This year, I committed to a self-inflicted shopping ban. It's not like I'm irresponsible with my money or I lack self-control; I just noticed that I, like so many other people on the planet, possess more material items than I probably should. My drawers are stuffed with clothes I haven't worn in years, and between you and me, my beauty collection could probably stock half of the shelves at any given Sephora. So even though it isn't egregious, it's not great.
So along with a lot of purging and donating, I committed to a shopping ban. That doesn't mean I can't buy anything. Instead, it means I can only buy essentials. Well, that's the idea anyway. I may or may not have made an exception. Okay, fine, 15 exceptions. That might sound like a total fail, but hear me out: I'm only going to buy these products when the equivalents—that I already own—are all used up. For example, if it's a body lotion I'm eyeing, I'll wait to purchase it until I use up my existing body lotion. You get the idea. Ahead, check out all 15 items.
Somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a traditional foundation, this formula is smooth and hydrating. What really sets it apart from other formulas, though, has to be the soft candlelit glow it gives my skin. Even when I'm out in broad daylight, my skin looks soft and lit from within. I've been wearing it almost every day, and I know I'll be repurchasing it when I run out.
Speaking of soft candlelit radiance, this concealer offers the same effect with more coverage. Even though it's matte, it's a sort of radiant matte, like the TikTok-viral cloud skin effect. It disguises my blemishes, redness, and dark circles without screaming "concealer," and thanks to a self-setting formula, it rarely requires powder over the top.
I've been using at-home dermaplaners for years now. Not only do they get rid of annoying peach fuzz, but they exfoliate and smooth the skin to help makeup apply flawlessly. This budget-friendly pack lasts me months.
I've professed my love for this teeth-whitening pen many times before. It's so easy to use, doesn't taste horrible or sting my gums, and most importantly, keeps my smile nice and bright despite a lot of coffee and tea consumption. Shopping ban or not, this is something I'll continue to repurchase.
I have (and swear by) the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24), but this little daytime version has been on my radar for a while now. It offers the same hydrating benefits as the original but in a thinner, shiny formula. And the peach flavor is delightful.
One of my favorite skincare tips I picked up from Korean influencers is to soak a facial cotton square in a hydrating essence or toner and leave it on your skin for a few minutes like a sheet mask. I've found that it helps hydrate and plump my cheeks and forehead, which tend to be dry, red, and irritated otherwise.
I've been dying to try this loose powder ever since I first saw it on my Instagram feed, but I'll have to wait a little longer, seeing as I still have some of my trusty Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($47) left to use up. The unique four-color formula color corrects, mattifies, blurs, and illuminates all in one swipe. After seeing the perfect "cloud skin" effect it offers on other people's skin, I want (no need) it to be on mine.
We double-cleanse our faces, but why don't we double-cleanse our bodies? I recently started doing this by using this oil-based bodywash first, followed by a foaming gel bodywash. Ever since, my skin has been so soft, calm, and clean. This is one of those iconic French pharmacy products that always lives up to the hype.
I've been on a dark nail polish kick recently. While I love neutrals just as much as the next person, there's just something so cool and unforgettable about a moody manicure. This is my favorite shade to wear at the moment. It's simultaneously sophisticated and edgy.
I can't wait to get my hands on this hair mask. As someone with dry, damaged hair, I have to stop myself from hoarding hair masks—they're pretty much the only thing that hydrates my strands and keeps split ends at bay. This one uses hyaluronic acid, bio-fermented coconut water, and polyglutamic acid to transform hair overnight (literally).
I have a lot of travel coming up, which means I'm prepping my carry-on with only the best of the best. This sleep mask made the cut. It's contoured, so it doesn't rest on your eyelids like others do (which means it's good for lash extensions). It feels super comfortable on my skin (because it's made of silk), and it blocks out light so I can catch some z's on long flights.
Sometimes, I just need a little spritz of a face mist to feel hydrated and refreshed. This skin-quenching one contains calming chamomile, as well as aloe vera and coconut water.
I used to frequently use a body brush on my skin before showering, but somewhere around the holidays, I fell off the wagon. I want to get back into the swing of things, so I have my eye on this stiff-bristled brush that can exfoliate my skin, aid in lymphatic drainage, and increase circulation for a healthy glow.
I was lucky enough to smell this editor-loved scent from Perfumehead, and when I did, I knew it was only a matter of time until I was the proud owner of a bottle of my own. It smells like summer—literally like sun-warmed skin. It transports me to somewhere warm and relaxing with notes of dewy palm leaves, bergamot, blood orange, lemon blossom, neroli, frangipani, and sandalwood. I know it's expensive, but trust me, it's too good to miss out on.
This is the only lash serum I use because it makes a real and visible difference in the length, density, and pigmentation of my lashes. I truly can't recommend it enough. The same goes for the brand's brow serum.
