1. “I love Neutrogena Rapid Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 ($21.99) because it delivers just the right amount of hydration (along with a touch of retinol) and an excellent everyday sunscreen.” — Val Monroe, beauty editor, writer of How Not to F*ck Up Your Face

2. Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution, $17.99. “Ideal for those looking to fade discoloration and even skin tone. It’s very gentle on the skin for a solution with a combination of different acids—one of my top exfoliants for its formulation and price point. — Dr. Adeline Kikam, dermatologist, DO, FAAD

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3. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream with Pump Dispenser, $20.99. “I have pretty bad eczema and have gone through lots of moisturizers, but this is my absolute favorite. It's unscented and just does the job and keeps my skin hydrated throughout the whole day!" — Michelle Li, stylist, writer

4. Centellian 24 Madeca Cream, $24. “Centella asiatica is one of the most researched ingredients in skincare for a reason; it repairs your barrier, calms inflammation, and supports collagen production all at once. This cream delivers all of that in a formula that’s rich without ever feeling heavy. I put it on and my skin just exhales. Over time I noticed my skin looking more even, more bouncy, more alive and that’s the centella doing its long-game work.” — Tammy Weatherhead, creator and Tamsskyn Substacker

5. Hince True Dimension Radiance Balm, ~$20. A K-beauty multi-tasker that works as a highlighter, blush, eyeshadow and lip balm. The kind of product that makes you look more awake without looking like you’re wearing anything.

6. Etude Zero Sebum Powder, ~$10. The setting powder I discovered in Seoul and can’t stop recommending. Invisible on skin, controls shine without looking dry or cakey, and the price makes it completely painless to replenish.

7. Flamingo Face Hair Removal Cream, $9.50. “This fantastic cream effectively and painlessly removes unwanted facial hair, leaving skin smooth and hair-free. It’s a product that I use myself and find not to be as harsh compared to others.” — Dr. Kikam

8. Verb Dry Shampoo for Brunettes, $22. “One of the only ones that doesn’t leave my hair looking white.” — me

9. Healing Bird Revive No Wash Treatment, $27. A K-beauty find I bring back from Seoul every single time (and is now sold at Ulta). This damage repair treatment actually works on dry, over-processed or color-treated hair.

10. Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream, $20.99. “It's so gentle and comforting that even my reactive skin loves it.” — Robin Black, makeup artist, photographer

READ: Out, Damned Dark Spots: How I Finally Faded Mine

11. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm, $18.99. “It’s my go-to moisturizer—I love that you can find it everywhere—its super soothing, thick, healing, good for even scrapes and minor bruises, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and non-greasy.” —Nidhi Sunil, model

12. Shiseido Lash Curler, $28. “Even better than the beloved Shu Uemura one for my short, straight lashes. The shallow curve really grips close to the lashline.” —me

13. Merit Flush Balm, $30. Buildable, blendable, stays put. Gorgeous balmy finish.

    

14. OSEA Dream Lip Mask, $28. I loved the Laneige for years. Then I found this one. It offers similar overnight hydration but with bio-retinol (a gentler plant-based version) to smooth lip lines.

15. Baebrow HOLD UP! Brow Wax, $22. I just might have the strongest brow hairs on the planet. Almost nothing I’ve tried can hold them down. This clear, flexible-hold gel does a bang-up job without looking crunchy or “scared.”

16. Now & Than Finish Hair Mascara, ~$16. Tames flyaways and baby hairs instantly with zero crunch. I really appreciate the supersized wand which grabs those stubborn wiry little suckers. This one is mega-cheap in Korea but still affordable here too.

17. “I used to buy loads of Addiction Tokyo in Japan and bring it back to stock my kit. My favorite product is The Blush ($28). The matte, pearl and highlight shades have incredibly finely milled, silky powder (a Japanese trademark) with intense pigment ideal for layering. I’m crazy about their bright pinks and corals plus they make an unusual blue/lavender highlighter shade that is surprisingly flattering.” — Robin Black

18. Maybelline Lifter Gloss, $12.99. “I love the shade Gummy Bear as it works well on various skin tones. They're quite comfortable on the lips but give a great pay-off.” — Jaleesa Jaikaran, makeup artist

19. Make Beauty Serum Balm Hydrating Lip Treatment, $13. “Leaves lips looking hydrated and refreshed while the color is perfect for everyday wear. I often wear the pale pink sheer over a brown lip liner for a hint of 90's. ” — Robin Black

20. “Sunnie's Face Fluffmatte ($18) is one of the best velvety matte but super comfortable to wear formulas I have ever tried. They make shades that are gorgeous on all skin tones but if you have a yellow or olive undertone, their nudes will change your life.” — Robin Black

21. “Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in Out Loud ($27)— is a rich, warm terracotta that instantly grabs attention. And it truly lives up to its “longwear” promise.” — Dr. Kikam

22. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo, $7. “I’m so excited to share this $7 lipstick, which I have been wearing for years. The color lasts forever — even through a cheeseburger and fries (with mayo, naturally) — and can be either soft pink or bright red, depending on how many layers you apply. Years ago, I even wore it to the White House Christmas party (!), and I kind of feel like Michelle Obama would have approved.” — Joanna Goddard

    

23. Ten Over Ten in Eldridge, $14. Joanna recommended Dior’s amazing Dior Glow sheer polish last time but the price has now eked over $30. This Ten Over Ten sheer pink serves a similar purpose at half the price, making your naked nails look healthier and “done.”

24. CeraVe Vitamin C Serum, $28.99. The vitamin C serum dermatologists actually recommend — and it’s at the drugstore. Ceramides plus 10% vitamin C for brightening, dark spot prevention and barrier support. One of the most credible formulas at this price point.

25. Clio Kill Lash Superproof Mascara, ~$11. Listen, the “perfect” mascara doesn’t exist (at least not one that works for everyone). But this comes darn close for us straight lash folks: it holds a curl all day and doesn’t smudge, my pet peeve.

26. Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover, ~$11. “This is the eye makeup remover I recommend to everyone; I promise you’ll go through tubes of it! It dissolves even the most waterproof formulas without any tugging or rubbing, which matters more than people realize. Pulling at the eye area is one of the fastest ways to break down collagen and lose lashes over time. As someone who always feels like eye make up removers give me temporary blindness because the oils always get onto my eyeballs - this is a zero residue, no irritation mascara remover.” — Tammy

27. Colorwow Pop and Lock Serum, $24. Adds shine and frizz control.

28. Method Men Cedar & Cypress Body Wash, $9. Bought for my son, kept for myself. And so much cheaper than fancy washes marketed at women.

29. Olive & June Cuticle Serum, $16.99. This little foam-tip clicky pen makes cuticle care downright enjoyable.

30. MAC Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner, $25. The liner I reach for when I need it to stay. 24-hour wear, precision brush tip, removes cleanly and no raccoon eyes.

The real purpose of layering isn’t just order. It’s preparation. Each layer should make the next one work harder. In general, I do:

• toner, milky toner, essence, mist, active serum (c, retinol, etc), moisturizer, sunscreen (day), face oil (night)

Here’s how it looks in my everyday routine:

Multiple watery layers are your best friend. When people ask if I do the Korean 10-step routine, I’m not sure how to answer because, some days, if I’m feeling like my skin looks veyr dehydrated, I might do 7 layers of JUST a milky toner or essence.

It’s a similar principle to a sheet mask, which drenches your skin with constant hydration for 15 minute—keeping skin in that soaked state softens it and props ir for the next step without any heaviness.

Time is what you make of it. Listen, I know people who swear it’s helpful to let. your skincare sit for 30 seconds before applying the next layer. I’m not that person. I’ve found in my personal experiments that it doesn’t really matter much. You do you. And see what works. The one exception would be if you’re using tretinoin. In that case, it’s very important to let each step dry fully before moving on.

Be mindful about face oil. Sometimes there’s just not enough info to be definitive BUT there are some derms and chemists who caution that using face oil before or after chemical sunscreen could interfere with the efficacy of your SPF because it could creates a barrier that prevents sunscreen from bonding properly to skin, which undermines your protection. And oil after SPF can disrupt the film if it hasn’t fully set. The jury is still out (because, frankly, no one is really paying for a study to determine the truth about this). If you’re using a face oil in the morning, give your SPF at least a few minutes to settle first.

Address your barrier before you optimize. Dehydrated or compromised skin won’t respond to even the best routine. Start there first.

LYMA Laser

If you’re like me you’ve probably seen someone on social using the LYMA laser. It’s the one device I’ve been dying to try for years but had not for some reason. I was gifted this a few months ago so I’ve had a solid two months using it. First of all, this is not LED. It’s a clinical-grade cold laser that actually works at the same power level dermatologists use in-office.

Most LED never makes it past the surface but the LYMA’s laser light penetrates all the skin layers instead of bouncing off. LYMA treats a full cheek or jawline in one pass, it’s pain-free, safe for all skin tones, and it doesn’t rely on stressing the skin to get results. It’s regeneration without inflammation.

You can use it for as little as three minutes a day even over SPF or makeup (which is so unique!). I also use it on my body too like knees or hands,. You just apply the oxygen mist and then the glide gel; and honestly it’s so easy to just glide it or hold it while I’m reading or watching TV, I end up using it for about 10-15 minutes a day. In the past two months I’ve definitely noticed differences in my skin texture and tone; and the hyperpigmentation on my cheeks has lightened.

Listen, at $2650, it absolutely is a mega-splurge. In full transparency, the LYMA was gifted to me so I’m not personally feeling the sting in my wallet. But as with any at home device, consistency is key. And if you have the means, this one is so easy and effective, it can be a great tool if you stick with it.

