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From the coolest Birkenstocks to a buttery-soft hoodie.
Sometimes, I feel like Carrie Bradshaw on the OG Sex and the City. I sit in front of my window, typing on my computer, but unlike Bradshaw, who wrote about love and the complications of dating as a 30-something woman in New York City, I get to write about things. TBH, writing about products can also be complicated (though maybe not as complicated as dating in the city), and it can also get messy, like dating. But, the nice part about testing and trying products for a living is that I know what I really like—again, similar to dating (okay, I’m done with the comparisons now!).
I try hundreds of products a season—in every category—and, after years of doing so, I’m quick to know which ones are 100 percent worth it and which deserve an immediate pass. So, after weeding though more products than I can count, I’m dishing out on the six that majorly leveled up my life, from a pair of Mary Jane flats that basically feel like cushy sneakers to a Spanx hoodie that’s so soft, I forget I’m wearing it.
See everything below and shop the pieces for yourself, too.
6 Products That Leveled Up My Life
- Birkenstock Tokio Birkenstock Clog, $160; freepeople.com
- Alastin Ultra-Light Moisturizer, $88; alastin.com
- Spanx AirEssentials Cinched Hoodie, $128; spanx.com
- Mother Science Retinol Synergist, $77 with code LABORDAY24 (Originally $96); motherscience.com
- Scarlett Chase Belle Ballet Flats, $350; scarlettchase.com
- Papier Rouge Wildflowers Wedding Invites, $200 for 100; papier.com
Birkenstock Tokio Birkenstock Clog
$160 at Freepeople.com
I’m German, and that makes me the most obvious of Birkenstock’s fans. I know, I know! But in all honesty, the German footwear brand’s shoes are top-notch, and it has the history (and the celeb fanbase) to prove it. That said, I recently tried a limited-edition pair that’s sold on Free People and I can’t stop raving about it; the style is like the Kendall Jenner-worn Bostons, but with a practical twist: ahem, that backstrap. I’ve worn my fair share of Birkenstock slip-ons, and while I love the ease of wear, I don’t love how easily I can slip out of them. This Tokio style eliminates that for secure, all-day wear.
Alastin Ultra-Light Moisturizer
$88 at Alastin.com
From the moment I heard Martha Stewart was a fan of Alastin, I knew I had to try its products. Alas, a few days later, a big box of all of its best-sellers arrived at my front door, the first of which I tested was this ultra-light moisturizer that’s the best I’ve ever used. I struggle with an oily T-zone, especially in the summer, but this game-changing cream calms, soothes, and hydrates without any residue that’ll make me look shiny or greasy.
Spanx AirEssentials Cinched Hoodie
$128 at Spanx
Spanx? Say no more. AirEssentials collection? You’re speaking my love language now. Spanx AirEssentials is a comfy dream that everyone and their mother—and Oprah, of course—has to try, for all occasions. I’m currently keen on this super-soft, cinched-waist hoodie that’s quietly stylish, too. I plan on pairing it with my black silk midi dress, ballet flats, and oversized hoops. Fall outfit perfection? I think so!
Mother Science Retinol Synergist
Orig. $96 $77 at Motherscience.com
I always keep an eye out for the latest and greatest in the beauty world, and when I was recently introduced to Mother Science, I was intrigued—and that’s an understatement. It’s a biotech beauty brand (like the name suggests), founded by Mike Einziger, guitarist of the Incubus and violinist Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger, with a science-first approach. The results? Game-changing skincare, like its Retinol Synergist that’s ideal for my sensitive skin. Shoppers say this wrinkle-fighting serum is unlike anything else—no irritation and no retinol burn—and that’s why, as a retinol beginner, this has a front-row spot in my beauty cabinet.
Scarlett Chase Belle Ballet Flats
$350 at Scarlettchase.com
I’m a big fan of Scarlett Chases’ shoes; I wore a pair for my wedding rehearsal dinner in Italy and can’t wait to pull out my luxe suede boots from the brand come fall. However, before it gets too chilly outside, I’m wearing these ultra-cute Mary Jane ballet flats to death. They have a soft-pink patent leather outer that’s so on-trend, a comfy strap to keep them securely on my feet, even when I’m running around town, and a game-changing, arch-cradling rebounding foam-cushioned footbed that you have to feel to believe. These might look like average flats, but trust me when I say that they’re not—they’re 10-times better.
Papier Rouge Wildflowers Wedding Invites
$200 at Papier.com
I recently got married (I know, I’ve written about it a lot), but one thing I wish I knew about more than anything else wedding-related is where to snag the best wedding invites. I did a lot of research beforehand and tried a few options that weren’t up to par until I finally landed on Papier’s gorgeous, top-quality invites. With so many design options, all customizable, you’re able to get an invite that really feels like you. We went with these dainty Wildflower invites to go with our romantic Italian villa theme, and when they arrived, they felt ultra-luxe. Everyone complimented them, and obviously, I’m going with Papier’s picks for our wedding thank you cards, too.