My recommendations for skincare and makeup, and smaller shops to purchase these products from
Sections
8
Skincare: Cleansers
Skincare: Toners & Serums
Skincare: Moisturizer
Skincare: Sunscreen
Makeup: Face
Makeup: Eyes
Skincare: Cleansers
Step 1: cleanse your skin in the am and the pm. Use a water based cleanser in the am. Use an oil based cleanser whenever you wear makeup or sunscreen (which should be everyday!) for your pm cleanse, then follow with a water based cleanser.
Oil based cleanser for breaking down makeup and sunscreen. Some fragrance but not overwhelming. It starts as a solid balm and as you massage it into your skin, it dissolves into an oily liquid that then foams up slightly as you add water to wash it o...
Heimish All Clean Balm
1
Oil based cleanser. Slight fragrance, not super noticeable. This is the original cleansing balm, but I also really like the purifying version. Starts as a solid balm that dissolves into more of a liquid as you massage it into your skin. Slight emulsi...
Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm - Banila Co
Water based cleanser. I really like the Innisfree cleansers - I've used a number of different cleansers from this brand and have liked all of the ones I've used. The green tea line is great as a hydrating cleanser.
innisfree Face Wash & Cleansers
Water based cleanser. I also really liked my nourishing Laneige cleanser, but that one has been discontinued. This brand is like the big sister to Innisfree but for cleansers, I don't think you need a super expensive cleanser. That said, I do think t...
LANEIGE Cleansers
A top selling cleansing oil in Korea - this is similar to the balms, but starts in a more liquid form (would recommend not traveling with this as it'll be messier). Similar to the balms, gently massage a pump onto your face and rinse with water. Foll...
ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Face Oil - 6.7oz
Skincare: Toners & Serums
Restore the balance of your skin, rehydrate, and then address any specific problem areas.
My daily clarifying lotion (use after cleanser, before toner)
Clarifying Lotion 3 - Clinique
SEPHORA - Daily clarifying lotion (use after cleanser, before toner)
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 - Sephora
SEPHORA - This is a massive pack of skincare sheet masks for face, eye, hands, and feet. I love this because it's perfect for breaking apart and regifting. I like to build my own spa kits as gifts with these sheet masks and some additional spa treats...
Holy Sheet! Holiday Set
I can't actually tell if I like the way it feels when I put it on - it feels more drying than some of my other creams with niacinimide. However, I do think it has helped reduce my overall oiliness as the day goes on - I don't notice the shine as badl...
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - The Ordinary
1
Sephora link (if you're trying to rack up those points!) See other card for my quick review.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum - Sephora
I just started using this after doing some research on the benefits of vitamin c. I had an acne scar on my cheek that was decently dark and I do think it has lightened up since I started using this vitamin c serum as part of my daytime routine. While...
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% - The Ordinary
Sephora link for points! See the other card for my quick review.
I was honestly not sure what to expect with this - received it as a gift. I definitely wasn’t expecting more of an oil than a water-based serum like the Shiseido Ultimune Power concentrate. However, I like the herbal scent and I find it to be a very ...
Cover FX Super Power Antioxidant Booster Drops - CoverFX.com
I love the light fragrance of the Orchid enriched toner - I also love the niacinimide and “orchid elixir”. Not sure what the latter is, but I have noticed an improvement in overall skin texture since I started using this more regularly.
Innisfree Youth Enriched Toner
A lightweight serum with niacinimide and cherry blossom to provide a glowing skin foundation. I like the light fragrance but if you're sensitive, this is definitely noticeable. Between the cherry and the orchid, I think I prefer the orchid toner.
Dewy Glow Toner with Jeju Cherry Blossom
I would describe this emulsion as a cross between a serum and a lotion (which is exactly what an emulsion should be!). It still has a watery texture but holds itself together until spread on the face better than a fully-liquid toner would. However, i...
Dewy Glow Emulsion with Jeju Cherry Blossom
I actually got this from Costco when they had it available. I don't love the packaging for dispensing - I find it easy to accidentally get too much out. It's also frustrating when you try to be careful and very little actually comes out. I'm not sure...
Tonique Confort Re-Hydrating Comforting Toner ...
