31 Worth-It Beauty Products Taking Up Space in My 35-Square-Foot NYC Bathroom
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items.
When I moved from Florida to New York City four years ago, I promised myself and my mom that I’d take a more minimalist approach to my lifestyle. I wanted to stop impulse-shopping, get rid of unnecessary items, and only fill my space with absolute must-haves. Spoiler alert: I didn’t do any of that. My medicine cabinet is packed with so many products that it barely closes, and I’ve been getting extremely creative with storage space for all my impulse purchases. (There may or may not be shoes under my kitchen sink.) But lately, I have been a bit more selective with the beauty products that take up space in my 35-square-foot bathroom. Only some products are worth being strategically tucked away into a tight corner on an overcrowded shelf, and I went into detail about them below. I’m talking hair masks, powder blush, body butters, facial serums, and so much more. Keep scrolling to see my top-notch skin, hair, makeup, and body items for the upcoming season and beyond.
Makeup
MAKEUP BY MARIO
Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow
I’m an eye shadow novice, but these matte cream shadows are so easy to use. I was able to create a full-glam look without mixing a bunch of shades from a palette or using multiple Q-tips for clean-up.
Juvia’s Place
Blushed Liquid Blush in Perky Poppy
This product is known for being wildly pigmented, and it only takes a tiny dot on the high points of my cheeks to accomplish that freshly flushed look. It will always have a spot in my beauty collection.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Yummy Skin Glow Serum in Main Squeeze
I used to forget to wear primer until this glow serum completely leveled up my look. It’s hydrating and provides such a natural glow.
Don’t let the wand scare you! I like to think of this mascara as a hack to getting a lash curl and tint at home.
Makeup by Mario
Surrealskin Natural Finish Foundation
Allow me to introduce you to your second skin.
Ilia
Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon in Kiln
A matte berry lip for fall? Groundbreaking.
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr
On ’til Dawn Mattifying Sunscreen Makeup Setting Spray SPF 28
My friend visited me and used this setting spray every day of her trip. Believe me when I say her makeup didn’t budge even on our longest (and hottest) summer days.
VIOLETTE_FR
Plume Lip in En Feu
Finally, a matte lip that doesn’t look or feel chalky after application.
Hair
CÉCRED
Restoring Hair & Edge Drops
A hair growth transformation is in progress.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
The Mista Hair + Body Fragrance Mist
Because I want my hair to smell like fresh flowers at all times.
BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY
T-Shirt-Towel Hair Towel
Protect your hair from damage, breakage, and frizz. This T-shirt towel is made of organic cotton and bamboo, and it’s become a staple in my wash-day routine.
Briogeo
Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
My coworker, Anneliese Henderson, swears by this. Aside from the award-winning hair repair, the limited edition Vanilla Birthday Cake scent is a dream.
Dippity Do
Light Hold Gelee
Your curls will thank you.
Ceremonia
Mascarilla De Guava
On every other wash, I use this mask instead of doing a second shampoo before conditioning. It is extremely moisturizing, feels amazing on the scalp, and smells delicious. Consider this a true act of self-care.
Olaplex
No.4 Fine Bond Maintenance Shampoo & No.5 Fine Bond Maintenance Conditioner Duo
Since we’re on the topic of wash day, I couldn’t skip this iconic duo. My hair feels silky smooth and my strands feel so strong after I use these products.
Skin
I know we love the brow sculpt and face primer, but I’m begging you not to sleep on Refy’s cleanser. It’s a gentle two-in-one cleanser that transforms from serum to foam during application. Removing my makeup feels like a true luxury.
EADEM
Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum With Niacinamide and Vitamin C
Most dark-spot serums have failed me, but this works wonders, and fast. I have restocked this product about 10 times since it came out, and I don’t foresee this changing anytime soon.
Last month, I consistently paired this brightening lotion with the serum above, and even my facialist noticed a difference.
Medical-grade skincare isn’t typically the sexiest product on your vanity, but the results are so worth it. My skin drinks this up.
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream Rich
I always wake up with hydrated and supple skin when this is the last step of my skincare routine the night before.
medicube
Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask
This is my idea of beauty sleep. Wake up with bright and glowing skin, and thank me later.
Malin + Goetz
Niacinamide Restorative Cream
When the temperature starts dropping, I’m transitioning to this thicker night cream.
Dr. Jart+
Every Sun Day Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
I love nothing more than a cast-free, invisible sunscreen that I don’t have to spend five minutes rubbing in.
PS: This also has hyaluronic acid, which is a major plus.
Hero Cosmetics
Mighty Patch Invisible+ Patch
FYI, these are the only pimple patches I feel comfortable wearing outside.
Body
New season, new scent? I’m currently making room in my tiny bathroom for this woody, amber fall fragrance.
Sol de Janeiro
Delícia Drench Deeply Moisturizing Body Butter for Dry Skin
Dry months are ahead, and I’m ready to lather this all over my body every night. Did I mention how good this smells?
OPI
Fall Nail Lacquer Collection in Baggy Jean Baby
Before you go asking the group chat, “What color should I get on my nails?” remember that Baggy Jean Baby by OPI exists.
This is a nonnegotiable in my shower routine.
Carriere Freres
Tomato Candle
I don’t know about you, but I’m in full support of the bathroom candle. In an effort to make my morning routine more luxe, I’ll be lighting this sweet and tangy candle.
