Dr. Sebagh Breakout Antibacterial Powder & Créme
"When I first heard about this stuff, the idea of combining powders and creams before applying
every night seemed like way too much work for me. But once I actually tried it, I was totally sold. It
really does keep my skin completely clear, in a way that feels totally worth the price point — and effort."
$130, available at Bliss.
Redken All Soft Shampoo & Conditioner
"I may or may not have tried a keratin treatment once or twice. And fortunately, my nose hasn't
started bleeding yet. But while I'll never do that again, I do miss how soft and shiny my
hair felt after those treatments. In a much less dangerous way, this shampoo-conditioner combo
recreates that for me though, at least on a temporary basis."
$13.50 and $14.50, Redken for salons.
Aveeno Skin Relief 24-Hour Moisturizing Lotion
"Dry skin is the worst. And coming off winter, it's a perpetual issue for me. I slather this on day and
night, and it really does keep me soft, without that horrible greasy effect so many other lotions
have."
$9.27, available at Drugstore.com.
NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave
"I've always been hesitant to try anything brighter than a neutral gloss, but a friend recently swore
up and down to me that this was a universal lip color that anyone could wear. And I have to say,
I'm into it. I love the matte, coral effect of this shade — it brightens my face and feels so perfect for spring."
$24, available at NARS.
Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis Cologne
"My mom turned me onto Jo Malone, years ago, and it's been my go-to ever since. I'm always
partial to more masculine scents (to the point that I use men's deodorant), so I love that this scent
isn't too fruity or floral. The woodsy note in there always makes me feel just a little bit sexier—and
more confident. And who doesn't love that?"
$110, available at Jo Malone.
Photos: Via Dr. Sebagh; Courtesy of Redken, Aveeno, NARS, Jo Malone
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Eau de Toilette Roll-On
"Although I've never really been a perfume girl, I recently started learning about fragrances from
my scent-obsessed best friend. L'Eau de Issey is the perfect beginner's fragrance; it's light, fresh,
clean, and totally not overpowering, plus it seems to work universally, regardless of individual chemistry.
The roll-on applicator is great for avoiding the accidental perfume spray to the face or eye, too."
$24, available at Sephora.
Philosophy Miracle Worker SPF 55 Miraculous Anti-Aging Fluid
"I was cursed with both oily and super-fair skin, so it's imperative that I moisturize with the
lightest, most oil-free formula possible and use a high SPF in the warmer months. I'm basically obsessed with Philosophy products all around (fun fact: Philosophy founder Cristina Carlino was my parents' next-door neighbor, so I was a very early fan of the line), but the Miracle Worker is one I'm particularly taken with. It's feather-light, oil-free, and effectively protects against sun damage while also preventing signs of premature aging. Plus, it's slightly tinted, so it's perfect for throwing on in a pinch before, say, a lazy Saturday brunch."
$57, available at Philosophy.
Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Debbie
"It might sound crazy, but I swear Buxom's Big & Healthy Lip Polish is like a straight shot of
Restylane to the lips, minus the needles and risk of looking like a blowfish. Plus, it's free of all
those questionable parabens, sulfates, and GMOs, and conditions your lips, leaving them feeling
super-soft and healthy. I have this gloss in a wide spectrum of colors, but Debbie's coy coral hue
is perfect for a spring-y, coquettish pout."
$18, available at Sephora.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
"I'm never caught dead without my signature, sweeping cat-eye liquid liner, whatever the season,
and Stila's waterproof formula is just what the doctor ordered for unpredictable April showers
and the off-chance of a sweaty, late-spring heatwave. No joke — I've walked city blocks sans
umbrella battered by the elements, and my eyeliner has stayed put. I like to switch between
classic, dramatic black and a softer dark brown shade depending on my lip color du jour. The
felt-tip pen applicator is amazing for precise, sharp lines, too."
$20, available at Stila.
Oribe Masque For Beautiful Color
"Every season I like to rejuvenate my hair color, so protecting and maintaining my tresses
is super important, especially during the months when I know I'll see the most sun. Oribe's Masque For Beautiful Color does just that, leaving my hair silky-soft, shiny, and incredibly
strong. My colorist, Charlie Regec over at the Whittemore House in the West Village never lets me leave the salon without
it."
$42, available at Neiman Marcus.
Photos: Courtesy of Issey Miyake, Philosophy, Bare Escentuals, Stila, Oribe
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55
"I'd been totally negligent about wearing SPF until one of my roommates' mother came to visit, recently. I could not believe that her skin was still so taut, smooth, and pore-less. Her secret is 55+
SPF that she's been wearing since she was in her twenties, so I figured I should start. This
Shiseido one comes with zinc oxide (the important ingredient!) and doesn't leave a white, chalky
residue.
