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This post has also been rewritten in 2026.
A while back, I wrote a post detailing the things I no longer buy, and I thought it would be the ultimate test of time to flip that on its head. Today, we are looking at the exact opposite: the ride-or-die, absolute holy grail beauty products that I am still spending my hard-earned money on.
As someone who has been on a strict makeup low-buy for years, putting this list together was actually a massive challenge. When you force yourself to stop mindless shopping, you quickly realise which products are passing trends and which ones are true empties to repurchase staples.
It is so fascinating to look back at my old beauty routines and see what survived the ultimate low-buy cut. From luxury lipsticks to drugstore icons, here are the 6 beauty products I refuse to give up!
Charlotte Tilbury Lipsticks
I utterly adore Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, and honestly, there are still so many shades on my wish list that I want to try.
Even though my low-buy rules mean I absolutely cannot buy a new shade until I completely finish up some of the ones I currently own (which, let’s be real, takes a lifetime), this formula remains unmatched for me. The Matte Revolution and K.I.S.S.I.N.G formulas are so incredibly creamy, and I constantly find myself reaching for them over every other lip product in my collection. Dancefloor Princess is the first lipstick that I came very close to finishing.
2026 Low-Buy Verdict: Still a complete holy grail. They are the ultimate luxury pick-me-up that actually performs.
The Body Shop Vitamin E Skincare Range
Trends in skincare come and go, but I will always, always repurchase items from The Body Shop’s iconic Vitamin E range.
Whether it’s their hydrating moisturiser, the gentle cream cleanser, or the refreshing toner, I make sure to have something from this line in my skincare stash at any given time. It plays beautifully with my dry skin, keeps my moisture barrier happy, and it doesn’t break the bank either. It’s a total win-win.
2026 Low-Buy Verdict: Still buying! When it comes to everyday hydration, consistency is key, and this range never fails me.
Practically Anything From ColourPop
I used to find it completely impossible to pick a single favorite makeup brand, but ColourPop takes the crown. I’ve loved pretty much everything I’ve ever tried from them!
The only downside? I absolutely hate how quickly they discontinue things! Their old ultra-hydrating lip balms used to be my all-time favorites, but they’ve sadly been axed from the lineup. However, I will always status-buy their world-class eyeshadow formulas.
2026 Low-Buy Verdict: I haven’t bought from them in a while as their shipping to the UK takes too long.
Garnier Micellar Water
I have been buying this pink bottle constantly for as long as I can remember. It is incredibly gentle, removes stubborn makeup effortlessly, and cleanses the skin without leaving it feeling tight.
One of my absolute favourite things about this micellar water is how quickly it works. You don’t need to rinse it off, which makes it the absolute ultimate staple for lazy evening skincare routines.
2026 Low-Buy Verdict: A permanent repurchase. Why spend £30 on a high-end cleanser when this drugstore hero does the job perfectly?
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
A true drugstore classic and my absolute, undisputed all-time favourite mascara. Nothing else compares to this; it is hands-down the best mascara I have ever tested.
The unique curved wand adds incredible length and volume to my lashes with just a single coat. Best of all, it separates beautifully and doesn’t clump them together, meaning I never have to deal with those dreaded spidery lashes. If you are currently on the hunt for a new mascara, save your money on high-end brands and grab this instead.
2026 Low-Buy Verdict: I will never stop buying this. It out-performs luxury mascaras triple its price.
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
I remember putting off trying this foundation for months, and boy, do I regret waiting so long. It has been my absolute go-to base ever since because the formula works seamlessly with my dry skin types.
Even though I don’t find myself drawn to any of the newer, trend-focused Too Faced makeup releases, I will always come back to top up this foundation. It offers a stunning medium coverage that can be built up to full coverage without ever looking cakey or heavy. The secret is that it’s infused with coconut water and hyaluronic acid, making it a total dream for achieving a smooth, hydrated finish.
2026 Low-Buy Verdict: I actually haven’t repurchased this for a while, as I’ve been reaching for the more affordable Revlon Colourstay. However, I do want to try this again.
What are your ride-or-die beauty staples?
There we have it, the six holy grail beauty products that have successfully survived my low-buy spending cuts year after year!
Let’s chat in the comments!
What is the one beauty product you have repurchased the most in your life? Do we share any of the same ultimate favourites? Let me know down below!
Thank you for reading!
Love this post idea! The contrasting posts with no buy/still buy is great, especially since each post has products I haven’t tried. I’ve definitely added some new items to my wishlist! Thanks again!
Thank you so much, I am so glad you think so! I hope you love them if you give anything a try. It’s no problem, thank you for stopping by xx
I want to buy some colour pop! I have one of my forever repurchased posts scheduled for Sunday! There are so many things I still buy haha – mostly skin and body care though! Xx
Danielle’s Beauty Blog
They have so many amazing products! Oooh I’m excited to check it out. Good skincare can be really hard to move away from haha!xx
The lash sensational is also one of my favourite mascaras! I have been wanting to try the Charlotte Tilbury’s lipsticks for so long, especially pillow talk !
xo, Shannen
It’s so good isn’t it?! Pillow Talk is such a classic. I hope you love them if you give them a go xx
We have the same taste in beauty products haha! I love micellar water and I think it’s the only product that takes off my lash glue with no issues! Also, Lash sensational is my fav mascara for years now and I love colour pop shadows! Thanks for sharing x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Haha no way! It’s so good isn’t it?! Ooh I’ve not tried it on lash glue, but that is so good to know. You really cannot go wrong with Lash Sensational or CP shadows. It’s no problem, thank you for stopping by xx
I really want to try that foundation! I’ve just started using The Body Shop Tea Tree products in an attempt to help my skin which is bloody awful at the moment. I’m not sure how much of an impact it’s having but I do really like the products so I think I’ll look into investing in more BS skincare!
