calming and soothing with chamomile and lavender which is ideal for my redness-prone skin.

Caudalie Resveratrol Retinol Alternative Firming Cashmere Cream

For aging skin that is feeling less firm, reach for this cream. I love how nourishing it feels and it absolutely works over time to help firm skin and diminish signs of aging. My skin instantly feels more taught after I apply this in the morning and I definitely find it helps with fine lines and wrinkles.

There is also a Night Cream version of the Cashmere Cream I like. 

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream

MAKEUP

Bare with me for my favorite and most fun category! I have loved makeup testing for as long as I can remember. I love glowy, natural no-makeup, makeup. The below are the ones I can’t quit.

1. Saie Beauty Glowy Super Gel

2. Westman Atelier Skin Activator

This Skin Activator is absolute magic. It makes skin look so good and your makeup goes on so much better! I don’t know what wizardry they put in there but it is divine. A worthwhile investment.

3. Erborian BB Cream

This product needs no introduction at this point because I’ve talked about it extensively and use it nearly every day. It is my holy grail filter-for-your face glowy bb cream. You can read my full review here. Truly one of the best makeup products I have ever tried.

Not convinced yet? Ulta sells travel sizes of this BB cream you want to try it out for half the price!

4. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

My favorite foundation that gives skin a gorgeous glow without a lot of effort. It also pairs beautifully with the Erborian BB Cream for a really lovely filter-like finish on your skin. Your skin but better.

5. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter

Glowy, filter-like skin is achievable with this Instagram famous product. I like to dot it all over my face and then add my bb cream over it but I also know plenty of people who use this just as their base makeup!

6. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush

Hands down, my favorite Westman Atelier product. This Baby Cheeks Blush is magic. I first bought the blush stick in Petal and then bought Chouchette and absolutely love both shades.

The blush is a gorgeous, multipurpose cream color for cheeks, lips, and even eyes and it gives the most flattering flush of color. It’s ultra-buildable but a little goes a long way.

I love the matte powdery finish on it so much- the perfect flush. I apply it with my fingers but you could use a brush or sponge to blend it out further.

7. Saie Sun Melt Bronzer

This is a super unique bronzer that melts into your skin. Despite looking a bit tricky to apply, the Big Brush (see under the TOOLS section below) really makes it effortless to get a “I summered in St. Tropez” kind of glow. The brush will buff and blend out Sun Melt into a glowy finish that’s buildable. A summer must-have.

8. Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Cream Highlighter Drops

I can’t recommend the Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator Drops enough. Dewy, gorgeous skin in an instant. Just a couple of drops does the trick!

9. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Duo

I never travel without this duo as it is foolproof for getting bronzy and glowy all summer long. Apply the powder bronzer wherever you’d like a bit of contour and then highlight the high points of your face with the powder highlighter.

Pro tip I love? I apply the powder highlighter over my favorite cream highlighters included in this post for even more extra glow.

10. Bobbi Brown Corrector

Such a great added step before concealer – this corrector helps take out redness and makes your concealer perform better. Use it under your eyes if you suffer from dark circles. 

11. NARS Matte Concealer

I’ve used this concealer for over a decade. It has a great, soft matte finish and really works well on blemishes in particular. I keep two shades on hand to use on my skin depending on the time of year when I may have more or less pigment/freckling.

12. Westman Atelier Contour Stick

Behold – a contour stick that won’t leave you looking like you don’t actually know how to contour. This makes giving yourself a more defined face shape so easy. This creamy contour stick subtly sculpts and defines the face and blends out beautifully thanks to the formula made with moisturizing organic jojoba oil and mattifying China clay.

Unlike other contouring products I have tried, this one doesn’t leave rough lines on your face or give any sort of ash-y finish.

I absolutely love this handy stick and reach for it daily! 

13. Makeup by Mario Sculpt Serum

This is such a cool product I’ve become hooked on. Part serum, part contour this liquid product blends seamlessly to add shape to your face. You look more sculpted, more glowy and skin looks more radiant and effortlessly bronzed.

1. Gucci Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer

A bronzer designed to deliver a natural, sun-kissed glow that blurs fine lines and pores. It is so good!

