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Makeup Must-Haves
MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Matte Lipstick in Vermillion Red
For a comfortable matte lip that actually stays put, this has become my go-to. It doesn't feel drying, and better yet, it doesn't migrate or transfer while I'm going about my day. Vermillion is an especially beautiful holiday red that's worth checking out.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY Mini Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo
Fair to light skin tones, this one's specifically for you. Finding a bronzer that isn't overly warm can be tricky, but this strikes that perfect balance. It's subtle enough for everyday wear but buildable when you want more definition, with just a hint of warmth that keeps things natural. The highlighter is equally understated and beautiful.
ARMANI Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer in Bronze Blush
Shade 11 Bronze Blush is one of those rare products that actually does it all. When I wear this, there's no need for separate bronzer, blush, or highlighter—it gives my skin this beautiful flush of color that makes me feel completely put together.
ARMANI Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation & Luminous Silk Concealer
After countless foundations in my quest for a perfect natural-looking one, this is genuinely beautiful on the skin. It gives enough coverage to even out your complexion while letting your real skin peek through, and what really makes it special is that gorgeous lit-from-within glow. I finally understand why everyone calls it one of the best.
This isn't for full-coverage lovers, but if you want a natural-looking foundation, this one delivers. A word about shade matching though: even as someone who usually nails their shade match, this one threw me. I typically go for fair-to-light neutral tones, but 3.75 (very fair, pink) ended up being my perfect match. Definitely try this in store or research swatches extensively before buying.
MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick Foundation
This has been my reliable companion for years now. When I need to get ready quickly, this cream foundation stick is my go-to. It blends beautifully and performs consistently—well, except for that one time I damaged my skin barrier and nothing would stick properly. I use both Bone and Silk shades: Bone matches my skin tone perfectly, while Silk's yellow undertones help brighten my under-eye area and cancel out dark circles.
Complexion & Sun Protection
IRIS&ROMEO Weekend SPF 50 + Vitamin C+ Glow in Universal Glow
If you've tried Supergoop Glowscreen and found it a bit too luminous, this might be your perfect match. It gives your skin a beautiful glow but in a more subtle way, and it actually feels like skin when you wear it. While they offer other shades, I love Universal Glow for its simplicity—just apply and go. It adds life to my complexion without looking overdone.
Lip Products
PATRICK TA Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss
Full Syringe (red) has become my most-reached-for shade. What sets this apart is how it plumps without that overwhelming tingly sensation—no numbing effect or strange taste taking over your mouth. It just gives my naturally pale lips some beautiful color and fullness.
HUDA BEAUTY Faux Filler Shiny Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
The clear shade has earned a permanent spot in my routine. Unlike typical thick glosses, this one gives you that beautiful shine without the sticky feeling (though if you prefer thinner formulas, check out Tower28 instead). The vanilla cupcake scent is a lovely bonus.
Cheeks & Color
MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush
As someone who appreciates multitasking products, this cream blush really delivers. While it works on both cheeks and lips (though it's not particularly hydrating as a lip product), what I love most is its versatility. It blends easily with fingers or a brush, and works beautifully even on bare skin when you just want a quick flush of color. The finish looks natural—like your own skin—without being overly dewy.
Eyes & Brows
BENEFIT COSMETICS Badgal Bang! Volumizing Mascara - Waterproof
My makeup style has shifted away from dramatic lashes to something more refined, and this mascara perfectly suits that change. It gives just enough volume while keeping lashes defined and separated—ideal for my natural makeup looks. Since I often film close-up, I appreciate how it rarely clumps, though I do take my time applying it and occasionally use a lash comb. For even more natural-looking definition, I sometimes reach for the Lancôme Lash Idôle instead.
