Tried and True: Classic Beauty Staples You Need to Own

There are some products that have stood the test of time. For years they have proved to be loyal companions, washing our faces through high school and graduation and moisturizing limbs for weddings and first dates. These items are classic, and they probably first lived in your mom or sister’s bathroom cabinets before secretly making their way into yours. We love these cult beauty favorites, but so often, they are forgotten. So for those beauty beginners, or anyone looking for the unsung heroes in the beauty world, we’ve put together a list of our most prized creams, soaps, and lotions. If you don’t have any of these goodies in your vanity, be sure to add them to your shopping list.

CETAPHIL DAILY FACIAL CLEANSER

Beloved by editors and celebrities worldwide, this super gentle yet extremely effective formula is perfect for a sensitive complexion and helps to balance your skin’s natural oil production. If you’re searching for a basic, no-frills cleanser, be sure to give the drugstore essential a try.

AQUAPHOR

No matter how many fancy new lip moisturizers, glosses, or balms appear on the market, we’ll always come back to Aquaphor. The ultimate lip healer, you can also use this multitasking jelly as a highlighter on your cheekbones and cupid’s bow, mix it with eye shadow to create a dewy blush, or even slick it on as a moisturizer when in need.

OLIVE OIL

This isn’t just a kitchen staple, the rich, aromatic olive oil has a multitude of uses in your vanity. Slather it all over your hair as a deep conditioning treatment, apply some on a cotton ball and remove stubborn waterproof makeup, smooth a few drops onto your legs for a subtle sheen, or mix a little oil with sugar for a DIY lip scrub!

DR. BRONNER'S MAGIC PURE CASTILLE LIQUID SOAP

Looking for an all-in-one? This USDA certified organic liquid soap combines extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E for a thorough yet gentle clean. Use it as a shampoo, face wash, hand soap, brush cleaner—or anything that needs a scrub!

PREPARATION H

Preparation H may not seem like the most elegant of under eye creams, but this hemorrhoid cream has been a backstage staple for years. The formula diminishes black circles and puffy eyes almost immediately.