The products 8 beauty editors can’t live without

One of the many perks of working in the beauty industry is the vast number of products that cross our desks each and every day. As a result, we’re constantly trying dozens of new and improved formulas (almost) daily, which leaves our bathroom cupboards bursting at the seams.

So, when a beauty editor decides a product was so good she re-purchases it again and again, you know it must be a winner.

Here, we spoke to eight of Australia’s leading beauty editors to find out three products they religiously buy.

Carli Alman, Editor, Beauty Crew

Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Enlightenment Illuminiser
“My favourite, favourite way to use this liquid highlighter is to mix one pump of it with my foundation for a natural, all-over glow. It’s got just the right amount of iridescence that it doesn’t look like I’m a human disco-ball when the light hits - just fresh and glowy. When I want to focus on my cheekbones, I skip the foundation-mixing and dab the illuminiser on the highpoints of my face with a wet beautyblender (I find that helps it blend in a bit more naturally than just using my finger). I find a little does go a long way, so I don’t have to stock up all that often.”

Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara
“Full disclosure: I have what you might call a mascara wardrobe. I find it almost impossible to just have one in my beauty kit. And while I may chop and change between a few brands, this one from Stila is always, ALWAYS a staple. I find it lifts, plumps and curls my lashes like a dream – almost bordering on looking like I’ve got falsies on. If you’re a mascara fiend, this one is an absolute must-try.”

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
“We all know that a sun-induced tan is not great, so it pays to have a fake tan in your arsenal that gives you the smooth, natural colour that looks like you’ve spent a month sailing around the Greek islands. And this blue bottle of goodness is my no-fail go-to. I’ve always preferred a mousse formulation as it spreads and blends in easily, and the colour of this one is just perfection. Truthfully, I apply it before bed and marinate while I sleep so I can’t talk to the express results, but I’m guaranteed to wake up with golden bronze skin, sans streaks (thank you, tanning mitt).”

Anna McClelland, Digital Beauty Editor, marie claire

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
“I’ve almost finished my third bottle of this cult-status serum. It’s packed with one of the best forms of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to brighten the skin, and I love that it doesn’t contain parabens or phthalates.”

BareMinerals Bareskin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer
“Can you tell I’ve jumped on the natural beauty bandwagon? I use this concealer under my eyes only (I find it isn’t as ideal for covering blemishes) and love the luminous finish it gives. Plus, it lasts all day.”

Lanolips Lip Treatments
“I must apply lip balm hourly, and Lanolips is my hands-down fave. I have the Lemonaid at my desk, the Multipurpose Ointment Superbalm is always in my bag and I keep a stash of the tinted versions with SPF for weekends.”

Erin Docherty, Contributor, Beauty Crew

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
“No matter how many different foundations I try, I always go back to this one. It’s super lightweight, blends nicely and gives me great coverage, while still letting my skin look like skin! 

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer
“This is definitely my all-time favourite concealer. It’s a total all-rounder and everything you want in the one product – it’s creamy, doesn’t crease or go all dry and weird and crepey, and it actually lasts. It’s the best little weapon to cover those dark circles!”

Medik8 Glow Oil
“I use this oil religiously and seriously can’t get enough of it. My skin tends to be quite dry and sensitive (especially coming into winter), and I’ve found it gives me an extra little kick of hydration and radiance all in one. I’ll be using this until I’m 85.”

Chelsea Tromans, Contributing Editor, Beauty Crew

Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner
“Funnily enough, I haven’t had much luck finding a shampoo and conditioner that I really like or would repurchase again and again. Except for Pantene. There’s nothing fancy about it, it just gives me soft, healthy strands. Every. Single. Time. And I can’t go past the price point – it’s ALWAYS on sale in the supermarket so I buy it when it’s just $3 a bottle!”

Kosmea Rosehip Oil
“Rosehip oil is a must-have for me and my thirsty skin. It keeps my complexion hydrated, smooth and radiant, and I especially can’t get enough of it in winter. I’ve tried A LOT of rosehip oils over the years and I can tell you that not all of them are created equal. Hands down, Kosmea’s Rosehip Oil has been my favourite so far.” 

