10 Totally Unsexy Products I Use In My Daily Beauty Routine As a Beauty Journalist
Main image – Hannahcriswell/Stocksy
As a beauty writer always on the lookout for the latest must-have products, I’ll admit it: I’m always going to stop for anything shiny and beautifully packaged.
But when it comes to my actual daily routine—the stuff that really works—it’s a different story entirely. Over the years, I’ve discovered a line-up of not-so-glamorous essentials that get the job done better than anything else.
Are they sexy? No. Are they trending? Nope. Do they look amazing on my dressing table or smell incredible? Also no.
They are, however, incredibly functional, reliable and make a huge difference to my daily routines. And as I get older, I’m all about making my life easier, so I’ve scaled back my routines and I’m focusing on the products that I know work. Here’s a rundown of my 10 unsexy beauty staples.
1. Glycolic Acid Toner
This no-frills bottle has been in my routine for years now. It’s not fancy, and I don’t use it on my face (I actually find it a bit harsh for that).
However I do use it on my knees, feet and underarms to keep my skin exfoliated and keep sweat at bay. A few swipes on a cotton pad, and I feel like I’ve hit the reset button.
Image – The Ordinary
I’ve heard of people using it for keratosis pilaris, body acne and ingrown hairs too. It’s an understated all-rounder.
My recommendation is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner – it’s the original, easy to use and it’s great value for money as a bottle of it lasts ages, however much I seem to use it.
2. Petroleum Jelly
Good old petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline): the ultimate multitasker.
From cracked lips to dry cuticles and slugging my face after applying retinol, it’s one of the unsung heroes of my routine (until now). I’ve even been known to use it as a last-minute highlighter or an eye gloss in a pinch, plus it’s great for giving powder products more of a cream-like consistency.
I always keep a tub of the old school Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly around, just in case I need it for any of the above.
Image – Courtesy of writer
3. Retinol
Retinol is definitely not sexy, and can be an absolute pain to use – plus getting hold of it isn’t as easy as buying it over the counter – but it’s 100% worth it. From acne to ageing or dull, congested skin, retinol absolutely does it all.
In the UK you need a prescription to use retinol, and you have to work your way up in strength, there can be some side effects as your skin settles and SPF is an absolute must. The results totally speak for themself, and using this cream every night has transformed my skin. Unsexy? Maybe. Worth it? 100%.
I get a personalised retinol treatment delivered each month from Skin+Me. It does feel like a bit of an indulgence, but it isn’t expensive compared to some products and makes the biggest difference to my skin.
4. Teeth Whitening Strips
These little strips aren’t exactly luxury beauty, but they’re the reason people ask if I’ve had my teeth professionally whitened – including my dental nurse. The results are that good. I just do a little top up on them every now and again for a brighter smile.
Crest White Strips are my fave, but they’re not available in the UK but I always stock up whenever I head to the US, or ask some of my travelling friends to pick some up for me.
If I can’t get hold of Crest, I’ve heard good things about the Hismile PAP+ Teeth Whitening Strips so might give them a try next.
5. Overnight deodorant
Deodorant isn’t sexy, but smelling fresh and clean is. And my fave, Perspirex Strong, literally stops underarm sweat in its tracks. You apply it overnight to clean underarms that haven’t been shaven recently.
Just one application per week is enough to stop me from sweating from my underarms at all. That means I don’t need to use daily deodorant if I don’t want to (I usually do too).
It can be a bit stingy, and you have to get into a habit that works for you, but it’s the most effective way for me to stay sweat-free.
6. Beard Dye
Okay, hear me out. I don’t have a beard, but this is perfect for tinting my brows.
It’s quick, effective, and lasts longer than most brow-specific dyes. Plus, it works out cheaper than buying brow specific products, and definitely much cheaper than getting your brows done in a salon.
Image – Courtesy of writer
If all you want is some colour to your existing brow hair, then I can’t recommend this enough. Just make sure – like in the salon – you do a test patch and read the instructions first.
Ironically, I use Just For Men Moustache and Beard Brush In Colour Gel, which comes in a range of colours and is really, really easy to use.
7. Foot Peel
If you’ve ever seen the aftermath of one of these peels, you know it’s definitely not glamorous. But soft, smooth feet that feel like you’ve just left the spa? Totally worth it, especially if you’re between pedicures or you want to save some money.
You just pop your feet into the provided booties, seal them up and go about your business while gentle acids slough the dead skin from your feet in 7-10 days. Don’t make the mistake I do every time and do them just before you’re about to go away on a trip, as chances are the serious shed will happen while you’re away.
I prefer the Baby Foot Peel, or to use a Japanese or Korean brand (you can usually find them in TK Maxx in the UK) as they seem to work best for me.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil is another absolute multi-tasker and I use it almost everywhere. You can use it on lashes and brows before bed, as a nourishing skin oil or massage it into your scalp for an overnight treatment.
You can even use it to take off your makeup in a pinch if you’re all out of remover – it’ll remove the most stubborn waterproof mascara. I’m a pretty recent castor oil convert, but I can’t see myself going back any time soon.
I use Fushi Organic Castor Oil and find that it does everything I need it to, thanks to its nourishing triglyceride content.
9. Pimple Patches
These might not be sexy, but there’s nothing more satisfying than waking up to a flat spot after wearing one of these overnight. Even better if you choose one that has microdarts and skincare ingredients to get right to the middle of your spot or blemish to work from within.
Image – The Inkey List
I prefer a plain pimple patch that’s easier to hide than wearing a loud and proud one, but that’s down to my own personal preference. These beauty essentials are functional, easy to use and oddly fun.
I’ve been using The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches recently, and I really think they work without being really obvious. I wouldn’t think twice about popping one on.
10. Scalp Scrub
Scalp care doesn’t get nearly enough hype, but a good scrub makes all the difference. It keeps my roots fresh, flake-free, and ready for whatever product I decide to use. Healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp, and by scrubbing my scalp once a week I keep it free of build up, dirt and sebum. It just makes my scalp feel much cleaner and fresher than just using shampoo.
My fave is the Umberto Giannini Scalp Scrub Exfoliating Anti Dandruff Treatment. It’s easy to use, works really well and smells gorgeous, using fruit enzymes and micro grains of walnut shell to remove and prevent flakes.
So there you have it – my unglamorous beauty essentials. They might not look like much, but they’re the backbone of my beauty routine. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the flashiest product, it’s about what actually works.
Get Glowing!
