The creator of Artis makeup brushes, Matthew Waitesmith, used to run M.A.C.'s educational department. When he set out on his own, he wanted to do something unique. The makeup brush category, he realized, hadn't been reinvented for thousands of years (the shape of a paintbrush has been the same since the caveman days), and all makeup brushes are designed for makeup artists to use on other people -- not for women to use on themselves.

Artis brushes, on the other hand, are ergonomically designed to use on your own face. And each one has thousands of carefully constructed synthetic fibers, which pick up so much more product than natural-hair brushes. They're also beautiful -- if a little unusual-looking -- and more colors and handle shapes are coming soon. If you love to buff your foundation, nothing beats the Artis Oval 10, $62.

I recently took my summer dresses out of storage, and only then did I realize how dry and scaly my legs really are. Now, I'm slathering myself with Ahava Mineral Botanic Tropical Pineapple and White Peach Rich Body Butter, $28, which is made with ultra-hydrating shea and peach butters. It's made all the difference. The best part, however, is the scent: vaguely tropical but not cloying in the least. It's ideal for easing into the season.