2. Gucci Luminous Matte Beauty Blush

Annnnd I liked the bronzer so much that I tried the Gucci Blush  and it quickly became in regular use in my rotation of my favorite go-to blushes.

I wear shade Rosy Beige and love to layer it over the Merit Flush Balm in shade Beverly Hills.

3. LYS Beauty Triple Fix Full Coverage Brightening Concealer

This concealer is so, so good. It’s got an amazing texture that is oh so creamy and therefore it blends out to conceal dark circles, blemishes and dark spots almost too easily.

The vegan formula was designed to be buildable and I found it really has the best skin-like finish without any caking.  I love, love, love this concealer (more than the Kosas one which used to be a go-to for a creamy concealer). I wear shade LP4. 

4. LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation

This foundation is like a true filter for your face. It’s got a serum-like texture that effortlessly melts into the skin. I was amazed at how well it concealed redness, blemishes and dark spots and loved the buildable light-medium coverage. My skin looks instantly better upon application. Radiant, glowy and not overly matte or overly dewy.

Available in 35 shades and I wear shade LP4.

5. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen

Cult status for years and years for good reason. I love this concealer that brightens while it conceals. I couldn’t believe what a natural, glowy finish it gave. It is great all over but the best under eyes because of the glowier finish that helps combat dark circles.

6. Westman Atelier Butter Bronzer

This is such a gorgeous bronzer. It really does apply like butter despite its powder appearance. This bronzer is a clean, velvety matte bronzer that leaves skin looking healthy, natural, and authentically bronzed.

I was so impressed with how it applied and really love how it warmed up my skin. And even better? There’s absolutely no shimmer. I just wish the packaging wasn’t so heavy!

7. RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush

This multi-dimensional powder blush provides a silky smooth and luminous finish. It uses a sugar-derived wet powder technology to give a long-lasting finish. It glides on effortlessly and is buildable. 

And it comes in a lot of shades and I own shades Hanky Panky which is a pretty berry shade hue with a bit of glow that I particularly like wearing in Fall and Winter but the shade French Rose is the one I adore layered over the Westman blush in Petal.

8. Merit Beauty Flush Balm

I have been using this blush since it came out in 2022 but in 2023 bought and couldn’t quit the newer shade Beverly Hills and it is still a top blush for me. I also love Cheeky and Stockholm was my most worn shade for summer – the perfect poppy pink shade.

9. OneSize Makeup Setting Spray

This is liquid gold. It is waterproof and helps makeup truly stay.put. It lacquers my makeup to my face even in the hottest of weather or on the longest of days. I never travel without the mini size now!

10. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

An easy to use brow pencil that blends seamlessly for fuller, fluffier brows. When I want or need even more precision however I will reach for the Victoria Beckham Beauty Brow Blade.

11. OneSize Setting Powder

This very visibly blurs pores and makes skin look more matte. I get very oily and this majorly helps keep it at bay. I never travel without the mini and think buying the mini over the full size is the move because the full size dispenser is awful.

This is one of my most re-purchased makeup products. The Saie Powder is a very close runner up for favorite powder, too.

12. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo

I love that this has two colors to really blend well into brows to make them appear fuller. Related: Filling In Brows For Beginners.

13. Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation

This is a great foundation with medium coverage and a luminous finish. You can build it up for more full coverage or sheer it out and I found it to wear well. It doesn’t feel too heavy on skin either. I particularly like it when I cocktail it with my forever favorite Erborian BB Cream. They work really harmoniously. 

Unlike other foundations I’ve tried, it doesn’t flake at all and really blends out beautifully.

As far as applying the product, the brand says you can apply it with a brush for even coverage or with hands for more natural coverage. I like to use my Beauty Blender when I combo it with another product or I apply it with my favorite Artis brush.

I wear shade 2N.

14. Rituel de Fille Rare Light Luminizer

When I want a highlight that can be seen from space, I reach for this cream highlighter. We are talking major wattage from this highlighter. I have shades Phosphene and Solar Flare and whenever I wear one of these highlighters I get compliments.

A little goes a long way so apply sparingly! I think this is such an underrated product in the market. 

15. Kosas Air Brow – Tinted

Fluffy brows right this way. This is a longwear, tinted gel with a mousse like texture. 

You’ll get more volume and staying power thanks to plant-based microfibers and castor oil. It’s really easy to use and I like the fluff and volume my brows get from just a few swipes. I’ve gone through at least three of these! It became my go-to after Ilia retired my previous favorite brow gel.

I have shade Soft Brown. The brand also makes a clear version of Air Brow.

7. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner

Best, best, best eyeliner of all time. It makes my eyes look bigger and makes applying eyeliner a snap. (Never thought I’d say that!) The brush is essential. My favorite is Black Ink and I love Caviar Ink for daytime, too.

8. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow

These give the most beautiful, shimmery finish without being obnoxious. I pair them with powder shadows. The shade Champagne is my go-to. The MAC Prep + Prime lid primer is a must to make these stay.

9. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Loveshine Lipstick Balm

Full of nourishing oils, I adore this medium-coverage, hydrating lipstick with a high-shine, balm-like texture that conditions and moisturizes the lips. I have this in so many shades now and almost always have one in my purse all summer long. They just make your lips look so healthy and shiny. 

10. Saint Jane Lip Oil

This is everything I want in a lip oil. Hydrating but not sticky, beautiful color pay off and highly wearable. I have shade Calm. This may just be one of my favorite discoveries of 2024.

11. Gucci Glow & Shine Care Lipstick

Sally Soft Honey is my all time favorite but I also own and like Call It A Day. I always get asked what I’m wearing when I wear this lipstick! It pairs so, so well in this shade with my go-to Victoria Beckham favorite gloss + liner (see below!)

12. Chanel ROUGE COCO GLOSS Moisturizing Glossimer

I have been singing the praises of this in Shade 722 for many years at this point. I love this hydrating, high shine gloss that just makes lips look so good. Shades are often sold out because it has a cult-like following.

Hands down my favorite Chanel lip product of those I’ve tried.

13.Victoria Beckham Lip Definer

I love the color payoff on this pigmented liner. It lays down color without a lot of effort or tugging at the lips. I really love the creamy texture of it. And it definitely contributes to a fuller looking pout! It has Vitamin E to condition lips and is a waterproof formula for added wear.

It comes in seven shades and I have shade 03 which pairs really well with the Posh Gloss and Posh Lipstick shades I own. 

14. Victoria Beckham Posh Gloss

I absolutely love this gloss! It’s cushiony and has a super high-shine. I found it really lasted on the lips and love the subtle plumping it gave alongside the mirror-like finish.

It comes in eight shades and I have shade Bikini which is a great dusty, cool pink. I already plan to purchase more shades this year.

15. Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

With over 10,000 five star reviews I was intrigued to buy this and then went through it in record time. It makes lips super pillowy soft and feel extra hydrated – particularly in dry weather.

It feels super restorative and I love having a go-to unscented nourishing balm for my lips. I re-ordered it as soon as I ran out.

16. Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum

I love this subtle lip plumper. So much so it was one of my favorite beauty discoveries in 2022. The formula is great – hydrating, melting and glossy. I love the dewy finish on this and how lips look more full after application. 

I own it in several shades in the High Shine finish.

17. Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Balm

I can’t believe how much I love this lip product! I bought one and then wore it so much that I bought two more shades pretty immediately and now own every shade. It’s super plush, super velvety and really hydrating.

It makes lips look so gorgeous  and the tints are just beautiful. It’s made with naturally derived pigments and a unique gel-oil system to give you the perfect shine with zero stickiness. 

Honorable mentions:

Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick

An excellent creme to powder shadow that’s ideal for travel. Shade Champagne Shimmer is a foolproof shade for every day wear.

Saie Airset Setting Powder

My other favorite must-have setting powder. 

This powder sets, smooths and diffuses and feels totally weightless. It has a super natural, velvety finish and thanks to hydrating Squalane skin never looks cakey or dry. 

You can save by buying the powder and brush together as a duo. 

Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil

This is a great lip oil that leaves lips feeling plumped and with the perfect nourishing wash of color. I adore the shade Soft Mauve that I have.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Believe the hype. This is a great lip balm that you’ll likely get hooked to. I have the Vanilla Beige shade.

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

Fuller lips saturated in really pretty, glowy colors. I love these for nights out on the town.

Cle de Peau Concealer

My other favorite matte concealer. It can be used under the eyes but I usually use it to cover up blemishes and redness. It has great coverage and blurring and really stays. It’s been a bestseller for the brand for decades and I see why.

