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I Test Beauty Products for a Living, and Here Are 5 Items I'll Never Stop Using

A skincare or makeup product has to be really good for me to stick with it until the very last drop.

Beauty Products
Photo:

Real Simple / Tyler Roeland

I've been a beauty editor for over 17 years. I get dozens of free beauty products weekly, so when I actually stick with one until the end, you know it's legit. Here are five products I savor until the very last drop (and will buy again with my own money).

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Garnier Micellar Water For Waterproof Makeup

Amazon

Orig. $12 $9 at Amazon

I change skincare products like I change clothes, but my first step at night always remains the same: I start my routine with this micellar water because I wear a lot of makeup, so one face wash usually doesn't do the trick. I squirt a hefty amount—the bottle is huge, so it lasts for months—onto a face wipe (I swear by these WaterWipes). Then I swipe it over my skin to break down makeup, sweat, and dirt before going in with my regular cleanser. The water contains micelles, which act like magnets to attract any gunk and whisk it away without stripping my sensitive skin or leaving a greasy residue behind.

Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Mary Kay

I've been using this gem since I was 12 years old. I've tried all the other makeup removers, but this one IMHO is the best. In one go, it removes my shadow and liner without disturbing my signature eyelash extensions. Just shake the dual-phase formula, squeeze it onto a wipe, and swipe it over your lids. There's no pulling at the thin skin and it doesn't leave a greasy film behind.

Olaplex Nº.3 Hair Perfector

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Repairing Hair Treatment

Amazon

My very fine, naturally curly but often heat-styled and color-treated hair counts on this puppy to bring it back to life every few weeks. I store this best-selling bottle in my shower and apply it to damp hair before my regular shampoo routine. It's a quick three- to 10-minute treatment (let it work its magic while you shave) that makes such a noticeable difference in the strength, shine, and smoothness of my strands.

Augustinus Bader The Face Cream Mask

The Face Cream Mask

Augustinus Bader

This one is a total splurge—put it on your holiday list!—but out of everything I've tried from the brand, the face mask is my fave. I love to use it before a big event, but you can also put it on before bed for maximum hydration. This product literally checks all of the boxes: It hydrates, lifts, tightens, and leaves your skin glowing. I notice the biggest difference on my neck and chest. It helps tired skin look brighter, plus the pod pops out so you can just buy the refill when you run low.

Beekeeper's Naturals Propolis Immune Support Daily Throat Spray

Propolis Throat Spray by Beekeeper's Naturals

Amazon

Orig. $14 $11 at Amazon

I suck at swallowing pills, so while I get sent the latest vitamins and supplements to try, I stick with this spray. In addition to bee propolis, it contains polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamin C, iron, and B vitamins to help boost immunity. With two toddlers, a long commute (via train and subway), and a busy travel schedule, I swear this helps keep me healthy, plus it tastes good!

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