I wish I was someone who could claim to have great skin but alas, that is not my lot in life. Instead, I have dark undereye circles, I have brown spots, I have stubborn red areas, I get a zit or two now and then. That's why I'm grateful for really, really good concealers, including my latest fave, BareMinerals BarePro 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer, $24. The stick formula is thick and opaque, so it quickly disguises anything you'd rather not show to the world. And though it's very creamy and easy to spread around, once it's in place, it's not going anywhere. From now on, my dark circles will remain my secret.
cover image via @bareminerals
I've been searching for the perfect eyeshadow palette for years and I've finally found it with the Pat McGrath Labs MTHRSHP Platinum Bronze Palette, $38.
It's pretty much all I ever wear now. The shade selection of rich metallics (and one essential matte in dark brown) makes it ideal for every occasion, from daytime to black tie. And the formula — oh, the formula — is every bit as beautiful as the colors. It applies like butter, full-coverage in a single swipe, and it wears all day without budging.
I typically apply Deep Velvet and Smoke and Mirrors to add a little drama to my lash line, then blend it up to the crease with Ritualistic. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll top my lids with the extra-sparkly Telepathic Taupe and add a touch of Platinize to my lower lashline.
Bottom line is, if you're looking to treat yourself, it might just be time to go Platinum Bronze. — Rosie Narasaki
Cover Image via @patmcgrathreal
I recently tried St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water, $42, and it's become my go-to tanner. The first thing you'll notice is the product is completely clear. It's made up of 100% naturally derived ingredients like green mandarin water and hibiscus flower extract — two anti-pollution ingredients that add to the delicious scent. Can we talk about that fragrance? Instead of smelling like you just sprayed chemicals all over your body, it smells like a light, refreshing, tropical perfume that you would deliberately spray from head to toe.
Application is simple: pump the crystal-clear mousse into the provided mitt and smooth all over your freshly washed and exfoliated self. Since there is absolutely no color, you're left with a little sheen of the product to help guide you through the areas you've already applied. The brand also makes a terrific face mist from the same line that will give your face natural color, just like your body. Once finished, you only need to wait a minute or two before dressing as the product does not transfer to clothing or your sheets. I like to apply it before going to bed and marvel at my natural, totally even, streak-free tan when I wake up. I look like I just got back from vacation, not at all like I'm sporting a fake tan. Over time, your color gradually (and evenly) fades until your next application.
If you're looking for an easy-to-apply, natural-looking self-tanner that doesn't streak, transfer or stink, I suggest giving this one a whirl — you may not want to use anything else.
To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin
Thumb via Instagram @sttropeztan
Drugstore hair products are screaming deals. After years of independent research and my fair share of expert interviews, my beauty editor opinion is that most drugstore hair products do the job as well as luxury buys and they do it at a fraction of the cost. High-end products are usually expensive, not because they perform incredibly well, but because of their more elaborate packaging and fragrances.
Until recently, I had just one bone to pick with affordable hair products: fragrance. Why can't drugstore products smell more like sophisticated perfumes, less like candy and laundry detergent? That's why I fell in love with Love Beauty & Planet conditioner, $7. IMHO, it's the first drugstore conditioner that leaves my hair soft and clean while also smelling incredible — like products three times the price. The tea tree oil and vetiver scent turns my shower into a spa, and the coconut and ylang ylang blend has the whiff of a fancy Whole Foods tea I can't afford. If only all $7 beauty products were so spectacular. &mdash Katie McCarthy
Cover image via @lovebeautyandplanet
As a curly girl, searching for hair products that perfect my spirals is a never-ending venture. The main hassle of my hair routine is wash day. I shampoo, condition and style, but at times it seems like such a feat. Do I wash in the morning and spend half of the day with soggy, wet hair? Think of a wet puppy. Yep, that’s me. Or do I sleep with soaking wet strands at night and barely get any shut-eye?
Within the last few years, I found that sleeping with wet hair (plopped into a ponytail) was my secret to avoiding wet-head for the first half of my day post-wash session. My routine consisted of washing, conditioning, styling and putting my hair up with an old T-shirt until morning. Because every curly girl knows, body towels and coils are not friends.
My first time using the AQUIS Lisse Luxe Hair Towel, $30, I completed my regular routine and just plopped my hair up into the towel and went to sleep. When I woke up, my hair was damp, but not wet and still silky smooth. There weren’t any kinks or bends in my curls and little to no frizz, which is a double win in my book. Since that day, I haven’t let it go.
The AQUIS hair towel is made with Aquitex fabric, which is water-wicking without causing unwanted friction against your strands. You can wrap your hair in the towel to dry or scrunch to remove excess water post-shower. The best part is, no matter your hair type, there will be minimal frizz and damage caused by friction between the towel and your delicate tresses.
If you’re looking for a speedy solution to drying your hair, snag this towel for just $30.
Cover via @aquishair