Rinse, Repeat: 8 Beauty Products I Keep Buying
I’ll admit, I can be a bit fickle where beauty products are concerned. I’m (almost) always willing to try something new that promises to be more effective. I don’t expect miracles, but some products work noticeably better for me than others, and I’ll keep replenishing those until I come across another that’s an improvement.
Here are a few products that I’ve re-purchased at least once and plan to purchase again when they run out:
8 Beauty Product “Re-Buys”
- Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash. We’re now on our 3rd or 4th bottle of this, and le Monsieur loves it as much as I do. It smells lovely, and the pumice grains do a nice bit of exfoliation. (Tip: you can also use in the shower for a mild gommage.) It’s a bit of a splurge, but a bottle does last for months, and it’s a little daily indulgence that we both enjoy. Great for gardeners too!
- Makeover Workshop Re-Creation Lip Treatment. This is really a wonder product, in my opinion. I used to always have rough, flaky lips no matter how much lip balm I used. Once I started applying this product two or three times a day, my lips became noticeably smoother and the flakiness all but vanished. (Tip: allow to soak in for a few minutes before applying lip color.) I’ve been using this for a couple of years now and wouldn’t be without it.
- Chantecaille Lip Chic in “Amour.” This is my MLBB, no-brainer, apply-without-having-to-look color. The formula is fantastic: sheer and moisturizing but also stays on for hours.
- Makeover Workshop Firming Neck And Throat Creme. As I said above, I don’t expect miracles, but I did notice a difference after using this for a couple of weeks. The skin on my neck and under my chin looked smoother and less puckered. (Brian recently gave me a sample of the Illuminate & Contour Eye Serum Treatment which has some of the same active ingredients. I’ve just started using that one and will report back.)
- Charlotte Tilbury Life Changing Lashes Eyelash Curler. I was a fan of the Shu Uemura eyelash curler for many years, until they stopped selling in stores in the US. After that I tried one from Chanel I really liked, but that was discontinued soon after. Next, I did a couple of rounds with the one from Kevin Aucoin which was also good. But it’s been intermittently unavailable, and on a whim I tried Charlotte’s. It doesn’t seem to curl as tightly as prior brands I used, but the upside of that is that I don’t inadvertently crimp my lashes too sharply either. An eyelash curler generally lasts me about 6-9 months, with a pad change halfway through. If I could just buy the replacement pads, I’d do it. (Tip: heat the curler with your blow dryer for a few seconds, and curl lashes BEFORE applying mascara. Clean the curler regularly with a bit of makeup remover or a cotton pad soaked with micellar water.)
- Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes 5 Star Mascara. (Yes, they are a bit “extra”✨✨ with these product names…) I was a big fan of Chanel “Le Volume de Chanel” mascara for a few years, but I switched to this one in the interest of moving toward a cruelty-free makeup bag. I like it just as much as the Chanel. Goes on smoothly, doesn’t flake or smudge, comes off easily with cleanser and water.
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. It’s gentle, doesn’t dry my hair or mess with the color. The lavender fragrance is heavenly. (Tip: the conditioner is also quite good. A small bottle lasts me for years because I need so little of it.)
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment. This is another product that lasts me for ages because a little bit is all I need. It simultaneously makes my hair feel fuller and smoother. (Tip: rub a small amount into wet hair after washing. Comb or brush through, then dry/style as normal.)
None of these products are tested on animals. 🐰 Do you tend to stick with the same beauty products, or do you frequently try new ones?
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I tend to stay with the tried and true: Prescription retinol, Josie Moran Argan oil moisturizer with SPF 47, Embriolisse moisturizer, Bite Beauty argan oil lip balm, Bioderma Micellar cleanser, Mad Hippie Serum (Hyaluronic acid and Vit. C) and YSL Pur Couture lipstick in Rose Stiletto. And Maybelline BB Cream. NYX eyebrow, eyeliner pencil in brown.
If I had to grab a bag and rush somewhere, if these things were in it, I’d be fine! I DO like to experiment with different items, though, especially when out of the country. My son brought me back some Lucas Papaw Ointment from Australia, and that may be a repeat buy (via Amazon).
My one and only repeat purchase is my mascara, a drug store find from Loreal. Double Extend Tube Forming mascara. It has a primer on one end and the mascara on the other. Less than $10. And truly miraculous – My dermatologist asked me where I was getting my Latisse Rx. I do not use Latisse. It’s the mascara. It goes on smoothly, wears like iron. I can go ocean swimming in it. I can watch my baby get married. I can work out in humid weather. And to remove? Simply wash with a cleanser and warm water, gently tug the lashes ( and I do mean gently) and the mascara slides off. Heaven help me if it’s ever discontinued. I may start hoarding.
I can’t live without Josie Maran Light Argan oil for nighttime moisturizing, their Argan oil SPF for beach and gardening days, the same Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5 in 1 you mentioned, Bobbi Brown Vanilla eyeshadow stick (either alone or as a base) and IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better tinted moisturizer with SPF. I really do hoard the Josie Maran, because it’s magical.
If your lips are dry and flaky it’s usually a sign of dehydration.
I drink a lot of water, though. 🙂
I tend to stay with tried and true beauty products and/or treatments, until they are discontinued, the formula is changed, or I happen upon a better product.
