These were a few of my favorite things.
Days of grey and rain; both L.A. and I needed the compulsory pause.
The world abound with the idea of romance. Say what you will about the kitsch and cliché of Valentine’s Day, but what could be sweeter than darling desserts, bouquets, and a palette of cherry, burgundy, and chantilly cream at every turn?
Lighting a candle every other morning. Make a ritual of work, and work will begin to feel more fulfilling than like an obligation. I’ve been burning Nepo Latrop Paupouli with as much diligence as I have devotion—so much so that even when the candle is unlit, my apartment still smells like an altar of smoked vanilla and honeyed leather.
Finding two more first-edition books by Eve Babitz to add to my collection. (Another altar of sorts, for women writers whose prose has fundamentally changed, or spoken to, me.)
Clarity, finally. In the holistic sense—especially after the literal dust and debris settled post-wildfires—but more (vainly) so concerning my skin. It’s been a battle over the last three years, a change largely attributed to moving cross-country, entering a new decade, and pivoting my career in such a short period. I wouldn’t change any decision, but admittedly, would’ve been considerably happier had I sooner understood what my skin needed. (This was all the more frustrating because I work in beauty, and have over a decade of skincare under my belt.)
My skin is fickle still, but a little less unpredictable than before. Incorporating Augustinus Bader The Cream into my daily regimen has been one of the few changes that have made a visible difference in both my skin texture and tone.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Stick Foundation. Working brand-side in beauty for so long has made me a scrupulous beauty editor. I can’t help but be dubious of viral products—which more often than not, are industry plants backed by incredible marketing power—and while I can admire them from a business perspective, I’m critical of the formula itself. The Dior multi-stick is worth it; not only is it one of the best natural-looking foundations I’ve yet tried, it’s gorgeous layered for a full-beat, flash-on moment.
Meeting Edward Bess at Dover Street Market L.A. I happened to be doing some reconnaissance for upcoming projects (one of which involves Chopova Lowena’s new fragrance collection), and this impromptu introduction felt rather kismet. There’s a specific cohort of beauty brand founders I adore and truly find magic in what they create; Bess is one of them.
Indulging. Notable bites include Crossroads’ Lion’s Mane Tart; Camélia’s grilled oyster mushroom, Tokyo negi soubise, and taré plate (the Spritz is perfectly crisp, too); ADKT’s vegan risotto (a Valentine’s Day special); Chill Since ’93’s vegan sandwich; and Suá Superette’s strawberry matcha latte.
A Valentine’s Day delivery from Cartier. Pinch me, even now.
And finally, a bounty of new perfumes to play with. Initio Narcotic Delight bewitched (surprisingly, so much so I wrote about it here and have worn it at least twice a week since); Amouage Purpose stunned; Cartier L’Heure Convoitée brought joy; Edward Bess Good Love captivated; and Kerosene Found in Light haunts.
. . .
xx
A SENSIBLE EDIT
Your turn. Thoughts?