Let me tell you, the last five months have been nothing short of a whirlwind—and not just because of the endless deadlines (though, those were real). I’ve spent this time knee-deep in beauty products, meticulously testing each one, obsessively trying to figure out who deserves to make the final cut. These products weren’t just handed to me; they became part of my daily routine, my skin’s salvation, and sometimes, my sanity. The winners, of course, have earned their gold, but these picks? They hold a special place in my heart—and my beauty shelf. It feels personal because, well, I’ve lived with them, and now, you get to know the ones I can’t stop raving about.
Aminu Melting Balm Cleanser
This cleanser is like a long, warm hug after a hectic day. It melts away the grime and makeup with such ease, I swear it has emotional intelligence. By the end of it, my skin feels pampered and free of regret. It’s the start of my evening routine, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Simply Nam Velvet Microfiber Makeup Sponge
Microfiber? Velvet? Makeup sponge? Sounds like the kind of thing my face should have been acquainted with years ago. It’s the only tool that manages to make blending effortless, with none of that dreaded patchiness. It’s basically doing all the work while I take the credit.
Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Complexion Touch
Chanel, darling. There’s a reason this brand is iconic, and this Complexion Touch product just solidifies it. It’s like getting that elusive glass-skin look with barely any effort. The glow? Heavenly. The feel? Weightless. It’s the product that makes everyone else wonder how I manage to look this put-together.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush
This blush is what you’d get if you bottled up sunshine and happiness. It’s luminous, lightweight, and leaves my cheeks looking naturally flushed, like I’ve been on a serene retreat, rather than staying up way too late writing this.
Sisley Longwear Liquid Eyeshadow
Sisley’s liquid eyeshadow doesn’t budge, and that’s a promise. One swipe in the morning, and I’m good for the entire day. It’s as if my eyes are commanding attention without even trying—exactly how I like it.
Fenty Invisimatte
Rihanna, I owe you one. Invisimatte is a lifesaver for those shiny forehead moments. It mattifies without dulling, so I still look glowy, just not like I’ve run a marathon. One compact, endless blotting freedom.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
If a lip gloss could ever make me feel like I’ve just stepped off a Parisian runway, this is it. It’s plumping, hydrating, and the gloss? Divine. One swipe and I’m instantly the chicest version of myself.
3Tenx Hydrating Frizz Fixer Cream
Hair catastrophe? Not on my watch. This frizz fixer keeps my hair in check, no matter what chaos the weather is throwing at me. I’m talking sleek, shiny, and bouncy, all while looking completely effortless. Not all heroes wear capes, some come in bottles.
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-in Treatment
I don’t remember what my hair was like before this product, but I imagine it wasn’t half as fabulous. It strengthens, repairs, and leaves my strands silky smooth—like they’ve never even heard of heat damage or split ends.
