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My world has almost always revolved around beauty. It started as a kid, wearing makeup a few times a year for my dance concerts, but swiftly grew to being overwhelmingly obsessed with makeup and skincare by high school — and yes, I am still my friend’s go-to person for skincare or makeup advice!
After such a long-standing love affair with beauty, and a few years of working at cult-favourite retailer MECCA, it’s no wonder I’ve made a career out of talking about beauty.
While I love trying, testing, and talking about beauty products, I’m always as equally curious about what other people are loving. What foundation is my mum using? What lipstick are my best friends all loving? You name it, I want to know it.
So if you’ve ever been as curious as I am about someone else’s makeup bag… welcome. Here is where you’ll get the inside scoop on a beauty writer’s favourite products.
Skincare favourites
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
$93 at Sephora
With the heater constantly running in a bid to stay warm throughout winter, my skin has felt a little on the dryer side. So needless to say, this Caudalie Beauty Elixir that lives on my desk has been a life saver.
Formulated with rose, rosemary and grape for radiance, soothing and a boost of hydration, a light spritz of this mist allows me to feel refreshed and revived. It’s enough to perk me up mid-afternoon, or refresh my makeup before heading out after work.
Sven’s Island Miracle Manuka Skin Repair Ointment
$40.45 at Healthylife
Speaking of winter skin, I’ll admit I haven’t given mine the care it deserves during the colder months. Thankfully, Sven’s Island Miracle Manuka has been a real saviour – soothing and healing any irritation almost instantly.
The manuka oil forms a gentle, protective barrier that helps the skin repair itself while calming redness. With a thick, balm-like texture, it’s great to apply at night and let it work magic while you sleep.
In fact, it’s so good, I gave this to my mum who suffers from eczema and psoriasis, and it worked wonders for her skin. Almost instantly after applying, her hands felt less irritated and the redness noticeably eased.
Esmi Skin Minerals Cleansing Butter Balm
$39 at Adore Beauty
One thing to know about me, is that I am ride-or-die for a great cleansing balm. So I was incredibly grateful that after realising I was running low, this new Esmi Cleansing Butter Balm landed on my desk.
Rich, creamy and buttery, this formula easily breaks down skincare and makeup, without irritating my eyes (a big win!) or drying out my skin. Due to the ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the formula, it’s hydrating and nourishing, while still effectively cleansing my skin.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
$146 at Adore Beauty
I’ve been using the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum for a while now, and honestly? I can’t imagine my skincare routine without it. Think of it as a pre-serum, or the first step in your routine after cleansing.
It’s designed to leave the skin hydrated and radiant, while also helping the subsequent products absorb more effectively. Infused with ginseng, this Korean beauty staple has quickly become a non-negotiable in my routine.
Makeup favourites
PeriPera Ink Mood Glowy Tint
$16 at W Cosmetics
To be totally honest, I already loved this product and had two or three on constant rotation, but I recently purchased shade 28 Rose Standard, and it has instantly become my favourite.
These lip tints are lightweight and easy to apply (they feel similar to a lip gloss without the stick), and have long-lasting colour that sees me through the day with just a touch up of lip balm. They are an absolute hero in my makeup bag and I will undoubtedly be purchasing more.
Merit Solo Shadow
$38 at Merit
As I’ve gotten older, I’m less concerned about a dramatic eyeshadow look that takes 25 minutes, and am more interested in how quickly and easily I can apply a product that will still look like I’ve put the effort in.
Which is why these Solo Shadow’s from Merit are so handy. The cream-to-powder formula offers a soft yet buildable wash of colour across the eye that looks great in a matter of seconds. I have quite oily eyelids, but I find that a light dusting of setting powder after applying the shadow is all I need for it to last the day!
Haus Labs Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm Stick
$62 at Haus Labs
I’ve seen a huge rise in multi-use blush balm hybrids lately, and this Haus Labs Color Fuse tops the list for me. I’ve been using shade Glassy Cinnamon which works well as a blush/bronzer mix – minimising the time I’m spending on my makeup each morning.
The product is creamy and super blendable on the face, and can also be used on the lip for a cohesive look. It sits naturally on the skin, offering a healthy glow without being too shiny or matte.
Hair favourites
Robe Haircare Sleek+Treat
$49.99 at Adore Beauty
Anyone with flyaways will know the pain of trying to style your hair, only to have it ruined by breakage and baby hairs alike. Luckily, the Robe Haircare Sleek+Treat is a game changer.
Not only does this mascara-like wand slick the hair down into place (and it stays in place), it also treats the hair while doing so. It allows for a smooth finish to the hair, without tonnes of hair spray or gel leaving it feeling gross at the end of the day. It’s lightweight, protective and easy to use – all my favourite things in a hair product.
OUAI Wave Spray
$54 at Sephora
For effortless texture after styling my hair, I have been turning to the OUAI Wave Spray lately. It adds a natural texture to the hair that makes both styled or natural hair look instantly better.
The formula is lightweight and doesn’t make the hair feel crunchy like other sea-salt sprays can. As someone with short, fine hair, it also doesn’t weigh the hair down which is an added bonus.
Typebea Ultimate Styling Serum
$40 at Typebea
For effortless texture after styling my hair, I have been turning to the OUAI Wave Spray lately. It adds a natural texture to the hair that makes both styled or natural hair look instantly better.
The formula is lightweight and doesn’t make the hair feel crunchy like other sea-salt sprays can. As someone with short, fine hair, it also doesn’t weigh the hair down which is an added bonus.
Other favourites
