Confession: I’m beauty product OBSESSED. I don’t take that word lightly either. Every morning, you’ll find me watching beauty YouTubes when getting ready for the day. For years, I’ve constantly searched for the best of beauty in every category. From drugstore to prestige brands, I genuinely find joy in finding hidden gems that transform my routine.
Bob will attest to my dedication (and the bank statement to match, lol). In so many ways, I sincerely adore how skincare and makeup transforms how I look (and feel). A good skin or makeup day? Total game changer. In the past, I’ve loved sharing drugstore gems and makeup products that surprised me. But today? I wanted to dive into new makeup and skincare releases that are worth the investment.
Think products that take a “bland” day to an elevated experience. From makeup to haircare and skincare finds, these products have upgraded my beauty game. I know you’ll fall in love with them too. 🙂
Recent Best of Beauty Finds
In general, I’ll jump at the chance to try new products and releases. Launches are the best, but it’s important to evaluate ingredients and test formulas. New doesn’t always mean the best. Moreover, my skin is very sensitive and acne-prone. I’m cautious about testing new brands and products unless I’m absolutely positive they won’t destroy my skin barrier.
Products often fail. In fact, I dislike more items than I recommend. Plus, I’ll will always be transparent with you when that happens. For example, I can’t stand this makeup primer (sorry Patrick!). It’s just not it. The brand’s setting spray though? A MUST. I just bought another mini travel size and full-size for our primary home.
This concealer? I simply don’t get the positive reviews. The creasing is horrible. To those amazing MUAs, promise I’m doing the right skin prep and applying super light, micro-milled setting powders. But I digress…
Today, I wanted to dive into 15 “best of beauty” products that I keep reaching for day after day, night after night. These items are tried, true, and tested.
#1: Ravie Beauty’s New Easy, Everyday Brow Pencil
For the past year, I’ve raved about Ravie Beauty’s Baked Blushes and Effortless Lip collection. Beauty guru and entrepreneur, Allie Glines, is my #1 favorite YouTuber to watch. She’s just a breathe of fresh air; I trust all of her beauty recommendations. She’s never led me astray once.
So when she launched her own beauty collection, I knew it would be impeccable. It is.
The Everyday Brow Pencil is genius. The pencil is super thin for easy, precise application. Plus, the design of the pencil is SO smart. One side comes with a spoolie to comb your hairs, while the other features the high-performance wax-emollient blend.
Allie traveled to Korea to work with a leading lab, and the results speak for themselves. A good “Brow Day” is always he best way to start the day. You’ll love the way the Everyday Brow Pencil creates a smooth, natural-looking finish. Moreover, the formula is long lasting and creates real-like hair strokes. Brilliant for a gal like me who has a lot (or for those that only have a little) brow.
#2 MERIT Flush Cream Blush
At our primary and lake homes, my makeup drawers are always stocked with MERIT Flush Cream Blushes. I legit have three in each drawer and carry two in my travel makeup bag. My favorite go-to color? Cheeky, which is a cool pink, followed closely by Beverly Hills, a soft peach hue.
Hands down, this is the best cream blush formula I’ve tried. Fool proof. It’s literally impossible to mess it up.
I love these blushes more than I can say. First, the packaging is compact, making them ideal for travel and storage. Moreover, they last FOREVER. You won’t need to restock frequently, making the investment worth it.
Best of all, the blush gives you a hint of color. After application, you’ll never look like a clown. Instead, it looks like you got a small dose of sun.
To apply, I recommend using this specific makeup brush. The combo of the two is transformative. My blush application is flawless every. single. time. In general, I’ve been loving MERIT products. They’re killing the game!
#3: The Outset Lip Oasis
Listen, I’ve tried hundreds of lip products over the years. Some dry out my lips. Others just don’t feel comfortable. This product? The perfect mix of everything I’m looking for.
