I entertained the idea that finding a $10 body lotion with a top-shelf fragrance might be an unreasonable expectation. I have slathered my needy, Keratosis Pilaris-ridden skin in its fair share of moisturizers -- and though I've found many a drugstore lotion that hydrates to my liking, I wanted one that that also smells fancy. Like the gardens at Versailles, like the New England countryside in springtime. And I wanted to purchase it with one-dollar bills. So sue me.
Lo and behold, this anomaly exists. I found it at Whole Foods, smelled it, loved it, looked at the price tag expecting double digits but was gloriously met with the numbers $8.99.
The Shikai Hand & Body Lotion in Gardenia is exactly what I wanted. Now trust me, I can call BS on a fake gardenia scent from a mile away, but this one is authentic -- all-natural and light, leaving just a trace of Versailles on my skin all day. This stuff is buttery in texture, but easily absorbed. It's botanical-rich and cruelty-free. And, yes, it makes me feel fancy. Five stars. --Amanda Montell
Lo and behold, this anomaly exists. I found it at Whole Foods, smelled it, loved it, looked at the price tag expecting double digits but was gloriously met with the numbers $8.99.
The Shikai Hand & Body Lotion in Gardenia is exactly what I wanted. Now trust me, I can call BS on a fake gardenia scent from a mile away, but this one is authentic -- all-natural and light, leaving just a trace of Versailles on my skin all day. This stuff is buttery in texture, but easily absorbed. It's botanical-rich and cruelty-free. And, yes, it makes me feel fancy. Five stars. --Amanda Montell
I've been on the hunt for my Holy Grail foundation since I started wearing makeup in high school. That quest ended when I found Jane Iredale's Amazing Base SPF 20. It is literally what dreams are made of. Most base products feel heavy on my oily, sensitive skin. Now though, I have to say what I've never said about a foundation before: Amazing Base feels like you're not wearing anything at all.
I've always been more of a liquid foundation girl, but this mineral foundation truly keeps oil at bay all day, and gives my skin a glorious glow without any shimmery particles. I love that it's made without synthetic chemicals, yet rests in a luxurious frosted tub with a pretty gold lid -- the packaging doesn't feel crunchy-granola at all. I buff it in with a dense brush, and the finish is so radiant, I feel like a legitimate forest nymph. It has SPF in it, so I don't have to pile on layers of pore-clogging products. It covers blemishes, cancels out redness and is oil free. If you've never tried a mineral foundation, this one might make you a convert. --Kelly Searle
I've always been more of a liquid foundation girl, but this mineral foundation truly keeps oil at bay all day, and gives my skin a glorious glow without any shimmery particles. I love that it's made without synthetic chemicals, yet rests in a luxurious frosted tub with a pretty gold lid -- the packaging doesn't feel crunchy-granola at all. I buff it in with a dense brush, and the finish is so radiant, I feel like a legitimate forest nymph. It has SPF in it, so I don't have to pile on layers of pore-clogging products. It covers blemishes, cancels out redness and is oil free. If you've never tried a mineral foundation, this one might make you a convert. --Kelly Searle
For most of my life, I pummeled my acne-prone face with salicylic acid- and benzoyl peroxide-loaded cleansers. But at some point, I realized my arsenal of blemish-vanquishing washes was drying out my skin so much that it was actually prompting it to overcompensate with more pimple-producing oils. And so began my quest for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that would get the job done, but wouldn't cause breakouts.
Enter Olay Total Effects 7 Revitalizing Foaming Cleanser, $8.99. This face-saver effectively removes my makeup and staves off breakouts while leaving my skin feeling silky and soft, looking smooth and bright and even smelling great.
Plus, all of these nourishing properties fight signs of aging, which is music to my ears after recently celebrating a birthday-that-shall-not-be-named. It's the perfect bathroom staple for anyone living in limbo between adult acne and, um, let's just say, a more mature complexion.
