10 must-have beauty essentials will look great on your vanity (2024)

These days, skincare and makeup products are moving away from the standard-issue packaging options of white tubes or jars, and leaning towards bright colours, fun textures and brand-specific designs instead that would look great in a photograph. In fact, the popularity of mask selfies and unboxing videos can also be credited to the rise of Instagrammable packaging. “Even if we loved the product, if it wasn’t photogenic, we wouldn’t want to put it on our Instagram. We knew that if it didn’t photograph well, then people wouldn’t share it. And if people don’t share it, no one will see it,” Marianna Hewitt, influencer and founder of skincare brand Summer Fridays, told us in an interview in 2018.

Now, even previously closeted products (like cotton pads, toothpastes and deodorants) are getting a makeover, so you don’t have to stash them in the depths of your handbag or hide them away when guests come to stay. Here, we list out some of our favourite products that double up as objets d’art.

Marvis Toothpaste

This apothecary-inspired toothpaste comes in fun flavours (think amarelli licorice and jasmine mint) that gets rid of plaque and whitens teeth in the process. Plus, the tube will look great on your bathroom sink as well.

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitiser is ideal for when you’re on-the-go, but the strong alcohol formulas can smell strange and dry out the skin in the process. The ergonomic Touchland mists are non-sticky and hydrating, and come with delicate scents that won’t overwhelm you or give you a headache. The inclusion of aloe vera, humectants and ceramides make it seem more like a skincare product—stash one in your bag, on your desk and in your car for best results.

Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton

Cotton pads are one of those overlooked products you never give a second thought to. That is, until you’ve used Korean cotton pads that can knock any drugstore options out of the park. Korean cotton pads are usually unbleached and don’t pill, which means they’re not as soft or absorbent. But what you give up in comfort, you gain in efficacy—the spongy texture actually collects the product (makeup remover or toner, for example) and delivers it to the skin with minimal wastage.

Dior Rose Ispahan Hand Soap

Any old hand soap usually works just as well as the other one—it kills bacteria, smells good and keeps you safe. However, if you want a major upgrade to your bathroom counter (or want to impress guests), a hand soap like the Dior Rose Ispahan Hand Soap will never steer you wrong. It creates a silky lather that moisturises as it deep cleanses, making it a beauty twofer you’ll love to have around.

Susanne Kaufman Warming Foot Cream

Nobody really talks about their foot cream—it’s quietly slathered on just before bedtime and worn specifically under socks—so it makes sense that this would be the first product you hide away. But this jar by Susanne Kaufman would look right in place on a bedside table. The warming cream contains extracts of camphor, menthol, rosemary, thyme and sage to revitalise tired skin. It also counteracts cold feet when massaged in, so it’s ideal if you’re always waking up with your legs out of the blanket.

Fur Ingrown Concentrate

Ingrown hair is one of the most frustrating skincare concerns out there, and it can be particularly problematic for those who wax or shave often. While at-home DIY recipes and a washcloth work just as well, but if you’re looking for a product, Fur’s Ingrown Concentrate is your best bet. When used with its texture finger mitt counterpart, the soothing spot treatment helps you calm irritation and eradicate ingrown hairs at the same time. The dropper lets you control application, and the beautiful bottle takes the daunting grooming task into self-care.

Necessaire The Body Scrub

This body scrub is all over your Instagram, and for good reason. The black gel is full of fine little pumice beads that go to town on dry, flaky skin without dissolving into a foam immediately. Once lathered up, it turns into a comfortable froth that feels soft and silky on the skin. To scrub your elbows, knees and everything in between, this sleek white tube is a great addition to your AM shower routine.

Tenoverten Nail Polish Remover Wipes

Traditionally, nail polish removers smell too strong, dry out the skin and come in large bottles that are prone to spillage. These little individual cloths can be pressed onto each nail, and effectively remove regular polish without getting the colour on the skin around. Hydrate and condition with the finishing cleanser cloths once you’re done to prevent any nail peeling or breaking.

L’Occitane Stick Deodorant

You probably have a trusted deodorant that you use daily and it likely checks most of the boxes you need—it smells good, prevents you from smelling funky and provides all-day freshness. However, if you’re looking for an option for your gym bag, you need to pick an option that doesn’t make you want to hide when you whip it out. The L’Occitane Stick Deodorant does exactly that—it looks more like an accessory than a bottle of deodorant, and delivers a bright, fresh scent that is sure to be your next go-to.

Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm

Most people don’t really get excited about lip balm. It’s an essential during the winter season, but it’s doesn’t get a lot of credit. This lip balm comes in a pretty pink jar that is sure to grab your attention. It softens, repairs and calms inflammation as it plumps and protects your lips, and also adds a slight tinge of colour on application.

Also read:

5 ways to shake up your beauty routine and get glowing skin for winter

5 skincare rules for women who don't have time for an elaborate skincare routine

12 best body lotions that offer heavy duty winter moisturisation for all budgets