I've Seen Tons Of Gimmicks In My 15 Years As A Beauty Editor – Here Are 12 Products That Really And Truly Work

I used Clinique's 3-Step system consistently from college through my 20s, and my skin was always clear and healthy. Eventually, I had to take breaks to test other products for work, but it's still on my bathroom sink, and I revisit it often. To this day, I recommend it to anyone looking for a solid skincare routine but overwhelmed by all the options out there. It's complete with All About Clean facial soap, Clarifying lotion, and Dramatically Different moisturizer.

One of the best features is that there are four different formula combinations based on your skin type: Very Dry to Dry, Dry Combination, Oily Combination, and Oily. No matter your skin, there's a system specifically designed for you. Buy the system as a set, or mix and match the formulas yourself.

Not to pit blushes against each other, but the Higher Standard Cream Glow blush sticks by LYS Beauty can easily hold their own against any cheek color out there. The first time I swiped this blush in Courageous, a poppy orange, I let out an audible gasp! The pigment is exactly as it looks in the tube: rich and radiant. No hard pressure necessary, the cream formula makes it exceptionally easy to slide on your face. And the illuminating finish is simply stunning, especially when the sun or good lighting catches you.

The cruelty-free and gluten-free formula is made with good ingredients, like green tea extract, watermelon seed extract, and rosehip oil, so your skin gets some care with the cosmetics. The blush stick comes in seven shades.

I first tried the Bevel safety razor on my bikini line in 2016 and I haven't stopped using it since! The products are mainly marketed to men who want a clean, smooth shave that won't result in irritation like razor bumps and ingrown hairs, but I've found them to work on my body hair, too. I use it to shave my underarms, legs, and bikini line. The double-edge blades and weighted razor handle are intentionally designed to cut the coarsest and curliest textures at skin-level so that all hair types can enjoy a pain-free shave. It’s also reusable, so you only have to replace the blades after each use!

Bevel also makes shaving cream, balm, oil, and a brush, which I can report are all great because I've used them. But now I just use the razor and blades with a drugstore shave cream, and a few drops of Tend Skin and Oui The People body gloss (also mentioned in this list) after my shower. I cannot tell you the last time I've had a razor bump or ingrown hair.

For over a decade, Moisture Love has been one of my favorite brands for my naturally curly, low porosity hair. I use this leave-in conditioning serum the most, mainly to do twist-outs, and to mix with water to use as a detangling and curl refresher spray. The formula is very lightweight, which makes it easy to penetrate and moisturize my hair. And the moisture lasts — I can honestly say my hair always feels soft, and it never looks dull or dry after I use this stuff! Avocado and macadamia oils help to control frizz and boost growth and shine, so whether I'm wearing twists or natural curls, my hair looks lustrous and healthy.

I'm really into body care. Body washes, scrubs, lotions, butters, oils — I love 'em all! Oui The People hydrating body gloss is a lightweight body oil that absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a sexy, glowy finish. It's formulated with organic avocado oil to soothe the skin and support healing, plant-derived squalane for deep hydration and a healthy skin barrier, and rosehip seed oil to boost collagen production. The orange blossom is also light and citrusy, which I personally love because I prefer clean and vibrant scents. I like to apply it on top of my body lotion or butter as a last step in my body care routine. It makes my skin feel supple, and the subtle glow makes my arms and legs look sexy.

These Fenty Beauty Match Stix matte contour “skinsticks” are a useful addition to any makeup kit, whether you're a newbie or professional MUA. I've been using the shade Espresso for about eight years, and it's the most user-friendly contour product I've owned. You just swipe the cream-to-powder stick in the areas you want to chisel, and blend with a sponge or brush. In addition to being fail-proof, the application is super quick; I'm talking 60 seconds quick! It lasts a while before you have to replace it because the stick is pretty chunky. I don't contour every day, so mine lasts through the year. It comes in nine shades to suit all complexions.

I started using Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping retinoid night oil in my early 30s; I'm a year shy of 40 now. Retinoid ester works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, supports skin's natural elasticity, and evens the look of redness, while avocado seed oil is rich in vitamins B, C, D, E, and A, and plumps the skin. The oil's blue color is natural from blue tansy and German chamomile, which soothe skin.

I apply it after cleansing and toning at night, and I wake up to soft, glowy skin in the morning. My face is also pretty free of discoloration and lines, with the exception of fine lines around my eyes when I smile. So far, I've aged naturally without any cosmetic procedures or treatments like filler and Botox (although I certainly plan to integrate cosmetic work in the future). But right now, I lean on products like this oil made especially for mature skin.