Caroline Ripa | Washington, DC & NYC Content Creator

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Beauty Products I Can't Live Without

I get asked beauty questions a lot (especially about my hair) so I thought I’d do a post about all my beauty MUST HAVES. These products I have either been using for years or recently discovered and use daily. I consider myself very minimal in the beauty department, and only recently started wearing certain makeup and eye creams, night creams, etc. I have noticed I like my makeup more when I use bronzer and my skin has changed almost completely since I started using night cream! It’s crazy. I highly recommend trying any of these products and seeing if they will fall under your *must have* items ;)

Face

  • Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - This is my #1 beauty product. I have the giant size, medium size, and travel size. I use it daily and bring it with me everywhere I travel. It is the most basic but moisturizing lotion for your face. It doesn’t have a smell, it isn’t sticky and it goes on very light. Other moisturizers I love and use frequently: Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer, Lumene Glow Reveal, & Philosophy Oil-Free Gel Cream.

  • Fresh Soy Exfoliant - I was looking for an exfoliator for the longest time and recently bought this and I LOVE it! It removes dead skin and leaves your face silky soft!

  • Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Mask - This is my go to mask during the week! I shower and put this on afterwards and it feels so good and leaves my skin glowy and soft. You can buy this at Target and it is a great price!

  • Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask - This product is taking over the internet and for good reason. I always put it on when I am on a plane, and once in a while as an overnight mask before bed. My skin feels SO moisturized when I use it

  • LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask - This company is absolute genius for making a “lip” mask. I put this on thick before bed and you will wake up with the softest lips! I sometimes use this Rosebud Lip Salve also.

  • Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Night - That was a long name, my B. But this night scream. IS. THE. BEST. This is my #1 night cream. You will feel like a new person and your skin will change forever.

  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist - This is a recent purchase but I am obsessed with it! Before makeup, after makeup, before bed, when I wake up, basically whenever; spray this on. It smells amazing and makes your skin feel sooooo good!

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Body

  • Kopari Coconut Deodorant - I switched to all natural deodorant last year and I LOVE this stuff. You will have to go through a detox phase when you switch to all natural but it’s not bad and your body will thank you :-)

  • Ogx Miracle Coconut Lotion - I either lather my body in this stuff or body oil after I shower. It’s super thick and barely has a scent!

  • L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil - This is a splurge but it’s worth it… I cannot even put into words how much I love this oil and how wonderful I feel after I shower and cover my body in this.

  • Veet Wax Strips - I have not paid for a wax in years, these strips have saved my life (and my bank account)! I use them on my lip, eyebrow, armpits, etc!

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Hair

  • Dyson Blow Dryer - This is a very expensive product but it is amazing. I received it as a Christmas present last year, and I’m pretty sure my boyfriend got it for me because it cuts my hair drying time in HALF (so I get ready faster). My hair never feels damaged and you can dry your hair in 5 minutes. Score.

  • BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron - This is another pricey product, but very worth it. I do not straighten my hair often, but when I do it always comes out silky smooth thanks to this product. I have had it for YEARS. Literally since high school. I am horrified of the day it breaks and I have to buy another one *eye roll*.

  • T3 SinglePass Curl - I actually use a curling wand I got at TJ Maxx but I have been eyeing this for a while. I’ve used it before and it’s a great product! Remember: the bigger the wand, the wavier the curls. And I loveeee my hair wavy, not super curly.

  • Oaui Leave In Conditioner - I am 99% convinced this stuff is what has made my hair look so shiny and healthy lately. I use it when I get out of the shower and not only does it smell SO good, but your hair will look amazing.

  • Ouai Rose Oil - This is hair & body oil, and I use it on both! I only put it on the ends of my hair (so the roots don’t get greasy) and I only use it when my hair is dirty and needs an uplift without washing it. Also - down your body in it when you get out of the shower, you will feel amazinggggg.

  • Aveda Smooth Infusion - I always put this on after the shower on my wet hair (when I am not using the Ouai Leave In Conditioner). I put this on if I know I am curling my hair or styling it.

  • Aveda Air Control Hairspray - I HATE hairspray that has a strong chemical smell or leaves your hair crunchy. No no nooooo! This stuff is so light you almost don’t believe it is holding your hair… but it does ;)

  • Batiste Dry Shampoo - Since I only wash my hair about 2x a week, my hair sees a lot of dry shampoo. Batiste is the best brand I have found that has a light scent, and you can get the “brunette” version and it doesn’t show the white in your hair!

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Makeup

  • Primer

    • NYX COSMETICS High Definition Primer - This primer is the cheaper version of any other primer out there. In my personal opinion, the cheaper primers work just as well as the high end versions. This one never fails me and I swear my makeup stays on longer and looks better when I use it!

  • Foundation

    • L’Oreal Paris True Match - I have tried all sorts of drug store foundations and high end foundations and I always come back to this product. It’s lightweight, non scented and always matches my skin tone perfectly. It has SPF in it which I like, I do not have to worry about applying sunscreen to protect my face. I have been using it for years and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon! (My color is N3 and N4).

  • Bronzer

    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Bronzer - I looked forever for a bronzer that actually looks like bronzer on me (because I am naturally tan)! This stuff is amazing, and doesn’t move.

    • Hoola Bronzer - This was my go-to before I discovered the Anastasia bronzer, and I still love it! It’s also the perfect travel bronzer (I have the mini).

  • Highlighter

    • Lorac Light Source - This was my first highlighter I ever bought, I love it! The color I have is moonlight.

    • Becca Champagne Pop - My Lorac highlight was running low and everyone raves about this stuff, and now I get it. It is amazing and just a tiny bit makes you G L O W.

  • Mascara

  • Lips

    • Kat Von D Lolita II - Best lip ever. Period. It isn’t matte or glossy, it’s smooth and creamy and the color is PERFECT. I wear this more than any other lipstick.

    • Trestique Matte Lip & Shiny Balm - The “Chile Red” color is the best red lip color. It’s smooth and creamy and you rarely have to reapply.

    • NARS American Woman - I needed a new lip because I wore my Kat Von D one entirely too much, so this is now my second go-to. It’s a great color and goes on very thin, but has great pigment. I am obsessed!

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