We rounded up 40 beauty products that have changed our lives for the better.
From makeup to skincare, to something in between, check out 40 of our fave beauty products that have changed our lives.
BB Writer Rebecca’s top picks for beauty for oily and blemish prone skin, dark features and bushy brows are:
Odesse Fragrance RRP $119 for a bundle of 3 of RRP $69.95
“This is a solid fragrance, in a compact container. It’s easy to travel with, and perfect for your bag or purse. Can be easily applied with a quick dab when you’re on the go.
I love how you can easily fragrance up when on the move, without running the risk of travelling with glass bottles of perfume in your bag which may break. The solid fragrance concept is a real game changer.”
Cangro Bold Brows Eyebrow Enhancer RRP $89
“We all want bushy brows. Well I know I do anyway. My brows have always been decent enough, but I’ve always dreamed they could be slightly more bushy.
I’ve been using this serum for over a year now, and although some nights I do forget to apply it, I use it almost every other night before bed. It has certainly helped keep my brows well nourished and with significant growth as well. Though they aren’t extra bushy, the health of the brows means, I have new growth which has filled a few empty spaces – if you know what I mean. Very happy.
Cangro also have a lash serum which I have been using for the last few months, and I can already see growth in my lashes. Winning.”
PeppyCo Vitamin C Serum RRP $34
“Can be used both AM and Pm after cleansing, to help skin stay clear, hydrated, and well-toned. It’s creamy and dries fast so easy to apply makeup right afterwards.
I’m a lover of all things vitamin C, both internally and externally, and I’m also a lover of all things PeppyCo as well, having been a self-obsessed fan of their LED mask and exfoliating brush.
So, no surprise here that I would also be a lover of their vitamin C serum too. Skin feels fresh and blemishes heal faster too.”
StemLab Hydra + Rejuvenating Cream RRP $52
“Aussie born and bred, this natural and organic skincare brand is vegan, cruelty-free and delivers outstanding skincare results. The formulation is light, however, rich enough to hydrate skin well both AM and PM.
I struggle to find a cream which can be used morning and night, as I try to reduce my environmental impact by not having too many products. This cream ticks all the boxes, as it’s super light in the day, however, heavy enough at night to deliver on some of the best hydrating results I’ve experienced yet from a multitasking face cream.”
MOR Skincare Renew Rejuvenating Sheet Face Mask RRP $39.95
“New to the MOR range, the sheet masks are designed to fit any face size, and deliver outstanding hydrating results for dry skin, whilst dosing it up with nourishing ingredients.
The formulation is beautiful though, and the serum is very hydrating on the skin. I think I have found my new go to range of face masks.”
Lust Minerals Primer and Mineral Powder RRP $49.99
“Perfect for summer, the primer provides a great base for the skin, where no foundation is required. Add a little concealer and dust the mineral powder on to finish, and you have the perfect no make-up make up look for summer.
As the weather begins to warm, this primer has been my daily go to. I use concealer afterwards to hide any imperfections and then lightly dust over the mineral powder to finish. My skin can breathe all day, with the right amount of coverage, without blocking pores.”
Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails RRP $39.99
“This professional grade nail tool kit will help you achieve salon nails at home. It includes a safety feature, where if you push too hard with the buffing and filing tools, it will automatically switch off, preventing you from damaging nails and fingers.
This has been a life saver at-home nail kit, to help me manage my nails. It’s handy to keep on hand for last minute manicures and pedicures when you haven’t got time to get to the salon. It’s easy to use too.”
ROC skincare – Hydrate and Plump Eye Cream RRP $25.99
“This affordable skincare brand proves you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get the results you need. This eye cream plumps up skin, leaving the eye area looking young and dewy.
Eye creams are my obsession next to vitamin C serums. I find them essential to preventing foundation from finding small creases to hide in, showing all your age lines when you smile. This eye cream fills the lines, plumps the eyes, and make them look vibrant and young. Which is perfect under foundation.”
QED The Body Exfoliator RRP $68
“It’s so good, your partner will be using it too. The formulation is suitable for all skin types and skin is left feeling soft and smooth after use.
“Both myself and my partner are obsessed with this exfoliator. I apply it to wet skin, and apply all over my body, letting it sit for at least a minute before then washing off in the shower. Skin is soft and well hydrated, and I find myself using less body moisturiser on the says I use this exfoliator.”
Before You Speak Immunity Coffee RRP $37.95
“Infused with echinacea, vitamin c, and varying other antioxidants, this guilt-free coffee needs no sugar no milk and can be enjoyed black.
Though not exactly a beauty product, I am a big believer of ingesting the right types of products to help you have the best skin. This coffee, though designed to protect and build immunity, with the added benefits of vitamin C and antioxidants, also helped my skin stay healthy and glow. Oh, and kept the common cold at bay over winter too.”
Frank Body Meet My Rewind Retinol Serum RRP $24.95
“Designed to help improve skin texture and fade lines and wrinkles, with continued use, skin will feel well-nourished and hydrated, with noticeable reduction in pigmentation. If you’re looking for a retinol serum that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin, this is the product for you.
Most retinol serums require some form of slow introduction, to ensure your skin doesn’t have any reactions after use. This serum is soft enough, but powerful enough to work, and can be used daily with ease. It’s made with vitamin B and antioxidants and skin glows after using.”
Innisfree Volume and Curl Mascara RRP $25
“This is hypoallergenic clean mascara with only good ingredients being added after extensive research efforts to offer safe daily use without stressing the eyes.
I’ve been using this mascara for at least a year now and haven’t looked back. It doesn’t go off after a few months, like some other brands, stays fresh and won’t clump. I love the smooth texture it leaves on the lashes and how well it lasts throughout the day.”
Natio Desert Sands Semi-Matte Bronzer RRP $10.98
“This skin flattering bronzer gives skin a sun-kissed look, which is both natural and suits and skin tone. The mineral pigments offer a gentle colour and illumination to help enhance depth and dimension to the face.
Bronzers are my go-to makeup product, especially in summer. After applying my fave moisturiser, I use a concealer to cover any spots of any kind before applying a little bronzer to highlight the skin. Can be easily applied over foundation, though I’m loving the no foundation look whilst the weather is warm.”
BB Writer Claudia’s top products for curly dark hair, olive complexion and thin brows and lashes are:
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector: RRP $50
“This is an at-home treatment that reduces breakage and visibly strengthens hair, improving its look and feel.
After destroying my hair by going from brunette to deep pink/purple, I hunted for the best ways to recover your hair and Olaplex kept appearing in my research.
I dutifully used this product over months (along with all my other efforts to revive my hair) and saw the quality of my hair vastly improve over a year.”
EyEnvy Growth Serum: RRP $129
“EyEnvy is a highly concentrated growth serum that is full of nourishing vitamins and peptides that target the follicles to make your lashes longer and fuller.
It’s applied like how you would apply eyeliner, along the skin around the lash line every day for 3 months. This product made my lashes grow insane lengths and has allowed me to embrace my natural face more than ever before.”
Anastasia Dip Brow Promade RRP $31
“This is the holy grail of all eyebrow products in my opinion. It has a paste-texture and is meticulously applied with a thin liner brush.
As someone with thin brows but a dark complexion, I have experimented with many brow products and discovered this product years ago when I was deep in the makeup YouTuber void.
Ever since using it, I’ve been able to go on nights out and not re-touch up my brows in the bathroom.”
Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner RRP $8.47
“This is a texta-like eyeliner that creates the perfect wing. I naturally have thin lashes, but also have thick dark brown hair so my face always looks a little bit naked without some emphasis around my eyes and brows.
I’ve been wearing liner (wings) since I was 17 and have tried countless pharmacy liners and this is in my top three of all time. It stays on all day and is affordable.”
BB Writer Phoebe’s fave beauty items for medium to olive complexion with dark hair and dark eyes are:
Chanel Rouge Allure Matte Lip Colour RRP $58
“This lipstick comes in an incredibly slim and classic black and gold package. It is so easy to throw into a small handbag and take it with you everywhere.
This lipstick is one of the creamiest and non-drying lipsticks. My fave shade is #62 in the shade Libre.”
Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick RRP $51
“This lipstick is an all-time favourite for me. Its packaging is refillable so after buying the first one, you can purchase refillable shades and use the original packaging to change out the barrel for whichever lipstick you want to use that day.
This lipstick is so slim; it will even fit in your wallet and has an amazing smell too. The tip of the lipstick is also extremely thin, allowing for precise application.”
1000 Hour Lash & Brow Dye RRP $12
“This dye acts as a filler for my eyebrows when I’m too lazy to fill them in with an eyebrow pencil. All you need to do is mix the two ingredients that come in the box, draw it onto the shape of your eyebrow, leave for 10 minutes and then wipe it off.
For weeks where I know I will have days where I won’t have time to apply makeup, I use this brow dye and my eyebrows are good to go for over a week. All it needs is a little touch up here and there.”
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation RRP $53
“The perfect foundation that lasts all day, lets the skin breathe and doesn’t irritate the skin.
Back in 2019 when I had my makeup done for a party, the makeup artist used this foundation and I remember loving it so much, I had to of course go and get my own.
The first time I wore this foundation, I couldn’t help but notice how well it matched my natural skin tone. It is also extremely full coverage and doesn’t look cakey when applied, therefore giving the illusion of not wearing foundation.”
Benefit Gimme Brow + Volumizing Gel RRP $45
“This product is an eyebrow tint and volumizing gel that will give life to your brows. Simply stroke the brush upwards over your hairs to blend and build the product. Gimme brow seamlessly adds colour and texture giving a natural look.
This product changed the way I styled my brows dramatically. Initially, I would draw my eyebrows using an Hourglass pencil and call it a day. After adding this gel to my routine, I discovered I could blend and build the product to have more natural-looking and voluminous brows.”
BB Writer Maddie’s top products for dark complexion, short curly hair and dark eyes are:
Rinascentia Divine Oleum RRP $98
“This award winning cleansing oil packed with vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties that is suitable for all skin types. The product has 10 different purposes packed into one. It can be applied on wet or dry skin and promotes the regeneration of skin cells. As a result, the skin is left feeling smooth and radiant.
I love how this product has so many amazing purposes. It can be used as a make-up remover, face cleanser, moisturiser, body oil, face mask and hair treatment. Divine Oleum can also be used to soothe the skin after waxing and protect the skin against cold, wind, and sun exposure.”
Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream RRP $20
“Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream is the best product for frizzy and unruly hair. The cream should be applied to the ends of the hair and is suitable for all hair types. The caster seed oil aims to condition the hair, leaving it shiny and smooth. Furthermore, the product helps prevent static build up and flyaway hairs, with anti-frizz complex and defends against the effects of humidity.
No matter how many anti-frizz creams I tried in the past, my hair would always revert to its natural frizz as soon as I stepped foot out the door. Bed Head’s Smoothing cream restored my faith in anti-frizz products entirely. Flyaways stayed down, frizz controlled and hair smoother, and shiner than ever.”
Innisfree Ginger Honey Cream RRP $30
“Innisfree moisturiser is a lightweight formula of infused natural extracts, canola, honey and ginger. The cream nourishes and protects the skin by providing it with rich nutrients. The lightweight nature of the product allows it to absorb quickly giving your skin a refreshed and energetic feeling.
Innisfree changed my view on moisturisers. I was surprised how quickly my skin drank in the product leaving my face softer and more radiant than it began.”
Mecca Cosmetica Lip De-Luscious Glide RRP $32
“Mecca’s Lip De-Luscious is a moisturising lip balm packed with antioxidant infusion of pomegranate seed oil and vitamin E. This silky balm ensures your lips stay smooth and plump all day with the easy to apply packaging that looks like a chic pale pink lipstick.
Immediately, I was captured by the product because it looked and felt like lipstick without the intensity. This changed my beauty routine as it elevated the suppleness and natural colour of lips. I would never need to use both lip balm and a lip tint again as I had the two products blended into one.”
BB Founder Renae’s top beauty picks for dark straight hair, medium to fair complexion and dark features are:
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm RRP $66.00
“This balm works as a moisturises, face base, and even a mask all in one. It smooths fine lines and gives my skin an instant glow. The fragrance is subtle but fresh.
It is the one product I can’t live without, but that helps me through anything, anytime, anywhere.”
Youth To the People Superfood Cleanser: RRP $36
“This comes in a gorgeous glass bottle and the thick gel cleanser smooths onto the skin giving it a nourishing feel as you use it. Removes make-up brilliantly and makes cleansing a pleasure. The fragrance is fresh and a little like green tea.
It makes my twice daily cleansing routine so much more enjoyable, and I think it is well priced.”
Kiehls Calendula/Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask: RRP $78
“This is a gorgeous soothing mask to use as often as you need, and it doesn’t matter if it slides under the eyes as it is so gentle on the skin. Great if my skin is feeling dehydrated or tired. I leave it on whilst in the bath.
This helps me relax, as I have to sit still with it on for at least 12 minutes.”
Frank Body Smoothing AHA Lotion: RRP $19.95
“This body moisturiser is awesome, especially for rough or dry skin.
The AHA’s feel like they are smoothing the skin every time I use it, and it is not too thick so absorbs quickly into the skin. The pump bottle makes it so easy to use. The fragrance is super subtle.
This fab product gives me body confidence in the lead up to summer.”
La Primavera Eau De Parfum: RRP $135
“This gorgeous fragrance is like a bouquet of fresh flowers. It always reminds me of Italy when I wear it and stays on all day. Such a great price too.
This scent makes me feel so feminine and beautiful.”
La Roche Posay Hyaluronic acid B5 serum for skin RRP $71.95
“If I haven’t been eating my greens or I’ve been drinking too much coffee, this serum comes to the rescue.
It takes over a week of use to kick in, but when it does, boom, my skin is luminous and bright.
This is such a great product to support me when I overindulge in my vices”.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base: RRP $88
“This is a classic product that mattifies, provides a great base and smooths fine lines. The jar is gorgeous in my bathroom, and I just love using it. Unscented.
This is such a great multi-use product and travels so well with me.”
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara RRP $12.95
“This product can often be found online for half the price. When a product has been around for 40 years, you know it must be good.
Such a great mascara -easy to use, traditional brush, lasts and I can buy a new one anywhere, any time.
Helps me get out of the door in under 15 minutes, which is always a bonus”.
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Makeup RRP $79
“This gorgeous foundation comes in a tiny bottle you can slip into your handbag for daily touch-ups.
This is the ultimate foundation for the busy woman. It has SPF 15, is packaged in a small, well-sealed plastic bottle (no leaks), glides on easily and you can apply it with your finger. Natural coverage you can build.”
BB Writer Czelene’s 5 go to beauty products for dark complexion and sensitive skin are:
Sunnies Glowboss (cream to powder) highlighter in the shade ‘hey girl’ RRP $25
“This is a cream-based highlighter and can be used as a bronzer as well. Easily applied using fingers or a brush.
I absolutely love it and put it on every time I go out, even if I don’t put any other makeup products on. The highlight glows, so with or without the sun and it gives me a natural highlight- who wouldn’t love that?”
Inika Certified Organic Lip & Cheek Cream in the colour ‘Dust’ RRP $45
“This cream-based product can be applied to the cheeks and lips. With one or two rubs of the product, the blush applies a subtle pink onto the face, where the colour is not overpowering, rather a sophisticated, casual look.
I don’t particularly put on heavy makeup, even if I’m in full glam so, I love natural, light makeup products. This blush is perfect for my preferred beauty look. I can go out just with the blush to brighten my face, giving a light shimmer on a sunny day out”.
Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray RRP $55
“This is a makeup setting spray which is used to preserve makeup on the face to last for a long period of time – morning to night. After applying makeup, simply spray the face (1-4 squirts), whilst eyes and mouth closed to secure the makeup.
The spray works really well, and my makeup stays for hours, preventing any smudges, and it saves having to re-apply products every few hours.”
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream RRP $15.99
“This moisturiser is suitable for the face and body. For the face, it’s light and easy to wear under makeup. Apply after cleansing and follow with your fave serums and eye cream. Can be used Am and PM.
Cetaphil has been criticised for being ‘too gentle’ however, I disagree. The moisturiser is effective as it combats my dry skin with moisture lasting on my face for a long time.”
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer RRP $32
“True to the name ‘glass bomb’ the Fenty Beauty Lip gloss range plump lips and with a nice heavy dose of glassy gloss to the lips. It can be layered on using the tinted shades for a natural lip or applied over lipstick.
I prefer lip glosses over (matte) lip stick as I hate having dry lips. This lip gloss is super moist and very shimmery. I use it alone as the shimmer is enough colour and pigment for me. The pink tint is a subtle glow for the face, and it gives the face a little pop of sparkle. It leaves an amazing finish on lips, and I also love how small and compatible the product is.”
