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The 30 Beauty Products I Can't Live Without

What They Do, What's Great About Them, and Where to Get Them

By Stripes JoplinPublished 6 years ago 14 min read
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As the owner and creative director of a start-up cosmetics company, I know three things: what you put on your skin and in your hair is a big deal; all beauty products are NOT created equal; and, if you're able, spending the money on higher-quality products is almost always worth it.

Here are the 30 beauty products of the moment that I can't live without:

1. Coco & Eve hair mask, $44

This is the most unbelievable conditioner/hair treatment I've ever used. Ever. I'm a chemotherapy patient, and, while I'm extremely lucky that the kind of chemo I need doesn't make me lose my hair, it does wreak absolute havoc on it. Coco & Eve don't care. Coco & Eve don't give a shit. My hair always looks beautiful because of this product. You can use it as a mask, a conditioner, a leave-in treatment (very small amount), or all of the above. It's easily the most expensive conditioner I've ever used, but it's worth it. It's taken the place of almost $100 worth of hair products I was using to achieve the same results. They even send you a pretty hefty returning customer discount when you re-order (and you will). Get it here.

2. oVertone Color, starting at $18

This is the color-depositing conditioner of your dreams. My hair has been just about every color in the past year thanks to oVertone, and it never fades. I use dye about every two months to touch-up my roots (I like Prevana Vivids and Pulp Riot), and the rest of the time I use oVertone's deep treatment and daily conditioner to keep my (currently purple) hair bright. Leave it on for as little as 15 minutes or as long as overnight—it's up to you. It's not a dye, and it doesn't contain any of the harsh chemicals found in most hair dyes, so it leaves your hair as soft as it is bright. I usually use both Coco & Eve and oVertone in the shower, alternating which I use first every other day. Get it here.

3. The Makeup Eraser, $20

Sorcery! This super soft, gentle microfiber cloth is magical. It removes even the toughest, waterproof makeup without even breaking a sweat. Plus, it's reusable for up to 1,000 washes (that's two years and seven months if you wash it every day, which you really don't need to do) and helps cut down on cotton pad waste. It's also a huge time and energy saver so getting that makeup off at the end of the day isn't such a hassle, and it saves space in your luggage when you travel. More room for souvenirs! The planet, your wallet, and your suitcase will thank you! Get yours at Sephora or here.

4. Curology, $20–$40

Another awesome perk of chemotherapy is what it does to your skin. I'm 29 years old with the acne of a 14-year-old because that's just what this medication does to your skin. Enter Curology. I did my own little experiment with it to see if it was actually helping. I used up the free bottle they sent me and saw an improvement in my skin. Then I didn't reorder it. I watched my skin break out again and reordered. I've been using it for two days and am already seeing an improvement once again. I think the best thing about Curology is each bottle is made for you personally, and your skin consultant is a licensed dermatologist who checks in with you and understands that each person's skin concerns are unique. One-size-fits-all skincare is a thing of the past. Start your Curology journey here.

5. ColourPop, price varies

I couldn't pick one single product from this brand that I love, so I decided to highlight the entire brand, which I almost never do. I especially almost never find a brand whose eyeshadow I love as much as their lipstick. Most brands either do one or the other right, but this one excels at both. Everything they make turns out to be exactly what I want out of that product. I'm particularly fond of their Super Shock Shadow and Highlighters. They're like cream-to-powder but a million times better. The pigment is so bright and bold, and it stays on forever. Their Ultra Matte Lip and Ultra Satin Lip liquid lipsticks are by far my favorite lip products from any brand of any price, and they're $6. My next favorite is also on this list, but at more than double the price ($15). ColourPop's whole platform is that quality beauty shouldn't break the bank. If you're still spending $$$ on Kylie lippies, you're missing out and wasting your money. Discover the Holy Grail.

6. The POREfessional Face Primer, $12–$49

This is one of three primers in the entire world that won't make me break out and the only one that manhandles my gigantic pores and shows them who's boss. The silky smooth texture will make you want to keep applying it even after you've covered your face, but fight that urge. Remember, you can use this every day. It also gives your foundation/powder a nice matte finish from underneath, which is half the battle when fighting shiny skin halfway through the day. Want it? You got it.

7. Anastasia Dip Brow, $18

For a more detailed, sculpted brow, this is what you want. You don't even have to know how to do your eyebrows. This pomade does all the work for you. I line the top first (it's easier for me that way, but go with what you feel), then line the bottom, then fill in and blend the inner corners. This stuff lasts forever, too, since you only need a tiny amount every time. When I dip, you dip, we dip.

