What’s in My Beauty Closet? My Top 10 Must-Have Products
Hello, CF readers! I hope you all had a fabulous winter break! (I ate lots of donuts and watched Toddlers & Tiaras; exciting, I know.)
As this is my first post as one of your resident beauty bloggers, I decided to kick it off in style by showing you what’s in my beauty closet – my list of my top 10 favorite beauty products. I’m going to run through these quickly so if you do want a more in-depth review of a product I mention, then please ask!
1. Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser
I’ve only been using this facial cleanser for about two weeks now, but I already love it! It takes off absolutely everything, so there’s no need to use a makeup remover beforehand. It’s very hydrating and gentle, and I’ve definitely seen an improvement in my skin tone and texture since I started using it. Two thumbs up!
2. Philosophy Hope In A Jar
And, of course, to go along with the Purity cleanser is this magnificent moisturizer! My skin gets very dry and it’s very finicky, so a lot of times certain moisturizers are too greasy, not moisturizing enough, or just make me break out. This one is light, yet it gives me a very nice glow. No dry patches here! I absolutely love it and highly recommend this.
3. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
I’ve been using this cult favorite product for about three months now and I have to say it definitely lives up to its hype. The ingredients are camphor and calamine, so it works quickly to dry out the blemish and reduce redness and size. It’s one of my favorite acne solutions because the ingredients are simple but effective.
4. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Silly name, but awesome mask! The only ingredient is bentonite and the great thing about it is that it’s completely customizable! You can mix the powder with apple cider vinegar, green tea, anything you want. It’s a very powerful mask and excellent for drawing out toxins out of your skin. Plus it’s dirt cheap and it lasts forever.
5. Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream
Another product with a funny name, but once again, it’s brilliant! This is another cult favorite that I’ve heard a lot of celebrities love (I believe Madonna is one of them), and it’s easy to see why once you use it. This cream is made up of beeswax, olive oil, honey, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly, essentially cream of the crop ingredients. It’s a bit pricey, but I promise, it’s worth the investment. I slather this on extra dry spots at night and by morning, they’re baby soft.
6. RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
I was first introduced to this product by my mom since she swears by it, and even though it says wrinkle in the name, don’t let that scare you off! When my skin had very bad discoloration from an acne attack, I used this at night. It reduced my discoloration more than any other product in a month, so now I’m hooked! Plus you don’t need a lot, so it lasts for quite a long time.
7. BareMinerals Original Mineral Foundation
BareMinerals Original Mineral Foundation
Everyone and their mother uses this foundation, including me! I’ve been a loyal user for about three years now, so that just goes to show how awesome it is. It gives me great coverage and my skin can actually breathe, it doesn’t feel like I have makeup on. By the way, has anyone tried out the matte version? If you have, leave a comment! I want some insider advice before I pick it up.
8. BareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
BareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
When I was on a photo shoot a little while ago, I was given this mascara from the makeup artist because I loved it so much. Now I’m hooked! It doesn’t flake, it washes off easily, and it really gives your lashes that ‘oomph’. Definitely try it out!
9. CoverGirl Shimmering Sands Eyeshadow Trio
CoverGirl Shimmering Sands Eyeshadow Trio
I will admit, I’m a little boring when it comes to eye shadows. I wear this palette just about every day and I like it so much because it goes with everything! I can make my eyes more dramatic using the darker shade, or just use one shade for a more natural look. It’s versatile and it’s cheap, two of my favorite things.
10. Tigi Rockaholic Groupie Texturizing Spray Pomade
Tigi Rockaholic Groupie Texturizing Spray Pomade
Usually my hair is pretty well behaved and I don’t need to do much to it, but the one product I do use over and over again is this spray pomade. It makes my hair super silky and gives it just enough texture, plus it smells amazing!
What do you think?
Do you have any questions about these products? Do you use any of them? What are YOUR beauty must-haves? Let me know by leaving a comment!
Posted on on January 10, 2012 / Filed Under: Beauty & Hair / Tags: Beauty, Cosmetics, Makeup, Reviews, Skincare
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
CBSG5861
I absolutely love this top 10 list!