It’s so good! I hope it works for you! They have some of my favourites, I always find myself buying from them xx
Love the idea! Micellar water is the best✨ I’m still yet to try the born this way foundation! X
Thank you so much! It really is! Ah no way, it’s my fave!xx
The Micellar Water is one of my go to for me too! It’s easy and so great on your skin. I haven’t tried any of the Vitamin E range from Body Shop, but i will surely give it a try! My sister always raved about their seaweed line. Thanks for sharing x
It’s so good isn’t it?! I hope it works for you if you give it a go. I’ve heard good things about the seaweed range too! It’s no problem, thank you for stopping by xx
OMG so many classics in one post I can’t cope! I really wish I could get hold of colourpop! Out of interest (as I think you’re also UK based) how do you get hold of it?!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Haha they’re so good! Yes, I’m UK based too! I order from the website, as they add the customs on at checkout now. I always make sure I spend enough for free shipping xx
I keep hearing about Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks and they look so fun! I can definitely see why you’d want to try them all. Too Faced is a popular one amongst my group of friends too!
She has so many beautiful shades to pick from. Too Faced have some really lovely products too xx
All of these sound super nice actually. No wonder you are still buying and using them. I cannot agree with you more on the Vitamin E products – they really make a difference!
I am so glad you think so! They’re so lovely xx
Thanks for sharing, I will continue to buy The Body Shop products as they are cruelty free, not many big brands are at the moment 🙂
It’s no problem, thank you for stopping by! Yes, it’s such a huge positive and hopefully more brands follow suit xx
Great post! I love the lash sensational mascara and you really can’t beat Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks xx
Thank you! It’s so good! They’re the best xx
Garnier micellar water is honestly the best!! Haven’t found anything that takes off makeup better than this.
It’s so good isn’t it?!xx
I buy quite a few of the same items as you! I recently started using the Vitamin E range from The Body Shop and don’t know how I lived without it – my skin loves it! I also love the chamomile cleansing butter too!
Tash
Ah no way! It’s such an amazing range, and I’m glad it works for you too! Oooh I still need to try that one xx
I love Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, they are amazing quality!
Danielle xx
They’re so good aren’t they?!xx
Yes to that Maybelline mascara! Have you see the new one they’ve got out? Its meant to be amazing.
Parie x
classandglitter
It’s such a good one! I’m super intrigued to try it!xx
Yup totally agreed will be buying those charlotte tilbury lipsticks forever! And that maybelline mascara is a holy grail! xx
The formula is too good! Yes, it’s definitely one of the best xx
Great to see a lot of my faves are on this list as well! I’ve never tried Charlotte Tilbury makeup yet but I will soon. Great recs!
Some of them are such classics! Ah no way!! I hope you love it, if you do try it! Thank you so much xx
I really want to try that foundation! Everyone raves about it!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
I love it a lot! I hope it works for you if you try it xx
Love Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks.
https://www.ninakobi.com
They’re so good!xx
Love the micellar water, its so good!
xx- Nina
So glad you like it too! It’s fab isn’t it?!xx
The Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks are love! Great picks!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
They really are! Thank you so much xx
The Garnier Micellar Water is my favorite, I finished many bottles and I will buy it forever!! x
Yiota
pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com
I discovered lash sensational and micellar water around the same time (height of youtube beauty gurus) and i always keep repurchasing! I also love colourpop but actually rarely buy from them!
I love The Body Shop & I got the Vitamin E moisturizer in their advent calendar & I’ve been using it recently because my skin has been getting dry & it’s great!
I’ve only tried a few single eyeshadows from ColourPop so I definitely want to try more from them. It is a shame they have so many releases so they quickly discontinue older products.
I love the body shop vitamin E range it’s soooo nice on the skin
I always associate Colour Pop with you! I like the look of the new CT quads & am tempted but don’t need more eye shadows x
Beautylymin
Your Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks are beautiful!
emjbarker.blogspot.co.uk
The lash sensational mascara is my absolute fave! I’ve tried so many other mascaras but that’s the one I always end up going back too. I definitely need to try some Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks this year, they look stunning! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
I feel like once you start with colourpop you cannot stop!
Yessss I’m with you on so many of these picks – especially the vitamin e range at the body shop! Gutted when they stopped doing the serum so hunted down a dupe at superdrug :’) Thanks for sharing <3
//teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx
I love colourpop products, and you will also always find in my collection! I’m sadly hitting pan on a few of the shades in my zodiac palette and I’m almost done with my supershock highlighter! Great post Han xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
I’m on a low buy too (but actually ended up no buying anything for 2 months already) and I want to purchase products more mindfully this year. That doesn’t mean I can’t buy anything but I want to buy something when I really love it. Charlotte Tilbury products, especially their lipsticks, are my weakness though lol!
Oh my gosh! We literally love the same things! I love The Body Shop Vit E skincare, Garnier micellar cleansing water, and that Maybelline Lash Sensational is bomb dot com xx
lenne | lennezulkiflly.com