Even better: Its measly price tag allows me to zip through bottles at lightning speed without stressing about going broke. --Mary Squillace
Enter Olay Total Effects 7 Revitalizing Foaming Cleanser, $8.99. This face-saver effectively removes my makeup and staves off breakouts while leaving my skin feeling silky and soft, looking smooth and bright and even smelling great.
Plus, all of these nourishing properties fight signs of aging, which is music to my ears after recently celebrating a birthday-that-shall-not-be-named. It's the perfect bathroom staple for anyone living in limbo between adult acne and, um, let's just say, a more mature complexion.
Even better: Its measly price tag allows me to zip through bottles at lightning speed without stressing about going broke. --Mary Squillace
The phrase "happy wife, happy life" always makes me laugh. I've heard it at countless weddings -- said both in earnest and in jest -- and on many episodes of "House Hunters" (aka the best show on television) in reference to closets and kitchen upgrades. And while there's something inherently sexist about the expression, it's also kind of great because it gives us all the power.
Naturally, "happy wife, happy life" was destined to become a nail polish color. And the always-clever folks over at Essie used it to christen a punchy, powerful red that's part of the new bridal collection. Spiked with coral, Essie Nail Polish in Happy Wife, Happy Life, $8.50, is decidedly more spring-y than a true red, and it's flattering on most skin tones. And when people ask me about the color, I have no trouble remembering the name. It also goes perfectly with the white dresses and gingham midi skirts I plan on wearing this season. And then, of course, there's the fact that it's Essie, so you know the polish rocks. Why would I wear anything else for the next six months?
Even though my husband is not a fan of red nail polish, he hasn't mentioned my manicure. After all, you know what they say: "happy wife …" --Dawn Davis
Naturally, "happy wife, happy life" was destined to become a nail polish color. And the always-clever folks over at Essie used it to christen a punchy, powerful red that's part of the new bridal collection. Spiked with coral, Essie Nail Polish in Happy Wife, Happy Life, $8.50, is decidedly more spring-y than a true red, and it's flattering on most skin tones. And when people ask me about the color, I have no trouble remembering the name. It also goes perfectly with the white dresses and gingham midi skirts I plan on wearing this season. And then, of course, there's the fact that it's Essie, so you know the polish rocks. Why would I wear anything else for the next six months?
Even though my husband is not a fan of red nail polish, he hasn't mentioned my manicure. After all, you know what they say: "happy wife …" --Dawn Davis
Let's get one thing straight: I hate long showers. I'm a crank-the-water-temp-up, jump in and scrub as quickly as possible kind of girl -- unless I'm indulging in Lalicious Sugar Scrub, $35. I have to force myself to ration it, as I've been known to scoop giant greedy handfuls out of the container and slather it on with abandon because I get so excited.
It's made with pure sugar crystals that get the exfoliating job done gently and efficiently, and the granules melt away into the shower (so there aren't any microbeads that end up in unusual places). It's also packed with cold-pressed coconut and sweet almond oils that lightly linger on my skin, negating the need for body lotion. The Aloha Tiare scent is divine -- it smells just like a tropical garden, and is soothing enough convince me to slow down and relax, even if it's only for a few moments. -- Allie Flinn
It's made with pure sugar crystals that get the exfoliating job done gently and efficiently, and the granules melt away into the shower (so there aren't any microbeads that end up in unusual places). It's also packed with cold-pressed coconut and sweet almond oils that lightly linger on my skin, negating the need for body lotion. The Aloha Tiare scent is divine -- it smells just like a tropical garden, and is soothing enough convince me to slow down and relax, even if it's only for a few moments. -- Allie Flinn
Ever had a beauty product you love so much that you shook, hacked, scraped or squeezed its container until you were absolutely positive you had expended all of its precious contents? Rare indeed is the product that elicits that deliciously desperate feeling, especially in beauty editors. So when our team of beauty mavens encounters a rave-worthy product, you know it's the real deal. Herewith, our editors rattle off their "beauty empties," aka the best beauty products that they can't help but use until the last drop. Read on for their best nail polishes, hair products, skin care products and makeup now.