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In the world of beauty and makeup artistry, testing never really stops. As a beauty editor, my bathroom shelf is a constant rotation of new formulas, textures, and scents—each promising a different experience, a new standard.

It’s part of the job but also part of the joy: discovering what actually earns a permanent place in my routine.

These past two months, a mix of reliable staples and new discoveries have stood out—products I’ve genuinely reached for day after day.

ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

This serum has been my “extra hydration” step on rotation lately, especially on mornings after I use a scrub every second day.

The texture is more watery than what I usually go for — I tend to prefer slightly richer, more cushioned formulas like my long-time favorite Beauty of Joseon niacinamide serum — but there is something satisfying about how quickly this one sinks in and layers under other products.

Even with the lighter texture, I still see an immediate glow and that plump, hydrated look after application, which makes it feel efficient rather than “too light.”

Formula-wise, it combines PDRN alongside hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients to help keep the skin smooth, bouncy and comfortable. ( Curious about PDNR ? read more here )

ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5%

This is one of those bottles that keeps coming back to my bathroom shelf, season after season.

It already appeared in my 2025 most-used list ( here ) , and it still remains one of the best retinol formulas I’ve tried so far.

I like the 0.5% strength because it feels active and effective without tipping over into something too aggressive for regular use.

The texture has a slightly balmy finish that leaves a lot of glow on the skin, which I really enjoy on nights when I want my routine to feel treatment-focused but still comfortable.

ZO Skin Health is a dermatologist-developed, medical-grade skincare brand created by Dr. Zein Obagi, known for focusing on corrective routines for concerns like pigmentation, texture and photo-damage rather than just “pampering” skincare.

In this formula, encapsulated retinol is combined with brightening agents such as ascorbyl glucoside, glutathione, soy isoflavones and N-acetyl glucosamine, plus bakuchiol to support results and improve tolerance.

Thanks Holistic Beauty DK for introducing me to Zo Skin Health , for me, retinol is a key step to keep my pigmentation issues under control and to even out my skin tone, so this is the kind of product you will probably see appearing again in future bathroom favorites.

Rexona Invisible Pure 72h Body Heat Activated Spray Deodorant

A small essential that quietly makes a big difference. I’ve been using this Rexona deodorant for months, and it’s one of those products you don’t think much about—until you realize how much you’d miss it.

I love its clean, subtle scent and the fact that the spray format dries quickly right after a shower. It feels fresh without being heavy, and it keeps me comfortable all day long.

While I do have to be careful with white marks on dark clothes (the “invisible” part isn’t always perfect, especially with steam in the bathroom), the overall performance makes it worth it.

Since deodorant is as much a part of our daily beauty rituals as skincare, it rightly deserves a spot in this month’s lineup.

Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter (Cheirosa 59)

If there’s one product that can instantly change the mood of a winter evening, it’s this body butter.

Sol de Janeiro’s Delícia Drench is pure comfort — rich, creamy, and infused with the brand’s signature warmth.

The Cheirosa 59 scent carries a soft, sugary sweetness that makes it a true pleasure to use, wrapping the skin in a scent that lingers beautifully without overpowering.

I love how the formula melts in, leaving the skin deeply nourished and velvety, and it works just as well on hands when they need extra care.

It’s also an ideal base for layering body fragrances, helping the scent last longer and blend seamlessly.

Formulated with Brazil nut oil, bacuri butter, and plant-based squalane, it delivers long-lasting moisture and that signature glow Sol de Janeiro is known for — a little sunshine in a jar for the colder months.

Parle Moi de Parfum – Comète Paradis / 62

This one entered my bathroom as a simple sample from the Parle Moi de Parfum boutique in Paris, but it stayed on my mind longer than expected.

Comète Paradis feels like what I would call a “Sunday fragrance” — something soft, easy and comforting, the kind of scent you wear after a long shower when you want to smell clean and quietly present rather than announced.

On my skin it stays delicate and quite discreet, very different from my usual style which leans towards louder incense or oud-driven compositions.
The official description highlights creamy sandalwood, coconut, cacao and tonka bean, wrapped in a warm, gourmand, slightly musky base.

In practice, I mostly get this milky, cocooning aura with a subtle sweetness, like a skin scent with a soft-focus filter rather than a statement perfume.

If you’re curious to see a bit more of the brand and the boutique atmosphere, this is also the perfect moment to link back to my TikTok diary from my visit — it gives the full context of why this house caught my attention in the first place.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Berry

This is the product I keep finding in different pockets and makeup bags — a small, everyday type of balm that somehow ends up everywhere.

The Berry version has that unmistakably fruity scent and gives the lips a soft tint and glossy finish. The texture is comforting and gives a good protective layer, though I sometimes find it a bit too slippery, especially with a beard — it tends to travel if applied too generously.

Still, the easy squeeze tube makes it quick to use before heading out or in the middle of a makeup session. The formula includes shea butter and murumuru seed butter, which explains the deep hydration and slightly cushiony feel.

Monoprix Bio – Baume à Lèvres (Beurre de Karité)

This Monoprix Bio lip balm is a good reminder that supermarket beauty can be quietly reliable.

The formula is simple, shea-butter based, and does exactly what I need it to do: protect, soften and keep the lips comfortable without too much shine.

Compared to the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, this is much closer to my ideal texture — more matte (but not drying), with that “balm” feeling rather than a gloss effect.

I like how the stick format makes re-application very quick, and the bullet seems to grip the lips well, so the product stays where it’s supposed to this type of classic stick balm is often what I end up reaching for first.

It also fits into that same category as my longtime favorite, the Piz Buin SPF 30 lip balm stick: affordable, efficient and easy to throw into any bag or pocket.

Monoprix – Crème Corps Beurre de Karité & Huile d’Argan

I discovered it completely by chance during a Monoprix grocery run, when my hands were feeling extremely dry and I just needed a quick, affordable tube to use immediately.

The texture is milky but still rich in hydration, leaving a subtle shine on the hands and nails that makes them look healthier and more groomed, without feeling sticky.

Since that first try, I’ve repurchased it several times and, honestly, it’s probably my best recommendation at the moment if you want a simple, efficient hand cream at supermarket prices.

The formula combines shea butter and argan oil, two classic ingredients known for deeply nourishing, softening and protecting dry to very dry skin while supporting the skin barrier.

It’s a good reminder that Monoprix’s beauty section often hides products that perform just as well as more “prestige” options, especially for straightforward, everyday care.

A Few Words Before We Close the Door

If you’ve made it this far into my bathroom shelf, you’re probably just as curious (and opinionated) about products as I am.

This kind of article is made for beauty lovers, industry passionates, makeup artists, skincare nerds and also that one colleague or friend who is always asking for an honest opinion before buying a new serum, deodorant or hand cream.

If you found this helpful or discovered a product you might want to try, feel free to share this article with someone who would enjoy following this editorial journey as well.

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