Melissa Brunner

Your skin changes a LOT in your late 20s and early 30s - dryness, dullness, dehydration, fine lines, sensitivity, hormonal breakouts. This list includes the best skincare products for people approaching 30 who want healthy, glowy skin without needing a 14-step routine. I’m focusing on realistic skincare that actually works for everyday life and the crazy Canadian weather. You’ll find hydrating serums, skin barrier repair products, SPF, gentle anti-aging skincare, and affordable drugstore finds alongside worth-the-money splurges. Whether you’re starting preventative skincare, repairing your skin barrier, or just trying to look more rested, these are the products worth trying in your late 20s and early 30s.

I’m the girl on Tiktok with the ginormous jar of lip products - so I’ve tried a LOT and I also want to share those products with my Benable community! If you’re looking for comfortable, flattering lip balms, lip butters, and lip oils you’ll actually reach for, this list is for you. These are my tried-and-tested lip products of various types that work for everyday wear — from hydrating formulas to glossy, plumping, and long-lasting options. You will find great lip products at all price points here. All products listed are ones I genuinely recommend for daily wear or no-makeup makeup looks. Let me know if I missed anything by commenting on this list!

If you love a matte and poreless-as-possible makeup base as much as the next person, but I don’t want to have oily and shiny skin a few hours in, this is the list for you. I’ve put together this list of products that I’ve used as a skin prep routine to prevent excess oil, while still keeping my skin adequately hydrated, and I’ve gone as far to test that they all work together in any combination. Remember: This is a skincare routine for oily skin and emphasized pores and is not meant to be added on top of your usual routine. To make it easier to follow an oily skin routine, I’ve structured the list in order of application. Check out my “Tried & True Skincare for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin” list for more products that I’ve tried for my everyday skincare routine!

If you have dry skin, you may feel like it needs some extra love (and moisture). I have tried a lot of skincare and here are the best of the best products I could recommend for dry skin from toners to sheet masks, budget to boujee! Some of these products were too rich for oily skin, and some (like the sheet masks) are good for everyone. Extra bonus: there are products in here to soothe irritated skin too. If you have oily skin though, check out my Tried & True Skincare for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin list!

Take it from me, an oily and acne-prone girlie since the dawn of time. I have been really trying to control my oil production so I don’t keep getting all these whiteheads on my face and it has been difficult because exfoliating doesn’t always help. So, here are some amazing products I’ve used and loved and I hope they help at least one person too. 🥰 There is a mix of $$ - $$$$ in this list!

Tired of seeing the same five viral products everywhere? This list is for you. I’ve curated a collection of indie and niche beauty brands that deserve way more attention — the ones bringing creativity, quality, and personality back to skincare and makeup. Each brand here tells a story, from small-batch formulations to thoughtful ingredients that actually make a difference. These are the underdogs redefining beauty in their own way — no hype, just genuinely great products. Add to your radar: Most of these brands are available in Canada and feature ingredient stories worth exploring. If you’re ready to discover hidden gems and support brands with heart, this list is your next beauty deep dive.

For glitter lovers, festival queens, and anyone craving a luminous, “camera-ready” glow. Dive into my handpicked and thoroughly vetted highlighters, shimmer glosses, and sparkling eyeshadows — each one tested for long wear, versatility, and that radiant finish. Includes budget, mid, and splurge options so everyone has something! Want more curated gems? Don’t forget to check out my Niche Beauty list for hidden indie favorites.

Are you tired of seeing the same aggressively marketed k-beauty products and wondering if they are even good? Check out this list of k-beauty that is seriously slept on! This is the good stuff that nobody ever talks about, but should be talking about. I’ve tried everything on this list so I know these are the best of the best. Everything from sheet masks to treatments and even some makeup is featured here, and I hope you discover a new fav product after viewing. 💕✨