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Makeup/Skincare/Hair Favorites

Lipstick emoji 42 items
I'm listing my all-time favorites, trying to keep my most current at the top!

When I'm looking for new products, I try to buy as many samples and kits rather than full sizes if possible before committing to paying full price. If there's anything you see that you're like “hmmm…,” see if there's something like that or go get a s...

Don't forget to see if any of these are HSA/FSA eligible!
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Makeup

I don't wear makeup daily, however I do try a lot of different products due to that. These are some of my favorites I've stumbled on!

 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I got samples of three different foundations and this was my favorite one. It blends and sets beautifully, wears all day, gives great coverage. I got shade 1CR for my regular color, 1.5N with a tan.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin ...
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I have an unhealthy addiction to these, love them. Truly one of the only things that keeps my lips hydrated
Lip Butter Balm Treatment for Hydration + Nourishing Shine
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
Bought this in 2020, still use it. Love it, don't care what people say about curling your lashes! I think the buffer helps with pulling out your lashes, I legitimately don't have any issues with it
Kaasage Eyelash Curler with 5 Silicone Pads
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
My FAVORITE tubing mascara!! It comes off so easily when I'm washing my face, gives me insane volume, my lashes don't clump, I have zero complaints. I got the sample in a Dermstore kit and have been OBSESSED.
jane iredale Lash Fixation Length and Definition Tubing Mascara 8.2ml - Black
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Sarah Gurganus profile picture
If they ever stop making this palette, I will cry. It's my go-to girlie
tarte tartelette™ in bloom Amazonian clay eyeshadow palette
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I use this in shade “creme brulee” for brightening. Love the coverage, doesn't crease for me
Radiant Creamy Concealer - NARS
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I use this in shade “happy” as a cream base for some of my blushes. It blends really well and a little goes a very long way!
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I have this in the shade “she's giving” and tbh it's the CUTEST pop of pink in the spring/summer or on vacation. I can't wear it in the winter, it washes me out when I'm not tan :') But I love her!!
Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush - PATRICK TA
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I use this to set my concealer around my face, I'll link the other one I use for under my eyes
Mini Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Laura Mercier
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I like to set my eyes with this one, it just makes them look more awake and color corrects better. Sometimes I'll use it over all of my concealer, it just depends on the mood I'm in
Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes - Laura Mercier
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
To me, this is worth it if you're going to be out all day or going to an event with a lot of makeup on. I really love it, it holds well and doesn't feel tacky.
On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I've been wearing this for YEARS on top of my SPF for some extra coverage without the thickness of foundation. Love, love, love
IT Cosmetics Mini CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color ...
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
One of my friends let me use it and I immediately purchased. It doesn't clump my lashes together and gives me great volume after I curl my lashes
Gucci Le Magnétisme Volumizing Mascara
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
A makeup artist used this on me for a wedding and I bought it as soon as I got home. I absolutely love this
Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Blush 12H Radiance
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I used this for about a year or two, and actually really liked it. If you're looking for a clean brand, this is it! I liked the volume and length it gave my lashes, it didn't flake off during the day either.
Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara - ILIA | Sephora
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I used to use this daily! It's lightweight and buildable, also a clean brand at Sephora. I really liked the coverage and how it felt like I was just wearing my skincare when I wore it.
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25

Skincare

My credentials are I had horrific acne growing up and ended up on Accutane at 18 (I had seen multiple doctors, tried everything, it was a last resort). I've tried soooo many skin care products over the years, and this is what has worked for me and wh... 
Check my IG highlights for some of my progress pics, it's wild.

