18 Classic Beauty Products Our Editors Will Buy Over and Over

There are two types of beauty products in the world: the cool, new ones we buy to try out the latest trends, and the classic ones we buy over and over because they're just that damn good. Some of-the-moment items go in and out of style, but some brands have managed to create effective formulas that'll have our hearts forever. From SPF concealers to mascaras to drugstore moisturizers, these are the editor-approved beauty buys we'll never kiss goodbye.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

"At my very first beauty job in magazines, the editor in chief tasked me with the delightful assignment of calling in samples of all her favorite 492 products. After about the third or fourth time it happened, I started to notice a theme in all of her requests: the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($45) was always on the list. Curious, one day I decided to call in an extra tube for myself to see what all the fuss was about — and yeah, I haven't been able to quit it ever since, either." — Kelsey Castañon, senior editor, Beauty

Biologique Recherche p50 Lotion

Biologique Recherche p50 Lotion

"Toner had never been part of my regular skincare routine until I tried this iconic formula from Biologique Recherche. It was recommended by dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, during a visit to balance the pH level in my breakout-prone skin. I've seen people on Instagram describe it as a 'facial in a bottle' before, and now I totally understand why. It gently exfoliates, hydrates, and brightens my complexion. Since I've been using it, I've hardly gotten any cystic breakouts, which is a freakin' miracle. No wonder people have sworn by this for over 40 years." — Aimee Simeon, assistant editor, Beauty

Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara

Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara

"I am waiting patiently for an HBO miniseries about the late, great Kevyn Aucoin, the man in makeup during the 1990s (clients included Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Whitney Houston — maybe you've heard of them?). While I do, I'll keep smearing on the brand's Volume Mascara ($28), aka the best arch enhancer ever. This tube is so sleek and skinny, I can wield it with confidence and apply it absolutely anywhere — on the subway sans mirror, in a cab as it careens over bumpy cobblestone streets, and in a poorly lit bathroom when it's 6 in the morning and my heart can't handle seeing my face under bright LED lights just yet. However I apply it, it always comes out perfectly. My lashes look separated, lifted, and, yes, voluminzed." — Alaina Demopolous, writer, Beauty

Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks

Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks

"I am eye makeup challenged. Typically, powder shadows just seem to slide off my lids, and I'm horribly uncoordinated with eyeliner. But the cult-favorite Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks ($29) are the easiest eye color I've ever tried. The color stays put all day without requiring an eye shadow base, and the matte and shimmer versions layer well onto each other. I also bought some for my 70-year-old mom, because she complained that her lids have gotten more crepe-y with age, making it harder to apply eye shadow, and she loves them just as much. An eye shadow for the ages, for all ages!" — Nancy Einhart, VP, executive editor

Elizabeth Arden Beauty Color Moisturizing Lipstick

Elizabeth Arden Beauty Color Moisturizing Lipstick

"My abuela loved three things: my abuelo, her grandchildren, and her Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick ($27). I distinctly remember stealing it from her makeup bag every time I'd go to her apartment — and luckily, she didn't seem to mind my mischievously deep pink lip as we danced around the kitchen. You can't buy those kind of memories, but this tube certainly comes close." — KC

Herbal Essences Shine Collection Shampoo

Herbal Essences Shine Collection Shampoo

"After years of indulging my color-treated hair with special (read: expensive) shampoos and conditioners, I picked up some Herbal Essences ($11) out of desperation at the pharmacy one day. I hadn't bought from the brand in decades, but I was drawn in by the throwback packaging, and once I flipped up the cap to take a whiff, it was game over. I was concerned that the $5 shampoo might fade my red hair or dry my ends, but after a month of use, my hair has never looked — or felt — better. The formula, enhanced with chamomile, aloe vera, and passionfruit extracts, really delivers on the promise of hydrated, shiny hair. And of course, it smells fantastic." — Maggie Panos, editor, Voices

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

"I always have a tube of the reliable Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30) on hand. It provides even, buildable coverage whether I use a beauty blender, brush, or my fingers, has good staying power, and has never cracked or creased on me." — Stephanie Nguyen, editor, Native and Shop

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

"While there are many opportunities to use this spray ($7) throughout the day, my favorite is as an afternoon pick-me-up. A couple of spritzes on my face and I feel recharged." — Rebecca Brown, editor, Shopping

Essie Nail Polish in Angora Cardi

Essie Nail Polish in Angora Cardi

"Queen Elizabeth, I see your Ballet Slippers and raise you Angora Cardi. Seasonal name aside, this chestnut rose color works all year long, and it's a confident but subdued look. I am a rampant nail biter (please don't be like me), and this is the best drugstore nail polish in terms of standing up to my picking." — AD

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

"In a generally ineffective attempt to make myself feel like a Real Grown-Up, 13-year-old me went to the Macy's counter and bought myself my very first beauty product: Clinique's Dramatically Different Lotion ($27). It hydrated my skin then, and it has hydrated my skin well into adulthood. (If only I could remind my younger self that this whole growing up thing is way overrated.)" — KC

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow

"I have oily skin and very thin eyebrows, so the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow ($18) has been a lifesaver. It's the only thing that makes me look like I have more than three eyebrow hairs and doesn't melt off my face midday like other brow products I've tried. I always look like I have thick brows because of this awesome product." — Sarah Siegel, assistant editor, Beauty and Shop

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

"As much as I love experimenting with new mascara, my daily go-to is always the Diorshow Waterproof Mascara ($25). The formula lengthens and thickens my straight Asian lashes, doesn't transfer, and, most importantly, holds a curl from day to night." — SN

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

"Whenever the season changes and my skin becomes overly sensitive, I turn to this soft and gentle face wash ($38). My face feels especially clean, like I've hit the reset button." — RB

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder

"The Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder ($30) has never failed me. I've been using it daily for years to set my makeup, control shine, and minimize the look of pores." — SN

Clé dé Peau Beaute Concealer SPF 25

Clé dé Peau Beaute Concealer SPF 25

"My mom first showed me this magical concealer ($70) when I was a teenager, and at first I chastised her for spending that much money on a beauty product. Then I used it. The formula is buttery and thick; a little goes a long way, and it's so easy to throw into your bag for quick touch-ups. Now I can't go back to just any old concealer; nothing else comes close. This is the one makeup product I know I'll wear forever." — India Yaffe, editorial assistant, Shop

Neutrogena The Transparent Facial Bar

Neutrogena The Transparent Facial Bar

"I struggled with acne as a teen, and the only cleanser that truly helped calm my breakouts was this facial bar from Neutrogena ($11). My mom bought these by the dozen because I'd go through a single bar in a few days. This soap is life changing if you struggle with oily, acne-prone skin. It thoroughly rids your face of dirt and bacteria, leaving your complexion clean and soothed. I still, to this day, pick up a bar or two at the drugstore. I even use it on my back and chest to stop body breakouts in their tracks." — AS

Weleda Skin Food

Weleda Skin Food

"I'd always been skeptical of 'all over' balms until I used Weleda Skin Food ($12). This hydrating lotion can literally be used anywhere on your body. I slather it on my face when my skin is parched, I use it on my hands and cuticles in place of lotion, I've even smoothed flyaways with it. It hydrates and nourishes the skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. It's hands down my favorite multitasking moisturizer." — AS