Buy LYMA here

Bondi Boost Infrared Thermal Brush

Buy Bondi Boost at Ulta

I have no problem doing multiple steps in a skin care routine but I am famously lazy with my hair. I had a scalp treatment in Korea and the woman asked if I always dry my scalp after showering and I was like, errrmmm, how about never? Since then, I’ve been trying to do better. I love that we’re in a new golden era for hair tools and can’t believe it took me so long to try the Bondi Boost Infrared brush.

I’ll roughly blow-dry my hair to about 70% then let it air dry. Once it’s dry, I’ll do a pass with this brush (I get the best results holding the brush upside down). It gives my hair blowout sleekness and volume with a loose wave at the end in much less time than an actual blowout.

Ruti The Wide-ish Pants

Buy Pants at Ruti.com

When I first saw barrel-legged pants, I was like, oh, only very cool fashion people can pull those off. I thought they’d be a quickly passing fad. How wrong I was. I've been on the hunt for comfy pants that aren’t leggings or joggers and these Ruti trousers are everything I wanted and more.

The fabric is super lightweight with a little stretch; and the shape is absolutely perfect for dressing up or down.

Make Up For Ever Lip Pencil in Wherever Walnut

I started the year telling a friend that I hate lip pencil and I’m ending 2025 as a real convert. If you’re Asian or have similar coloring to me, this Wherever Walnut shade is the perfect “your lip color but better.”

It’s creamy and incredibly forgiving (meaning, no one will notice if you lined your lips in a rush).

Buy MUFE Lip at Sephora

Neogen Hyal Glow Rose Essence

Stressed skin needs soothing. I’ve tried a zillion K-Beauty products this year and this toner has become one of my holy grails. It’s a slightly viscous milky essence with serious hydrating power.

And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of rose. The scent is very subtle.

Buy Neogen at Ulta

NOYZ Lost + Found Solid Fragrance

Buy Lost+Found at NOYZ.com

It’s basically become a joke among my friends: I’m kind of addicted to this NOYZ solid fragrance. If you’re out with me and see me reach into my bag, chances are I’m reaching for this NOYZ stick to give my wrist or neck a refresh. I love it in the Unmute and Only Human scents too but the citrusy-woodsy Lost + Found is simply perfect.

Garnier Fructis Frizz Tamer Hair Mascara

Buy Garnier at Walgreens.coms

I’ve been dealing with hair loss for the past few years (as I discussed here) and while I’m always happy to see new growth, it’s tough to tame those wire-like strands popping out on top. I’ve tried the ol’ hairspray on a toothbrush trick, pomades, wax sticks…nothing was strong enough to hold them down.

So I was so happy to find that this Garnier hair mascara does the trick! I’ve tried a few more expensive variations and keep coming back to this one because it’s clear (the other one I’m currently using has a cream in the tube so it leaves some random white spots in my hair if I’m not careful).

Bonus: the Garnier one is pretty affordable so I leave one in my bag for touchups later in the day if I’m out.

GoHydrate Monthly Subscription

Buy at Gohydrate.com

Sometimes, it feels like such a drag to drink plain water. This is the best-tasting hydration powder I’ve ever tried. Believe me, a million times better than those big-name ones (which my 5-year-old calls “pasta water” lol). It’s made with clean ingredients, is low-sugar, low-sodium, and has vitamin D.

I gave myself a gift of a monthly subscription! My family loves the fruit punch flavor and the new iced team lemonade flavor is also divine.

Electric Picks Nailed It Bracelet in Gold

Buy at Electricpicks.com

My style has evolved a lot over the past five years but I’ve always described it as tough-pretty. I grew up on Dr. Martens with floral dresses—and my love for that juxtaposition carried into adulthood. If I’m ever wearing something that feels too pretty-pretty, I’ll typically toughen it up with an item or two: a jacket worn across my shoulders, stacks of jewelry, unexpected shoes.

This bracelet is a cool statement piece but still feels unfussy and easy to wear.

Perelel Women’s Daily Vitamin Trio

Buy at Perelelhealth.com

I’m a terrible vitamin taker. I know it sounds silly but I have a hard time making it part of my routine. So I loved having these easy packs, which have a daily trio of supplements in each one (multi, omega and Beautyblend). Somehow it really reduced the mental load of remembering.

Koala Eco Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner

Buy at koalaeco.com

A kitchen cleaner? I know this is somewhat outside my typical topics but I just want to tell everyone about this stuff! As you can tell from my NOYZ suggestion above, I’m a big fan of citrus scents. If you are too, you absolutely must get this Koala Eco Lemon Myrtle & Mandarin Essential Oil Kitchen Cleaner. It’s sustainable, natural and has no synthetic fragrances and oh my god, it smells like a dream. Makes our whole kitchen smell like a mandarin field.

This summer, I spent a week in Seoul. Highly recommend going if you’ve never been. The food! The sights! The shopping! And, of course, Korea has become a major beauty and aesthetics hotspot in recent years. Out of every treatment and service I could possibly test-drive (I also did LED lash extensions, a wild custom mani, a haircut, facial, personal color analysis, and more), the one I really wanted to try the most was Rejuran, aka PDRN.

I did a lot of research beforehand—both reading and asking around—and have never come across another treatment that was so polarized: people either said it didn’t hurt at all or it felt like “hot death.” Which one was it? My colleague Lisa got it a few days before my appointment and said it wasn’t bad. Her provider delivers it via machine (a tool with multiple needles) while I was going to a clinic that does individual manual injections with a syringe. Not apples to apples. But I logged it as an additional data point.

Meh, I thought. Even if it hurt, I could handle it. After all, I did in-office microneedling without numbing cream. I’ve gone through childbirth three times! I fancy myself as a person with a high threshold for pain and my curiosity was piqued. There was no way I was leaving Korea without trying this.

Spoiler alert: it was intense.

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Okay, first off: what is Rejuran and PDRN? Rejuran is a brand-name for a pro and consumer treatment, while PDRN is the ingredient derived from salmon DNA. The so-called “salmon sperm facial” has become increasingly buzzy in South Korea over the past few years and devotees claim it’s incredible for glow, texture and accentuating that glass skin look. It’s popular in Korea but not legal to inject Rejuran in the U.S. yet — although some American providers do offer it as a topical booster over treatments like microneedling or laser.

I was fortunate to be in Korea with my friend and colleague, Sarah Chung Park, CEO/founder of Landing International and K-Beauty World. Sarah grew up in Korea and has been living there all year. The idea of finding and vetting a good skin clinic in Seoul by myself would be daunting. But Sarah opened up her trusted network of providers. She’s been seeing Dr. Park at Zell Skin Clinic for many years and loved how:

1. he’s a doctor and does all of the treatments himself (some other clinics have a doctor do the consultation but the services are done by non-doctors)

2. he has the patient’s best interest at heart and doesn’t try to upsell you on services you may not need. Clinics in Korea range from highly reputable to what locals call “factory clinics”—assembly-line style, where the person doing your consult may not be the one doing your treatment. There are also “foreigner-friendly” clinics that speak English, which can be helpful—but some take advantage of tourists.

Sarah is a wealth of information about all things K-Beauty. She had tried PDRN long before anyone in the U.S. was talking about it. And she gave excellent guidance about what to expect.

RELATED: Liquid Microneedling: My Favorite New Skin Care Treatment

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Although I had a short list of must-trys at Zell, she said to keep an open mind—that Dr. Park would have his recommendations after assessing my skin and those might not align exactly with the treatments I had been eyeing.

The Consultation

Sarah kindly joined me for the consultation. Even though Dr. Park speaks English, she wanted to make sure nothing got lost in translation. He agreed that I could benefit from Rejuran and also recommended a trio of lasers (Pico, Pento755GCD, and Excel-V), Juvelook, Ulthera (a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment) and something called Density. In the end, because of time constraints, I chose to move forward with Rejuran, Juvelook and the lasers.

What to Know

Even with numbing cream, 70 injections is painful. By the time we got to the Rejuran, I had already had all three lasers and Juvelook, so my skin was raw and tender. The numbing cream had probably worn off a bit. The sensation? Exactly what you’d imagine: a needle puncturing your skin over and over in a grid across your face. At one point I had three people’s hands on me—the doctor injecting, two nurses pressing and wiping away tiny dots of blood.

The actual injections took only 10–15 minutes. But it really got my adrenaline pumping. Dr. Park pat me on the shoulder reassuringly when it was all done. “That was intense,” were all the words I could muster.

On my personal pain scale:

• Lasers: 4/10. Every laser is different, based on the strength and depth. This trio was manageable. But for the uninitiated, the occasional spicy zing and burning smell can be a little unsettling.

• Juvelook (with a cannula): 5/10

• Rejuran: 8/10

RELATED: Some new K-Beauty faves!

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2. Recovery is different for everyone.

I’ve seen other people get Rejuran and they look relatively normal again a few hours later. Some people barely swell. Not me.

My face ballooned, and it took nine full days before I looked “normal” again. Days 1–4 were the hardest—I was puffy, spotty, and not exactly photo-ready.

The red dots were mostly caused by the lasers. Those scabs mostly sloughed off on their own after a week. I applied cold compresses a few times a day to reduce swelling. Not gonna lie though, after the swelling still remained after the first week, I did panic a little that I may have messed up my face.

By day 9, though? My skin was clearer, smoother, “poreless” in a way I’d never experienced. After the swelling subsided, my skin was plumper, glowier, and more even than I’d ever seen it. I didn’t need foundation. Almost all my dark spots and redness were gone (thanks mainly to the lasers, I think), and the Juvelook gave me subtle bounce.

Would I do it again? Yes. But next time, I won’t stack treatments all in one session. It’ll also help me figure out which treatment is pulling the most weight.

Why are Americans flying to Korea for this?

