#1: Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
I have really sensitive skin, and when I had my phase of extremely dry hands, this was my miracle-working solution. It's thick and my skin absorbs it immediately, and lasts through a couple of hand washes so you don't have to constantly reapply every time after you leave the ladies room. It leaves my hands feeling very smooth and soft, and most importantly, not disgustingly greasy. It was the only product that I've purchased in bulk just because I was afraid of it getting discontinued...then what was I going to do with my super dry and tight hands? Now, I look crazy with my box full of my lifetime supply. If you're familiar with this product, I personally feel that the new formula from recent purchases is lighter in consistency compared to the older formula which was very thick, but at the perfect 'salve' consistency for me. Over time, I've found my hands less dependent on products and significantly improve.
#2: Kiehl's Sodium PCA Oil-Free Moisturizer
Since I was in high school, I was introduced to Kiehl's. I have combination-oily skin, but very dry and tight when I step out of the shower, especially during winter. This is great as an everyday moisturizer, no fragrance -- gets the job done perfectly.
#3: Origins Starting Over Moisturizer
This is the newest moisturizer that I've tried and so far, it's great. It might have even bumped my long-time Kiehl's Sodium PCA moisturizer down. It is packed with age-erasing properties with mimosa. It smells like oranges and leaves my skin extremely smooth. Very, very smooth.
#4: M.A.C. Fluidline Eyeliner and Paint Pot in Rubenesque
M.A.C. is my go-to for anything makeup for the eyes. It stays put all day, or longer I'm sure, until you take it off. It never creases, melts, smudges, or "disappears". I've tried the Bobbi Brown gel liner but it disappears over time. The Paint Pot is great as it stays put and doesn't budge one bit. I use it as a "primer" and my darker eyeshadows over it and it really brightens my eyes and allows the other colors to sit on and stand out. I find it complements my skin tone and eyeshadows better than regular primers, such as Urban Decay's famous Potion Primer.
#5: M.A.C. Mineralize Blush in Dainty
This is my favorite blush. It is a little peachy pink with very subtle glitter for a nice glow. It brightens up my face and is a young, casual, and fun.
#6: Shiseido The Makeup Corrector Pencil
This amazing little pencil has been my daily concealer pencil for the past 8 or so years. It matches my skin color perfectly and looks very natural. I recommended it to one of my friends and she loved it so much she bought a few more and said she keeps one in her white coat pocket during rotations for any mini touch ups!
#7: Laura Mercier Eyeliner Pencil in Black Gold
I saw this beautiful color on a blogger's makeup post and I fell in love with it. I quickly ran to the closest Sephora and it was a must-have. I use it for the inner corners along the bottom lash line, and boy does it make a difference. The only downside is that it slightly smudges so I have to check up on it occasionally.
#8: Cle de Peau Essence Contour Des Yeux Anti-Cernes
My lunch buddy at NM was the product specialist for Cle de Peau. She would tell me to try this and that. One of my favorite products is this eye cream. Here, it's a deluxe sample size that I bring when I travel. Two of the things I love most about Cle de Peau is the soft and subtle fragrance that is just so luxurious, and the beautiful and elegant packaging.
#9: Chanel Precision Demaquillant Yeux Intense & Neutrogena Oil-Free Makeup Remover
Both are the best among the eye makeup removers I've used. The Chanel makeup remover is very gentle and smells great. The Neutrogena is fragrance-free and is very gentle. Honestly, I love them both equally. But if I were to choose, I'll have to pick the Neutrogena due to quality in relation to price point.
#10: Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara
This is the best mascara that I've used. It looks very natural, lengthens, doesn't smudge, and lasts all day. Perfect!
#11: Chanel & NARS lip gloss, Fresh's SUGAR lip treatment in original and rose
The lip glosses have beautiful colors, great quality, great consistency, and great packaging. Fresh's SUGAR lip treatment is the best lip balm/stick I've ever tried. Once I applied it, I just had to have it. It's very smooth and smells great. Lip products cannot have an unpleasant scent, it's just a no-no.
#12: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
It's not overhyped. Curls instantly, and holds.
#13: Hair "Patch" from Asia
This is one of the most genius products. It holds up my bangs for every morning and evening routine. Thanks to my wonderful "big sister", she brought this back from Taiwan for me along with some other Asian goodies. This is the most useful product I've used. Of course, other items were all food related.
#14: Dior Anticerne Perfecteur Long-Wearing Moisturizing Concealer - discontinued
The best moisturizing concealer. When it comes to Dior and the word concealer, my eyes light up because this is the product that got me through college and concealed all imperfections due to all-nighters. The makers of this amazing product has changed it to a nude colored tube and introduced them in four shades, instead of three (blue tube edition).
I recently picked up Make Up For Ever's Duo Mat Powder Foundation. I read the overwhelming positive reviews and decided to give it a try. We'll see if it's a new addition to the staple collection family.
What are some of the best products that have become staple items in your routine?
