We’ll admit it: One major perk of our job as editors is that we get to try out tons of products to let you know if they’re truly worth your hard-earned money. We’re also just avid shoppers, so in the spirit of tossing gatekeeping to the curb, we’re sharing a few standout favorites from the past month that we usually reserve for the group chat. Welcome to the inside scoop.
Our new favorite aluminum-free deodorant...
Billie expanded into deodorant and body care recently, which piqued my interest since I've been using the razor and shave cream for a while now. I was also on the lookout for a new deodorant since the brand I was using wasn't my favorite — the deodorant would get soft and sticky, and spread too easily. Since trying Billie, I've been a total convert. I love the Lavender Milk option; it smells great, applies cleanly, and isn't sticky. It's also aluminum-free, which is important to me. I don't notice any odor and this is minor, but I love the bright color of the container. A couple other notable things: it's dermatologist-approved, baking soda-free, and can provide protection for a full 24 hours. Summer is about to hit, so I would highly suggest getting a stick or two now. –Alexandra Napoli ($9, Billie)
The only thing we've tried that gets rid of a deep ingrown hair...
Stop what you’re doing and get these ahead of summer. I had an ingrown hair on my bikini line that I thought I was going to live with forever — I’ve made the mistake of trying to extract them before and have been left with dark spots — but I was desperate to get rid of it before swimsuit season. I’ve used Fur’s Ingrown Treatment to prevent them from forming, but I was hesitant to believe what’s essentially an acne patch would work. I applied it before bed and gently pressed it in so the tiny micro darts could puncture the skin (it doesn’t exactly hurt, but it is a little tingly). When I woke up and removed the patch, I was literally amazed. The bump had completely flattened and the culprit hair was sitting on the patch, no dark spot, no trace of what was there the night before. Are these patches expensive? Yes. Is it worth the peace of mind knowing you have a way to get rid of a pesky ingrown hair on the spot? A thousand times, yes. –Martha Upton ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A hair tool that's better than more expensive options...
From Dyson Airstraits to Shark FlexStyles, there are so many expensive “high-tech” hair tools on the market right now that it’s a little overwhelming. When I recently saw Kendall Jenner post about Mane’s thermal round brush, I knew I had to try it. Let me just say that this is one of the most incredible hair tools I’ve ever tried. I was floored. It gave me a bouncy, salon-esque blowout in mere seconds. It isn’t a blow dryer, but instead, an alternative to a curling iron or straightener. Not to mention, it’s under $100. –Margo Ghertner ($98, Sephora)
Better-for-you truffles that taste like the real thing...
Nothing and no one will stop me from eating chocolate twice a day (both lunch and dinner require dessert and I will not hear otherwise). But as I'm also pretty sensitive to sugar, I'm always looking for more nutritious ways to sate my chocolate habit — like these superfood truffle cups. They only have 2 grams of sugar in total and are made with ingredients from whole foods, some of which are organic, like hazelnut butter, dates, and reishi mushrooms. And they truly taste like rich truffles. I actually feel energized and sated after eating them, so they feel more like a snack than a dessert proper. The Brownie Batter flavor is my favorite. –Caroline Goldstein ($39.99, Amazon)
A highlighter we love for no-makeup makeup looks...
The weather is getting warmer and, let's be honest, who is trying to pack a ton of makeup on their face? I'm here for anything that gives me a subtle, effortless glow that serves only SKIN. The Day Glow Highlighting Balm in Solstice is that girl. I used it when I was on vacation in Jamaica, and my cheekbones glowed against the warmth of the sunlight. The product leaves a moisturizing dew on the skin and lasts all day. I would not be surprised if I finish it by the end of the summer. –Sarai Thompson ($32, Merit)
The gold standard of eye masks...
When my mom asked me to send her recs for a high-quality under eye mask, I went straight to our editors — and they did not disappoint. These gold eye masks from Wander Beauty are known as the holy grail of under eye treatments and I can see why. The gold foil prevents extra moisture from evaporating into the air (not to mention looks as luxurious as it makes your skin feel). The hyaluronic acid helps plump and hydrate. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to give their under eyes a little extra depuffing love. My mom is obsessed, and now I am too. –Alessandra Rey ($26, Sephora)
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