4 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now
I was never much of an expert in the beauty department. I didn’t start regularly applying makeup until I was in college, and even then, it was only a notch or two of improvement from my natural self. I never learned how to contour, never experimented much with wild colors, and never did too much to my eyebrows (thank goodness).
But then, things changed. I’m still not one for an abundance of products, and there are likely more items related to skincare than makeup on my shelf. Maybe it has something to do with age — I just can’t get away with a Chapstick-and-sunscreen regimen anymore. Maybe it has to do with writing about beauty, or enjoying those Vogue tutorials on YouTube every now and then. Or perhaps there’s no explanation, I just grew to appreciate how a good ol’ glow up makes me feel.
Here are four items I’m particularly loving right now, starting at $14.
Solawave Wand
My introduction to the Solawave began on Instagram, while scrolling through endless videos. I must’ve clicked on it or liked it or done something to engage with the brand, because suddenly people were using this red light treatment all over my feed until I picked one up during a Black Friday sale. It’s been about four months since I started using it regularly, usually while answering Jeopardy! questions, and I’ve definitely noticed that I have clearer and smoother skin. Dang those Instagram algorithms, they did it again!
Merit Cream Blush in Stockholm
If there’s one thing I will always apply, even if I’m mostly on Zoom calls all day or only heading to the Cheesecake Factory at night, it’s blush. Blush makes anyone look more alive, which is important when you’re telling someone they’re muted for the millionth time or deciding which dinner from a binder-sized menu to enjoy. And for me, the “Stockholm” shade of this compact applicator is perfect: It’s a bright pink with a subtle finish, and makes me look like I spent the day outside rather than in front of my computer.
“Beach Trip” perfume by Anthropologie
I sort of picked this up by accident. The line at Anthropologie was long, so I thought I’d cruise by the perfumes and candles until it got short enough for me to join. But once I inhaled this “beach trip” scent, which smells exactly like a perfect July day by the surf, I had to buy it. Every time I spray some on, I smile.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray
This spray has moved in and out of my beauty bag for years, and lately, I’ve noticed how much it does to keep my skin hydrated (as Southern California emerges from a rather noticeable winter). I spray it on after washing my face in the morning, and then again at night, and I think it’s part of the reason my skin looks happier than usual — you know, that and I’m actively trying to get eight hours of sleep a night following my Solawave routine. Mostly, it feels and smells luxurious, and I appreciate that on a random Thursday.
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