Is it too late to do a 2023 review? Yes? Okay cool. I’m gonna do it though because my motto is better two weeks late than never. Last year I kind of swapped out some of my tried and true’s from the past years. I swapped out my very favorite cleansing balm  for an easy everyday cleanser I can use in the shower. I found the best hair bands ever and I found two of my favorite skincare items that I’ve used yet. I broke everything down below by price ranging from drugstore prices to Nordstrom prices.

Under $30

Gimme Hairbands: So I like that this brand labels the different widths for different hair textures, I use the thin hair ones for me and the thick hair bands for Gemma. They are GOLD, let me tell you. They stretch and stretch without tearing and they don’t rip / tear your hair. Because they are all one piece, they don’t rip or tear apart, so they last and last (IF you don’t lose them that is.) I’ve been wearing my hair back so much lately that these are my best friends.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water: I’m sure this isn’t the most viral product, but I’ve used this on and off for years but now I’m back to it. For years I was stuck on makeup remover wipes, but I’ve switched back to this and love it. You know what I realized about this bottle last year? That I can get almost a year out of it, if you can believe.

Cerave Facial Cleanser:  I’ve been on the hunt for an easy facial cleanser I can use in the shower and I’ve gone through them all. I ended up loving this one, it’s not drying for me and it takes my makeup off (except for my eye makeup which I use the micellar for!) This has about a 6 month supply, so it’s a great deal!

Essie Expressie Polish: Maybe I’m late to the party but I just found this polish last year and I love it. I’m not great at doing my nails and I’m also impatient so the fact that this dries quickly is perfect for me. My tip: add a base and a top coat and they’ll last for 2 weeks.

L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara: Okay so I got this mascara as a PR gift last year and in a pinch I used it, loved it instantly. Then it went viral viral on TikTok because a tik-toker used fake lashes in the paid reviews :/ and the rest is internet history. But I can stand by it — it holds and it does not flake which is my number one complaint with mascara. It has been my go-to for the last 9 months! One of the best drugstore mascara’s I’ve found.

Merit Lightweight Lipstick: This, in the shade Millenial Pink, is my go-to everyday lipstick. This lippie is hydrating and the color is simple but a nice pop. It’s a less expensive version of Charlotte Tillbury’s Pillow Talk in my opinion. This is a lovely, everyday option.

Rare Beauty Cream Blush: I’ve been using Nars Orgasm powder blush for YEARS but last year I picked up a cream blush to go with a lighter weight foundation and this one has been a keeper. I’m still using the same one I picked last summer, which is nice, as it lasts. But also it lasts during the day, too. Cream blush in general doesn’t stick around as long for me as powder, but this one has a lot of stay.

Under $50

Davines Oi Shampoo: I have been using this shampoo for 8 years and it has improved my hair so, so much. This paired with the conditioner, my scalp is healthier and my hair is healthier. It is expensive, regrettably so but I use it 2x a week and can usually make it last 2-3 months!

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Mask: This mask I use about 1x a month and especially if I am starting to have a break out. It draws out all the things and before I know it my face is clear in a few days. It leaves your skin soft and not dried out, I don’t know how it does it! Highly recommend as a clay mask.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation:  Okay so I will be honest I am a full face fan of Charlotte Tilbury makeup and skincare and would recommend most everything from her, so I am bias to most everything she creates. I use her full coverage foundation for editorial photos because it has the best coverage, but for ‘everyday’ makeup I use a lighter foundation. I need a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and this one fit the bill perfectly. It’s very light but covers well and is buildable if you need more coverage. AND it pairs beautifully with the Rare Beauty cream blush. This bottle lasts me about 6 months.

Over $100

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream: If I had to buy one thing it would honestly be this moisturizer. I use it morning and night and I can absolutely tell when I stop using it. It goes kinda fast, like I buy about 2 jars a year which I typically use my Nordstrom notes on, if we are being honest. But it’s the base of my skincare routine and I love it.

Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum: Okay last and definitely not least, this serum is my luxury, honestly. It is second in command to the Magic Cream above, but if I had to pick between the two I’d go Charlotte. This serum I use after I was my face and I use it with my gua sha in the morning. It’s not greasy and it actually soaks into your face, it doesn’t just sit on top. It’s incredibly moisturizing and I like to use it on days where I go makeup free too. A little this and some sunscreen and my skin glows.