I’ve tested tons of beauty products—some for work, others purely for indulgence—but these have earned a permanent spot on my shelf. They survived the hype and have proven their worth with real results.
The world of beauty is ever-evolving. Discovering products that consistently deliver can feel like striking gold. As a beauty editor, I’m constantly researching countless beauty products, always on the hunt for those standout items that truly make a difference.
My beauty routine has seen many phases — dry skin during harmattan, reactive skin from experimentation, and the occasional breakout. Over time, few products have earned permanent spots on my beauty shelf, becoming trusted companions in my daily routine. Last time, I shared my simple and affordable skincare routine. In this edition, it’s all about my beauty staples— the ones I always return to, that consistently deliver promised results.
Over the years, I’ve found that consistency is the real secret to great skin. It’s not about how many beauty products fill your vanity, but how well you use the ones that work for you. The impact of sticking to a good routine with trusted products can’t be overstated. It’s not an overnight transformation, but my skin has found its balance over time. Although I bring in others occasionally — skincare products for a self-care day routine and makeup that varies with the event — these are my go-to everyday essentials.
I know the cost of beauty can be intense. A well-stocked beauty shelf doesn’t come cheap, and I’ll be honest to say that being in this industry helps. But even with access to PR products, I remain intentional about what I keep, because having a sustainable beauty routine is still important. I don’t hoard products. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of more, but what’s the point of a shelf full of unused items?
So, if you’re curious about what’s worth keeping, these are some new and old beauty products I swear by. They’ve earned their place on my shelf; maybe they’ll earn a place on yours too.
My staple beauty products
For Cleansing
Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Gentle Gel Cleanser
Urban Skin Rx’s Even Tone Gentle Gel Cleanser has been a game-changer for my melanated sensitive skin in the past few months. It is formulated to target uneven skin tone and texture with key ingredients that include 4% niacinamide, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and black tea extract. These ingredients exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce hyperpigmentation, and provide antioxidant benefits, promoting a more even complexion.
It’s gentle yet effective without stripping my skin’s natural moisture. Over time, I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my skin tone: my complexion is more even, dark spots have faded, and there’s a significant reduction in breakouts. It also lathers well, so I don’t need too much. This also means it’s long-lasting — more value for money.
While I’ve heard it to be a bit drying for some, it’s perfect for my combination skin and has also improved the texture. I recommend doing a skin test with the brand to get the best products for your skin type. I did that and currently use the recommended products giving me the desired results for my dark skin.
For hydration
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream
The oldest product in my routine, the COSRX’s Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream, contains 92% snail mucin filtrate. An ingredient known for its hydrating, healing, and anti-ageing properties. It also contains hyaluronic acid and betaine, which help retain moisture and improve skin elasticity.
I’ve been using this moisturising cream for over two years, and it’s a staple in my skincare routine. I particularly loved switching from tub to tube packaging because it makes application more hygienic and convenient. It provides long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy, making my skin feel plump and nourished.
The COSRX cream is also a favourite amongst other skincare lovers. It effectively repairs the skin barrier and provides deep hydration, especially for dry or sensitive skin. I love its soothing properties and lightweight texture. This product is going nowhere, fingers crossed that my skin keeps loving it.
Read also Discover the secret to choosing the perfect moisturiser for skin hydration!
Caudalie Grape Water Spray
Caudalie’s Grape Water Spray, one of the newest additions to my shelf, instantly became a favourite. It is 100% organic mist derived from grapes, designed to hydrate and soothe the skin. Rich in minerals and antioxidants, it also helps to reinforce the skin’s barrier and reduce sensitivity.
I use this spray before applying other skincare products to enhance their absorption. Sometimes, it’s because I get so caught up in work or chatting after a bath that my face is already dry before I even apply the products. It’s also a refreshing pick-me-up during the day, especially when I’ve stayed in dry environments — I work from home and can be in an air-conditioned room for most of the day. The mist feels gentle and calming, making it a delightful addition to my routine.
It’s great for my sensitive skin and also makes me feel luxurious, which is an instant mood booster on busy days. I find that using this before I apply some particular products eases my skin, especially after exfoliation. A little spritz here and there, and I instantly feel like a soft babe.
For makeup
Zaron Luxurious Lip Gloss
I’m a proud lipgloss girly, and you’ll always find Zaron’s Luxurious Lip Gloss in Sugar Plum in my bag. With its high-shine finish and non-sticky formula, I love the long-lasting hydration it gives me. It’s also comfortable to carry around, so I go everywhere with it. .