These are my favorites of products featured, of which I buy multiples at a time:
–Michel Design Works Foaming Hand Soap in Peony
–Lip Treatment Criso (yes, that Crisco, recommended by physician) at night
–Lip Color/Treatment everyday–Clinique in Black Honey
–Nectifirm by Revision Neck and Throat Cream–this is on my neck and throat at ALL TIMES.
No, it’s not substitute for a neck lift. And yes, it actually makes a difference–again, recommended by a physician.
–Kevin Aucoin Eye Lash Curler–I purchased a dozen of these some years ago and also give as gifts–reliable and long lasting.
–Lancome Hypnose Volumizing Mascara, regular formula in black.
Every few years I try something different and they don’t come close to competing.
–Kevin Murphy Cruelty Free Hair Products, Repair Me Shampoo.
I used to splurge on the Redken Nanoworks Shampoo–it was a trip to heaven as the fragrance was just divine and my hair looked better than ever. Alas, a few years ago Redken changed the formula and marketed it as Nanoworks Gold. Not the same product or results, and others agreed in reviews, so I changed to what my hair stylist uses–Kevin Murphy products. They don’t have the harmful chemicals found in other products and aren’t tested on animals.
–It’s a Ten Leave In Hair Treatment.
Does it all and in one product– I won’t be without it. It detangles, imparts fabulous shine, manageability, gives body, and with no stickiness, build up or dulling of hair.
Other products that work for me are Amlactin body cream with alpha hydroxy acid,
(reduces appearance of fine lines on arms) La Roche Posay Anthelios
Suncreen, Creme de la Mer cream at night, and 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Eye Cream (reduces puffiness and moisturizes), and topical Vitamin C and Retin A for skin treatments.
Thanks for sharing products–it’s always good to know what works and does not work for others that sometimes we may want to try. The Chantecaille lipstick is on my list to try–the color is flattering yet neutral.
I just ordered Living Proof Perfect Hair Day, so thank you for that tip. Would love to try a new mascara, but I’m too fair for black and have a hard (read impossible, time finding a good brown. With eyeglasses, and at 71, anything but a light swipe of mascara on the tips of my lashes looks overdone. I do love MAC Brulé on my lids, and Clinique Shy lipstick, which I’ve worn for years. It’s understated and pretty, maybe a bit like the Chantecaille. Also have recently discovered (thanks to Alison at Wardrobe Oxygen) Dr. Jart’s Cicapair Color Correcting Treatment, and IT Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination, both of which are AMAZING.
Oh, goodie, I love trying new stuff. That’s why I need an organizer. I need a new eyelash curler. Mine is killing me. I’ll also try the CT mascara. I get new ones every six months or so. I find that new ones work better and i need all the help I can get. Love your makeup suggestions. Always fun.
I’m interested to hear that you’ve successfully used both the Kevyn Aucoin and Charlotte Tilsbury eyelash curlers. I happily relied on the KA version for years, but recently got a little bored and was enticed by the pretty rose-gold goodness of the CT version. So I got that–but couldn’t use it. It isn’t the right shape for my lash line. Are you able to use both? Moi, I’m heading back for another KA curler… BTW, I agree with you utterly on the perfection of the Chantecaille lip chic. My MLBB shade is Bourbon Rose, but Amour is lovely, too. It must go so well with your blonde hair! Now I’m intrigued by the CT mascara. My current go-to for waterproof mascara is Armani Eyes to Kill. So great. On a daily basis–when it’s dry out–I’ve come to love RMS Beauty’s volumizing mascara. To be clear, it doesn’t volumize(!). But I like that. I prefer a very understated mascara that adds color to my adequately long but pale lashes. This does the trick, doesn’t clump, doesn’t cause raccoon eyes…and it’s natural. Definitely recommend it.
I love that purple Pureology shampoo and conditioner. It’s one of my regulars…pricey but really works on blonde color treated hair.
Aveda is one of my go to brands. Their hair products are great, and their foot relief lotion is all I use. When I use it daily (all seasons), my feet are usually in great shape even in sandal season. And I’ve recently discovered their Stress Fix body creme. It’s just glorious, and a little dab from a purse size is perfect hand cream for me. Others might find it a bit heavy, but it’s perfect for my dry skin.
Love Pureology! Have been using it for years! I need volume and use the Green Lite Volume but when more moisture Flufly. Never messes with color and just love this. Also love Aveda Control Paste…one of the best products around. May not be great for finer, thin hair. I have lots of hair but fine. Thanks for all the great ideas!
Here are my more budget conscious repeats:
– Aquage color protecting shampoo and conditioner. Cheaper than Pureology, and I like it better.
– Trader Joe’s Nourish facial cleanser. When I started going cruelty-free, I had to stop using Cetaphil and this was my replacement. Very gentle. Lots of antioxidants.
– Embryolisse. Not as budget friendly, but more moisturizing.
– Andalou Vitamin C serum. Doesn’t dry my skin like some Vit C serums can. Regular use let me skip lasering off my dark spots this year.
It’s great that you’re featuring cruelty-free cosmetics. I like the brands Korres and Lush. I have Korres mascara and coloured lip balms. The Lush shampoo I use is a bar, so zero waste!
Love the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day! Thank you so much for the great tip. It doesn’t weigh my hair down, gives it a nice shine. I’m so glad to finally find a hair product that does what it’s supposed to do.
Thank you SO much for highlighting cruelty free products. In the last year or so, I , too, have started to pare down to only cruelty free products for face and body. Love your suggestions and looking forward to trying out the Makeover line for skincare.