Our Editors Spill—23 Desert Island Beauty Products We’d Never Leave Home Without

When I joined the Camille Styles team (officially full-time this month!), I knew I’d be surrounded by inspiring women. What I didn’t expect was that I’d join a team of beauty experts in their own right. So when I recently decided to overhaul my beauty routine, I naturally turned to Slack: “Help a girl out—drop your must-have beauty products!” Thirty minutes (and too many messages to count) later, my cart was full of tried-and-true products based on years of use—and of course, the most emphatic recommendations.

Our Editors’ 23 Must-Have Beauty Products to Stock Up On

After culling my co-workers’ top picks, my beauty bag is filled with sunscreen that doubles as my foundation while giving me an effortless glow, a lip and cheek stain that seamlessly transitions from day to night, and a lip balm that never leaves my side. These products have completely transformed my beauty routine. Now, I’m asking the inevitable: can I bring my entire makeup bag to the island?

Because we don’t gate-keep around here, I’m dropping every editor’s must-have desert island product in the list below. Whether you find yourself stranded on a desert island this summer (best of luck) or curating a beauty routine refresh, look no further. Consider this your insider scoop on all the beauty products our team can’t live without.

Makeup

Wander Beauty Mile High Club™ Length and Define Mascara

“Finally: I’ve found the best lengthening, volumizing, and defining mascara that doesn’t leave my lashes clumpy. It’s waterproof but easy to take off at the end of the day. With just a couple of swipes, my lashes are equally lengthened and give that flirty, doe-eyed look that I’m 100% obsessed with.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor 

19/99 Precision Color Pencil

“Maybe controversial these days, but I’ll never give up on lining my lower eyelid! I started tightlining for a night out during the peak 90s grunge revival/indie sleaze era in high school and I’ve never given it up. I’ve gone through many an eyeliner pencil, and when you’re lining that close to your eye, you need something that glides across your lid. I’ve never used anything as effective or smooth in just one swipe than this 19/99 color pencil.” — Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor

Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free Tinted Primer

“Any good desert island product needs to be a multitasker—and this primer is the ultimate. It gives a lightweight coverage with a blurring effect to hide pores, nourishing skincare ingredients, plus SPF 30. I wear it on its own to work out in the morning, then layer my makeup on top during the day. Color-correcting, evening out skin tone and texture, and boosting your makeup’s wear-time—it truly does it all!” — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief

City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss

“I had ditched lip glosses long ago, not loving how sticky and too high-shine the majority were. But this gloss offers the perfect amount of moisture for a dewy pout. What’s more, not only does it look good, but it also offers a dramatic plumping effect immediately and then gradually builds over time. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and oligopeptides, it volumizes lips while offering major hydration.” — Isabelle, Managing Editor

MERIT Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

“As someone who has previously opted for more full-coverage makeup, I haven’t worn foundation in all of 2024, thanks to MERIT Beauty’s Perfecting Stick. Marketed as not a foundation and not a concealer, this one product has replaced both in my makeup bag. I apply it under my eyes, on any blemishes, and on my high points, then blend with a brush for an even, lightweight base.” — Bridget Chambers, Style Editor

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Skincare Foundation

“This is hands down the best tinted moisturizer I’ve ever used. The formula is filled with good-for-your-skin ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, so it’s a beauty buy that doubles as a skincare product. Plus, it’s ideal for getting that dewy and glazed donut-y look.” — Megan Beauchamp, Contributing Editor

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick

“Blush is by far my favorite part of my makeup routine. I’ve perfected the ultimate three-step blush application that keeps its color and glow all day and night. The base? Westman Atelier’s blush stick in Petal. The non-toxic, creamy formula coupled with the prettiest rose-y color makes this product worth every penny. Steps two and three involve setting the cream blush with a powder blush, and topping it all off with an honorable mention, Charlotte Tilbury’s Highlighter Wand in Pinkgasm.” — Bridget Chambers, Style Editor

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

“It’s everything you want from a mascara: elongates lashes, doesn’t pill or smudge, and—most importantly—washes off easily. You normally get one or two but not all three. I don’t know how they do it, but I’ve been wearing this mascara for 3+ years and it’s my forever go-to.” — Brittany Chatburn, Content Marketing Director

Kulfi Beauty Kajal Eyeliner in Rain Check

“As someone who rarely wears makeup, it probably seems interesting that my choice for a desert island would be blue eyeliner. But on days when I just need to infuse my look with a little pop and joy, this eyeliner works its magic. I use a very thin line of blue eyeliner, but it’s just enough that when I’m talking to people while wearing it, they almost always have to stop and call out how much they love the blue. It’s the perfect way to subtly elevate your eyes, and the formula is super creamy and easy enough for even me to apply.” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor

Jones Road Miracle Balm

“The Jones Road Miracle Balm is a game-changer for anyone seeking a no-makeup makeup look. It is ultra-moisturizing on the face and gives an effortlessly natural look with a dewy, radiant finish. Apply it with your fingers or a brush, which makes it the perfect low-maintenance desert island product. The balm is incredibly easy to use and buildable. It’s the perfect hero product for minimalist beauty routines.” — Brandy Joy Smith, Motherhood Contributor   

