I've made many recommendations in the past about fashion items to buy when you're bored, but I think it's time to show your beauty product collection some love. I'm by no means here to promote buying things you don't need just because you're bored. Instead, my advice is to use downtime wisely and shop for items that you'll actually use often (and may even make your life easier).
I'm a bit of a self-professed beauty junkie, and I have trouble resisting products that become cult favorites (whether instantly or over the years). I also love a good under-the-radar find, but products become cult favorites for a reason, and if they're good enough to generate buzz (worldwide, in many cases) and tons of positive reviews, they're good enough for me to try. So instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram again, why not take the time to scroll through this slideshow? You might find a product that could transform your beauty routine for the better. Oh, and none of them is over $100.
1. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3
This groundbreaking treatment truly delivers on the self-proclaimed hair-perfector front. Not only that but it also works on every hair type and addresses a variety of hair concerns.
2. Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes
This is the best eye color I've tried (and I've tried a lot), hands down. You can't go wrong with any shade.
3. Verb Ghost Oil
After trying this incredible hair oil once, I'm not going back to my pricier ones.
4. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
This spot treatment has proven itself to be wildly effective over the decades (yes, decades).
5. Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35
Pretty much everything Glossier makes is a cult favorite, but this non-greasy, everyday sunscreen is one the latest to fly out of stock.
6. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
Celebs (and everyone else) agree that the perfect nude lipstick exists, and it's called Pillow Talk.
7. Shani Darden Texture Reform Gentle Resurfacing Serum
Truth be told, nothing has transformed my skin as much as this.
8. Olive & June The Poppy
I'm here for anything that makes doing my nails myself easier.
9. Ouai Air Dry Foam
This adds a hefty dose of polish to your 'do when you don't feel like blow-drying it.
10. J.Hannah Ghost Ranch Nail Polish
Beauty girls (and fashion girls) lose it every time J. Hannah releases a new unique nail color.
11. SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight
I love that this glow-inducing treatment can be used on a nightly basis.
12. Nars Orgasm Afterglow Lip Balm
This moisturizing lip balm looks amazing on everyone. I'm particularly fond of it in the summer.
13. Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Finally—a chic body lotion that actually makes a difference in your skin.
14. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
This has 10,000 reviews and almost five stars on Sephora. Why would you put anything else under your eyes?
15. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
Even at my most exhausted state, when I put this on, my skin looks instantly bright and refreshed.
16. Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara
Those who prefer dramatic lashes (sans extensions) prefer this thickening, conditioning mascara.
17. Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
I actually look forward to putting this glistening sunscreen stick on, and that's saying a lot.
18. Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer
Fans of this hydrating, vitamin-rich primer say it helps their makeup last longer.
19. Kosas Lipstick - Rosewater
Like your lips but better is really the best way to describe this perfect, universally flattering lip color.
20. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist Mini Size
A quick spritz of this after applying makeup will give it a glowy, natural look.
21. Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette
This natural-looking highlighter palette hasn't been on the market for long, but it's raking in the fans.
22. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This wildly affordable hydrating elixir suits all skin types.
23. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
Blush that doesn't need to be reapplied all day and comes in a slew of stunning shades is a small miracle.
24. Lord Jones Pain & Wellness Formula Body Lotion
Of all the new CBD beauty products on the market, this muscle-soothing one is one of the most buzzed-about.
25. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Many of the 9000 (!) reviews swear that your makeup won't budge when wearing this setting spray, no matter what.
26. La Mer The Lip Balm
Is this expensive? Yes. Will it be the best lip balm you've ever tried? Probably.
27. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo
I actually use this Charlotte Tilbury gem as a subtle bronzer, and I'll never go back to my bronzer-less existence.
28. Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water
This French-girl favorite is my makeup remover of choice.
29. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
I don't often get facials, but this makes me feel like I've had a really good one.
30. Fenty Beauty by Rhianna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
This lightweight, long-wearing foundation comes in a whopping 50 shades.
31. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
People swear by this beloved oil for a variety of skincare concerns like scarring, stretch marks, and fine lines.
32. Augustinus Bader The Cream
If you've been wanting to try this miracle cream, now is the time. It comes in a new mini size.
33. Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF25
Don't let the price scare you. This natural-looking concealer will last for over a year (at least in my experience).
34. Glow Recipe Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask
Take 30 seconds to put this on at night; wake up with perfect skin.
35. Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil
This is a hit among British celebs like Victoria Beckham, Cara Delevingne, and Kate Middleton.
36. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Face wash isn't the most exciting thing to shop for, so make it easy on yourself and buy this legendary, "gently powerful" one by Fresh.
