I did a post on my 20 Most Used Items of 2020. And after three years, I’m still using the majority of the products (minus face masks thankfully!). When I find something that I love, I’m very loyal to it.
- Ice roller? Yup, I’m still rolling the same one to get rid off puffiness and headaches.
- Hand sanitizer? I haven’t switched from my go-to lavender scent.
- Sunnies? I’m on a different pair (I lost my old ones) but I’m still wearing the same style.
- And Alexa? We’re still besties.
Back in 2020, using the same items was comforting. There was so much chaos in the world that I found solace in the stability of routinely reaching for the same items. Fast forward to this past year, and my life has been incredibly chaotic for many reasons. Having items that I know I love and work for me helps me feel a sense of calm when everything around me is constantly changing.
I’m not including my mom products because I don’t want to alienate anyone. I’m going to do a separate posts soon for my favorite mom items. So in no particular order, here are my 23 (non-mama specific) most used products of 2023:
1. BOOK
If you follow me on Instagram, you’re very familiar with the daily quotes I post on IG Stories. I would say the most common DM I get is what book are those quotes from? I switch between these three Everyday Books. But in 2023, I mostly posted quotes from the Everyday Courage: 365 Ways to a Fearless Life ($7.98).
2. MAKEUP
I’ve been using Tarte Shape Tape Concealer ($31) as my under-eye concealer forever. But I found myself using it even more this year since I barely get to sleep these days! I usually just pair it with my tinted moisturizer to look more awake. It works SO well. There is definitely a reason they call it 8 hours
3. SUNSCREEN
In the beginning of the year, I used pregnancy safe sunscreens. But I tried out new face sunscreens after I stopped breastfeeeding. Philosophy Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturizer SPF 30 ($49) truly is a muti-tasker. It hydrates. It protects. And gives me just as much of a glow as I had when I was pregnant! Plus, it goes on super smooth and I love the subtle scent.
4. PANTS
This is a tie since I wore both of these equally: I’ve been wearing the Anthropologie Collette Cropped Wide-Leg Pant ($120) for years. And it was the first pant that fit me post-partum. I already had three colors and I added two more (the faux leather version) to my collection in 2023. I wore them, especially the black ones, a ton… as I did the Athleta Salutation Stash Flare Pants ($119). Ok, so the Athleta ones aren’t exactly pants, they’re leggings. But depending on how you style them, they can totally work as pants, too. I first tried them post-partum. I was in awe of how the compression waistband concealed my belly (you can see the magic at the end of this reel). I wore them non-stop and realized they’re super functional as well, thanks to deep pockets on both sides. Now that I’ve lost most of the baby weight, I bought new ones in a size small.
5. SNEAKERS
After having a baby, I went to a local sneaker speciality store to have them recommend sneakers that were good for my back. I wanted one pair I could do long walks in. And I wanted another pair I could easily slip on and off when I took my dogs on daily walks with my son. For the latter they recommended On Cloud 5 ($139.94). I wore my white ones so much that they turned gray. I now have them in two more colors.
6. SHOES
When I wasn’t in sneakers, I was in flats. I can probably count the amount of times I wore heels in 2023. The flats I found myself slipping into the most were Vivaia Melia Pointed Toe Flats ($97). I have them in black and tan. The shape really lengthens your legs, especially in the nude color. They’re super comfy (I accidentally had to go on a long stroller walk one time wearing them and my feet didn’t hurt). And they’re made from recycled plastic bottles. So they’re eco-friendly!
7. LIPSTICK
One of my favorite tween makeup brands made a comeback. And I’m obsessed with their Hard Candy Insta Pout Plumping Lip Melt ($6.96). It goes on sheer, delivering just a touch of color. It’s super moisturizing. And it gives just the right amount of shine. Plus, it’s super affordable, which lets me keep a tube in multiple bags so I always have it on hand.
8. ELECTRONIC
I bought this Selfie Stick ($19.99) so I could take my own photos when I went on my solo babymoon in 2022. After having my baby, I use it non stop. I mostly use it as a tripod. It’s super lightweight, so I can keep it in my bag to have if I want to take a group photo or shoot an impromptu reel.
