ROUTINE-TESTED PICKS · UPDATED JULY 2026

The beauty essentials that actually earned a place in my routine.

Personally used. Downsides included. Untested items are not sold.

19 rated essentials

You do not need another 47-item haul. I rate what I actually use, tell you the downside, and keep untested products off the shopping list.

I only share what I personally use and stand behind.

8.8/10 average rating

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Untested products stay off the shopping list

9.5/10 Score

medicube Capsule Cream with TXA + Niacinamide

My verdict

9.5/10 for sheer enjoyment of use. It makes my skin feel soft and gives me the closest thing to a glass-skin finish I have experienced.

Know before buying

I need more consistent use before making claims about improvements in uneven skin tone.

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01 · Daily Face + Makeup

8/10

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

My Verdict

From what I can tell, my skin feels really smooth when I use it.

Know Before Buying

It is one step in a multi-product routine, so I am not crediting it with every change in my skin.

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8.5/10

Eucerin Tinted Age Defense SPF 50

My Verdict

I use it almost every day. It takes care of my SPF and moisturizer needs and gives light coverage with a nice glowy look.

Know Before Buying

Light coverage only. It feels natural, not heavy.

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8/10

Wonderskin Wonder Blade Lip Stain

My Verdict

It is the best lip stain I have used and it stays on better than the others I have tried.

Know Before Buying

Oil breaks it down.

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9/10

e.l.f. Luminous Putty Blush (Bermuda)

My Verdict

9/10 for ease of use and quality. I use blush as the final step.

Know Before Buying

This rating is for the Bermuda shade.

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10/10

NYX Thick It Stick It Brow Mascara

My Verdict

A true 10/10 for me. No hedging.

Know Before Buying

Based on the exact shade (Brunette) and application I use.

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10/10

NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip (Missed Call)

My Verdict

A true 10/10. One of my go-to lip products. I love the moisture, the color, and the finish, and I wear it over the Wonderskin stain.

Know Before Buying

Shade: Missed Call, a sheer pink.

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02 · Shower + Hair

9/10

AquaBliss High Output Shower Filter

MY Verdict

Actually helps with the overall health of your skin and hair

Required to change the filter at minimun every 6 months

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8.5/10

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Shampoo

MY Verdict

Has helped my curls stay strong and moisturized

This is the Bond Building formula, not the original Curl Care. Rice amino acids plus a bond builder, so it works on breakage and not just moisture.

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8.5/10

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk 3-in-1 Conditioner

MY Verdict

Great for helping keep down breakage and effective detangler

For hair types that need extra moisture

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8.5/10

CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protectant

Genuinely guards against heat damage and has improved the quality of my hair

MY Verdict

Know Before Buying

Does have a little texturized feeling that you may not expect, but is actually good for styling

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8/10

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Nourishing Leave-In

For curls that need extra moisture without the weight.

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Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Leave-In Conditioner 6oz

My Verdict

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6 fl oz. Citrus and jasmine scent.

03 · Body + Fragrance

9.5/10

Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Whipped Body Butter

My Verdict

9.5/10. One of the most enjoyable creams I've ever used

Know Before Buying

8.4 oz. Scent: Moroccan Rose

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9/10

Native Sensitive Deodorant

My Verdict

9/10. An excellent product for delicate underarms.

Know Before Buying

2.65 oz. Scent: Coconut & Vanilla

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9/10

Native Body Wash — Lily Milk & White Sage

My Verdict

9/10. A non-negotiable daily body wash for me. I reach for it every shower.

Know Before Buying

22 fl oz. Scent: Lily Milk & White Sage.

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8/10

Raw Sugar Green Tea Aloe Soother Body Wash

Gentle without stripping, and it does not fight my lotion. I reach for it daily.

My Verdict

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20 fl oz. Vegan, and gentle enough for skin that is already annoyed with you.

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04 · Wellness Habits

9/10

MaryRuth's Daily Liquid Hair Formula (Blueberry Pomegranite)

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8.5/10

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (Unflavored)

My Verdict

I have taken it long enough now to notice it in my hair, my nails, and my energy.

20,000 mg per serving. Unflavored, so it dissolves in hot or cold without changing the taste.

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05 · Night Reset

8/10

Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Water

My Verdict

My first step every night. It takes the day off before cleansing.

Know Before Buying

Gentle and fragrance free.

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9/10

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

My Verdict

A steady part of my night reset.

Know Before Buying

PM only.

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Micellar Water > CeraVe Cleanser > Retinol > medicube TXA

*I only share what I personally use and stand behind.