I’ve never been someone who chases the new and shiny.

We all have that drawer, the one full of half-used miracle products that didn’t deliver.

I’d rather tell you about the handful that have earned a permanent spot on my shelf.

A few things have changed since 2019.

I mostly use cream blushes now, less drying, more of a healthy glow, and I’ve switched to a dark brown mascara for a softer, more natural look.

So I’ve updated this list for 2026.

Here are the beauty buys I truly can’t quit.

1. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick  Years using this: over 5. First discovered it: honestly can’t remember, it’s been part of my routine so long.

A creamy blush stick I swipe on my cheeks and blend up onto my eyelids too. One product, two places, and it gives that healthy flushed glow without looking powdery. Works beautifully with my pale, olive-undertone skin. I wear the Petal shade.

2. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Years using this: at least 25! First discovered it: via my old dermatologist’s office in NYC.

I use this every day. Literally the best hand and body moisturizer.

3. Cetaphil Soap Years using this: also at least 25! First discovered it: via my old dermatologist’s office in NYC.

Doesn’t get much more timeless than this. I used to have uncomfortably dry skin and this has helped SO much. The only body soap I’ll use.

4. Molecule 01 Eau de Toilette Years using this: at least 14. First discovered it: via my friend Carolyn.

Pretty much the only perfume I wear now. I get SO many compliments. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this scent.

5. Silk Pillowcases Years using this: at least 15. First discovered it: via an article in New York Magazine.

Great for extending the life of a blowout, and no more sheet marks on my face. I swear by it so much I even take one with me when I travel.

6. Gucci Sun Kissed Bronzer in 01 Years using this: recently switched to this one.

I recently switched to this and it’s the one I reach for now. Gives a natural warmth without looking muddy or orange, which is the trap with a lot of bronzers on pale, olive-undertone skin. A little goes a long way. I wear the 01 shade.

7. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Years using this: Very recently switched to this one after a bad sunburn.

My nighttime moisturizer now, after I wash my face. Rich and restoring without feeling greasy, and it absorbs right in. My skin feels so smooth and refreshed I love this product!

8. Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Years using this: My newest purchase after hearing so much buzz and so happy it lives up to the hype.

The one hair product I’m fully loyal to now. I have a lot of fine hair that gets frizzy in humid weather, and this tames the frizz and fly aways while adding shine. It’s naturally wavy/curly and I straighten it. A little goes a long way. There’s a very pretty light scent to it which smells so fresh.

9. Cle de Peau Concealer Years using this: at least 17. First discovered it: it’s won SO many beauty awards that I forget how I first found it.

It’s hands down the BEST concealer for dark under-eye circles and dark spots I’ve ever tried. I wear the beige shade. The Cle de Peau reps tell me it’s the most popular shade for fair/light complexions.

10. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Years using this: roughly one. First discovered it: On a trip where I forgot to bring a cleanser and purchased it on the salesperson’s recommendation.

A gentle daily cleanser that actually cleans without stripping. I have sensitive, dry skin and this doesn’t leave it tight.

11. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Years using this: at least 17. First discovered it: recommended by my friend Adina.

I’ve tried to get on board with CC creams, BB creams, primers, even other tinted moisturizers, but I’ve come back to this one so many times that I’ve finally stopped looking to switch. It’s lightweight but adds just enough color to look pretty and still natural. I don’t feel coated in makeup when I wear it, plus it has a little SPF and it’s moisturizing. They keeping changing the shade names, but I’m currently wearing shade: Bisque.

12. Lancome Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner Years using this: SINCE HIGH SCHOOL! First discovered it: via a department store makeover in NYC.

Granted, I use a lot less than in my high school days, just a thin subtle touch now. But I think this is the one beauty product I’ve stuck with for decades.

13. Flat Iron Years using this: at least 5. First discovered it: recommended by my hairstylist here in CT.

I’ve been flat-ironing my hair since the nineties, so I’ve gone through a considerable number of flat irons over the years. The expensive ones, the cheap ones, you name it. This one is priced right and mine has lasted well over a year.

I tend to skip the hair dryer and air dry, because this has so much heat.

14. Pro Facial Steamer Years using this: a couple of years now. First discovered it: recommended by a podcast.

Great for dry, wintry skin. (This was the standout new buy from my last refresh.)

15. Micellar Cleansing Water Years using this: about 4. First discovered it: from a pharmacist in Italy!

You can read about it here. I love it so much I wrote a whole post about it.

16. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler Years using this: at least 22. First discovered it: from an Allure beauty awards roundup.

The best for catching, curling, and pushing up every lash. Makes you look more awake.