I’m a minimalist at heart. The simpler the better, especially when it comes to my wardrobe and home décor. I like to think I’m the same with my beauty routine, but who am I kidding? I can’t look someone in the eye and honestly say I’m a beauty minimalist when I sometimes use upwards of eight skincare products at one time. What I do know is that I’m primarily focused on the essentials: a good cleanser (or two), a solid serum, an SPF, and, you know, a few others.
Because of my extensive experience with beauty products, I feel like I’m just the person to curate the ultimate lineup of must-haves. So I curated a luxury edit because I obviously couldn’t resist, and I made a more reasonably priced version because we love a budget. Keep reading to see my picks for every essential step in your routine no matter your price point.
An exfoliating toner is a crucial step for fresh, bright skin. This one has a medley of good ingredients including glycolic and lactic acid and soothing botanicals such as aloe and chamomile.
This is the crème de la crème of cleansing balms. I suggest making this the first step in your double-cleansing routine.
I love a gentle face cleanser that refreshes my skin without disrupting the barrier. This one has a gel-cream texture that legit feels like a cloud.
It was love at first swipe with this lip balm. It smells just like a sweet strawberry donut with a delectable, sugary glaze.
Hyaluronic acid and B5 team up in this serum to give you a smooth, radiant complexion.
My boss loves this moisturizer, so you know it’s that good.
Bronzing drops are how you get that post-vacation glow year-round. These have become nonnegotiable in my routine.
A high-quality sunscreen can’t be overlooked. I love that this one has SPF 50 and a silky texture with no white cast.
Aptly named The Minimalist, this multitasking concealer and foundation should be in your makeup bag at all times.
I love a my-lips-but-better look, so I always reach for a tint. This one gives the most beautiful, subtle kiss of color. And can we talk about this packaging? I’m swooning.
To be honest, I only use setting powder when I have to. But since it’s been so hot and humid recently, it’s been a necessity. I brush some of this on my T-zone, and I’m good to go.
This ultra-light, water-based blush will be your new favorite formula.
I have naturally sparse brows, but I use this eyebrow pencil to pretend like I don’t.
Yeah, this mascara is seriously next level. No wonder it’s a best seller.
Everyone I know is in love with this satin champagne highlight. It adds a gorgeous luminosity to the face.
If I had to use one perfume for the rest of my life, I’d use this one. The delicate notes of Turkish rose, rhubarb, and vanilla are simply perfect.
Yes, an affordable version of the Eve Lom cleansing balm exists.
The Ordinary does minimalist skincare just right. This AHA exfoliant is one of the many gems from the brand—it helps brighten skin and even out texture.
Sweet vanilla has always been my favorite lip balm flavor, and Burt’s Bees has been a go-to brand of mine for years.
Yes, this iconic face wash is still my ride-or-die. It’s one of the only products that properly cleanses my face without leaving it feeling dry.
A trifecta of hydrating ingredients (aloe, vitamin E, and avocado oil) makes this moisturizer a savior for dry skin. Plus, I love the applicator—you just press down and the product comes out in a cute little flower shape.
Niacinamide is finally getting the press it deserves. It’s an essential ingredient for a radiant complexion.
A few drops of this glow-enhancing lotion, and boom—you’re a bronzed goddess.
If you’re like me, you go through a lot of sunscreen. Luckily, this one is a great affordable option. It doesn’t leave a white cast, and it’s safe for sensitive skin.
This concealer costs less than a cup of coffee and will make you look more awake.
Halo glow? Yes, please.
How adorable is this blush? This shade gives the perfect flushed look to your cheeks.
In my opinion, this is the number-one drugstore mascara, hands down.
Woah. This highlighter has a bouncy texture and shimmery pigment that gives a dewy, mesmerizing glow.
A small pencil is key for creating those tiny, hairlike strokes that make it look like you have naturally full and fluffy brows.
I love the pink berry shade of this lip oil. If you’re more adventurous, though, it also comes in light green and icy blue.
This iconic perfume is an affordable luxury. With notes of salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla, it will have you smelling like a snack all-day long.
