Every so often, I like to shake up my skincare, haircare, and makeup routine. It keeps things fresh, and honestly, experimenting with new products is one of the best parts of being a beauty lover. Over the past few months, I’ve discovered a handful of game-changing products that have completely worked their way into my daily life. Some were instant obsessions, while others snuck up on me after a little trial and error—but all of them have earned permanent spots on my vanity.
Here’s the lineup of my current beauty favorites, each one making me feel a little more polished, glowing, and put together.
1. A Lip That’s Equal Parts Retro and Timeless
The NARS Audacious Lipstick in Olivia is pure magic. Think of that perfect ’70s-inspired orangey-brown-red lip, but modernized in a way that feels both bold and wearable. As a redhead, I find warm red tones flatter me best, and this one has been such a confidence-boosting shade. I’m convinced a tube of this will live in my purse forever—at least as long as NARS keeps making it.
2. The Highlighter That’s Pure Luxury
It breaks my heart a little that the Chanel Camelia de Plumes Highlighting Powder is limited edition, because it’s that good. It gives the softest, moonlit glow that somehow manages to look ethereal without being over the top. I initially bought it because the packaging was too pretty to resist, but the luminous finish it gives has made it a holy grail in my routine. I love dusting it not only on my cheekbones but also as eyeshadow or in the inner corners of my eyes for an instant brightening effect.
3. A Skincare Secret Weapon
My skincare routine was missing something until I found the Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum. I stumbled across it while staying at my mom’s house and loved the immediate clarity it brought to my skin. It’s fairly strong—so probably not ideal for super sensitive skin—but it has worked wonders for lightening stubborn sunspots and smoothing texture. I now use it every other night, massaging it in before night cream. My complexion looks brighter and more even than it has in years.
4. A Primer That Actually Delivers
Primers can be tricky for me—too tacky, too greasy, too much. But the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer is perfection. It makes my complexion look smooth and translucent, almost like a soft-focus filter, while locking in my makeup with serious staying power. It even makes everything waterproof, which means my foundation actually lasts through long days. The only downside? You’ll need a little extra effort at night to fully wash it off—but honestly, it’s worth it.
5. A Hair Hero in a Bottle
Forget dry shampoo. Kevin Murphy’s Antigravity Spray has completely replaced it in my routine. My friend and hairdresser Jessica, who always has that effortlessly tousled, bedhead-perfect hair, introduced me to it. Instead of just soaking up oil, it revives flat hair, adding volume and texture without the heaviness. I scrunch it into second-, third-, or even fourth-day hair, and it instantly feels fresh and bouncy again. Consider me obsessed.
6. A Powder Made for Pale Skin
Finding a face powder that flatters very fair skin can feel impossible, but Make Up For Ever’s Super Matte Powder in Pale Pink is a dream. A makeup artist once recommended it to me, and I’ve been loyal ever since. It brightens my complexion without making me look washed out, leaving behind the prettiest “English rose” finish. My trick is to apply it with a velour puff only to my T-zone for a smooth, creamy effect that lasts all day.
7. The Oil That Transformed My Hair
I’ve raved about Leonor Greyl’s Huile de Palme before, but it deserves another mention because of how much it’s done for my hair. This pre-shampoo treatment oil has seriously strengthened my fine, snag-prone strands and even brought back some of my natural wave. I massage it into my ends about an hour before washing, and after a few months, the improvement in texture and health was undeniable. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
8. A Daily Ritual That Doubles as Beauty Care
Okay, not technically a beauty product—but my mornings now start with a cup of puh-erh tea, usually with cardamom. It’s a fermented tea that’s been gaining attention for its benefits to skin and digestion, and I can see why. The smoky flavor has grown on me, and I love that it delivers a gentle buzz without the crash of coffee. It feels like a small, nourishing ritual that complements everything else I do for my skin.
Final Thoughts
Beauty, for me, is about more than just products—it’s about little rituals that make me feel like the best version of myself. Each of these finds has added something special, whether it’s a glow, a confidence boost, or just an excuse to slow down and take a moment for self-care.
I hope this list gave you a few new ideas to test out in your own routine. And if you’ve discovered any game-changing products lately, I’d love to hear about them—I’m always on the hunt for the next favorite to add to my lineup.
