Shopping·10 min read

These Products Have Reached Cult Status for Our Editors

cult-status-products
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Comme Si, Amazon
July 23, 2024

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As part of our May Editor Obsessions, I wrote about a hand soap that has “reached cult status in my household,” my household consisting of me. But it sparked the idea to share products that our editors consider to be cult status, even if it’s just among ourselves. These are items that we’ve been using for years and will continue to use forever. And we’re sharing them with you. Join our cult.

hand-soap
Amazon

The hand soap that started it all…

I now consider this to be my apartment’s signature hand soap (which I’ve decided is a thing). It smells like Le Labo Santal 33 and comes in a chic dispenser. It’s a little cheaper when you get the three-pack, so I’ve been buying it in bulk. Read my full review here. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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moisturizer
Amazon

The daytime moisturizer I’ve been using for years…

If you’ve never tried Avene products, let this be your intro to the French pharmacy brand. The ingredients in this lightweight cream — including glycerin, squalane, and thermal spring water — feel so soothing and juicy on my sensitive skin. I've been using it for over five years and it's never pilled under makeup. My only flag is it does contain fragrance, so if you’re sensitive to that, be sure to patch test first. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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joggers
Nordstrom

Joggers with a just-right weight…

“I have incredibly high standards for what classifies as ‘soft’ but these truly are, and so lightweight. I hate feeling hot, so sweatpants with too much fleece aren't my fave; these are just perfect for lounging in all seasons.” –Jessica Kelly ($75.20+, Nordstrom)

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hair-milk
Amazon

The hair milk I would buy for the scent alone…

When I first moved to New York, I quickly realized I needed a product to keep my air-dried hair from frizzing in the humidity. I bought this one from Reverie and have never looked back. It doesn’t weigh my hair down and lets my natural waves do their thing, but it also seals the cuticle to keep my strands smooth. As an added bonus, multiple people have complimented me on the herby scent. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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lip-balm
Amazon

The lip balm we always go back to…

“Everyone has a lip product security blanket, and these tins of rosebud salve are mine. I’ve been buying these in bulk since middle school, and if I find myself without one in my bag while I’m in public, I *will* mildly panic. It has the most perfect consistency — thick enough to make my lips feel like they’re sealed in with moisture, but not goopy. It also has the prettiest, dewy finish and the slightest rose-hued sheen, so I often wear it in lieu of lip gloss on nights out. I’ll just add a lip liner for some definition. (This NYX liner in the shade London is another cult-favorite in my house.)” -Caroline Goldstein ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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face-mask
Sephora

The best face mask we've ever used...

Our editor chose these face masks as one of her favorite products of the year in 2023, and she’s still obsessed with them. She says, “I particularly love the cryo rubber effect. It's immediately cool on my skin when I apply it, and since it's a two-part mask, the rubber stays put on my face and doesn't slide around. I usually leave it on for a full 30 minutes while I'm watching TV. The most impressive part is the aftereffect. My skin appears brighter, feels hydrated, and any redness I'm experiencing is significantly diminished. I've never really felt like my skin could glow, but these face masks genuinely make me believe differently.” –Alexandra Napoli ($16, Sephora)

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scrunchies
Nordstrom

Skinny silk scrunchies I panic without…

I bought these on a whim because silk hair ties are supposed to prevent breakage, creasing, and headaches, and now it’s the first thing I grab when I wake up in the morning to wash my face. I love them so much I make sure I pack at least two when I travel. Plus, the colors are cute and I think they look more sophisticated than the hair ties I used to wear. Grab this set before the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends on August 4. ($45, Nordstrom)

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stuffed-animal
Bearaby

My emotional support animal…

I’ve sung the praises of Bearaby before, but when they sent me the cow version of their new weighted stuffed animals, I reached new levels of dedication to the brand. It’s made out of a soft but thick cotton with clay on the inside that makes it feel soothing to hug and hold. It's now my TV-watching companion. I also love how each animal even has its own little story — Cody Cow is a Pilates instructor, naturally. I just ordered one for my best friend for her birthday, and it would make a great gift for a kid, too. ($99, Bearaby)