 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I got a set for me and my husband a few years ago and we love them. I have a pair of Tweezerman's that I hide from him, but these truly work just as well
Pefei Professional Stainless Steel Tweezers Set
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I have repurchased nearly every single thing in this kit!! Whenever it's available, I always try to grab it because it's truly SUCH a deal! I will list out the individual products I have repurchased, but this is the best kit I've gotten!!
Best of Dermstore: Skin Goals Edit - $508 Value
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
My favorite cleanser at the moment. I tried this brand in one of the Dermstore kits I mentioned in the description (top), and have purchased a lot of their line since.
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse Gel 150ml
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I have veryyyy deep lines and my current lineup has helped soften them some. This is something I've been using AM and PM to help combat that some. A little goes a long way!
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Serum 30ml
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
This is the only Vit-C that hasn't irritated me or left me orange/yellow. I use it 2-3x/week. I've used Obagi products in the past and really like this brand, I've always had good outcomes with their products. Well worth the price. Make sure you wear...
Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20% (1 oz.)
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
This is a little more lightweight than the PM moisturizer, which is great because some AM's I've used in the past have felt heavy on my face. I love how glowy I look after using this!
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream 48g
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
To be completely transparent, I use this instead of a CC cream now. It's thick enough that it almost could pass as one, but it doesn't feel the same if that makes sense? I work in a hospital, so it's nice to have the extra protection under the lights...
EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 (1.7 fl. oz.)
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I use this 3-4x/week, I try to alternate days with this and my Vit-C using only at night. Currently at a Level 3 and really liking it so far. I didn't have any issues with sensitivity, which has been an issue in the past for me.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum 30ml
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
Gentle and effective! I have crows feet (don't we all) and don't want to get botox for them. This doesn't rid them, but my eyes look tighter and lighter.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Serum - 3 15ml
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
Guess where I got this… yep, a kit! I love it, it's what introduced me to this brand. It's buttery and smooth, leaves you feeling super hydrated before bed. It does have a mild scent, but it's nothing overpowering. It's actually pretty calming before...
Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide Cream 48g
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I reallyyyyy like these. Again, got them in a Dermstore kit and it hooked me. I didn't have any issues with sensitivity, however, you should check with your dermatologist or esthetician before adding this to your routine if you have sensitive skin.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel (Pack of 30)
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
Whatever hype you've heard about this, it's true. Buy into it
Instant Detox Mask - Caudalie | Sephora
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
This is another mask and brand I really like. I've used a few Revision products in the past, and it's a brand I'll always reach for and recommend.
Revision Skincare® Pore Purifying Clay Mask 1.7 oz.
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I used this back in 2020-2022 when my acne was still really bad (see my IG highlights for references). I swear this is one of the things that helped me clear my skin. I still have a long way to go, but always recommend this to anyone with persistent ...
Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Daily Care Foaming Cleanser (4 oz.)
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
She is worth the HYPE! I have no comments, it's perfect
Huda Beauty #FAUXFILTER Under Eye Color Corrector

Scents

I really like vanilla, amber and florals, so if you like those scents you're in the right place!

 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
This is my signature scent in fall/winter, I get soooo many compliments. It's one of my favorites, will forever be a staple. Scent lingers long enough for me, and it's not too strong
Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum with Vanilla & Lavender
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
One of my absolute favorite scents in spring and summer!
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid Eau de Parfum with Vanilla
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
This is one of my favorites that I like to wear whenever, it's warm and a little sweet.
Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum with White Musk & Amber

Hair Care and Tools

To be completely honest, my shampoo/conditioner changes without much thought and I use stuff from the drugstore. HOWEVER, when I am putting thought into it, these are the products I run to and recommend to my friends and strangers. My aunt owns a sal... 
I also cannotttttt stress enough how important it is to detox your scalp! It doesn't have to be what I use, but it makes a tremendous difference in your hair health. I do my scalp detox and deep condition on the same day since it's opposite ends.

 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I bought mine back in like… 2017 or 2018? It still works like the first day I got it and it's now 2026. Best investment college me made in beauty/hair products. My hair always feels soooooo soft and it takes a fraction of the time to straighten compa...
1-1/4" Nano Titanium Ionic Straightening Iron - BaBylissPRO | Ulta Beauty
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I got a sample of this and purchased it after. I absolutely love the way it smells, it goes on velvety and your hair feels the same once it's dried. It's pricey, but it's sooooo worth it.
Hair Alchemy Strengthening Mask - Oribe | Sephora
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
You either love or hate these products, and this is my favorite hair mask. I've tried a few others and I always come back to this one. I have relatively thick, long hair and it helps bring it back to life every month.
Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
When people ask me about what I use for my hair, I always tell them that I started with this kit. I've kept these in my rotation ever since
amika Signature Saviors Essentials Hair Trial Set
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I loveeee the way this makes my hair smell! I use this before I dry my hair without any other heat protection prior to styling. My hair has had no issues with heat that I can tell by not using additional protection
amika The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
Hands down my favorite detox shampoo. I wish I had the words to describe how amazing your head feels after using this. I got the mini size to try and it lasted me a while, recommend doing that before buying the full size to see if you like it
Detox Shampoo - OUAI | Sephora
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
I used this for about a year and honestly don't know why I haven't in a while. I really liked this, my hair always felt so soft and looked so shiny when I used it. The smell is also 10/10. Can confirm the same for conditioner
Signature Shampoo - dae | Sephora
 
Sarah Gurganus profile picture
Same notes as the shampoo, I really liked this brand
Signature Conditioner - dae | Sephora