Because Korea is always a step ahead. The consumer culture there demands constant innovation, and new tech debuts faster. Add to that: pricing. Treatments in Korea are often a fraction of what you’d pay in the U.S. And for people with hyperpigmentation-prone skin like mine, Korean doctors are pros—they’ve seen and treated thousands of patients with similar needs.

My advice if you’re considering it:

• Do your research. Not all clinics are equal. Some TikTok-famous ones are basically sponsored ads for factory clinics. Ask friends in the know. There are also a growing number of reputable skin care concierges who will help you book your services.

• Know your treatments. Go in to the skin clinic having some foundational knowledge of the treatments they offer. If the provider suggests certain treatments in your consultation and you need to make a quick decision, it’s good to have an idea of what they’re talking about.

• Plan for downtime. Ideally, you’ll be one of those quick-to-heal people. But just in case, remember: swelling and redness are real. Don’t book a photoshoot the next day—or even the next 4 or 5 days.

• Find a trusted guide. Having Sarah in Korea made all the difference.

• Try PDRN topicals. I got my hands on the consistently sold-out, pharmacy-grade topical Rejuall in Korea. I didn’t see a huge difference after using it but I think my expectations were too high. And I know other people who are obsessed with this stuff. So I’m going to give it another try soon. That being said, topical PDRN is starting to pop up in more creams, like Sungboon Editor’s Alaska Salmon PDRN cream. Think of it as a longer term ingredient that will help boost collagen and improve elasticity, rather than a magic bullet.

  

Higher Dose Red Light Hat

What’s on my mind…literally? I’m currently giving the Higher Dose Red Light Hat a spin. As you know, I’ve been working through hair loss for a few years. I’m still on a minoxidil regiment and taking supplements (like Vitamin D) but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try this too. Red light therapy has been shown to increase blood flow to the scalp and reduce hair shedding in some studies. I’ll keep you posted if I see any results.

Buy Higher Dose LED Hat

I’m From Mugwort Essence

I’ve been using the I’m From Rice Toner for a while but just recently tried their Mugwort Essence. I use a lot of different toners and essences (for brightening, soothing, hydrating, etc) but I have to say: my one makes my skin really happy. I’m a believer in skin flooding (meaning I layer a bunch of toners and essences on my skin before locking it all in with moisturizer). And this one has made a noticeable difference. Give it a try!

Buy I'm From Mugwort

Now, on to the good stuff. So much to talk about! I went to Korea a few months ago and will write all about the skin clinic (got 70 injections of Rejuran!) and products in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I’ve been compiling a major list of products that have knocked my socks off lately.

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Sakara Daily Elixir and Night Service

I’m not pill-averse but I also don’t like taking them. Some multivitamins make me feel nauseous even if I take them with food; some leave a gross aftertaste. So I’ve struggled to make it part of my daily routine. I was fascinated by the idea of a liquid multivitamin! My 5-year-old takes a liquid vitamin but I always assumed there was some reason why grownups always took pills.

It turns out, we don’t have to. The Sakara Daily Elixir liquid multivitamin has all the stuff I want and need to fill in any gaps I might have in my diet including Vitamin E, selenium and choline (to support brain health). And the big question: how does it taste? Well, I’m pleased to report it tastes really good! Kind of like a melted popsicle. The flavor is Lemon Verbena Mint so it tastes slightly sweet and citrusy with a hint of herb. You can either chug a shot of it or I prefer mixing it with a little water. Either way, it tastes quite nice.

At night, I’ve always had a hard time winding down, so I had been taking magnesium and the occasional melatonin to get to sleep. But I read recently that it’s not good to get too dependent on melatonin. So I decided to try these Sakara Night Service sleep supplements.

Holy moly, the first night, I was out like a light. What is this magic? Right before bed, you take two capsules, which have magnesium, adaptogens like reishi mushroom and maca root extract, 5-HTP and tart cherry extract.

I’m the type of person who would be scared to take a sleeping pill, so I’m pleased that these are working nicely for me.

Buy Sakara

Dune Suncare The Mineral Melt

Why don’t more people know about this amazing mineral sunscreen? It’s a product that lives up to its name and truly melts into skin. None of that chalky, thick texture that makes people sometimes steer clear of mineral formulations. The texture is divine. A great daily wear for mineral lovers.

Buy Dune Mineral Melt

Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil in Strawberry Sunset

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that some days, all I need is a schmear of bright blush to brighten my face and look more awake. Bear with me. This intense red looks extreme in the pan. But I swear it does not look clowny once you blend the sheer balm in.

I apply with a clean finger than either blend with said finger or blend lightly with a brush. I’ve been liking wearing it higher on my cheeks and extending up toward the end of my brow to help lift and brighten over there. But I find that blush placement is so personal—experiment with what looks best on your face!

It’s pretty universal that creams don’t last as long as powders. You can either set it with a little translucent powder or to be honest, the application is so easy with this blush, I’ll usually just reapply a little later in the day if it’s starting to vanish.

Buy Mario Blush

RELATED: This 7-Step Korean Skin Care Routine REALLY Hydrates

Furtuna Skin Replenishing Balm

I’m forever indebted to my friend and business partner Kathryn Paves for introducing me to this glorious face balm. If you have dry or dehydrated skin; or if you’re looking to repair or maintain your moisture barrier, you need this ASAP.

It’s a rich oil balm (similar in texture to a cleansing balm). But this is not for cleansing. You use this as your skincare last step, just as you would a face oil. In the morning, I use it right before sunscreen. In the evening, it’s my final step before hitting the pillow.

For day, it gives skin a gorgeous glow. For night, it helps to seal everything in. It feels like a warm blanket, so reparative and soothing. And no, the blue color doesn’t stay. It goes on blue but melts to be sheer and clear.

Buy Furtuna Balm

Unleashia Shaper Pomade Eyebrow Fixer

I’ve always had unruly, super straight brows. I can usually only get them to behave with the most industrial strength brow pomades that end up looking so unnatural and shellacked down. Brow lamination didn’t even work on me!

Enter: Unleashia’s fabulous brow fixer.

The creamy pomade has just the right amount of hold that keeps my brows in place and looking more fluffy/natural rather than shocked into submission.

One user note: I don’t have a lot of brow hair so the wand tends to pick up too much pomade for me. So I usually wipe some back into the tube before applying.

Also unbeknownst to me until recently, once you twist the wand back in, if you pull the cap, there’s a hidden brow comb and brush in the other end. So handy!

Buy Unleashia Brow Fixer

NOYZ Solid Fragrance in Lost + Found

I’ve tried solid fragrances before but they’re typically in a flat tin that you swipe a finger in. This stick applicator actually makes the whole process easier. I have this NOYZ scent in both the spray and solid; and I find myself reaching for the solid much more often, since it’s in my bag.

Solids certainly don’t project or last as long as sprays but for an afternoon refresh (or as the first step in a fragrance layer), this has really been doing it for me. I honestly can’t remember the last time I actually finished a fragrance to the very end…this might be the first very soon. If you love a woodsy-citrus scent, you will adore Lost + Found, my absolute favorite scent in the whole NOYZ line.

Buy Noyz Solid Fragrance

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What is liquid microneedling?

“Liquid microneedling uses microspears coated with biomimetic growth factors, amino acids and potent botanical extracts to treat a myriad of skin concerns all at once, including dry/dull/lackluster skin, active acne and acne scars, skin texture, tone and pigment, and fine lines and wrinkles,” says Varuni.

The spiky little microspears (made from sea sponges!) provide a similar effect to regular microneedling—both create tiny punctures in your skin to induce collagen production.

If you follow K-beauty at all, you may have heard the term spicules coming up a lot (I actually talked about spicules to Vogue recently) and they’re popping up in at-home consumer products. Microspears = spicules.

Read more

RELATED: Some new K-Beauty faves!

Below is the 7-step routine I’ve been using a few mornings a week…in this exact order.

Alright, let’s get into the individual steps:

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Medicube Deep Vita C Pad

These textured pads bring back memories of the Stridex pads of my youth but instead of feeling stripping, these Medicube pads are absolutely soaked with vitamin C essence. I give my whole face and neck and hands a sweep using the embossed side first then another sweep using the smooth side. Feels great and gently exfoliating.

Medicube Deep Vita C Pads, $18.19

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Skin1004 Centella Ampoule and Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

Western skin care tends to focus more on moisturizers and less on the hydrating steps that come before it. I love to do at least two layers of hydration using essences and toners before any other steps. When I’m feeling particularly *extra,* I’ll pat on a few layers of each of these. It’s like giving your skin a drink.

Skin1004 Centella Ampoule, $14.99

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, $17.99

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Buy Anua Toner

Mixsoon Bean Essence

My friend Sarah Chung, who’s been called K-Beauty’s fairy godmother, refers to Mixsoon’s Bean Essence as “vegan snail.” For snail mucin fans like me, the bean essence serves a very similar purpose in your routine and the texture is eerily similar. This is a massively viral product…and for good reason. Especially after putting it on after a water essence, it really locks in the hydration.

Mixsoon Bean Essence, $26.25

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Tirtir Pure Vitamin C24 Serum

This is a newer discovery for me. Tirtir recently sent me every product in their entire skin care and makeup line. Their cushion compacts are currently a viral hit. But I was actually more wowed by the skin care, including this excellent Vitamin C serum, which comes out clear and doesn’t have the dreaded hot-dog-water scent of other C serums.

Tirtir Pure Vitamin C24 Serum, $19.99

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Bliv:U Collagen Bouncing Firming Cream

If I had to award just one absolute superstar from the bunch, I’d say it’s this Bliv:U Collagen Bouncing Firming Cream. It’s a brand that doesn’t have the same Internet buzz (yet!) as the others, so I was happily surprised. The texture is like a light gel-cream, so I worried it wouldn’t be moisturizing enough for me but my skin absolutely drank this up and looked so glowy. And the name is accurate: I swear my skin looked bouncier after just one use. It also wears beautifully under makeup with zero pilling.

