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Ale here, otherwise known as your trusty guinea pig for all things Skimm Tested. While I have an insatiable itch to try nearly every product that comes across my desk, I’m pretty picky about what actually winds up in my shopping cart. So I’m sharing 19 of my favorite accessories, skincare, snacks, decor, and more items I’ve tried that have now become staples in my routine.
Eyeglasses that are as trendy as my sunnies…
I usually only reach for my glasses when I’m watching TV or at a live show, but these Warby Parker frames are so cute, they make me want to wear them everywhere. They have tons of shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from, and somehow, they all work well with my rotating wardrobe.
An alarm clock that’s night owl-approved…
If you know me personally, you know that mornings aren’t exactly my thing. Consequently, alarm clocks are my personal hell. Then I got the Hatch Restore 3 and quickly ate my words. This is the only alarm clock that wakes me up naturally and with a smile on my face. So naturally, I’m influencing myself to buy their newest release: the Hatch Sleep clock. It looks very similar to my current sunrise alarm clock, only this one tracks sleep patterns and gives me a personalized insights I can use for a better sleep routine.
Sheet masks that are high-key luxurious…
When it comes to sheet masks, I look for options that will minimize my pores and plump my skin. Bonus points if they have a soothing, cooling effect. This luxurious Black Diamond sheet mask does all of that and more (like actually lift and tighten the skin). It only takes 20 minutes to work its magic and makes for an overall mess-free experience.
Unique, gift-worthy candles…
There are a lot of candlemakers out there. But if you’re looking for ones that are particularly gorgeous and long-lasting, Paddywax is your answer. The scents are unique but not overpowering, and the vessels moonlight as home decor. Currently, I’m burning the last of my Orange Blossom scent from the A Dopo collection before diving into Pumpkin + Spice from the Apothecary collection.
A skincare brand I rally behind…
I’ve tried PCA’s exfoliating pads, hydrating toner, and moisturizer and can safely say they’re all absolutely worth their price tags. Each formula is gentle but effective on my sensitive, combination skin. After one week of daily use, my skin was glowing like never before. I’m not sure if the sleek packaging has anything to do with it, but this is one luxury brand I’m not willing to give up.
A pair of running sneakers for stiff knees…
I’m the kind of person that will drive to the gym to run on a treadmill if it means avoiding running on concrete. Since I have tendonitis in both knees, sneakers with heavy shock absorption is imperative. Brooks’ running shoes are the thickest, most cushioned sneakers I’ve ever worn. I first fell in love with the Glycerin Max 2 a few years ago, and have since traded up to the Hyperion Max 4. The support and comfort of both shoes are simply unmatched and my knees have never felt better.
Body washes with the best scents…
These foaming body washes from Method are so nice, it’s hard to believe you can find them at most drugstores. Personally, I’m a big fan of their jasmine and sandalwood scent. So much so that I got it as a body and hair spray, too. Most scents are available as sets, too.
A hair tool I’m not too lazy to use…
I’m lucky to have pretty manageable wavy hair, so historically, I haven’t felt the need to use many tools. That is, until this T3 Aire 360 styler arrived at my house. It comes with two curling barrels, a blow dryer, and a round brush attachment that all seamlessly connect to a lightweight handle. Once I realized that the round brush attachment gives me salon-level blowouts in under 20 minutes (and it doesn’t give me an arm workout in the process), I was sold. Two years later, the device still acts and looks brand new.
A sweet treat with added protein…
A while back, I asked different HQ’rs to taste-test popular snacks that have been enhanced with protein. What many people don’t know is that this test was actually inspired by my sampling of Protein Pints’ delicious ice creams. After trying their chocolate and cookies and cream flavors, I was shocked by how similarly they tasted to other brands with the same flavors sans protein. They’re a great way to get some extra protein in throughout the day without having to break out the blender.
Decadent cookies I snag for every birthday…
I refuse to wait in a long line for baked goods, so the fact that these indulgent cookies get delivered right to my door is a huge win. The packaging is gift-ready (I’m a sucker for funny labels) and the flavors and textures are next-level good. Storing is easy too, since they come individually packaged in sealed bags for freshness, and can last up to two months in the freezer.
The backpack I wear to work every day…
There are plenty of commuter backpacks to choose from, but many of them are more utilitarian than they are fashionable. That’s not the case with this Lo & Sons backpack. It’s sleek, like a tote or briefcase, but sits comfortably on my shoulders when I’m taking the subway to work or bouncing around the city. It has a designated pocket for my laptop and a built-in organizer you can remove if you prefer.
Wellness patches I take with me everywhere…
Once I realized I could alleviate travel stress with what is effectively a body sticker, my world opened up. Barrière infuses their barely-there patches with vitamins and adaptogens that gradually seep through your skin throughout the day. I currently use their vitamin D3 and stress and mood support patches to get me through these colder, busier months.
An electric toothbrush that upgraded my morning routine…
I’ve dabbled with electric toothbrushes in the past, but Suri is the one brand I keep coming back to. It has all the right features, like a built-in timer, a space-saving charging base, and a thorough, yet comfortable brush head. Additionally, Suri’s brush heads are made of plant-based materials, so I don’t feel as bad about replacing them (plus the brand recycles used ones for free). The sanitizing UV light built into the travel case is also an excellent touch.
My favorite pen, hands down…
You can imagine how much time my team of writers spends defending their favorite pens. Consider this my soap box for pens from Ruff House. While they’re known for their excellent stationary and greeting cards, I have yet to find a pen as smooth and as delightful as their gel pens. The ink is crisp and the themed text written on its barrel is sure to make you (or someone special) smile.
A hat that speaks to me…
This hat really says it all, doesn’t it? We’ve written about this hat as a pick for holiday gifts, Fashion Week, or a just-because purchase, and it’s a hit every time. As an only child, I find it cheeky and very spot-on, thank you very much. Favorite daughters, unite.
A suite of eco-friendly cleaning products…
I featured this cleaning set from Blueland in a New Year’s video about factory-resetting your life, and I’m happy to report it’s one habit that has officially stuck. The kit includes a hand soap dispenser, three spray bottles, and four scented cleaning tablets that are activated by tap water. A year later, the bottles and dispenser are in mint condition, and all I’ve ever had to replace were the $4 tablets every two to three months.
The best cooling sheets for hot sleepers (aka me)...
I tried these sheets for the first time last year and have since gifted a set to my parents, a few friends, and my boyfriend’s entire family. That’s how much I love them. They have a slight sheen, which gives hotel luxury, and feel instantly cool the moment I get into bed. I wash them weekly, and each time, they come out wrinkle-free, silky-soft, and vibrant as ever.
Hand sanitizer that doubles as skincare…
Hand sanitizer is a must when you live in a city like New York. My choice has and will always be Gemi. The formula is part sanitizer, part serum, so it leaves your hands feeling ridiculously soft and hydrated. The bottles are small enough to shove in my back pocket, and my friends are constantly asking me what perfume I’m using whenever I add a few spritzes. Sike, it’s sanitizer.
My favorite pair of leggings…
These might be the strongest, most durable pair of skin-like leggings I’ve ever tried. Usually I wear one clothing item to the ground, but these leggings are so buttery soft and perfectly compressed, I asked my parents for one in every color as a holiday gift. The 7/8 length means I can wear them with crew or no-show socks and feel just as chic in both.