Best of Beauty

New & Noteworthy and Tried & True--Plus a few good deals

We get hundreds of products to try (and I buy quite a few, myself), and you will never hear about the ones that don’t cut it. So here’s a list of the best (just for now, until more come in). I had to include this cool oversized evil-eye hair claw that makes a messy twist really fun (and I guess it helps protect you from bad vibes behind your back!).

Since Jennifer Aniston has probably never had a bad hair day in her life, I was intrigued by her new line, Lolavie (also loved her first one, Living Proof, but it was way over-fragranced). I’m already obsessed with the Restorative Conditioner and the light hair oil that doesn’t contain an ounce of silicone, and the smell reminds me of Aveda (i.e. intoxicatingly fabulous). Stay tuned after I try some of the other products.

I’ve been using Soshe Peptide Lengthening Mascara and Peptide Glow Hydrating Lip Treatment every day and love them both. The mascara makes lashes long and natural (never clumpy), and the big orange tube is easy to locate when you’re rooting around your makeup bag. The lip stuff is just divine and goes on like a dream (someone just let me know she doesn’t get the hype about Remedy Lip Balm, so maybe this is for her— a little thicker and richer). I have the clear, but would love to try some of the natural-looking shades, too.

I’ve never been much of a concealer person, (even though I was basically born with dark circles) because they all feel so thick and cake-y to me, and I’m terrible at applying makeup. But Victoria Beckham ‘s goes on so light, while blending seamlessly. I use it around my nose and on any redness.

I love Kure Bazaar’s nail polish in Cappuccino that I bought at Ganeaux in the fall. I do one coat on my toes and they look clean and sea-shell-like.

I can finally write about Odele’s new Thickening Shampoo that I’ve been using since before it launched. It’s rich and lathery, and my hair does dry pretty full.

I don’t like to take sleep aids too much, but for times when you really need a good 8 hours, I recommend the new Sakara Night Service that helps lull you to sleep and stay in dreamland until morning. Use the code SHOPIWTBH on everything for 20% off (even meal plans!).

If you’re a body oil person, Higher Dose Oxytocin makes skin soft and glowy (plus, it smells great). They recommend using with this ion-charged dry brush for maximum results (which I will do as soon as I have the time!). Use the code ANDREAHD for 15% off everything.

I need to give Rōz Willow Glen Oil yet another shout-out, because it’s that good—Especially if you have dry, coarse hair like mine. Brush out your hair, slather this on the night before you shampoo (it won’t get all over your pillow, it’s kind of dry) and you can thank me later.

I never would have thought to use a “decolletage” anything, but Bynacht’s Firming Gel actually makes your chest look way better and kind of glowy (don’t ask me how, I have no idea). Great for evenings out or if you just want to look better in your button-downs, and you really only need a few little drops. I also love the White Noise Balm before bed— Super rich and dreamy.

Fré’s Protect Me 50 is a great daily sunscreen that gives skin a nice finish. Add some bronzing drops for an added glow.

I’ve mentioned that I’m a big fan of Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm and everything in the line, really. I just tried the Hair Serum Spray on dry hair (even though I guess you’re supposed to use it after towel drying?), and it made my hair nice and wavy and way less frizzy—Plus it smells really fresh and it only contains good things like aloe vera leaf juice, marula seed oil (among others), and chamomile and lavender extracts to name just a handful of the many organic ingredients. Note: It contains no silicones, which I believe end up make your hair drier in the end. Use the code ANDREA10 on the whole site for a nice little discount.

If your hair gets knotty in bed, or if you just want nice waves in the morning, try a couple of braids secured with these little Goody ties (I always keep them in my travel bag).

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (and again). neuBrow gave my formerly sparse, barely there brows, well, not Brooke Shields status, but pretty great and waaay fuller.

Philosophy In Good Hands deserves another mention. I’ve been using it day and night, and it really does keep skin moisturized (and les crepe-y) even through hand washings. It smells slightly like cookie dough (in a good way), or you can just go for the unscented formula).