Introduction
Have you ever wondered why some beauty products go viral and stay viral? Whether it’s the constant buzz on social media, glowing reviews from beauty experts, or just the sheer reliability of a product, certain items achieve “cult favorite” status. These beauty products are adored by makeup enthusiasts, skincare fanatics, and beginners alike, becoming staples in their routines.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top cult-favorite beauty products every beginner should try. From skincare to makeup, these highly-recommended products are the foundation of an easy, effective routine. Get ready to learn how to incorporate these must-haves into your daily beauty regimen!
Why Cult-Favorite Products Deserve the Hype
Longevity & Trust
What makes a beauty product “cult-favorite”? It’s a product that has stood the test of time, delivering consistent results. These beauty staples have earned the trust of both beauty experts and everyday users, making them worthy of repurchasing time and time again.
Community-Validated
One of the greatest things about cult-favorite products is the sheer volume of positive feedback they receive. Thousands of beauty lovers swear by these items, and their reviews often back up their status. Community-approved, these products are less likely to disappoint, which is perfect for beginners still learning what works for them.
Beginner-Friendly & Budget-Saving
By starting with cult-favorites, you skip the frustrating trial-and-error phase. These products are often formulated to work across a wide range of skin types and concerns, so you can be confident you’re choosing products that have a proven track record. Plus, investing in cult-favorite products means you’ll spend less money on unnecessary trial purchases!
Step-by-Step Skincare Routine with Cult-Favorite Products
Step 1: Cleanser
Product Suggestion: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a must-have in any skincare routine. Loved for its gentle yet effective formula, this cult-favorite is perfect for beginners. It’s hydrating, non-foaming, and gentle enough for all skin types.
How to Use: Apply in the morning and evening with lukewarm water. Gently massage the cleanser onto your skin and rinse.
Why It’s a Repurchase: It’s dermatologist-approved and doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Step 2: Toner or Essence
Product Suggestions: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence or Pixi Glow Tonic
Next, hydrate and prep your skin with an essence or toner. The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is beloved for its brightening and anti-aging properties, while Pixi Glow Tonic offers gentle exfoliation and a radiant glow.
How to Use: After cleansing, apply the toner or essence onto your skin with your hands or a cotton pad. Tap gently to promote absorption.
Why It’s a Repurchase: These products offer multiple benefits: hydration, exfoliation, and glow, making them essential for achieving smooth, luminous skin.
Step 3: Serum or Treatment
Product Suggestions: The Ordinary Niacinamide or Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Serums are potent treatments that target specific skin concerns. The The Ordinary Niacinamide helps reduce pores and balance oil production, while Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair is a go-to for skin repair and hydration.
How to Use: Apply a few drops of serum after toner and before moisturizer. Use morning or evening, depending on the product.
Why It’s a Repurchase: These serums target common skin concerns like uneven tone, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
Step 4: Moisturizer
Product Suggestions: Clinique Moisture Surge or Belif Aqua Bomb
A good moisturizer locks in hydration and protects the skin barrier. The Clinique Moisture Surge offers lightweight, long-lasting hydration, and Belif Aqua Bomb is a fan favorite for its cooling effect and ability to keep skin moisturized throughout the day.
How to Use: Apply generously on your face and neck. Use both AM and PM.
Why It’s a Repurchase: These moisturizers are loved for their light texture, making them perfect for both oily and dry skin types.
Step 5: SPF (Daytime Only)
Product Suggestions: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen or La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60
Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine, especially for beginners. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection with a lightweight, non-greasy formula, while La Roche-Posay Anthelios is a trusted favorite for sensitive skin.
How to Use: Apply as the last step in your AM routine. Reapply throughout the day if necessary.
Why It’s a Repurchase: Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in skincare, and these products are effective while being comfortable for daily use.
Simple Makeup Routine Using Cult-Favorite Products
Step 1: Primer
Product Suggestion: Benefit POREfessional Primer
A good primer creates a smooth base for makeup application. Benefit’s POREfessional is loved for its ability to minimize pores and create a flawless canvas for makeup.
How to Use: Apply a small amount to areas where you have enlarged pores or texture.
Why It’s a Repurchase: This primer helps makeup last longer and provides a matte finish, making it ideal for oily and combination skin types.
Step 2: Base/Foundation
Product Suggestions: IT Cosmetics CC Cream or NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
For a natural, buildable coverage, IT Cosmetics CC Cream offers SPF 50 and anti-aging properties, while NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is a cult favorite for its buildable, radiant finish.
How to Use: Apply a small amount with your fingers, brush, or sponge. Blend evenly across your face for a flawless finish.
Why It’s a Repurchase: These foundations offer a wide range of shades, buildable coverage, and long-lasting wear, making them perfect for all-day wear.
Step 3: Concealer
Product Suggestions: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind or Tarte Shape Tape
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer is known for its ability to brighten under-eye circles, while Tarte Shape Tape provides full coverage for blemishes and imperfections.
How to Use: Dab under your eyes or on problem areas, then blend well using your fingers or a sponge.
Why It’s a Repurchase: These concealers are praised for their coverage and ease of use, making them staples in makeup bags worldwide.
Step 4: Blush & Highlighter
Product Suggestions: NARS Orgasm Blush or Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter
For a healthy glow, apply a swipe of NARS Orgasm Blush to the apples of your cheeks. Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter will add a radiant, lit-from-within glow.
How to Use: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and highlight on the high points of your face—cheekbones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow.
Why It’s a Repurchase: These products are beloved for their flattering shades that work on a variety of skin tones.
Step 5: Mascara
Product Suggestions: Too Faced Better Than Sex or L’Oréal Lash Paradise
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is famous for giving volume and length, while L’Oréal Lash Paradise is a drugstore favorite that provides similar effects at a more affordable price.
How to Use: Wiggle the mascara wand from the root to the tip of your lashes for full coverage.
Why It’s a Repurchase: These mascaras are long-lasting and deliver dramatic lashes with one coat.
Step 6: Lips
Product Suggestions: Glossier Balm Dotcom or Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb
Finish your look with Glossier Balm Dotcom for a moisturizing, slightly tinted balm or Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb for a high-shine gloss that complements any look.
How to Use: Apply directly to lips for hydration and shine.
Why It’s a Repurchase: Both of these lip products are loved for their comfortable texture and universal shades that suit any skin tone.
Beginner Tips for Building a Routine You’ll Stick To
- Start with a few basics: cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, and foundation. Build your routine gradually.
- Watch simple tutorials on YouTube or TikTok to perfect your technique.
- Always patch test new products, especially skincare.
- Don’t feel pressured to try every trend—cult-favorite products are tried-and-true for a reason!
- Stick with what works and invest in high-quality staples that last.
Conclusion
Cult-favorite beauty products are the backbone of many beauty routines, offering effective results without the guesswork. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to simplify your current regimen, these beloved products are a great place to begin.
Have you tried any of these cult classics? What’s the one product you always go back to? Drop your must-have in the comments below!
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