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Everyday Favourites: Beauty Edition
14
items My no-fuss beauty staples—the things I actually finish and repurchase. Organized by routine so you can grab what you need fast. I’ve added quick notes on shade matches, textures, and when I use each item. Disclosure: some links may be affiliate; I on...
Sections
4
Skincare
Makeup
Haircare
Tools
Skincare
Simple routines that keep skin calm and consistent. I follow “gentle → treat → seal.”
Gentle, sulphate-free face wash that uses amino-acid surfactants (not SLS/SLES) to lift sunscreen, sweat, and light makeup without stripping.
The fine foam rinses clean and leaves skin soft—not tight—so it’s a great daily cleanser for normal, combo, dry, and sensitive skin.
Why I like it: green tea extract helps calm and refresh, the texture foams quickly with a pea-size amount, and it plays nicely with actives (vitamin C/retinoids) because it’s low-irritating.
How I use it:
* AM: one pea-size, emulsify with water, massage 30–60s, rinse.
* PM: after balm/oil cleanse, use as step 2 to remove residue. Pat dry and follow with mist/essence, moisturizer, and SPF (AM).
Notes: lightly fresh, non-tightening finish; a tube lasts ages since you need so little.
The fine foam rinses clean and leaves skin soft—not tight—so it’s a great daily cleanser for normal, combo, dry, and sensitive skin.
Why I like it: green tea extract helps calm and refresh, the texture foams quickly with a pea-size amount, and it plays nicely with actives (vitamin C/retinoids) because it’s low-irritating.
How I use it:
* AM: one pea-size, emulsify with water, massage 30–60s, rinse.
* PM: after balm/oil cleanse, use as step 2 to remove residue. Pat dry and follow with mist/essence, moisturizer, and SPF (AM).
Notes: lightly fresh, non-tightening finish; a tube lasts ages since you need so little.
Sulfate-Free Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Foam - innisfree | Sephora
Clear, weightless gel sunscreen that goes on totally invisible (no white cast) and doubles as a grip-y primer under makeup.
Broad-spectrum SPF 40 with a soft-matte, velvety finish; layers smoothly over skincare and doesn’t pill on top of foundation.
Why I like it: fragrance-free, oil-free feel, and the silicone-gel texture blurs pores a bit so base makeup looks smoother. Great for normal, combo, and oily skin; dry skin can pair it with a richer moisturizer.
Filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene (reef-friendly—no oxybenzone or octinoxate).
How I use it:
* AM (last step): two fingers’ worth for face/neck; let set 60 seconds before makeup.
Reapply: every 2 hours outdoors (or swap to a clear stick/mist for on-the-go).
Notes: not water-resistant—choose a water-resistant option for workouts/swim.
Broad-spectrum SPF 40 with a soft-matte, velvety finish; layers smoothly over skincare and doesn’t pill on top of foundation.
Why I like it: fragrance-free, oil-free feel, and the silicone-gel texture blurs pores a bit so base makeup looks smoother. Great for normal, combo, and oily skin; dry skin can pair it with a richer moisturizer.
Filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene (reef-friendly—no oxybenzone or octinoxate).
How I use it:
* AM (last step): two fingers’ worth for face/neck; let set 60 seconds before makeup.
Reapply: every 2 hours outdoors (or swap to a clear stick/mist for on-the-go).
Notes: not water-resistant—choose a water-resistant option for workouts/swim.
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ - Supergoop! | Sephora
Lightweight, long-wear moisturizer that delivers all-day hydration without greasiness.
The silky cream sinks in fast and leaves a soft, healthy glow—ideal as an everyday AM/PM moisturizer and a dependable base under makeup.
Why I like it: packed with squalane and glycerin to strengthen the moisture barrier and keep skin comfortable in dry rooms or cold weather. Plays nicely with actives (vitamin C, retinoids) and doesn’t pill. Skin types: normal, combo, dry, and sensiti...
How I use it:
* AM: apply a nickel-size amount after serum; follow with SPF.
* PM: layer a touch more over treatments; spot-add to dry areas.
Notes: breathable texture, no heavy fragrance feel; great “one-jar” daily cream for year-round use.
The silky cream sinks in fast and leaves a soft, healthy glow—ideal as an everyday AM/PM moisturizer and a dependable base under makeup.
Why I like it: packed with squalane and glycerin to strengthen the moisture barrier and keep skin comfortable in dry rooms or cold weather. Plays nicely with actives (vitamin C, retinoids) and doesn’t pill. Skin types: normal, combo, dry, and sensiti...
