The 10 Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without

I have blogged about this pillowcase before, but seriously this is one of the most life-changing beauty products out there (IMO!). After a couple of years sleeping on this silk pillowcase I don’t think I could ever go back to a regular pillow – I even pack it in my suitcase on trips so that I can switch out pillowcases while I’ve traveling! Sleeping on silk has numerous benefits – silk fibers are less absorbent than other fibers, so they help lock in your skin’s moisture and whatever products you apply to your face before bed. The smooth fibers also reduce facial wrinkles and split ends. I seriously wake up in the morning without ANY pillow wrinkles on my face. It’s a miracle.

two // Sunday Riley Good Genes
Sunday Riley’s Good Genes is a lactic acid treatment that works WONDERS for your skin. If you follow a lot of beauty YouTubers, you may recognize this product (they always rave about it, and for good reason!). I started using it every-other-night back in December, and this product (in conjunction with a retinal) has changed my skin. It helps to fade acne scars, reduce pore size, and when I wake up in the morning my skin is glowing and plump. Yes – it is expensive – however it is truly worth every penny. One pump is all you need to cover your entire face (I’m still using the same bottle from back in December). I am truly hooked on this product.
three // First Aid Beauty Caffeine Matcha Wipes
These refreshing wipes by First Aid Beauty are also a game changer. I use these in the morning before applying my makeup – they help remove any leftover makeup that I didn’t get all the way off the night before, but they’re also infused with skin brightening vitamin C, soothing aloe vera, and energizing caffeine to help “wake up” your skin. They’re honestly the best makeup wipes I’ve ever used. 
four // Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara
I would die without mascara, and Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara is the best of the best of the best. I sometimes get asked if I’m wearing false lashes but nope – that’s just how good this mascara is!  I’ve been using it for three or four years now and will probably never use any other mascara.

five // Avene RetrinAl 0.1 Intensive Cream 
My dermatologist in Charlotte recommended this retinal and I’ve been using it ever since. If you don’t know much about retinoids, read this article or do a simple google search on them. My dermatologist said that she recommends it for all women in their late 20’s and upwards – it’s the one product that all dermatologists use themselves and it TRULY helps with the aging process. The one I use is less harsh than other brands because it’s a cream. I haven’t had any redness or peeling (which can happen with other brands), but I also make sure to moisturize every night! 
six // Dior “Creme de Rose” lip balm
I keep this lip balm tin right beside my bed and I apply it every morning and night. I love love love the luxurious scent of it, and it makes my lips feel like butter!
seven // Moroccanoil hair treatment
I’ve been using this hair oil for YEARS and I don’t know if I’ll ever stop! Sometimes I use it on wet hair to make it more manageable another times I use it when my hair is dry to make it look silky and smooth. I’ve tried other hair oils and nothing compares!
I blogged about this shampoo and conditioner a long time ago and have since gotten dozens of emails from y’all saying you tried it and loved it! I’ve never found a shampoo and conditioner I love as much as this brand – they make my hair soft, silky, moisturized and manageable. The “replenishing moisture” kind keeps my hair looking and feeling healthy (which is a hard task when you apply as much heat product to it as I do!).

nine // T3 Curling Wand with 1″ barrel
I’m sure y’all are probably sick to death of me talking about this curling wand (I am sick of myself haha) but it truly is the best out there. I use the 1″ barrel on my hair in pretty much every single blog post. The curls last for days and I absolutely love how it curls my hair. (P.S. You can enter my giveaway for this curling wand HERE!)
ten // Kiehl’s “Creme de Corps” body lotion
Last but not least, this body lotion is the holy grail of body lotions. I have been using it consistently since last July (consistently as in – every single time I get out of the shower). It doesn’t have a particularly strong or noticeable scent, which I like, and it’s incredibly rich, creamy and luxurious feeling without being greasy AT ALL. My skin did not feel dry one time this winter and I know it’s because of this product!!

I would love to hear about the beauty products you can’t live without!! Let me know in the comments πŸ™‚ 

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56 Comments

  1. I tried the Caviar shampoo and conditioner after reading one of your posts and I love it too! Such a great roundup, I've been drying to try Better than Sex mascara!
    xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black

    3.14.17Reply
  2. Great post! I am going to have to try that lip balm as my lips are so dry all the time. I was looking for those matcha tea wipes and couldn't find them, maybe they are a Sephora exclusive?

    I would love any big day beauty prep recommendations too!!
    Foxy Dog Style

    3.14.17Reply
  3. I'm so intrigued by that Retinal product. I'm going to do some research. Great round-up Caitlin! x

    Arum Lilea

    3.14.17Reply
  4. I just bought the lip balm – I LOVE it!

    3.14.17Reply
  5. OK I have been curious about the Silk pillowcases and now you have me convinced that I definitely need one! Great post – you included some of my favorites and some products I haven't ever tried before!