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil
“This body wash is SO luxurious and smells divine –sweet with a delicate nutty scent. What I really adore is the consistency. It’s an oil-to-foam formula that is ultra nourishing. My skin always feels incredibly smooth after using it.”

Jordyn Christensen, Beauty Writer, marie claire

Frank Body Creamy Face Scrub
“I love it for that deep clean feeling. It removes all my makeup, buffs away dead skin cells and evens my skin tone. It’s honestly my Holy Grail skin product to get my complexion back on track. It’s also super affordable and ups my shower shelf.”

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
“Trying new beauty products is part and parcel of my job. But this is one product I can always rely on and always come back to. As a nighttime serum, I find the blend of essential oils really calming and I always wake up with a brighter, fresher complexion.”

Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle
“While Diptyque is known for its unique fragrances, this one takes the cake. It’s a wintery, smoky, spicy blend that is meant to evoke a wood fire and I absolutely adore it. If I could have one of these burning on every surface in my house I would.”

Iantha Yu, Beauty Editor, Beauty Crew

Dove Triple Moisturising Deeply Nourishing Body Wash
“I’ve been using this body wash since I was a baby and have repeat-purchased it as an adult purely because I’m a creature of habit and love its calming scent (ah, the nostalgia!), the nourishing formula and the ability to bulk-buy. I’m not looking to steer away from this product any time soon.”

Sheridan Luxury Egyptian Face Washer
“I start each morning by pressing my face with a hot face cloth to really gently remove dead skin cells and open up my pores so that my skin care penetrates at a deeper level. The Sheridan face washers are my favourite as they’re soft to touch but also durable, so they don’t fall apart after a few washes.”

Byredo Bal D’Afrique Roll On Oil
“Vibrant in nature, this marigold and bitter neroli scent takes me straight to my ‘happy place’, and reminds me of the time I was wandering through the streets of Rome on my own with the hot sun on my back. The applicator also allows me to control how much I apply – such as a dab for daytime and a generous roll for night – guaranteeing that not a drop is wasted.”

Hayley D’Onofrio, Beauty Director, InStyle

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
“Skin expert Melanie Grant got me onto this antioxidant-rich serum, and it transformed my skin. The combination of brightening vitamin C and ferulic acid work to even out my skin tone while improving texture. I use it every morning without fail.”

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid Serum
“In recent times my skin has become dry, and I’ve been using this serum from Dr. Sturm for a few weeks now, and have experienced fast results. I use it every night, and also add a drop into my morning serum for an extra boost of hydration. And while it's technically not a repeat buy, I will definitely be repurchasing when I eventually run out.”

Nars Orgasm Laguna Duo
“I found this duo on a trip overseas a few years back and was overjoyed when it became available in Australia at Mecca. It contains my all-time favourite bronzer and blush shades in one handy compact - a face-flattering bronzer minus any scary shimmer, and the perfect peachy-pink blush.”

Kate Niven, Beauty Writer, Beauty Crew

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil
“I have been re-purchasing this cleansing oil every few months, without fail, since I was 18. It’s a refreshing all-in-one cleanser that easily removes makeup (even the most stubborn waterproof mascara) and leaves my skin feeling super cleansed and nourished without the telltale oily residue many oil cleansers leave behind. Added bonus: At $23 it won’t break the bank either!”

Jo Malone London Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne
“No beauty product can put me in a good mood quite like a Jo Malone perfume can, and my absolute favourite scent from the brand is Mimosa and Cardamom. Uplifiting mimosa, tonka and sandalwood mix with Damask rose to create a warm and golden scent that’s so good I’ve purchased every single size available: 100mL, 30mL, 9mL as well as both the Body and Hand Wash AND Body Crème.” 

Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF 50
“It’s by no means the sexiest or most exciting product, but this face sunscreen is one of the most important products in my entire beauty cupboard. Not only does it provide both UVA and UVB protection, the lightweight formula applies smoothly, blends easily with foundation and has never EVER caused me to break out (an issue I often have with face SPFs).”

Want more insider tips on the best beauty products on the market? These seven brands were actually created by former beauty editors, plus find out the nine best dry shampoos Australian beauty editors can’t live without. 

What products do you religiously re-purchase? Let us know your favourites in the comments below.

Main image credit: @gal_gadot