Iconic-To-Be: The New Beauty Classics
“I love trying new products,” said every beauty junkie ever, but there’s also something to be said about finding a product you love and staying loyal to it. It’s the kind of security that comes with being able to say, “No thanks,” when a cashier offers you a receipt.
There are some products so good it doesn’t matter that our mothers and grandmothers used them. In fact, we like it that way. From Frizz-Ease to Chanel No5 and Dove Soap, there are so many classics that will always have a spot in our in hearts and medicine cabinets.
Then, there are new classics. These are innovative products that haven’t been around quite long enough to be called iconic. But, they are certainly on their way. So, get ready to start looking beautiful and stop collecting receipts. Here are some of my favorites:
StriVectin Intensive Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles
This is every conversation I’ve ever had trying to buy eye cream:
Me: I’m looking for one eye cream that will help with wrinkles and puffiness to use day and night.
Salesperson: Well, this one is great for wrinkles at night.
Me: Can I use it during the day?
Salesperson: I wouldn’t. Let me should you another one that’s more for day.
Me: Do either help puffiness?
Salesperson: No, but here is a different one that does.
Me: It also helps with wrinkles, right?
Salesperson: No, just puffiness.
Me: Day and night?
Salesperson: Only at noon.
Me: I want to cry, but I’m wearing too much eye makeup.
Salesperson: Do you need eye makeup remover?
(FACEPALM)
When it comes to eye products, I want just one to take care of all my needs. Until I found StriVectin Intensive Eye Concentrate, I was convinced that was never going to happen. This treatment does everything very well, uses patented technology and its effectiveness has been proven in scientific studies. The search is over.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
I love serum in the same way I love sunshine, air and almond milk lattes. It’s a necessity. My skin, while really good most of the time, has a few dark spots, but since I started using SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, they’ve been fading like me at the end of a Pop Physique class.
I first discovered the SkinCeuticals brand at Dr. Sheila Nazarian’s office. She is one of those doctors who is so gorgeous, she could also be a model, so I trust her with skincare (among other things) completely. This serum is super concentrated with 15% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid, so it is truly anti-ageing.
Clinique Pep-Start™ HydroBlur Moisturizer
Do you ever wish you could Photoshop your face IRL? Well, that is exactly what Clinique Pep-Start™ HydroBlur Moisturizer does. Instead of seeing fine lines and big pores, all you see is your fine face! I like this product because it’s oil-free and has a matte finish. So, you can wear it under makeup (and even skip primer, if you use it), but it also enhances a bare face. Pro Tip: A little goes a long way.
Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips
Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips is the epitome of new classic. You’ve probably used regular Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips at one point and took pride in counting the blackheads that were once on your face. Biore added charcoal to their classic strips and super charged them to reduce oil and deep clean the pores. I love to use these once a week or in a pinch when I need a facial and can’t get one.
ESPA Micellar Water
I like ESPA Micellar Water for several reasons. It has a fresh, naturally-derived scent and I’ve found it works better than the Micellar wipes I’ve bought at the drug store. The packaging is also a game changer. The bottle has a built-in pump you press down on, so the perfect amount is dispensed. It’s also easy to travel with. More importantly, you don’t have to worry about spilling, which is something I do almost constantly.
If I’m going to be technical, Micellar Water itself is more a “classic” than “new classic” because it has been available for over one hundred years. But, it didn't become popular until around 2015 in the US. If you are wondering, micells are oil molecules suspended in water that attract impurities in your skin, removing them gently. I personally use Micellar Water in place of toner and to freshen up after working out.
Drybar 100 Proof Treatment Oil
Drybar 100 Proof Treatment Oil is truly one of my favorite products ever. I’ve tried so many oil products, I’ve lost count. This has been my go-to for over a year now and it’s been such a game changer. Most oils make my hair look greasy, but no matter how often I use it or how much I use, Drybar 100 Proof Treatment Oil does not. My hair always feels soft, light and way less straw-like.
Drybar Mai Tai Spritzer
Sea Salt sprays are the double-edged sword of styling products. They let you achieve waves without using heat, but sea salt itself can be very drying. Luckily, Drybar Mai Tai Spritzer contains aloe and doesn't dry out the hair. It also pairs perfectly with 100 Proof for the ultimate hair cocktail.
Dessange Paris CC Cream
I wrote about this product in a previous post, but I am not-so-mildly obsessed with Dessange Paris CC Cream. I’ve tried every purple hair product out there from shampoos to treatments. If your hair tends to get brassy, you need to use a purple toner or shampoo at least once a week. For $11.99, Dessange gives you the most purple for the least amount of money. Even my hair stylist, Anthony Pazos (you might have seen him on WE TV’s LA Hair) was impressed.
