Must-Haves that Stayed Favorites | 2018

Here are 16 products I still clung to in 2018 that came out in previous years, just to give you a little view into long-time products that continue to stand the test of time.  I love trying new products, so I tend to switch and move products around not because I’ve discovered better ones so much as I want to use something that’s as good but maybe in a different formula, slightly different finish, or by another brand for a bit.  These, though, survived those switches!  There are definitely more regular products in my drawers than just what’s highlighted here, but I wanted to keep this a little bit edited and looked at what kept making the cut and what I remembered using most, too.

It’ll come as no surprise to regular readers that products like Urban Decay Rebel, Marc Jacobs Beauty Flesh & Fantasy, Chanel Jersey, Tom Ford Nude Dip, or Tom Ford Platinum are on this list.  I almost always take Viseart’s Paris Nudes with me when I travel; reliable, easy-to-use, and muted for all occasions. I actually five shades of the Marc Jacobs AirBlush formula in my vanity drawer, so I have three more than shown here, but I think I’ve used Lines & Last Night second most after Flesh & Fantasy.  Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze & Glow has been nearby since the line debuted in the states!  Makeup Geek’s Moonphase has been a go-to for cooler, more iridescent highlighting needs since they launched years ago (I keep about five shades in the formula in my drawer, presently, but I do rotate them).

I keep Fenty’s Universal Gloss Bomb in my purse for any top ups if I’m out and about (and whatever I was testing is gone or is need of repair).  Estee Lauder’s Naked Truth is the coral that replaced Guerlain’s Gems for me (which I loved but is long discontinued), and I keep that tucked in my drawer along with Tiger Eye, which is a more coppery take.  Two brushes that have been in my arsenal since I reviewed them (and that I use every time they’re clean) are Smith’s 253 and Hakuhodo’s B5521.

What favorites from previous years did you reach for often this year?

P.S. — You can view swatches of my favorites here.

P.P.S. — If you enjoy reading/viewing my favorites, make sure you check out my all-time favorites here, products I’m thankful for (2018 series), and all of my editor’s recommended products here.

Must-Haves that Stayed Favorites in 2018