21 Beauty, Home, and Kid Essentials I've Bought At Least 10 Times.

Including the face wash I've purchased at least 30 times, no joke.

Ever say something as a joke, and everyone around you takes it seriously? Well that’s the origin story for today’s newsletter. Last week I shared the face wash that I’ve bought a bonkers amount of times—30, to be precise—from Amazon, and asked if anyone wanted a newsletter on the things I repeat-buy, and the response was a resounding yes. 

So here we are! 

And the results are a little funny. A mix of beauty items, storage essentials, kitchen staples, and more. All of which I’ve purchased at least 10 times, but most of which I’ve bought way more than that.

(Also: No, this story is not sponsored. To be perfectly honest, I prefer to shop from local retailers and small businesses, but I’m also an overwhelmed working mom, so that means I’m not immune to Amazon’s convenience. Can you tell I have mixed feelings about my own shopping habits?)

One last thing: I’m still prepping some try-on stories, so if there’s an item you’re shopping for or you need help sorting through the zillions of options out there, please don’t hesitate to drop me a comment and I will add it to my to-do list. (And why am I prompting you to comment? Because while I love DMs and always try to answer you there, my inbox is messy, and comments here are much easier for me to find and use as source material as I’m working on new things. Also, I love comments; they make me feel seen.)

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BEAUTY +  WELLNESS

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex ($45)

The product that gave me the inspiration for this story! Apparently I’ve purchased it 30 times over the last few years, and unsurprisingly, it’s my favorite. Shani Darden introduced me to this face wash about a decade ago, and I’ve been mostly loyal ever since. It takes off all of my mascara (I don’t even use makeup remover) and makes my skin feel clean without stripping it. 

iS Clinical Active Serum ($142)

Another Shani recommendation! While pricey, a little goes a long way, which is why this is a skincare essential for me. If I’m starting to breakout or seeing more skin congestion that usual, this goes back into my near-daily rotation (normally I only use it a couple times a week). I also swear this serum is the thing that finally fixed my stubborn forehead melasma. 

Designs for Health Magnesium Glycinate Complex ($32)

Erica Chidi, the former doula-turned-CEO of the brilliant company Loom, introduced me to magnesium (I know, it’s everywhere now, but it was still a little underground seven years ago!). I mentioned to her that my headaches whilst pregnant were the worst, she said, and I paraphrase, get thee some magnesium, stat. My OB/GYN agreed, and it seriously helped. I never stopped taking it because this form of magnesium is easily absorbed by your small intestine (highly bioavailable, if you like the cool new slang) and is known for having a calming effect, improving sleep, and reducing inflammation in the body. 

KN FLAX KF-94 Premium Face Masks ($17)

To know me is to know that I’m Team Masks, and I always get questions about my favorites. These South Korean masks are super comfortable and are my staple style, plus they’re individually packaged, which makes them great for travel. I always have a new one stashed in my work bag and car, too.

Eucerin Roughness Relief Body Lotion Unscented ($12)

As someone who inherited keratosis pilaris from her mother (gee, thanks!), I’m not overly concerned about bumps, but definitely aware of them. This body lotion isn’t super strong, but if I use it on a regular basis, it seems to keep my skin pretty darn smooth. It’s also gentle enough for your whole body (unlike some exfoliating lotions that sting), which is nice. Also: It’s truly unscented. 

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ($38)

Another one that’s probably not a surprise, as I talk about this sunscreen all the time. My whole family loves it (the kids call it the “dry sunscreen” and demand it for their faces), and I also like that it serves a bit like a primer. I’m never going to use a primer, so I appreciate that this sunscreen gives me that added bonus. It absorbs brilliantly and never clogs my pores, and I use it instead of a daytime face lotion during the summer. 

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream ($8)

I have a million moisturizers that are turbo-powered in some way or another, but sometimes your skin just needs something super plain and simple. For those situations—especially if I have a little skin irritation or eczema—Vanicream’s extremely straightforward moisturizing cream does the trick. The formula is gentle and the price is right, so it’s something we always have on hand.

Barefoot Scientist Exfoliating Foot Peel ($14)

I’ve been weirdly candid about my always-on fight against rough feet, and this peel (that I’ve written about a LOT) is my primary weapon. It works way better than the other foot peels out there, and makes even my disastrous feet incredibly soft. 

