1. I’m thoroughly convinced that I must be the luckiest girl in the world. To be surrounded by so much love—not to mention, all the flowers, thoughtful trinkets, and plant-based sweets in the world—is to be rich. I know there’s little cachet in being earnest on the Internet of all places, but I can’t help who I am. A realist forever, but a romantic and eternal optimist at heart. (And a sap who only gets softer with age; my brother’s birthday card made me cry.)
2. Early mornings, I smell like Profumum Roma Meringa. In the evenings (as of last Thursday), it’s been Perfumehead LA LA Love; one spritz on each ankle is the perfect amount for a desirous effect. Having just these two has been a welcome break—luxury, even—between the extensive fragrance testing calling for at least one new perfume a day. (Which means: new guides are forthcoming.)
3. A few more current beauty fixations:
- Makeup by Mario The Neutrals eyeshadow palette, which without hyperbole, is perfect in shade selection, pigmentation, and performance.
- Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter, the only scent that matters from line, in my opinion. All the hype it’s gotten since launch is warranted.
- Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil in Bliss, the best tinted lip oil, period. Many have launched before and after this one; though some have been lovely, there’s no comparison. Ami Colé’s shades are stunning (Bliss enhances the pinkness of my lips without losing its neutral undertone), the formula cushions and smooths, and because size matters (especially if you love a tiny bag like me): the packaging is just right. No bulkiness, no excess, just a proper purse and pocket-sized gloss you can bring everywhere.
- Philip B Straightening Baume, which has completely transformed how I straighten my hair. I have 2B hair so running it through a flat iron takes mere minutes, but getting the sleekness to last before soft bends return has been an impossible feat. This styling product, however, makes achieving that supremely straight look a reality—and maintains it until my next wash. Incredible.
- Deborah Lippmann Dirty Little Secret, a sheer, shimmery taupe polish. This was a signature nail color I’d forgotten about until a few weeks ago while wandering the aisles of Larchmont Beauty Center (perhaps the only drawback to working in an industry that thrusts newness upon you by the hour).
4. In my ears: “High With Your Lover” (Sweet Bill), “Art,” (Tyla), and all of Cowboy Carter, obviously. I never thought I’d listen to country music willingly, but Beyoncé brought the kind of soul and depth that resonated with me. And on my ears? The tiniest Catbird diamond baguette hoops to match the studs I picked up at New Top Jewelry while in New York two months ago. Diamonds are my birthstone, after all.
5. Every year has only gotten better. Here’s to another year around the sun.
. . .
xx
Your turn. Thoughts?