9. JEWELRY
I didn’t wear too much jewelry aside from the dainty gold jewelry I never take off (most of it is in this post, although I do need to update it with a few pieces). I used to swap out my earrings all the time. But in 2023, I mostly wore these Dana Rebecca Ava Bea Trio Studs ($595). They give the elegant simplicity of a classic diamond stud. But the trio triangular shape makes them feel a little more unique.
10. NAILS
I used to always get manicures. These days, I’m lucky if I get to go to the nail salon every other month. Instead of traditional nail polish, I mostly painted my nails with Sally Hansen Nail Rehab ($13.99). It helps strengthen your nails and has a hint of sheer color, especially when you apply two coats. I mostly wear it alone, but you can also use it under nail polish as a base.
11. SOCKS
I have these SKIMS Everyday Crew Socks ($6) in almost every color. And I wear them non stop. They’re crazy soft. And I love how the neutral tones blend in with my skin.
12. DEODORANT
In 2023 I made the switch to natural deodorant. It took much trial and error but I finally found one I loved. Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant ($12) actually controls BO, the Santal scent is just the right amount of luxe fragrance and the minimalist recyclable glass packaging looks oh so chic on my vanity.
13. BLANKET
I’m always cold. So I have blankets everywhere in my house. But the ones I reach for the most are Chappywrap ($55-$135). I actually have one in my car, two on my sectional, one upstairs and a mini in my son’s stroller. The patterns are chic. They’re super soft. And most importantly as a mom of two dogs and a baby, they are machine washable.
14. HAIR ACCESSORY
I’m so happy claw clips made a comeback. I rarely have time to do my hair these days so it’s always up. Hair clips make things so simple since your hair can be messy. I use these Amazon Neutral Hair Claw Clips ($8.99) all the time. I have fine hair but a lot of it. And I find that they hold my hair perfectly.
15. SWIMSUIT
I’ve always been a bikini girl. But in 2023, one-pieces felt more appropriate. I mostly slipped into this Milly Joni One Shoulder One Piece ($275). It felt appropriate while still giving me fashion girl vibes. Plus, I love what the removable cups do for the girls. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, my runner up was Tempt Me High Neck One Piece ($31.99).
16. JEANS
I recommend these Abercrobmie High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean ($89) to everyone. I wear my light wash the most. But I also have them in a darker wash and the taupe color. I love that they have the short option, since I’m 5’3 and have been wearing flats so much.
17. HAT
Living in San Diego, I try to protect my face from the sun as much as possible. I have this Eric Javits Sucrest Fedora ($290) in two colors. And I wish I bought a third instead of the Hampton, which I rarely wear. The adjustable strap in the back of the Suncrest style makes it easy to wear over ponytails, buns and when your hair is down. Plus, the visor shape lets you lay down comfortably, like I used to when I had kid-free pool days.
18. BODY WASH
My dermatologist recommended Dove Beauty Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Body Wash ($9.99) years ago. And I’ve never strayed. Most of the beauty products in my shower rotate. But the only thing that changes about my body wash is that it’s replaced every time I run out.
19. APP
I used to shoot with my photographer weekly. But in 2023, I mostly did things on my own. The Lens Buddy app makes taking photos so easy! You can choose how long you want the self timer to wait. You can choose how many photos it takes at a time. And you even have the option to shoot photos and videos simultaneously.
20. NOTEBOOK
Even though I have a color-coded Google calendar, I still like to write everything down. 2023 was the second year in the row I used a Moleskin Pro Planner in XL ($29.99). I still love it but to switch things up, I’m trying a new one this year. We’ll see how it goes!
21. DOG PRODUCT
The Chom Chom Roller ($19.99) is hands-down my favorite ever. It makes it so easy to remove pet hair (and lint) from blankets, clothing, basically everything. And it doesn’t require any sticky paper refills because it’s reusable.
22. HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE
I keep my Canopy Humidifier ($125) running non-stop in my room. It really helps combat the dryness we have in Southern California. I bought a second one for my son’s nursery. I love the subscription service on filter refills. Otherwise I probably would never remember to change the filters!
23. PEN
I know it may seem silly, but I love a good pen. And they don’t have to be expensive. Maybe it’s the writer in me but I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of putting a pen to paper. Someone had given me this ban.do design Sweet Talk Pen Set ($17) as a gift. The rollerball writes so well and the cute sayings make me smile every time I pick up one of the pens.
What were your most used items of the year? You can check check out more of my faves in my reviews sections:
