I Review Beauty Boxes for a Living, and These Are My Favorite Products
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In all my years of recommending products for work, I’ve received enough gear in the mail for three lifetimes. And sometimes I’ll try something great, but I don’t have a good place to tell people about it. Last year, I started receiving beauty boxes for our buying guide, and there were a few standout items from the dozens that I tested for that guide (and others) that needed an outlet. So here we are! These are the products that have stood out for being innovative, versatile, or just plain good.
Be sure to check out our related buying guides, including the Best Dry Shampoos, the Best Hair Masks, and the Best Heat Protectant Sprays.
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About Me and How I Chose for This Guide
Beauty products were arguably my first foray into the world of gear, over two decades ago. I have been researching and purchasing beauty products since I got my first babysitting job. I’m constantly trying new things and tweaking my go-to makeup look and skin care routine. I’ve tried fads, trends, and sworn-by beauty staples that have stood the test of time. Everything in this guide works well and would work for anyone, no matter their expertise, beauty routine, or skin tone.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
An Eye Cream That Works
SpoiledChild H30 Fibroquin Eye CreamSpoiledChild sent this over with its hair mask (which I also like). It’s hard for me to find a skin care product that works well enough that I use it consistently. I’ve always had dark circles under my eyes due to genetics, my facial structure, and my habit of staying up until sunrise. I immediately noticed firmer, brighter under-eyes once I started using this eye cream on a regular basis.
The eye cream contains retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives that stimulate new cell production. It’s also got peptides, which help skin stay firm, and Fibroquin, a proprietary skin care molecule that helps with elasticity. I haven’t had any adverse reactions, and I like the capsule-type packaging. This stuff is pricey, but I’m happy to have discovered it.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
A Blush-Highlighter Combo
Wander Beauty On-the-Glow Blush and IlluminatorThis showed up in the NewBeauty Test Tube beauty box that I tried. I love a multipurpose product that I can apply quickly. This double-ended stick has a creamy blush on one side and a pearly, shimmery highlighter on the other. Both products are pigmented and blendable, and they last for hours in my experience. I usually just swipe it on my cheeks and blend with my fingers, though brushes work well too. They’re also available in many colors that should suit most skin tones. I like the travel-friendly size, since it takes up less space in my bag than two separate products would.
- Photograph: Ulta
A Sheer Pop of Color
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb StixThis was a standout from the FabFitFun Advent Calendar. I’m always getting new lip products and not finishing them. I used every single bit of this gloss bomb stick from Rihanna’s makeup company over the course of two months. I love it. The hexagonal packaging is slick, classy, and easy to grip, and the product leaves behind a sheer hint of color. It’s very much a “my lips but better” finish, with a frosty shine that reminds me a bit of the lipsticks that were popular in the ’90s. The gloss is moisturizing and nourishing and not sticky in the slightest, and there are many colors to choose from. I only wish that it lasted a bit longer—I found myself reapplying it every hour or so. But it‘s such an easy way to look more put together that I’m going to repurchase as soon as I see it go on sale.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
A Deep Clean
Elemis Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing BalmI’ve received this product multiple times in a few different beauty boxes. This cleansing balm is pricey, but it works so well. A little bit goes a very long way. The balm quickly melts down into an oily texture that busts through long-wear mascara, heavy black eyeliner, all of my foundation, my brows, my lip color … everything just dissolves with a little bit of product and patience. It’s easy to rinse or wipe off, too. I like this cleanser because it efficiently removes my makeup without leaving my skin feeling dry or stripped. It’s gentle enough for daily use. You can also use it as a mask by leaving it on for 10 minutes, but I prefer to use it as a cleanser on heavy makeup days.
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- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Easy Makeup Removal
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing WaterMicellar water has been around for a while, but I received this in the Dermy Doc Box beauty box, and it’s become a staple in my routine. Simply wet a cotton pad or washcloth with micellar water and swipe away your makeup. I like using this on days when I wear minimal makeup, because it’s easier than washing my face and less wasteful than using makeup wipes. It works well, even on waterproof mascara or stubborn lip liner, and you don’t have to rinse your face when you’re done. That makes it ideal for traveling. And it’s affordable! If you’re someone who struggles to remember to wash your face, give micellar water a shot.
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All-Over Glow
Jones Road Miracle BalmI‘ve gotten tons of ads for this multipurpose product, which comes from beauty industry legend Bobbi Brown’s company Jones Road. I initially tested it for a gift guide. The miracle balm is a waxy, balmy, shimmery product that adds moisture and a little bit of glow. You can use it all over for a dewier skin finish or as a highlight on areas like cheeks and brow bones. There are a few tints to choose from. I’ve used it in Au Naturel (which is colorless), and it helps elevate my makeup or my natural skin. I look glowier and healthier with it on its own, and I’ve also mixed it with powdered products to transform their texture into a creamy blend that’s easier to apply. Senior commerce editor Kat Merck has it in Bronze, and while she doesn’t like using it on her skin, she says it makes a great lipstick.
- Photograph: Laneige
An Excellent Lip Treatment
Laneige Lip Sleeping MaskAfter a few long years, I’ve finally finished my tub of this lip treatment. (Thankfully it goes on sale during major shopping holidays.) The viral TikTok product is a boon when it comes to dry Midwestern winters. You apply a little bit before going to sleep and wake up with softer, smoother lips. I like to wear it during the day, though it is a bit heavier than traditional lip balm. It lends so much moisture to my lips—they instantly feel better after applying, and it stops chapped lips from feeling so tight and dry. I’ve even used it as cuticle treatment in a pinch. My first jar lasted three years. I’m absolutely buying another.
- Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Fun, Long-Lasting Press-Ons
Digi Beauty Press-On NailsI’m too fickle for acrylic nails, but sometimes I want long, fancy talons for an event or satisfying keyboard clicks. I’ve tried many brands. Digi is my favorite. I originally tested it for the Best Teen Gifts, and it’ll make its way in there eventually. The designs are all so cute and modern, and I like that the patterns are matchy without being exactly the same, so your manicure has a dynamic element to it based on whatever nail fits your nail bed. I’ve managed to get these nails to last two weeks. They’re thin and flexible while also being sturdy enough to open soda cans or type all day at your job. They’re also not too difficult to remove—just soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes and they’ll pop right off.
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