The Multitasking Micellar Water I Take on Every Vacay
Remember when it seemed like everyone was going crazy for Bioderma Crealine, buying marked-up bottles on Amazon and bulk-shopping on trips abroad? Well, that was then. Now, not only are micellar waters pretty much everywhere in the U.S., they are some of the cheapest beauty products you can buy at the drugstore. What a time to be alive!
After realizing my old standby micellar water isn't cruelty-free, I discovered It Cosmetics Miracle Water, $38. It's a little spendier than other micellar waters but also contains more powerful ingredients like hyperpigmentation-busting licorice root, wrinkle-fighting peptides, and antioxidant vitamin C. You can use it to cleanse, remove waterproof eye makeup, and tone and rehydrate dull-looking skin.
Miracle Water is so gentle and multifunctional that I've started taking a teeny-tiny version with me when I travel. It takes up so little space in my bag and does so much for my skin that I almost feel low-maintenance. — Katie McCarthy
Cover image via @itcosmetics
The Root Concealer Spray That Instantly Hides My Grays
Fellow dark-haired women, you'll feel me on this: For that week or two before a color appointment, the peek-a-boo gray roots around my part are the bane of my existence. Yeah, yeah, blondes can have grays too, but come ON. The extreme contrast of white against deep brown makes them so. freaking. obvious. Which, in turn, makes me look way older.
I've tried pretty much every root cover-up there is, so I can assuredly say that Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch-Up Spray, $25, is the very best one out there. It's got a targeted nozzle, so the color goes right where you need it, there are five shades (I wear Dark Brown/Black), it covers grays instantly and completely, and then it totally stays put until I wash it out. Try it, because I promise: It will be love at first spritz. —Alyssa Hertzig
Cover image via @ritahazan
The Brushes That Make Me Feel Like a "Game of Thrones" Warrior
Have you seen the new "Game of Thrones" x Urban Decay collab? It's quite dreamy and includes everything from a Daenerys-inspired lip/cheek stain to a Lannister gold eyeliner.
For me, though, the clear stars of the collection are the brushes: There's Jon Snow's Longclaw, $28, a fluffy eyeshadow brush and Arya Stark's Needle, $28, a flat eyeshadow brush (appropriately) designed for precision work.
Each brush has a satisfying heft to it and the attention to detail is glorious: Longclaw features a white direwolf on the pommel, complete with ruby red eyes, while Needle has a delicate gold handguard. In other words, they look like you grabbed them straight out of your TV screen.
The quality of the brushes themselves is very good as well (personally I tend to be a fan of Urban Decay's brush offerings), but the real draw of these is the novelty. I don't know that I've ever felt cooler than when I used Longclaw to brush on a dusting of the burnished bronze "Casterly Rock," following it up with a hint of "Winter Is Here" at the lashline using Needle. Honestly, the joy of using tiny replica swords to apply eyeshadow is an experience that we all deserve. — Rosie Narasaki
Cover image via @urbandecay
The Coolest Vitamin C Product I've Tried To Date
I’m a huge advocate of taking preventative measures to slow the aging process. One ingredient I’ve become extremely fond of over the years is vitamin C. Touted for its glow-boosting properties, I can honestly say it’s a staple in my skin care regimen. Vitamin C promotes collagen production, and firms and smoothes skin, giving you a more even complexion. It also helps to protect your skin from free radical and sun damage, as well as reverse the signs if you already have some.
Vitamin C serums are great, I’ve tried many of them. One thing to consider with this potent ingredient is that you have to use it or lose it. Vitamin C is quick to oxidize, which means it becomes no longer effective after exposure to air and sunlight. Ever see a serum turn brown? That’s oxidation! I recently discovered a powder form of our hero ingredient: Cosmedix Pure C Vitamin C Mixing Crystals, $54, and I’m hooked.
Because the formula is in powder form, it’s completely stable and will not oxidize. It’s meant to be mixed in with your favorite moisturizers and serums to enhance your glow without adding an extra layer of product to your face. I personally like to sprinkle it in with a few drops of my other skin care faves and mix them all together before applying them to my face. It’s completely lightweight and it doesn’t cause dryness or flaking like some other vitamin C products. I love that it’s gentle enough to use daily. This product can be used day or night, but if used at night, make sure to use SPF as vitamin C products can leave your skin more prone to sunburn.
With repeated use, the texture and tone of my skin is brighter and clearer than usual. I can tell the difference when I skip using it. Even better, this cute little jar has lasted me months and shows no signs of running out. If your'e looking for a firmer, glow-ier complexion, or a travel-friendly vitamin C that will not oxidize, I suggest you give Pure C Mixing Crystals a try. -- Hannah Savin
To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @the_beauty_whoreder
Thumbnail via: @cosmedix_
This Glow-Boosting Setting Powder Is TRULY Translucent
Based on my experience with most face powders, "translucent" is almost always a lie. Most translucent powders work only for people firmly in the middle of the skin-tone spectrum. If you have dark skin, those powders look chalky and unnatural on your complexion; if you're pale, like me, they make you look like you went face-first into a pile of bronzer.
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, $46, is different. I can't speak to how this powder looks on deep complexions — although its Sephora reviews are almost universally glowing — but it's perfect on porcelain skin like mine. It doesn't create an orange-y or brown cast on my face and contains a super fine shimmer that leaves skin radiant, not glittery. And it's created by a company that's on track to be the first vegan luxury beauty brand. Sold! — Katie McCarthy
Cover image via @hourglasscosmetics