I’d love to read more about the Mario Badescu drying lotion! I’ve yet to find a trully effective treatment for acne :(
Priscilla
My mother, who has oily skin, swears by her matte Bare Minerals! I have dry skin, so I stick to the original, but my mom will never use another foundation now.
Kerri
I use a Bare Minerals all over face color and I love it! Don’t forget the SPF in your arsenal, ladies! :)
Suzanne
I have combo skin, and I love both the original foundation and the matte foundation. For me, I mix a little of each on my brush and get the perfect mix of matte and shiny. I totally recommend it.
Ali
I’ve never has sensitivity issues, but Hope in a Jar made my eyes burn, even when I completely avoided the eye area all together. And not just burning–they would water so much I had tears going down my face. I don’t know what the heck is in that stuff, but I’ve read a lot of reviews of people claiming the same thing.
Glad it works for you! Just thought I’d warn other people, maybe you should try it in a store before you buy it.
Marie
I have combination skin and have tried Philosophy’s Purity cleanser before. It was absolutely awful for my skin. After washing my face with lukewarm water, my skin felt like it was being pulled in different directions and stung in some parts, especially around the eyes. My skin also started peeling a few minutes later, before I even had time to apply moisturiser. Very sorry, but I wouldn’t recommend this cleanser to anyone who has even slightly sensitive skin.
To get rid of any makeup, I use Bioderma Sensibio H2O on the eyes, and the Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil to clean the rest of my face. These products are great for any type of skin, and I’ve never experienced irritation or dryness from using them before.
Kendra - Arizona State University
Oh really? I’m sorry to hear that! This is just what I’ve found works for my skin, but I am very surprised that it had that effect on you. Different strokes for different folks I guess! Thank you for your feedback though, I am sure all the readers will really appreciate a different view on the product.
Alana
I’ve used Hope in a Jar, and it gives me this weird rash. I got these strange red patches all over my face. I’ve never had a reaction like that to any other lotion or beauty product. I would advise people to think twice before buying it, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Colette
I swear by #9! That little palette is absolute magic for the kind of person who isn’t really comfortable with wearing obvious makeup and prefers a more natural-looking shimmer. Plus, you can’t beat that price!
Genevieve
#9 has been my go-to eyeshadow since Highschool! 5 years and running! The most flattering colours..Interweb-HighFive to that!
Kendra - Arizona State University
I completely agree!
Kendra - Arizona State University
High five back to you!
Kendra - Arizona State University
I’ve had that reaction before to some other moisturizers, mostly ones that contain salicylic acid, so I completely understand where you’re coming from! Thankfully my skin seems to like the ingredients in it so far. I do recommend looking up the ingredients in any product beforehand to see if there is anything specific in it that you know does not react well with your skin. I know that this moisturizer contains lactic acid, maybe that’s what caused the red patches?
Make it & Fake it
cool, great first post! some of this will def be on my next ulta list :)
love K
Bianca
I will definitely be trying #1-4 :D Thanks for this article.
Monica
Loveeee this post!! I think more writers at collegefashion should list their beauty must-haves :]
Linda
The matte foundation is incredible!! I don’t even have oily skin, but I still use it. It provides a clean, blemish free palette for you makeup and it makes you look amazing! I’ve gotten so many compliments on it! F.Y.I. a little goes a LONG way. In the beginning of using it, I put on way too much even though it barely looked like any on the brush. I’ve also heard to purchase a shade lighter than your actual skin tone because when you put your makeup it darkens your skin color so if you put on a shade lighter it actually matches your skin tone. I didn’t explain that very well, all I know is that I’ve heard a lot of people say it and I swear by that rule. Five stars!*****
Kendra - Arizona State University
The drying lotion is really great because once you dab it on, it stays put! That’s why it’s such a great night time treatment because it doesn’t rub off while you’re sleeping, so it really gets the opportunity to work. I will say though that if you have dry skin, use this every other day or only when you have a blemish. I dabbed this all over my face for like a week when I first got it and it dried my skin out so much! Use this only as a spot treatment, and after you wash it off, definitely put on a good moisturizer. The ingredients are very strong and I definitely see improvements after two days. It’s not a complete miracle cream but I think it’s important to not overwhelm your skin with too many chemicals. This one has only what it needs to be effective, plus it’s natural! Mario Badescu also makes a lot of other really great products, plus if you buy one, you get three free samples! I also like the the Aloe Vera toner, it’s very refreshing. I would check out his site since you can look at reviews on there which really helped me out when trying to decide what to buy. Anyways for my skin, the simpler the better, which I think can apply to just about anyone. I use to wash my face with olive oil and oatmeal! Which I still do from time to time, just goes to show you don’t need fancy products to make a difference in your skin’s appearance.