I use shade 1 Ivory.

BATH, BODY & FRAGRANCE

1. Necessaire Eucalyptus Body Wash

A dreamy body wash that you’ll look forward to using! This gel-oil hybrid body wash combines three luxurious oils—marula, cacay, and meadowfoam—with plant-derived surfactants to gently cleanse skin.

If you don’t love scent, get the fragrance-free version but Eucalyptus is my personal favorite. Offers a far more luxurious experience than your average drugstore body wash.

2. Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil

This is my favorite body oil. It’s gorgeous to apply, doesn’t get slick or sticky and soaks in right away. Especially great during winter! The key to loving it is ensuring you apply it on damp skin.

Pro tip: Put a few pumps into your bath, too!

3. Osea Undaria Collagen Body Lotion

I was so happy they finally released this in a pump format! The same divine smell as the scrub and polish I adore and goes on skin like a dream to hydrate.

They also have a fragrance free version now if you’re sensitive to smells or added fragrance.

I’m really not much a body care person but Osea has changed that largely with these two products.

4. Supergoop Play Mineral SPF

I still haven’t found a mineral body SPF that isn’t a total pain to apply or remove so this is the best of the relatively bad options that I’ve tested.

5. Tan Luxe The Gradual

The only body self tanner that I’ve found to work well on my fair skin.

6. Chanel Biaritz Eau de Parfum

I first smelled this gorgeous, summer-y perfume when in France several summers ago and now it is one of my signature fragrances. I often buy fragrances as a means of sensorial transport back to happy memories and this one certainly does that for me.

To me it smells of sunny days and salty French Rivera ocean air. It’s not overpowering but rather subtly romantic and perfectly bright + fruity. 

7. Maison Margiela Lazy Sunday Morning Fragrance

I bought this fragrance in Paris at a favorite store to remind me of a trip that was really special to me. To me, from me, this scent is like a soft summer day if it were mixed with freshly washed sheets. I love that now it will always remind me of a time I listened to my heart.

8. Kosas Deodorant

This is the deo I travel with. It’s lightweight and a good size for travel. It works well and lasts for long travel days.

9. Chanel La Crème Main Hand Cream

A hand cream that’s had a cult status since it was first introduced over a decade ago. This hand cream has become a go-to for me. It is moisturizing, brightening and protective with a delicate scent I love. This is saying a lot given I’m not a huge hand cream person!

10. Dior Cuticle Balm

Radically improve the appearance of your cuticles with this super nourishing balm. Put it on at nighttime and wake up to healthier looking nails. A little goes a long way so this will last and last. It is actually one of my favorite little luxe gifts to give to girlfriends!

11. Osea Undaria Body Cleansing Polish

This features the same heavenly smell as the Osea Undaria Algae Oil and works to make skin so soft and smooth while cleansing. It goes to work to resurface skin with physical and AHA exfoliants while gently cleansing. It’s heaven and I’ve gone through several tubs. This and their body scrub mentioned below are always in my shower.

12. Corpus Natural Deodorant

A fresh and light powder deo that smells great and works well.

13. Byredo Reine de Nuit Extrait de Parfum

This is hands down the sexiest perfume I have ever smelled. It’s a warm and spicy and super alluring fragrance designed to allude to the the scent of flowers after nightfall. It is divine. My signature evening scent.

14. Necessaire Eucalypts Deodorant

This is a good, clear quick-dry formula that has 5% AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and Niacinamide so it combats odor, treats discoloration and minimizes bumps. It’s stain-free and mess-free and I found it does live up to the quick dry promise.

There’s no aluminum, no Baking Soda, no Parabens, no PEGs and no Synthetic Fragrance so even underarms with sensitive skin should be A-ok to use it.

The Deodorant Gel comes in both Fragrance Free and Eucalyptus (which I personally use). I’ve now repurchased this countless times.

15. Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum

I bought this perfume in 2023 it’s been a go-to ever since. It’s super unique – woody and aromatic that opens with notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper and juniper berries. It basically invites compliments.

Related: All My Favorite Light and Floral Fragrances

16. Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

This bestselling body scrub is so damn luxurious. It leaves your skin feeling so very soft and super hydrated. I’ve gone through two tubs and this is one of my go-to Under $50 gift ideas, too.

