We’ll admit it: One major perk of our job as editors is that we get to try out oodles of products to let you know if they’re truly worth your hard-earned money. So in the nature of tossing gatekeeping to the curb, we’re sharing a few standout faves from the past month that we usually reserve for the group chat. Because they really are that good (and we’ll be super sad if they sell out and we can’t get them anymore). Without further ado…
A portable charger that always comes in clutch…
My mom raved about this, leading me to “borrow” it from her. I love that it’s compact enough to fit in most bags, and the adorable pale blue color means I can pretty much always spot it. It holds up to two whole charges — but I use it for quick bursts of charging on errand days, nights out, and of course, long travel days. It’s nice to have that sense of security…not to mention, for a useful tech product, the price is so good. I have my eye on the pink one now too. –Margo Ghertner ($10.88, Walmart)
A hydrating gel-cream blush from Chantecaille…
Let me preface this by saying: I have never liked blush. As someone with rosacea, my cheeks have always been plenty rosy on their own, thank you very much. But the moment I dabbed this gel-cream pigment in the aptly named "Happy" on my cheeks, my no-makeup makeup routine was changed forever. It's hydrating, blends like a dream, and stays put all day. You're either born a blush girl or you live long enough to find the perfect one for you. –Martha Upton ($48, Nordstrom)
The Shark FlexStyle hair tool…
Anyone who knows me knows that hair health is super important to me. I had been contemplating another brand’s (ahem) very pricey version of this all-in-one styler for some time…but with a looming potential recession, I couldn't bring myself to make the purchase. Enter: this more budget-friendly option from Shark that curls, volumizes, smooths, and dries my hair — all by minimizing heat exposure and regulating temperatures (and therefore no heat damage).
I was absolutely blown away by this. It works quickly and efficiently — my thick, frizzy hair was dry within minutes. The round brush and paddle attachments are relatively easy to use and add a gorgeous layer of volume and dimension to my locks. Plus, you can purchase a diffuser attachment for all my curly-haired girls out there who don’t always want a sleek, straight-out-of-the-salon look. Can you tell I’m obsessed? –Lindsay Schneider ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A diamond-stitched organic cotton comforter…
While I initially thought I'd only use this during the warmer seasons, turns out this one is a great option all year long, especially if you run hot when you sleep. It's lightweight but warm enough to use during the winter months, and I love the diamond-stitched pattern that adds a little flair to the look of my bedroom — it's an aesthetic step up from a plain ol' duvet.
Other things I adore about this comforter: It's made from undyed organic cotton (though you can select from dyed options if a beige hue isn't your vibe), the fabric is Fair Trade certified, and it comes packaged in a reusable cloth bag that makes it easy to tote to the laundromat. –Emmy Favilla ($298+, Coyuchi)
A conversation-starter game that makes dinner parties so much fun…
I’ve been seeing these types of games pop up all over social media, so when I found this one by Esther Perel I knew I had to have it. For starters, I love the design — it’s calming and thoughtful, and makes you want to play it even more. The questions are super thought-out and do a great job of helping you dig really deep.
There are instructions you can follow for more structured gameplay, but sitting in a circle on the floor and answering the cards one-by-one is my favorite way to use them with friends. I’ve even been leaving a deck out and answering a question on my own every morning for a little introspection with my coffee. 10/10 would recommend. –Beck Diaz ($40, Uncommon Goods)
Organic vegan protein powder (that doesn’t suck)...
I finally found a dairy-free protein powder that actually tastes good. I mix it with ice and almond milk and it tastes chocolatey and thick — this one does not taste like dirt or something that came from the ground. And it really does keep me full. –Jessica Kelly ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Blue-light-blocking glasses from Zenni…
My eyes get super sensitive when I look at screens for too long so I started wearing these to help me throughout the day. I typically wear them while I work and watch television, but they're also great for when you're scrolling on your phone. This pair is durable, stylish, and reasonably priced. They help decrease the frequency of my headaches and reduce eye strain. I highly recommend them for anyone who feels like their eyes get tired and dry by the end of the day. –Alexandra Napoli ($19.95, Zenni)
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