    Kate | katelovesmakeup.com

    3.14.17Reply
  6. Love this! I use the shampoo/conditioner as well, and I also am obsessed with the Dior lip balm! I recently blogged about how much I love the balm in a makeup post on my blog. Thanks for tips – excited to try out the retinal!
    Katy | http://www.outaboutblog.com/

    3.14.17Reply
  7. I have worn the Too Faced mascara for a few years as well and I agree it is fantastic. I am considering the silk pillowcase now!

    3.14.17Reply
  8. I love Caviar hair products and the T3 is the best! I still need to try the Better Than Sex Mascara. I keep hearing great things about it. Have a great week!

    xo, Steph
    http://www.urbanblonde.com

    3.14.17Reply
  9. My mom used to use a silk pillow case. I can't sleep in silk because it makes me too hot, so I'm not sure about sleeping on it, but I love the idea of no sheet marks on my face. My daughter and I were just looking at that mascara Sunday. I'm really tempted to try it especially now that my lashes are so long from using my Rodan + Fields Lash Boost…I love this product. I also use the Night Renewing Serum from R+F which is a retinol product and it's awesome as well. Leaves your skin feeling velvety. (Yes, I'm a consultant πŸ˜‰ if you ever want to try any of the products) I'm crossing my fingers I win your give away!!!! Thanks for sharing your favs.

    3.14.17Reply
  10. How funny! I blogged about my favorite beauty products yesterday! I loved this post! I've been using the Sunday Riley cream cleanser and absolutely love it. I'm going to have to invest in the Good Genes now! Come look at my post! πŸ™‚ http://www.lalalifeblog.com/2017/03/6-holy-grail-beauty-products.html

    3.14.17Reply
  11. Love the Caviar Shampoo and conditioner, its the best! Moroccan Oil is one of my go to's but I also love the bumble and bumble invisible hair dresser to tame fly aways..and it smells so good!

    Xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

    3.14.17Reply
  12. That hair curler is beautiful! Thank you for sharing πŸ™‚

    Kendal // Life With Kendal

    3.14.17Reply
  13. The better than sex mascara is my all time favorite mascara, nothing compares. I really want to try the slip pillow cases I have heard really good things about them.
    Xo, Kelsey | petiteinherpearls.blogspot.com

    3.14.17Reply
  14. Nice post dear! Thanks πŸ™‚

    http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com

    3.14.17Reply
  15. on the hunt for a new mascara! thanks for sharing
    xx
    http://thedemeler.com

    3.14.17Reply
  16. I started using that Alterna Caviar shampoo and conditioner when you first mentioned it on your blog and I absolutely love it! My hair has never felt so soft and healthy before!

    Polly
    http://gemsandjoy.com

    3.14.17Reply
  17. These all look amazing, but I must say I can't do the Better Than Sex mascara. It flaked on my lashes!
    https://hotmesscoolday.wordpress.com

    3.14.17Reply
  18. I discovered Avene in London this past fall and it is a game changer! I have horribly dry and sensitive skin that breaks out from pretty much anything, and on a whim I tried Avene Skin Recovery Cream. It is honestly the best thing in the world. For any of your readers who are struggling with dry, sensitive skin I highly recommend! Also, the bottle looks tiny but it shockingly lasts a full month when I use it both in the morning and night.

    http://www.aveneusa.com/skin-care/moisturizer/skin-recovery-cream

    3.14.17Reply
  19. I'm such a fan of so many of these things, and can't wait to try all the rest! Especially interested in #5! Totally ordering.

    Katie | Willow and White

    3.14.17Reply
  20. Definitely need to try that lip balm. That is one of my big problem areas. Praying I score that curling wand in your giveaway but if not, I may have to suck it up and splurge for it. I've heard so many recommendations on it!

    Erin
    Top Knots & Sweatpants

    3.14.17Reply
  21. I've heard so many good things about the silk pillow case! I've had my eye on it for a while now, but haven't bought it yet! The benefits sound amazing.

    Carrie | http://carrieelisekho.com/

    3.14.17Reply
  22. 5,7 and 10 are some of my top favourite products of all times too!

    https://lartoffashion.com/stitched-up/

    3.14.17Reply
  23. Great products, although they are quiet expensive.
    http://societyfix.blogspot.com.eg/

    3.14.17Reply
  24. All good products..I always wanted to try the moroccainoil πŸ˜‰

    Be Happy with Fashion

    3.14.17Reply
  25. I definitely can't live without my T3 products either! I'll have to give that mascara a try!!

    xo – Marianne
    http://www.thematimes.com

    3.14.17Reply
  26. I really want to try the Sunday Riley Good Genes now! I also love the Kiehl's body lotion and use it after every single shower!
    http://www.giltedgeblog.com

    3.14.17Reply
  27. What retinal do you use? I'm trying to find one but I have no idea where to start.
    Love first aid beauty….I haven't tried a product of their's I didn't love!

    http://www.luellapearl.com
    Caitlin

    3.14.17Reply
    • Rodan+Fields has wonderful anti-aging products. Let me know if you want more info!

      3.14.17Reply
    • Hey Caitlin! I actually talk about the retinal I use in the blog post – it's called RetrinAl and is a cream so it's more moisturizing than other brands!

