Not all beauty products deserve your shelf space. These do. Some are cult favourites that live up to the hype, others are lesser-known gems I've stumbled upon and fallen in love with. Reliable, effective, and sometimes a little indulgent.
Sections
5
Skin - Face
Lips
Skin - Body
Hair
Nails
Skin - Face
Skincare shouldn't feel like a chore. These are the products in my daily rotation that make my skin look and feel better. Gentle enough to avoid irritation, effective enough for noticeable results, and indulgent enough to make the routine feel worth ...
Lightweight and powerful. Can also be used to treat body odour, ingrown hairs, cracked heels, and dandruff.
The Ordinary - Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Unclogs and softens the appearance of pores. Keeps sebum and oil under control. Use it daily for clean, clear skin.
Paula's Choice - 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Ultra luxurious. Add a little water to create a silky foam. Gently exfoliates for soft, luminous skin.
Feels light but rich and ultra hydrating. Leaves a gorgeous, bright, dewy glow.
Sand & Sky - Australian Emu Apple - Dreamy Glow Drops
The best emergency repair for dry, flaky, or irritated skin. It leaves a little bit of a white cast so apply at night.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5+ Soothing Therapeutic Multi-Purpose Cream
It melts everything and rinses clean, leaving you feeling fresh and pampered. Mini spa in a bottle.
Elemis - Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil
Don't skip this one! It's packed with peptides, which keep your skin firm, bouncy, and smooth. It also plays well with others, so you can layer it over serums and retinols.
Naturium - Multi-Peptide Rich Cream
This is a gentle but effective step up from beginner retinols to build into your evening routine.
Stick on before bed and the spot will be gone by morning. Discreet enough to wear during the day to prevent picking. A lifesaver!
Hero Cosmetics - Mighty Patch - Original Pimple Patch
Lips
Balms that soothe, pencils that define, stains that linger. Here are a few reliable favourites that feel effortless and leave lips looking and feeling soft, smooth, and well cared for.
Apply liberally before bed, and even the driest, cracked lips are soft and supple by morning.
Indulgent and rich hydration with a deliciously summery salted caramel and sweet vanilla scent.
Sol de Janiero - Brazilian Kiss - Cupuaçu Lip Butter
Soothing and nourishing without feeling heavy or waxy. My all-weather lifesaver.
First Aid Beauty - Ultra Repair Lip Balm
Skin - Body
A strong chemical and physical exfoliator that eliminates dry, rough bumps. If you struggle with keratosis pilaris, this is a miracle cure.
First Aid Beauty - KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
Apply to damp skin right out of the shower to lock in moisture. It's not fancy but it smells great and leaves skin soft and smooth.
Neutrogena - Body Oil - Light Sesame Formula
It takes a few days to work but give it time. All the rough, calloused skin on your foot will loosen and peel off like magic. Gross but super effective.
