December 24, 2021

Jones Road, two-in-one lash/brow products and when skincare and sleepwear collide.

Jonesing for a new makeup look?

Every once in a while I feel the urge to give my makeup drawer a little pick-me-up—and that moment is happening right now. The timing actually couldn’t be better thanks to an endless supply of holiday kits, and I have my eye on “Bobbi’s Gift Edit” from Jones Road.

ICYMI, Bobbi Brown sold her eponymous brand to Esteé Lauder in 1995, and she was off the makeup radar (I’m assuming due to a non-compete clause in her contract) until she launched Jones Road a little over a year ago. Her new endeavor has the same tightly-edited feel as her first, and I’m happy to report Bobbi is still all about a less-is-more approach to makeup focusing on easy-to-use, finger-friendly, “clean” formulas.

The highlight (no pun intended) is the Miracle Balm. I’ve been obsessed with this magical soft-focus, light-reflecting balm since I first laid eyes on it. You can use it alone for a fresh-faced glow, or over foundation for a beautiful boost.

To complete the full oh-so-natural look, you get the Just A Sec Eye Tint in “Golden Peach,” The Best Eyeshadow in “Dark Brown,” The Best Pencil in “Black, the Cool Gloss in “Original” (clear) and a use-anywhere (i.e. face, body and hair) hydrating Hippie Stick.

The best part: These are all “basics” that everyone should have on hand, and they are guaranteed to play nicely with all the makeup you already have!

Longer lashes and bushier brows in one tube

I go through phases when it comes to paying extra attention to my lashes and brows. I’m either all in or totally out, but one product feature that keeps me going is a single product that can be used on my lashes and brows.

My current go-to is Talika’s Lipocils Expert, which has been a bestseller for like, forever. Through technically formulated to enhance the thickness, length, curl and color of your lashes, the wand features two applicator options that let your brows get in on the action. For lashes, you use the foam tip to apply product along your lash line (like liquid eyeliner) before using the spoolie to coat your lashes like mascara. While I’m at it, I use the spoolie on my brows to help keep their growth going strong while getting a bit of smoothing and hold.

I’m almost done with my tube, so I’m on the hunt for its replacement. (I like to try new products whenever possible—unless I fall madly, deeply in love with something and can’t imagine living without it.) The frontrunner is Maya Chia’s Power Fol Multi-Correctional Lash and Brow Serum. Packed with four lengthening and strengthening peptides, this serum has separate applicators for the lash line and brows—and offers up an instant volume boost that makes a great primer for mascara while giving your brows a little extra oomph. (And the extra-large tube definitely helps justify the $110 price tag.)

Sleepwear, skincare or both?

We’ve all upped our loungewear game over the past (almost) two years, and this category has come to take up more room in my closet than I’d care to admit. My collection falls into three categories… Obviously there’s the top tier of fancy silk PJs for celebratory occasions (like New Year’s Eve, which I don’t go out for anymore). Then there are the sets that I could get away with if someone happened to pop over for a glass a wine (and were definitely worn for backyard happy hours when we were social distancing and I was really leaning into the lounge). Lastly, there’s the bottom tier of old tee shirts, scrubs (stolen from an ex), and other pieces that are past their prime but still comfy and comforting on some level.

One genre of loungewear I have not slipped into as of yet is skincare-infused textiles, such as PH5’s PJ5 sleepwear. (You’d think I would have, but I’m not completely sold on their level of efficacy and these pieces are way expensive.) Whether you opt for a ruffled tee and leggings or jumpsuit (which I’m really crushing on), these eco-friendly fabrics are infused with hyaluronic acid—yep, the same hydrating ingredient found in your hydrating serums and moisturizers.

According to the company, eight hours in this loungewear equals the hyaluronic acid content of 3,500 sheet masks (say what?) and the fabric has been tested and shown to retain its HA for 40 washes. I’m a pretty open-minded person but I just don’t see how this is possible. (But if the lovely folks at PH5 were willing to send me a set, I’d certainly give them a try!)

P.S. The men’s-inspired pajama set (or just the top or bottoms!) is 100% cotton minus the hyaluronic acid, and they would make for a great gift or splurge without feeling like a sucker.

What do you think???