      3.15.17Reply
  28. I've been thinking about getting a silk pillow case–I'll have to look into that one! As for beauty products I can't live without, there are several! My Lash Boost, eye cream, and Reverse Regimen by Rodan+Fields are just a few. Reverse has retinol and vitamin C serums! πŸ™‚

    3.14.17Reply
  29. I received the T3 curling wand for Christmas and I LOVE it!! πŸ™‚ A lot of my beauty essentials are from drugstore brand essence (sold at Ulta and Target). Almost all the products are under $5 and the quality is SO high! The mascaras, concealer stick, blush and lipsticks are my fav.

    xoxo A
    http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

    3.14.17Reply
  30. I really need that curling wand! It's SO CUTE + your hair always looks amazing XO

    @stylemelauren
    http://www.stylemelauren.com

    3.14.17Reply
  31. i love all of these products too.
    xoxo, Rachel
    http://rachelvogttrends.com

    3.14.17Reply
  32. I JUST jumped on the curling wand train and choo choo I am in love! I went with a cheapo one though to see if I liked it, definitely thinking about upgrading to your favorite.

    3.14.17Reply
  33. A year ago you posted about using a Bare Minerals cleanser and moisturizer, and I am curious if you are still using these products. It sounds like we have/had a similar acne situation, and I am desperate to try anything that will make it go away. Your skin always looks beautiful.

    Thank you! I am really enjoying your new posts–especially the ones about books you have read. Keep up the good work. πŸ™‚

    3.15.17Reply
  34. Holly, have you looked into the Unblemish regimen by Rodan+Fields? My daughter uses it and I have several customers that use it and are very pleased with their results. If you don't know an R+F consultant I would be happy to give you more information! mwoycheese@gmail.com

    3.15.17Reply
  35. What brand of moisturizer do you use for your face?

    3.15.17Reply
  36. I love my T3 curling iron and Moroccan oil is the best! I use a few Sunday Riley products, but not the Good Genes one – I want to try it!

    xoxo,
    Lauren Lindmark
    dailydoseofcharm.com

    3.15.17Reply
  37. Love the selection of products you chose! I have a few of them myself and love! I now need to add a few others from your list! πŸ˜‰

    3.15.17Reply
  38. Loving the insight into the products you use! I'm thinking about getting a silk pillow also! Kirsty | kirstyeelizabeth.com xx

    3.15.17Reply
  39. I am so excited to try the Sunday Riley product. In case anyone else is wanting to order it is 20.4% off on Birchbox! Just thought I would give fellow readers a heads-up as it is a little pricey, ordered it myself!

    https://www.birchbox.com/invite/gd8mc

    3.15.17Reply
  40. I've started using the Too Faced mascara and it's amazing!! I saw you recommended it in an older post and I'm really loving it. My lashes are super long. Do you ever use the waterproof version? That is what I have purchased. Love you recs!!

    xxM
    http://www.loubisandleggings.com

    3.15.17Reply
  41. That hair curler is amazingggg!!! So worth it πŸ™‚
    XO Janina
    http://janinafran.blogspot.ca

    3.16.17Reply
  42. "Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara"!

    I agree!

    xoxo,
    FERBENA.COM | One Stop Fashion Explore

    3.16.17Reply
  43. Need to try out number 5! <3

    BlondieInTheCity.com

    3.16.17Reply
  44. Love all of your posts! I can't live without concealer. I've been using a new one (for me) Mally H3 concealer and it's amazing!! Giving Tarte Shape Tape a run for it's money! BTW- What makeup brush are you holding in your first pic? πŸ™‚

    3.16.17Reply
  45. I've been looking into purchasing an alternate oil for my hair as the one I am currently using doesn't feel like it is doing much good tbh. So glad I came across your post. I think I might have to try the Moroccanoil hair treatment. Thanks.

    Laura ❀
    http://lifeofquine.blogspot.com/

    3.16.17Reply
  46. I use the Caviar shampoo and the slip pillow case and they are amazing! I will definitely have to give the face cream a go!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com

    3.16.17Reply
  47. Great post! I' most curious about those matcha wipes. I love anything matcha.

    Alexis|| https://lidsandtricks.com/

    3.17.17Reply
  48. I saved almost all of these to check out (and most of the ones I didn't save I already use!). I am curious about your entire nighttime routine! I am on the hunt for a new serum or similar night product – and I've heard such good things about good genes. You use that every other night, along with a retinol nightly – anything else (other than moisturizer)? Thanks!

    3.24.17Reply
  49. Hi Caitlin – love your blog! For the Avene Retrinal cream – do you use the .05 or .1 cream? You list it as the '.1 Intensive Cream', but then the link is to the .05 Cream – do you know the difference / would you recommend one over the other? Excited to try the Sunday Riley product, too!

    3.29.17Reply
  50. Is this retinol just for anti aging or acne as well?

    4.5.17Reply
  51. What's the difference between using Avene vs full on RetinA (trentinon etc)?

    4.10.17Reply
  52. I've been using it for three or four years now and will probably never use any other mascara.click site

    6.19.17Reply