shooped
is the rOC an all-over face treatment? Will it work under my eyes? I’ve heard good things about it and would like to try it out! Just don’t want to have to use a separate eye and face cream to do so.
Kendra - Arizona State University
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Kendra - Arizona State University
No problem! You will have to let me know how you like them.
Kendra - Arizona State University
Yes that’s correct about the shade turning darker! It’s because of the SPF in it, most foundations that have it as an ingredient will make it appear darker on your skin. I’m usually the Fairly Light color but I could probably go with the Light and still be fine. I will have to try out the matte since everyone on here is telling me it’s amazing!
Brittany
I have pretty oily/shiny skin but only on my nose. I was hoping the matte BM foundation would help solve that problem – especially because I’ve been using it for nearly 8 years now. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice much of a difference with the matte. Perhaps I just have too much shine to combat =(
Kendra - Arizona State University
I typically will not use it underneath my eyes since that area is very
sensitive for me. I would test it if possible since its mainly for skin discoloration. The ingredients could be too harsh for that area!
Brittany
*I meant I’ve been using BM for 8 year now, not the matte foundation -lol-
Essy
I’ve used Philosophy Purity Foaming Cleanser for a year now and just found out Sephora stopped selling it. really disappointed. I loved how gentle and soapy it was and it worked great with my Clarisonic – not sure if I should switch to the regular Purity or Philosophy’s On A Clear Day Oil-Free Foaming Acne Cleanser – as I have really oily t-zone and get spot break outs but never full on acne, and very sensitive cheeks – or just go to a completely different product/company… i hate when things i love get discontinued…
I’ve tried Hope in a Jar so many times and it just irritates my skin so badly, I get a rash thought I was the only one!
Great post!
katie
I have tried both bareminerals foundations and I prefer the matte, because I have oily skin and it makes me look less “shiny”.
Cristina
It makes sense that the #6 would work well for acne too since retinol is used for both acne and wrinkles. Where’s your sunscreen, or did I just miss it?
Kendra - Arizona State University
I actually have not found a sunscreen yet that I am in love with. The bareMinerals foundation does have SPF in it which is good, but I haven’t found an actual lotion yet that does not make my skin greasy or break it out.
Kendra - Arizona State University
The regular Purity I think would just be as good, it foams up very nicely and is also very gentle, at least for me anyways! That’s so strange on some people it gives them a rash, I’ve only experienced good things with it. Thank you!
Kendra - Arizona State University
I’ve noticed that I still get pretty oily in my T-zone, but sometimes if I wear a primer just on my forehead and my nose then it helps a lot! I use Philosophy’s Never Let Them See You Shine. It gives your skin a very smooth and velvety texture.
C
Definetly going to get the spray pomade, and I have a question about the mascara is it heavy or can u tell you have it on? I have a really had time with makeup because my skins so sensitive but my eyelashes stick strait out and some curve into my eye so I’m wanting to try mascara and curling them to see if it helps. Thanks, great post!
Kendra - Arizona State University
It definitely makes a huge difference in your eyelashes. I would say the formula is a little bit thicker than other mascaras since it’s a voluminizing one, so when you have it on your eyelashes look a lot thicker and almost look fake, at least for me. I can’t tell I have it on, but I am used to wearing mascara every day so I might be a bit bias. I would just give it a shot with some drug store mascara, Great Lash is one of my other favorite mascaras to use. It comes in a pink and green bottle, you can’t miss it! It’s around $7 I think, so not as pricey as this one which retails for about $15 or so. Curling them would help if they are very straight, just make sure to be gentle!