Bliv:U Collagen Bouncing Firming Cream, $25.13

Buy Bliv:U Cream

Axis-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen

I typically use mineral sunscreen so I’m constantly on the hunt for good ones (my other favorite SPFs here). This zinc oxide one has a nice, elegant, liquid texture—not chalky like some other mineral formulas. If you’re using enough of it, it does leave a slightly white cast at first, so you need to work it in a bit until it becomes more transparent and for darker skin, it might still leave a faint tone. BUT the smooth liquid texture is a real benefit since any lightness that’s left reads more like a lit-from-within glow.

Axis-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen, $15.09

Buy Axis-Y Sunscreen

A word about buying these products:

I included links to buy all of these through Stylevana, a Korean site I’ve ordered from several times in the past and trust. I’ve also used Olive Young and Yesstyle. You can find some of these products on Amazon but I would just urge you to do a little clicking around if you go that route: read some of the reviews and look at the seller ratings. There are some Amazon sellers peddling counterfeit K-beauty products so you have to be careful!

Also, keep in mind that products from the Korean sites are literally shipping from Asia so it can take a while to receive your package. To put it bluntly, you won’t be getting next-day or two-day shipping—far from it. So be patient and understand that waiting is part of the normal process.

Any questions about these products or K-Beauty in general? Ask away below!

To help in your hunt, I put together this edit of deals that I actually want myself. Also, I’m trying something new and included some clothes and accessories down below. (Let me know how you like seeing some fashion in the mix!)

You can also shop my full edit in my ShopMy Closet here.

My Black Friday Beauty Edit

1. Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick. This chunky stick (my shade is Biscuit) makes a light contour so easy. 20% off at checkout.

2. Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Moisturizer. One of my all-time favorite moisturizers. Wears well under makeup and perfect for us dry skinned folks. 40% off!

3. Merit Beauty Five Minute Morning. I typically prefer choosing individual products rather than sets but this one is curated so well. It’s really all you need for a quickie makeup day. 20% off sitewide.

4. Dyson Airstrait. Run don’t walk! I used mine yesterday and I’m still always shocked at how I can go from wet to styled in under 10 minutes. $100 off right now!

5. Coco & Eve Youth Revive Hair & Scalp Mask. I don’t condition anymore—I’m exclusively a hair mask user. Love this one which can get massaged into your scalp too. 31% off flash sale.

6. St. Rose Terre Rouge Eau de Parfum. The fragrance I get a million compliments while wearing. It’s also under-the-radar so people can’t quite place it. Use code THANKS for 30% off.

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   READ: 16 Seriously Underrated Beauty Products the Pros Love

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7. Wander Beauty Double Date Eyeshadow Duo. So portable! This little duo convinced me that all I really need is a matte and sparkly shade. Use code JOY for 30% off.

8. Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Cream. This light green cream wears so well—it’s been a favorite for years. 40% off.

9. Necessaire The Body Wash. I love pretty much all of the Necessaire products, especially the Eucalyptus line which makes my bathroom smell and look like a spa. $5 off.

10. Violette Petal Bouche Lipstick in Amour Fou. I’m reentering my bold lip era and this is one of the shades that gets the most comments. It’s a real showstopper. Looks great on everyone I’ve seen wearing it. 20% off sitewide.

11. Refy Brow Sculpt. A wax-gel hybrid with a genius 2-sided brush/comb. I have very stubborn brows and this one really holds. 20% off sitewide.

12. COSRX Snail Mucin Essence. You all know I love my snail mucin. Stock up because this is a pretty major sale! $10 off!

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The Best of the Reformation Sale

If there’s one brand that’s “so me,” it’s Reformation. They rarely do sales, so with 25% off everything right now, I’m having a hard time whittling down my list. But here are my picks for the best of the best.

Shop My Full Edit

Madewell Picks: 40-50% Off!

The other brands I find myself coming back to time and time again is Madewell. For one thing, I really appreciate that when they do a sale, they DO A SALE. I mean, 40-50% off? It’s hard to pass up. Here’s my edit.

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Share Go Ahead, Try Me

I scroll around on K-beauty sites like Stylevana and Yesstyle every now and then to see what’s hot and this brand Axis-Y is pretty consistently in the top 10. The Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum caught my eye a few years ago so I dropped it into my basket. The Glow Serum is packed with 5% niacinimide, squalane and other good stuff. It comes in a nice big tube and lasts me a long time.

The brand’s Vegan Collagen Eye Serum is a newer find for me. Together, Axis-Y calls the pair their Glass Skin Duo.

The eye serum, with “vegan collagen,” is lovely and comes with a rollerball applicator which feels nice and cooling. For day if I’m planning to wear eye makeup, I sometimes choose a more gel-like eye serum instead of eye cream. This has been a great option.

Can I Get a FWEE?

I’ve been loving Fwee’s cute little Lip & Cheek Blurring Pudding Pots (I mean, how could you not adore the name??). One enduring trend in Korean lip products is the matte, blurry lip and these pots really perfect that ombré look.

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The texture is unlike anything I’ve found here in the States: bouncy, cushion-y and mousse-y all at the same time. Blot on with a clean finger or the brand’s fingertip-mimicking silicone lip brush.

This shade is called My (good for warm-toned folks); there are 30 shades in all. I’m wearing a thin layer of lip balm underneath because I have dry lips but the color still wears matte on top. It also feels a lot lighter than matte lipstick but gives a similar effect. You can buy the Fwee lip pudding pots here. Can’t wait to hear how you like them.

Testing the Viral Overnight Sheet Masks

You’ve probably been seeing the overnight sheet masks all over social media. Biodance is the brand currently racking up lots of views but Luvum also makes a similar one. On a recent trip to NYC, I gave the collagen one try.

At first, it feels like a typical, juicy hydrogel mask. I laid down for the first 20 minutes to give it time to really adhere to my face. After that point, it felt like it would stay put. It didn’t move around at night and didn’t make a mess of the pillow.

The next morning, all of the essence/serum had transferred to my face and what was left of the mask was the texture of a fruit rollup! And oh my god, my skin was soooo soft. It reminded me of having a great paraffin hand or foot treatment: when it all gets peeled off, your skin feels soft in an otherworldly way (it looked like my pores were somehow blurred for the first few hours). The masks are not easy to find in U.S. retail yet but you can buy them here at Olive Young.

OK, this isn’t technically beauty related but I do believe that mental health and beauty are linked (in fact, I’ve been contemplating whether I should start a podcast called Moisturized and Happy), so I wanted to share this. I’ve been feeling stuck in a pattern of doomscrolling on social media lately. It’s habitual and frankly, just not healthy.

This week, I made a pact to replace 50 percent of that mindless (and mind-numbing) scrolling with book-reading instead. I downloaded the Libby app and signed up for an e-card with my local library, which lets you borrow e-books, audiobooks, and magazines (you can easily transfer to them to read on a Kindle too). This morning, I finished Connie Chung’s wonderful memoir, Connie, which fed my soul in a way I forgot that I needed.

Any good book recommendations?

Oh, I have so many things to share with you, including some new K-Beauty favorites—I’ll put thoughts together and share all of that soon.

I digress. Today’s newsletter is focused on skin, since I’ve gotten into some products and treatments that I’m liking a lot.

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Peptide-Rich Plasma…What’s That?

I had been seeing a lot about the brand Eighth Day in my Instagram feed. Their Resurfacing Tonic was getting a lot of attention. It reminded me a bit of the groundswell of buzz about Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 back in the day. It takes a lot for me to want to try a new skin care product these days but I had seen the black and gold bottles around enough that I finally hit a tipping point.

I got a few bottles of the Regenerative Serum (gifted from the brand’s publicist). When I try a new product, I like to keep the rest of my routine pretty simple so I make sure that any changes in my skin (either positive or negative) can be attributed to whatever changed.

Eighth Day was created by dermatologic surgeon Dr. Antony Nakhla. They call the serum “all-in-one” since it targets a lot of the most common skin concerns (hydration, redness, dullness and so on). The secret sauce? Dr. Nakhla calls it Peptide-Rich Plasma. Yes, it sounds very similar to platelet-rich plasma, aka PRP, which is the blood-derived substance they use during microneedling with PRP and other treatments. It is not the same thing but because the serum has growth factors, it has some similar properties.

Okay, so first reactions: the serum comes in a glass dropper bottle. One squeeze dispenses a clear serum that’s similar in texture to many slightly viscous hydrating serums. It’s odorless and goes on beautifully. Even though there’s a bit of glycolic acid, there’s no sting at all. It feels gentle and extremely hydrating. I found that one dropperful was enough to cover my whole face. I smoothed it on after cleansing and before moisturizer. And I’m happy to report it did not pill at all under makeup during the day—you know that’s my ultimate pet peeve.

One little secret of the skin care industry is that some brands add ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus to products so people feel an immediate tingle and think, oh, this is really working. As consumers, we’re kind of programmed to think that we have to feel something to know it’s working. In that sense, the Eighth Day serum feels deceptively gentle. Because it reminds me so much of a hyaluronic serum, it’s easy to forget it’s packed with other ingredients like growth factors, peptides and alpha lipoic acid.

I’m really liking the results so far: skin feels very hydrated and texture is looking smoother. Before using the serum, I had been experiencing some redness near my jaw and nose that seems to be calming down now. If you’re interested in trying it, you can buy the Regenerative Serum here—it comes in 3 sizes with the smallest 15ML size lasting 4-6 weeks for $195.

