December 14, 2018

An acetone-free nail polish remover that works, Unite's shampoo for your pup, microneedling patches that do the work for you and a sweet, lip-exfoliating treat.

A nail polish remover you'll actually want to use

As far as essential beauty products go, nail polish remover is at the bottom of the pleasure-to-use list. From the caustic smell that literally burns your nose to the drying effect it has on your nails and fingers, it’s a necessary evil that could use a major experiential upgrade.

The day has finally come in the form of Tenoverten’s Rose Polish Remover Liquid Formula. Free of acetone (yay!) and parabens, it’s also formulated with horsetail leaf extract, essential oils, vitamin E and aloe to deliver hydration as it removes your last manicure. Just keep in mind you may have to hold your cotton ball or pad on each nail for 10-20 seconds to help melt the polish a bit before you wipe it away—but I’m totally down with taking a little extra time to thoroughly remove past-its-prime color without the nose irritation. And since it’s oil-based, it’s imperative to wash your hands well before applying new polish so it sticks to your nails as it should.

I don’t know about you, but I think this is pretty exciting, and I can’t wait to try it!

Your dog deserves this shampoo

I have a confession: I didn’t get my fur-child anything for Chanukah this year—and I feel awful about it. Her disappointment (or maybe confusion) has been palpable each night we’ve lit the menorah, which is why I’ll be making a Target run later today to pick up a few things for her.  

Although it probably won’t arrive before the holiday ends, I’m also ordering a bottle of Unite Doggy ‘Poo, and not just because I actually need some shampoo for her, but because a portion of the proceeds go to not one, but two animal charities. The first is the San Diego Humane Society, and the other is Shelter to Soldier, which rescues dogs at risk of being euthanized and connecting them with post-combat veterans struggling with anxiety or depression who need a furry friend.

So now my sweet Nugget will smell good—and I’ll feel good that I did a little something to help dogs and veterans experience the special bond Nugs and I have.

Treat yourself to this Tom Ford holiday set

If you’re into makeup, skincare and anything beauty-related, the holidays are the best time to get great deals on the stuff you probably want all year long. Case in point: This Tom Ford Iris Bronze Eye & Lip Set.

You get a quad shadow palette (regular price $88) plus two deluxe-sized sample lipsticks for $87—and the shades are simply divine. I have the full-size pinky-nude “Casablanca” lipstick (and absolutely love it), and the “Spiced Honey” would fill a hole in my lipstick collection spectrum. And the shadow palette lets you mix and match to create multiple day and night looks ranging from neutral and natural to sparkly and smoky.

Any makeup-loving lady on your list would love to get this gorgeous gift—and I bet you would, too.

Microneedling for beginners

If you haven’t quite gotten around to working a derma-roller into your skincare routine, what are you waiting for? I understand the task can be a bit daunting (and slightly uncomfortable), yet this skin-rejuvenating treatment really works whether performed at home or at the doctor’s office. Sure, a professional can garner greater results (although it’s more of to-do that requires numbing and potentially the use of an energy like radiofrequency to give your skin’s collagen a kick in the pants)—but a little rolling at home serves up visible improvement in fine lines and overall skin quality.

Still not sold? That’s ok. However, you can dip your toe in the water (so to speak) with Exuviance’s HA Micro-Filler. These little patches are embedded with teeny-tiny cones (note that I didn’t call them needles) that enhance the penetration of the corrective serum that comes with the kit. These cones are also made of hyaluronic acid, so they deliver this line-plumping ingredient into the skin as they dissolve overnight.

This innovative anti-aging product eliminates the physical act of rolling little needles all over your face while providing a similar experience. And once you’re comfortable with the patches (which can be applied to the crow’s feet, forehead lines and smile lines), perhaps you’ll be ready to roll…

This delicious scrub is just what your lips need right now

You surely don’t need a reminder that it’s chapped-lip season. Whether you live up north, out west or down south, even a short-lived dip in temperatures and humidity can affect your lips in the form of dry, flaky skin. Just as with other skin from head to toe, a little exfoliation goes a long way, but you can use any old product on the delicate lip area.

You need a gentle, moisturizing product to smooth things over and leave your lips prepped for lipstick. Enter Whish Beauty’s new Pink Champagne Lip Scrub. Packed with brown sugar, raspberry seed and organic bamboo powder to slough away dry, rough skin and organic shea butter, raspberry butter and aloe to replenish much-needed moisture, you’ll love how your lips look and feel after each and every use—and the flavor is so divine you won’t mind if you get a little in your mouth.

Don’t even think about reaching for a matte lipstick with it—and this scrub helps remove long-lasting color when it’s time to call it a day.