31 Must-Have Beauty Products Crowding My 35-Square-Foot NYC Bathroom

      (Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

      Most Wanted is a weekly series in which an editor, staff member, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items. When I relocated from Florida to New York City four years ago, I made a promise to myself and my mom to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle. I aimed to curb impulse buying, declutter unnecessary items, and only keep essential must-haves in my space. Spoiler alert: I didn’t quite manage that. My medicine cabinet is overflowing with so many products that it barely shuts, and I’ve had to get creative with storage for all my spontaneous purchases. (There might be shoes hiding under my kitchen sink.) Recently, however, I have become more discerning about the beauty products that occupy my 35-square-foot bathroom. Only a select few products deserve to be carefully placed in the tight corners of an overcrowded shelf, and I’ve detailed them below. I'm referring to hair masks, powder blush, body butters, facial serums, and a lot more. Keep reading to check out my top skin, hair, makeup, and body essentials for the upcoming season and beyond.

      Makeup

      **Tower 28 Beauty**

      Toni Bravo GetSet Matte Powder Blush

      The authority on blush, Toni Bravo, collaborated with Tower 28 Beauty to create a blush that has made all my other blushes feel inadequate. It has been my go-to for weeks.

      **MAKEUP BY MARIO**

      Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow

      As a novice in eyeshadow application, these matte cream shadows are incredibly user-friendly. I was able to achieve a full glam look without needing to mix multiple shades or clean up with a dozen Q-tips.

      **Juvia's Place**

      Blushed Liquid Blush in Perky Poppy

      This product is famous for its vibrant pigmentation, requiring just a tiny dot on the high points of my cheeks to achieve that freshly flushed appearance. It will always remain in my beauty stash.

      **Danessa Myricks Beauty**

      Yummy Skin Glow Serum in Main Squeeze

      I used to overlook primer until this glow serum elevated my look dramatically. It's hydrating and gives a beautiful, natural glow.

      Don’t be intimidated by the wand! I consider this mascara a secret weapon for achieving lash curl and tint at home.

      **Makeup by Mario**

      Surrealskin Natural Finish Foundation

      Allow me to introduce your new 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 every day, and let me tell you, her makeup stayed intact even during our longest (and hottest) summer days.

      **VIOLETTE_FR**

      Plume Lip in En Feu

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

      Hair

      **CÉCRED**

      Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

      A hair growth transformation is in progress.

      **Fenty Beauty by Rihanna**

      The Mista Hair + Body Fragrance Mist

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

      **BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY**

      T-Shirt-Towel Hair Towel

      Safeguard your hair from damage, breakage, and frizz. This T-shirt towel, made from organic cotton and bamboo, is now a staple in my wash-day routine.

      **Briogeo**

      Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

      My coworker Anneliese Henderson swears by this. Besides its award-winning repair qualities, the limited edition Vanilla Birthday Cake scent is amazing.

      **Dippity Do**

      Light Hold Gelee

      Your curls will be grateful.

      **Ceremonia**

      Mascarilla De Guava

      I use this mask every other wash instead of doing another shampoo prior to conditioning. It’s super moisturizing, feels fantastic on the scalp, and smells delightful. Think of it as true self-care.

      **Olaplex**

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

      Since we’re discussing wash day, I can’t skip this iconic duo. My hair feels silky and my strands strong after using these products.

      Skin

      I know we rave about the brow sculpt and face primer, but please don’t overlook Refy's cleanser. This gentle two-in-one cleanser transforms from serum to foam during use. Removing my makeup feels like sheer luxury.

      **EADEM**

      Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum With Niacinamide and Vitamin C

      I’ve had disappointing experiences with many dark spot serums, but this one works wonders, and quickly. I've restocked this product about ten times since it launched, and I don’t see that changing anytime