Favorite Beauty Essentials for 2024

There are some products that work so well you just can’t live without them! These are my tried-and-true beauty essentials.

Let’s talk beauty!

I’m not a particularly fussy beauty consumer, but now that I’m in my 40’s I certainly have some beauty essentials that I truly believe in.

There are some that I wish I would have started using decades ago, and some that are newer products that I can’t stop talking about. Hope you find one or two that fit into your routine!

Psst — before you dive in, be sure to sign up below for my VIP group, where I’ll send more of my very best recommendations and ideas straight to ya.

Skincare Beauty Essentials

About two years ago, I started using Obagi skincare and it’s the one thing I’ve done that has made the biggest change in my complexion.

As someone who has struggled with lifelong breakouts, combination skin, uneven skintone, and more, I highly recommend the Obagi Nu-Derm Fx line. I combine it with Tretinoin (a potent retinoid product).

The changes I have found in my skin over the last year are a much more even tone, less flaking and oiliness, and drastically reduced breakouts. I’m fairly comfortable going out with only SPF on my skin these days, whereas I used to want to put on a whole face to feel comfortable.

Do note that you should only get Obagi products from a certified vendor (I get them from my dermatologist), as you might run into unauthorized products that aren’t as potent or effective.

Makeup Must Haves

One item I added to my very minimal makeup routine last year was an eyeshadow palette from Tarte!

I love the Tarte palettes because they have a great selection of neutrals that I can use for everyday or layer for a more “done” look.

They’re easy to transport and if you have a simple routine like I do, you don’t need any additional palettes.

The shadows also have the loveliest vanilla scent!

And to take off makeup at the end of the day, I’ve become besties with Makeup Erasers!

I don’t know what magic is in these things, but with some warm water and a few gentle swipes, they remove almost all of my makeup at the end of the day.

I use a Makeup Eraser first to get the majority of my makeup off, and then follow it with the Obagi cleanser and skincare routine to finish.

It also has a (very) gentle exfoliating effect, which keeps skin nice and smooth without irritating anything.

Makeup in Your 30s vs Your 40s

I did notice this year, now that I’m a couple of years into my 40s, that my skin needed a shakeup in some other parts of my makeup routine.

For years in my 30s, I swore by IT Cosmetics CC Cream. It’s got a great SPF count, good coverage for a cc cream, and is buildable for a wide range of coverage.

But I’ve noticed recently that by the end of the day, it’s sliding around on my skin and gathering in creases.

So I found a new product that my skin loves: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue. It’s a much lighter coverage but provides SPF, a bit of a glow, and some tint. On days when I want more coverage, I mix in a drop of the IT CC cream and it’s a perfect combo.

I’m also finding that a spritz of this setting spray does wonders for perserving makeup throughout the day. I used to use setting powder and it would end up cakey. The spray gives a more youthful, glowy vibe in my opinion.

The Hair Beauty Essentials I’m Hooked On

After having kids, my hair changed drastically. I lost clumps of hair that never came back and was left with thin, fine strands that made me feel like I was going to lose it all.

I did a bunch of research and found lots of great reviews for Vegamour, so I started trying the GRO Shampoo and Conditioner about a year ago. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, which I love, and is free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones — so it’s friendly for my curly hair routine.

And I’ll be darned if it didn’t stop my hair from falling out!

The first thing I noticed was that I was losing less hair in the shower when I would wash and condition. And now, a year later, I’m noticing lots of baby hairs coming in all over my head.

I also have added the GRO Serum, Biotin Gummies, and Dry Shampoo to my Vegamour repertoire.

Every body is different, but if you’re having issues with thinning hair I recommend giving it a try.

Part of my efforts to take better care of my hair were focused on finding accessories that didn’t cause any damage!

I found these little velvet scrunchies meant specifically for fine hair and I love them. They hold up my fine strands but don’t rip or tear hair out.

Body beauty Essentials for Smooth Skin

And finally, let’s talk about the bod!

I’ve been searching for years (decades, actually) for a solution to the keratosis pilaris on the backs of my upper arms.

I asked my dermatologist and she recommended a good exfoliating glove, followed by Atoderm Cleansing Oil.

I kid you not when I say that this combo has my skin softer and smoother than I’ve ever been able to achieve. The keratosis pilaris has reduced by about 50% and continues to improve.

I highly recommend this combo, even if you’re just looking for a solution to dry skin!

I’d love to know some of your beauty essentials, too! Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment to share your faves. xoxo