8. Chella Eyebrow Cream, $26

This is my personal favorite. I got tired of doing super-sculpted eyebrows every day, so I use this to fill in my existing brows for more of a natural look. It's faster, but it's definitely a different look from Anastasia, and it doesn't hurt to have both in your beauty arsenal. Get the look.

9. Tressa Watercolor Shampoo, $12–$28

A lot of shampoos claim to be color-safe, but then I see the color being stripped from my hair in the shower and stand there like???? I even used a "color-safe" shampoo to strip some of the green out of my hair when I was turning it red, and it worked like magic. I'd say 7/10 times a shampoo claiming to be color-safe is just claiming so to drive sales. Look for a color-depositing shampoo like this one. I also like Keracolor Clenditioner, but it makes your shower floor incredibly slippery, so be really careful if that's the option you go with. You can get both on Amazon.

10. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, $32

This was the product that made me realize how important setting sprays are. I didn't even realize how much it helped until I ran out and didn't order more right away (that's always the best test). I've tried other setting sprays (the only one that comes close is ColourPop's) but nothing keeps my makeup in place quite like this does. All night, all night, all niiiiiight.

11. Verb Ghost Oil, $16

This is the final product I use on my hair after washing, drying, etc. I dry it until it's almost dry, apply the ghost oil, dry on hot for another minute or two, and then dry on cool. After my hair is completely dry, I apply a tiny bit more. My hair is never frizzy, and I have that stupid wavy hair that's mostly straight until it's humid, then it puffs up into these ugly, frizzy, non-waves. Ghost oil helps tame that while my hair is still wet and gives it a fighting chance. Ghosted.

12. Clinique Makeup Remover, $19.50–$26

For that really tough makeup nothing else will remove, this will. I like to use this on my Makeup Eraser when I have really tough eyeliner or a lot of mascara on. It's also oil-free and leaves my skin feeling clean, not greasy. Get it here.

13. Mary Kay Timewise, $95

My mom sells Mary Kay as her side hustle/hobby so I have a bit of an unfair advantage in terms of availability, but I'd still recommend this product nonetheless. It might be a bit of a hassle to obtain, but it's worth it. I've been using this for about three years and I have photographic evidence that my skin hasn't changed much in appearance in the past three years. This set was also named by dermatologists to be one of the few anti-aging products that keeps the promises it makes.

14. Wander Beauty Unlashed Mascara, $24

I got this in my Boxycharm box for July, and it's fast becoming my favorite for when I want a more natural look. I have extremely long eyelashes, and I love to flaunt them. They're my tour de force when it comes to my makeup routine. This mascara allows me to use multiple coats while not clumping up or making my lashes look like spider legs. (Can we all stop with the spider-leg lashes please?) Not all who Wander are lost.

15. Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara, $26

My other favorite mascara. I love almost everything Marc Jacobs Beauty makes and I use this when I'm going for a more dramatic, glamorous look. It has the same non-clumping quality as Wander Beauty and can be layered just as easily. You can get yours here.

16. Lashtonic Eyelash Lengthener, $15

Chemo has also taken its toll on my eyelashes and eyebrows, but this has actually helped them grow back where they thinned and grow thicker. I'm still undergoing chemo, but I use this every night before bed, and I haven't had any problems with either my eyelashes or my eyebrows thinning. Plus, it doesn't turn my eyes brown like some prescription lash lengtheners have been shown to do.

17. Dr. Brandt Needles No More Eye De-puffing Gel, $42

Works like magic! I also got this in my Boxycharm box for July, and I swear I've never seen anything work this well this fast. My eyes are always puffy when I wake up because each day I weep for humanity (not really), but my eyes are always puffy. My medications do that. This helps make me look like a human being who sleeps and is healthy, and that's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. The doctor will see you now.

18. Note Luminous Silk Blusher, $12

Blush tends to make me break out, but Note has created a solid compact blusher that gives me just a pinch of color where I need it, stays put, and doesn't make me break out. I was using a different blush for more than two years and couldn't figure out why I was breaking out only in certain spots. I stopped wearing each thing I put on my face for a week at a time, and found out it was the blush. I've been using this for about two weeks and haven't had any blush-related breakouts. Love Notes.

