I'll admit it: While gathering sunscreens for a recent vacation to Hawaii, I was immediately drawn to this one because of its tropical name. But can you blame me? If Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50, $9, isn't the perfect product for a vacation to Oahu, I don't know what it is. And true to its label, this was just the thing for my island adventure for so many reasons. It's lightweight, it's quick and easy to apply, and it provides amazing broad-spectrum protection. (I'm just as pale as I was before I left, which—as a certified UV-phobe—is always my goal!) And since vacays (sadly) don't last forever, it's perfect for city life, too. The spray is totally invisible and the coconut scent is super subtle. It's just enough to give you a hint of Hawaii...without overpowering the subway.
Cover image via @albabotanica
Liquid lipsticks are a 2018 must-have — and, as luck would have it, one of my favorites is very wallet-friendly.
The CoverGirl Melting Pout Matte Liquid Lipstick, $7.99, is pretty much everything you could ask for: In addition to being pretty darn cheap, it's pigmented, long-lasting and perhaps, most importantly of all, comfortable. It's light as air and never leaves my lips parched — plus, it leaves behind a nice even stain as it fades (slowly, of course).
My must-have shade from the line is Secret, a deep, rosy mauve that nicely toes the line between bright and neutral. It's wearable for day and goes with a variety of outfits but it's still got some nice pop to it. Line your lips with the convenient doe foot applicator or pat it on with your fingers for a more subtle stain — the formula works just as well either way. — Rosie Narasaki
To see more of my skin care and beauty faves, follow me on Instagram @rosienarasaki
Recently, I was introduced to Hair Rituel by Sisley Precious Hair Care Oil, $100, and I have not stopped using it since. The price may seem a little steep for hair oil, but hear me out. The entire Hair Rituel line not only works to beautify your hair, but it treats the delicate skin on your scalp — much like Sisley's line of plant-based skin care treats the face. The oil itself is comprised of cotton, moringa, passionfruit and shea oils, which together create a fresh, floral (slightly fruity) scent that envelops your hair. You can apply the oil to either dry or damp hair. I prefer the latter as I get the softest, shiniest, smoothest blowout as a result (and I'm not the best at wielding a blow dryer). Even better, the oil is so lightweight, it doesn't weigh down my fine, long hair or make my roots greasy. It also prevents my hair from succumbing to humidity and frizz. Word to the wise: a little goes a long way, so the 3.3-ounce bottle will last you a long time. So if you're looking for something to up your blow dry game and get some seriously shiny strands, this hair oil is definitely worth giving a whirl.
To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin
I'm not thrilled about most of the '90s fashion trends that are popular right now. I wore chokers and tiny backpacks the first time they were cool and they remind me of homeroom, Limited Too, terrible bangs and everything else about junior high that makes me cringe. (Needless to say, this meme hit way too close to home.)
For the same reason, I haven't been 100 percent onboard with the recent lip gloss revival. The constant reapplication and sticky finish were pains in the ass back in the day and I dare say, things haven't changed much. The gloss that I make an exception for is Too Faced Sweet Peach Creamy Peach Oil Lip Gloss, $19. The plant-based oils that make this product glossy aren't the least bit sticky — in fact, they feel more like skin care than makeup.
I'm a big fan of the shade Papa Don't Peach, a warm, peachy nude with just enough brown to appear of-the-moment without making me feel like a mall rat. —Katie McCarthy
This $40 toothpaste gave me whiter teeth after the first brush and I will never stop using it.
I’m a girl that wears minimal makeup but is obsessed with skin care. I’m also a girl whose day is 90 percent smiling and laughter, so a whiter, brighter smile has always been a goal of mine. As a beauty editor, I’ve been offered laser upon laser upon laser of teeth whitening treatments and products to try over the years but the truth is, I was hesitant to try.
Laser treatments seem scary. People cry of sensitivities that never go away and you can only eat white foods after the procedure, which just seems like a hassle. And while there’s the less scary counterpart, whitening strips, I’ve heard mixed reviews and just didn’t have the guts to try it.
When I heard of the purple toothpaste that whitens your teeth, POPWHITE Whitening Primer Toothpaste and Whitening Toner Oral Rinse, $39, I had to try it. A toothpaste can’t be painful or cause spotting on my pearly whites so it seemed like a safe try. Since brushing my teeth with this vibrant paste, I haven’t gone back to Crest.
POPWHITE is a toothpaste and primer (which is like a mouthwash) duo that uses color science, not peroxide, to whiten teeth. Think of it like color-correcting makeup. We swipe on one color to cancel out the other and the imperfections suddenly disappear. This dynamic pair does just that. The purple color of the paste and toner cancel out yellow stains or tints on your teeth so they appear whiter. I received compliments on a whiter smile after the first time using it and I can totally tell a difference when I have to swap it for another paste.
If you want a whiter smile in minutes sans the harsh and sensitivity-altering ingredients, head over to Amazon and order it now (preferably 2-day shipping). — Andrea Jordan