Katie’s Can’t-Leave-Home-Without-Them Beauty and Skincare Products

Because a little lipstick never hurt anybody.

KC's beauty essentials

Getty Images/KCM

Do you ever think about your deserted island beauty essentials? Hopefully none of us will ever be stranded somewhere Survivor-style, but it never hurts to know which products you’d want by your side if it did happen.

Sure, in a real-life scenario, we’d want an endless supply of food and water over creams and lotions. But metaphorically speaking: What are the holy grail beauty products you truly can’t live without?

Over the years, lots of Wake-Up Callers and Instagram followers have asked me to share my go-to favorites — and today, I’m finally spilling my beauty secrets. Here are the beauty essentials I swear by. I even made a quick video so you can see exactly how I use them, which you can watch right here:

@katiecouric

Okay, I can’t believe I’ve become this person, but this morning in Wake-Up call we’ve got all my beauty tips and tricks. 💄💋 Head over to katiecouric.com to check them out! #celebritybeautysecrets #makeuproutine

♬ Glamorous – Fergie

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 remover 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.

$10 at Amazon

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!

$26 at Thrive

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.

$99+ at Augustinus Bader

Supergoop! Unseen 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.

$22+ at Nordstrom

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.

$180 at Nordstrom

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 I discovered the Bare Minerals liquid foundation last year and have not had that problem since. It’s pretty affordable — $44 — and has all-natural ingredients. A win-win!

$44 at Nordstrom

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.

$28 at Jones Road

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!

$40 at Jones Road

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!

$35 at Sephora

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 who like a look that’s less harsh.

$16+ at Nordstrom

MAC Lipliner in Whirl

MAC

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.

$25 at Nordstrom

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!

$27 at Nordstrom

TrueCider Gentle Creamy Cleanser

Cheryl Lee MD

I’m constantly reordering this gentle cleanser made by 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 prevents future eczema flare-ups.

$35 at Cheryl Lee MD

TrueTherapy Ceramide+ Cream

Cheryl Lee MD

Sometimes, 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).

$44 at Cheryl Lee MD