I recently shared a few of my favorite beauty discoveries thus far in 2019 and also updated my Best of Everything: Beauty guide to showcase products I have been using for months now and will never be able to live without. In the midst of crafting these posts, I found myself creating yet another list: cosmetics and skincare products I am dying to try. Below, a round-up of my top lust list items, many of which rack up insane reviews or have been personally recommended by people I trust. Click on images below to access product details or see my notes below!
+Aquis Lisse Luxe Microfiber Hair Towel. My mother has been insisting that a good microfiber hair towel is the key to a shorter blow-dry session for years. (And you know how much I hate blow-drying my hair. Almost enough to make me want to buy the Dyson blow dryer, which people go insane over. But $400? Worth it?) This one gets really good reviews.
+Glow Recipe Ultra-Fine Watermelon Mist. I’ll admit that something about the packaging/marketing of this product is doing a number on me. I already have a few mists I love — but this looks like the perfect summer vacation accoutrement to tuck into my beach bag, n’est-ce pas? Also, read the reviews! Very strong — stronger, in fact, that the reviews on my current favorite skin mist, Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir. Intriguing.
+Ouai Smooth Shampoo. I have been a huge fan of all of the Ouai products I’ve tested thus far. I love the scent and they actually do what they purport to do. Going to give this a try when my current batch of Bumble & Bumble shampoo is out!
+Clear PVC Pouches. I already have a set of these inexpensive pouches. They were the perfect solution for the messy tumble of beauty samples / travel minis I have accrued over time. I separate products by category: hair, skincare, body, etc., and then when I am heading on a trip, I can easily find what I need.
+Nars Orgasm Blush. Though I have come to the perspective that Nars’ formulas are sub-par (I find that their bronzers/blushes break/crumble easily and run out very quickly), I am hooked on their colors. I think I might revisit this classic color from years past for that early-summer glow. A classic is a classic for a reason.
+LoveShackFancy Scrunchies. Still loving these for throwing my hair back and feeling a little more ladylike/polished/trendy than I normally do. They’re also a pretty accessory for your vanity, atop a monogrammed tray.
+Monogrammed Jewelry Round. I mentioned these last week, but I can’t get over them — they look just like the far pricier Leontine Linens jewelry rounds! I love the scale of the monogram and the colors of the rounds themselves. A great spot to stow your everyday jewelry while cleansing your face at the end of the day.
+Safavieh Rug. I also mentioned this last week, but I just love this pretty and inexpensive pink burnout-style rug. A great way to brighten up your bathroom.
+Tan Luxe The Gradual. I haven’t used self-tanner since my early 20s, but think it’s time to revisit now that I’m more radical about applying sunscreen (as I should have been all along). A dear girlfriend just had to have a melanoma removed from her shin and it was a wake-up call to take good care of my skin. I think I’ll need a tanner in this process.
+Eberjey Teddy. My secret to getting ready in comfort — no towels to contend with! I have a couple of pairs of Eberjey teddies and adore them all. This one is on sale for $55! (Bonus: nursing friendly.)
+Supergoop Illuminating SPF Eye Shadow. This line continues to expand into exciting new categories! This is apparently the first (?) eye shadow formulated specifically to protect the delicate skin of your eye area from the effects of sun. The colors are also pretty in a natural glow kind of way. I must try!
+Artis Oval Brush. OK, I’m sold on this after a few readers urged me to give it a try. Apparently it’s the key to a smooth application of foundation/tinted moisturizer, and it does not waste any product! (Does this fact in turn justify the price? I think so.)
+Target Trash Bin. This $20 bin looks like something you’d buy at Serena & Lily. Sold.
+Guerlain Bronzer. This already made my list of The Best Beauty Products, but I had to include it here again. I just ran out and immediately re-ordered. It’s a no-brainer and a staple of my daily routine — especially in the summer.
+Augustinus Bader Rich Cream. I wrote about this cream and the correlated hype around it. It feels like everyone and her mother is raving about it, but it wasn’t until my girlfriend called me to specifically mention that it had changed the quality of her skin that I paused and contemplated. Very much dying to try this one. Maybe I’ll swap this in for La Mer next time I’m re-upping?
+Aerin for WS Scalloped Towels. These are very similar to my beloved Matouk Cairo towels, but I love the subtle scalloping of the trim.
+Curaprox Toothbrushes. I’ve written about these in the past, but these are our absolute favorite toothbrushes. I love the hectagonal stem (helpful for angling the brush) and the fact that these brushes have like 10x the normal number of bristles (and therefore really get into all the nooks and crannies). Beyond that, my dentist insists you should only use a soft bristled brush.
P.S. The best affordable beauty products (all under $50 — make sure you check out the comments, too!)
P.P.S. Very curious about and intrigued by the strong reviews on this jewelry cleaner. Has anyone used it??
P.P.P.S. Speaking of self-care/self-love, feeling all the feels re-reading this post on body image. Remember this: “It’s not a body’s job to be perfect. It’s to keep you alive. I love your body for keeping my favorite person alive. Please, don’t hide it from me.”