Our Editors Share the Holy Grail Beauty Products They Use on Repeat

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+ ($47)

“It’s too shameful to reveal how long I’ve had the same tube of this CC cream, but let’s just say it predates me being a beauty editor. Luckily, when I recently saw Molly Sims, she told me about the new glow formulation, so I finally have some fresh foundation. As someone who generally stays away from traditional foundations, this CC cream is always my go-to to look put together but with a natural look. Plus, it has SPF—what more could you ask for?”

—Allie Hogan, associate beauty editor

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15)

“I’ve used this for almost two years because I can feel how clean my skin feels afterwards without it drying out. It prioritizes moisture with hyaluronic acid, and that’s great for my oily skin. I also really appreciate the price tag.”

—Rowan Lynam, staff writer

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($182)

“I know everyone says it, but, yes, this vitamin C serum really is that good.”

—Liz Ritter, executive editor

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo ($28)

“I just can’t quit it. I probably buy a can of this every month. It’s one of the (very) few dry shampoos that actually brings my (very) oily hair back to life and adds height and volume with just a few spritzes. The brand has launched a few other scents with the same formula, but the original fragrance puts me right back in that Bryant Park drybar chair. It’s the only one I’ll consistently use.”

—Danielle Fontana Dooley, associate director, digital content

Violette_FR Bisou Balm ($28)

“I have these on repeat as my go-to lip of the summer. From the warm beige shade Calisson to the bright and bold Sucette, I love the ‘just bitten’ look these shades deliver, but it’s the texture and feel that make them instant classics for me. The sheer matte formula provides a blurring effect that gives my lips a smoother, younger look. It also gives the most velvety, comfortable feel, making it the easiest swipe-and-go balm to have on hand.”  

—Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara ($25)

“I’ve been a big proponent of tubing mascara for years, and this one has been my go-to since it launched in 2019. It makes my barely there, blonde lashes look richly black and super long, and when it comes time to remove it, a little water does the trick. No makeup remover required, and no raccoon eyes! There are nearly 34,000 reviews on the brand’s site, most of which are five stars, so if you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?”

—Britt Fallon, director of beauty

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion ($34)

“This has completely revolutionized my skin-care and makeup routines. My skin is super sensitive, so I don’t like to put too much on my face at once, and the thick but non-greasy formula in this powerful, multiuse product serves as both the perfect SPF and the most natural, light coverage base. I always feel confident in my skin when I have this on.”

—Isabelle Buneo, editorial assistant 

Pat McGrath Labs Lust: Gloss in Blitz Gold ($29)

“I saw Emily Ratajkowski recommend putting this over a neutral lip color, and I’ve never looked back. This shimmery gloss held a permanent spot in my going-out bag in my early 20s, and I still can’t part with it. While it might seem too gold in the packaging, I assure you it’s the perfect hint of shine and plumping.”

—Allie Hogan, associate beauty editor

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (Starting at $28)

“It’s an oldie but goodie, and I can’t think of a better product for gently exfoliating skin than this. I’ve been using it forever and it really is one of the best products you can buy for under $30—for the mini size—at Sephora.”

—Liz Ritter, executive editor

Byroe Mojito Lip Mask ($55)

“When you find yourself saving the little container pot and getting your fingernail in the crevices to use every last particle of a product, you know it’s good. This is by far my favorite lip mask I’ve ever worn. I don’t even consider it a mask, but rather an all-over, anytime, anywhere treatment for smoother, luscious, softer lips whenever, wherever. I’ve gone through two pots since winter, and my lips are better for it. The Mojito flavor is an added bonus that keeps me going back for more delicious hydration.”

—Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager

PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum ($124)

“I’ve tried too many hyaluronic acid serums to count, but I keep coming back to this one. It’s lightweight, not sticky at all, and it’s the only formula I’ve tried that can take my skin from dehydrated and dull to dewy and bouncy in just a few uses. We’re talking highlighter-level hydration without an ounce of makeup on. I’m on my fourth bottle, and if the brand ever stops making this, I’m stockpiling.”

—Danielle Fontana Dooley, associate director, digital content

INALA Triple Threat Tonic ($27)

“This is a rice water tonic that can be used as a primer, for styling, and as a refresh for your hair. It’s light on my hair and leaves it feeling so insanely soft. It’s really great for smoothing flyaways and creating sleek hairstyles. I use it before putting my hair in a ponytail almost every day.” 

—Rowan Lynam, staff writer

EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($43)

“At the end of the day, sunscreen really is the main beauty product you need, and I’ve tried a ton of tinted SPFs in my day. This one from EltaMD is top in my book.”

—Liz Ritter, executive editor

Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lip Definer ($25)

“For whatever reason, I have a very ill-defined lip border, which can be frustrating and warrants the need for lip liner on an everyday basis. The late, great Kevyn Aucoin’s theory on lip liner was to match it to the color of your natural lips, not your lipstick. This one has been a longtime staple of mine because it’s so natural-looking, soft and blendable. There’s even a built-in brush for blending on the opposite end of the pencil, and it also comes with a sharpener. I typically wear the shades Undressed and Minimal.”

—Britt Fallon, director of beauty

111Skin Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Masks ($110 for 8)

“They’re certainly not inexpensive, but there’s a reason virtually every A-lister counts these London-bred under-eye masks as their favorites. These Sub-Zero patches are my holy grail for de-puffing—I won’t travel without them—but the brand’s Rose Gold and Celestial Black Diamond lines are just as fantastic for brightening and tightening, respectively.”

—Danielle Fontana Dooley, associate director, digital content

Ellis Brooklyn Sun Fruit Glistening Golden Scented Body Oil ($70)

“This fruity-floral oil smells like summer in a bottle. I can’t get enough of the fragrance, and the oil absorbs so quickly into my skin; it gives me an instant luster. I love the extra hydration and shimmer on my arms, legs and chest, and it doubles as a long-lasting perfume on hot summer nights.”

—Tatiana Bido, aesthetic content manager

Stila Heaven’s Dew Gel Lip Oil ($24)

“Lately, I’ve also been obsessed with this lip oil. I have both the clear Rain Drop shade and Kitten Komet, and I always keep one in my bag and one at home so I’m never without it. I love how the formula is oh-so glossy but not sticky—it’s the best of both worlds, truly.”

—Isabelle Buneo, editorial assistant

Altreno (Available by prescription)

“It’s not cheap, but Altreno lotion—a topical prescription-strength tretinoin—is life-changing. I can’t say enough good things about it.”

—Liz Ritter, executive editor

Mario Badescu Lip Balm ($8)

“I’ve recommended this lip balm to so many people over the years, and I love it for so many reasons. First, the squeeze tube. No sticking my fingers into a pot, and this tube lets me squeeze out only the amount I need (a little goes a long way). Second, it’s rich, moisturizing and actually stays on my lips, but it’s not heavy or greasy. And lastly, it comes in Coconut (the original), Mint and Rose, so you can choose which scent suits you best. I keep one in every bag, my car, my daughter’s diaper bag—everywhere.”

—Britt Fallon, director of beauty