I Review Beauty Boxes for a Living, and These Are My Favorite Products

This was a standout from the FabFitFun Advent Calendar. I’m always getting new lip products and not finishing them. I used every single bit of this gloss bomb stick from Rihanna’s makeup company over the course of two months. I love it. The hexagonal packaging is slick, classy, and easy to grip, and the product leaves behind a sheer hint of color. It’s very much a “my lips but better” finish, with a frosty shine that reminds me a bit of the lipsticks that were popular in the ’90s. The gloss is moisturizing and nourishing and not sticky in the slightest, and there are many colors to choose from. I only wish that it lasted a bit longer—I found myself reapplying it every hour or so. But it‘s such an easy way to look more put together that I’m going to repurchase as soon as I see it go on sale.

I’ve received this product multiple times in a few different beauty boxes. This cleansing balm is pricey, but it works so well. A little bit goes a very long way. The balm quickly melts down into an oily texture that busts through long-wear mascara, heavy black eyeliner, all of my foundation, my brows, my lip color … everything just dissolves with a little bit of product and patience. It’s easy to rinse or wipe off, too. I like this cleanser because it efficiently removes my makeup without leaving my skin feeling dry or stripped. It’s gentle enough for daily use. You can also use it as a mask by leaving it on for 10 minutes, but I prefer to use it as a cleanser on heavy makeup days.

Micellar water has been around for a while, but I received this in the Dermy Doc Box beauty box, and it’s become a staple in my routine. Simply wet a cotton pad or washcloth with micellar water and swipe away your makeup. I like using this on days when I wear minimal makeup, because it’s easier than washing my face and less wasteful than using makeup wipes. It works well, even on waterproof mascara or stubborn lip liner, and you don’t have to rinse your face when you’re done. That makes it ideal for traveling. And it’s affordable! If you’re someone who struggles to remember to wash your face, give micellar water a shot.

I‘ve gotten tons of ads for this multipurpose product, which comes from beauty industry legend Bobbi Brown’s company Jones Road. I initially tested it for a gift guide. The miracle balm is a waxy, balmy, shimmery product that adds moisture and a little bit of glow. You can use it all over for a dewier skin finish or as a highlight on areas like cheeks and brow bones. There are a few tints to choose from. I’ve used it in Au Naturel (which is colorless), and it helps elevate my makeup or my natural skin. I look glowier and healthier with it on its own, and I’ve also mixed it with powdered products to transform their texture into a creamy blend that’s easier to apply. Senior commerce editor Kat Merck has it in Bronze, and while she doesn’t like using it on her skin, she says it makes a great lipstick.

After a few long years, I’ve finally finished my tub of this lip treatment. (Thankfully it goes on sale during major shopping holidays.) The viral TikTok product is a boon when it comes to dry Midwestern winters. You apply a little bit before going to sleep and wake up with softer, smoother lips. I like to wear it during the day, though it is a bit heavier than traditional lip balm. It lends so much moisture to my lips—they instantly feel better after applying, and it stops chapped lips from feeling so tight and dry. I’ve even used it as cuticle treatment in a pinch. My first jar lasted three years. I’m absolutely buying another.

I’m too fickle for acrylic nails, but sometimes I want long, fancy talons for an event or satisfying keyboard clicks. I’ve tried many brands. Digi is my favorite. I originally tested it for the Best Teen Gifts, and it’ll make its way in there eventually. The designs are all so cute and modern, and I like that the patterns are matchy without being exactly the same, so your manicure has a dynamic element to it based on whatever nail fits your nail bed. I’ve managed to get these nails to last two weeks. They’re thin and flexible while also being sturdy enough to open soda cans or type all day at your job. They’re also not too difficult to remove—just soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes and they’ll pop right off.