We can divide our beauty stash into two categories: Products we actually use and ones we don’t. Usually, we have a gazillion of the latter (that’s why acrylic bins were invented, right?), while only a handful ever achieve MVP status. From the dream cream that gives our complexion an Insta-filter glow to the balm that soothes chapped lips like none other, these are the essentials we find ourselves scraping, squeezing, and scooping to eke out every. last. drop. So, in search of our next crush of this caliber, we're cutting down on the trial and error by going straight to the brands we already love. Take for instance Burt's Bees— its tinted lip balm has taken such good care of our pout that we can't think of a safer beauty bet than its new moisturizing lipstick line. Ahead, we've rounded up a slew of fan favorites, along with their newest 2.0 versions and spin-offs. Your swear-by shortlist is about to get a teensy bit longer.
First Love: Foundation
To compare this splurge-worthy standout to regular ol' face makeup would be a crime. Most foundations contain water, along with opaque pigments and fillers, which sit on your skin like a cakey mask. Not our favorite look. However, this incredibly lightweight fluid falls on the other end of the spectrum. It's oil-based with ultra-fine pigments, so it glides on like silk and melts into your complexion like a second skin. A few drops gives you the perfect amount of tone correction and a matte finish without looking like you're actually wearing makeup.
New Crush: Luminizing Foundation
With finely milled pigments and a hydrating oil blend (apricot, passiflora, and rice bran), this illuminating version blends seamlessly into skin and disappears naturally just like its predecessor. However, the finish is fresh and glowy, thanks to reflective particles that give it a subtle shimmer. It's also spiked with summer-friendly SPF 30.
First Love: Body Lotion
Rough, flaky skin doesn't stand a chance when you slather on this hardworking hydrator. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin fight dryness and help skin retain moisture throughout the day. Bonus points for the fragrance-free formula that won't aggravate sensitive skin types.
New Crush: Moisturizing Ointment
While you may not need to use this protective salve on the reg, you'll thank your lucky stars on days when you get those red, cracked, or crazy-dry patches. The petrolatum-based formula acts like a band-aid, soothing and protecting stressed-out skin. And because it contains ceramides and hyaluronic acids like its moisturizing-cream cousin, it helps hydrate and repair the skin barrier. Irritated skin, we've totally got you covered.
First Love: Tinted Lip Balm
Some balms have a greasy, smothering texture that only feels appropriate for the dead of winter. Not the case with Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm. The hydrating blend of shea butter, beeswax, and plant oils smoothes and softens our rough, flaky skin without feeling the slightest bit greasy or heavy. Plus, the sheer, natural tint leaves our lips with a fresh wash of color. Wear this year-round staple alone or as a primer under gloss and lipstick. It always works.
New Crush: Moisturizing Lipstick
We've come to rely upon pampering lip treatments packed with good-for-you ingredients from Burt's Bees. But a statement lip? Not what we'd expect. We're glad it's here, though. These creamy lipsticks combine major TLC — thanks to ingredients like raspberry seed oil, beeswax, and vitamins — with rich, naturally derived botanical and mineral pigments. (So no worries about that lipstick layer we all inevitably end up eating.)
First Love: Face Cream
Fun fact: Charlotte Tilbury's model and celeb clientele were the original guinea pigs for this dream cream that combines hydrating rosehip and camellia oils, protective antioxidants, and anti-aging peptides. She perfected the recipe backstage and on set, so now all we have to do is slather it on to achieve soft, luminous skin at home.
New Crush: Night Cream
We can't guarantee a full night's sleep, but at least we can wake up with a fresh face. This bedtime formula feeds your skin with a slew of restorative ingredients including retinol, red algae, and peptides. After cleansing, give your complexion a micro-massage as you gently spread it over your skin. Sweet dreams, indeed.
First Love: Facial Cleansing Brush
Cleansing never looked (or felt) so good. Pair this oscillating brush with your favorite cleanser, and after one minute, your face looks fresh and bright like you had a professional facial. Use it two to three times a week (which totally justifies the investment). And the fact that this one's more budget-friendly than the full-size model doesn't hurt, either.
New Crush: Mini Cleansing Brush
The new device offers more features (and less bulk) than our former go-to. Use the one-minute gentle cycle for daily cleansing or step up the intensity to the 80-second power cleanse when your skin feels extra grimy — like after a serious spin class. Your pores will thank you.
First Love: Shampoo
The scent of this gentle shampoo is EVERYTHING. Massage it into your scalp, and your senses are enveloped by the brand's signature aroma created with 25 — count 'em, 25 — pure flower and plant essences. It's like recreating a spa in your shower.
New Crush: Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo is a no-brainer for second-, third-, or fourth-day hair. Natural cassava and oat powders soak up scalp grease and add volume, while the signature botanical scent refreshes stale-smelling strands. And because it's a non-aerosol mist, we don't have to worry about the spray losing air pressure and any product going to waste.
First Love: Exfoliating Peel
Derm peels are a fast fix for dull skin and clogged pores, and this at-home version is no exception. In a few quick swipes, the two-step treatment smooths, hydrates, and brightens with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. Use it a couple of times a week, or save it for special occasions when you need extra glow.
New Crush: Anti-Aging Peel
Step up your line-smoothing and skin-firming game with this potent pre-bed peel. It features retinol to exfoliate dead skin, boost collagen, and smooth wrinkles, along with ferulic acid (an anti-inflammatory) to minimize irritation. Unlike the cult original, you only need one pad to get the job done.
First Love: Liquid Highlighter
Too much shimmer can be disco overkill, but this liquid luminizer gets the sparkle ratio exactly right. The universally flattering peachy-gold shade gives your skin a warm, post-beach glow. Pat a little bit along your cheekbones, brows, and temples for a natural highlight. Or mix a few drops into your BB cream or moisturizer for all-over radiance.
New Crush: Highlighter Stick
It's the same skin-flattering shade, just in a great new texture and swipe-on applicator. Blend the multipurpose makeup stick over your lids, cheeks, and lips for a natural, no-makeup look — or dab it on the highest points of your face as a traditional highlighter. It's so soft and pretty, you really can't get it wrong.
First Love: Anti-Aging Cream
This drugstore standout gives other pricey department-store creams a run for their money. The potent cocktail of peptides and vitamin B3 smooths and firms your skin while hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts plump it full of moisture. We're stealing this one from our moms.
New Crush: Anti-Aging SPF Lotion
Our hunt for the perfect daily SPF lotion is officially over. The classic cream is now spiked with broad-spectrum SPF 30, rounding out its anti-aging advantages. The formula contains silky powders and light emollients — which give it a light, non-greasy texture — so you'll actually want to wear it every day.
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