With this column, I try to provide a nice balance among education, discussion of important topics, new beauty launches and all the products I love.
Today, it’s about the latter, which is probably my favorite thing to talk about.
You know I try lots and lots of products, but re-buying something year after year means I really, really love it. In honor of my 29th birthday on Sept. 14, I’m listing my “holy grail” products. (Some I may have mentioned before, but that’s just because they’re that good.)
These are the products you’ll never catch me without.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
I’ve never found a better face mist than this one, made up of more than 20% botanical oils and humectants, including hyaluronic acid. The price tag is high, but it’s worth it for me. I use this as my toner step to soften skin and prep it for serums and more of the following skin care products so they can penetrate deeper. $48; tatcha.com
Tarte Knockout Tingling Treatment
An acid toner with both alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acid, this liquid works to reveal smooth, clear, glowy skin by breaking up bonds between dead skin cells and dissolving oil in my pores. I swipe this on with a cotton pad after cleansing to clear pore congestion and breakouts. This has made the single biggest difference in my skin care routine, and I could never give this up. $39; tartecosmetics.com
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
If I’m not using this eye cream, I can see the difference when Uncle Fester looks back at me from the mirror. Its ingredients tackle almost all under-eye concerns, including dark circles, lines, sagging and puffiness thanks to vitamin C, peptides and antioxidants. It’s also thick and creamy but fast-absorbing, and it never burns or irritates my eyes. This is pricey but worth it. $64; drunk
elephant.com
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Like a protein shake for your face, this lightweight cream is packed with amino acids, peptides and more to boost collagen production and support existing collagen. This makes for hydrated, bouncy, firm and healthy skin and is perfect for a day moisturizer or a night cream. $68; drunk
elephant.com
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
I hate, hate, hate dry, chapped lips, and thanks to this perfect lip mask, I never have to deal with them. The super-smooth, thick mask is enriched with vitamin C and other antioxidants plus hyaluronic acid and more to help improve the hydration, look and feel of lips. It also forms a protective film over the lips to lock in that moisture and active ingredients. $22; sephora.com
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
These are a must for breakouts. The waterproof patches give the pimple a dose of salicylic acid to help reduce redness and inflammation. They keep the skin hydrated, so there are no more crusties while it’s healing, and they work to keep the blemish from scarring. I’ll go to sleep with a red mountain on my face and wake up to a completely flat, pink dot. $19; peaceoutskincare.com
Colourpop Precision Brow Pencil
As a 2000s teen, I waxed and plucked my brows to no end, causing sparse brows years later. This perfect $6 pencil helps to shade the areas where I should have hair thanks to its super-fine tip. It also has a spoolie to help buff the color out for a more natural look. I use the shade Bangin’ Brunette. $6; colourpop.com
Glossier Lash Slick
This mascara is the only mascara I bought (albeit multiple times) last year. It instantly makes my eyelashes look darker, longer and separated. I have very oily eyelids and tend to smudge, but this does not budge until I use makeup remover or warm water. It’s the perfect mascara that can be a base for high-drama lashes or applied on “no-makeup makeup” days. $16; glossier.com
Glossier You (eau de parfum)
Every time I use this, someone asks what perfume I’m wearing. It’s also one of the most popular products I’ve mentioned in this column, as I still get phone calls asking me for the name. It has top notes of woody iris root and sparkling, spicy pink pepper with base notes of warm ambrette, smooth ambrox and musk, making it warm and familiar. $60; glossier.com
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT
