My Go-To Beauty and Skincare Products

If you're anything like me, no matter how many new products you sample or treat yourself to, there is always a handful that I find myself reaching back for. Here are my staple beauty and skincare products that have had me re-buying for years!

1. Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

To the dismay of my bank account this product is on the more pricey side (AU$83.00 for 30mL), but is one that I simply cannot be without. I was first introduced to Kora Organics at my first job working in a local organic store (I have you to thank for this obsession, Wild Food), and initially decided to splurge on their products simply due to my admiration of Miranda Kerr. Little did I know that one innocent purchase later and I would be hooked. I was 18 when my skin first experienced the Noni Glow magic and nearly 9 years later this product remains a staple of mine. It's silky, nourishing and simply divine. I incorporate it into my routine once or twice a week in place of an evening moisturiser, or depending on my skins thirst, I apply it before moisturiser to lock in the hydration. Have I convinced you? Shop Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil on their website here, or if you prefer to try-before-you-buy, it can also be found in-store (and online) at David Jones and Sephora.

2. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick

Who doesn't love a good blush? For AU$72 (I think my bank account should just close it's eyes for this entire blog post), some might say that there are more affordable and just as staple-worthy blushes out there and I won't necessarily argue with that. However, this product had been on my wishlist for what seemed like forever and after finally giving in, I understand the hype. It gives an effortless, yet perfectly executed, natural wash of colour (I use shade Petal) and I have barely made a dint despite using it almost daily. You can shop it direct from Westman Atelier here, or in-store and online from Mecca. If you've found a more affordable dupe for this product leave me a comment below!

3. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+

I'm ashamed to say I have only learnt of the importance of wearing daily SPF in the last couple of years, however since then I've been using Ultra Violette's Supreme Screen (AU $49) religiously and never looked back. Not only does this product provide SPF 50+ protection, it has an ever so slight tint and a perfectly dewy (note; not oily) finish. It fits perfectly into my routine layered on top of my regular skincare products and sits beautifully under make up. What more could you want from an SPF? It can also be used in place of a daily moisturiser due to it's abundance of hydrating properties. You can pick up your own from Ultra Violette here. Or, you guessed it, it's also available at Sephora, or Adore Beauty. I'm also dying to try Ultra Violette's new Dream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil! Have you tried it yet? Let me know in the comments.

4. Alpha H Liquid Gold

Alpha H's Liquid Gold was one of my first experiences with active skincare and I truly believe it transformed my skin. Liquid Gold is a chemical exfoliant containing 5% Glycolic Acid and claims to help with skin brightening, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as helping to even the skin tone. I've been using this product for nearly 2 years now and my skin has never been better. It feels clear, smooth and radiant. I use it once or twice a week and it fits perfectly into my routine. You can shop it direct from Alpha H here (AU $69.95), or of course it's also available at Sephora, Adore Beauty, and Mecca.

5. asap Super B Complex

This serum is simply a must have for everyone. Key ingredients include niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and hyaluronic acid meaning its hydrating, soothing and gentle enough that is can be used by most skin types. Since adding this product to my routine a couple of years ago, my skin has become noticeably more hydrated, plump and my skin tone more even. It absorbs beautifully, layers well with other products and leaves no tacky feeling which I often find with serums. I choose to use it as a morning serum, however, it can be incorporated both morning and night should you wish. Of course, you can shop it online at Adore Beauty where it's often on promotion (bonus!).

6. Gua Sha Facial Tool

My sister, who resides in China where the Gua Sha is traditionally used, gifted me one couple of years ago having heard about it's benefits for the skin and I'm so glad she did! The Gua Sha is a tool traditionally used to apply pressure to the skin to relieve tension, promote blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. In other words, it can help to de-puff, smooth and refresh the skin. I'll admit that I don't use my Gua Sha as often as I probably should to see optimal results, but when I do my skin is left feeling revitalised almost instantly. With a simple Google search, you can find a magnitude of Gua Sha how-to's. Having blown up in popularity over the last year or so, you can shop Gua Sha's in most beauty or cosmetic stores like Adore Beauty or Priceline.

7. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Here's a product my bank account can be proud of! At AU$15.99 for 473mL, this hydrating cleanser from CeraVe is my absolute holy grail cleanser. Cleansing morning and night can mean burning through product fairly quickly, so when I discovered this affordable option you can imagine my excitement. The product has a creamy texture and leaves the skin feeling hydrated, clean and healthy. Given that all of CeraVe's products have been developed with dermatologists, it's safe for those with sensitive skin too. Shop CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser at your local Chemist Warehouse, or from Adore Beauty here. Handy hint: Buy either the 236mL or 473mL as well as a 1L to act as a refill. This way you have a smaller size to easily fit into your cosmetic bag when traveling, and a large size to ensure you're never without. Plus, buying bulk refills (1L) means less packaging waste!

8. Pears Transparent Soap Bar (turned brow soap)

I never used to be one to put much effort into my brows. Heck, I haven't even had them professionally shaped in about 8 years! Thankfully they're low maintenance so I can get away with self plucking once every few weeks. For years I relied on the trusty hairspray on a spooly trick to keep them in place, that is until I discovered the wonders of Pears Transparent Soap. Yes, you read right - I'm talking about the $7 soap from the supermarket. I saw it recommended by a make up artist on Instagram so naturally I had to try it for myself. Goodbye flaky and stiff hairspray brows and hello to perfectly set brows - It really works! I simply wet a spooly, rub it onto the soap to get an even coat and comb it through my brows. It leaves you with no stiff feeling and brows that stay in place all day. The best part? You can shop it at your local Woolies, Coles, Chemist Warehouse - the list is endless.

9. Essie Gel Couture Top Coat

There was once a time when I would get my nails done at a salon religiously, enjoying the perfect chip-proof shellac or SNS manicure and getting overwhelmed with the amount of colour options. Then, I realised the damage it was doing to my natural nails and promised myself I'd give them a break. Missing my manicured nails, I turned to regular nail polish and at-home manicures, however, you're considered lucky if standard nail polish hasn't chipped in a couple of days (sigh). Enter Essie Gel Couture Top Coat. No matter what colour I use this over (regular Essie polishes, gel polishes or even other brands), my nails stay chip proof for at least a week. I've tried my fair share of top coats, but nothing compares. Essie can be found in most pharmacies like Priceline and Chemist Warehouse, as well as in Mecca or online at Adore Beauty.

I could continue rambling for hours about my favourite beauty and skincare products, but I think that's enough out of me (for now)! What are your staple products? I'm yet to find my perfect face moisturiser and sheer-medium coverage foundation so I'd love to hear yours in the comments below.

Until next time,

- Sarah

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