How I use it:
* AM: apply a nickel-size amount after serum; follow with SPF.
* PM: layer a touch more over treatments; spot-add to dry areas.
Notes: breathable texture, no heavy fragrance feel; great “one-jar” daily cream for year-round use.
Ultra Facial Moisturizing Cream with Squalane - Kiehl's Since 1851 | Sephora
Lightweight, gel-cream hydrator powered by stable vitamin C to brighten the look of dullness and even tone while delivering comfortable, all-day moisture.
The bouncy texture sinks in fast, layers cleanly under SPF/makeup, and leaves a fresh, non-greasy glow.
Why I like it: combines vitamin C + peptides with humectants (like glycerin) for radiance and smoothness without heaviness. Great “one and done” for daytime when you want brightening + hydration in a single step. Skin types: normal, combo, oily, and ...
How I use it:
* AM: after cleanser/serum, smooth a nickel-size amount over face/neck, then apply SPF.
* PM (optional): layer over a hydrating serum; seal with an occlusive if very dry.
Notes: plays nicely with most routines; if you use strong exfoliants/retinoids, alternate nights. Light, citrus-fresh vibe; no pilling under sunscreen.
The bouncy texture sinks in fast, layers cleanly under SPF/makeup, and leaves a fresh, non-greasy glow.
Why I like it: combines vitamin C + peptides with humectants (like glycerin) for radiance and smoothness without heaviness. Great “one and done” for daytime when you want brightening + hydration in a single step. Skin types: normal, combo, oily, and ...
How I use it:
* AM: after cleanser/serum, smooth a nickel-size amount over face/neck, then apply SPF.
* PM (optional): layer over a hydrating serum; seal with an occlusive if very dry.
Notes: plays nicely with most routines; if you use strong exfoliants/retinoids, alternate nights. Light, citrus-fresh vibe; no pilling under sunscreen.
BioLumin-C Vitamin-C Gel Moisturizer - Dermalogica | Sephora
A cushiony, water-light serum that floods skin with multi-weight hyaluronic acid for deep and surface hydration, vitamin B5 to soothe and support barrier repair, and ceramides to help lock moisture in so skin stays plump longer.
Why I like it: sinks in fast with zero stick, plays nicely under makeup/SPF, and gives that “freshly watered” bounce.
Consistent use softens fine dehydration lines and reduces tight, post-cleanse feeling.
Skin types: all—especially dehydrated, dry, or sensitized.
How I use it:
* AM/PM: on damp skin after cleansing/toner.
- Use 2–3 drops, press in, then seal with moisturizer and SPF in the morning.
Layering tip: apply before actives (vit C/retinoids) and after thinner essences. If you’re very dry, follow with a cream or oil to trap the hydration.
Notes: fragrance-free, minimal pilling, great “buffer” on retinoid nights. In dry climates, always top with moisturizer so the HA doesn’t evaporate off.
Why I like it: sinks in fast with zero stick, plays nicely under makeup/SPF, and gives that “freshly watered” bounce.
Consistent use softens fine dehydration lines and reduces tight, post-cleanse feeling.
Skin types: all—especially dehydrated, dry, or sensitized.
How I use it:
* AM/PM: on damp skin after cleansing/toner.
- Use 2–3 drops, press in, then seal with moisturizer and SPF in the morning.
Layering tip: apply before actives (vit C/retinoids) and after thinner essences. If you’re very dry, follow with a cream or oil to trap the hydration.
Notes: fragrance-free, minimal pilling, great “buffer” on retinoid nights. In dry climates, always top with moisturizer so the HA doesn’t evaporate off.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum - The Ordinary | Sephora
High-performance brightening serum that uses stable, bioavailable vitamin C plus lactic acid and peptides to target dullness, uneven tone, and early fine lines.
The lightweight fluid sinks in fast, boosting visible radiance and helping support a stronger moisture barrier over time.
Why I like it: delivers that “lit-from-within” glow without tackiness, layers cleanly under moisturizer/SPF, and plays nicely with most routines.
Skin types: normal, combination, dry, and dull-looking skin (sensitive can patch test first).
How I use it:
* AM: 3–5 drops after cleansing/toning, then moisturizer and SPF.
* PM (optional): on non-retinoid nights for extra brightness.
Notes: consistent daily use helps fade the look of dark spots and smooth texture; store away from heat and light.
The lightweight fluid sinks in fast, boosting visible radiance and helping support a stronger moisture barrier over time.
Why I like it: delivers that “lit-from-within” glow without tackiness, layers cleanly under moisturizer/SPF, and plays nicely with most routines.