KITCHEN + HOME

Calivirgin Balsamic Vinegar ($29)

The name? Honestly, not my favorite, but I never really realized what it was until today, when I had to type it out. But I’m burying the lede here. This is the thickest, richest balsamic vinegar ever. It’s delicious, it’s luxurious, and it’s substantial. Makes for a great hostess gift, too!

Torune Food Picks Bento Box, Cats ($6)

I’m not great at making cute lunches or cutting carrots into fun shapes, but I do like an adorable food pick. If you have a kid who loves cats, I very much suggest getting these sweet kitty ones.

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt ($13)

This is the salt that all my favorite cookbook authors use, and honestly it changed my life a little bit. Weirdly, it’s not super salty, so you can be more liberal with it. I use it for seasoning meat, salting water for pasta, and everything else you can imagine.

8Greens Peach Tea Effervescent Tablets ($42)

I think I originally tried these tablets thanks to a press mailer, but I’ve found myself buying them over and over again. I love the plop-fizz action of a tablet, and honestly it tastes great, which makes me more apt to drink water, which is always a win in my book. Does it really help my immune system, energy levels, and support my gut? IDK, but I’d like to think so. Heck, if I’m getting even a smidge of additional super greens (the formula contains spinach, wheatgrass, kate, and more), I’m all for it. 

Irongate Natural Jute Rope Woven Doormat ($34)

A few years ago, I spent way, way, way too many hours hunting for the right doormat, and I’m happy to share that I really like this option, especially for the price point. We have them for all our doors, and they look much more expensive than they actually are, plus they wear well. 

CLOSET + CLOTHES

Vallando Storage Bin 2-Pack Large Bin with Lid ($28)

I’m pretty sure I first heard about these storage bins from Allison Bornstein, and wow are they excellent! Per her suggestion, I’m using them to store some of my seasonal wardrobe essentials, which has made my closet at least a little bit less of a shitshow. 

Hanes Women’s Perfect T ($8)

This is one of the top selling products on WhoWhatWear.com year after year, and I have to vouch for it too. I have a boatload of these t-shirts in white and black (I take a small), and they’re the perfect casual shirt for sleeping, working out, or wherever.

Yunoga Women’s Buttery Soft 21” Inseam Yoga Pants ($23)

Again, I know I’ve written about these workout pants a zillion times, but including them here because I love them so much. They are my go-to choice for exercise, and I’m sure they’re a dupe for something, but I’m not enough of a fitness girly to know that. I take a medium.

Unclear what’s going on with my hair, but here is the Hanes t-shirt. Worn with a vegan leather Staud skirt and Tamara Mellon shoes. (Yes, all of these pieces are older because I wear my clothes for a long time, which people like to point out. Ha.)

KIDS

FreeNFond Girls Playground Bike Dance Shorts ($17)
If you have a kid who likes to wear dresses and climb everything in sight, these super soft shorts are an excellent staple. The waistband elastic is secure, but not too thick or tight, which is a surprisingly common problem? 

Genexa Kids’ Acetaminophen Pail & Fever Oral Suspension Medicine ($8)

Do your kids take meds easily? Mine don’t, they hate them, but I’ve noticed the battles are slightly milder with this Genexa equivalent of Tylenol. I first heard about it from the one and only Kelly Leveque aka @bewellbykelly, and I like that it doesn’t have artificial sweeteners or dyes.

Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Cups ($34)

These simple, mostly spill-proof cups are my favorite ones for little kids. The size is right, they’re dishwasher safe, and when you’re moving out of your straw era, just take off the top and use them as “big kid cups.”

Just Thrive Probiotics ($123 for a 3-month supply)

Both of my kids have required antibiotics over the years, so probiotics are a part of our routine. We put the contents of one capsule in their evening milk or water. I still prefer Seed, but these are a good backup to have on hand. Again, I think these were recommended by Kelly Leveque back in the day.

Bentgo Ice Lunch Chillers ($10)

As someone who has had food poisoning more than the average bear, I’m a bit of a weirdo about food safety. We use these super thin ice packs in the kids’ lunchboxes every day, and they really keep things cold. 

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Okay friends, that’s it for now. If you want to follow me on @hillarykerr, I’d love it. And if you have anything to say or ask (preferably nothing terribly mean), please drop me a note either via DM or in the comments below.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this post. I’m truly so glad you’re here. If you like what you’re reading, please consider sharing this newsletter. (And if you have the time to like it, that would mean a lot to me!) All products mentioned are independently chosen, and some may be affiliate links. Your support is appreciated.