Beauty Besties: My Go-To Skincare Essentials
When it comes to beauty, I’m not the type to follow every trend or buy every new product that hits the shelves. Instead, I’ve found a handful of tried-and-true “beauty besties”—products and tools that I keep going back to again and again.
Some are high-end skincare, others are budget-friendly finds, and a few aren’t even products at all but beauty hacks that make a world of difference. If you’re curious about what’s been working for me, here’s my list of must-have beauty essentials.
💁 Background on Beauty + Brandi
A quick note about me before we dive in—because I think it’s important you know where I’m coming from.
I’ve been licensed in the beauty industry for over 20 years with a Master Cosmetology License. That means I’ve seen (and tried) a lot. From facials to treatments to makeup artistry, I’ve had hands-on experience with both professional-grade products and the everyday stuff we all buy at the store.
Here’s the thing, though: I rarely wear makeup. For me, skincare has become the real foundation. That passion started because I struggled with horrible acne growing up. I spent years (and way too much money) trying every cream, pill, and treatment I could get my hands on. Eventually, through trial and error, I learned not just what works—but also what doesn’t.
So when I share my beauty must-haves, know that these aren’t just random picks. They’re the products and practices that have actually helped me save my skin—and keep it healthy without a complicated 20-step routine.
>> READ My Full Story… How I Became a Digital Nomad, Blogger, Business Owner & Beyond!
🌿 Skincare Staples
- EmuAid – An anti-aging and acne-fighting beauty trio I found that works! (i.e. “EmuAid Acne Erasing Trio”)
- Youth To The People – A clean, vegan brand with formulas that feel like food for your skin. Their superfood cleanser is one of my go-to’s for a fresh, healthy glow.
- Eminence – This line feels like a spa in a jar. I love their natural, organic ingredients—plus, everything smells amazing.
- SkinCeuticals – If you’re looking for results, this is the science-backed brand that delivers. Their serums are a cult favorite for a reason.
- Tula (Bedtime Bright) – A probiotic-powered line that helps keep skin balanced. The Overnight Bright treatment is a must for waking up with refreshed, glowing skin.
EMUAID Acne Erasing Trio:
Honestly, I found this when searching for “The BEST Alternatives To Pro-Active” — after having a not-so-great experience with what used to be a skincare solution for anyone suffering from acne. But, have no fear EmuAid is here! Great for Acne and Anti-Aging!
I was TERRIFIED to try this, mainly worried about how my skin might react to it. And it was semi-marketed as an acne solution vs a skin healing care line. Just not enough info, but I decided to give it a try, and so far the results have been good.
And I started out ordering the overnight acne treatment to help with a horrible breakout I was having, then I ordered the soap and the ointment.
Directions
1️⃣ Therapeutic Moisture Bar (Face Wash)
EmuAid Therapeutic Moisture Bar for gentle cleansing. Use the Therapeutic Moisture Bar as a cleanser, gently exfoliating and moisturizing the skin.
2️⃣ EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment (Face Lotion)
EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment to moisturize while tackling acne. Apply the EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment to draw out stubborn cysts, embedded blackheads, and blemishes. Eliminating bacteria and fungi.
3️⃣ Overnight Acne Solution (Facial Acne Treatment)
Use the EmuAid Overnight Acne Treatment to exfoliate and fight acne while you sleep. Apply the EMUAID Overnight Acne Treatment with 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate pore-blocking debris, clear skin, and fight infection.
Youth To The People:
BRUTALLY HONEST TRUTH: not all Youth To The People Products are made equally! I used to LOVE this company as they were very acne, superfood, healthy skin care, vibe. Until I reordered the last time and my face never stopped breaking out. So, I did some digging to read in the Reddit feeds that L’Oreal bought out the company and many of their products had some ingredient changes — some NOT so acne-friendly! Needless to say, I had to stop using many of their products, but still have a few I love (for now)… AND if you’re not acne-prone, then their other products might work for you!
✅ Kombucha Resurfacing Peel
I use this Youth To The People Kombucha Overnight Resurfacing Peel a few times a week. This is a DEEP cleansing for your skin. (FYI, it’s VERY STRONG, will stain and eat through things!)
✅ Superberry Dream Mask
This Youth To The People Superberry Dream Mask feels AMAZING on my skin. I bought it to use as an overnight mask, but also saw it was recommended to use after applying the “Kombucha Resurfacing Peel” too.
YTTP Items I used to love:
- Air Whipped Superfood Moisturizer (now includes some acne-causing ingredients) started breaking me out, so I had to stop using it. — But if you’re not acne-prone then this might be a new beauty bestie for you!
Eminence
The Eminence Organic Skin Care Line feels like a spa in a jar. I love their natural, organic ingredients—plus, everything smells amazing.
ÉMINENCE Stone Crop Hydrating Mist
I love ANYTHING and EVERYTHING ÉMINENCE Organic Skin Care Line Makes. And, one of my favorite items is their Stone Crop Line of Products.
Recently, on a trip to the 4 Seasons Spa in Las Vegas, I came across my newest find, the ÉMINENCE Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, and I’m in love with it!
