Because a little lipstick never hurt anybody.
Do you ever think about what your deserted island beauty essentials would be? Ideally, none of us would ever actually get stuck on an island, but I think that it’s important to at least have some kind of idea of what you would have on you.
Sure, we’d rather have an endless supply of water and food with us should we be dropped out of a plane into a Survivor-esque situation, but let’s roll with the metaphor here: What are some holy grail beauty items you can’t live without?
Lots of Wake-Up Callers and Instagram followers have asked for my favorites over the years, and I’m finally here to spill all my beauty secrets. Here are some of my faves, and I even made a quick video to give you a peek at how I use them all, which you can watch right here:
TrueCider Gentle Creamy Cleanser
Cheryl Lee MD
I’m constantly reordering this gentle cleanser made by my dermatologist, Cheryl Lee Eberting, MD. I have eczema, and this cleanser actually helps rebalance my skin’s pH levels so that it can heal itself and help prevent future eczema flare-ups.
Augustinus Bader Face Oil
Augustinus Bader
OK, I know it’s a bit of a splurge, but I swear this oil is worth every penny. During colder months, this is a lifesaver for my eczema. It makes my skin feel dewy and fresh, but not greasy.
TrueTherapy Ceramide+ Cream
Cheryl Lee MD
In the colder months, my skin gets painfully dry, which means I’ve always got some sort of soothing lotion nearby. This formula actively releases lipids into your skin, adding long-lasting moisture to thirsty skin. Plus, like all of Dr. Cheryl’s products, this lotion is free of 88 different allergens (like all fragrances, gluten, dyes, aluminum, and more).
Albolene Moisturizer and Makeup Remover
Amazon
Even the most stubborn waterproof mascaras are no match for this gentle cleanser. As someone with super dry, sensitive skin, finding an effective and gentle makeup removed can be tough. This one is my favorite, as it delivers a much-needed dose of moisture to my dry skin and costs less than $10.
Thrive Cosmetics Liquid Lash Extensions
Thrive
I don’t wear much makeup on a day-to-day basis, but I treat my lashes to Thrive mascara when I do. It’s my new go-to as my lashes get blonder (and less voluminous, sadly) as I, um, mature. Not only does it make my lashes look super long, but I can remove this mascara with warm water and nothing else. Amazing!
Supergoop! Unseen and Play Sunscreen
Nordstrom
Does anyone really like slathering on SPF? I normally don’t, but the Supergoop! sunscreen makes it a breeze. I can put it all over my face and body without feeling greasy, and it doesn’t leave a chalky white cast behind like some sunscreens do. Members of our staff are huge fans of this formula, and so many of them use it on a daily basis.
Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream Skin Rejuvenating Treatment
Nordstrom
There are few products that have stuck with me for years, but this Lancôme moisturizer is one of them. I’m no esthetician, but this is the most effective product for lifting and firming my skin overnight.
Bare Minerals Original Pure Serum Radiant Natural Liquid Foundation
Nordstrom
My skin is extremely sensitive, and day after day of wearing a full face of makeup can make my face itchy and irritated. But earlier this year I discovered the Bare Minerals liquid foundation and have not had that problem since. It’s pretty affordable — $44 — and has all-natural ingredients. A win-win!
Jones Road Face Pencil
Jones Road
I love my friend Bobbi Brown and her team at Jones Road. And if anyone knows what they’re doing in the makeup department, it’s Bobbi. I use her Face Pencil as an under-eye concealer.
Jones Road Miracle Balm
Jones Road
As a bonus, Bobbi’s line is affordable and no-fuss in a truly fantastic way. I use the Miracle Balm as bronzer. The formula is moisturizing, too, so you won’t be left with dry, flaky cheeks or cakey looking contour after using it. Just rub it in with your fingers and you’re ready to rock!
Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette
Sephora
My friend and makeup artist, Josie Torres, has been using eyeshadow as liner for years. We use the darkest color in this Urban Decay palette, Undone, right on my water line, and then I use it to fill in my eyebrows (which have magically disappeared over the years). Works like a charm!
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Nordstrom
Well, I don’t know if the name is 100 percent accurate…but I do know that this Too Faced mascara doesn’t run or clump, which are my two main requirements. Plus, it doesn’t irritate my eyes, so I can wear it all day without worry. It comes in brown for those looking for a color softer than black, too.
MAC Lipliner in Whirl
Nordstrom
If you’re looking for a lipliner that looks natural but gives your pucker a hint of color, my favorite lip liner is in a shade called Whirl, which I use to line and define my lips, and then I layer a different shade of lipstick on top.
MAC Lipstick in Hug Me
Nordstrom
In addition to the liner, I use MAC’s Hug Me as an overall lip color. Josie found both colors for me years ago and they are my tried and true favorites!