I Finally Tried Radio Frequency

I know, I’m very behind the times but I finally tried RF, thanks to my facialist Varuni Palacios. Radio frequency has been popular for a few years already as a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment that’s done in-office (and now with some at-home devices). Similar to lasers and microneedling, it works by causing a controlled injury to the skin, which triggers the skin’s natural healing response and promotes collagen production.

READ: 16 Seriously Underrated Beauty Products the Pros Love

I had very light RF during a facial so there was no pain. It felt similar to a hot stone massage. That being said, like most in-office treatments, there are different levels that can be used depending on the result you’re looking for and your skin type.

Aftercare for my treatment was a breeze. My skin was slightly warm and reddish for a few hours after. But it was very minor compared to laser treatments I’ve tried. If you have heat-triggered issues like melasma, make sure you discuss with your provider so they can either guide you to another treatment or can adjust levels to suit your skin type.

READ: This Underrated Drugstore Cream Saved My Skin

Now for the results: I had a Hydrafacial first then Varuni added the RF after. My face was glowing the day after. Really no downtime whatsoever. Just glowy skin with a nice bounce.

My New Gua Sha Tool

Just sharing my latest gua sha tool (I’ve been cycling through several to figure out which shape and material I like best). Picked up this jade gua sha from OSEA recently during a facial. I’m glad I had a professional use it on me before taking it home because she showed me how the notched area works nicely to gently massage the orbital area. Really liking it so far!

Olive & June just launched an at-home gel manicure kit with an LED lamp and all the tools. This is my fresh set after three days. Will report back on how long it lasts and how the at-home removal process goes…the true test!

Lately, life has gotten in the way and I’ve been supremely minimalist. As I write this, my nails are cut all the way down and completely bare, which feels very chic and liberating at the moment.

I still love nail art but I don’t feel like I need to have it all the time. After the birth of my daughter—our third child—I started to experiment more with press-ons and nails wraps which let me experiment with new looks without sitting in a salon for a few hours or DIY-ing it.

These days, I have a newfound appreciation for hand care, which really gets short shrift compared to facial skin care. The constant handwashing and hand sanitizer-ing of the pandemic left my hands a dry mess. And I’ve become much more conscious of sun protection for hands (if you drive, pay more attention to how often the sun hits your hands on the wheel and you’ll see what I mean).

Anyway, here are some of my current hand care and nail favorites!

JinSoon Healing Cuticle Oil

Yes it’s a bit of a splurge at $35 a bottle but this facial-grade oil is lovely and lasts a long time. Ultimately, the best cuticle oil is the one you’ll remember to use. And the pretty Primrose + Honeysuckle scent of this one could help jog your memory.

Olive & June Cuticle Serum

Talk about easy to use. This foam-tipped click pen makes application a breeze (and fun!). My only complaint is that it doesn’t last too long. But, again, if this format encourages you to use it, it’s worth it!

Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Cream

I just don’t love my hands smelling all the time—and some hand creams are so heavily fragranced. This simple fragrance-free, deeply hydrating cream gets the job done to help when your hands are feeling particularly parched.

Hand Sunscreen

Yes, I have a few dedicated hand creams with SPF and those are good. But these days, after I apply sunscreen to my face, I’ll apply some of that same product to my hands. (As a reminder, here are some of my favorite sunscreens.)

Press-On Nails

I’m so glad press-ons have gotten so much better in recent years and there are now so many options. A few of my current faves: Chillhouse in Wavy Baby, Paintbox in Twosome, and Pink Friday Nails in Pardon My French Sweet Cherry.

I also recently tried this extremely EXTRA accent nail set. Whoa.

@heymichelleleeFirst look! Trying @Pink Friday Nails by @Nicki Minaj Kawaii accent nails. Any questions? #pinkfridaynails #asmr #nickiminaj #nailsoftiktok

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I’m excited to be speaking at the Voices of Beauty Summit in LA this week. It’s the first conference devoted to making real change in diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry and the lineup is truly stacked: John Legend, Ciara, Michelle Phan, Aisha Curry, Jackie Aina, Chriselle Lim, Deepica Mutyala, Jessica Cruel, Nyakio Grieco and sooo many more. If you’re in LA, there are still some tickets available—you can register here.

In my 30s, I fully entered my chemical exfoliation era. I experimented with AHA and BHA toners, peel pads, masks, and everything in between. I knew so many people who swore by Pixi’s bestselling Glow Tonic and Biologique Recherche Lotion P50—you know, the cult French toner that everyone lovingly (or bravely? insanely?) admits smells like hot garbage. I tried to love them. Both bottles sat, still mostly full, on my shelf for many months. I just didn’t enjoy the experience.

My go-tos for a while were the fabulous two-step Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads, $20 for a 5-pack. A simpler, cheaper pre-soaked pad I also like: First Aid Beauty’s Facial Radiance Pads, $38 for 60 glycolic + lactic acid pads, (which are sold in a handy jar similar to old-school Stridex pads and are now compostable). Both say they’re gentle enough for twice-daily use, but I realized through trial and error that my dry, sensitive skin did better with less frequenet use.

Once I became a regular retinol—and then tretinoin—user, that’s when things changed. Retinoids aren’t exfoliants but they do speed up skin cell turnover and can be pretty harsh and lead to peeling, especially in those early adjustment months. So much has been written in recent years warning against overdoing it on actives so you protect and preserve skin’s very important moisture barrier. Personally, I found it difficult to find the right balance with skin cycling at first—retinoid, exfoliate, hydrate/recover, etc. And one of the pitfalls of working in beauty is that you test a lot of different products. Yep, I screwed up my barrier.

The lower half of my face felt inflamed, red and peeling all the time. I remember wondering if I had screwed up my face permanently. I’d hydrate and moisturize and make some progress. But my skin would take one step forward and two steps back. Finally, I scaled way back on everything and just used super simple, thick moisturizers (like my current favorite) for about three weeks and got things back on track enough to slowly reintroduce a few actives.

These days, I take a kinder, gentler, slower approach to exfoliation. I’ve found that retinol and tretinoin have been real game-changers for my skin so I prioritize cycling them in a few times a week. And as for exfoliation? I’ll do it every two weeks or so, but I’m not religious about it. I’m currently liking the Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask and find myself coming back to my tried and true Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari BabyFacial AHA + BHA Mask (a word of warning: this one does sting a bit while it’s on; not enough to hurt but it may not be the right fit for the super faint of heart).

Live Tinted Skin Tint Mineral Sunscreen

You know I love finding new mineral sunscreens. This brand new one from Live Tinted is really stellar. It essentially doubles as a tinted moisturizer and could take the place of a light-coverage foundation. The texture is a bit thicker than my favorite La Roche Posay one, which is quite nice depending on what I’m looking for that day (the LRP leaves a more glossy, dewy finish).

Le Labo Edition Hotel Body Lotion

I’ve been a major fan of the Le Labo x Edition Hotel signature scent for years, ever since I booked a long weekend at the Edition in Miami. Every outpost pumps this black tea + citrus + floral through all of their common areas and it’s glorious. I’ve had the candle and the reed diffuser in my home before; and they instantly conjure a gorgeous hotel vibe.

Home fragrances don’t always translate well into personal scents, and vice versa. But a friend had the Edition lotion at a shoot and, let me tell you, I wanted to bathe in it. Not really, since a little goes a long way (just a pea-sized amount I used as hand cream was totally enough to keep me fabulously scented for a while). But I think I’ve found a new favorite.

The Future of Beauty

I got a chance to speak to beauty and fashion students at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) recently as part of a Next in Beauty program with Refinery29. It was my second time at SCAD and they have such an incredible program down there, including a business of beauty track that I wish I had when I was growing up. The students were so engaged and asked such smart, thoughtful questions. I left feeling so inspired. The kids are alright. And the future beauty industry is in good hands.

Big Hair Is Back

And I couldn’t be happier. Remember when everyone was arguing about whether side parts were uncool? I know, so silly. Miley said, let’s bring back hair so big there is no part.

My IVF Years

I read Zach Baron’s wonderful essay, My IVF Years, yesterday and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. 1) It’s beautifully written and the ending brought tears to my eyes. 2) I did IVF and it’s been on my mind because of the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling on frozen embryos. IVF is hard. Physically. Mentally. I remember sobbing many times with huge tennis-ball-sized welts on my body from the constant injections. It’s expensive. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. It sometimes ends in disappointment. But it’s incredible that we live in a time when science can help some people struggling with fertility issues—and the fast overreach of politics and religious fundamentalism into women’s bodies should concern us all. I’ll get off of my soapbox now but please do give Zach’s story a read—it’s a long read but very worthwhile.

Let’s chat! What’s on your mind? Drop me a line in the comments.

Brow shaping is certainly nothing new. But the brow product category really exploded in the early 2000s—and Cara Delevingne’s distinctive fluff became the inspo of the era. I would even say that it’s the look that many of us are still trying to attain.

My natural brow hairs have thinned and lightened through the years and they’re quite sparse in places. Then while I was filming a segment for Good Morning America in 2019, I met Piret Aava, also known as the Eyebrow Doctor. She was an early pro at microblading.

READ: My Glass Skin Holy Grails

Microblading has become very popular since then but if you’re not already aware, it’s a method of semi-permanent tattooed makeup. Essentially, the artist etches ink into your skin that lasts about a year or two. I had tried a lot of different pencils, gels and pomades but wasn’t great at filling in the best shape for my face. So the thought of having my brows already done for me every day was very appealing.

Piret carefully mapped out the best shape for my face and drew it on first as a guide. This is very important. There are a lot of tattoo artists who are learning how to microblade. But just because you can tattoo, it doesn’t mean that you understand facial structure and brow shaping. Word of wisdom: if you’re looking to get microbladed, do your research and choose someone who’s very experienced and check out their past work.