Skin types: normal, combination, dry, and dull-looking skin (sensitive can patch test first).
How I use it:
* AM: 3–5 drops after cleansing/toning, then moisturizer and SPF.
* PM (optional): on non-retinoid nights for extra brightness.
Notes: consistent daily use helps fade the look of dark spots and smooth texture; store away from heat and light.
BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum - Dermalogica | Sephora
Makeup
Quick, flattering, kid-schedule friendly. I aim for 5–7 minutes, tops.
Lightweight, smudge-resistant tubing formula that wraps each lash for clean length and lift—no flakes, no crunch.
The slim brush grabs tiny inner lashes and fans everything out for a soft, everyday flutter that layers without clumping.
Why I like it: stays put on long days and humid weather yet removes with just warm water—the tubes slide off, so no rubbing or raccoon eyes. Great for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
How I use it:
- Wiggle at the base, then pull through to tips; add a second coat before it dries for extra length.
For more lift, curl first; this formula holds it without feeling stiff.
Removal: splash with warm water and gently pinch/slide—the “tubes” come off cleanly.
The slim brush grabs tiny inner lashes and fans everything out for a soft, everyday flutter that layers without clumping.
Why I like it: stays put on long days and humid weather yet removes with just warm water—the tubes slide off, so no rubbing or raccoon eyes. Great for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
How I use it:
- Wiggle at the base, then pull through to tips; add a second coat before it dries for extra length.
For more lift, curl first; this formula holds it without feeling stiff.
Removal: splash with warm water and gently pinch/slide—the “tubes” come off cleanly.
Merit Clean Lash Extending Mascara | Sephora
A buildable foundation–concealer hybrid that evens tone where you need it and disappears where you don’t.
The creamy stick glides on, melts into skin, and sets to a natural, skin-like finish—never cakey.
Why I like it: truly buildable light–medium coverage that spot-corrects redness, under-eyes, and blemishes without emphasizing texture.
Shade Linen is a light tone with neutral undertones that brightens without turning pink or yellow.
How I use it:
- Targeted base: swipe on center of face (sides of nose, chin, between brows), then blend outward with fingers/brush for an “undetectable” base.
- Conceal: tap extra on spots or under eyes; set T-zone only if needed.
- On the go: the slim stick lives in my bag for quick touch-ups.
- Finish/skin type: natural (not matte, not dewy).
Works for normal, combo, and dry skin; oilier skin can set with a light powder.
Tips: warm the stick on the back of your hand for ultra-seamless undereye blending; pair with a hydrating primer if you’re very dry.
The creamy stick glides on, melts into skin, and sets to a natural, skin-like finish—never cakey.
Why I like it: truly buildable light–medium coverage that spot-corrects redness, under-eyes, and blemishes without emphasizing texture.
Shade Linen is a light tone with neutral undertones that brightens without turning pink or yellow.
How I use it:
- Targeted base: swipe on center of face (sides of nose, chin, between brows), then blend outward with fingers/brush for an “undetectable” base.
- Conceal: tap extra on spots or under eyes; set T-zone only if needed.
- On the go: the slim stick lives in my bag for quick touch-ups.
- Finish/skin type: natural (not matte, not dewy).
Works for normal, combo, and dry skin; oilier skin can set with a light powder.
Tips: warm the stick on the back of your hand for ultra-seamless undereye blending; pair with a hydrating primer if you’re very dry.
Merit Brush The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick | Sephora
Plush, buildable volume with a soft, fanned-out finish—no crunchy feel.
The weightless formula and hourglass brush hug every lash to add thickness, lift, and definition from root to tip while staying flexible (so it won’t flake halfway through the day).
Why I like it: bold yet soft-focus volume that still looks like lashes—not tarantulas. Holds a curl, layers cleanly for day-to-night, and is gentle on sensitive eyes.
How I use it:
- Curl first, then wiggle at the base and pull through to the tips.
- Add a second coat while the first is still slightly damp for extra oomph.
- Use the brush tip vertically on outer corners for a winged, lifted look.
Removal: melts away with your regular cleanser or a micellar/cleansing oil—no tugging.
The weightless formula and hourglass brush hug every lash to add thickness, lift, and definition from root to tip while staying flexible (so it won’t flake halfway through the day).
Why I like it: bold yet soft-focus volume that still looks like lashes—not tarantulas. Holds a curl, layers cleanly for day-to-night, and is gentle on sensitive eyes.
How I use it:
- Curl first, then wiggle at the base and pull through to the tips.
- Add a second coat while the first is still slightly damp for extra oomph.
