25 Beauty Products I Never Think Twice About Recommending to My Friends
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which oneBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team member or friend of the brand will share the top 25 finds on their current wish list.
Sharing beauty product recommendations is my love language. It's only fitting that my career now involves doing it full-time because, for as long as I can remember, buying, testing, and offering unsolicited reviews of everything from lip gloss to nail polish has been a favorite pastime of mine. Don't ask me which retinol is best or if that spendy face oil is worth the price tag unless you have time for a full-blown TED Talk. Seriously—I'm passionate about beauty and connecting people with the products and practices that might best serve their goals and lifestyles.
Naturally, I've become the person many of my friends come to when considering new beauty purchases. If I haven't tried it for myself, there's a good chance I've already done a deep-dive into the online reviews to see what's what. But there are some tried-and-true products that I can now recommend without even thinking because they're just that good. Keep scrolling to check out which items made the cut.
Makeup
I don't know who needs to hear this, but this is one of the best foundations ever. It's super lightweight, but the coverage is top-notch.
Whenever someone is struggling to find a nude lipstick that isn't too light or ashy looking, I recommend this one.
I love the packaging this blush is housed in. It makes it so easy to dot it directly onto the cheeks before blending out with your fingers or a brush.
I've been about that liquid-eyeliner life since high school, and this pen is among the top five best ones I've ever used.
Skin
I can't tell you how many people have asked if this beloved vitamin C serum is actually worth the hefty price tag. The answer? A resounding hell yes.
I've turned many friends on to this cleanser and have heard just as many anecdotes about its skin-clearing superpowers.
This serum employs some really cool, unique technology that allows its active ingredients to only penetrate the skin cells that actually need them. For those with sensitive skin who want to experiment with ingredients that would otherwise irritate their skin, this is a great option.
My tired winter skin has officially met its match, and I can never be without this serum again.
These peel pads are everything. They revive dull, lackluster skin so fast.
I'm in a group text that could pass for a Drunk Elephant subreddit. If I love you, you're getting some DE for your birthday.
Body
Do you like having hella-soft skin and smelling as fresh and sweet as a heaven-sent cherub? If yes, then trust me—you need this set.
I've gotten more "you smell so good" compliments while wearing this clean fragrance than I can even count at this point. It smells a little different on everyone, which is part of its charm.
I've always wanted to be a serious probiotic taker, but for some reason, it just never stuck. Taking these daily, along with some conscious changes to my diet, has completely transformed my life. I'm talking more energy, better digestion, and substantially less bloating after just one month into this journey.
I'm a firm believer that everyone should have this gritty exfoliating towel in their shower. A once-over on any exposed skin from the neck down delivers the softest skin you've ever felt, and you can quote me on that.
Nails
This goes out to everyone who, like me, loves a cute gray nail polish. You are not alone.
And when I just can't be bothered with painting my own nails, these press-ons save me every time. All my bougie friends who are missing their monthly manicures have gotten an earful about these from me.
Surrounding Surfaces was made specially to support the efforts of Summaeverythang Community Center, a Los Angeles food justice program that provides free organic produce boxes to families in Watts and South Central Los Angeles. So on top of being one of the most luxurious cuticle oils you'll find, it's also a purchase you can feel good about.
Hair
I'm not trying to be dramatic, but this scalp mask (and my entire Prose haircare system TBH) changed my life. A quick quiz will tell you exactly which custom products would be best suited for your hair and scalp needs. Best five minutes you'll spend—I promise.
The round-brush version of this hairstyler gets way more attention, but I'm telling you if you have curly or coily hair, then this flat paddle-brush version is a much better option.
Yes, this is my prized possession. I wouldn't call myself an edge artist or anything, but with this brush, I can at least ensure that my little baby hairs look smooth and cute at all times.
I've used this treatment on my hair once or twice a month since the start of quarantine, and my strands have never been stronger.
She's expensive, but she's worth it. We love her.
Up next, Nordstrom Is Currently a Gold Mine of 2021 Beauty Trends—Here's What I'd Buy
Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previouslyBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.
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