When I joined the Camille Styles team (I officially went full-time this month!), I knew I’d be surrounded by inspiring women. What I didn’t expect was that I’d be joining a team of beauty experts, so when I recently decided to revamp my beauty routine, I naturally turned to Slack. “Let me help you girl out! Ditch those essential beauty products!” Thirty minutes (and countless messages) later, my cart was filled with proven products based on years of use, and of course, the most powerful recommendations.
Editors’ picks: 23 beauty products you should stock up on
After carefully sifting through recommendations from my coworkers, my beauty bag is now packed with sunscreens that double as foundations and give you an effortless glow, lip and cheek products that go seamlessly from day to night, and lip balms I can’t live without. These products have completely transformed my beauty routine. Now, I’m asking the inevitable question: Would I bring my entire makeup bag to the island?
Because we’re not gatekeepers here, below is a list of the must-have products every editor would bring to a desert island: So whether you find yourself stranded on a desert island this summer (good luck!) or you’re looking to revamp your beauty routine, look no further: consider this your insider’s look at all the beauty products our team can’t live without.
compensate
Wonder Beauty Mile High Club™ Length & Define Mascara
“Finally, I’ve found the best mascara that won’t clump, lengthen, volume and shape my lashes. It’s waterproof but easy to remove at the end of the day. With just a few swipes, my lashes are evenly lengthened and I get that sultry, bunny eye look that I’m 100% obsessed with.” — Isabel, Editor-in-Chief
19/99 Precision Colored Pencils
“It may be controversial these days, but I’m not giving up on eyeliner on my lower lids! I started wearing eyeliner for a night out in high school, during the peak of the ’90s grunge revival and indie sleaze, and I haven’t stopped ever since. I’ve used a lot of eyeliner pencils, but when you’re applying eyeliner close to the eye, you need something that glides smoothly over the lid. I’ve never used anything that applies so effectively and smoothly in one stroke as this 19/99 Color Pencil.” — Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor
Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Tinted Primer
“A good desert island product has to be multitasking, and this primer is the ultimate in that. It blurs pores with light coverage, replenishes skincare ingredients, and has SPF 30. Wear it to work out in the morning and then layer on top throughout the day. It color corrects, evens out skin tone and texture, improves the staying power of your makeup, and really does it all!” — Camille Stiles, Editor in Chief
City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss
“I gave up on lip gloss a long time ago because I didn’t like how sticky and shiny most glosses were. This gloss provides just the right amount of moisture for dewy lips. And not only does it look good, it also gives a dramatic plumping effect immediately that develops over time. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and oligopeptides to add volume to your lips while deeply hydrating them.” — Isabel, Editor-in-Chief
Merit Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation & Concealer Stick
“While I used to opt for high coverage makeup, I haven’t worn foundation in 2024, and I owe it all to MERIT Beauty’s Perfecting Stick. Billed as neither a foundation nor a concealer, this product has given me both the foundation and concealer in one in my makeup bag. I apply it under my eyes, on blemishes, and on high points, then blend with a brush to create an even, lightweight base.” — Bridget Chambers, Style Editor
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Skincare Foundation
“This is hands down the best tinted moisturizer I’ve ever used. It’s packed with skin-giving ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, so it doubles as a beauty product. Plus, it’s perfect for creating that fresh, glowy, doughnut-like complexion.” — Megan Beauchamp, Contributing Editor
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick
“Blush is by far my favorite part of my makeup routine. I’ve mastered the ultimate three-step blush application method that gives lasting color and shine all day and night. I start with Westman Atelier’s Petal Blush Stick. With a non-toxic, creamy formula and such a beautiful rosy color combination, this product is worth every penny. Steps two and three are to set the cream blush with a powder blush, and finally, Charlotte Tilbury highlighter wand, Pinkgasm.” — Bridget Chambers, Style Editor
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
“It has everything you want in a mascara: it lengthens your lashes, doesn’t pill or smudge, and most importantly, washes off easily. Usually you get one or two, but never all three. I don’t know how they do it, but I’ve been using this mascara for over three years and I love it.” — Brittany Chatburn, Director of Content Marketing
Kulfi Beauty Kajal Eyeliner Rain Check
““As someone who rarely wears makeup, it may seem odd that blue would be the color of eyeliner I’d take to a desert island, but on those days when I want to add a little pop and fun, this eyeliner works like magic. I wear blue eyeliner in a very thin line, and whenever I talk to someone who wears it, I have to stop and exclaim how much I love blue. It’s perfect for subtly accentuating the eyes, and the formula is so creamy that even I find it easy to apply.” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor
Jones Road Miracle Balm
“Jones Road Miracle Balm is a game changer for anyone looking to achieve a no-makeup makeup look. It’s ultra-hydrating when applied to the face, with a fresh, radiant finish for an effortless natural look. It can be applied with fingers or a brush, making it fuss-free and perfect for desert island use. The balm is incredibly easy to use and buildable, making it the perfect workhorse for a minimalist beauty routine.” — Brandi Joy Smith, Mother Contributor
Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue
“There is no better lip stain on the market. I absolutely swear by this product and have been using it for years. My favorite colors are Bright Raspberry, Strawberry Red, and Soft Rose, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. The stain lasts all day and into the night, has a glossy coating that doesn’t dry out, and won’t transfer onto your drinking glass or your partner’s lips.” —Kelly Krauss, Contributing Editor
![Skin care products.](https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/skincare-products-1-865x1298.jpg)
skin care
Summer Friday Lip Butter Balm
“Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is truly magical and perfect to take with you to a desert island or tropical getaway. With its buttery texture and long-lasting moisture, it’s the perfect product to have on hand at all times. This is my third purchase of the vanilla – it’s that good!” — Anna Decker, Social Media and E-Commerce Manager
Supergoop! Golden Hour Glow Screen
“I am nothing in the morning until I put on Supergoop Glowscreen. This sunscreen literally brings me to life and adds just the right amount of color and glow to my tired face. I wear this sunscreen on its own every day, but it also serves as the perfect shimmery base for my makeup routine (even at night). Supergoop has made sunscreen an addictive part of my skincare/makeup routine. My skin will thank me in 20 years!” — Bridget Chambers, Style Editor
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
“I know this product was a big hit in 2022, but ever since I bought this lip mask as a treat to myself two years ago, there hasn’t been a night that I don’t put it on before bed. Simply put, it’s my essential product. My lips stay soft and hydrated all year round and have never had any chapped lips, even in the winter. Vanilla is my go-to!” — Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
“I live for an artificial glow, and a little bit of self-tanning gives me instant confidence. I’ve tried everything from lotions to foams to water. By far, my favorite is Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops. Add a few drops to your moisturizer and it becomes a self-tanner. Best of all, you can apply it without a mitt! It’s so easy, and you can control the depth of your tan depending on how many drops you use. I love it!” — Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray (contains hypochlorous acid)
“This product has changed my life and I can’t help but tell everyone about it! I use it multiple times each day as a start to my skincare routine, a touch-up for when my skin is flaky, and as a pre-makeup acne preventative. If you haven’t heard of this all-purpose healing spray, it’s truly magic in a bottle.” — Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor
Skinfirm Sheer Defense SPF
“When I first tried this SPF, I was blown away. A tinted sunscreen with moisturizing properties? What does that even out? I researched it further and discovered it contains hyaluronic acid. I love how light and hydrated it feels on my skin. If I were on a desert island, I’d need a good SPF that would even out my complexion and give me the perfect glow.” —Kelly Krauss, Contributing Editor
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm + Red Correct
“I’ve been on the hunt for a product like Hero Cosmetics’ Rescue Balm for ages. As a rosacea sufferer, regular foundation just isn’t enough to create the perfect complexion. This is just the best for me, and it’s always the first thing I reach for on no-makeup days. It’s green and has the same consistency as a concealer, but it blends in effortlessly and reduces redness. It’s lightweight and can be worn under makeup or on its own. Simply put, I can’t live without it.” — Casey McKee, Editorial Intern
Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum
“This ceramide serum is my secret when applying and removing makeup. When layered under my makeup, it’s the perfect primer and creates a canvas to keep my makeup in place all night. Because I use a lot of liquid-based products, keeping my face hydrated is key to keeping my skin looking fresh all night and preventing it from drying out and cracking in the middle of the dance floor. And at the end of the night, after scrubbing my face to remove all the product, I need a hydrating serum to repair my complexion and wake up feeling refreshed after a late night. This versatile serum does both. I also slather it on when my skin needs a little skin-care treatment. Its versatility makes this serum a must-have in my travel bag.” — Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor
Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam
“This is by far my favorite self-tanner. It’s easy to apply and delivers color within an hour. I use a product that’s made for olive skin and it makes me look like I’ve just returned from a two-week exotic vacation.” — Camille Stiles, Editor in Chief
Rene Rouleau Mint Renewal Cleanser
“I can’t stop talking about this product! I love it so much that my mom bought it for me when I visited Nebraska. The peppermint oil is so refreshing and the light exfoliating jojoba beads leave my skin glowing.” —Kelly Krauss, Contributing Editor
Soma Ayurvedic Jasmine Body Oil
“My favorite part of my evening self-care routine is using a body oil after a hot shower. This oil smells amazing and absorbs easily into skin, leaving it soft and moisturized. Plus, it creates the perfect self-care moment to stop and take a breather. Yes, it’s a bit luxurious, but the amazing feeling it leaves me after using it makes it all worth it.” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor
DERMAFLASH LUXE+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning + Hair Removal
“This is by far my favourite self-tanner. It’s easy to apply and delivers within an hour. Even though I use a product made for olive skin, it still makes me look like I’ve just returned from a two-week exotic holiday.” — Camille Stiles, Editor in Chief