I’m a beauty buyerAnd this is what I’m buying right now
*adds to beauty wishlist*
By Julia Carevic
7 March 2025 · 6 min read
Have you heard about ‘skincare minimalism’, the latest skincare hype? The relaunch of the lipstick shades that shaped the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s? Another highlighter release promising the ultimate glow? If beauty videos are the reason for your shockingly high screen time, you probably have. And if this is all news to you, don’t worry — we’re here to help you navigate.
To find out which products are actually worth adding to your beauty routine, we ask those who shop for living: Buyers. Our four beauty-obsessed professional shoppers tell us what’s in their wishlist. Get ready to clear your bathroom shelf.
Eileen Valdivia Carpio, Senior Buyer
Beauty style: Experimental. It changes depending on my mood.
My gateway to beauty was: The ’90s and ’00s nude look. I started my makeup journey at a very young age and used eyeliner as lip liner because there weren’t as many brands or products to choose from back then.
You’ll always see me wearing: A solid moisturizer and lip liner – preferably in a brown or rose nude shade.
What I’m adding to my wishlist *taps heart button*
1. Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner by Dr. Jart+: The best serum toner I have tried. A combination of serum and toner that adds hydration to your skin and preps it for the next steps in your routine.
2. Moisture Surge Intense 72h Lipid-Replenishing hydrator by Clinique: A classic and one of my first skincare treatment purchases. It provides extra hydration, so perfect for wintertime.
3. ‘Dolce Vita’ blush by Nars: It’s timeless and a blush I will always reach for. This shade, in particular, gives a fresh look.
4. ‘Greige’ lipliner by MAC: Amazing mix between grey and beige. It's great to use with nude lipstick, to paint some freckles, or as an eyeliner.
5. Eyelash curler by Shiseido: I have very thick and straight eyelashes, and no other curler works as well as this one.
Matthew Dwyer, Buyer
Beauty style: Simplicity is key.
My gateway to beauty was: 1000% the Beauty Guru YouTube era. Unmatched education on products and brands with all the drama we didn’t know we needed. More recently, K-beauty has stepped into my routine due to its friendly formulas.
You’ll always see me wearing: A niche fragrance you’ll always notice when I’m around. Aside from this, anything K-beauty with milk-based formulas.
What I’m adding to my wishlist *taps heart button*
1. Heartleaf 77% Toner Pads by Anua: I love these as they have reduced my redness whilst soothing the skin.
2. Absolute Smoothing & Moisturizing cream day & night by Hada Labo: There’s a reason this is a top brand in Japan. The lightweight cream is super moisturising and secures hydration with hyaluronic acid.
3. Replica ‘By The Fireplace’ by Maison Margiela Fragrances: I LOVE this fragrance and its woody notes. It’s more of an autumnal scent, but I pair it with Thomas Kosmala’s Tonic Vert Eau de Parfum, which has a more fruity and fresh note base for all seasons.
4. A+ High-dose Retinoid Serum by Sunday Riley: One of the best retinoids I have used. It’s less harsh but effective!
5. Milk Skin Toner by TirTir: I fell for the TikTok hype and was NOT disappointed. I love K-Beauty milk formulations, and this is one to look out for!
Ludovica De Matteis, Assistant Buyer
Beauty style: ‘Clean girl’ with a focus on glowing, natural skin with minimal products. It’s all about enhancing natural features!
My gateway to beauty was: The one and only Italian beauty guru, YouTube’s Cliomakeup.
You’ll always see me wearing: A touch of mascara and a nude-tinted lip balm.At home, relaxing with some eye patches and a cup of espresso — it’s my little morning ritual!
What I’m adding to my wishlist *taps heart button*
1. Auto correct brightening and depuffing eye contour cream by Sunday Riley: I’ve been searching for the perfect eye serum and finally discovered Sunday Riley. I can't imagine my routine without it! It's perfect for anyone who struggles with dark under-eye circles and wants to brighten their eye contour in the morning.
2. Aura Primer by Nabla: It's the perfect balance between a radiant finish and long-lasting makeup wear. I especially love it when I'm more tanned in the summer, as it gives my skin an even more beautiful luminosity.
3. Gold Styler by GHD: This straightener has been my go-to tool since I was a teenager, and I've never looked back. Whether I'm styling soft curls or straightening my hair, it keeps my hair flawless all day long, no matter the weather.
4. Almost Lipstick by Clinique in ‘Black Honey’: It’s viral for a reason! It's the perfect, natural shade that enhances the lips while leaving my lips soft and smooth.
5. Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo by Pat McGrath: This highlighter is the secret to a soft, dewy glow that brightens your complexion and gives you that fresh, awake look. When it's time to shine for the night, you can layer it on for an intense glow that hits from every angle.
Claudia Silluzio, Assistant Buyer
Beauty style: I’ve always struggled with acne, so gentle products that make my skin happy.
My gateway to beauty was: The 2010s beauty guru era on YouTube! Zoe Sugg and Tanya Burr were my saviours, not only for makeup but also for my English (I am Italian). I learned so much just by listening to them. Talk about a two-in-one beauty school!
You’ll always see me wearing: A good concealer and SPF 50.
What I’m adding to my wishlist *taps heart button*
1. Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence by COSRX: Holy grail for hydration. It locks in moisture, smooths skin texture, and boosts elasticity. After a few weeks, I noticed visible, glowing results — my skin feels plumper and healthier, and even the fine lines look softer.
2. Expert Sun Protector Cream SPF50+ by Shiseido: An absolute must to shield skin from ageing, sunspots, and acne scars. It’s non-greasy, making it perfect for combination skin, and it also works beautifully as a makeup base.
3. Radiant creamy concealer by NARS in ‘Café con leche’: My all-time fave. I’ve repurchased it for over three years, and it’s always in my bag for retouches (I also have the travel size). It covers everything — spots, dark circles, scars — without looking cakey.
4. Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick by MAC in ‘Crème in Your Coffee’: A perfect nude with a brownish twist that’s very flattering. It’s the best mix of matte and creamy, so it hydrates while staying put for hours.
5. Nordic C [Valo] glow boost essence serum by Lumene: A recent obsession, this serum is packed with vitamin C and Arctic cloudberry, making my skin brighter, dewy, and hydrated. I use it every morning before my moisturiser. It’s a game-changer for a fresh, clean glow!
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