I got this in my Peter Thomas Roth hydration holiday gift set and while I absolutely loved the moisturizer, hands down one of the best I've ever tried, I was less in-love with this product at first. However, I did end up liking this one the more I us...
Water Drench® Hyaluronic Glow Serum
One of my absolute favorite recommendations I ever received was to use this to deal with my acne breakouts! Combines an anti-inflammatory and an anti-bacterial to soothe and reduce breakouts.
Lion Pair Acne Cream
I regret not picking this one up on my last trip to NY. High marks for affordability at a 10% strength. Other reviews I've seen says that it leaves you glowing and absorbs well.
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
Love the hydration you get from snail mucin (stick with me here - it's a cosmetic grade ingredient, not just scraped off the sidewalk!). This is the OG snail product and great for all skin types. Use after cleansing and before layering on moisturizer...
This is another great option if you're looking for additional hydration or if you've got dull / dehydrated skin. Propolis is a mixture of beeswax and other oils and resins collected by bees and used in construction of the bee hive and in preserving h...
This is best for those with drier skin or for use in the winter.
Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
For oily skin friends (though this is suitable for all skin types!), I would recommend this product for increasing skin hydration. Birch sap is non-sticky and absorbs well. I find it feels very light on the skin. I know it says lotion, but it's a lot...
Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
Recently started using this and I really like the formulation! Unlike my previous Vitamin C serum from The Ordinary, this is a pump style instead of a dropper. It's also a thicker, gel like formulation and doesn't feel oily at all. It does have a lig...
goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care ...
This hyaluronic serum received high marks from shoppers at Olive Young (a Korean beauty store). I haven't started using this one on a regular basis, but I'm excited to see if it lives up to its moisturizing marketing game.
Torriden Dive In Serum 50mL
I've been using this AHA/BHA toner from CosRx lately in place of my usual Clinique combination - I was feeling like I wasn't seeing as much dry skin removal with the Clinique so I switched it up. I'm honestly not sure if it's actually improving my sk...
COSRX AHA BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Skincare: Moisturizer
I first got this moisturizer as part of a holiday bundle where it also came with the serum. While I haven't tried the serum, I would seriously repurchase the moisturizer. It's pricey, but I have noticed more plump skin (more moisturized looking) and ...
Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer - Sephora
1
This was my first K-Beauty moisturizer and it still holds a soft spot in my heart. I love the water gel texture - for combo skin but unless you've got super dry skin, I think it'll work well for you too. The old packaging used to have the cutest swir...
Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream
I love the gel cream texture - another watery gel cream like the Nature Republic. This has a light floral fragrance and includes niacinimide for smoothing and plumping features. Pairs well with the other orchid line items (serum, toner, eye cream). I...
Youth-Enriched Gel Cream with Orchid
This is the less gel-watery version of the Innisfree orchid cream. I still like this one a lot, but use it only when my skin is a bit drier (eg winter). Same fragrance and niacinimide, just in a more hydrating base.
innisfree Youth-enriched Cream with Orchid
Another watery-gel type cream. I also love this one when it comes in the holiday bundles to try some of the other products. I think this one feels very weightless on the skin and absorbs well. Dry skin types might like their more hydrating base versi...
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
I actually like this more moisturizing cream base as well as someone with combo skin. It works great when my skin is drier (eg winter) but I also like it as a night mask year round. I feel like it helps to lock in the other serums I've layered undern...
Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
Love this moisturizer for winter time but it might be slightly too moisturizing for summertime unless you have very dry skin.
Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing ...
This was the gel cream that started it all for me. Solid, no fragrance choice that gets the job done. Excellent for all skin types, but if you've got drier skin, I would recommend doing the cream version instead.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
I actually haven't used this particular product - I'm currently using the Mizon All-in-One snail repair moisturizer. However, this is the moisturizer from the same line as the COSRx Snail Mucin Power essence linked above. If you don't like mixing pro...
Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
Also available as a travel size moisturizer! The jar is slightly too large at over 3 oz
Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
Propolis and royal jelly are both byproducts of the honey making process and are super great for moisture boosting.
Full Fit Propolis Light Cream - COSRX
I know the product is branded for men, but I've used it and loved it as a multi-purpose moisturizer. The caffeine helps to wake up your skin in the morning and the SPF is a great add (though I still use my actual dedicated SPF on top). I wouldn't rec...
