The 7 Products Emily Darlow Actually Repurchases

Beauty Shelf with Emily Darlow

One of the perks of writing a beauty column is getting to try some of the newest skincare and makeup products before they hit the shelves. Over the years I’ve tested hundreds of serums, moisturisers, sunscreens and cosmetics, and while there are plenty that impress me, only a handful earn a permanent place in my bathroom.

It takes a lot for a product to become a permanent part of my routine. These are the ones I’ve bought more than once, recommended to friends and never let myself run out of.

If you’re looking to refresh your beauty routine, here are the products I keep coming back to.

Go-To Very Lightweight Moisturiser – $58

Finding the right night moisturiser can be tricky, particularly if you don’t like the feeling of heavy creams sitting on your skin while you sleep. This has become my go-to evening moisturiser because it delivers plenty of hydration without feeling thick or greasy. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps draw moisture into the skin, leaving my face feeling soft and hydrated by morning without any sticky residue. I also love that it has a subtle scent rather than an overpowering fragrance, making it perfect before bed. Another big tick is that Go-To offers refill pods, so once you’ve bought the original jar you can simply replace the inner tub for less money and less waste.
Buy it here

Vichy Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Bonding Serum – $71.99

If I had to pick one serum that has genuinely impressed me this year, it would be this one. I have sensitive skin that can react to new skincare products, but this serum has never caused irritation. Instead, it’s become the product I reach for every morning because it leaves my skin looking plumper, brighter and noticeably more hydrated. It absorbs beautifully, sits well under moisturiser and makeup, and doesn’t leave any sticky feeling behind. Since using it consistently, I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in my skin’s overall radiance, and it’s one product I’ll continue repurchasing.
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MCoBeauty Illuminating CC Cream – $28

Most days I don’t want to wear a full-coverage foundation, especially if I’m just working from home or running errands, and this CC Cream has become my everyday base. The colour-adapting formula blends easily into my skin tone, evening out my complexion while still looking natural. Unlike some BB and CC creams I’ve tried over the years, this one doesn’t separate, cake or flake during the day, and because it’s so spreadable you only need a small amount. It’s lightweight, comfortable to wear and layers perfectly over sunscreen.
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MCoBeauty Magic Brows – $20

As I’ve gotten older I’ve started noticing the occasional grey hair creeping into my eyebrows, and this little product has become an absolute staple. A quick swipe instantly tints those grey hairs while adding shape, definition and fullness to my brows. It’s amazing how much of a difference well-groomed brows make to your overall appearance, they really do frame your face. I honestly think this is just as important as a good mascara because it can take you from looking a little tired to looking polished in less than a minute.
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L’Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum – $119

I’ll admit this one is a splurge, but every time I use it I’m reminded why I love it. The unique oil-in-serum texture feels incredibly luxurious, absorbing quickly without leaving my skin greasy or heavy. Whenever my skin is looking tired, dehydrated or a little lacklustre, this is the product I reach for before bed. By morning my skin always feels softer, smoother and better hydrated. It’s an investment, but if you’re looking to treat yourself to one premium skincare product, this would be my recommendation.
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Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF50+ Lightweight Moisturiser Sunscreen Lotion – $24.99

This is my holy grail product and the one I recommend more than any other. I’ve been using the Japanese version for years after stocking up whenever I travelled, so I was very excited to see it finally launch in Australia. I’ve already tried both Australian versions and while they’re not exactly the same as the original Japanese formula, they’re still fantastic. The Australian version offers SPF50+ protection, absorbs quickly, isn’t greasy and sits beautifully under makeup without pilling. I wear it almost every day underneath my MCoBeauty CC Cream, and if I could only recommend one sunscreen, this would be it.
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RoC Hydration+ Moisturiser – $52.99

Every skincare routine needs a dependable everyday moisturiser, and this one has quietly become one of mine. It’s incredibly hydrating without feeling heavy, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling comfortable all day. I tend to reach for it during the day, particularly when my skin feels a little dry or after using active ingredients the night before. Sometimes the best beauty products aren’t the ones with the biggest marketing campaigns – they’re simply the ones that do exactly what they’re supposed to do, and this moisturiser does that brilliantly.
Buy it Here