When your day job consists of testing out the newest and most lauded beauty products on the market (oh, the life of a beauty editor), you can rest assured that your beauty bag is filled with only the best beauty products on offer.
But despite having access to an endless surplus of samples, there are a handful of beauty buys that beauty editors continue to return to.
Below, marie claire rounds up the Holy Grail staples the beauty editors deem worthy of personal investment.
Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, $68 at David Jones
Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray has amassed a cult following, largely thanks to Meghan Markle, who listed the product among her beauty favourites. The invisible hairsprays amps up volume while absorbing oil, making it the ultimate multitasker for beauty editors on the go.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil, $42.99 at Chemist Warehouse
With its age-reversing powers (read: ability to minimise the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, enhance cell turnover and even out skin tone), retinol has become a skincare-ingredient mainstay. One product that’s earned its place on the shelves of beauty editors worldwide is Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil. Formulated with Retinol SA, the oil offers sustained action that works continuously to renew the look of skin throughout the night. Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Garner were both early adopters of the oil, with Garner branding it a lifesaver.
“It’s combined with an oil so it’s a little more gentle than other retinols and doesn’t irritate my skin,” the actress has said.
Maybelline Lash Sensational, $22.95 at Chemist Warehouse
Every beauty editor worth her salt has a supermarket-bought mascara in her beauty arsenal. Maybelline’s Lash Sensational features a curved wand that mimics the lash line allowing for easy application, and separate bristles that give lashes maximum volume and a fan-like finish. Infused with Rose Hip oil, it also keeps lashes conditioned.
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $31.95 at Cosmetics Now
Beloved by beauty editors and makeup artists, this curler by Shu Uemura gives lashes a kink-free, swoopy curve rather than a harsh 90-degree bend. It helps boost mascara performance and never pinches. If you’re wanting killer lashes, this is the tool to buy.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, $48.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Byredo Gypsy Water EDP, $226 at MECCA
Beauty insiders have fallen in love with Swedish fragrance house Byredo. Founded by Ben Gorham, the brand has become known for its unique, versatile scents, aesthetically-pleasing bottle designs and considered collaborations. The scent to know? Gypsy Water is the spritz pictured in every beauty editor’s shelf-ie.
MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $30
Red lipstick is a classic for a reason but finding a shade that’s long-lasting and perfect for your skin tone is no easy feat. That’s why MAC’s Ruby Woo has remained a beauty editor favourite since its debut in 1999 (fact: seven tubes of the shade are sold around the world every minute). The cult classic colour features a blue tone that balances the red in cool skintones and the yellow and olive tones in warm complexions.
Main image: @rosiehw
Brought to you by Neutrogena