A Beauty Editor's 2026 List: The Products I Actually Use and Buy
From drugstore staples to luxury splurges, these are the skincare, hair, and makeup products I used most in 2025 and why they’re staying in my routine.
As a Beauty Editor, the question I’m asked most isn’t “What’s new?” but rather: “What do you actually use?” What are the products that live in my bathroom? Which ones reach empty? Which ones do I spend my own money on? While I test hundreds of products a year, these are my constants.
Note: If you notice a gap (like eye cream), it’s because I either don’t use one or haven’t found a “forever” favorite yet. I like to be 100% transparent. If you have any questions please let me know in the comments:
🧴 SKINCARE: The Foundation
My philosophy: Balm cleansers at night, water-only in the morning, and serious protection for that Florida sun.
The Best Balm Cleansers
I rotate between these three balm cleansers depending on what’s on my shelf, but the result is the same for soft, clean, pampered skin.
The Vitamin C Glow
I never skip Vitamin C for glow and also extra protection. CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum is a daily staple. If my skin needs a “kick up the a*rse,” I reach for Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum - the glycolic acid wakes the skin up and improves texture.
The Night Shift (Retinols & Peptides)
For Texture: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10. This is the gold standard for smoothing and boosting collagen. It’s the brand I recommend to everyone.
For Repair: No7 Future Renew Night Serum. The peptides are incredible for skin recovery and repairing damage.
Moisture & Sun Protection
The Household Staple: CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion. It’s in every bathroom in my house. I use it face-to-body.
The Luxury Face Sunscreens: Living in Florida, SPF is non-negotiable. I love Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ or RoC Retinol Correxion SPF 30 for that day-cream feel.
The Florida Must-Haves: We go through bottles of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 70. (UK friends: Stock up when you visit the US!) I also hide my Vacation SPF50 Spray from the kids because it smells too good to share. I also love Target Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF50 for on-the-go.
The Face SPF I’ve Got My Friends to Buy Too: e.l.f Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF30 is a brilliant face SPF and acts as a great makeup primer too.
The Night Recovery: If I’m dehydrated, I use Kyushi Night Recovery Face Oil. The lavender and jasmine blend smells beautiful.
The Bedside Essential: Dr. Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask.
🚿 BODY: High-Low Luxury
I don’t have a bath, so my shower and post-shower steps are my “me time.”
The Body Wash: I love the skincare-focused formulas from Dove and Olay. For a luxe scent that doesn’t break the bank, Soap & Glory (available at Walgreens/Boots) is unbeatable.
The Hydration: Joonbyrd Sunday Sofa Body Butter is my new obsession - the smell is divine. For something reliable, I go back to Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter.
💇♀️ HAIR: The Repair Specialists
I wash my hair three times a week and firmly believe in spending more on high-quality formulations.
The Luxe Shampoos: I’m currently loving Champö Volumising Pitta, but I always keep Living Proof and Olaplex in the rotation.
The Game Changer: K18 Leave-In Molecular Intensive Hair Mask. I have paid for every single $75 bottle myself. It has transformed the strength of my hair from the inside out.
The Tools: The Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer and Corrale Straightener are pricey, but they are worth the investment for long-term hair health.
💄 MAKEUP: The “Skin-First” Edit
As I age, my makeup gets lighter. I want my skin to show through.
The Base: I prefer lightweight tints with skincare benefits like Naked Sundays BeautyScreen™ SPF 50 or Beauty Pie Superluminous Tinted Skin Serum.
The Blush: I alternate between Jones Road Lip & Cheek Stick (Bright Pink) and Merit Flush Balm (Stockholm). These shades are perfect for any skin tone.
The Eyes: For everyday definition, e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel is a must for my brows. For eyelashes, I always curl my lashes with Tweezerman Eyelash Curlers and for mascara, Sweed Cloud Mascara is my current fav - it’s a tubing formula, so it won’t smudge on my contact lenses.
The Signature Nail: I never stray from OPI “Let’s Be Friends.”
🖋️ FRAGRANCE: The Final Step
I wear perfume even when I’m home alone. You can truly smell the quality in high-end fragrance.
My current rotation:
Editor’s Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only ever recommend products I genuinely use, love, and finish.
I hope this was helpful! I’d love to know if you have tried any of these products or if you have any questions…
The Elemis cleansing balms are soooo lovely!!