Although it has a light rose colour, it provides a beautiful sheen that enhances my natural lip colour. It also has moisturising properties that keep my lips soft throughout the day. I wear it for both casual outings and formal events, pairing it with a variety of lipstick colours or wearing it alone with my lips lined with brown or black lip liner.
The one highlight of this product for me is that it provides a glossy finish without the typical stickiness associated with lip glosses. Number one all day, every day.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Setting Spray
For my 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) look, I tried Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte & Poreless Setting Spray, and I loved it. It is designed to control oil and extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours. It kept my makeup intact for over 13 hours on the first use, and I have been talking about it since then. I’ve used a couple of setting sprays that promise longevity. The ones that work always tighten my face, while others simply don’t.
I was worried about some of these products because of my sensitive skin: it takes so long to get that tight feeling off, even after the makeup was long washed off. The Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Setting Spray, formulated with witch hazel, helps to soothe the skin and reduce shine, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. I was sold on the first use after I washed my makeup off, and there was no residual dry feeling.
I tested this product through different weather conditions— afternoon heat, humidity of an enclosed space and under air-conditioning. It endured it all. It’s perfect for oily or combination skin, and its lightweight feel maintains makeup freshness.
This product has found its space on my shelf permanently.
For protection
Skin Aqua Super Moisture UV Gel
The Skin Aqua Super Moisture UV Gel is my daily go-to sunscreen. Offering SPF 50+ protection with a lightweight, gel-based formula, it contains hyaluronic acid and collagen that provide hydration while protecting my skin from harmful UV rays.
I love its non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly, making it perfect for layering under makeup. Here’s no white cast with this one — a plus for my dark skin, and it melts into my skin in seconds. The Skin Aqua Super Moisture UV Gel is true to its name, with how it locks in moisture on my combination skin. It’s also great for oily skin.
Sunscreen is important in your skincare routine, especially if you use toners, serums and certain cleansers. Even if you work remotely and never leave the house, you still need one. I recommend this to anyone who’s just starting out with sunscreen or regulars who need a change.
Uncover Aloe Invisible Sunscreen
Uncover’s Aloe Invisible Sunscreen is another top choice for preventing sun damage and dark spots on my skin. It combines SPF 50+ protection with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. I use this mostly for reapplication when I have no makeup on. It also doesn’t leave white cast and has non-irritating properties. A joy to have on my skin.
I like the portability of this sunscreen, making it convenient to carry around and easy reapplication throughout the day. It feels refreshing on my skin, especially on hot days, and if I decide to apply makeup later, it doesn’t interfere with that.
This one works for all skin types, and once you try it, you’ll keep buying it. So try it.
Uncover Aloe Invisible Sunscreen is available at Beauty Hut Africa. Shop here.
For extra care
Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks
On some days, my face needs extra care, but I don’t often have the extra time. Especially on days when I don’t get enough sleep due to tight deadlines or all-night shoots. This is where my Topicals’ Faded Under Eye Masks come in.
A cult favourite, they are formulated to target dark circles and uneven skin tone. And those dark circles come in several shades depending on how exhausted I am when I wake up. With key ingredients that include niacinamide, kojic acid, and caffeine, the mask brightens and invigorates my under-eye area.
I like indulging in these eye masks even if it’s for a short period. They help me slow down a little to prioritise my care, and the cooling sensation helps to reduce puffiness. They’re a luxurious treat in my skincare routine that gives my eyes a brighter and more refreshed look.
Topicals faded eye masks are available at Beauty Hut Africa. Shop here.
Face masks
While I don’t have a specific brand of face mask I prefer, you’ll always find a variety on my beauty shelf. Like this aloe soothing care mask. It’s one of those products that feel luxurious, and I love to imagine myself living my best life while I have them on.
On some weekends, it’s me, a hydrating face mask and a glass of wine, just spending time with my husband, watching our favourite shows. Sometimes, I put one on him just to make him feel luxurious too. He indulges me and ends up enjoying it too.
These are my staple beauty products, the ones I keep going back to no matter what. Like they say, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” but I say you can enhance it once in a while. I like to switch up my routine sometimes — mostly with products I use at night or for a special self-care day. But you’ll always catch these on my beauty shelf, and for good reason too. They just work for t my skin, and I love them.