"
$35, available at Macy's.
Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Felt Tip Eyeliner + Serum
"I've recently traded my smudgy black liner for a sharp, liquid cat-eye, and this Physicians Formula felt-tip eyeliner is basically fool proof. I like how thick and easy to grip it is. Plus, it's got a serum in it (serums, man) that helps grow out your eyelashes, and I need all the help I can get."
$10.95, available at Drugstore.com.
First Aid Beauty Uplifting Serum Face & Neck Roller
"I've recently been on a serum kick, because it's the closest thing to a magic potion. This one even
looks like a magical device, too — just spin it to 'on,' massage it into your skin with their
roller, and — BAM! — smooth, baby-soft skin the next morning. Obsessed."
$46, available at First Aid Beauty.
Dolce & Gabbana Intense Nail Lacquer in Mint
"I've been wearing the Dolce & Gabbana polish in Wild Green all winter, and just
switched to their lighter, more summery shade, Mint. The formula is extra thick and opaque, so I
find that I only need a single coat to get full coverage."
$20, available at Saks.
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
"For impatient girls like me, it's impossible to sit still for the recommended eternity it
takes to dry your nails. Seche Vite top coat cuts down the waiting time while creating this chip-
proof layer on your nails. It's been two weeks since I've last done my nails and I hardly have a
chip. This stuff is amazing."
$7.99, available at Sally Beauty.
Photos: Courtesy of Shiseido, Physicians Formula, First Aid Beauty, Dolce & Gabanna; Via Seche Vite
Aedes de Venustas Eau de Parfum
"I effin' love Aedes candles, so it's a no-brainer that I'm gonna splurge on their first perfume. It has
vetiver, which is so fresh for the season, plus the bottle's pretty enough to next-level your less-
than-chic products over the toilet."
$225, available at Aedes de Venustas.
Hampton Sun After Sun Moisturizer
"I plan to get tan the real way (no sprays for me), so I'll be loading up on lotion that
keeps the darkness going — plus this smells really, really good."
$30, available at Bluemercury.
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Transformer Age Correcting Moisture-Gel for Men
"I gave up coffee because it makes me too jittery, so I'll get my fix with this guy, which provides a big
dose of caffeine (plus vitamins!) for an instant pick-me-up for my tired face."
$32, available at Kiehl's.
C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries Mentha Vitamin Body Wash
"I love a Mojito, so I'm getting involved in this body wash — it's minty and just as invigorating
(okay, that's hyperbole) as a stiff drink. Plus, you don't smell like you went out the night before."
$12, available at C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries.
Baxter of California Hydro Salve Natural Lip Balm
"Hey, hey — another Mojito! This lip balm is actually flavored just like the drink, and it keeps the
buzz going if you happen to have a late night kiss."
$8, available at Baxter of California.
Photos: Courtesy of Aedes de Venustas; Via Hampton Sun; Courtesy of Kiehl's, C.O. Bigelow; Via Baxter of California
Moroccanoil Body Buff
"After months of hibernation, my skin is scaly, dry, and not in the least bit ready to be bared. Made with natural orange peel exfoliator, argan oil, and vitamin E, this body scrub helps slough off dead skin cells and moisturizes in the process, so your skin feels soft and has that nice, healthy glow. I also like that it's solid, not all oily and separated like most messy body scrubs."
$42, available in mid-April at Moroccanoil.
Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB SPF 20
"Since BB creams first jumped on my radar last year, I've been on an obsessive quest to find the best of the ever-growing bunch. Of all the American versions of this multi-purpose skin treatment that I've tried, this one gets top honors from me. I like that it doesn't have any silicone in it, unlike a lot of the others, so you don't get that slippery feeling on your skin. Instead, it sinks in instantaneously to hydrate, cover, and treat the skin. One application of this in the a.m., and my complexion is perked up, smooth, and free of imperfections — or at least it sure looks that way."
$135, available at Omorovicza.
"I'm not usually one for rose perfumes (too old lady for me), but this pretty scent has me thoroughly charmed. It has a base of pink rose that's blended with green tea, violet leaves, and cattalyea orchid. All of those notes combine to create a light, airy scent that's about as far from granny as you can get. Plus, did you see that gorgeous, artsy bottle?"
$95, available at Bergdorf Goodman.
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution Lightweight Frizz Control
"Like pretty much every girl on the planet, my hair does not play well with spring's wet weather. At the first drop of rain my limp locks pouf up faster than a poodle with a blow-out. But most anti-frizz serums are too heavy on my strands — they get rid of the frizz, but they leave my hair looking greasy, gunked-up, and weighed-down. This lightweight, frizz-defying potion from John Frieda features a dual-phase formula that's part serum and part smoothing elixir, so it fights the frizz without flattening my mane."
