Violet Grey is known throughout the industry as the ultimate destination for the best in beauty. The brand’s aesthetic might draw on the glamour of Old Hollywood, but its products are designed to fit into the lives of modern women. The cult beauty destination has a highly curated collection of products that are rigorously tested before landing at the store—meaning nothing passes through its doors that the brand doesn’t stand behind. What this means is that there is less to sift through than at your average department store beauty counter, and you’ll walk away knowing you’ve bought something that has an expert stamp of approval.
Since Violet Grey knows what is best in beauty, I asked its beauty director, Maureen Choi, to share the best-selling products that the retailer can’t keep in stock and why they’re worth the investment. Ahead, Choi is highlighting the top-selling products, from skincare and makeup to haircare and tools, and exactly why they are must-buys. Go on to find out which Violet Grey–approved beauty products deserve a spot in your medicine cabinet.
Skincare
"This is a skincare one-hit wonder in the best possible sense since it's all you need apart from a cleanser. Infused with a breakthrough ingredient called TFC8, it triggers your cells to repair, regenerate, and heal themselves. That means fewer lines and wrinkles, smaller pores, and fewer dark spots over time. But what really keeps me coming back? The instant glow."
"This K-beauty mask is the at-home equivalent of an in-office peel, leaving skin tighter, brighter, and poreless in just 20 minutes. You look utterly creepy when it's on, but the results are worth it."
"Our committee of celebrity makeup artists has dubbed this serum spiked with 22 active oils a miracle worker for wrinkles, redness, and irritation. Plus, it smells divine."
"This serum with plumping hyaluronic acid does wonders for parched, thirsty skin. It's also ace at filling in fine lines and making you look less tired, too."
"Formulated with a high-tech neuropeptide, this rejuvenating serum is the next best thing to Botox, working to smooth frown lines, expression lines, and crow's-feet."
Makeup
"The reason this foundation stick earned The Violet Code stamp of approval? Because of its luminous coverage, clean ingredients, and foolproof application."
"This is what we call a beauty no-brainer: As you blend these silky shadows on your lids, they melt into a sheer wash of pigment with a glossy sheen that looks gorgeous every time—no makeup skills required."
"When trying to nail the quintessential French-girl red lip, our editors went straight to the source: Parisian model and Rouje founder Jeanne Damas. Mix and match the versatile shades in this vintage-inspired palette for a customized look or use straight up—the possibilities are endless."
"The beauty of this product is in its old-school comb brush that reaches every last lash and coats them perfectly in a high-gloss, lengthening formula. Those two powers combined make lashes look clean, fluttery, and defined. It's game-changing for people with smudging issues or thin lashes that can't take a lot of weight."
"If you've been resisting a neutral lip, this non-boring nude shade is for you. The soft pink undertone makes it look pretty on everyone, while the light-reflecting pigments and nourishing orchid extract give the matte finish a hydrated, plumped-up effect."
Haircare
"After testing numerous brushes, our expert committee would argue an Yves Durif one is the best of the best. Handcrafted in Italy from ivory-hued resin, the brush stuns in action or on a vanity."
"Way more than functional, this silk scrunchie comes with series benefits. It's extra gentle on hair, so it won't cause breakage or damage. And if you have curls, it won't tangle or get knotted up. Plus, it just looks so chic."
"Got hair? Then you need Aquis. This turban is crafted from an innovative fabric that allows hair to air dry faster than traditional cotton towels. It cuts down on styling time—and frizz—so you can get on with your life and have better hair while you're at it."
"Out of hundreds of texturizing sprays we tested, this one from British hair guru Sam McKnight gave us the best done-undone look. It's the must-have styler for anyone looking for that sexy, raw, roughed-up feel."
"Does your skincare routine extend past your hairline? It should because a healthy scalp means healthy hair. Massage this nutrient-rich treatment into your scalp once a week to help remove buildup, balance, and nourish, and we promise shiny, gorgeous hair is in your future."
Tools
"If you want in-office results without leaving home, get a Ziip. The electrical facial device and gold-infused treatment gel lifts and tones skin in minutes."
"This handy tool is like a workout for your face. The 24-karat-gold device vibrates to sculpt your cheekbones and jawline to perfection."
"Fact: Foundation looks better if you have great skin. That is why Hollywood makeup artists rely on this at-home microdermabrasion tool to exfoliate and prep for a healthier, smoother, more radiant base."
"Celebrity facialist Joanna Czech has magical hands. This facial tool is the next best thing. It firms and tightens skin while carving out killer cheekbones in just a few minutes a day."
"While rolling tiny needles across your face, lips, and body sounds terrifying, it’s also one of the most effective ways to stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and help topical skincare products work better. Give this a couple of weeks, and we promise you'll be hooked."
Next, read about the 12 holy-grail beauty products Cassandra Grey can't live without.
