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The question I always get as a beauty editor, “What products are you using?”
My response: It is always changing.
I mean, it is my JOB to try new things.
Typically, I keep my recommendations to a set group of products I know I can trust.
And, here are the 12 beauty essentials I’m constantly telling my friends to try.
But this is an exfoliating peel Ive had multiple colleagues recommend.
The two-step is filled with acids that remove dead skin cells.
Its the closest thing to a professional treatment that youll ever get.
It tingles a little bit, but the immediate brightening results are SO worth it.
If have verysensitive skin, it’s good to get thegentle version.
Get it:Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Medi-Spa Peel, $110;sephora.com
2.
All the products are also under $20, so its super affordable.
Get it:Simple Micellar Cleansing Water, $5;target.com
3.
The Beautyblender
This little sponge deserves every bit of hype that it receives.
It makes applying foundation so much easier.
And for the record, I recommend you invest in the original versus the alternatives.
Ive found nothing bounces quite the same way on my skin.
I also love the miniature Beautyblender for concealer program.
Get it:The Original Beautyblender, $20;sephora.com
4.
Every time I get a bottle, it ends up empty within weeks.
Get it:Caudalie Divine Oil, $49;us.caudalie.com
5.
Im just not coordinated enough.
This tiny wand has helped me master the process.
Because it’s just a primer, it doesn’t make a huge difference.
But it’s enough to give my lashes a subtle, natural boost.
Dove Dry Oil Body Wash
Im a Dove body wash loyalist.
Even before I started working in beauty, it was my favorite drugstore find.
Recently, the brand launched the Dry Oil version of the classic formula, and its my absolute favorite.
Get it:Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash, $5;walmart.com
7.
And once I tested out thepre-shampoo treatmentfor myself, I put it on my holy-grail hair list.
The thick cream gives my natural curls bounce and shine without weighing it down.
This is one product that I will NOT share with my friendsI hoard it all for myself.
Get it:Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, $29;philipkingsley.com
8.
Every woman raised her hand in the roomexcept me.
When I got back to my desk, I immediately began researchingretinol treatments.
This one from Sunday Riley has gained a lot of notoriety from bloggers and editors alike.
And it’s well deserved!
After just one night, I could feel and see the difference in my skin tone.
And it didn’t leave my skin burning like some prescription formulas.
It’s totally worth the expensive price tag.
Get it:Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, $105,sephora.com
9.
MAC Prep+Prime Lip
While I dont wear much makeup, I am addicted to bold lip colors.
In fact, I have been wearing MAC lipstick since I was 16 years old.
I like matte and liquid lipstick formulas best, but they can be SO drying.
So, I use this balm as a first step.
Get it:MAC Prep + Prime Lip, $18;maccosmetics.com
10.
But then, I discovered CND Vinylux.
This is a two-step system that doesn’t require a UV or LED light.
The colors range from classic reds to oil-slick effects and metallic golds.
And it seriously lasts for seven full days, and even longer if you reapply the topcoat.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Dark spots.
My girlfriends ask me again and again how to get rid of them.
It doesn’t leave my skin sticky, and it layers well under SPF in the morning.
Get it:Ole Henriksen Truth Serum; $48;sephora.com
12.
Sometimes I just can’t muster up the energy to roll out of bed.
So, I rely heavily on the face wipes that I stash on my nightstand.
Needless to say, my at-home beauty closet is filled with wipes.
Get it:Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, $6;ulta.com
