31 Beauty Products That Are Worth Having in My 35-Square-Foot NYC Bathroom

      (Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

      Most Wanted is a weekly feature where one editor, staff member, or influencer shares their top 30 essential items or current wish-list favorites. Four years ago, when I relocated from Florida to New York City, I made a promise to myself and my mom to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle. My goal was to curb impulse shopping, declutter unwanted items, and only surround myself with true essentials. Spoiler alert: I didn’t follow through. My medicine cabinet is overflowing with so many products that it barely shuts, and I've had to get pretty inventive with storage for all my impulse buys. (There may or may not be shoes stashed under my kitchen sink.) Recently, however, I've become a bit more discerning with the beauty products that occupy my 35-square-foot bathroom. Only a select few items are worthy of being carefully tucked away in the crowded corners of my shelf, and I’ve detailed them below. This includes hair masks, powder blush, body butters, facial serums, and much more. Keep scrolling to discover my top-tier skin, hair, makeup, and body products for the upcoming season and beyond.

      Makeup

      **Tower 28 Beauty**

      Toni Bravo GetSet Matte Powder Blush

      Toni Bravo, the CEO of blush, created this blush in collaboration with Tower 28 Beauty, and now all the other blushes in my collection are feeling envious. It’s been my go-to for weeks.

      **MAKEUP BY MARIO**

      Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow

      As an eyeshadow novice, I find these matte cream shadows incredibly user-friendly. I was able to create an entire glam look without needing to mix numerous palette shades or use a bunch of Q-tips for cleanup.

      **Juvia's Place**

      Blushed Liquid Blush in Perky Poppy

      This product is famous for its intense pigmentation, needing just a tiny dot on the high points of my cheeks to achieve a fresh flush. It will always hold a place in my beauty collection.

      **Danessa Myricks Beauty**

      Yummy Skin Glow Serum in Main Squeeze

      I used to overlook primer until this glow serum enhanced my look tremendously. It’s hydrating and offers a beautiful natural glow.

      Don’t let the wand intimidate you! I consider this mascara a secret weapon for achieving a lash curl and tint at home.

      **Makeup by Mario**

      Surrealskin Natural Finish Foundation

      Let me introduce you to your second skin.

      **Ilia**

      Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon in Kiln

      A matte berry lip for fall? Groundbreaking.

      **ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr**

      On 'til Dawn Mattifying Sunscreen Makeup Setting Spray SPF 28

      My friend borrowed this setting spray during her visit and used it every day. Trust me, her makeup remained flawless even through the longest and hottest summer days.

      **VIOLETTE_FR**

      Plume Lip in En Feu

      Finally, a matte lip that doesn’t feel or appear chalky after application.

      Hair

      **CÉCRED**

      Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

      I'm currently on a journey to transform my hair.

      **Fenty Beauty by Rihanna**

      The Mista Hair + Body Fragrance Mist

      Because I want my hair to smell like fresh flowers all the time.

      **BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY**

      T-Shirt-Towel Hair Towel

      Safeguard your hair against damage, breakage, and frizz. Made from organic cotton and bamboo, this T-shirt towel has become a vital part of my wash-day routine.

      **Briogeo**

      Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

      My coworker, Anneliese Henderson, swears by this product. Besides its award-winning hair repair capabilities, the limited edition Vanilla Birthday Cake scent is heavenly.

      **Dippity Do**

      Light Hold Gelee

      Your curls will thank you.

      **Ceremonia**

      Mascarilla De Guava

      I alternate using this mask instead of shampooing again before conditioning on every other wash. It’s incredibly moisturizing, feels amazing on the scalp, and smells delightful. Consider it a true self-care ritual.

      **Olaplex**

      No.4 Fine Bond Maintenance Shampoo & No.5 Fine Bond Maintenance Conditioner Duo

      Since we’re discussing wash day, I couldn’t overlook this iconic duo. My hair feels silky smooth, and my strands feel robust after using these products.

      Skin

      While we love the brow sculpt and face primer, I'm urging you not to overlook Refy's cleanser. It’s a gentle two-in-one cleanser that transforms from serum to foam during use, making makeup removal feel like a true luxury.

      **EADEM**

      Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum With Niacinamide and Vitamin C

      Most dark spot serums haven’t worked for me, but this one is miraculous and effective quickly. I