- Use the brush tip vertically on outer corners for a winged, lifted look.
Removal: melts away with your regular cleanser or a micellar/cleansing oil—no tugging.
Fullest Volumizing Mascara - ILIA | Sephora
Haircare
Low-maintenance things that air-dry well and survive mom life, workouts, and weather.
Lightweight, gloss-boosting finishing oil that smooths frizz, tames flyaways, and adds a healthy, mirror-y sheen without heaviness.
The silky texture spreads easily, leaving hair touchable—not greasy—and helps your style last longer with a polished finish.
Why I like it: great slip for detangling ends, revives day-two hair, and gives that “photo” shine on all textures (straight, wavy, curly, coily).
Colour-safe and perfect before photos or nights out.
How I use it:
1. Damp hair: 1–3 drops, rub between palms, then glide from mid-lengths to ends; air-dry or style as usual.
2. Dry hair (finish): 1 drop to smooth and add glassy shine. Mix-in: blend a half-drop with leave-in cream to boost softness.
Tips: start tiny—fine hair loves a half drop; thick/coarse can take 3–4. Avoid roots to keep volume. Pair with a separate heat protectant if you’re using hot tools.
The silky texture spreads easily, leaving hair touchable—not greasy—and helps your style last longer with a polished finish.
Why I like it: great slip for detangling ends, revives day-two hair, and gives that “photo” shine on all textures (straight, wavy, curly, coily).
Colour-safe and perfect before photos or nights out.
How I use it:
1. Damp hair: 1–3 drops, rub between palms, then glide from mid-lengths to ends; air-dry or style as usual.
2. Dry hair (finish): 1 drop to smooth and add glassy shine. Mix-in: blend a half-drop with leave-in cream to boost softness.
Tips: start tiny—fine hair loves a half drop; thick/coarse can take 3–4. Avoid roots to keep volume. Pair with a separate heat protectant if you’re using hot tools.
Complete Nourishing Hair Oil Shine Drops - JVN | Sephora
A lightweight, crunch-free styling foam that enhances your hair’s natural texture while it dries—no diffuser or hot tools needed.
Adds soft hold, fights frizz, and defines waves/curls so you get an undone, air-dried finish that lasts.
Why I like it: airy foam spreads evenly without stickiness, speeds dry time a bit, and leaves hair touchable with shape (not stiff).
Great for wash days when you want polish without effort.
Hair types: wavy, curly, and air-dry-friendly straight hair; fine to medium densities (thick/coarse can layer with a leave-in first).
How I use it:
- After washing: squeeze out excess water, apply 2–3 pumps from mid-lengths to ends (add more for long/thick hair).
- Style: scrunch for waves/curls or twist sections for definition; let air dry.
- Refresh: on day two, dampen hair lightly and re-scrunch a half-pump to revive shape.
Tips: pair with a leave-in conditioner for extra slip or a few drops of oil on ends for shine. Hands off while drying to minimize frizz.
Adds soft hold, fights frizz, and defines waves/curls so you get an undone, air-dried finish that lasts.
Why I like it: airy foam spreads evenly without stickiness, speeds dry time a bit, and leaves hair touchable with shape (not stiff).
Great for wash days when you want polish without effort.
Hair types: wavy, curly, and air-dry-friendly straight hair; fine to medium densities (thick/coarse can layer with a leave-in first).
How I use it:
- After washing: squeeze out excess water, apply 2–3 pumps from mid-lengths to ends (add more for long/thick hair).
- Style: scrunch for waves/curls or twist sections for definition; let air dry.
- Refresh: on day two, dampen hair lightly and re-scrunch a half-pump to revive shape.
Tips: pair with a leave-in conditioner for extra slip or a few drops of oil on ends for shine. Hands off while drying to minimize frizz.
Air-Dry Foam — Sephora Canada Product Page
Ultra-lightweight, leave-in hair oil that boosts shine, smooths frizz/flyaways, and helps repair the look of damage while protecting up to 450°F/232°C from hot tools.
The fast-absorbing formula won’t weigh hair down or leave residue, so styles stay soft, glossy, and bouncy.
Why I like it: restores silky slip to dry ends, revives day-two hair, and adds instant glassy shine on all textures (straight, wavy, curly, coily). Color-safe.
How I use it: Damp hair: 1–3 drops from mid-lengths to ends, then air-dry or blow-dry.
Dry hair/finish: 1 drop to de-frizz and add mirror shine.
Before heat: smooth through ends for heat protection and smoother passes.
Tips: start tiny—fine hair = ½–1 drop; thick/coarse = 3–4 drops. Avoid roots to keep volume.
