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By the time I turn 30, I'd like to have at least a few things figured out: Namely, a closet full of wardrobe staples, a better understanding of Bitcoin, and a solid beauty routine that makes me feel like a competent adult human. So, to get a head start on my future makeup bag, I tapped the brilliant minds of some of ELLE.com's 30-something editors to find out which beauty products they've discovered along the way. Ahead, find the 13 products I'm definitely adding to my collection in the next few years.
The Eyeliner That Won't Budge
The Product: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner ($22)
The Reason: Being in my thirties means I've tried a LOT of beauty products. This is the one I wish I could *insert record scratch sound effect* rewind my life for, and plant seamlessly into my twenties like a cosmetics fairy godmother. It's so easy to apply, stays on forever, and probably won't be discontinued any time soon (I HOPE). It's one of a very few products I use every day and buy religiously, without ever being tempted by alternatives. —Estelle Tang, Senior Editor
The Moisturizer That Sneaks in SPF
The Product: Paula's Choice RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 ($33)
The Reason: Look, I don't want to be anyone's mom, but it is never too early to protect your skin. I get it, you don't want to add another step into your 42-step skincare bonanza, but if you choose a day moisturizer with SPF (antioxidants are a desirable bonus), you don't have to! Even if you feel dermatologically invincible, this is a no-brainer switch that will set you up for life. (Flossing is another story. I don't want to talk about it.) —Estelle Tang, Senior Editor
The Peel That Gives You Insta-Ready Skin
The Product: Dr Dennis Gross Alpha-Beta Medi Spa Peel ($64)
The Reason: I have written about these pads before and I will write about them again, because that is just how much I love them. By the time you're 30 you need to get comfy with using acids to help fight against dullness and aging, and these Medi-Spa peel pads do the trick without the irritation other products can cause my redness-prone skin. I use them once weekly, followed by the included peptide milk, and wake up with that dewy Instagram filter glow we all not-so-secretly want. —Jessica Roy, Deputy Editor
The Perfectly Buildable Foundation
The Product: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation ($65)
The Reason: This is the best foundation I've ever used. Skin tends to dry out as you age, and this foundation is perfect for those with dry/combination skin. It's also buildable: apply a dime-size amount to make you look even and natural, or a quarter-size if you're going for that over-the-top Kardashian look. —Jessica Roy, Deputy Editor
The Signature Nail Polish
The Product: Essie Geranium Nail Polish ($9)
The Reason: By 30, you need some signature looks. It doesn't need to be over-the-top or super involved: I announced that this not-quite-red, not-quite-orange polish was "mine" maybe 6 years ago, and I've loved it ever since. It makes me smile—both the color and the fact that my best girlfriends know it's a "Leah" shade—and it's been a no-brainer whenever I've gotten my nails done before big events like my wedding or job interviews. —Leah Melby Clinton, Director of Branded Content
The Affordable, Reliable Lotion
The Product: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion ($11)
The Reason: At the advice of my dermatologist, I started using a prescription retinol right before I turned 30. In order that the formula not scorch or dry my skin too much, he suggested a layer of this cream first. My skin has adjusted to retinols, but I still use this neutral lotion, which lists niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid in the first ten ingredients. It's also affordable enough that you can really feel free to goop it on your face, neck and chest. —Hannah Morrill, Contributing Editor
The Indulgent Body Wash
The Product: Byredo Gypsy Water Body Wash ($50)
The Reason: By the time you are 30, you should feel totally fine to drizzle a capful of an embarrassingly expensive body wash into a bath and then soak while reading, scrolling Instagram while deftly not dropping your phone, and/or drinking a martini or a Bud Light Platinum, whichever you have on hand. Dim the lights too. That part is free. —Hannah Morrill, Contributing Editor
The Hairstylist That Recommends the Best Products
The Product: A Hairstylist/Confidante/Guru
The Reason: I have been seeing my hairstylist, Marshall Lin for years, so he knows all the ups and downs when it comes to my hair. Anytime I have a question, he's always there to help, like when I couldn't figure out why my normally wavy/curly hair was suddenly going dry and limp. He recommended my favorite conditioner via Instagram DM and now it's the only one I will ever use. My advice would be to find a stylist and be loyal—it helps to have a hair genius in your corner! —Mia Feitel, Senior Designer
The Flawless Primer
The Product: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer ($32)
The Reason: Who has time to apply a full face in this economy? Time marches on, however, something one may become accutely aware of past the third decade mark. Fortunately Fenty Beauty's Primer has got your back (and when has Rihanna ever let you down?). Lightweight and surprisingly effective, especially when you're being photographed, I slap it on after moisturizing and go on about my day: even of tone, small of pore, and young (of heart). —R Eric Thomas, Senior Staff Writer
The Holy Grail Eye Cream
The Product: Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream ($99)
The Reason: I would generally never spend this much on beauty products, but this eye cream has worked WONDERS. I had undereye bags that would rival ones Erykah Badu would sing about and these have FIXED THEM. No joke, I sincerely love this product — Nikki Ogunnaike, Style Director
The Super Soft Body Cream
The Product: Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($45)
The Reason: This cream landed on my desk years ago, and I only recently found it it's meant to be used on your bum. But I don't care, I slather this all over (and often on my hands) making every part softer with a tropical smell. —Nikki Ogunnaike, Style Director
The Fool-Proof Concealer
The Product: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30)
The Reason: I will never, ever, ever use another concealer again. This product applies smoothly and is pretty much fool-proof. —Nikki Ogunnaike, Style Director
The Serum That Makes You Ditch the Rest of Your Skin Routine
The Product: Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum ($185)
The Reason: This is one of "those" cult beauty products people are always raving about. It's really expensive. But it makes me skin look and feel so nice and radiant. And with a new baby I have no time for a beauty "routine." I just use this morning and night and Cerave moisturizer with SPF. I dont even wash my face. I just wipe it down with micellar water. —Leah Chernikoff, Site Director
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