Honorable mentions:

Glytone Ultra Softening Heel & Elbow Cream 

Aquaphor

An essential to have on hand for dry lips, scars, scrapes – you name it. I am constantly reaching for my tub.

Humane Acne Body Wash

My go-to to fight chest and back breakouts.

Crest Whitestrips

I’ve used Whitestrips – and the Professional Effects version – for nearly two decades. I do a touch up of fiver or so treatments usually once a quarter. They work so well!

Youth To The People Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser

I adore how this smells! If you’ve tried and like the Necessaire body washes, you’ll like this one. 

Marvis Toothpaste

I loooove the mint Marvis toothpaste. I am always restocking when in Europe. 

Ursa Major Shaving Cream

My go-to shave cream.

Exfoliating Wash Cloth

I always use one of these with body wash in the shower. It keeps skin smooth and feels invigorating. 

HAIR

I’m relatively low maintenance when it comes to hair. I love testing out products but it is rare for me to commit to certain styling products. I get my hair cut and colored every three months and use the below to style and maintain my hair at home and on the road.

1. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Va Va Voom texture and volume. A cult classic for a reason and a product I’ve used for 10+ years.

2. Kerastase Blond Absolu Conditioner

My favorite conditioner for when I am coloring my hair blonde.

3. Amika Fluxus Hairspray

My go-to hairspray for touchable hair with hold. I lost count of how many bottles of the travel size I went through the last few years.

4. Kérastase Discipline Heat Protecting Leave-In Treatment For Frizzy Hair

My go-to styling products for years. It makes hair more easily manageable and majorly helps with blowouts.

5. Kerastase Densifique Leave-In Thickening Mousse

I love mousse for adding more volume to my hair and this is the best one I’ve tested. 

6. Kerastase Blond Absolu Lumière Illuminating Shampoo

This leaves my hair hydrated and feeling so clean. Perfect fora ny of my fellow blondes.

7. Olaplex No. 3

A favorite Sunday ritual is to apply Olaplex No. 3 to revive my locks. Hair is left stronger and softer.

8. dpHue Gloss

An easy to use, effective gloss to fight brassiness in between my getting my hair colored.

9. Crown Affair Hair Gel

One of my favorite hair discoveries in recent memory. This has hold but no sticky factor. Just makes sleek buns oh so easy.

10. Kerastase Blonde Absolu Mask

I love this reviving my color treated hair when it is feeling extra dry or extra brassy. 

11. Silk Scrunchies

Less damaging hair ties I use to hold my hair back when at home or traveling or sleeping.

12. R+CO Pomade Stick

This pocket-friendly pomade stick was a game changer for keeping flyaways in check when I traveled and often had my low-bun in play. I prefer it to the Nexxus and TGI ones I’ve tested in the past.

13. Briogeo Charcoal Shampoo

A great detox shampoo that helps with scalp health and leaves hair feeling strong. I love its minty smell and how my scalp feels super clean and invigorated after. 

14. Mason Pearson Brush

I 100% get the hype – this brush made me actually want to brush my hair (I used to never!) and it helped make my hair healthier once I started using it religiously for the last three years. I got the pocket sized one since I don’t have tons of hair and because I couldn’t stomach the full size brush price. It’s been perfect! I love to throw it in my bags so I can touch up hair whenever I need to on the go. 

And don’t miss using this great hair brush cleaner I love!

15. Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub

My preferred shampoo most wash days is this salt scrub that helps calm any scalp irritation. Feels like a spa treatment to use – I’ve used this for over a decade and turned on countless friends to it. Hair feels so, so clean and scalp more soothed after use. I never travel without a mini jar of this.

16. Color Wow Money Mask

Hair.So.Good. A little bit of this mask goes a long way and it revives hair in a major way. My hair feels so, so much softer and so much healthier after I use this on a weekly basis. The tub lasts forever! 

17. Color Wow Dream Coat

My go-to frizz fighter. Saturate wet hair in it and be prepared to fight frizz better than ever. 

This somehow got left out of the collage but all time favorite dry shampoo goes to…

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

My favorite dry shampoo for nearly five years. This does such a good job of soaking up oil, giving hair texture and volume at the root. It’s not overly fragrant or powder-y, either and is sulfate free.

