HomeFashionI’m in My Spending Era, But These 30 Beauty Products Are Kind...
I’m in My Spending Era, But These 30 Beauty Products Are Kind to My Wallet
128
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items.
I've gone through many phases over the years: some good, some seriously questionable, and others I'd like to fully erase from time—like when I was in a committed relationship with my self-tanner. Actually, I was more like a stage-five clinger. I became completely attached to my orange-tinted skin and couldn't be stopped. I eventually snapped out of it, went through some other head-scratching times, and ended up here, in what I've coined as my "spending era."
Sure, I've always been a shopper, but I've never felt this constant urge to buy things. I swear it's like my credit card is hypnotizing me, begging me to use it, so now my laptop has a minimum of 20 tabs open at all times, and my online carts are always full. The upside is I've become a master curator, especially in the beauty department. I might be spending more often, but I'm also finding truly great deals. As proof, I've put together a list of 30 seriously affordable (and honestly underrated) beauty finds that I've either bought or have big plans to buy.
Leave it to Glossier to come out with a lip product inspired by the soft-touch silicone often used for phone cases. It's a soft, buttery formula with a demi-matte finish and opaque coverage. It's rich, velvety, and feels like a soft dream when applied.
This is easily the best under-$10 eyebrow gel.
For $14, you get a lot with this cleanser. Hyaluronic acid helps retain skin's natural moisture, niacinamide helps calm skin, and essential ceramides help restore and maintain skin's natural barrier.
If you're a big St. Tropez Mousse fan like I am, you'll be excited to know that this is the same formula in a limited-edition scent of fresh berries with rose and warm vanilla.
Did you know hair mists are having a moment?
The perfect product to use if you want that just-ate-a-popsicle tint on your lips.
I haven't been using this long enough to see any dramatic results, but I have to say I love applying it to my "problem areas" before bed. It's an overnight treatment that's meant to help reduce the appearance of aging and crepey skin. It's made with a 1% retinol blend, which helps restore skin elasticity and collagen; 10% AHA to visibly smooth skin; and sea buckthorn oil, glycerin, and HA for a soft, soothing base.
If someone told me these brushes were made from post-industrial recycled materials, I wouldn't have believed them. They're so soft and luxe.
I don't want to say I'm addicted to using these, but I really, really like them. They help get rid of my peach fuzz, and in turn, my makeup goes on smoother and my skincare absorbs faster and deeper.
Cream bronzer seemed scary until it wasn't (thanks to this).
I'm constantly looking for products to help reduce my keratosis pilaris, and I'm impressed with this duo. I use the scrub twice a week on dry skin before hopping in the shower. It helps buff away rough, dry, dead skin cells, and the smoothing body cream gently exfoliates.
I haven't met a Nécessaire product I haven't enjoyed, and this rollerball deodorant gel is no different. It's fast-drying and formulated with 5% AHA to help brighten discoloration and smooth bumps. Plus, the eucalyptus scent is heavenly.
There are so many things I love about this blush. It's smooth, easy to blend, stays put for hours, and the color payoff is elite.
This lip oil has gone viral for a reason.
I feel like this is such an underrated product. I never get as many compliments on my skin as I do when I use this prior to applying the rest of my makeup. It really does help you achieve that lit-from-within glow.
This made me a hand-cream person. The scent is intoxicating. It smells like freshly cut rose stems, and yes, it makes my hands incredibly soft!
I'll do anything for a dewy complexion, especially if a mask is involved. This one is formulated with papaya and pineapple enzymes to remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover.
If you like smelling like a tropical beach, this flirty scent of bergamot, luscious pear, and twilight jasmine will do the trick.
Everyone loves this oversize highlighting stick. Use it on your face or body to add a subtle sheen anywhere you want it.
This is powered by Mirsalehi honey and hyaluronic acid, so expect magical things to happen to your pout.
I'm a die-hard fan of the Radiance Dark Spot Serum ($82) and currently have this eye cream in my cart because of it. With the help of viniferine, caffeine, and niacinamide, it can help reduce the look of all types of dark circles.
I love a multipurpose liner. This one is made with good-for-skin moisturizing ingredients that make it easy to apply on lips, eyes, or cheeks.
This jelly-oil cleanser will dissolve makeup quickly and keep skin feeling extra clean and moisturized.
You can't go wrong with this hyaluronic acid serum, especially for the price. Your skin will actually retain moisture and look and feel healthier.
This gently buffs lips and leaves them feeling conditioned, hydrated, and revitalized thanks to all the lip-loving ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter, and essential oils.
Basically a filter in a bottle.
I love a baby oil, especially when it's with high-performing SPF 30 actives, a nostalgic scent, and oils that deliver an iconic, enviable shine.
I love this stuff because you can use it anywhere: your face, hands, feet, and elbows. If you have stubborn dryness, you can use this on it. Essential fatty acids and vitamin E moisturize and soften while organic pansy calms irritation and calendula flower extract gently helps repair and restore.
Pimple patches that actually work and aren't embarrassing to wear in public.
With the perfect ratio of super-gentle volcanic scrub spheres, shea butter, and pineapple enzymes, this face polish can brighten, smooth, and reenergize skin in no time.
Next: I'm Shopping for My First Summer in NYC—30 Must-Haves on My Wish List