$9.99, available at Drugstore.com.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres Glossy Stain in 12 Coril Fauve
"I love the staying power of a stain, but I hate the matte, dried-out look it creates. These innovative new lippies from Yves Saint Laurent provide the lush, full-on pigment and long-lasting finish of a stain, but have the shiny, juicy finish of a gloss. I've hoarded quite a few of them for myself, but my favorite right now is Coril Fauve — it's a bright, petal pink with just a hint of peach that looks amazing when paired with some of my brightest, happiest spring ensembles."
$32, available at Nordstrom.
Photos: Courtesy of Moroccanoil, Omorovicza, A Dozen Roses, John Frieda, Yves Saint Laurent
Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream
"Dark. Circles. Are. The. Worst. They're the reason I started wearing makeup and the reason I still do. I've just started with this Shisiedo cream and I'm thinking I'll be on it for a long while."
$55, available at Bloomingdale's.
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
"I can't help being jealous of all of the kidz back from Spring Break. And why should I feel left out? I haven't tried this mousse yet, but I have it on good authority that it's going to work wonders. I'll keep you updated."
$40, available at St. Tropez.
Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Leave-In Nourishing Heat Protectant For Dry Hair
"I'm a total Kérastase convert and this stuff is great for before you blow dry. I try to keep it to a minimum, but when I do use tools, this is my go-to first step."
$39, available at Kérastase.
Erno Laszlo Morning Beauty Rescue Brightening Gel Primer
"I'm really getting down to my new (maybe semi-embarrassing) essentials but ever since I've been sitting next to our senior beauty editor, Megan, my routine has been kicked up a notch. It's made room for things like brightening gel primer, which I never knew I needed, but now that I've tried this one, I'll never go back. It was created in tribute to Marilyn Monroe, and fittingly, it's got crushed-up gemstones in it, which help brighten up your complexion. It's especially great to perk up dull skin after a long, epic night out."
$95, available at Erno Laszlo.
Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil in Soft Brown
"I just started filling in my brows and I've gotta say, it works wonders. Not in the 'you look different,' way, but ever so subtly, and it rocks. This pencil specifically is great for blondes."
$7.99, available at Ulta.
Photos: Courtesy of Shiseido, St. Tropez, Kérastase, Erno Laszlo, Maybelline
Sachajuan Volume Powder
"I am so obsessed with this spray powder that I travel everywhere with a
canister of it. It serves as both a dry shampoo and root-lifter, but doesn't have
the dangerous dehydrating effects that so many other brands I've tried do. The
added benefit is that this Swedish line is entirely sulfate-free. Win. Win."
$32, available at Woodley & Bunny.
Sentara Skincare Eye & Lip Contour
"I love products that have dual purposes, but I'm always skeptical that they can
really deliver the one-two punch. When Woodley and Bunny opened recently
in L.A., the owner urged me to try this plant-based eye and lip pep, and she clearly knows
what's up. I'm now a devout a.m. and p.m. user.
"
$45, available at Woodley & Bunny.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Divine
"My lips are never bare — my boyfriend jokes that I wake up in lipstick, and it's
true! But who has time to constantly reapply? This stain comes in the poppiest
hues under the rainbow, and its thick texture and endurance totally live up to its name."
$14, available at Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.
Arcona Mandarin Brightening Peel
"Rarely do products give you an instant glow, but this peel sheds layers of your
skin to supple perfection (sans that leper-like look you typically have to suffer
through with harsh peels). I have recently worked it into my Sunday beauty
ritual, and the results last all week long."
$74, available at SkinStore.
Tangle Teezer
"I have this odd paranoia that I'm losing hair, to the point that when I see my
stylist, I prefer to brush it out myself (she just laughs at me!). Well, the last time
I went in, she handed over this amazing brush that combs smoothly through my
head — even when I'm at my most disheveled. I love my Mason Pearson, but
this super-cheap version is sized just right for my purse, and is easily replaceable
if lost."
$9.99, available at Sally Beauty Supply.
Photos: Courtesy of Woodley & Bunny, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Arcona; Via Tangle Teezer
Kryolan Ultra Glamour Glow Palette
"I swear by this product in the spring. That's when I'm not quite ready for full-on
bronzer, so I use Glamour Glow instead. It gives your face a subtle shimmer and an evenness
that looks fresh, not made-up."
$57.23, available at PNTA.
