Recent favorites

1. Hairbrush: Hairbrushes are sneaky. You’d think it would be pretty straightforward to design a basic tool that functions well. I mean, humans have had hair for…ever. Yet we’ve tugged and pulled our way through seemingly a bazillion brushes before discovering this one. Like so many tools that I love, it’s simple and just works: no bells and whistles, no screaming colors, very well made, comfortable to hold. I bought a second one to keep at our apartment.

2. Knot earrings: The only thing more fun than announcing your dress has pockets is announcing your gorgeous designer earrings are actually $12. I loved wearing these for our Bocelli concert date night. If you have wonky lobes like me (mine: from having my ears pierced at home by a neighbor), use these backs—game changers!

3. Non-toxic spray sunscreen: I’m a daily sunscreen user. This Bask sunscreen is my holy grail. For decades, we’ve committed to clean-ingredient SPF, but it usually comes at the cost of convenience and texture. This spray is more expensive than some others, but it’s worth every penny to me. It sprays smoothly and evenly without aerosols, parabens, etc, etc, genuinely protects from burning, and smells like you live in an open-air cottage on Tahiti. 

4. Silicone covers: Look, these things are not really called silicone covers, but I was trying to be discreet. Which is precisely what these are—an amazing, discreet problem solver for many summer outfit dilemmas. They stay on, remain invisible under clothing, and really do cover. If you’ve given up on how to manage modesty under summery necklines, try these game changers. They come in a wonderful range of skin shades so everyone can find the right match. 

5. Shortie summer pajamas: Pajamas are my favorite article of clothing and I strongly prefer a matched set. This well-made cotton pair has so many great details: a good length, functional buttons, and a feminine but not sweet ruffle detail. They wash really well, too. (I think you could even wear these out of the house with the right sandals.)

6. Earring lifts: As I mentioned above, I had my ears pierced at home by a neighbor, so most earrings heavier than a stud droop and sag. A few years ago I found these earring lifts that fit like regular earring backs—total game changers! I can now wear anything with these.

7. Cleansing oil: I’ve used this cleansing oil for several years now and have never encountered a cleanser I love nearly as much. It offers clean-ingredient, skin-nurturing simplicity and dissolves anything that’s on your face, including primers and mascara.

8. Dry shampoo (French, of course!): Warm weather bangs and roots need a great dry shampoo more than you think. This one is fantastic. Pro tip—I have found that dry shampoo is the best volumizer of all when you spritz and fluff your roots. Also travel size.

9. Ultrathin gel eyeliner plus refills: I don’t use a lot of eye makeup—just this and mascara. I love the ultrathin point that allows you to get a teeny tiny line. The gel formula wears very well even in summer, and comes in four universal colors. I have Bordeaux, a deep plum that looks so much more flattering than black or brown. 

10. Skincare patches: Living with an adolescent girl is like living inside a ‘90s Clinique counter at the mall. There’s a constant supply of skincare products and advice. Where were these invisible little patches when we were in high school? They cover and treat blemishes overnight without being seen. Kids these days have no idea what it was like to spend a day with white Clearasil dots all over your face. 

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