01 Shelf Life: The Beauty Atlas – March Edition
Navigating consumer fatigue and a double entendre on product rotation and expiration.
Spring has arrived!
Or at least, it's trying to claw its way in.
While the weather is still hesitant, the daylight shift has sparked my seasonal urge to refresh, reset, and reassess my surroundings.
This time, however, my focus isn't limited to reorganizing my closet or swapping out winter coats for lighter layers. Instead, I'm channeling that same energy into my beauty collection—because, let's be honest, products seem to multiply at an alarming rate, and no one is immune to the occasional impulse buy.
We're living in an era of beauty consumer burnout. Or at least I feel extremely fatigued, but I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this.
New launches are relentless, brands are multiplying, and TikTok's For You Page is a 24/7 infomercial convincing you that you need whatever is trending that week. But do you?
The answer: probably not.
Beauty consumerism thrives on the idea that you're always one product away from perfection. It also thrives on the thrill of novelty, making it all too easy to chase after the next holy grail, only to abandon it the second something newer, shinier, and algorithm-approved hits the shelves. This accounts for overflowing drawers, half-used serums, and the sneaking suspicion that maybe, just maybe, we didn't need that fifth lip oil.
Here’s the thing: the best products aren’t necessarily the newest releases or the most expensive ones—they’re the ones you reach for without thinking, the ones that warrant their keep by being used, finished, and potentially repurchased.
Reliability is never lackluster.
That’s why I’m launching Shelf Life—a monthly edit of the products that have earned their place in my routine. No gimmicks, no impulse buys—just skincare, makeup, and fragrance that actually deliver.
I’ll also be breaking down my empties—the ones I’ve squeezed to the last drop—and deciding whether they’re worth restocking or retiring.
It is also paramount to add that a pretty bottle doesn’t make a great product. In today’s economy, packaging should prioritize sustainability and fair trade over mere aesthetics. If you want a deep dive into why aluminum tubes and refillable systems should be the industry standard, let me know. I have thoughts. And yes, packaging plays a crucial role in keeping a formula stable. It also protects active ingredients from light, air, and contamination.
There are many nuances in beauty, especially in skincare, as you can tell.
That said, if we can have our cake and eat it too, I won’t complain. If a product delivers and looks stunning on my vanity, it will certainly become a keepsake of sorts.
Before we jump in, here is a quick disclaimer:
Think of Shelf Life as a curated edit, not a shopping list. It’s an Atlas, not a Superguide. (I’m starting to develop an eerie repulsiveness to this word).
Here’s what you need to know about my overall skincare philosophy and approach.
My skin leans dry, and my approach is all about prevention over correction, meaning hydration, protection, and consistency always take precedence over quick-fix solutions. If your beauty philosophy revolves around instant gratification, a cocktail of AHAs and BHAs at every turn, or an unwavering commitment to preventative Botox (The only prevention method I’m actually iffy about, but I could make a whole separate article on this), my recommendations might not be your cup of tea. In my opinion, you’re just doing too much, which brings me to my next point.
Your skin barrier is not a science experiment. The more is more approach rarely works, but thoughtful and intentional layering does.
SPF is non-negotiable. It's the only proven anti-aging product, and I slather it on accordingly.
Skincare takes time. Expecting overnight miracles is a one-way ticket to disappointment (or irritation).
Consistency is the fundamental secret ingredient. Even the best-sourced ingredients or formulas will not work if you don't use them regularly.
Also, I’m in my early 30s—things are shifting, skin included.
If you’re in your 20s, here’s my unsolicited but entirely necessary advice:
Stop waging war on your skin barrier.
Stronger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to product potency—Tretinoin, for instance, isn’t a badge of honor if your face is perpetually peeling and irritated. Sometimes, a product like encapsulated Retinol can deliver the same effects over time without stripping your skin.
If you skip protection while overloading on actives, you’re not fast-tracking good skin; you’re fast-tracking regret. And if there’s one thing you should be doing religiously, again, it's sunscreen. Slather it. Bathe in it. Make it your defining trait.
