Obsessed! The Products I Can’t Stop Using (Beauty, Hair, Tech, Home & More)

My Must-Have Essentials: The Things I Can’t Live Without (But Could, If I Had To)

Hey everyone! If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for those game-changing products that make everyday life a little easier, more enjoyable, or just plain luxurious. In a recent video on my channel, I shared a roundup of my absolute favorites—the items I reach for daily without a second thought. These aren’t just fleeting obsessions; they’re the tried-and-true staples in my routine across beauty, skincare, hair care, tech, and fashion. Sure, the title “Things I Can’t Live Without” is a bit dramatic (I mean, they’re luxuries, not necessities), but they’ve become integral to my day-to-day. I’ve linked everything I could find online in the description, so you can shop them easily. Let’s dive in!

Beauty and Skincare: Glow-Up Essentials

Starting with beauty, where skincare and makeup intersect, these products keep my routine simple yet effective. I get tons of questions about my lip look, so let’s kick off there.

My go-to lip combo hasn’t changed in ages: the Clinique Black Honey lipstick paired with the Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 in Muted Pink. The Black Honey looks intimidatingly red in the tube but applies as a sheer, moisturizing tint that’s perfect for my dry lips. Its sleek packaging slips into any bag, and it’s nourishing without feeling sticky. The Huda liner is a newbie in my arsenal—I used to skip liners altogether—but this twist-up design (no sharpener needed!) makes it effortless. I just line the bottom lip for a natural pop of color that lasts.

For a bronzed glow, I swear by the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops. In winter, I mix a few drops into my moisturizer for an even tan. Lately, though, I’ve been using it as a liquid contour—a drop on each cheek blends seamlessly for that natural, sculpted look. I prioritize products that feel light and blendable, and this one nails it.

Cleansing is non-negotiable for me, and the Rhode Pineapple PGA Daily Cleanser is my holy grail. It’s refreshing and leaves my skin feeling clean without stripping it. I follow it with micellar water for a double cleanse. For moisturizing, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream is my pick—lighter than the original Magic Cream, it absorbs quickly and keeps my skin hydrated all day. I slather it on right after removing makeup when I get home; it’s that refreshing.

Speaking of Rhode (no, I didn’t jump on the Hailey Bieber bandwagon—I discovered it through recommendations), the Rhode Glazing Milk is another staple. It’s lightweight and fresh, and I use it multiple times a day for that dewy vibe.

For multitasking magic, Aquaphor is unbeatable. I keep one in every bag for chapped lips, dry patches around my face, or even burns. It’s a winter lifesaver—apply at night, wake up with baby-soft skin. My husband swears by it too!

Finally, vitamin C serum (I use one that comes in a box of three—it’s an investment, but worth it). Apply it before moisturizer for a brightening boost. Results aren’t instant, but skip it for a week, and my skin looks dull. It’s like a morning reset button.

Hair Care: Shine, Volume, and Effortless Styles

Hair questions flood my comments daily, so I had to dedicate a section to my routine. Keep in mind, what works for my thick, low-porosity hair might not suit everyone—genetics play a big role—but these have been game-changers after years of trial and error. I’ll do a full hair care video soon, but here are the essentials.

Top of the list: Kérastase Elixir Ultime Serum. This oil is worth every penny—I reorder before I run out. It adds insane shine and hydration. For deep treatment, I apply it from mid-lengths to ends 30 minutes before showering. It’s also a mild heat protectant. With my thick hair, I go through it quickly, but the results are unmatched.

I wash every 3–4 days (it takes forever to dry!), so dry shampoo is key. My favorite for lighter tones leaves hair soft, not sticky—zero residue or crunch.

For gentle handling, silk scrunchies (mine are from Idol, but any brand works) are a must. They prevent dents, especially overnight, and my hair loves silk’s smoothness.

Detangling? The Tangle Teezer brush from Sephora is a lifesaver for my knot-prone strands. My sister-in-law turned me onto it—there’s even a travel size.

Styling-wise, the Dyson Airwrap is indispensable. My hair frizzes if air-dried and takes hours to dry naturally, so this tool dries and styles without damage. I’ve tried dupes, but nothing compares. That said, it doesn’t hold curls on my hair—enter heatless curls via a silk tube from Amazon. Wrap damp hair around it overnight, and wake up with bouncy waves that last all day. No heat or hairspray needed—I’ve shown it in vlogs, and it’s foolproof after the first try.

Tech Gadgets: Tools for Content and Convenience

Tech has transformed my content creation and daily life. These picks are practical, high-quality investments.

First, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 was my best 2024 buy. This tiny camera fits in any bag, has face tracking, and has accessories like magnetic mounts for hands-free filming. It’s stable and discreet (perfect for shy vloggers like me), and the wireless mic ensures crystal-clear audio even from afar. Night mode is solid for its size—ideal for YouTube, TikTok, or travel.

My main camera? The Sony ZV-E1 (not to be confused with similar models). It’s pricey but user-friendly for beginners—no steep learning curve. Stabilization is great, night shots are stunning, and autofocus is spot-on. Pair it with the Tamron 17–28mm for wide vlogs and the Sony 50mm for cinematic b-roll. Sony’s ecosystem is amazing, though stock issues can be frustrating.

For charging on the go, Apple’s multi-port fast charger is a travel essential. It powers all my devices quickly—no more juggling adapters.

I’m a die-hard physical book fan, but the Kindle won me over for travel. Mine’s old, customized with stickers and a PopSocket (essential for one-handed reading). It’s lightweight, and I can carry a library without bulk. Recommendations for upgrades? Drop them in the comments!

In the kitchen, the Thermomix TM6 revolutionized cooking for this non-chef. It guides you step-by-step with recipes, integrated scales, and weekly meal planning. Even if you love cooking (like my husband), it’s fantastic for soups, sauces, and more.

Coffee addicts, meet the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo. It grinds fresh beans on demand—press a button for customizable black coffee. We experiment with beans from everywhere; it’s an investment for daily indulgence.

Fashion and Accessories: Timeless Style Staples

Fashion evolves, but these have become my signatures.

Footwear shifted from white sneakers to ballerina flats. My first pair? Classic Chanel. Now I own multiples in various colors and materials—they’re comfy and versatile. Favorites: Burgundy suede ones, though my Chanels need replacing (hard to find in my size!).

Bags? I need something spacious and accessible. My current obsession is the Hermès Birkin 25 in Rose Sakura with gold hardware and Swift leather—it’s my baby. But honestly, any top-handle bag this size and shape works; I prefer hand-carrying over cross-body.

A clever hack: I repurpose a hat clip from Bags Essential as a handbag hook. Magnetically secure your bag to a table or chair in restaurants—strong, theft-resistant, and way better than traditional hooks.

Wrapping It Up: Your Turn!

These are the items that streamline my life, from glowing skin to effortless curls and seamless vlogging. They’re not essentials for survival, but they spark joy and efficiency. If you’ve tried any or have recs of your own, share in the comments—I love hearing from you! New here? Subscribe and hit the bell for more. Thanks for reading, and catch you in the next one!