The whole process—which she did by hand using a pen-like device made up of needles—was relatively fast (maybe two hours) and didn’t hurt thanks to the numbing cream. When Piret handed me the mirror, I was shook.

Aftercare is simple. The toughest part is that you can’t get your brows wet for about two weeks. How would I wash my face? How would I shower? Piret sent me home with a little stack of adhesive bang-trimming shields that she had ordered online. The adhesive sticks to your forehead so you can keep your forehead dry in the shower. They weren’t perfect but they worked well enough! It goes to show how popular microblading has become. Today, there are lots of varieties of microblading face shields on Amazon.

Most artists typically go light in the first round and then have you come back several weeks later after your brows have healed and the color has set. The second time around, because I knew what to expect, the whole healing process flew by quickly.

READ: 16 Seriously Underrated Beauty Products the Pros Love

My brows looked great for a little under two years before the ink started to fade. Even as they faded, it made my life easier because I could still see the shape. Essentially, the faded faux hairs were like a stencil. They helped me fill in the right spots a lot faster and easier. One downside to microblading is that the color can sometimes fade to a reddish tint. I did experience that and had a slight redness behind my brows that I would cover with foundation and apply brow pencil over the top.

There’s also some question over how many times you can get microbladed before you risk experiencing some side effects. Because there is scraping involved, over time, it could lead to scarring and damage to the existing hair follicles. Again, another reason why it’s super important to do your research and to see a very reputable artist. And it’s important to know that risks do exist, especially with repeated procedures.

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Some pros say that a less risky option is nanoblading, which uses a smaller needle and is done by machine, not manually. I tried it earlier this year at a studio in LA. I’ll be honest, I didn’t love my results as much this time around. The hairstrokes didn’t turn out as thin and definitely look drawn on. And for some reason, my right brow just wouldn’t take, which can sometimes happen depending on the oiliness of your skin (my skin is very dry so I’m not sure what was going on). The healing process also felt more intense. My brows darkened a lot during the first week, then scabbed over until the scabs fell off, which is part of the normal healing process. I looked a little crazy for a few weeks. My kids definitely got a good laugh.

Over the first month, the color settled and my brows look better now but still not as natural as they did with microblading. Ultimately, though, having my brows done has made my daily life easier because I think I look more polished and “done up” without having to do anything at all. If I’m going out, I’ll do a quick fill-in and I’m good to go. After this round fades, I may give it a rest for a few years to let my real brows “breathe” and see if I can get any of these real hairs growing (maybe I’ll try a little Kristie Streicher brow rehab).

Bottom line: if you’re considering microblading, I’m definitely still a fan. But be diligent about doing your research into the technique and artist you choose—even though there are ways to remove the ink (emergency saline removal within 48 hours, laser, etc), you’ll be living with this brow look for a few years so you should really love it.

Any questions? Have you tried microblading or nanoblading? I want to hear all about it.

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My Favorite Brow Products

It’s likely a skill issue but I’m just not great at applying colored brow pomades and brow gels. I’ve watched countless videos of artists drawing very realistic looking hairs using Anastasia DIPBROW pomade, for instance, but I always end up looking like I’ve gone wild with a Sharpie. It’s a wonderful product. But just not for me.

My favorites lean toward skinny pencils to draw realistic hairs and clear gels/waxes for taming. Here’s a rundown:

My brow pencil picks

Huda Beauty #BombBrows Pencil, $17: I know that everyone’s technique is a bit different and sometimes it’s cool to shade the whole brow rather than to draw individual hairs. I lean toward the latter. This is my hands-down favorite pencil because it’s extremely thin and on the firmer side, so it draws very realistic hairs. My only complaint is that it doesn’t last long. I bought my last one for 50% off during Sephora’s National Brow Day sale—a good time to stock up.

Refy Brow Pencil, $20: I’ve been impressed by Refy’s brow products. This skinny pencil is a bit more pigmented and slightly softer than the Huda one so it draws a slightly thicker, darker line. That’s a pro or con depending on what you’re looking for.

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil, $26: This is a newer find for me and the one I’m currently using. Similar to the Refy, it’s softer than the Huda so it can fill in sparse areas easily but the “hairs” aren’t as realistic.

My brow tamer picks

I have extremely straight brows that are very hard to coax in a new direction. I love how Glossier’s Boy Brow looks on other people but it’s just not strong enough to hold my stubborn brow hairs down. I’ve tried other products that mimic the laminated effect (like soap brows) but many of those products left me with some white flakes which made it look like I had eyebrow dandruff. These two products have been my keepers so far.

got2b Brow and Edge Gel, $8.49. I did a ton of research at the beginning of the brow lamination craze and tested a bunch of gels and waxes. The got2b Glued hair gel became so popular as a brow gel among people who knew that the brand packaged it into a tube with a brow brush.

Benefit Fluff Up Brow Wax, $26. I got this at the same time I got the Benefit brow pencil I mentioned above. I tried both their brow gel and this wax. Alas, the gel was no match for my mighty brows. But the wax gave them a nice fluff. It’s a different look from the got2b gel which looks more slick and laminated while this offers a more matte fluff-up.

Absolutely no one is doing it like Zendaya

Her fashion, deservedly, gets lots of headlines. But let’s hear it for Z’s hair and makeup team too! I get that the baby bangs were controversial but IMHO, bless an A-list movie star who takes risks that actually suit the whole look and tell a story.

That’s it for now, friends. I kept this edition free for everyone so please hit the like button and share with a friend if you enjoyed it!

Beautyblender Bounce Foundation

“This launched in 2018 and it’s been in my kit since. I use it on nearly everyone and EVERYONE asks what it is. The finish is natural but not too matte, it lasts all day and the shade range is great. Definitely a staple and so many people seem to be unaware of it.” —Lottie, makeup artist and co-host of We Speak Beauty podcast

Dior Backstage Glow Palette

“I think I have tried and own just about every highlighter on the planet but this is hands down the best out there. Gorgeous glow without chunky sparkle which creates a natural dew to the skin. I use this on everyone and even use it on the eyes.” —Lottie

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Bodyography Epic Brow 2-in-1 Eyebrow Gel and Liner

“My unsung hero. It offers medium hold with supreme definition. I love it so, so much.” — Katie Jane Hughes, makeup artist and founder of KJH.brand

Virtue Healing Oil

“It’s a very lightweight oil that has pure hair identical protein that repairs hair and creates the perfect finish sheen. I use it for myself every day and on all of my girls. There isn’t anything else other than my coffee that I use daily.” —Adir Abergel, hairstylist

Back Lotion Applicator

“No specific brands but this is a gadget I frequently recommend to patients, especially for those with dry/eczema skin but cannot reach their back and live alone and need to apply moisturizer or even medication to that area.” — Dr. Jenny Liu, Board-certified dermatologist

Urea

“Urea is an underrated ingredient. Happy to see it now gaining more attention. I feel like AHAs are all the hype and they are great, but can burn on sensitive skin especially those with dry flaky skin or KP and need to use an AHA moisturizer. Urea is a great humectant and over time will also help with those concerns but doesn’t burn. A few products I really like: Cetaphil rough and bumpy with 20% urea (great for rough and cracked feet/heels too), Cerave Diabetic relief has urea, and is not just for those with diabetes, and The Inkey List 10% urea cream is great for face as well.” — Dr. Liu

Veil Cosmetics Automatte Mattifying Balm

“I love it because it can take the place of powder in most situations by toning down the shine but still keeping a fresh skin finish. It also filters/diffuses skin texture. It’s great for everyone but I find it especially helpful with more mature skin because putting powder on mature skin can sometimes crease and define lines and wrinkles and also make the skin looks and feel dry.” — Allan Avendaño, makeup artist

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

“These cream-to-powder blushes blur skin while giving you buildable color that lasts all day. You can even use it on your lips. Everyone will love the ease of using your fingers or a brush to give you a natural looking flush.” — Allan

L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion

“Hands down the best, most effective SPF I’ve ever used especially when it comes to makeup application. This literally disappears into your skin, with absolutely not white cast and even primes the skin for makeup. The other best part is that there will never be flashback whenever you take that group photo making you look like a ghost.” — Allan

Orcé Cosmetics Come Closer Serum Foundation

“WOW these foundations looks so beautiful on, like second skin. The natural radiant finish is so beautiful but the true beauty lies in the skin care properties that improve your skin tone and texture while giving you a flawless finish.” — Allan

Hibiclens Antiseptic Foam

“This isn’t the sexiest recommendation but it’s definitely underrated. I won’t let it anywhere near my face, but whenever I’m working out a lot, I end up with red bumps on my butt. None of the anti-acne body products have ever helped, but Dr. Dendy Engelman thought it might be folliculitis and she suggested I try this foam. I used it a few times in the shower and they cleared right up. It works so well I’ll take the embarrassment of admitting I need it in order to tell other people about it!” — Jennifer G. Sullivan, beauty columnist at The Cut and co-host of Fat Mascara

Zoya Naked Manicure Perfectors

“These have been my most used product for years. They’re sheer, streak-free, buildable tints that give the nail bed a subtle, healthy glow. They’re like no-makeup makeup for nails. I use them to enhance negative space nail art, as a fresh take on the classic milky sheer nude nail, paired in a French mani, or even just on its own to protect my nails. The Lavender perfector brings out the blush tones in the nail bed. The pink is my favorite nude because it achieves the impossible— it’s a nearly universal nude. (I can only think of one client it didn’t look well on.) The formula and the effect are dreamy.” —Miss Pop, nail artist

Oylie body oil

“I actually hate the texture of hand cream. This, I love. It’s quick absorbing and makes skin glow. I put it on my legs in the summer for glowing gams. It’s my wannabe ’90s supermodel trick.” —Miss Pop

göt2b Schwarzkopf —Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray

“It’s super inexpensive, less than $10 for a large can or you can get a mini can (I love a mini everything because I travel so much and I can put it in my kit). It is one of the hardest holding hairsprays and it does not flake!” —DJ Quintero, hairstylist

Hit the “like” button if you enjoyed this story and share your underrated gems in the comments!

