I'm back...

I've gathered a lot of personally-purchased product intel over the past year, and it's my pleasure to share it with you.

Well, hello again! I apologize for the year-long hiatus, but I have a few good excuses. Things got a little cray in my personal life (although I’m happy to report all is relatively back to normal on that front), and I’ve been super-busy with actual work that pays the bills. (Kids aren’t cheap, am I right?) I’m still cranking out a lot of words for several skincare and haircare companies as well as dermatologists, but I’ve recently found myself jotting down more and more beauty musings. It’s been nice to feel the creative energy bubbling up once again, but the pile of sticky notes started to get out of control.

So let’s just get to it… These are the products that have been elevated to obsession-worthy since we last connected.

BTW, Substack is a lot more fun when you use the app! You can view my posts, see my “Notes” (which are basically thoughts that don’t warrant a full post) and we can even “Chat” with each other!

#1: Sakara Metabolism Super Powder

Back in January, I went for my three-month oncologist visit and I had gained 8 pounds since the last time I was there. I knew I had put on a few before the actual number was confirmed, so I embarked on a one-month “fat burning” Lululemon Studio (formerly “The Mirror”) program of cardio and strength training. This didn’t tip the scale (for me)—at all—and it also wreaked havoc on my joints. So I did a complete overhaul that included going back to low-impact Pilates, Barre and yoga, and replacing my daily breakfast with a Sakara smoothie. I lost those 8 pounds (and more) within one month and my persistent bloating is gone. It helped restore my “regularity,” my stomach has never been flatter and I feel GREAT! (Feel free to hit me up for the recipe!)

#2: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 1970

I’ll cut to the chase… This splurge is totally worth it. Just keep in mind that there are several iterations of this toner. I’ve only tried the original 1970 version (phenol and all) and absolutely love the way it makes my skin glow. I won’t lie: This shit stinks to high hell, so I use it after my mid-day post-workout shower to avoid climbing into bed smelling like rancid vinegar at the end of the day. But I repeat, it’s SO worth it.

#3 (Part 1): This weighted sleep mask

Sleep has always been an issue for me, and after seeing several glowing reviews for this totally affordable eye mask, I bought it. OMG, the total black-out and gentle pressure were game-changers. And my son wanted to put it on every night after our end-of-day snuggle/Wordle (when I’m always thisclose to passing out). Full disclosure: The giggles of excitement he experiences every time may have influenced this review.

#3 (Part 2): Manta Sleep Mask Sound

I always send my husband links to items I’d like to be gifted with—it’s just easier, less stressful and more efficient that way. So after my success with the above sleep mask, I decided I wanted to kick it up a notch for Mother’s Day with something that lets me enjoy the rainstorm sounds that send me to dreamland without freaking out the dog. (Seriously.) The first night I had this bluetooth-driven mask, I went to bed at 9:30 because I was so excited. Since then, I’ve learned to choose my sound tracks more carefully, so I’m not awakened by a crack of thunder at 1 a.m. Last night I didn’t wake up once from the time I went to bed until 4 a.m.—which was confirmed by my Oura ring. This is beyond a winner.

#4: Maelys B-FLEX Lift & Firm Arm Cream

I’m in pretty good shape at the moment (if I may say so myself), but skin laxity on upper arms has really been getting to me. (Thanks, 46.) I’ve been using Deciem’s Retin-Oil which has been great for firming the skin around my knees and on my thighs, but wasn’t doing a damn thing for my arms. Enter this amazing-smelling purple cream, which imparts a heating sensation that makes me believe it’s working (and I’ve seen visible results as well). My advice: Try not to get this cream in your elbow creases, because it can be a little uncomfortable. P.S. The Deciem oil may have been discontinued, so I’ll be trying the Maelys B-GLOSSY next.

#5: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick

I went to NYC last month and was finally able to try this IRL at Bergdorf Goodman (which is basically the only store I actually enjoy shopping in). To call this foundation life-changing is an understatement. All you have to do is dot it onto areas you need coverage (for me, under the eyes, around my nose and a small stripe on each lower cheek)—and it’s buildable if you need more coverage in certain spots. I blend it with the large end of the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7, and use the small end to pick up a bit of creamy color and oh-so naturally conceal blemishes. For special occasions (i.e. not running errands) I start with the Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer in Golden and the results are resplendent.

#6: Dossier

Remember Designer Imposters perfumes? I guess this brand is kind of like that, but you won’t find “inspired by Giorgio” or “inspired by Obsession” here. I’ve been seeing this relatively new brand all over social media, and I ordered their version of Le Labo Thé Noir 29 out of sheer curiosity. (This scent has been on my wishlist for quite some time, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to part with $220.) Holy shit, it’s a dead ringer. So much so that I ordered their version of Chanel Bleu for my son, because over my dead body am I buying him a $100+ bottle of cologne to take to camp.

The product I’m not into (at all): Period underwear
I know I’m totally aging myself here, but so be it. Despite the fact that it’s an anomaly that I get my period since I’ve been taking tamoxifen for 2 years, I still do. With that said, my regular flow is so light that a tampon isn’t really necessary. I decided to try period underwear and my opinion is a resounding no. Beyond the crinkly sound that reminds me of a dog toy and the sheer messiness of it all (sorry)—I gave it a shot and then promptly threw the 3 pairs I bought into the trash. I’m still Team Tampon all the way—no matter how light my period may be these days—although I know its days are numbered.

It’s good to be back! I’m sure I’m forgetting several purchase-worthy products, but there’s always next time.

If there’s anything you’re itching to know about or would like me to cover, I’d love to hear from you!

xoxo,
Paige