19. Tarte Ready, Set, Radiant Spray, $25

This was the first thing I saw when I opened my Boxycharm box for July, and I was stoked. Is it a setting spray? Is it a priming spray? Who knows! It does both. It's perfect for when you're going for that dewy, sun-kissed look, and it makes my makeup feel fresh when it starts feeling funky. Ready, set, get it.

20. Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation, $38

My favorite foundation besides ColourPop's much less expensive but equally high-quality. I only use this for special occasions because it stays on. Even if I forget setting spray, it stays put and blends with my weird skin tone very well. The rest of the time, I use ColourPop's liquid foundation and no filter powder. Foundation is one of those things that - most of the time—you get what you pay for. If you're buying $1 foundation, expect it to perform like $1 foundation. If you're buying $38 foundation, expect it to perform as such. The exception, of course, being ColourPop. Get it now, love it forever.

21. Luna by Luna Highlighter, $23

My favorite solid highlighter. It looks like it would be too dark to be a highlighter, but then you dust it on your cheekbones and browbones and bridge of your nose, and it gives you this otherworldly, lit-from-within glow. It's perfectly lightweight while staying in place all day. Glow baby glow.

22. Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen, $115

I know what you're thinking, and you're right. The price is up there, but this stuff is as effective as it is expensive. I got two sample sizes in a different beauty box a few months ago and the fine lines under my eyes are all but gone. They've kind of always been there, like, since the ripe old age of 15. They're so much softer and less noticeable now, and I feel like I'm seeing a younger version of my face in the mirror every day. You can get it here.

23. Mellow Matte Liquid Lip Paint, $16

The other favorite lippie. I like this matte formula because it's a little bit thinner than ColourPop's, but it also doesn't last as long. As with any lipstick that doesn't feel like dried paint on your lips, it won't stand up to greasy food, but it will stand up to just about everything else you can eat, drink, or smoke, if that's your thing. Find your shade.

24. Biossance Probiotic Gel Moisturizer, $16–$52

I got this as a sample in a beauty box a few months ago, and I'm loving it. I love gel moisturizers because I have incredibly oily skin, and gel moisturizers seem to be the only kind that are effective at keeping my skin hydrated while also not leaving it greasy and susceptible to zits. I am very picky about which moisturizers I use on my skin for these exact reasons, and this is one I'd go back to again and again. Keep your skin hydrated, y'all.

25. Luxie Brushes, price varies

My absolute favorite makeup brushes. I got an eyeshadow brush in a beauty box a few months ago and have developed a deep obsession with their entire line. They capture and hold onto powder very well while also cleaning easily. Best of all, (like everything I use) they're cruelty-free! Get the set.

26. DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo, $23

This is hands down the best dry shampoo I've found. Not surprisingly, I got it in a beauty box. It smells great and doesn't leave residue on my dark hair, which is a problem with most other dry shampoos I've tried. A little also goes a long way and being a person who has limited energy, I don't always want to wash my hair when I get in the shower. But I do always want my hair to feel clean, because who doesn't? Wash your hair without the hassle.

27. Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray, $25

My favorite blowout spray (I use Kenra Platinum Blow-dry Spray also, which is about $10 less). This makes my hair look like I got it done at the salon. It cuts my drying time in half and adds volume without making my hair poofy and unmanageable. It's soft, and I can run my fingers through it. It pairs great with Coco & Eve, and I can even sleep on my hair, wake up, brush it, and have it looking like it did the day before. Boom.

28. Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer, $20

The longest lasting eyeshadow primer I've ever used. It works under any kind of eyeshadow and keeps it in place even if I forget setting spray, which has been an important and recurring theme throughout this article, because I have a terrible memory. Thank me later.

29. Boxycharm, $21/month + free shipping

Most of the more expensive products I've found and mentioned here were because of Boxycharm. I am a beauty product addict. I love to try new things and I'll go into Sephora with my whole paycheck, black out, and walk out with who-even-knows-how-much makeup. It's bad. I'm working on it. Boxycharm helps. The products you receive are always full-size, which is the knockout hit for them as far as I'm concerned. I love Boxycharm. Subscribe here.

30. Wildberry Apothecary, price varies

What kind of businesswoman would I be if I didn't take the opportunity to talk about my own cosmetics business? I wouldn't do it if I didn't believe in the products I make. Favorites have been my Obsidian Super-concentrated Acne Clearing Soap and my deodorant bars. I use my own deodorant every day, and I live in Phoenix, which puts it to the ultimate test. Everything in my store is responsibly-sourced, cruelty-free, and vegan. Check it out, Wild Child.

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Stripes Joplin

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