I’ve gone through tens of dozens of this since I first got hooked on it.

Honorable mention:

DryBar Hair Clips

I sleep with my hair up in these often and also use them when curling my hair.

Round Brush

This $10 brush from Amazon is how I blow dry my hair – particularly the front pieces. More Amazon Beauty favorites.

Wet Brush

The best for de-tangling hair out of the shower!

Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner

About once a week I skip the conditioner in the shower and opt instead to saturate my hair in this leave-in conditioner that leaves my hair feeling more hydrated and soft.

Fly-Away Finishing Stick

So good for taming flyaways. Pop it in your purse to use whenever you need a tress touch-up.

BEAUTY TOOLS, ACCESSORIES & BRUSHES

1. Dyson Blowdryer

After my T3 dryer started acting up and having used the Dyson in enough hotel rooms in recent years, I decided to buy it and I am so glad I did. I love it. 

2. Sultra 1inch Curling Wand

I’ve used this wand to curl my hair for over a decade! It’s great for longer bobs. Heats up quickly and turns off if you haven’t used it after 20 minutes which has saved me sanity more times than I care to admit.

3. Artis No 7 Brush

The best brush to apply any facial base products with. Seamlessly blends out foundation and BB cream. I’ve never found anything that compares to it!

4. Hourglass Concealer Brush

This works so beautifully to blend out cream concealers.

5. Angled Eyeliner Brush

When I want to attempt a cat eye with my aforementioned Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner, this is the brush I reach for. 

6. Luxie Eyeshadow Brushes

My go-to eyeshadow brushes. Well-priced and have served me well for years.

7. Merit Beauty Brush No.1 Blending Brush

I really, really love this brush. It’s perfect to blend your complexion products and I found it handy for applying the Merit Complexion Stick and the Flush Balm. It gives products a natural, airbrushed finish.

I mostly use it to blend out my favorite cream blushes and found it works like magic to apply to the Westman Atelier Highlighter, too.

8. Laura Mercier Blush Brush

Gorgeously applies pressed blush.

9. NuFace Facial Contouring Device

If you stay committed to using a NuFace device I can promise you’ll be pleased with the lifting and contouring it delivers. I’ve been so happy with mine ever since I tested it for my NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Kit Review.

10. Grande Lash Heated Lash Curler

I love how this lifts my lashes so quickly and impact-fully. It sold out time and time again last year after going viral on TikTok so if you see it in stock don’t miss your opportunity to grab it.

11. Saie The Big Brush

The perfect applicator for the Saie Sun Melt Bronzer.

12. Bobbi Brown Eyeliner Brush

A must to apply the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner with ease.

13. Saie Beauty Tapered Powder Brush

A genius little tapered brush to really target around the nose, the forehead, the chin and under eyes where I need powder the most.

14. Billie Razor

Honestly, I wish I had tried this razor sooner. I like it so much more than the Venus razor I used for far too long.

15. Megababe Thigh Rescue

I truly couldn’t survive summer without this thigh chaffing stick. It is my number one summer necessity.

16. Beauty Blender

The OG and best. Such a great multi-tasker. I can’t live without these!

17. Kur Nail Concealer

I love a clean, natural nail look and these polishes make nails just look so healthy and beautiful.

18. Jenny Patinkin Curler for Hooded Eyes

When I don’t want to wait for the electric curler to heat up, I reach for this eyelash curler which is the most comfortable lash curler I have ever tried!

19. Currentbody RED Light Therapy Mask

With regular use I have been so happy with how this helped my skin look. Better skin tone, less redness and a variety of other benefits I detail in my CurrentBody LED Mask Review.

Honorable mentions:

EcoTools Makeup Brush Shampoo

A gentle shampoo that makes cleaning all your makeup brushes less painful.

Skin Gym Facial Massager

This hurts.so.good. Great if you have TMJ or just want to give some TLC to your facial muscles.

 

. . .

You can shop more beauty products I like in the Beauty Favorites category of The Shop.

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Do you use any of these products? I’d love to hear your personal favorites!

You May Also Like:

• The Best Credo Beauty Products.
• My Favorite Products for Summer Glow.
• The Best French Beauty Products.

 

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