BENEFIT COSMETICS Precisely, My Brow Tinted Eyebrow Wax
While I enjoyed Merit's Brow 1980 when it launched, this one's perfect if you wanted something with more staying power and pigment. The dual-sided brush really lets you work with precision, creating anything from naturally sculpted to fluffy brows. One tip from experience: start with a light hand—it's much easier to build up than to fix over-application.
Body Care
JOSIE MARAN Always Nude (Unscented) Whipped Argan Oil Refillable Firming Body Butter
Unlike some body butters that feel like an arm workout to apply, this one's a joy to use. It melts into your skin effortlessly while providing serious hydration.
NÉCESSAIRE The Body Lotion Eucalyptus
As someone who finds joy in herbal scents, this lotion was a beautiful surprise. I've made it part of my nighttime routine, letting that calming eucalyptus fragrance help ease me into sleep. Beyond the lovely scent, it genuinely hydrates while supporting your skin with peptides and niacinamide.
SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel
As someone who dreams of smelling like vanilla salted caramel pistachio all day, I had to find a way to enjoy Sol de Janeiro's fragrances despite my sensitivity to scents. The OG Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62 Bum Bum Mist is beautiful but intense - I use such tiny amounts that this bottle will probably follow me to my retirement home! But the shower cream? I can actually bathe in it—no pun intended—and enjoy that gorgeous scent without triggering my usual fragrance headaches. Just note that it's on the thinner side, so if you're looking for that rich, bubbly lather, this might not be your perfect match.
Hair Care
NÉCESSAIRE Rosemary Shampoo & Conditioner
For me, morning showers are about waking up my senses, and this rosemary duo does exactly that. The herbal fragrance is perfectly balanced—so much so that my husband regularly asks what's making our bathroom smell like a spa. Beyond the beautiful scent, it delivers real care with plant proteins and ceramides, making it especially great for those concerned about hair thinning.
K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Yes, it's an investment, but for severely bleached or colored hair, this product can be transformative. While Olaplex works well for minor damage or maintenance, K18 is what you reach for after those "what have I done?" moments of DIY color gone wrong. It can take that cotton candy texture and transform it back into actual hair. The good news? A little goes a long way—I use just one pump for my short hair, while longer styles might need 2-3 pumps.
Skincare
FRESH Skincare Collection
My journey with these products started during a self-imposed skincare reset. After an extended time of testing skincare products for brands (which can really challenge your skin barrier, even when you're careful about ingredients), I stripped everything back to just these five items while I let my skin recover:
Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer and Eye Cream
Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream
The results were beautiful—brighter complexion, healthy glow, and most importantly, a happy skin barrier. Sometimes the best routine is simply finding what works and sticking with it.
GOOP Goopglow Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
I know physical exfoliants can be controversial, but this one's genuinely gentle enough for daily use. The formula balances the exfoliation with hydrating ingredients, so your skin never feels stripped or dry afterward.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm
While the original is lovely, this rose version won me over—surprising since I usually avoid rose scents. It starts as a rich balm that dissolves makeup effortlessly, then transforms into a hydrating milk when you add water. Perfect for dry skin, and a small amount goes such a long way. It's like getting two cleansers in one.
LANCÔME Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
For those of us with sensitive under-eye areas that react easily to products, this remover is incredibly gentle while still being effective. It removes mascara and eye makeup thoroughly without causing irritation. Just be aware it does contain fragrance, like most Lancôme products.
THEN I MET YOU Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50
Finding the right sunscreen for dry skin can be tricky, but this one provides beautiful hydration without any white cast. It gives that dewy finish I love while delivering real skincare benefits through ingredients like Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate and Ceramides.
Fragrance
JULIETTE HAS A GUN Not A Perfume
True to its name, this isn't your typical fragrance. Instead of announcing your presence, it creates this intimate experience that only you and those closest to you will notice. It's a warm, clean scent that enhances rather than masks. Don't judge it by the first spray—give it a few minutes to settle and blend with your skin's natural chemistry. It works beautifully alone or layered with other fragrances.
Kat x
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