The Beauty Products I Actually Repurchase (Because Most Don't Make the Cut)

There is no shortage of beauty advice these days.

Every week there's a new serum promising younger-looking skin, another foundation that's supposedly revolutionary or a mascara that's gone viral overnight. Spend five minutes on social media and you'll quickly convince yourself your beauty routine is missing something.

I've fallen into that trap before.

As someone who writes about beauty, creates content and genuinely enjoys trying new products, I've tested more skincare, makeup and haircare than I could ever count. Some products are wonderful, some are simply clever marketing and most quietly disappear from my bathroom cabinet, never to be seen again.

The products worth talking about aren't necessarily the newest or the most expensive. They're the ones I've emptied, repurchased and recommended so often that buying them again feels automatic.

These are the products and treatments that have genuinely earned their place in my routine.

Before we begin, one important disclaimer. Beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. What works beautifully for my skin or hair may not work for yours. But if you're looking to build a routine based on products that consistently deliver rather than simply chasing trends, I'd happily recommend every one of these.

One of the biggest changes I've made over the past few years has actually been simplifying my skincare. My dermatologist encouraged me to move away from active cleansers, explaining that while they sound impressive on the label, they can actually irritate the skin, particularly if you're already using active ingredients elsewhere in your routine.

For years I relied on Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (around $20–25) and I still think it's one of the best gentle cleansers you can buy. More recently I've switched to Avène XeraCalm Nutrition Cleansing Gel (around $35–40), and my skin has absolutely loved it. It cleanses beautifully without leaving my skin feeling tight, stripped or uncomfortable, and that's exactly what I want from a cleanser.

If there is one skincare product that has genuinely transformed my skin over time, it's Tretinoin.

Available by prescription only, tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative, known as a retinoid, that increases skin cell turnover, stimulates collagen production and helps improve fine lines, pigmentation and overall skin texture. It's widely regarded by dermatologists as the gold standard in topical anti-ageing skincare, and for good reason.

A tube generally costs around $20–35, depending on the brand and prescription, and because you only use a pea-sized amount each night, it lasts surprisingly well.

If you're completely new to retinoids, I'd suggest beginning with an over-the-counter retinol before speaking with your GP or dermatologist about whether tretinoin is right for you. It's not a quick fix, and there can be an adjustment period, but consistency really does pay off.

Alongside that, Azelaic Acid (around $20–35) has become another staple in my routine, helping to reduce redness and create a more even complexion. I've also become a huge fan of Boost Lab serums (generally $25–35 each). They deliver targeted ingredients without the luxury price tag and prove that effective skincare doesn't always have to be expensive.

Of course, none of it means much without sunscreen.

Since investing in my skin through laser treatments, wearing SPF every single day has become completely non-negotiable. My current favourite is Go-To Goody Goody Sun Drops SPF 50+ (around $40). It feels lightweight, sits beautifully under makeup and is one of the few sunscreens I've genuinely looked forward to applying every morning.

Healthy lashes have also become part of my beauty philosophy. Great mascara starts with healthy lashes, which is why Flash Lash Eyelash Serum (around $70) has earned a permanent place on my bedside table. Used consistently, I've noticed my lashes feel stronger, healthier and fuller, making every mascara perform that little bit better.

When it comes to makeup, there are three products I simply refuse to be without.

The first is Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation (around $90). I've tested countless foundations over the years, but I always come back to Double Wear. It provides beautiful coverage without feeling heavy, photographs exceptionally well and genuinely lasts all day. For me, it's still the benchmark that every other long-wearing foundation is measured against.

Then comes one of the biggest bargains in my entire beauty routine.

BYS Translucent Powder is nothing short of brilliant. I usually pick it up from Kmart for around $12, and honestly, if I covered the packaging, you'd never guess it cost so little. It blurs the skin beautifully, controls shine without looking dry or cakey and performs just as well as powders I've used costing four or five times the price. It's a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best beauty products are also the most affordable.

Finally, mascara.

I've lost count of how many tubes of Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Cosmic Black (around $26–30) I've worked my way through. It gives incredible length, separates beautifully and never leaves my lashes looking clumpy.

One piece of advice though: skip the waterproof version.

Waterproof mascara is much harsher on your lashes because it takes considerably more effort to remove. More rubbing means more stress on the lashes, increasing the risk of breakage over time. The original Cosmic Black formula performs beautifully, removes easily and is much kinder to your natural lashes.

Hair has always been my biggest styling challenge. Fine hair can quickly become flat or overloaded with product, so finding something that creates volume without sacrificing movement is no easy task.

After trying more products than I care to admit, ghd Fine Hair Thickening Spray (around $42) has become my holy grail. It gives my hair noticeably more body while still allowing it to move naturally. If you have fine hair like I do, this is one product I'd recommend without hesitation.

Finally, if there is one beauty investment that has made the biggest long-term difference to my skin, it hasn't come from a bottle at all.

It's been Fractional CO₂ Laser.

I was incredibly fortunate to be gifted my course of treatments, something I'm genuinely grateful for. That said, I think it's important to be transparent about the cost because it's an investment many people will understandably think carefully about. Prices vary between clinics, but you're generally looking at around $850 per treatment, or approximately $500 per session when purchased as part of a treatment package.

Unlike a facial or a peel, fractional CO₂ laser works by creating thousands of microscopic treatment channels in the skin using laser energy. These tiny columns stimulate your body's natural healing response, encouraging fresh collagen and elastin production while leaving the surrounding skin untouched to speed recovery. Over time, this helps improve skin texture, soften fine lines, reduce pigmentation, minimise acne scarring and create firmer, healthier-looking skin.

Recovery isn't exactly glamorous. For me, it meant around a week of redness, peeling and giving my skin the time it needed to heal. But after four treatments, I can honestly say it's one of the best things I've ever done for my skin. Had I paid for the treatments myself, knowing the results I've achieved, I would still consider them money exceptionally well spent.

If there's one thing I've learnt after years of trying products, it's this: a great beauty routine isn't built on hype.

It's built on consistency.

Some of my favourite products cost less than lunch, while others have required a bigger investment. Price has never been the deciding factor. Performance has.

My bathroom cabinet isn't filled with the latest launches. It's filled with products I've emptied, repurchased and continue to reach for every single day.

For me, that's the true test of a great beauty product.

I'd love to know what's earned a permanent place in your own beauty routine. We all have that one product we couldn't imagine living without, and I'm always looking for my next great discovery.