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cleansing-balm
Sephora

The cleansing balm we’ll never stop using…

One editor is loyal to this balm that uses starflower and elderberry oils as the first step in her double-cleansing routine. She says, “I've used this cleanser for at least five years, if not longer. It is the best cleanser that truly breaks down SPF and makeup and gets me squeaky clean.” –Sam Baker ($18+, Sephora)

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shorts
Comme Si

The boxer shorts I wear to bed then out the next morning…

If you’re looking to buy into the boxers-as-shorts trend, look no further. These Comme Si shorts are soft enough to sleep in, but thick enough so you can wear them out of the house without fear of anything showing through. They’ve become a staple in my errands ’fits, and even look cute thrown over a swimsuit at the beach. If I could own these in every color, I would. Same goes for their socks. ($75, Comme Si)

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lip-oil
Sephora

The lip oil I don’t have to look in the mirror to apply…

I recently tested Merit’s Five Minute Morning collection, and the lip oil was hands down my favorite product of the bunch. Months later, it’s still my go-to lip product. It never dries out my lips, no matter how many times I reapply throughout the day, and the Maraschino color is the perfect sheer flush of pigment that accentuates the natural color of my lips. ($24, Sephora)

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eye-masks
Amazon

Selfie-worthy under-eye masks…

One editor loves these caffeine-infused eye masks to help her wake up in the morning. She shares, “Not only are these eye patches a fashion statement, they really leave your under eyes looking brighter. If you have hyperpigmentation or just had a long day or lack of sleep, I highly recommend.” –Sarai Thompson ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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speaker
Amazon

The Bluetooth speaker I take with me everywhere…

Even if that’s just room to room in my apartment. This little speaker is so lightweight and doesn’t take up too much space, but still blasts my playlists with the best sound quality. I need to be able to listen to music when I travel, so I always throw it in my suitcase or carry-on. One charge lasts so long that I have to try to remember where the charger is by the time I need it again. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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eye-drops
Amazon

Eye drops recommended by several eye doctors…

I never thought I would say this, but thanks to my dry eyes, I’m now an avid eye drop user. I thought all eye drops were the same, but after multiple ophthalmologist visits, I found out not all are created equal. These are the best because they’re preservative-free, where the ones with added preservatives can actually make dry eyes drier. They’re much cheaper on Amazon, so I stock up and stash them in every bag. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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bralette
Amazon

The cotton bralette we gave a Good For You Award…

My hatred of bras is well-documented, but these Calvin Klein bralettes are among the few that pass the vibe check for me (and the rest of our team). The cotton is super-soft, and the wide, stretchy band doesn’t dig into my ribcage. Even without any padding or lining, these offer enough support for lower-impact workouts like yoga, barre, and Pilates, which is what I wear them for. They’re another product I’ve been unable to live without for the past decade or so. Luckily, the timeless design will never go out of style. Though even if it did, I wouldn’t stop buying them.” -Caroline Goldstein ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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scissors
Home Depot

Heavy-duty scissors I didn’t know I was missing…

I found these tradesman scissors while perusing my local Home Depot, and now I can't live without them. They slice through cardboard, plastic, and tape with ease, and the thick plastic handle is so easy to grip. They're perfect for opening packages. I like them so much I got my mom a pair for Christmas. ($14.97, Home Depot)

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anthro-hand-soap
Terrain

Another editor’s cult-status hand soap…

“We clearly have a thing for nice hand soap here. I’m throwing my pick in the ring with this option from Botaniculture, a brand that’s exclusive to Terrain and Anthropologie. The slim bottles look so chic on your counter, and I love the botanical designs inside the back. The fragrances are strong enough to linger on your hands, while still smelling natural, not overpowering. One of my favorite ways to mark the change of seasons in my house is by picking up a new scent for the kitchen and bathroom — I’m currently using Sea Salt and Mint Garden for the summer, but I’m looking forward to the day they roll out Woodland for the fall/winter season.” -Caroline Goldstein ($28, Terrain)

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