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue

“There is no better lip stain on the market and I will die on that hill. I’ve been using this product for YEARS. My favorite colors are Bright Raspberry, Strawberry Red, and Soft Rose, but you can’t go wrong on any to your liking. The stain stays on ALL day and ALL night, isn’t drying with the gloss coating, and doesn’t transfer to your drinking glass or partner’s lips.” — Kelly Krause, Contributing Editor

Skincare

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

“The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is nothing short of magic and would accompany me on a desert island or tropical getaway. Its buttery texture and long-lasting hydration make it the best product to always have on hand. I just repurchased it in Vanilla for the third time—it’s that good!” — Anna Decker, Social Media and E-Commerce Manager

Supergoop! Glowscreen in Golden Hour

“I am no one until I put on my Supergoop! Glowscreen in the morning. It quite literally brings me to life, adding the perfect amount of color and glow to my otherwise tired-looking face. I wear it alone on a day-to-day basis, but this sunscreen is also the perfect shimmery base for my makeup routine (even at night). Major props to Supergoop! for making sunscreen such an addicting part of my skincare/makeup routine. My skin will thank you in 20 years!” — Bridget Chambers, Style Editor

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

“Listen, I know this product had its moment in 2022. But there hasn’t been a night since I treated myself to this lip mask two years ago where I don’t put this stuff on before bed. Long story short, it’s my ride-or-die. My lips stay soft and hydrated year-round and I haven’t had chapped lips once, even in winter. My go-to is vanilla!” — Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

“I live for a faux glow. A bit of self tan instantly boosts my confidence and I’ve tried everything from lotions to foams to water. Hands down, my favorite is Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops. A few drops in your moisturizer turns it into a self tanner, plus you can apply it without a mitt. It’s so easy and you can control how deep your tan is by the amount of drops you use. I love!” — Kristen Garaffo, Design Editor

Tower28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid

“This product changed my life, and I can’t stop talking about it to everyone. The start of my skincare routine, a top off when my skin is feeling irritated, and a preventive measure before applying makeup so I don’t break out—I use this multiple times a day, every day. If you haven’t heard of this universal healing spray, it’s quite literally magic in a bottle.” — Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor

SkinPharm Sheer Defense SPF

“When I first tried this SPF, I was in shock. A hydrating and tinted sunscreen? How? Diving in further, I saw that it contains hyaluronic acid. I love how lightweight and dewy my skin feels. If I’m on a deserted island, I’m going to need a good SPF that helps even out my skin tone for a flawless glow.” — Kelly Krause, Contributing Editor

Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm + Red Correct

“I’ve been searching my entire life for a product like Hero Cosmetics’ Rescue Balm. As someone who suffers from rosacea, regular foundation doesn’t cut it when it comes to a flawless face. This is THE product for me—and it’s always the first product I reach for on no-make, makeup days. It goes on green, with the same consistency as a concealer, but blends effortlessly into the skin, combatting any redness. It’s lightweight, and can be applied under makeup or on its own. Simply put—I couldn’t live without it.” — Casey McKee, Editorial Intern  

Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum

“This ceramide serum is my secret for putting on/taking off makeup. Layered beneath my makeup, it’s the perfect primer that creates a canvas to help my products stay on all night. I use a ton of liquid-based products, so a hydrated face is key to making sure they look dewy all night and don’t dry and crack in the middle of the dance floor. And after the night ends, when I’ve scrubbed my face raw to get off all the products, I need a hydrating serum to replenish my complexion so I wake up refreshed—even after a late night. This versatile serum is both. I also slather it on my skin when my barrier needs some TLC. It’s a staple in my travel bag since it can do it all.” — Langa Chinyoka, Beauty Editor

Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam

“My favorite self-tanning product, hands down. It’s foolproof to apply and the color develops within an hour. I use the one made for olive skin tones, and it gives the impression that you’ve just come back from an exotic two-week holiday.” — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief

Renee Rouleau Mint Renewal Cleanser

“I can’t stop talking about this product. I love it so much that my mom bought it for me when I went back to Nebraska to visit. The peppermint oil feels so refreshing and the light exfoliating jojoba beads keep my skin glowing.” — Kelly Krause, Contributing Editor

Soma Ayurvedic Jasmine Body Oil

“My favorite part of my self-care routine in the evening is using body oil after a hot shower. This oil has the most incredible scent, and seamlessly absorbs into your skin, leaving it soft and hydrated. Plus, this oil makes for the most perfect, self-care moment to just pause and breathe. It’s definitely a little bit of a splurge, but it’s well worth it for how amazing it makes me feel.” — Suruchi Avasthi, Food Editor

DERMAFLASH LUXE+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning + Peach Fuzz Removal

“My favorite self-tanning product, hands down. It’s foolproof to apply and the color develops within an hour. I use the one made for olive skin tones, and it gives the impression that you’ve just come back from an exotic two-week holiday.” — Camille Styles, Editor-in-Chief