Layer over a leave-in for extra softness.
The fast-absorbing formula won’t weigh hair down or leave residue, so styles stay soft, glossy, and bouncy.
Why I like it: restores silky slip to dry ends, revives day-two hair, and adds instant glassy shine on all textures (straight, wavy, curly, coily). Color-safe.
How I use it: Damp hair: 1–3 drops from mid-lengths to ends, then air-dry or blow-dry.
Dry hair/finish: 1 drop to de-frizz and add mirror shine.
Before heat: smooth through ends for heat protection and smoother passes.
Tips: start tiny—fine hair = ½–1 drop; thick/coarse = 3–4 drops. Avoid roots to keep volume.
Layer over a leave-in for extra softness.
No. 7 Bonding Oil - Olaplex
Tools
Buy once, use forever. These make everything above work better.
Salon-level drying with a lightweight, high-velocity motor and smart heat control that helps protect shine.
Magnetic attachments snap on/off fast so you can rough-dry, smooth, diffuse, or detail without juggling tools.
Multiple heat/speed settings plus a cool shot let you lock in shape with less frizz and flyaways.
Why I like it: powerful but quiet(-ish), easy to handle for longer blowouts, and the targeted airflow gets roots dry quickly, so ends don’t overcook.
Great for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair.
How I use it (quick):
- Rough-dry to 70% with the concentrator, lifting at the roots for volume.
- Smooth/straight: swap to the brush attachment; work in sections from roots to ends.
- Curls/coils: use the diffuser on low heat/low speed; hover at the roots, then scrunch the mid-lengths/ends.
Finish with a cool shot to set and add shine.
Tips: always pair with a heat protectant; keep the filter clean for maximum airflow.
Use lower heat with higher airflow to speed drying while keeping hair healthy.
Magnetic attachments snap on/off fast so you can rough-dry, smooth, diffuse, or detail without juggling tools.
Multiple heat/speed settings plus a cool shot let you lock in shape with less frizz and flyaways.
Why I like it: powerful but quiet(-ish), easy to handle for longer blowouts, and the targeted airflow gets roots dry quickly, so ends don’t overcook.
Great for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair.
How I use it (quick):
- Rough-dry to 70% with the concentrator, lifting at the roots for volume.
- Smooth/straight: swap to the brush attachment; work in sections from roots to ends.
- Curls/coils: use the diffuser on low heat/low speed; hover at the roots, then scrunch the mid-lengths/ends.
Finish with a cool shot to set and add shine.
Tips: always pair with a heat protectant; keep the filter clean for maximum airflow.
Use lower heat with higher airflow to speed drying while keeping hair healthy.
Shark® SpeedStyle™ Pro FLEX Professional Performance High-Velocity Hair Dryer System - Sh
A round, 3-inch hot-air brush that dries, smooths, and adds salon volume in one step.
The large barrel is perfect for medium–long hair, creating a quick bouncy blowout with lift at the roots and polished ends.
Ceramic + ionic airflow (device-dependent) helps reduce frizz and boost shine, while multiple heat/speed settings and a cool shot lock in shape.
Why I like it: cuts styling time in half, gives that round-brush finish without juggling a dryer, and the 3″ size leaves hair smooth—not overly curled.
How I use it: Towel-dry → apply heat protectant. Rough-dry roots for 1–2 minutes on medium.
Work in sections: place the brush under each section at the root, lift for volume, then roll and glide to the ends. Switch to cool to set each section and add shine.
Tips: for extra bounce, over-direct sections at the crown; for sleek ends, hold tension and finish with a slow pass on low heat.
Fine hair = lower heat; coarse hair can use higher heat in smaller sections.
The large barrel is perfect for medium–long hair, creating a quick bouncy blowout with lift at the roots and polished ends.
Ceramic + ionic airflow (device-dependent) helps reduce frizz and boost shine, while multiple heat/speed settings and a cool shot lock in shape.
Why I like it: cuts styling time in half, gives that round-brush finish without juggling a dryer, and the 3″ size leaves hair smooth—not overly curled.
How I use it: Towel-dry → apply heat protectant. Rough-dry roots for 1–2 minutes on medium.
Work in sections: place the brush under each section at the root, lift for volume, then roll and glide to the ends. Switch to cool to set each section and add shine.
Tips: for extra bounce, over-direct sections at the crown; for sleek ends, hold tension and finish with a slow pass on low heat.
Fine hair = lower heat; coarse hair can use higher heat in smaller sections.
3" Blowout Brush Pro 3-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush - BondiBoost | Sephora