Facial Fuel Men's SPF 20 Moisturizer
I really liked this eye cream - it's a balm and not a cream so I feel like it's easier to use correctly and not use too much. It is a small amount for a large amount of money, but because you aren't overusing the balm, it does last a long time. I als...
Triple Algae Eye Renewal Balm Eye Cream
I love the way this goes on the face - slightly gooey but feels so moisturizing! Super hydrating, so pat it in.
MIZON - All In One Snail Repair Cream 75ml
Skincare: Sunscreen
(DISCONTINUED)
My go-to sunscreen - cheap, effective, and doesn't feel too heavy on the face. This used to be the product for oily skin, but the rebranding removed the reference. I find it works well for my combo skin and doesn't cause any irritatio...
Apparently voted Korea's favorite sunscreen - watery texture with hyaluronic acid and vitamin c for skin boosting properties. Daily sunscreen. This shop buys small batches directly and resells often cheaper than going directly to a South Korean site.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream
SHISEIDO - SUNSCREEN Loved the older formulation of this product, haven't bought it since the repackage, but for the older version, it felt great going on. No oiliness, and even felt like it mattified my skin a bit. No noticeable white cast unlike some other Asian brand ...
ROHTO Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ I love this sunscreen as a one-stop-shop for moisturizer and sunscreen. This is best for normal, combination, or oily skin as it's not as moisturizing as a cream formulation (it's a gel formulation) but provides excellent UVA and UVB protection. Save...
Rohto Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50PA++++ I love the texture of this Biore sunscreen - it's the watery essence versus the cream formulation. Note that it says essence but it does have some substance - think of it like a very easy to absorb light...
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 ...
Supergoop Every. Single. Face. Water Lotion SPF 50 I typically recommend Asian sunscreens because I love the way they feel on skin. However, I really like this Supergoop sunscreen for its watery texture and its relative availability (from Sephora).
Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50
SKIN1004 Hyaluronic-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum I really like the ingredients that offer additional skincare benefits: Hyaluronic acid to add moisture and cica to reduce inflammation. I could see this one being a great sunscreen if you accidentally get a little too much sun and want to protect upt...
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick Love this for reapplication on the go. Clear finish and goes on well over makeup - though I would recommend cleaning it off if you do. Or keep one stick for over makeup and one stick for clean face reapplication. Note that this does have a more dewy/...
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick Teardrop shape to help get into the corners of your face! Super hydrating and a matte finish. Solid stick = matte finish.
HYALURONIC ACID AIRY SUN STICK 22g
A.H.C. Natural Perfection Fresh I also really like this sunscreen stick. Fewer skincare benefits than the Isntree stick, but not as glowy as the Shiseido. What really wins here is the price point for the size.
A.H.C Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick
Tocobo Cotton Soft Stick I haven't tried this yet but it's supposed to be great for acne prone skin - also mattifying. They also have this in a cream format that is targeted for combination skin.
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick
Coppertone Sport Lip Balm Don't forget your lips! The skin here can burn as well - I've found this one to feel pretty good on the lips without too much greasiness and no weird aftertaste!
Sunscreen Lip Balm, SPF 50 Skin Protectant
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Stick Slightly smaller and more expensive than some of the other sticks, but has a cult following online. I've purchased but haven't tried it yet to confirm.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick
I tried this sunscreen on during a ski trip and loved how it felt on the skin. No more goggle tans and it blended in well on my skin without noticeable white cast. It did feel moisturizing, but not overly so - there was less of a lasting “moisture” f...
Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen
This is the Skin1004 sunscreen option that was recommended for those with more oily skin or those who prefer a mineral sunscreen option as this a 100% zinc oxide protection product. I am curious as to how well this blends into the skin as I do feel t...
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Sun ...
Makeup: Face
PRIMER I don't love the feeling of primers but I actually don't mind the feeling of this one. It used to be at Sephora, but they stopped carrying it. I've found it at Marshalls once and also available on the Touch in Sol store.
No Poreblem Primer
SEPHORA - PRIMER This one was recommended to me by the MUA who did my beauty lesson at Sephora as one that was an excellent choice for long-lasting and sweat-resistance. I've tested it briefly, but ended up reverting to my No Poreblem Primer to use it up first.
