beauty

'I'm a beauty editor who tests hundreds of products. These 6 are life-changing.'

This article was originally published on Adore Beauty.

I have been in the beauty industry for over eight years and have worked for Adore Beauty for just shy of four years, which equates to MANY beauty products being tried and tested.

I made sure that I didn't discriminate along my beauty travels — hair, makeup, and skincare products — I've tried them all, including the incredible, the good and the not-so-good.

After eight years, I have collated a list of all-star products that I pretty much ALWAYS repurchase and today, I'm sharing that list with you!

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1. Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner and Moisturiser, $55.

Woman's hand holding Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & MoisturiserLaneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser. Image: Adore Beauty.

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Believe it or not, I only tried this product for the first time this year, but it has quickly launched to the top of my 'must-have-at-all-times' list. Introducing the ultimate hydrator, Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner and Moisturiser.

Packed with a combination of ceramides and peptides, this nourishing 2-in-1 toner/moisturiser works to provide hydration and added firming benefits. Suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin), Cream Skin can help relieve skin dryness and assist in strengthening the skin's moisture barrier.

Oh and did I mention you can purchase it in a refillable pouch when you need a top-up?

How and when should I apply Cream Skin?

Just pour, press and pat! After cleansing, pour a few drops of Cream Skin into your palms, then gently press and pat onto the skin until fully absorbed. Depending on your individual needs, you can apply multiple layers as desired!

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2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, $242.

Woman's hand holding SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum.SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. Image: Adore Beauty.

I had been at Adore Beauty for three years before trying SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum because I didn't want to fall in love with it, but six months before my wedding I decided it was time to jump on the bandwagon. All I can say is that I unfortunately fell in absolute LOVE with this vitamin C and could 100 per cent see the difference before and after using it. My skin all of a sudden had a radiant glow and felt extremely hydrated. Pop this on cleansed skin in the AM and enjoy antioxidant protection and a healthy glow.

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What's in C E Ferulic?

L-ascorbic acid provides enhanced antioxidant protection at a concentration of 15 per cent. This stabilised form of vitamin C minimises the look of hyperpigmentation/brown spots and helps boost collagen to promote firmer, tighter skin. Alpha-tocopherol at a concentration of 1 per cent defends against free radical damage. This potent form of antioxidant vitamin E also offers anti-inflammatory benefits to even the most sensitive skin. Ferulic acid enhances the efficacy of vitamins C and E, allowing them to provide unrivalled anti-ageing and protective benefits.

I love the formulation of C E Ferulic as I have normal/dry skin that is always looking for a hit of hydration. However, if you have an oilier skin type/are blemish-prone, SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF would be more suitable. I know the price point is on the higher side, but the results really do speak for themselves and if you're looking for a splurgy vitamin C, this is definitely the place to start.

3. Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick, $43.

Woman's hand holding Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick.Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick. Image: Adore Beauty.

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I have tried MANY cream blushes in my time, but I have to say, every time I wear the Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick I get compliments on my skin (I happily take them on, knowing it's really the results of this hard-working blush). Infused with lychee extract and vitamin E, this cream blush works to hydrate the skin whilst offering a stunning iridescent glow.

I know cream blushes can sometimes be intimidating, however, the formula of this blush stick makes it super easy to apply whilst being buildable and long-lasting. You can apply it with a brush, fingers or sponge. My favourite method of application is with a synthetic bristle kabuki brush. Available in five stunning shades, my hues of choice are shades 'Perky Peach' and 'Coral Cutie'.

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4. L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara, $31.99.

Woman's hand holding L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Lift MascaraL'Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara. Image: Adore Beauty.

Now this product has genuinely been in my personal makeup routine for over 10 years, and it is none other than the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara Black. I am super fussy with mascaras and have found that I often end up using two to achieve the look I want. For the first mascara, I prefer a fluffy bristled brush that goes in and coats all the lashes. For the second mascara, I ALWAYS reach for my L'Oréal Telescopic.

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If you want lengthened, defined, separated lashes that never clump whilst giving a bold, clean finish, then this mascara is for you. The brush head is quite unique. It's a flexible comb that pushes up lashes with ease and ensures that the product is dispersed effortlessly. This is a mascara that I will never stray from!

5. CLOUD NINE The Curling Wand, $249.

Woman's hand holding CLOUD NINE The Curling Wand.CLOUD NINE The Curling Wand. Image: Adore Beauty.

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When it comes to my locks, I have super fine hair strands and LOTS of them. The fineness of the strands means that they don't hold a style very well, whilst the amount of hair I have means that it often gets heavy and drops any style I put it in (I know, dream combo right here).

However, I have to say that any time I have styled my hair with the CLOUD NINE The Curling Wand, my curls last for days on end and I get compliments on the subtle wave in my locks up to four days post-styling. Super easy to use, the ceramic barrel offers variable temperatures from 125 to 175 degrees Celsius, meaning you have full autonomy over which heat profile is best for your individual hair needs.

I also find that my hair is SO shiny after styling with the CLOUD NINE Wand and even feels silky soft! Whilst there are many amazing heat tools on the market, this curl stick will always be part of my hair-drobe.

6. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil, $118.

Woman's hand holding Kerastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair OilKérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil. Image: Adore Beauty.

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Whilst we are on the topic of hair, I can't go past the one and only Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil. My hair has been put through all the red flags when it comes to keeping it healthy: colour treated, regular heat styling and constant exposure to UV/environmental pollutants. Despite all this, the results I get every time I use Kérastase Ultime Elixir are second to none.

You can use this restorative hair oil in so many different ways:

  • On damp hair before styling or air-drying.

  • Apply to dry hair to add shine.

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  • Apply as a pre-shampoo treatment — work into brushed hair and massage into the scalp. Emulsify with a little water and then rinse before shampooing as normal.

Not only can you use this oil in many different ways, but it also has SO many benefits:

  • Adds shine and protects the hair.

  • Works as a heat protectant.

  • Controls frizz, even in 80 per cent humidity.

  • Makes hair softer and more manageable.

  • Has a luxurious scent.

  • Adds definition to curls.

  • Blend of natural oils including marula oil, argan oil, camellia oil, corn germ oil and pracaxi oil.

I usually apply this oil to the end lengths of my wet hair before drying it off and then apply a few more pumps to the very ends of my hair once it is completely styled. A little bit goes a VERY long way with this product, so once you invest in it, trust that you will have it for a VERY long time.

I have recommended this to so many friends and will continue to recommend it to anyone who wants a nourishing, hard-working hair oil that brings life and shine back into their locks.

Final thoughts.

That wraps up a few of my all-time FAVE beauty products! Whilst it was hard to narrow them down, I really do love every single product I spoke about in this article and would recommend them 10 times over. Here's to healthy skin, hydrated locks and glowing cheeks!

For more from Megan Miloshis, click here.

Feature Image: Adore Beauty.

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