Rr
Kendra! You use! a lot! of exclaimation points! in everything
Elizabeth - University of Missouri
LOVE the Philosophy products. Great list!
Lauren
The matte is AMAZING! It’s really creamy, but not cakey. I was a little hesitant to try it at first myself but it is a must. I really like because I feel like I use less with it because of it’s texture rather than just a simple powder. Hope this helps :)
Nichole
Love Philosophy!
Gracie
I loooovveee all of the Philosophy products and I also found that the bobby brown foundations and coverups are all great for my skin.
Chanelle
I am not a fan of Bare Mineral’s face powders. I bought a set which came with foundation, setting powder, and a all-over brush. Now the brush was fine, but the powders made my skin itch like crazy. It was a bit embarrassing having to scratch my face every five minutes…Plus, it leaves a greyish hue (ashy look) on some women of color, including myself.
Chanelle
Ok, I just did some research, and it turns out Bare Minerals is -not- for people with sensitive skin. I have a handful of skin issues, one of them being allergic to nickel. Since BM is a loose powered mineral make up, it contains trace amounts of metals. Titanium dioxide (one of the culprits and also an alloy) is commonly fused with nickel. I wish I had known this earlier. -.-
Monique
I swear by coconut oil- yes the same organic coconut oil you use to cook with! It’s my moisturizer for my full body, everyday. Coconut oil is a natural sunscreen and as an outdoor athlete, I don’t have to worry about burning eyes when sweating! It’s wonderfully hydrating day and night, protects us from free radicals, and aids in digestion when we eat it. It also protects against aging!
Elaine
i recommend cerave as a moisterizer for everyone who tried hope in a jar and failed! i also didnt like it on my skin, but i got recommended cerave by my dermatologist and its seriously amazing stuff. its made with ceramides instead of oil so its an oil free moisterizer, but it makes your skin so soft and never clogs my pores (combination skin, prone to breakouts). i literally buy 10 bottles at a time. plus it works on face and body so i just never use anything else in terms of lotion :)
Carly
I have been in love with #9 for years! I don’t know what I’ll do if they discontinue that palatte. And I’ve definitely been wanting to try the BM matte foundation instead of the original. I think I just might after reading everyone’s comments!
Chloe
These are great products all of them! The drying lotion is AMAZING! Worth the money!
Anna
I have the matte BM and I love it, it definitely makes my skin look like i wake up this flawless! Philosophy is awesome by the way!
Gabriella
I absolutely love the Bare Minerals foundation ! Like you, I have been using it for about three years now, and no other products I have tried compare to it. I personally use the Matte version now, and I have found that it is perfect for the more oily and acne-prone skin types. It doesn’t have the added ‘sparkle/shine’ that the original formula has, and I feel that it covers any imperfections I may have much better than the original. Also hooked on the Bare Minerals Warmth :]
Indie
I’ve heard about Egyptian Magic, but I didn’t believe in its ‘magic’ until I read this article. Maybe I should buy one, since my skin is as rough as a crocodile skin! And Bare Minerals foundation sounds really convincing. Hmmm…
Kellie
Could you post a picture of your hair with the spray pomade?
Blair
I have the bare minerals foundation in the matte formula its amazing! My skin is more combination but I prefer a glowy complexion, this allows my skin to glow and breathe and still be nicely covered!
Kendra - Arizona State University
It really is one of the best skin creams I’ve ever used. Plus it’s multi-use, so you can use it on your hair, hands, feet, where ever! I really love it, I think they sell little 2 ounce bottles on the official site if you wanted to just test it. You could probably go to a Sephora to test out the Bare Minerals, I know they do consultations there.
nadia
I have used the Matte version. I like it better because it covers better without being make-up-mask looking. I highly recommend it. :)
karimat
hi cf,i love this blog and have bin read ur post religously .i have an oily skin plus acne scars and dont know product/make up to use.will appreciate if u can help mi wit dis.