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At the end of the year, you’ll want to refresh your home, wardrobe, and small daily rituals. This is my brain’s way of preparing for what’s to come, clearing out the old and making space for the new. The process of letting go always reminds us of what we truly value. And when it comes to beauty, there are some staple items you can never live without.
From skincare to makeup, certain products bring joy to my routine. From the sunscreen you’ve been using since college to the lip liner you can’t leave the house without, nothing makes you feel more like yourself than reaching for your all-time favorites. They became part of my daily uniform. It’s approachable, hassle-free, and here to stay.
And the best part? Curating a capsule beauty routine doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While some products are worth the splurge, most of my all-time favorites are under $30. Read about the affordable beauty essentials I’ll be returning to for years to come.
Featured image of Michelle Nash’s interview with Mary Ralph Bradley.

Affordable beauty products you’ll want to keep buying
As a beauty editor, I’m always testing new products and excited about the latest trends. Experimenting with makeup and skincare can feel like a creative act. It’s a way to play with self-expression and rediscover what makes you feel most like yourself. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing more timeless than a sign. A classic hairstyle, a lipstick you love, and a routine you can’t go wrong with. you.
And the truth is, streamlining your beauty routine doesn’t mean sacrificing excitement, it just means choosing products that really work. Something that gives you confidence, shines, and gives you a sense of security. Below, you’ll find my favorite budget-friendly beauty products that will do just that.
Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil
How could I have lived without this makeup pencil? The best makeup products are versatile and give you the most bang for your buck. This creamy matte pencil is buildable and easy to blend for eyes, lips, and eyebrows. This is my makeup basic and has multiple shades.
Benefits Flash Balm
Want to recreate a natural summer flush? A multi-use balm that melts into your skin. Just swipe it onto your cheeks, eyes, and lips for color (and a subtle glow) that lasts all day.
Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer
I used a lot of concealer in a day. When you want to cover age spots and dark circles, you need something buildable enough to not wrinkle your under eyes and even out your skin tone. This concealer with skin care ingredients has been my favorite ever since I first swiped it.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
While I love a bold lip, a subtly tinted lip balm can take your look up a notch while being practical every day. Pair this tinted balm with your favorite lip liner for a tried-and-true combination.
elf halo glow liquid filter
This illuminating liquid is truly drugstore gold. There are many high-end versions, but this one stands out for its versatility. Wear it under makeup for a subtle dimensional look, mix it with foundation for a dewy glow, apply it as a highlight, or wear it alone for soft, sheer coverage.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel
My Ride or Die makeup products are always my moisturizer. I’ve also spent quite a bit of money on moisturizers in the past, but I always come back to this affordable favorite. It’s light yet rich, so it can be used in all seasons.
Pat McGrath Lab Satin Allure Lipstick
A layerable, silky lip that never gets old. Made with ceramides, it nourishes and hydrates your lips while making a statement with a satin finish.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
