My Skincare and Beauty Essentials: The Products That Never Leave My Routine

Over the years of running Cupcakes and Cashmere, I’ve had the pleasure of trying countless skincare and beauty products—probably well into the thousands by now. It’s part of the job, and honestly, it’s one of the perks I love most about it. From brand-new launches to cult classics, testing out new products has been a huge part of what I do. But through all the experimenting, there are a handful of beauty and skincare gems that have earned a permanent place in my daily routine. These are the products that, no matter how many new alternatives I try, I always return to.

Here are the tried-and-true favorites that I can’t live without:

1. Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

There’s something about a product that works as well as it smells, and this cleanser from Tata Harper does both. The Regenerating Cleanser is my go-to for exfoliating and refreshing my skin without being too harsh. It gently polishes with natural ingredients, leaving my skin smooth and glowing. It’s a must-have for when I need a deep clean but don’t want to sacrifice hydration or softness. Plus, the luxurious feel of the product makes it feel like a mini spa treatment every time I use it.

2. Ilia Beauty True Skin Serum Foundation

Finding a foundation that strikes the perfect balance between coverage and a natural finish can be a challenge, but Ilia Beauty’s True Skin Serum Foundation has hit the mark. This serum foundation offers buildable coverage that doesn’t feel heavy, and it leaves my skin looking fresh and dewy. I love that it has skincare benefits too—packed with ingredients that nourish my skin while providing that perfect glow. It’s become my everyday base for everything from casual days to more dressed-up occasions.

3. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Exfoliation is one of the most important parts of my skincare routine, and I always keep Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Daily Peel on hand. It’s a two-step system that resurfaces and brightens my complexion without irritating my skin. This peel is perfect for quick, at-home exfoliation—it helps minimize pores, smooths texture, and gives my skin a radiant, healthy glow. I reach for this whenever my skin needs a refresh or a little pick-me-up, and it always delivers.

4. Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick

For that fresh, lit-from-within glow, Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlighter Stick is my ultimate favorite. This creamy highlighter gives me a natural, dewy shine that doesn’t look greasy or too over-the-top. It’s easy to apply and blends seamlessly, adding a touch of radiance to the high points of my face. Whether I’m going for a minimal makeup look or adding a finishing touch to a full face, this product is a key player in my routine.

5. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and this treatment from Briogeo has made a significant difference in the health of my hair. The Scalp Revival Treatment is a charcoal-based treatment that helps detoxify and soothe the scalp, leaving it feeling clean and balanced. It’s great for when my scalp feels a little off, whether from product buildup or seasonal changes. I love that it’s made with natural ingredients and doesn’t leave my scalp feeling stripped. It’s truly a game-changer for keeping my hair looking its best.

6. Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder

If you want a setting powder that works magic without looking cakey or dry, Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder is the one to try. This translucent powder locks my makeup in place without making my skin look flat. It provides a soft, matte finish while allowing my skin’s natural texture to show through. It’s great for those who want to keep their makeup intact all day without feeling like they’re wearing a heavy layer of powder. I use this daily to set my foundation and concealer, and it never lets me down.

7. Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Facial Oil

When my skin needs an extra boost of hydration, the Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil is my go-to. Packed with nourishing plant oils and antioxidants, this facial oil deeply hydrates my skin, making it feel soft and plump. It’s rich, but not greasy, and it’s especially perfect during colder months when my skin needs extra TLC. I love how it absorbs quickly, leaving my face feeling nourished and glowing. It’s a staple in my nighttime routine for a healthy, hydrated complexion.

8. Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

Vintner’s Daughter is one of those brands that seems to live up to the hype—and their Active Botanical Serum is no exception. This luxurious face oil is packed with plant-based ingredients that are designed to heal and nourish the skin. It provides intense hydration and has been known to improve skin texture, leaving it looking glowing and youthful. It’s an investment product, but one that truly delivers. I use it on nights when I want to wake up to visibly better skin, and it never disappoints.

9. RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up

For light coverage that still makes a noticeable difference, I always reach for RMS Beauty’s “Un” Cover-Up. It’s the perfect hybrid between a concealer and a foundation, giving me just the right amount of coverage without feeling too heavy. The texture is creamy and buildable, so I can easily cover any imperfections or redness, while still looking like myself. It’s perfect for days when I want to even out my complexion without the full foundation routine.

10. Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer

For a subtle, sun-kissed glow, Tower 28’s Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer is my go-to. This cream bronzer is easy to blend and adds the perfect amount of warmth to my face. It also has a lovely radiant finish, which makes it ideal for adding dimension to the skin. I love using it on my cheekbones, jawline, and nose for that just-got-back-from-vacation look. It’s a foolproof product that makes me feel like I’m glowing from within.

Final Thoughts

When you try so many beauty products, it’s not easy to find ones that make a lasting impact. But these skincare and beauty products have earned their spot in my daily routine because they deliver consistent, reliable results. If you’re on the hunt for products that actually work—and work well—these are the ones I swear by. No matter how many new launches I test out, these are the essentials I always return to.