31 Beauty Products That Are Worth It and Occupying Space in My 35-Square-Foot Bathroom in NYC

      (Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

      Most Wanted is a weekly feature where an editor, staff member, or influencer highlights their top 30 essential items or wish-list favorites. Four years ago, when I relocated from Florida to New York City, I made a promise to myself and my mother to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle. I aimed to curb impulse purchases, declutter unnecessary belongings, and only fill my environment with genuine essentials. Spoiler alert: I haven't succeeded in that goal. My medicine cabinet is overflowing with products, barely able to close, and I've had to get quite inventive with storage for all my impulse buys. (There might even be shoes hiding under my kitchen sink.) However, I've recently become more discerning about the beauty items that occupy my limited 35-square-foot bathroom. Only a select few products are worthy of being carefully placed in the cramped corners of my crowded shelves, and I've detailed those below. I'm referring to items like hair masks, powder blush, body butters, facial serums, and much more. Continue reading to check out my must-have 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 mastermind behind blush, teamed up with Tower 28 Beauty to create a blush that has my other blushes feeling envious. It's been my top choice for weeks.

      MAKEUP BY MARIO

      Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow

      As a novice at eyeshadow, I found these matte cream shadows incredibly simple to use. I achieved a full glam look without needing to mix numerous palette shades or use multiple Q-tips for cleanup.

      Juvia's Place

      Blushed Liquid Blush in Perky Poppy

      Renowned for being intensely pigmented, this product requires just a tiny dot on my cheeks to achieve that just-flushed appearance. It will always remain a staple in my beauty collection.

      Danessa Myricks Beauty

      Yummy Skin Glow Serum in Main Squeeze

      This glow serum made me remember to wear primer, instantly enhancing my look. It hydrates and gives a beautiful natural glow.

      Don’t be intimidated by the wand! I view this mascara as a home hack for achieving lash curl and tint.

      Makeup by Mario

      Surrealskin Natural Finish Foundation

      Allow me to introduce you to your perfect 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

      During her visit, my friend used this setting spray daily. I assure you, her makeup stayed intact even during our longest and hottest summer days.

      VIOLETTE_FR

      Plume Lip in En Feu

      At last, a matte lip that doesn’t feel or look chalky after application.

      Hair

      CÉCRED

      Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

      A hair growth transformation is underway.

      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

      Protect your hair from damage, breakage, and frizz. This organic cotton and bamboo T-shirt towel has become a staple in my wash-day routine.

      Briogeo

      Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

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

      Dippity Do

      Light Hold Gelee

      Your curls will be grateful.

      Ceremonia

      Mascarilla De Guava

      Every other wash, I apply this mask instead of doing a second shampoo before conditioning. It’s superbly moisturizing, feels great on the scalp, and smells divine. Think of it as 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 skip this iconic duo. My hair feels silky smooth, and my strands feel incredibly strong after using these products.

      Skin

      While I know we adore the brow sculpt and face primer, I implore you not to overlook Refy's cleanser. It's a gentle two-in-one cleanser that goes from serum to foam during use. Removing makeup feels like a luxurious experience.

      EADEM

      Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum With Niacinamide and Vitamin C

      Most dark-spot serums have disappointed me, but this one works wonders quickly. I’ve restocked it about ten times since its release, and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

      Last month, I consistently paired this brightening lotion with the above serum,