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We Test Hundreds of Beauty Products Per Month, but We Keep Coming Back to These 11

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We spend a lot of time testing beauty products—we know, not the worst job in the world. So as you can imagine, we get attached to an abnormal amount of serums and highlighters. But when a product is truly special, we hold on for dear life and always make sure to have a backup on hand, you know, just in case. Here’s everything we buy on repeat. 

PSA You Should Be Adding Carbs to Your Beauty Routine


differin gel
Ulta

Differin Acne Treatment

"It took about three months for my skin to get used to this acne treatment, but it was worth the wait. It's as effective on breakouts as anything my derm can prescribe, at a teeny fraction of the cost." —Katherine G.

milky jelly cleanser
Glossier

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

“I've gone through at least eight bottles (literally) of Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. It's super gentle on my skin but removes every stitch of makeup without harsh scrubbing. Plus, it doesn't make my face feel tight afterward.” —Rachel G.

it cosmetics cc illumination
Ulta

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Cc+ Cream Illumination

“My friends always compliment me on my ‘highlighter’ but it's really this insanely glowy base product. It's the perfect consistency—lightweight and breathable but pigmented enough to cover up my blemishes. I've convinced them all to buy one and they're obsessed!” —Marissa O.

cetaphil
Ulta

Cetaphil Daily Face Cleanser

"I used expensive face washes and still battled with acne until I tried this product. It does the job better than most brands and it’s an eighth of the price.” –Kelsey O.

Buy It ($14)

bareminerals
Amazon

Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Foundation

“Nothing leaves my skin feeling breathable, clean or naturally covered like this Bare Minerals foundation. Since using it, I barely break out, never feel cakey or oily and the actual powder lasts forever.  I've gone through two containers in three years.” —Roberta F.

lumify
Amazon

Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops

“As of today, I am on my fourth (!) bottle of Lumify eye drops. My eyes frequently get red—from dryness, from allergies, from late nights, etc.—and these drops clear things up immediately without any burning or stinging. Also, the name makes me smile because it sounds like a Harry Potter spell (which it might as well be considering how magical the results are).” —Jenny J.

stila stay all day
Amazon

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner

"This waterproof eyeliner from Stila is my favorite product for a look that stays all day, but is the easiest-ever to apply. I love how grippy it is—even at 3 p.m., I rarely have a smudge." — Rachel B.

mario badescu mist
Ulta

Mario Badesco Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs And Rosewater

“This is a lifesaver on makeup-free days since it makes my skin more even-toned and reduces redness. I also spritz it on before I apply my makeup and it gives my face a nice boost of hydration, so there are no creases or rough patches under my foundation. Out of all the facial mists I've tried, and I've tried plenty, this is the one where I truly see the difference in the quality of my skin.” —Pamela M.

make up forever hd
Amazon

Makeup Forever Ultra Hd Foundation

“I've been using this foundation for the last three years and have tried samples of other foundations to no avail. Not only does this formula come in a shade that exactly matches my skin tone, it is incredibly lightweight, great at covering any blemishes or redness and washes off with ease. I love it so much, I even pick it as my complimentary sample on Sephora orders to have more of it.” —Corley M.

grandelash md
Ulta

Grande Cosmetics Grandelash-md Lash Enhancing Serum

“I have never gotten so many compliments on my lashes since I started using this serum. It made them insanely long and full—I get stopped on the street to ask if they’re real. It’s so simple to use (just a swipe over the upper lash line before bed), which means I rarely forget to use it. One year strong and four tubes later, I can’t go back to regular old lashes.” —Brianna L.

guerlain
Nordstrom

Guerlain Terracotta Original Bronzing Powder

I've tried a lot of bronzers in my day, but after discovering the magic that is Guerlain, I've finally found my match. Personally, I'm not big on contouring, more of an all-over-glow kind of girl, and this matte powder bronzer helps me achieve that natural, sun-kissed look sans sparkle or shine (save that for the highlighter).” —Catrina Y.



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Writer

Brianna Lapolla formerly held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at PureWow covering all things shopping across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Now, she's putting her 12 years of professional experience to use on a freelance basis. When she's not typing away, you can find her somewhere in Europe or at home catering to her dog, King Louis.