From Serums to Scalp Scrubs, These Are the Products We *Actually* Spend Our Own Money On

BIQ Amy, Hannah and Joanna BIQ Amy, Hannah and Joanna

Ever wondered which products beauty people actually spend their own money on? Same.

Yes, working in the beauty industry means we're fortunate enough to receive new brand launches so we can try them and let you know if they're legit.

But the ultimate endorsement of a reeeeeeally good skincare, hair or makeup product is if a beauty editor repurchases it once the sample has run out.

So, this week on the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast, I joined co-hosts Hannah Furst and Joanna Fleming to discuss the beauty products we love so much, we buy them again and again. (You can listen to the podcast episode below!)

From sunscreens that can do no wrong and our go-to foundations, to the skincare peel Hannah's whole family is now obsessed with, these are our top picks. For now...

Joanna's Favourite Adore Beauty Products.

1. asap Super B Complex.

asap Super B Complex asap Super B Complex

What: asap super B complex 30ml

Why she loves it:

I love the asap super B complex 30ml because it's got a whole array of ingredients that are amazing for the skin. It's got your hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, B5, lactic acid - it really brightens, hydrates and rejuvenates the skin. The feedback I always get from people when they try this serum is that it makes everyone look super glowy. It was the first serum I ever used on my skin, so the fact I'm still talking about it about eight years later says a lot about the product.

2. Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+.

alpha H sunscreen alpha H sunscreen

What: Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+

Why it's a best-seller:

If you haven't found the one yet - the sunscreen you'll wear every day - give this one a try.

It looks tinted when it comes out of the tube, but it dries translucent and doesn't leave a white cast.

And of course, SPF is only one part of sun protection!

Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label. You know the drill.

3. VIRTUE Recovery Shampoo.

VIRTUE Recovery Shampoo VIRTUE Recovery Shampoo

What: VIRTUE Recovery Shampoo 240ml

Why she loves it:

I just absolutely love this shampoo. And I know Amy really wanted to put this on her list, too. Considering it's expensive, you only need a tiny amount of product - not even a 20 cent piece size - for it to lather up with a bit of water. It also smells so good, like a nutty caramel scent.

4. Aspect Phytostat 9 Moisturiser.

Phytostat 9 Phytostat 9

What: Aspect Phytostat 9

Why she loves it:

I don't think I'll ever get over this moisturiser. I just love it so much. I feel like there isn't anyone who couldn't use Aspect Phytostat 9, it's great for all skin types. It also smells amazing and contains lots of beautiful ingredients. I got my brother onto this because he didn't want to use serums, just a moisturiser. He went through it in three weeks because he was using two full pumps of it morning and night. I don't think he realised how expensive it was...

5. YSL Touche Eclat All In One Glow Foundation.

What: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All In One Glow Foundation

Why she loves it:

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All In One Glow Foundation is the most dewy, natural-looking foundation, and I always get compliments when I'm wearing it. It doesn't feel cakey on the skin, and often, I forget I'm wearing makeup when I've got this on.

But... the new Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Foundation has changed the game. I love how I can apply this one with my fingers and it just goes on like a dream. These two are tied at the moment, which is a big call considering I've been using the YSL foundation for several years.

Want more recommendations from Jo? Check our her empties YouTube video below!

Hannah's Favourite Adore Beauty Products.

1. Lanolips 101 Ointment.

Lanolips 101 Ointment The Original Multipurpose Superbalm Lanolips 101 Ointment The Original Multipurpose Superbalm

What: Lanolips 101 Ointment The Original Multipurpose Superbalm

Why she loves it:

I bought two of these in my last Adore Beauty order to stock up because I've tried about 100 different lip balms, and everything annoys me about every lip balm, except this one. It's a good all-rounder, and you can use it on your cuticles, the sides of the nose where you get dry if you've got hay fever, and even around your hairline if you're dyeing your hair.

2. Kerastase 8hr Magic Night Serum.

Kerastase 8hr Kerastase 8hr

What: Kérastase Nutritive 8hr Magic Night Serum

Why she loves it:

I get a lot of hair questions on Instagram because people want to know what the best hair product actually is. And to be honest, the Kérastase Nutritive 8hr Magic Night Serum is the best hair product I've ever used. I've said it before, I'm always wary when products say 'magic' or 'miracle' on the packaging, but really, this is magic. Some Harry Potter wizard did something when they made this up in the lab. I can't recommend anything more highly if you have frizzy hair.

3. Alpha H Beauty Sleep Power Peel.

What: Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel

Why she loves it:

The Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel has a mix of glycolic acid and retinol, so it's a great once a week anti-ageing treatment. My whole family is onto this product now. I gave it to my sister to try, then she gave it to my mum, and the next day, my sister sent me a message asking what the hell is in it. Then, my mum stole the next one I bought. Alpha-H, we need a lifetime supply of this for the Furst family. Please.

4. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD range.

What:

Why she loves them:

I'm going to cheat because I can't possibly choose between these three products from the same Make Up For Ever Ultra HD range. My perfect base is the Ultra HD foundation, the Ultra HD concealer for covering dark circles and blemishes, and the Ultra HD foundation stick for contouring. I literally don't use anything else. If you're looking for very, very high-quality foundation and concealer products that do everything, these are it.

What are our customers saying:

"I really like this foundation! It's not drying and lasts hours!" - Caitlyn Ultra HD Stick Foundation

"I love this concealer as a dupe for Nars, it’s super creamy and doesn’t crease and has great lasting power. Such good value." - Taylor ULTRA HD CONCEALER

Amy's Favourite Adore Beauty Products.

1. Christoph Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub.

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If you know, you know 😪😪😪

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What: Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub

Why I love it:

As you can see, I literally scrape out every last bit of the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub and even when it’s empty, I hang onto the tub hoping it might magically refill itself. Sadly, that’s the one thing this scalp scrub can’t do. If you're not into grainy hair scrubs that feel like rubbing coffee grounds on your hair, you'll love how this one foams up like a luscious shampoo. It doesn't hurt that it smells divine. Hannah even says it tastes good, too...

2. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+.

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Ultra Violette Supreme Screen

What: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen

Why it's so popular:

Hannah wanted to put this on her list, too. Supreme Screen has a thin, silky texture that sinks in and sits well under makeup = no pilling!

The non-sunscreeny scent and moisturising ingredients mean it makes my skin feel hydrated and radiant.

The formula also has a slight peachy colour so those with darker skin tones or varied skin undertones won't get that annoying white cast. AND most importantly, it provides SPF 50+ UVA (the rays that age you and primarily cause skin cancers) and UVB (the rays that burn you) protection. 

3. Beaute Pacifique Defy Damage Serum.

Beauté Pacifique Defy Damage Serum review Beauté Pacifique Defy Damage Serum review

What: Beauté Pacifique Defy Damage Skin Repair Serum 40ml

Why I love it:

You'd think I'd earn a commission considering how much I talk about this serum, but I don't. It's just that good. I've been using it for around two years and my skin throws a tantrum whenever I venture out to try something different. This serum has a hydrating, smooth lotion consistency that glides on and sinks into the skin in the time it takes to chuck on a bra. It’s also got the tiniest concentration of Vitamin A to target skin texture and fine lines without causing too much of a fuss. I can’t recommend this serum enough.

4. Benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter.

Benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel Benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel

What: Benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel

Why I love it:

This might not be the most exciting makeup product, but I use this every single day. Because I get my brows tinted and shaped every four weeks, all I have to do each morning is whack this clear brow gel in and I'm good. It holds your brows in place all day and doesn't end up super crunchy. It's just a good ole dependable buy.

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