If you’ve been here a while, you know that when I love something, it gets the silver tray treatment. If not, it gets relegated to the beauty graveyard, and eventually repurposed onto some unintended part of my body.
I often find myself wanting to share quick thoughts on things I’ve tried, but haven’t had a clean place to put them. Chronic compartmentalizer.
So this is that place.
EVERYTHING BUT THE BATHROOM SINK: A semi-regular edit of what I’m loving, leaving behind, and thinking about.
Above all, I don’t want this to be another list of things you have to buy. I want to share what’s bringing me everyday joy – and what’s not. Beauty isn’t an obligation. It’s something we choose to do for ourselves. Taking care of yourself should feel like joy.
The ones I keep reaching for – and worry about running out.
I don’t think I’ll ever stop talking about this. Blowouts or air dries, we’re in a relationship. A crown affair, if you will. Detangling, hydration, shine – zero notes. The scent both calms me down and lifts me up. I love how it looks on my counter, and for me, that counts.
My default when I need to look good quickly. I use Bone under the eyes and Bisque everywhere else. I blend it in with the Merit brush, which is also excellent. Looking good, fast – a small joy.
I was stopped on the street twice this week wearing this. I spray it in my hair before leaving the house – and before getting into bed. Smells…expensive. It’s the hair perfume version of a $1,100 fragrance, so that tracks. If you want to feel like a thousand bucks, smelling like it a safe place to start.
Travel MVP. This regularly saves me from pre-period or post-flight acne. A dependable cult favorite that yes, looks and smells like wet dog food.
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water
Regular water hasn’t touched my skin in weeks.
I used to be a non-believer in wide-tooth combs. Which, as someone with curly hair, is extremely embarrassing. I’m converted now. This one is as good as it looks: visually satisfying on the counter and genuinely effective – wet or dry.
These are $6 for 5. I get them from Amazon (which I try not to do) but they are the only ones I have found strong enough for my thick hair. To me, reliability is a very underrated form of joy.
Destination: Beauty Graveyard
I bought this because I saw Hailey Bieber use it on TikTok. (Do you ever say things and immediately hate yourself after?) Let me leave it at this: Don’t be like me. Easily persuaded. And orange.
My bathrobe is basically a lab coat at this point.
I’ve been wearing this nonstop. The compact is weighty in a satisfying way, and the formulas are the opposite – light, skin-like. Velvet and dewy finishes in one. It’s really good.
I have no words. I just tried this and am in shock. This product is exactly what I want when I ask for a “gloss” at the hair salon. Naturally, my hair is whatever the opposite of shiny is. Or…is it?
It’s an immediate add to the HAIR EDIT Google Doc.
(Which, if you weren’t aware, exists. I’ve created a living Google Doc of all my hair favorites. Apparently, no one was aware there a link in there, so please enjoy the extreme – and potentially excessive – lengths I’ve gone to in the name of hair journalism.)
Biologique Resereche Iso-Placenta
My local BR dealer is doing the work with samples. I’ve been trying this as a night cream and keep waking up thinking my skin looks…good. Clearer, more even. Smells terrible. And yet, considering a full size.
Biologique Reserche L’Euxygenite
I feel like this is very expensive air water. A refreshing treat after a flight – by no means necessary. Probably where I draw the line on indulgence.
Beverly Hills is still in rotation but I’ve been testing their new shade, Lustiano. A true peach. Joy in color form. Deeply obsessed with it for spring.
This is awkward.
Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint
I’m just as surprised as you are, but I did not love this foundation. It has a beautiful, lit-from-within finish – but it emphasizes my pores, clings to dry patches, and settles into smile lines. Everyone loves it, but I don’t feel good when I’m wearing it.
I’ve tried this pre-blowout and on air-dried hair. I can’t quite find a home for it. Not bad – just nothing standout. Harsh, but for my texture, it just feels like…another product. I don’t need more products. I need fewer, better ones.
Thinking about it.
There’s not much Merit does that I don’t like, but Solo Shadow has me thinking about eyeshadow again. Blue, specifically. Fara Homidi has one, too, and it’s all extremely compelling to me. Starting to think I was onto something in 7th grade.
I keep hearing about this. I don’t need another hair product at the moment but just know that I’m very intrigued.
I wrote about SPFs last week and got so many great recommendations in the comments. One came from the very fabulous CEO of the very fabulous French skincare brand, Verdoie, Sonia GD. I’ve heard about this one a few times now –and who am I to deprive my skin of UV protection?
Ironically, I’ve also been thinking a lot about this article. Makeup is no longer cool? Bare face as an AI-rebellion? Particularly interesting in the context of joy. A worthwhile beauty read.
Anything you’re loving – or leaving behind?
I’d love to know what beauty things are bringing you joy – or not – lately.
Take care of yourself,
Allison
Editorial note: As always, nothing in this post is sponsored, gifted, or affiliate link. Just me and my opinions that nobody asked for.
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