With that in mind, let's get into what has gained real estate in my top drawer this month, what I've finished, and what's actually worth repurchasing.
The Sephora Sale is fast approaching, and it’d be wise to save some cash if you’re attracted to some of my favorites.
March Favorites
The Benchmark: Glossier’s Stretch Balm Concealer in Light 2.
It takes a lot for me to commit to a complexion product—especially foundations or skin tints—because, truthfully, I don’t wear them often. They’re just not part of my everyday routine.
Instead, I rely on a solid, well-rounded concealer, strategic application, and technique to achieve my desired look.
My ultimate go-to is Glossier’s Stretch Balm Concealer in Light 2. It delivers that effortless, post-facial glow while giving the illusion of a more lifted complexion without caking or settling, offering a beautifully controlled, dewy finish.
The formula is flexible—you can sheer it out or build it up—giving it the malleability and versatility every great complexion product needs.
The shade range is solid, the price point is fair, and if you’re looking for a product that works with your skin rather than against it, this is it.
With those standards and criteria in mind, two new-ish releases caught my attention this month: Milk’s Hydro Grip Hydrating Gel Skin Tint and LYS’s Triple Fix Blurring Foundation Stick.
One is a fresh launch, and the other is from a smaller brand making waves at Sephora. Highly recommend checking them out if you relate to the above description of my type of product in terms of complexion color cosmetics.
Mind you, this is the first product I have bought from Milk Makeup (like ever), but I can totally vouch for this new drop.
There is no benchmark here, but I’m sharing something new that worked out for me.
I always moisturize after showering—non-negotiable. And when it comes to body lotions and face creams, I’m picky. My skin leans dry, not just on my face but everywhere, so I take a strategic approach. From the waist down, I stick to an unscented moisturizer (Typically a more accessible one from the drugstore); from the neck up, I opt for a scented body cream that layers well under fragrance, enhancing both its longevity and the way it sits on my skin.
With New York’s brutal winter threatening to turn me into a husk, I decided to try Josie Maran’s Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter—figuring that if my moisturizer already had argan oil, I could skip layering a separate body oil on top of it. And I was right. This has become my go-to for my upper half. The only scent I’ve tried is Bohemian Fig, but I’m eager to explore more. It doesn’t linger too long, but the hydration? Unreal. Plus, it gives you the best kind of ever-lasting glow.
Additionally, my recommendation is to buy the 13.5 oz refill size straight away; you don’t need the plastic container. Just apply it straight from the squeezy tube, which will save you $10 bucks and provide an extra 1.5 oz of product in the long run. Girl-math, you know.
For everything below the waist, I stick to my tried-and-true: Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion or the pH5 (thanks, Mom!).
And for my Guate girlies—if you’re buying pharmacy brands like Eucerin or La Roche-Posay, get them in Guatemala. We get the European formulas here, which are held to stricter standards than in the U.S. (even sunscreen filters are better), so stock up while you’re here. The same goes for Mexico, and it is probably cheaper over there since they aren’t taxed as high as they are in the pharmaceutical industry in Guatemala.
March Empties
Now, let’s talk empties!
This month, I want to focus on two empties. The first one is an absolute staple in my skincare top drawer: The Violette_FR Boum Boum Milk (3-in-1 cream spray). However, I will hold off on repurchasing it because I have a similar product in my rotation that is delivering the same kind of results I’m seeking.
Regardless, you should know that this is the second time I have blown through their 200 ml refill pouch, and it is worth every penny. I like to apply my peptide and antioxidant serums and moisturizers on damp skin to enhance penetration, and this is the absolute way to spray before applying any of them.
Also, it is excellent to travel with and plump things on transatlantic flights. It is a total lifesaver packed with hydrating and smoothing ingredients that can act as an all-in-one product (toner, serum, moisturizer) on the go.
Violette_FR does a great job of being transparent about Clinical Trials on their website, so you know that this product is indeed backed up by science.