Another ÉMINENCE Organic Skin Care item I received (after my $500+ Facial at the 4 Seasons as a little thanks for spending so much money at the spa gifty) was ÉMINENCE Acai Firm Skin Boosting Serum. I love anything Eminence.
Tula (Bedtime Bright)
Tula (Bedtime Bright) is a probiotic-powered line that helps keep skin balanced. The Overnight Bright treatment is a must for waking up with refreshed, glowing skin!
I got this as a free gift from Sephora with my order, and I LOVE this stuff! I think Target carries this brand and of course you can order it on their website or Amazon as well.
You can get this “TULA Skin Care Bedtime – Bright Vita-Charge™ Overnight Brightening Treatment, Vitamin C & Niacinamide help Even Skin Tone & Texture” on Amazon.
💄 Makeup Must-Haves
- Bare Minerals – The OG of clean, natural-looking makeup. I love their foundation for a lightweight, breathable finish.
- Blemish Patches – These little patches are lifesavers for calming breakouts overnight. Sometimes I’ll find them at the Dollar Tree – Yes, even skincare doesn’t have to be expensive!
>> I shared a list of all my Must-Have Make Up Items I Love in a separate post you can read here!
🧼 Cleansers & Quick Fixes
- Waterless Makeup Remover / Face Wash
- Face Wipes – Perfect for travel, late nights, or anytime you just don’t feel like a full routine.
- Erase Your Face Cloths – Reusable makeup-removing cloths that save both your skin and the environment.
GARNIER SKINACTIVE Micellar Cleansing Water
If you’re looking for a Waterless Makeup Remover (Face Wash), one of my favorites is GARNIER SKINACTIVE Micellar Cleansing Water. This is great for those times when you don’t have water — like when we’re traveling in the RV van!
I also love that this is super hydrating and comes in different types. Plus, this works PERFECT for the RV van for when water is limited! I think I keep a “Rose Water Version” in their we picked up on the road at Walmart.
TRUE STORY: NVington told me he bought this to clean scuff marks off his shoes! But, I found it in the cabinet and started using it. Now I’m in love with it! 😉
You can get this “Garnier Micellar Water, Hydrating Facial Cleanser & Makeup Remover, Suitable for Sensitive Skin, Vegan, Cruelty Free” on Amazon.
Face Wipes (no water + on the go)
I love to keep Face Wipes on me, in my purse, in the RV van. They’re perfect for travel, late nights, or anytime you just don’t feel like a full routine, don’t have water, like sometimes when RVing or if you’re out and about, just in need of a quick face clean, like when you get hot and sweaty! Once I open a pack I like to put them in a ziplock bag to keep them from drying out or leaking liquid all over the place.
ERASE YOUR FACE Reusable Makeup Remover Cloths
Erase Your Face Cloths – Reusable makeup-removing cloths that save both your skin and the environment. They are water-activated, machine-washable, and no soap/cleansers are required! Just this cloth and a little water, you’re good to go!
🦶 Body & Beyond
- Baby Foot
- Ear Pillow
- Microblading / Tattoos – A semi-permanent beauty hack that saves me time and makes me feel more put together—even on no-makeup days.
Baby Foot
Weird but wonderful, the name “Baby Foot” says it all. This at-home foot peel literally sheds layers of dead skin to give you baby-soft feet. It’s an at-home spa treatment for your feet, that actually takes 2 weeks to fully complete and your feet might look a little scary in between, but once you do your feet with look like BABY FEET too!
Ear Pillow
Not technically a beauty product, but if you’ve ever had irritation or ear piercings, trying to sleep with them in, you’ll understand. I CANNOT live without my Ear Pillow — I have several of them at EVERY location I sleep regularly.
I actually think a pillow with an ear hole should be a normal thing. Almost as if your pillow doesn’t have an ear hole, then you’re old school! I have a few different kinds I’ve tried.
Let’s just say an Ear Pillow is LIFE CHANGING, so I never have to remove my diamond earrings when I sleep because ICYMI… I have 12 of them!
💕 Other Beauty Favorite Finds
Shark Facial Spa
I’ve only used this Shark Facial Pro Glow Spa Skincare Device once so far, as it’s meant for once-a-week facial at home use. But after the first session, I’ll say it was refreshing. It’s a timed 9-minute spa facial machine; all you have to do is change out the head and add liquid in between. But it walks you through the entire process.
✨ Final Thoughts
These are my current beauty besties—a mix of splurge-worthy staples, drugstore treasures, and a few unique hacks I’ve picked up along the way. Beauty doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive); it’s really about finding what works for you and sticking with it.
>> If you loved this list, check out all My Essentials & Faves PAGE
- Make-Up MUST-HAVES
- Massage Must Haves
- Favorite Finds For The House
- Car Essentials
- Writing Essentials
- Anxiety & Quiet Tools
- Bookshelf Besties
- Mobile Office Gear
- Bible Besties
- Dog Essentials & Must-Haves
- Online Systems (I use to run my life & biz)
- My Favorite Finds: Gift Ideas for Yourself or S.O.S.
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