The Only Beauty Post You'll Get From Me

The truth is, I like a natural look. I don’t like too much makeup or overly done hair (which is obvious when you look at my brand). My daughter knows how to do it all when it comes to makeup, and I don’t know how (probably YouTube or TikTok videos), and I know people whose bathrooms look like mini beauty departments. Meanwhile, I’ve had the same products for years. If it works, it works. If something “new” enters my routine, it’s because a friend or someone with credibility told me to use it.

I don’t have a cabinet full of creams, I don’t regularly shop at Sephora, and I’m not on TikTok. Because of that, my list is very short and very beloved. These are my tried-and-true products, and they will likely be for years to come. This isn’t something I would usually talk about or share, but here we are!

I’ve washed my face with Shiseido cleanser for years. And I mean years. A friend who worked for the brand gave me samples when I was in my early twenties. That was it.

And speaking of Shiseido, my absolute favorite face moisturizer of all time, Shiseido Ibuki, was discontinued. Tragic. I’m still not over it. It took me five years to find anything even remotely comparable, which is how I landed on two that I alternate between: Augustine Bader cream and the Tata Harper moisturizer. Neither is greasy. They’re very nice. But are they Shiseido Ibuki? Absolutely not.

HELLO 👋 IF THERE’S ANYONE OUT THERE FROM SHISEIDO. PLEASE BRING IT BACK. I BEG YOU.

As for moisturizers, I discovered Diptyque body cream at a hotel in France. I tried it, I loved it, it’s not greasy, smells really good (they are the candle people), and I have used it ever since. In the winter, I use La Roche-Posay cream on my body because my skin gets crazy dry. In the summer, I use Elta MD on my face, always at the very end of my moisturizing routine for the SPF.

That’s it. That’s the extent of my face routine.

If I have extra time, I use my Lyma Laser (usually in front of the TV). It was less expensive when I got it a couple of years ago, which I was influenced to buy from Gwyneth Paltrow and Joanna Czech. I have no idea what product you’re technically supposed to use with it, but I got a True Botanicals one as a gift at an Underwater Weaving event, and that’s what I’m using. I can’t tell you if this truly works, but a friend told me my skin was looking really good, so maybe it’s The Lyma.

I rarely break out anymore, but when I do, I use this Barbara Sturm spot treatment. It works when I need it, so it stays in the makeup bag.

My haircare routine consists of Crown Affair shampoo and conditioner. That’s pretty much all I use. My daughter also influenced me to use their microfiber towel, which honestly felt extra to me at first. Then I tried hers. It’s a game-changer. You will never want to wrap your hair in a regular towel again.

My favorite hairbrush is Acca Kappa, which I will use for the rest of eternity. Perfect size. Perfect bristles. Not too hard. Please don’t discontinue this 🙏. But messy hair is kind of my signature, so take it or leave it.

OK, now what’s in my makeup bag? It’s quite barren, but here’s the short list.

First, concealer by Westman Atelier. I love the consistency, and all you need is your finger to blend it in. No Beauty Blender for me.

Next, Bobbi Brown foundation and Bobbi Brown blush. I’ve been using both since Bobbi Brown first created them in 1991, and I see no reason to stop.

Then NARS bronzer, because I like a subtle, sunny glow all year round, like you just got back from the Bahamas.

I try new lipsticks and keep a small assortment, but I always have one in rotation: the Augustinus Bader x Sofia Coppola Balm in Shade #3 (I have all three shades). Let me be honest, the packaging is hideous. But the lipstick itself is chef’s kiss. It’s like a lipstick–balm hybrid. Perfect texture. Perfect color. Lasts forever. I’ll forgive the packaging. I highly recommend this.

I use the Chanel eyebrow pencil every day. I like the brush on the other end. I love a twofer. The less stuff, the better.

And on the rare occasion I wear mascara, I use the 19/99 one with the teeeeeeeniest, thinnest brush. There is NO CLUMPING EVER. This is not a sponsorship, just pure adoration. If I want something slightly more dramatic (which, let’s be honest, is still not that dramatic), I use the Jones Road mascara.

If anyone here truly knows makeup and is appalled by my shade choices or my choices in general, feel free to chime in.

As for perfume, one of my all-time favorite scents was Fleur de la Forêt by Jo Malone. It too was discontinued. Story of my life.

That said, I also love Frédéric Malle’s Essential Collection. It’s an excellent assortment of travel-sized scents and, in my opinion, the perfect gift. You won’t fully understand how good a gift this is until you give it to yourself.

Lastly, I occasionally wear Lanvin’s Arpège, which has a very distinct smell. A dear friend of mine, Erin, wore it, and every time I put it on, it reminds me of her.

If I get my nails done, I like to bring Hermès Rose Porcelaine. It’s a very natural, clean shade. Take my nail polish recommendation with a grain of salt, though, because I also bite my nails.

To hold my sh*t, I used Prada nylon cosmetic bags for years. Before that, I loved a floral one from D. Porthault; the specific one I love has also been discontinued. There’s a serious trend here. I used to gift it to friends, and it’s probably the most feminine thing I own.

Now I use KULE’s. And yes, they are the best. This may read as biased, but I promise the compartments and quality are truly unparalleled. It’s my new go-to gift.

And so, there won’t be an updated beauty routine from me for a long time. I have no plans to change these products or suddenly become a devoted Sephora member. So if you’re interested, save this in your files 🗄️.

xo,

Nikki Kule