For this next empty product, I literally went into my Gmail inbox folder and looked up the number of times I have placed orders to repurchase it since the brand’s launch in 2020. My order history records a staggering 25+ times (Earth Angels at Dieux, hit me up!). The star product in question? Dieux’s Instant Angel Skin Restoring Moisturizer. I hope this goes without saying, but this is the only moisturizer I need. It now comes in a 100ml tube, so I always opt for its jumbo-size iteration. Furthermore, with every Instant Angel purchase, you get a free squeeze key; this ensures that you are able to get the most out of the product and can be reused for any other aluminum tube packaging in your collection.
I do have to say, though, that the entire product lineup is an absolute slam dunk. If your skin is a little more combo/oily, you might want to look into Dieux’s Air Angel Hydrating Gel Cream instead. It’s lighter and more gel-like in texture and layers beautifully under makeup as well.
Both Dieux and Violette_FR are now available at Sephora, so if you need to stock up, the timing couldn’t be more aligned!
Before you go, I leave you with what I consider to be the path forward. Here’s a traceable map to being a Smarter Beauty Consumer. This is how we cut through the noise, course correct, and shop responsibly.
Find your benchmarks. Instead of jumping on every trending product, treat your go-to formulas as benchmarks. For instance, once you have a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen that truly works for you, every new launch competes against what you already love, making it easier to dismiss unnecessary purchases. Essentially, once you know what works for you, everything else is just noise. A great cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen can handle 90% of your skincare needs. Give or take.
Understand the Power of the Algorithm (And How It’s Playing You). TikTok (or even Instagram Reels/Stories) isn't just showing you what's popular—it's engineering the popularity. If something feels inescapable, it's not fate; it's marketing. Recognizing this helps take the pressure off needing to buy something just because you keep seeing it.
The ‘Just Because It’s New’ Fallacy. Beauty brands aren’t reinventing the wheel with every launch. Most of the time, they’re repackaging existing formulas, tweaking one or two ingredients, and marketing them as groundbreaking or revolutionary. Train your instincts, sharpen your research skills, and don’t fall for every marketing ploy designed to cash in on your hard-earned money. Before buying, ask: Do I already own something similar? Will this actually add value to my routine? Often, the answer is yes and no, respectively.
Consistency over Impulse. Give products time to work. If you're cycling through products faster than your skin can adjust, you're not giving them a fair shot. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint. Commit to consistency over impulse. Most products need at least one full skin cycle (28 days) to show real results.
The Skincare Graveyard Audit: Track What You Actually Use. Take a hard look at your skincare graveyard: the drawer full of half-used, forgotten products you thought you needed. If you’re seeing a pattern (multiple vitamin C serums, five hydrating toners, three half-used lip oils), it’s a sign you’re buying out of impulse, not necessity. Before purchasing something new, finish (or discard) something old.
‘Because It’s Pretty’ Is Not a Justifiable Skincare Strategy. Aesthetics matter, but a beautifully packaged product collecting dust on your shelf is still a waste of money.
Buy less, buy better. Focus on brands that align with your values, whether that’s sustainability, transparency, or minimal but effective formulations. The best beauty routine isn’t the one with the most products; it’s the one that actually works for you and warrants real estate on your top shelf.
That’s a wrap for March!
There’s so much more to discuss, so stay tuned for more product recommendations and shopping tips.
I hope you love this new series as much as I do. It’s been a joy to start putting these handbooks together.
I'll see you in April for the second installment of Shelf Life!
Disclaimer! I’m not a licensed esthetician or dermatologist, but I have 10+ years of experience in the beauty and fashion industry—including time spent modeling in New York. I’ve been testing and experimenting with products since the early YouTube days, have worked on the product development side, and remain deeply immersed in the industry.
I have no personal ties to the brands mentioned, and this article is not sponsored. However, all product links are affiliates, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Think of it as a way to support this space at no extra cost to you! —Thank you for all the support; I genuinely appreciate each and every one of you here. [All artwork featured throughout has been designed and created by me for Café Isolde]
I loved this! If there is one thing that causes me tremendous anxiety it's beauty products (and the whole wellness thing). I never know what to buy, and just the idea of trying to understand is terrifying to me lol. I know I'm a lot older than you, but I'm gonna try a couple of your product recs. More Shelf Life please!