Secure The Sweat Waterproof Mattifying Primer
TARGET - PRIMER I've seen great recommendations for this as a dupe of Milk makeup's grippy primer. There are two versions - the original and a version with niacinamide for extra ~skincare glow~.
E.l.f. Power Grip Primer - Clear 0.811 Fl Oz
SEPHORA - MOISTURIZER / FOUNDATION - TARTE I loved the Amazonian clay foundation, but I haven't been able to re-find my shade after their formulation change. I was able to use this instead since it's a much lighter coverage and a good match isn't as important. If you're looking for a better c...
I was matched to LC6 when I was in store. I do really like the feel on skin: doesn't feel super heavy or cakey, looks and feels pretty matte on combo skin, but does have a more natural finish and not as flat. Pricey but a little goes soooooo far. You could get a sample from the store of this foundation and have it last multiple full-face creations. I actually shake it so it goes onto the lid and then lightly dip my brush into the lid of the sample jar. Th...
All Hours Luminous Natural Matte Foundation ...
SEPHORA - FOUNDATION - LAURA MERCIER I've been testing this Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting waterproof foundation in 1C2 Chiffon and I find that it has a little more slip initially when first placed on the face than the YSL All Hours. It does dry down and not move, but the initial f...
Laura Mercier Foundation
FOUNDATION - DIOR I have also been testing the Dior Forever Matte foundation in 1CR. I didn't find this to be as full coverage in a single swipe as the YSL, but it is still a comfortable matte foundation. It holds up to the transfer-proof name as I didn't find as much...
Dior Forever: Transfer-Proof Matte Foundation
BARE MINERALS - POWDER I still use this when I'm feeling a little oilier (thanks, hormones) or when I want to make sure I manage potentially sweaty situation. I will also layer this on top of a lightweight foundation for additional coverage. I also like it for when I’m dea...
ORIGINAL Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
SEPHORA - POWDER Link for the Bare Minerals of you prefer to shop from Sephora.
Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15
ULTA - POWDER Link for if you prefer to purchase the Bare Minerals powder from Ulta.
ORIGINAL Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 - bareMinerals
ULTA - CC Sunscreen This innovative CC cream starts out white but as you use your fingers to blend it in, the encapsulated color pigments are revealed and blend to your skin tone. There are three shade families: light, medium, and dark. Note that this is an Asian brand,...
CC Cream SPF 25 - Erborian | Ulta Beauty
SEPHORA - CHEEK (BLUSH, BRONZER) - NARS I don't use a lot of bronzer or blush, so this duo is perfect for me on the road or at home. I use the Orgasm / Laguna combo, but you may prefer another combo based on your skin tone. Both blend beautifully and are very buildable - it's a subtle flus...
NARS Blush/Bronzer Duo - Sephora
SEPHORA - CHEEK (BLUSH) - NARS I was recommended Behave as a great neutral pink option that was more matte than the Orgasm blush that I had been using prior. I think it creates a more dramatic flush than is noticeable with Orgasm, but the Nars blush formulation continues to be rea...
NARS Blush
SEPHORA - CHEEK (BLUSH)
If you're looking for a cheaper dupe that's in the same color range as the Nars Behave blush, the Sephora Colorful blush in shade Shame on You is pretty close. As someone who doesn't often use blush, I think this works for my purposes at a much bette...
Sephora Colorful® Blush
SEPHORA - BLUSH This was my first foray back into the world of non-powder blushes after being burned when younger with those garish clown cheeks. Starting with the packaging - I loved how easy it was to open with the extra bubble at the top - gave me a little more g...
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
BLUSH / EYESHADOW I really like this little stick from ELF for on-the-go makeup. Because it can be used on eyes, cheeks, and lips, it helps to create a coehsive monochromatic look. I have two shades, the Glimmering Guava, which reminds me of the NARS Orgasm blush, as ...
Monochromatic Multi-Use Makeup Stick
BRONZER I like this drugstore bronzer - a little goes a long way. I have an older version that has multiple colors in one so it makes the blend easier, but it's discontinued.
Physician's Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer - 0.38oz
Makeup: Eyes
SEPHORA - BROWS I really like the triangular shaped pencil - I find it works best for 1) newbies and 2) people without a lot of time but want a little bit of brow clean up. I fell into both categories when I first found this product. Previously had been using Anasta...
Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil
ULTA - BROWS I really like the triangular shaped pencil - I find it works best for 1) newbies and 2) people without a lot of time but want a little bit of brow clean up. I fell into both categories when I first found this product. Previously had been using Anasta...
SEPHORA - BROWS I like this one because it only has the pointed tip so it’s good if your eyebrows are super sparse and you need to draw in hair strokes rather than fill in between the hair.
Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer
EYELINER This is my favorite brush pen eyeliner - I find it has great pigmentation and excellent line / pressure control to create varying thicknesses. It washes off easily with water, but stays on all day (if you're not crying). It is created by a company th...
CHACOTT FOR PROFESSIONALS QUICK LINER
TARGET - EYELINER An affordable brush-style liner that goes on as easily as my favorite Chacott for Professionals (which looks like it's discontinued). The upside of the waterproofing is that it really does NOT move at all (wore it all day in the Florida humidity in J...
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner - Black - 0.018 fl oz
SEPHORA - EYELINER The best dupe I could find for my favorite NARS long-lasting liner in Via Appia (a beautiful coppery brown no longer made).
Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner
ULTA - EYELINER The best dupe I could find for my favorite NARS long-lasting liner in Via Appia (a beautiful coppery brown no longer made).
Stay All Day Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner - Stila | Ulta Beauty
SEPHORA - EYELINER Honestly, these are pretty great for when you're on the go or you're a makeup beginner. They do need to be sharpened (and you need a chubby stick sharpener which Sephora also sells), but they glide on well and blend well. I have the taupe, purple, li... They're priced well but I would use them more for a wash of color on the eyelid than as a liner (unless you really sharpened them). I also find that they work well as a primer before pressing another shadow on top. Overall, I really like these!
Lancome - EYELINER I have the rose gold and the green version - I love that they're a little more muted but shimmery. Fantastic for a sheer wash of color during the day, but buildable and layerable for nighttime use. Definitely goes on quickly for those of you on-the-g...
Ombre Hypnôse Stylo Shadow Stick
EYESHADOW Love the Amazonian clay Tartelette palettes. I find them to have excellent color payoff and blendable. I have the Matte palette and the Toasted palette.
The Matte palette can be intimidating for a beginner like myself but the included guide helped me understand how to mix and match the colors for a more neutral and a more dramatic look. A more beginner friendly would be the Tartelette In Bloom palette which has similar shades but include shimmers rather than all matte.
The Toasted palette reminds me of smores and marshmallows (not sure if it's the name or the slight scent, but I like it) and has a fantastic mix of shimmer and glitters for a redder toned look. I like it best for fall, but there are shades that will ...
Thinking of getting the Tartelette Spark or Energy palettes next with its mix of neutrals, mauves, and plums.
Eyeshadow Palettes | Tarte Cosmetics
SEPHORA - EYESHADOW The Naked palettes have a cult following for their easy blendability and great shade pairings. I have the original Naked palette which is more copper based and I still use it almost 10 years later 🤷🏻♀️I also have the Naked3 palette which is more r...
Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette
ULTA - EYESHADOW The Naked palette but if you want to buy from Ulta
Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette - Urban Decay Cosmetics
SEPHORA - MASCARA This was the first mascara that I really loved - lengthening, volumizing, and curling my short lashes. I did find that it transferred to my bottom lash line over the course of a day, especially if there was a lot of hardcore smiling going on. Haven't...
tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara
SEPHORA - MASCARA I actually really like this high end mascara brand - I find that it really lifts my short lashes and the formulation itself goes on easily without mess. I have tried a number of drugstore dupes but find that the formulas tend to be a bit messier than...
TARGET - MASCARA This is the best drugstore dupe I've found for the Benefit Roller Lash. I have it in brown which is dark but also feels more casual. I feel that this formula requires building up a bit more to be visible than the original Roller Lash, but I like the ...
E.l.f. Lash N' Roll Mascara - Brown - 0.32 Oz
SEPHORA - MASCARA While I don't love volumizing mascaras on their own because I have shorter lashes, I love layering them on top of a lengthening / curling one to add volume after the fact. This one has been great, I use it with the ELF Lash n Roll mascara at the mome...
