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Beauty/Skin

Top 10 Desert Island Beauty Products

Our Staff Shares Their Desert Island Skincare Products

Image credits: sephora

While it’s highly unlikely that you’ll end up alone on a desert island anytime soon, it’s always a fun exercise to think of what you would bring along if you did find yourself in that situation. Of course, a healthy supply of drinking water and a lighter should be on your list, but just as important are chapstick, sunscreen, and a hair product that can stand up to the stripping effects of salt water. 

Jokes aside, we do often wonder what the most essential products in our routine are; and often, the answer lies in the multitaskers. We’re talking about moisturizers that double as sunscreens, leave-in conditioners that can undo a mess of knots, and in some cases, very special scrubs that can be used on both your scalp and your body. 

To determine what we should add to our “go bag” should disaster strike, we asked our staff to choose three or four holy grail products they'd never want to leave behind. Then, with the help of our data-powered ranking algorithm, we narrowed down the nominations to the 10 products below. Ahead, see which staff picks were deemed the best in the eyes of our unbiased algorithm (and make sure to note which ones you’ll be bringing to the end of the world).

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December 29, 2023

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: amazon
Rank & Style Approved

amazon

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant

Overall Score

4.07

10

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant

4.8

15860 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

2.25

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Desert Island Beauty Product For Lips

WHAT IT DOES
There's a long list of things that Aquaphor can be used to soothe, including chapped lips, cracked hands (and feet), burns, and cuts. Plus, it's Amazon's #1 best-selling product in the category of eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea care, so it's safe to say it alleviates the discomfort caused by those skin concerns as well.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"You will never find me without Aquaphor! I keep one in all of my purses and jacket pockets. It's truly the only lip product that works for chapped lips for me."—Georgia Jones, Site Merchandising Associate


UNITE Hair 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-In Conditioner

Overall Score

4.18

09

UNITE Hair 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-In Conditioner

4.74

11083 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

3.5

Industry Recognition

3.25

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Desert Island Beauty Product For Healthier Hair

WHAT IT DOES
Both a detangler and a leave-in conditioner, this miracle spray from UNITE Hair provides lightweight moisturization and protection from UV/thermal damage. Oh, and did we mention that it's safe to use on chemical- and color-treated hair, as well as extensions?

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"This miracle product is a detangling spray that also leaves my hair smooth, shiny, and smelling amazing."—Beth Zerdecki, Co-Founder


Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat Protectant Primer

Overall Score

4.22

08

Bumble And Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat Protectant Primer

4.68

9873 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Desert Island Beauty Product For Hair Protection

WHAT IT DOES
Listen up: If you've got dry, damaged, and/or color-treated hair, the Hairdresser's Invisible Oil is a must-buy. This top-rated, multi-tasking product promises to instantly reduce frizz and provide heat protection up to 450 degrees. Try it in the two-ounce size if you're on the fence about whether or not it'll work for you—although, we're confident it will.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"I have repurchased this heat protectant/primer over and over again. It smells nice, is lightweight, and leaves my hair shiny and smooth."—Taylor DeBaylo, Senior Commerce & Brand Partnerships Manager

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Overall Score

4.25

07

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

4.7

107226 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

3.5

Industry Recognition

3.25

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES
If you could only use one face wash for the rest of your days, CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser is a good pick. With a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, there is no denying the superpowers this product holds. Use it to carry away the oil, dirt, and makeup from your face and décolletage without leaving your skin dry or tight. 

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"I always end up repurchasing this cleanser, because it takes off all of my makeup, leaves my skin feeling so clean and hydrated, and it is affordable compared to a lot of cleansers out there."—Taylor Debaylo, Senior Commerce & Brand Partnerships Manager


Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara

Overall Score

4.27

06

Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara

4.59

1718 User Reviews

3.2

Best Seller

2.5

Industry Recognition

4.25

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Desert Island Beauty Product For Lashes

WHAT IT DOES
A single swipe of Le Volume De Chanel Mascara delivers big, bold lashes. Designed with a special "snowflake" applicator, the brush of this mascara combines long and short bristles to create a lash-lifting, eye-opening effect. Don't miss the 70 Blue Night color, an on-trend, steely blue shade.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"This mascara makes my eyelashes look long, dark and thick--the opposite of their natural appearance--all without clumping or flaking. I am forever devoted to this OG."—Dalton Young, Co-Founder

More Colors

More Colors


Ouai Scalp And Body Scrub

Overall Score

4.37

05

Ouai Scalp And Body Scrub

4.59

2747 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

3.25

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Desert Island Beauty Product For Scalp And Body

WHAT IT DOES
If this one looks familiar, it might be because it's made our list of the Top 10 Best Scalp Scrubs (spoiler alert: it's the #1 product). So, what makes it so good? It combines the exfoliating properties of sugar crystals with the deep moisturization provided by coconut oil.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"I seriously can't live without this product. It has the most amazing smell and makes my skin ridiculously soft. Plus, you can use it from head to toe."—Meredith Rimmer, Director Of Editorial & Brand

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


L’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion

Overall Score

4.44

04

L’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion

4.59

34109 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Desert Island Beauty Product For Glowing Skin

WHAT IT DOES
As the name implies, this moisturizer provides shimmery hydration all over the body. That's right—you can use the True Match Lumi Glotion on your face alone or under foundation, and because it's available in four shades, you should be able to find one that complements your natural skin tone.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"I discovered this product through Tiktok and it quickly became part of my every day routine. It gives your skin the perfect tanned glow and is great when you don't have time for a full face of makeup!"—Georgia Jones, Site Merchandising Associate

More Colors

More Colors


Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo

Overall Score

4.56

03

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo

4.61

7832 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

2.25

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Desert Island Beauty Product For Cleansing Hair

WHAT IT DOES
Even on a desert island, the pursuit of glossy, shiny hair is worthwhile. That's where Oribe's Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo comes in; featuring the brand's bio-restorative complex, this conditioning rinse is beloved by many for its ability to seal up split ends and protect against future damage.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"This shampoo is a splurge but worth every penny. It keeps my hair soft, shiny and healthy!"—Dalton Young, Co-Founder

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Glossier Boy Brow

Overall Score

4.62

02

Glossier Boy Brow

4.43

6899 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Desert Island Beauty Product For Brows

WHAT IT DOES
Boy Brow makes it easy to fill and fluff the eyebrows. With an applicator that mimics a mascara wand and a formula inspired by mustache pomade, you can use Boy Brow to keep even the finest of hairs in line. Choose from one of seven neutral shades, including clear and grey.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"I have tried a few eyebrow gels, but they were all too clumpy and thick to me. Boy brow fills in bare spots while maintaining a natural look."—Taylor DeBaylo, Senior Commerce & Brand Partnerships Manager

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen

Overall Score

4.62

01

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen

4.43

16133 User Reviews

4.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Desert Island Beauty Product Overall

WHAT IT DOES
Stranded or not, you need SPF—and preferably, SPF 30+. Thankfully, Supergoop!'s Glowscreen has you covered with SPF 40. Both a primer and a sunscreen, Glowscreen provides a grippy finish that will help your makeup stay in place all day long (sweat, rain, or otherwise). 

WHAT OUR STAFF SAYS
"Like the rest of the world, I have an obsession with dewy skin. This sunscreen not only protects my skin from the sun, but gives it the most beautfilu natural glow. This is really is my live or die beauty product."—Meredith Rimmer, Director Of Editorial & Brand

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

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