Yes, we all know about drinking plenty of water and layering skin care thinnest to thickest. But here are some of the lesser-known tidbits that have stuck in my memory through the years.

Gently blow-drying is actually better for your hair than air drying

Heat styling catches a lot of flack, and for good reason. Heat does damage hair. But your hair is actually in a very vulnerable state when it’s soaking wet because it swells and becomes weak. A study in Korea found that “Using a hair dryer at a distance of 15 cm with continuous motion causes less damage than drying hair naturally.” So it’s better to apply heat protectant and blow it dry on a low heat setting until it’s 90 percent dry. Mind-blowing, right?

READ: 30 Best Beauty Products Under $30

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Paint your nails earlier in the day

If you use regular polish, don’t do your nails after 4PM. Even though it may feel dry after 20 or 30 minutes, polish can still be prone to dings and wrinkles for hours after it feels set, especially if you’ve done multiple or thicker coats. I’ve gone to bed many hours after polishing only to wake up with bed wrinkles etched onto my nails. If you go to a a salon, take the morning or lunchtime appointment.

Chemical sunscreen is not immediate

Physical sunscreens (check out my favorites here) work immediately because they block the sun’s rays. But remember: chemical sunscreens take 15-30 minutes to absorb and to be activated. If you’re going out into full, direct sunlight, apply before you go out and give it a little time.

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Beware of the thinker pose

This sounds like such a silly one but it made a big difference for me. I was having a lot of breakouts on my chin for a while and another beauty editor told me some advice she had heard from a dermatologist: be mindful of how often you touch your chin or rest your chin on your hands throughout the day. After I became more aware of it, I realized that I was constantly doing it. My chin breakouts greatly decreased after I stopped.

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I had been dealing with a bad bout of intensely dry, irritated skin around the bottom half of my face and nothing was working. I was layering hydrators and moisturizers and occlusives and it was still a peeling mess. I’ve been using the dermatologist- and influencer-beloved CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on and off for the past year and it’s typically fine but I occasionally feel a little burning sensation when I put it on.

Although it’s been around since 2005, CeraVe has had such a huge resurgence in recent years. To say that it’s a hot topic on social media is an understatement. As of this morning, CeraVe had 12 billion views on TikTok compared to just 41.6 million views for Vanicream! People are talking about it…and writing about it. On Google, there are 81 million results for CeraVe versus 3.48 million results for Vanicream.

But dear readers, I’m here to tell you: please don’t sleep on Vanicream like I did. I picked up a giant tub (which comes with a handy pump so you’re not tempted to stick dirty hands into it) at Target and wow. It feels like a warm blanket—so heavy and soothing. A word of warning (or praise, depending on how you look at it): this cream is THICK. Does it absorb easily? Absolutely not. In fact, it leaves a slightly white cast until you really put some effort into working it in.

READ: My Glass Skin Holy Grails

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But that’s the point. It’s heavier and more occlusive than other creams, so it really seals in the moisture. If you have oily or acne-prone skin (or just don’t want something quite so thick), you may prefer the lighter Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion, which I hear is also excellent. I posted about loving the cream on Instagram yesterday and about 30 people messaged me in excited agreement and to also put in a good word for the Vanicream cleanser. I can’t personally vouch for it since I haven’t tried it yet. But if you’re in the market for a new gentle cleanser, it sounds like a winner.

The giant 16 ounce tub of Vanicream Moisturizing Cream I bought is just under $14. What a bargain!

Buy Vanicream here

What are your other underrated holy grails? Please do share below! I hear the body butters at Trader Joe’s are amazing. So those are next on my list to try!

Makeup by Mario SuperSatin Lipstick in 917

The folks at Mario sent me this incredible vault of all the new lip shades. I’ve tried about half of them so far (some of the lighter ones are way too light for my skin tone. The one I keep coming back to is the shade 917 which is a midtone warm rose). The texture of this lipstick is divine. The incredibly wearable, creamy formula is easy to apply and feels truly moisturizing and comfortable. (Why did we ever torture ourselves with those drying liquid matte lipsticks back in the day?)

Buy it here

Joico InnerJoi Blowout Crème

Another brand that flies under the radar but shouldn’t. This lovely pre-blowout cream protects from heat damage (a must if you have thinning or damaged hair) and helps control frizz, plus it’s vegan and 96 percent naturally derived. It’s an easy hair styler that makes hair look shinier without weighing it down or making it greasy.

Buy it here

Uni 24 Hour Body Serum

Uni is a new body care brand that uses refillable aluminum bottles to help cut down on single-use plastics. Their body serum is meant to replace lotion (not to be layered necessarily like face serum) and they refer to it as “Face Serum for your Body.” I really appreciate the thought process behind a refillable metal bottle. And I do like the light, easily absorbed serum a lot. That being said, as I’ve mentioned above, my skin is very dry. And unfortunately, I need a thicker moisturizer during winter. I’m finding that my legs, for example, are still quite chalky looking after about an hour. This would be so nice pick for spring or summer though.

Buy it here

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In my lifetime, I’ve tested dozens of mascaras (at least 75+) and only a handful truly nail the center of the Venn diagram for me. This Japanese Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Make waterproof one is my holy grail; but I also really like this Covergirl Lash Blast. But, again, these two are so specific to my short Asian lashes that I have a hard time recommending them to everyone.

READ: 30 Best Beauty Products Under $30

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Last week, I wrote about time-saving products and services, which really inspired me to try a few other “high maintenance to be low maintenance” services that I haven’t already tested out, which brings me to today’s adventure: I got a keratin lash lift for the first time and I’m loving the results so far.

What to expect with a keratin lash lift and tint

I headed over to The Brow Fixx here in LA, which offers all sorts of brow and lash services. A Keratin Lash Lift and Tint costs $150 and takes an hour and 15 minutes. I wondered if I’d really want a tint though since my hair is black. My lash specialist Christina said that, oh, yes, I should indeed get the tint because it would still darken my lash hairs, making them look like they had a light coat of mascara at all times. Ok, sold.

I laid back in the chair and Christina prepped my eyes, cleaning them and gluing a guard on to my upper eyelids.

She meticulously separated each lash, set them to curl over a pad and brushed on various solutions: one to break the hair bonds and one to rebuild. The difference between a keratin lash lift and a regular is that the keratin is thought to strengthen the hairs (similar to when you get a keratin treatment for the hair on your head).

How did it feel?

If you’re someone who gets freaked out with their eyes being touched, you might be uncomfortable. I don’t particularly have an issue with it, although my eyes do tend to water a lot. Christina also told me that some clients tend to twitch, which can drive some of the glue and solution into your eyes and lead to irritation. The whole process goes by pretty quickly—so, just try to lay back and relax. Having a conversation helps too.

What happened immediately after

After Christina removed the pads and cleaned me up, she brushed my lashes and handed me a mirror. My lashes looked lifted like I had gotten a really good curl and darkened just enough to look like I had the lightest coat of mascara on. I loved them. She walked me through the after-care which is very simple. Basically, avoid water and steam for 24 hours. And steer clear of waterproof mascaras and oil cleansers for the duration of your lash lift…more on this below.

READ: 3 Skin Care Devices That Are Actually Worth It

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Mascaras I’m loving post-lash lift

My entire mascara game had to change post-lift since pros suggest not using waterproof mascara which can damage lashes and cause them to fall out faster since they require a bit more muscle to remove. I’m loving Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara at the moment which is giving me nice lift and length but still looks natural. I also this YSL Lash Clast Extreme which didn’t feel quite as natural but it could work for those of you who want a more va-va-voom look.

Pros also suggest not using oil cleansers while you’re caring for your lash lift. As a devoted daily double-cleanser, this is a big deal for me. For the first 24 hours, you can’t get your lashes wet. But as soon as I could wash them, I applied mascara (since I was curious) then used micellar water on a cotton pad that night to remove my makeup. I decided I would not do that again since it felt like too much tugging. So now I’ve been sudsing up a pump of the water-based Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser and although I’m a little nervous I may not be getting all of my makeup off, I’m going to see how it goes.

What are the risks?

As with every procedure, do your research to make sure you’re seeing a trusted professional. Ultimately, this person is working on your delicate eyes and the risk of irritation or infection can be scary if you’re in the hands of someone who’s not following proper protocols or keeping materials clean. If you have very sensitive allergy-prone eyes, you may also want to avoid lash lifts.

Would I do a lash lift again?

Absolutely. A lift and tint costs $150 at Brow Fixx and last about 6-8 weeks, depending on how long it takes for your lashes to fall out. That’s pretty pricy for a recurring expenditure but I would totally consider doing this again for a special occasion or before a trip. Especially for a beach vacation, it makes things very easy knowing that your lashes can looked curled and darkened right out of the water. Special deal for readers! If you’re in the Brentwood, CA, area, Brow Fixx set up a special code. Just mention code MICHELLE20 to get 20 percent off your first lash lift.

What do you think? Have you ever gotten a lash lift? What other “high maintenance to be low maintenance” treatments have you tried? Let me know if there are others you think I should try!

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Wander Beauty Double Date Eyeshadow Duo

Those giant multi-pan eyeshadow palettes used to get me so excited but these days, all I want is a well-curated quad or even better a duo or a single color. This matte plus shimmer stacked duo from Wander Beauty is perfect for everyday wear and I’ve realized, all I need. The Crush + Eye Candy shades look pretty with my coloring. Works well whether it’s applied with a brush or just fingers.

