My Ride or Die Product Recommendations (No Sponsorships)
I can’t stand product haul videos. There’s something grotesque about them—endless latest obsessions that conveniently change every season.
But you know what does interest me?
Products people buy on repeat.
So while I’m a blush enthusiast (hoarder?), I’m actually a product loyalist—but only to things that truly work. Below are the products I’ve returned to for years, with the number of times purchased recorded for posterity.
Oh, and please let the record reflect that I’m too lazy to sign up for LTK or Shop My or whatever, so there are ZERO commissions for any purchase you make. I’m paid solely in the joy in my heart of sharing things that work.
XO,
M
Base / Skin
Ciele Tint & Protect (purchased 3x) + Concealer (2x — it lasts forever)
🔗 https://cielecosmetics.com
Your skin, but luminous. Redness gone. Texture softened.
I’ve tried a lot of tinted moisturizers and light foundations—nothing else on planet Earth compares. It’s weightless but offers real coverage. But not too much coverage. Just the perfect amount.
(I use shade light/medium in winter; medium in summer); Also the concealer is AMAZING. Get in the same shade as the foundation.
Eden Botanicals Plum Oil (Le Prunier dupe)
🔗 Organic plum oil for ~$13 an ounce
Dirt cheap. SO GOOD.
An almost identical dupe for Le Prunier. After spending $70+ a bottle on Le Prunier since it first launched (literally bought probably 20 bottles—for me, for friends and fam, colleagues, etc.), I moved on to this. I’ve repurchased three times since I found it—and bought it as stocking stuffers this year. Keep your old Le Prunier bottle and transfer.
Prequel – The Gleanser (purchased 5x since it first launched)
🔗 https://prequelskin.com/products/the-gleanser
Non-drying. Removes everything.
I double cleanse at night (you know this), and this does the heavy lifting without wrecking my barrier. A+.
Avène Cicalfate (purchased too many times to count since 2008!)
🔗 https://www.aveneusa.com/cicalfate-restorative-protective-cream
Not an everyday product—an emergency product.
Redness, irritation, mystery flare-ups, over-exfoliation… this has rescued my skin more times than I can remember. If your barrier is wrecked, use this and ONLY this for a week.
Prequel Mineral SPF 50 Sun Barrier (repurchased at least 5x)
🔗 https://www.target.com/p/prequel-mineral-spf-50-pa-facial-treatment-spf-50-1-7-fl-oz/-/A-89210169
Simple. Moisturizing. To the point.
No breakouts. No white cast. Good stuff.
Triple Paste Diaper Cream (purchased 5x since I found about it when I had my first child; there are multiple bottles in multiple places all over my house)
🔗 https://www.target.com/p/triple-paste-diaper-rash-ointment
Yes. Diaper cream. CHEAP!
Unmatched for serious irritation and barrier repair. I use it on my kids constantly, too.
St.Tropez Self Tan Suprême Violet Bronzing Mousse (Purchased 4x since Spring of 2025)
🔗 https://www.amazon.com/Supr%C3%AAme-Bronzing-Richest-Darkest-Natural/dp/B003D8VO1U
Damn this stuff is good. Not for the faint of heart. One application gives you the best, most realistic tan I've ever seen. TERRIBLE APPLICATION. Just awful. Blotchy AF. You cannot leave your house in this or put on clothes you care about or literally do anything but watch TV until you dry and then go to bed. (Doesn't stain sheets!). But when you wake up and rinse off, you will have the best, most long lasting tan you can possibly fake. Trust the process.
Cheeks / Glow
Patrick Ta Blushes
🔗 https://patrickta.com
She’s Left Me On Red (a literal red blush!) & She’s Flushed (the most beautiful tawny pink nude)
Soft, dimensional, totally flattering. HEALTH In a pan.
I’ve purchased three Patrick Ta blushes total—which, given my collection, says a lot.
Bobbi Brown Blush – “Pale Pink” (repurchased 2x)
🔗 https://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/14018/10595/makeup/cheeks/blush
I'm not sure why it's called Pale Pink since it's not pale at all. It's a bright flushed pink. Very well balanced color between cool and warm. A makeup artist who does shoots for Nike says she uses this for all fitness related shoots. I’ve used this for years and even wore it at my wedding. If I could only keep one blush forever, this would prob be it.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter (ok, I've only purchased this once — will probably last me through the apocalypse— but it's going on the list because it's amazing.)
🔗 https://www.nordstrom.com/s/reflect-highlighter-stick/8173217
The best luminizer there is.
On par with Living Luminizer, but I prefer this shade. Looks like skin, not sparkle.
NARS Laguna Bronzer (repurchased multiple times)
🔗 https://www.narscosmetics.com/USA/laguna-bronzing-powder/999NAC0000155.html
A forever classic.
Not muddy, not orange, not aggressive. A powder that melts into the skin and is undetectable. I use shade 02 (the original) on my light/medium skin with yellow undertones.
They now make this in nine shades. I’ve wandered over to Guerlain and Westman Atelier over the years—but they don’t compare.
Lips / Eyes / Hair
NYX Lip Liner – Natural (purchased 3x)
🔗 https://www.nyxcosmetics.com/lip/lip-liner/slim-lip-pencil/NYX_052.html
Cheap AF (~$6) and the perfect nude.
Better than Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury, IMO.
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet – Rouge Charnel (56)
(purchased once but again, it is a staple, still going strong after 4 years)
🔗 https://www.chanel.com/us/makeup/p/162560/rouge-allure-velvet-luminous-matte-lip-colour/
A true red. Leans more toward blue than orange, but not overly so.
Smudge it on for everyday or go full red lip. Great as a blush, too.
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil – Limitless Brown (purchased 2x)
🔗 https://www.makeupforever.com/us/en/eyes/eye-pencil/artist-color-pencil-MI000020901.html
Creamy, long-wearing, rich color.
I don’t wear eyeliner often, but I own a lot—and this one rules them all.
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask (repurchased 10+ times)
🔗 https://www.k18hair.com/products/leave-in-molecular-repair-hair-mask
Worth it. Full stop.
The only product that actually repairs damage. If you buy it, don’t follow the directions—look up Abbey Yung and use her method. Otherwise, you won’t like this.
Ok, that’s my list. Now seriously—it would be amazing if you shared your true favorites. Not sorta goods, but like, THE VERY BEST THING you know about. Thank you in advance, and have a great week!
P.S. Oh, I just thought of one more fantastic product. Purchased twice and will continue to do so in the future. If you like natural brows, this is the best brow gel I've ever found. Super subtle volume and control. I use taupe, but the light brown worked really well, too. 🔗Merit 1980 Volumizing Brow Pomade.
Love,