I Moved Home for a Month—These Are the 24 Effective Beauty Products I Packed (2024)

You know that game where you're asked what three items you'd choose to bring if you were stranded on a deserted island? Well, that's exactly what I felt like I was playing when I made the last-minute decision to temporarily move back in with my parents and had approximately two hours to pack my belongings. It's a long story, but essentially, my lease was just about up in NY and apartment showings were understandably put on hold for the time being. So I made the swift decision to put everything I couldn't fit into two suitcases in storage and move back home to Arizona until I could resume my apartment hunt.

Somehow packing clothing was the easy part and choosing which beauty products to take and which to live without for (potentially) multiple months was the challenge. I knew my parents would have some basics stocked, like shampoo and body wash, so after some deliberation, I landed on these 24 beauty products that lie within the haircare and skincare categories.

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(Image credit: @michaela_bee)

I immediately decided that this was my chance to color coordinate my medicine cabinet (see above) like I've always wanted but couldn't do while sharing a bathroom with my roommate in NY. It may not be the most practical choice, but lately, it's the little things that spark joy. Below are the full details on each of my picks, in rainbow order of course.

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Bumble and Bumble

Repair Blow Dry

While I've been blowing out my hair less frequently as of late, I always use this heat-protecting cream when I do.

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Fresh

Soy Face Cleanser

I can't recommend this lightweight, gentle face cleanser enough.

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Versed

Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

I completely eliminated the use of makeup-remover wipes after discovering this cleansing balm.

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Drunk Elephant

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

I much prefer this chemical exfoliant to traditional face scrubs. However, since my skin is on the sensitive side, I only leave it on for about half of the recommended 20 minutes.

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Bumble and Bumble

Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer

This spray protects hair from heat, whether it's coming from a blow-dryer or the sun.

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Amika

The Wizard Detangling Primer

My hairstylist recommended this detangler for my ultrafine hair about a year ago, and I've never looked back.

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Amika

Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Another Amika product I'm now hooked on. The smell of this dry shampoo is reason enough to spend the $10.

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Versed

Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream

The newest daytime moisturizer in my skincare arsenal.

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Versed

Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum

I'm so impressed with how gentle this retinol serum is compared to most others I've tried. It's a steal for the price.

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Youth to the People

Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream

This cream is equal parts calming and hydrating.

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I've been taking advantage of my parents pool during this time, which has led to really dry strands. This hair oil, applied just on the ends, helps so much.

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Supergoop

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

This has been my go-to sunscreen for years.

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Versed

Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution

For fresh-feeling skin in the morning, I apply this toner after cleansing and before moisturizing.

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Honest Beauty

3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask

I use this mud mask about once a week for a deep clean.

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Youth to the People

Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask

I love that I don't have to wash off this rich nighttime mask.

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Klorane

Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk

Oat milk may seem like a strange ingredient to find in a dry shampoo, but it adds much-needed moisture to second- or third-day hair.

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Versed

Nix It Complexion Solution

If you've yet to catch on, I'm a big fan of this affordable skincare line. I was wary of its new spot treatment, but it truly works.

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Versed

Wash It Out Gel Cleanser

My everyday face cleanser.

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Coola

Classic Body Sunscreen SPF 50

I may physically be in my backyard on a pool towel, but when wearing this guava and mango sunscreen, I'm mentally on a tropical beach with a piña colada in hand.

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Honest Beauty

Deep Hydration Face Cream

One of my friends let me borrow this Honest Beauty face cream once, and I bought it immediately. I've used this for years now because it's so moisturizing (thanks, hyaluronic acid) and has a soothing eucalyptus scent.

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Versed

Just Breath Clarifying Serum

I've added this serum to my nightly routine (after cleansing and before moisturizing) and have noticed a major difference in the redness of my skin.

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Belif

Moisturizing Eye Bomb

This lightweight eye cream really adds a boost of moisture.

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Aquaphor

Healing Ointment

My hands are so dry from washing my hands 300 times a day, so I put Aquaphor on them every night before bed.

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