In general, The Outset’s Lip Oasis offers a small hint of color, and the formula is hydrating and comfortable on the lips. I find myself reaching for it in my purse even over some tried and true faves (like this one in Pistachio and this lip oil).
New to the brand? The Outset founded by Scarlett Johansson, who saw a need for gentle yet effective makeup and skincare products. Love that!
All of the colors are amazing, but the Dune color is my favorite. I also love the hue Mirage (a sheer blackberry hue). So pretty!
#4: ALPYN
Super Sculpt Serum Face & Neck sold out during the Sephora Sale for good reason. This five-star bestselling product shows noticeable changes, and the formula never breaks me out.
So how does it work? Basically, this gel serum is formulated to visibly lift and firm the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Since I’m in my early 40s, I love this provides a tightening effect without being noticeable. Plus, it doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable at all – I don’t even feel a thing, but I can see how it tightens the skin (especially around my neck).
#5: Sweed Beauty (all of it)
A few months ago, a brand called Sweed Beauty reached out to me about sending a few items to test. Their Air Cream Blush is my absolute favorite. Moreover, I love their Cloud Mascara. It’s a clean mascara that gives maximum volume. Plus, it’s a flake-free and smudge proof formula, so I can wear it all day without worrying about it budging. Love that!
Lastly, I’m especially surprised by Le Lipstick. The formula is soft and comfortable, and I’ve been keeping one in my purse since it’s easy to locate quickly and efficiently. Sometimes, my handbags are like black holes with things disappearing in it. Due to the size, the Le Lipstick is truly easy to find. I always love the way the color looks (and feels) on my lips. So good!
#6: Best of Beauty – REMEDY Dermatology-Led Skincare
Friends, if you only buy two things from this list, try these two items. Trust. I’m head over heels in love with these products. Best of all, I’ve seen a noticeable difference in my skin after using them for four months. They’re just that good. Plus, they’re created by a dermatologist that I trust. The ingredients and formula are impeccable.
First up is REMEDY for Healthy Aging. I use this product at night and alternate between this version and the dark spot formula below. Between the two, this one is my favorite because it’s an all-in-one skincare product with clinically proven ingredients to hep with nearly all of my skincare concerns. Think wrinkles, uneven texture, and helping with skin tone. LOVE this product.
REMEDY for Age Spots is an all-in-one nightly remedy designed to help fade existing dark spots and prevent future discoloration. As someone who struggles with hyperpigmentation, this is my dream skincare product.
#7: IT Cosmetics’ New Do It All Concealer
Meet IT Cosmetics’ new Do It All Radiant Concealer, which features a luminous finish. Best of all, it’s medium-coverage and includes a multivitamin serum. Part skincare, part makeup, I appreciate how this Radiant Concealer visibly brightens underneath my eyes.
Additionally, I’m still loving this high coverage concealer and this amazing option too, but I’ve been using the IT Cosmetics concealer for my everyday makeup routine.
#8: Motif Skincare
Recently, I had the chance to test out Motif Skincare’s Power Brightening Bicelle Serum. It’s amazing. This future-forward beauty company uses proprietary A.I. to deliver breakthrough beauty ingredients all based on science.
Love that! Motif Skincare is truly embracing the future of beauty, and it’s cool to watch (and experience!). For the past few weeks, I’ve been testing out the serum at night. When I wake up, I find my skin is brighter and smoother. Plus, I struggle with hyper pigmentation. Based on what I’ve read, this formula will also help with my pigmentation. Bless.
#9: All Things Ciele
Oh Ciele, how I love thee. Do yourself a favor and invest in all things Ciele.
Every single Ciele products is made with SPF. Granted, their collection should never be your sole source of SPF, but there’s a comfort in knowing you’re getting added skincare and SPF benefits when using all of their products.
From the Skin Tint & Protect Serum Foundation with SPF 50+, to the new Prime & Protect SPF 30+ Smoothing Primer that’s been sold out for weeks, Ciele is here to stay.