Urban Decay Perversion Volumizing Mascara
TARGET - MASCARA I've heard of this product for years as a dupe for Benefit's Better than Sex but I never purchased it. However, I've been testing out different waterproof formulas for my wedding and I have learned to absolutely love this. It's truly waterproof - lit...
L'oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Loved this in 04 Natural Brown - it was easy to spin up and the point was small enough to look natural, but large enough that it was still a fast look.
Eyebrow Pencil
Makeup: Lips
Honestly one of my favorite lip products - definitely more single use than a traditional Vaseline would be (that I use on both lips and then all over anywhere else that may be feeling dry, especially back of the hand) given the pigmentation. I think ...
Vaseline Rosy Lip Therapy - 0.25oz - Target
Love this drugstore brand of lipstick. I have a matte red and a pearlescent fuschia that I go to time after time. I love that it isn't full of other ingredients as I have sensitive lips and prefer to not mess with my existing lip skincare routine whe...
Super Lustrous Lipstick - Revlon | Ulta Beauty
I don't know what magic this is, but this makes your lips like your lips, but better. I got this as part of a birthday gift from Sephora along with the mini Laguna bronzer and I would actually repurchase the large size of this balm.
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm - Laguna Collection
This is also magic, but it creates the perfect pink on your natural lip color and smells / tastes not terrible! It's a fantastic shade for summer and can be used to dress up or down your makeup look depending on how you pair it with eyes.
Winky Lux Watermelon Jelly Lip Balm- 0.12oz
I'm not sure if it's an exact dupe for Charlotte Tillbury pillow talk, but it works beautifully for a natural look for my lip tone. I also have the CT pillow talk liner and I find that this one is approximately the same color but easier to use since ...
Revlon Colorstay Lip Liner With Built In Sharpener - Nude
Black Honey is one of the most flattering color on many skin tones. It adjusts to your skin to provide a berry wash on top. Note that this will look a lot more dramatic on lighter skin.
Clinique Almost Lipstick
L'Oreal took their Colour Riche satin lipsticks and brought out a whole range of nudes. I personally have Nu Authentique, Nu Decadent, and Nu Impertinent (said to be a dupe for Charlotte Tillbury Pillow Talk). I love how smooth these feel as they gli...
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Les Nus Intensely ...
I tried this after the Lipstick Lesbians broke down why they loved Milani for drugstore makeup and yes. I can see why.
It’s creamy and long lasting, easy to apply, and a great color match. I use 03 nude with pretty much anything - though I should pr...
Milani : Lip Liners & Pencils - Target
It’s such a beautiful shade for a barely-there color but shiny look for your lips. I have it in the old packaging so no clue how the new one is, but I keep it by my workstation and just touch up before my on-camera calls.
I have a number of these - I love Urban Decay for when I want a fun, punchy color. I have cream formula Venom (a deep purple pink), sheer formula Bruise (like if the color of the Clinique black honey lipstick were the actual color), and metallic Big ...
Urban Decay Lip - Sephora
Shops
I love that they have sinks for the pedicures instead of a chair - I feel it's more sanitary to not have the same water potentially recycling through. The space doesn't smell like nail polish or remover which makes sipping on your complimentary drink...
Paint Nail Bar
My favorite small batch Asian skincare / makeup shop that gets product from Asia. While some of these brands now sell in the US, I prefer the Asian formulation for a handful of the products. They also have an online presence, but note that their rewa...
oo35mm
NYC based shop located in NYC KTown with mostly Korean brands available. Fun space to visit, especially if you've gotten hooked on the KDramas on Netflix or swept up in the KPop phenomenon - lots of idols also model for these beauty companies!
Kosette Beauty Market
Like the South Korean Ulta or Sephora or even Target beauty section. It's also more like Target in that you can buy other goods too, like KPop albums and merch. This link is to the global portal (with free shipping after $60 to the US with DHL).
OLIVE YOUNG Global | Korea's No. 1 Health & Beauty Store
For those of you liking Kiehl's products but finding that Sephora and Ulta don't carry them, this is one of the times where I would purchase directly from the brand. They often carry sizes at prices they don't offer elsewhere and carry a wider variet...