BUY IT

Merit Beauty Solo Shadow

Another pared-down eye product. I’ve become a big fan of the Merit Beauty Solo Shadows. The shades are so chic and add depth without being too fussy. My only issue personally is that cream shadows sometimes get on my lashes a little bit and make it harder to get—and keep—a defined curl on my lashes. So I just have to be extra careful when I apply.

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Nudestix Cream Blush All-Over Face Color

Oh, I love a multistick and these Nudestix all-over colors have been some of my favorites for years. With clean fingers (very important!), you can use this creamy, blendable balm on cheeks, lips, and eyes. And there’s a little brush on the other end for easy blending. I find that any of the nude-rose shades (Nude Buff, Naughty n’ Spice, and Cherie) look nice with my skin tone.

BUY IT

Roz Milk Hair Serum or Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream

If there’s one thing I’m laziest with, it’s my hair for sure. I air-dry it most days and it inevitably ends up in a messy, looped-up ponytail by the end of the day. My hair is naturally straight but ends up frizzy and poofy if I don’t style it. So I’ve found a good styling serum or hydrating styling cream to be very helpful. When my hair is half-dry, I’ll run a few drops of serum or cream from the mid-lengths to ends then scrunch it up a bit for movement. It’s done wonders with making my hair look a touch more finished even though I’ve done almost nothing with it.

BUY ROZ

BUY MOROCCANOIL

READ: How I Finally Faded My Dark Spots

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Zoya Fast Drops

My friend Miss Pop introduced me to these magical quick-dry drops years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. The most time-consuming part of painting your nails is letting them dry. Just drip one drop onto your wet polish and rotate your hand so the droplet covers your entire nail. Boom. Your polish dries much faster and you’re less likely to get dings. So helpful.

BUY IT

Brow Microblading

“High maintenance to be low maintenance” has been trending on Tik Tok recently but it’s certainly not new. Think: laser hair removal to reduce time overall shaving or waxing; having a keratin straightening treatment to cut down on daily styling time; a lash lift and tint to replace daily curling and mascara.

READ: How to Hydrate Your Skin, Really

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I had my brows microbladed years ago and then got them nanobladed more recently. (Side note: Are you interested in this as a longer post in the future? Tell me in the comments!) Depending on the oiliness of your skin, microblading can “take” better on certain people. For whatever reason, my left brow took to the nanoblading better than the right. So I do still need to fill in a bit of the right brow but it’s still been a huge timesaver since the shape of my brow is already semi-permanently tattooed on. In the 90s, I remember thinking that permanent makeup sounded crazy. But I’ve seen the light. Next up, I’m going to try a lash lift for the first time. Stay tuned for more on that!

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But I’ve been curious about the Moxi laser, which claims to be safe for darker skin tones, for a while and a bunch of people have asked me about it. Then I saw that my friend (and fellow Asian-American-skin-haver) Faith Xue, the executive beauty director at the Bustle Digital Group, wrote positively about her experience with Moxi so it tipped me over into the “okay, let’s try it” category.

The Moxi is made by a company called Sciton which also makes the Halo and BBL Hero lasers (broad band light; not Brazilian Butt Lift). It’s been quite buzzy lately, becoming one of the top “tweakments” in Google search. It’s a non-ablative laser (meaning it heats up targeted tissue without destroying it which stimulates your body’s collagen production) that treats sun damage, uneven skin tone, texture and more.

The day of my Moxi laser treatment

I went to Dr. Jennifer Channual, a Board Certified dermatologist at Laguna Dermatology (full disclosure: my treatment was comped). She explained what to expect and we talked through the aftercare instructions (essentially: gentle cleansing, hydration, sunscreen). The longest part of the process was waiting for the numbing cream to fully take effect. After a proper schmear, I waited for about 30 minutes. The actual laser treatment took less than ten minutes. The numbing cream must have been pretty powerful because I hardly felt anything once the laser started zapping away.

How did it feel? Oddly, it felt a little like an at-home dermaroller, like a very light, brief scraping. Nowhere near as intense as Fraxel, which had my eyes tearing up. I was curious what the Moxi would feel like without numbing cream so I asked Dr. Channual if I could try it on the back of my hand and even that didn’t hurt.

Immediately after the procedure, my face looked red (like a mild sunburn) and started getting hot. The medical assistant gave me a handheld fan which really helped to pull away some of the heat. And the doctor applied a cooling hydrogel sheet mask to bring some relief.

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Merit Beauty Five Minute Morning Set

$140.80 on sale

I’ve been really impressed with a lot of the Merit stuff I’ve tried—the tinted lip oil in particular has become one of my favorites. This 7-piece set includes a complexion stick, cheek color, tinted lip oil, blending brush, balm highlighter, mascara and brow pomade. I’ve also grown to love balms and sticks. They truly make application so fast and easy. (Full disclosure: I’m not the biggest fan of stick foundations but, they’re good in a pinch.) Scoop this set up right away while it’s on sale.

Drybar Single Shot Round Blow Dryer Brush

$108.50 with 30% at Ulta

I mentioned the Revlon dryer brush last week (which is about half the price) but the Drybar one comes in a variety with a smaller barrel, the Single Shot, which is good if you have shorter hair (their larger barrel original is called the Double Shot). Both brands are very similar but some people say they feel like the Drybar model makes their hair a bit smoother.

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Olive & June Mani Prep Set

$20.49

As much as I’m a nail fanatic, I’m extremely lazy when it comes to nail care and prep. Cuticle care? Ugh, I just can’t bother sometimes. This 5-piece set includes manicure basics to get you started. Throw in a few nail polishes of your choice to bulk it up to make a bigger gift.

Luminara Flameless Candle

$36.99

I picked one of these up on a whim one day at the Container Store a few months ago. I love candlelight but have cats and a toddler so I’m, frankly, sometimes nervous about having an open flame around. These flameless, faux candles are so convincing. The “flame” waves around slightly, really helping to sell the illusion.

Rechargeable Clip-on Selfie Light

$18.39

The most photogenic people know that the trick to getting a great photo is “finding your light.” A nail artist friend showed me her handy LED light and I ordered one as soon as I got home. It clips easily on to an iPhone or laptop and it’s made a big difference in balancing out shadows and getting clearer photos.

Seasons Soni 2.0 Diffuser

$120

There are lots of pretty essential oil diffusers on the market now (I also like this Vitruvi one). I’m partial to this extremely chic Seasons one, which looks like a little objet d’art on a coffee table.

Inmotion Under-Desk Elliptical

$129

Okay, this is not the sexiest looking gift but it’s so useful! I got one of these to stick under my desk at home and it’s been life-changing. I’m under no illusion that I’m getting an actual heart-pumping workout but, they say that sitting is the new smoking, so getting your legs moving even a little bit throughout the day is super helpful. My mom saw mine and immediately ordered one for their house!

bkr Big Smooth Teddy Water Bottle

$48

Similarly, sometimes you just need a physical reminder to do something healthy for yourself. Yes, I could fill a glass of water. But somehow, having this giant pink water bottle (it’s glass and covered in silicone for safety) is the visual kick I need that reminds me to hydrate.

READ: How to Hydrate Your Skin, Really

Stocking Stuffers

E.L.F. Total Face Sponge

$6

I mostly use brushes for makeup but there are just those times when a sponge still blends better. You can wow them with a Beautyblender ($20) in their stocking or opt for this more affordable E.L.F. one.

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I Dew Care Mini Scoops Face Masks

$17 for three

Similar to the spring water sprays above, I’d buy this 3-set and split them across multiple stockings. These Korean wash-off masks are so cute and come in fun scents.

Mini Avène Thermal Spring Water

$10

You can buy one of these mists alone or buy a set of 3 for $25 if you have more stockings to fill. Their Cold Cream Lip Balm is also nice.

Skin Care Giveaway!

And this holiday season, I partnered with RéVive to give away a $300 gift card for reviveskincare.com! I’ll be posting about how to enter on my Instagram @heymichellelee in the next few days. So follow me there if you don’t already!

A few products to spend that $300 gift card on: Left to right: RéVive All About Face Collection, Masques des Yeux, Intensité Volumizing Serum Ultime, Fermitif Neck Serum, Moisturizing Renewal Oil

*Special thanks to Nadia Suttle for flagging some of these news stories for me!

Sally Beauty to Close 350 Stores by Year End: The Sally stores were such a part of my youth. They were still a place to grab harder-to-find nail tools, hair-cutting accessories, and stuff you’d generally not find at larger stores. This makes me sad.

Dior Addict is the Most Talked About Lip Oil: Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil came in at No. 2 followed by E.l.f.’s Glow Reviver Lip Oil, according to a new Launchmetrics report. I don’t think lip oils will be going anywhere (I personally love balms and oils) but trends are cyclical so let’s all get ready for the return of the super-matte lip soon.

Nylon is Relaunching Print: Before I was the Editor in Chief of Allure, I was the Editor in Chief and Chief Marketing Officer at Nylon and Nylon Guys. It was one of my favorite, most fulfilling jobs—the small and mighty team was so creative and produced some very cool stuff. The brand has switched ownership since then but I will forever be a cheerleader for print (and I do think that people are craving more tactile, tangible items). I’m excited to see what the editors cook up and look forward to seeing the first relaunched issue. I’m hoping its success can help usher in a new era of print, done in a thoughtful, selective way. Thoughts? Feelings? Which magazines would you love to see come back?

That’s it for this week. Next up, I’ll tell you more about the Moxi laser treatment I got recently. The process has been super interesting. If you enjoyed this edition, please hit the “like” button and consider sharing it with a friend!