Unsexy Products I Buy Again and Again

Boring but top notch stuff I keep coming back to

Photo by Curology on Unsplash

I love myself a luxury product; this is a publication about enjoying nice things, after all. But the truth is, there are some decidedly unsexy boring stuff that I absolutely swear by and purchase on repeat.

As always, these products* are, in my experience, safe for my 38-year-old acne-prone dry skin.

In no particular order of preference:

Aveeno Positively Radiant Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

This lightweight cleanser has been my go to for decades. I hoarded it in suitcases when I lived overseas and briefly panicked when I noticed the packaging had changed. (No panic necessary, the formula stayed the same). The salicylic acid does wonders to keep my skin clear, but the soothing agents and light foaming consistency don’t strip or dry it out. Not too shabby for a drugstore brand, imo!

Quo Beauty Foam Bath in Lavender

I live for a bubble bath, and the value size and price of this one meet my high expectations. What it lacks in luxury packaging it makes up for in bubbly-ness and yummy smell. Decidedly unsexy but better than the dish soap I’d use in a bubble bath emergency 🤣

I’ve posted about it before on TikTok if you’re on there.

Byoma Balancing Face Mist

Don’t quote me on this because I’m not a dermatologist, but the advertised effects of this spray seem highly comparable (dupe perhaps?) to the viral Tower 28 SOS spray. If my skin is irritated or I sense a breakout coming on, I spray this on post-cleanser and/or between serums.

Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner

Another Byoma! Recently I couldn’t help but notice the milky toner/glazing milk/base milk trend (ICYMI, the K-Beauty trend has beauty celebs and influencers using milky ceramide-based skincare under makeup for a hydrated, glass skin look). Before dropping an out-of-this-world amount for the Ilia, or waiting for sad, slow Canadian shipping for the Rhode, I tried this affordable and convenient version, available at Shoppers Drug Mart. I press it into my skin after cleansing and before makeup or other skincare. My skin feels just the right amount of tacky afterwards with a dewy (not greasy) glow.

Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo with Organic Aquatic Mint

TikTok told me to try this one and it didn’t disappoint. I wash and heat style my hair once weekly, and this lightweight dry shampoo is integral to the plan. I was doubtful at first because it’s definitely not invisible on my deep brown hair, but it brushed out to be invisible and leaves a cool, tingly, clean effect on my scalp and whole head of hair.

NYX Brow Glue in Cool Brown

Amazon (yes, sorry) tells me I’ve repurchased this little tube of brow glue no fewer than three times. It fills in and holds my brows in place with no crustiness or flakiness, and takes 0.5 seconds to apply.

Pantene Dry Conditioner Mist Spray

I could write a whole thesis on this stuff. It’s been a game changer for my hair and budget. The first time I tried it, I just wanted to see what dry conditioner was all about, but when I used it, it gave me the sneaking suspicion it was the same consistency as heat protection and finishing sprays that I’ve splurged on in the past. I use it before and after heat styling, and it gives my hair a gorgeous lustre and movement, not to mention humidity protection! 10/10 recommend you try this if you have dry hair and/or heat style.

The Ordinary

My skin needs different things at different times of year/the month. My consistent re-ups include their Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, Niacinimide 10% + Zinc, and everyday moisturizer the Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid.

*Links are affiliates, a fun new thing I’m experimenting with. All products are still recommendations from the bottom of my heart!

Thanks for reading, friend!

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