Another month, another new crop of beauty products to fall in love with.
Is it just me, or is there something about the bizarre moment we’re in that makes our little beauty rituals feel even more luxurious than usual?
Perhaps when there’s so much happening that’s out of our control, taking charge of our self-care routines can feel like something we can manifest in our day-to-day. Plus, taking a moment to take care of ourselves can be a fantastic stress-reliever that’s attainable, even when things are hectic (and budgets are tight.)
This month’s roundup has some real gems that have become new classics in my bathroom drawers. There’s a body butter that you’ll want to slather on daily for the instant glow (and good vibes) it imparts. It feels even better against my smoother-than-ever legs (read on to find out why), and a fragrance that has converted even a non-perfume wearer like myself to spritz herself on the daily.
Scroll on, add to cart, and treat yourself to a little something yummy. No matter the results of tonight’s election, we’ve all made it through this campaign season, and that in itself deserves a reward.
1 – GOOPGENES Nourishing Repair Body Butter
Goop sent me this body butter to try out at launch, and I have to admit that I almost regifted it. It’s beautifully packaged and the ingredients are on point, but I’ve been trying to streamline my stuff lately and honestly, just did not feel that I needed yet another body moisturizer in my life. I’m so glad that my curiosity won out and I gave this one a try, because it was just the nourishing treat my body needed during this stressful month. There’s something about slathering on the ultra hydrating butters (bacuri, cupuaçu, and shea) enriched with botanical extracts (caviar lime, jojoba, and mulberry leaf) that rivals a spa experience. I make it a post-bath ritual as frequently as possible.
2 – Flamingo 5-Blade Razor
Here’s a brief history of my relationship to razors:
- Started out using the cheap disposable ones my dad used in high school.
- In college, discovered the fancier multi-blade versions with moisturizing conditioner strips, and continually graduated from Venus, to Venus Breeze, etc etc. The razors got larger and more of an eyesore in my shower, but they worked excellently.
- Last year, decided I wanted to make my shower shelves look prettier, so I switched to this very design-driven yet not as effective razor. My legs were a little scratchier in 2020, but my shower looked damn good!
- This month: decided I missed my old smooth legs. Bought the very pretty Flamingo razor on a recent Target run in hopes that it was possible to marry form and function, and… bingo! I’ve found my razor soulmate. Smooth legs, aesthetically pleasing shower shelves. What more could a girl ask for?
3 – Regenerist Retinol 24 MAX Night Eye Cream by Olay
As a major believer in the power of retinol, I’ve always been a little sad that my undereye area had to miss out on the anti-aging goodness of this power ingredient. But I’d always assumed the delicate skin below the eye couldn’t stand up to retinol, and heaven knows the last thing I want to do is dehydrate my undereye area (hello, fine lines I didn’t know I had!”) So I was thrilled when I got my hands on this powerful retinol treatment that is actually made for the eye area, and combines skin cell turnover with a deep concentration of hydrators that give my eyes a well-slept glow.
4 – Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
Many of y’all will remember that I’ve been on a long journey with natural deodorants. I fell in love with this amazing one that worked perfectly for me… until it didn’t. I’m not sure when it happened, but after a few months, I needed a little extra something some days to get through my workout. This natural stain-free serum deodorant from Kosas saved the day, with concentrated AHA’s for the ultimate BO-fighting treatment. Bonus points for soothing and brightening skin, and helping with ingrown hairs. The verdict? It works to keep all odors at bay, without using any baking soda, aluminum, or other scary ingredients. I have to admit that the roller ball applicator is a wee bit cumbersome (like sometimes it squirts out in weird directions on my bathroom counter), but I’m starting to believe that when it comes to natural deodorant, you really can’t have it all.
5 – Heretic Dirty Jasmine Eau de Parfum
I’ve always loved the scent of jasmine (one of my favorite flowers), but when it comes to wearing it on my body, the usual scents can be a little… prim. That’s why I love this sexed up version by clean brand Heretic, that brings Orange flower, Ylang Ylang, and Tuberose into the mix. It’s that subtly perfect fragrance that draws lots of “ooh what are you wearing?” inquiries, and is self-described “fresh, voluptuous, and hypnotic.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
