Game Changers

I used to be a beauty editor at a magazine, and no role ever came more natural to me. I am beauty product obsessed. I'm always eager to learn about the latest innovations in skincare, haircare, and makeup; and nothing gets me more excited than fragrance (especially from clean brands like Henry Rose, home to my top two scents). That said, there are a few products out there that I feel simply cannot be topped. Similarly, there are some items that I've strayed away from only to come back, time and time again.

I'm sure you can think of a few of your desert island picks. What follows are a few of the game changers that make me giddy.

Fresh Finds

First, there are two newbies from Jennifer Aniston's longtime hairstylist, Chris McMillan, that are absolutely godsends. Numero uno, The Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray, ($36, 6.76 fl oz; $16, 1.7 oz.), available on the Chris McMillan website and at Sephora, has replaced ColorWow Dreamcoat as my favorite blowout spray. Why? Allow me to count the copious ways.

For starters, the Chris McMillan blowdry spray makes my fine hair unbelievably smooth and shiny without weighing it down whatsoever; I almost feel like it makes my hair seem thicker. Also, it cuts down on drying time, helps protect it from humidity (really cuts down on frizz), and protects from heat (up to 450 degrees)! Did I mention it smells like a day at the beach?! I can't stop telling friends about it. It's nothing short of amazing!

Another can't-be-without product from the celeb stylist: The Dry Texture Spray, $38, 7.3 oz; $18, 2.3 oz). This Chris McMillan standout gives my hair volume and texture without making it look or feel dirty; there is zero stickiness. I can't say that about a lot of other texture products. It simply gives my hair more heft, and I love it.

I finish with this spray every day, especially in the front of my hair, which is thinner. I also use it before refreshing my hair with the blowdryer or a curling iron in the morning. After all, like the blowdry spray, this texture spray provides heat protection up to 450 degrees. I love that I don't have to worry about overdoing it with masks or heavy conditioners in the shower, because this has my back. If my hair feels too soft and limp, a little of this is downright magical.

Longstanding Faves

Mascara

I can't tell you how many mascaras I have tried over the years, from high-end to low-end. I tried to think of all of them in my head recently and lost count at 26. When it comes to the one that I will not be without, nothing beats Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara in the shade Brynn (rich black), $26. No matter how many others I try after others swear by them, this one just checks all the boxes.

Most importantly, Thrive mascara doesn't irritate my eyes or cause an allergic reaction. I cannot wear waterproof mascaras, and many others irritate like crazy. What's more, the brush is great for separating the lashes (I despise clumping). It dries fast to avoid smudging. The length it gives is absolutely incredible! It never flakes, can hold even through crying if I don't rub. Also, it is easily removed with a Makeup Eraser or warm water and face wash. Miscellar water will remove it as well, but it takes a little longer.

I also love Ilia's lengthening mascara and their volumizing mascara; they are beautiful and non-irritating. Neither of them last through tearing up, though, and with my dry eye, that is a no-go most of the time.

For Giving That Glow

Right now my skin is as light as it gets (sadly even my Apple Watch tan line is gone), and it can make me feel so blah. A little glow can go a long way to look a bit healthier. And it doesn't have to cost a lot or make you look orange. Trust.

Some faves in this category that I rebuy again and again:

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Face & Body Drops ($30, 1.01 oz, available in light, medium and dark) are so easy to add to your usual moisturizers, to get the shade you want to be in no time. And it is such a natural looking tan. Also, it doesn't give you that self tanner skunky smell. I add two drops of the medium shade drops to my body lotion for my chest and arms, then two drops to my body lotion for my legs and stomach. If I do it every day, it builds gradually. You can't mess it up. Just remember to wash your hands afterward, as you would do with any self tanner.

For a temporary glow, I love L'Oreal Paris Perfect Match Lumi Glotion (currently $12.99 with coupon on Amazon; 1.35 oz, available in light, medium and deep shades). A little dollop of this mixed with foundation or tinted moisturizer is so dreamy. It really gives a gorgeous glow. I light the light and medium shades. It also helps in those in-between months when you're not really your summer shade and not really your winter shade in foundation.

Similarly, you know I love me some RMS, and their Supernatural Radiance Serum SPF 30 ($49, 1 oz) is gorgeous on its own or added to foundation. I mainly use the medium aura shade and also love the lighter shade for highlighting and brightening. For darker-skinned ladies, it also comes in rich aura. I add this serum to RMS Sun Coverup SPF 50 (I use the shade Buff; $49, 1 oz) for added sun protection, an even skin tone, and making my face look like I am rested and ready for the day. I also appreciate that it doesn't make my face feel greasy or slick. If I overdo the Lumi Glotion, my face can get a bit too dewy.

For Spa Day Every Day

I think a good body wash can be so underrated. They provide such a sensorial experience. Right now I can't get enough of Salt & Stone Body Wash, ($36, 15.2 oz) in the scent Saffron & Cedar, which is free of parabens and phthalates. It is such a great unisex scent that gives high-end spa vibes and calming comfort like no other. It leaves skin so soft, too. I can't get enough of it.