#10: BK Beauty Makeup Brushes
Your makeup application is only as good as the tools you’re using to apply everything. Enter BK Beauty. Friends, their makeup brushes have transformed my beauty routine. After one use? You’ll love them too.
Start with the BK101 Contoured Foundation Brush – the only foundation brush style I use to apply liquid foundation. I own four of these. They’re unmatched – soft bristles but sturdy enough to apply coverage where I really need it. One of the best makeup brush creations of all time (followed VERY closely by this powder bronzer brush).
Next, try to the BK Beauty x Angie Hot & Flashy 8501 concealer brush. This brush went viral on TikTok for good reason. I also swear by Angie’s 8507 Angled Blush Brush (as mentioned above). Do yourself a favor and just order one. You’ll never turn back.
Next is the Nikki LaRose N17 for cream bronzer application. Friends, this a dual-sided brush is a workhorse. Be sure to read exactly how to use this brush since it can be used for both cream and powder products. Overall, this brush has been a game changer for me – especially in travel when I don’t want to bring too many makeup brushes.
#11: Hally Hair Lady H Hair Perfume
A few months ago, I was sent a sample of Hally Hair’s Lady H Perfume, and I was instantly hooked. This alcohol-free hair perfume has notes of ripe cherry and vanilla. The result? Improves hair shine and revives texture.
Best of all, it’s certified clean. It’s one of those little luxurious that goes a long way when you’re on day two (or let’s be honest -three) hair.
#12: Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation
Wow, just wow. The new Anastasia Beverly Hills foundation exceeds all expectations. In general, I’ve heard amazing things about this foundation for months and months. In fact, nearly all of my favorite beauty YouTubers have recommended it. The name truly says it all – it does not disappoint.
It rivals my other favorite foundation right now, and I truly give this one my highest recommendation.
#13: Vayose Hair Brush
Recently, I purchased a Mason Pearson hair brush and comb after the styles restocked at Harrods. I LOVE them, but I also constantly need hair brushes in different places – our lake home, primary home, and my travel bag. Therefore, I was thrilled to test out a new hair brush by a brand called Vayose.
Basically, they call it the “No Shampoo Hair Brush” because it breathes new life into your hair and prevents access oil and balances the oil production of your scalp. Genius. Best of all, it detangles hair and makes it smooth and frizz-free.
In fact, I’d go as far to say I love it as much (if not more) than the Mason Pearson, which says A LOT.
#14: Lark & Skye 11 11 Eau de Parfum
Overall, I’m extremely picky when it comes to fragrances. In fact, I’ve worn the same perfume since high school, and only recently started testing out some new perfumes. Thankfully, I’ve stumbled upon some crazy good scents, including this Dear Polly scent that’s positively heavenly. Any time I wear it, Bob mentions how amazing it smelss.
I’ve also been loving this fragrance, but typically only wear it in winter. It’s SO good, friends.
But this past week, I’ve been wearing a new-to-me scent by Lark & Skye – their 11 11 Eau de Parfum (currently 20% off with code: MOM20). It’s the perfect spring and summer fragrance featuring notes of azonic accord, amberwood, cyclamen, marine, white musk, driftwood. It’s divine!
#15: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam & Tan Boosting Body Oil
Recently, I’ve been self tanning to give me skin a little extra glow. After the winter, I was SO pale and needed to breathe a little bit more life into my skin. Recently, my go-to products have been Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam. It’s so easy to apply and use, and fool-proof for me.
I also love giving my neck and décolletage a little glow with the brand’s Tan Boosting Body Oil. They’re both amazing products! Plus, they smell incredible and are cruelty-free and vegan. Love that journey for us! 🙂
Best of Beauty – In Closing
In closing, I sincerely recommend all of these amazing new makeup, hair, and skincare finds. Plus, be sure to comment below if you’ve tested or tried any of this best of beauty products. I’m curious your thoughts!
Lastly, share any top finds that you’re loving too. After all, I’m always searching for new brands and products to try!
