I’m Begging You to Stop Listening to Celebs—These Are the Beauty Products That Actually Work

In a world where we are plagued by 700 shopping articles a day, it’s hard to trust what reviews are genuine and which ones are just giving the publication the highest affiliate rate. The state of shopping articles in 2025 is sooo boring. “Hailey Bieber tries coconut espresso brown sugar soaked tapioca boba milk nails” or “Katy Perry used this setting spray in space.” Please stop.

So instead, I’m cutting through the noise and showing you exactly what I’m using this spring to look and feel my best. I don’t do heavy makeup—honestly, I barely do makeup at all—so trust me, these picks are the definition of lightweight.

Skincare

I’ve been skincare-obsessed since I was 12, and thanks to my job, I’ve tested a ton—and I mean a ton—of products. So yeah, trust me on this one.

Youth to the People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser

Hands-down my favorite cleanser of all time. Simple, clean, effective, and doesn’t leave my skin with that tight feeling.

Prequel Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk

My daytime ride-or-die; it has urea and niacinamide to hydrate and soothe my skin without feeling greasy.

Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Rich Repair Refillable Cream

The richest, dreamiest cream ever—loaded with peptides, antioxidants, and a 6-butterlipid complex, perfect for repairing my moisture barrier. Perfect for a night cream.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides

My hydration holy grail—ceramides and hyaluronic acid plump up my skin and lock in moisture instantly.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream

The cream I reach for when my skin’s screaming for help—colloidal oatmeal calms irritation while it deeply moisturizes overnight. I use this product as an alternative to slugging.

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective™ Daily Re-Texturizing Triple Acid Peel

A chemical exfoliant gem—AHAs, BHA, and PHAs keep my skin smooth, radiant, and free of texture without irritation.

Makeup

Makeup should work with your face, not against it. I’m a firm believer that less is more, the goal isn’t to cover every pore or contour your nose into a new ZIP code. It’s to enhance what’s already there, not erase it. I love products that feel like skin, melt in effortlessly, and leave people wondering if you’re wearing anything at all. That’s the sweet spot: natural, undetectable, and low-effort but high-impact.

Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer with Caffeine

This is the ONLY complexion product that does not settle into my deep smile lines. It’s very pricey but a little goes a long way. And the caffeine for your under eyes instantly brightens, depuffs, and makes me look awake even after zero sleep. Kinda like an eye cream and concealer in one.

Gee Beauty Prime Skin

If the foundation route is more your vibe, this multitasking primer is a standout for achieving that effortless, barely-there look. Every time I wear this, I get complimented on my skin, not my makeup. That is how undetectable this is.

Haus Labs Bio-Radiant Glassy Balm Highlighter Stick (Pure Glass)

I’ve been looking for something like this for FOREVER! Most brands come out with a clear balm that ends up sliding all over my face and making me look like a slug, but this Haus Labs one is truly different. It’s clear, glossy, and gives a natural dewiness that looks like I just got the best facial ever.

Glossier Cloud Paint Gel Cream Bronzer

This is a super subtle and buildable gel-cream formula that’s so blendable it feels like skincare. Gives me the perfect sun kissed look without looking like my sister after a spray tan in 2013.

Urban Decay Slick Day Strong-Hold Clear Brow Gel

The best clear brow gel, period!! My brows stay locked in place all day without getting crunchy or flaky.

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Veil Mist

Cucumber water and reishi mushroom in a mist? Sure. All I know is that it makes my skin look hydrated, plump, and instantly refreshed.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Gives a soft, believable flush that’s weightless, hydrating, and actually lasts through an entire NYC spring day without making me look like a clown.

At the end of the day, you don’t need 47 serums or a celebrity routine that costs more than your rent. These are the products I actually use, actually love, and actually re-buy. No gimmicks, no sponsored fluff—just stuff that makes me look like I have perfect skin when I absolutely do not. So if you’re craving that bare-faced, healthy glow without overhauling your entire routine (or going broke), start here. Trust me, your skin will thank you—and so will your bank account.

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