Milani Runway Eyes Fashion Eye Shadows in Haute Couture
"I love experimenting with eyeshadow colors, but amassing a
huge palette of hues can get expensive. Milani's Runway Eyes is so affordable
that I can satisfy my urge to play around with color without breaking the bank — and I can always trade with friends if a color doesn't work for me!"
$6.99, available at Walgreens.
Bare Escentuals Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara
"This is the best mascara I've ever found, and I know that's
a bold statement. The wand adjusts to let you create the lashes you want, with either definition or
volume. It makes my eyelashes look pretty, not scary, which is something I really value."
$22, available at Bare Escentuals.
Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence
"I am rapidly developing an addiction to this potion.
It's a hydrating, floral-scented mist that moisturizes my skin after I wash it, but I never feel like I
have anything on my face. I'm looking forward to keeping this in the fridge and spritzing it on all
spring and into the summer."
$85, available at Tata Harper.
Bumble and bumble Styling Creme
"I have fine hair, and this is a lifesaver. I add a nickel-
sized amount to my hair, starting at the roots, and then I blow dry. It makes my hair look and feel
thicker, and I get a lot more longevity out of my style."
$25, available at Bumble and bumble.
Photos: Via PNTA; Courtesy of Milani, Bare Escentuals, Tata Harper, Bumble and bumble
Amore Pacific Time Response Eye Renewal Creme
"I'm trying to be really good about applying eye cream every night before bed. I love how light this
one is, and it disappears into my skin instantly without feeling greasy or heavy — two things I
don't want to experience before I drift off."
$260, available at Bergdorf Goodman.
Chanel Sublimage Essential Comfort Cleanser
"When you're plagued with dry skin, a cleanser that doesn't strip away your natural oils is
essential. This Chanel formula goes on like a thick gel, then breaks down into a light oil that
dissolves makeup (even mascara!) like a charm. Wipe it away with a cotton cloth dipped in hot
water, and you'll feel like you just paid top dollar for a facial."
$95, available at Chanel.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Racey Rouge
"Sally Hansen, where would I be without you and your line of how'd-they-dry-that-fast polishes?
Seriously, I rely heavily on the Insta-Dri collection in the spring and summer, when I never have
time for a luxurious manicure. Wham, bam, dry in seconds — and the colors are so bright and
fun."
$4.95, available at Ulta.
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Lollipop
"I'm always looking for a richly-pigmented lipstick that doesn't leave my kisser feeling parched
and dry after a few hours. Luckily, Revlon's new lip butters landed in drugstores just as I was
starting my hunt again — I love the bright hues, and the formula is so soft and balm-like, I actually
don't mind reapplying it often."
$7.49, available at Drugstore.com.
CB I Hate Perfume M5 Where We Are There Is No Here Perfume Absolute
"I discovered this scent just last weekend, on a road trip to Richmond — and I'm in love. For me, the scent of jasmine is eternally linked to summer, and one whiff takes me straight back to my childhood. Who doesn't want to smell like summer vacation?"
$150, available at CB I Hate Perfume.
Photos: Courtesy of Amore Pacific, Chanel, Sally Hansen, Revlon; Via CB I Hate Perfume
Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes
“These are the most refreshing towelettes ever. Not only is the scent sublime, but they make your
face feel squeaky clean post-swipe. They're kinda like a mini-trip to the spa — without the crazy-high price tag.”
$5.99, available at Target.
Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench Hydrating Mist
“This is a pretty recent discovery of mine, but I'm addicted. It is a necessity for instant face
nourishment. I’ve gotten everyone I know hooked on it — the smell is divine. I keep it at my desk,
and spritz on when the 3 p.m. sleepies hit. It's like a wake-up call in a bottle.”
$38, available at Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone.
Vincent Longo Diamond Lip Gloss in Traviata Pink
"My friend Stephanie bought this for my birthday one year, and it was love at first sight. Not only
is the texture light, but also the smell, color — everything is simply perfection. I may have dabbled with
other glosses, but I always come back to this. I think finding a go-to that suits your skin
tone can be tough, so I am so glad I've found my match.”
$22, available at BeautyBar.
Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in On The Beach
“This nail polish is so bright and cheery — it’s the next best thing to an actual trip to the
beach. The bright hue is transformative and instantly makes my digits look dazzling. Our San Francisco editor, Katie, gifted
it to me (thanks!), and now I am truly obsessed.”
$16, available at Deborah Lippmann.
Topshop Blush in High Five
“I’m not really a fan of a full face of makeup — just eyeliner and blush usually does the trick for me. And this blush is a quick fix and a lovely way to add vibrancy to my complexion. It lasts a while, too.”
$12, available at Topshop.
Photos: Courtesy of Yes To Carrots, Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, Vincent Longo, Deborah Lippmann, Topshop