First Class Beauty

“Just thinking about the levels of dirt, sweat, and grime left on our scalps is enough to make me want to take a boiling hot shower. Instead of power-washing myself from head to toe, I swap in this scalp scrub for my regular shampoo. With papaya enzymes and salt, this product gently exfoliates my scalp for a great deep clean that helps refresh my hair. And unlike some scrubs that leave a film or bits of grit throughout the hair, when this product washes out, you’ll only be left with squeaky clean, nourished hair.” – TF

“Glossy hair can be an elusive goal because typically, you don’t get shine without heavy, greasy oils. Enter these Shine Drops, with are so lightweight that even the finest hair textures can use them without a worry. For me, they’re great on a fresh blowout, to reduce flyaways and add gloss without disturbing my style. The key ingredient is hemisqualane, a silicone-alternative that adds shine without compromising hair health or the environment.” – TF

“Each protective style begins and ends with Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight. The nozzle tip goes in between braids, cornrows, and even wigs to eliminate buildup and leave your hair in far better condition than when you started.” – NP

“This is my go-to hair oil for shine. It’s hydrating but not sticky. Smells delicious but not too fragrant and is tiny (perfect for the beach bag) but delivers results with the pea-size amount. If I’m in a rush and don’t have time to fully dedicate to doing my hair, I’ll grab this and bring the shine. Shiny things can be a great distraction.” – CH

“Thanks to its clear glide-on composition, quick absorption, and SPF 50, EltaMD’s sunscreen stick ticks all the boxes for individuals looking for tearless sun protection. The mess-free reapplication of the compact stick sunscreen is made possible by a number of antioxidants that give extra layers of UV protection, as well as bisabolol to soothe stressed skin.” – NP

“Some sunscreens only provide sun protection; Black Girl Sunscreen provides both sun protection and a sunkissed radiance. If you like the OG sunscreen, you’ll love the continuous spray version. All of its beauty and glow can be attributed to its star ingredient mix of jojoba oil, avocado oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, which nourish the skin while SPF 30 protects it.” – NP

“Re-applying sunscreen is such a drag, especially if you’ve already applied makeup. The Habit Skin No. 38 SPF mist is like a cooling setting spray with added protection benefits. You can apply it wherever you are, it won’t budget your foundation, and it smells like the best spa water. For me, it’s the perfect beach bag accessory since you can continually mist throughout the day.” – TF

“Consider Brush On Block to be a happy medium between a setting powder and sunblock. The product has a silky feel that brushes on light and airy, reducing any evidence of longwear left behind by traditional sunscreen. This powder sunscreen, concealed in a compact tube, can be slipped into the smallest of bags for mobility and does not leave a ghostly cast.” – NP

“Kristen Nicole Crowley’s fascination with lip masks sparked a brilliant idea following a quick vacation to Tokyo: creating her own line of lip masks with clean, nourishing ingredients. The KNC lip masks contain collagen, rose flower oil, vitamin E, and bitter cherry extract, which reveal velvety, butter-soft lips for smooches.” – NP

“Also known as my hack for perfect post-flight skin, this half-face sheet mask is a must-have for protecting your face from dehydration, mascne, and irritation. You can wear it underneath a surgical mask an on-the-go treat. Make the plane your spa.” – TF

“Our eyes show evidence of a well-kept skincare routine or a desperate need for one. If you’re in the latter group, Murad Retinol Eye Masks encase the eyes in retinol to rejuvenate weary, gloomy eyes, while team players blue agave extract and Bio-cellulose provide moisturizing benefits.” – NP

“We all want our skincare to work harder for us, which is why this moisturizer is such a revelation. Not only does it hydrate thanks a healthy dose of ceramides, but niacinamide and peptides help firm and protect the skin. This cream sinks in quickly, leaving behind a satiny finish that’s great underneath makeup.” – TF

“Is it an SPF, a foundation, or just your skin but better? During hot, sweaty months, I believe that wearing base makeup is usually a recipe for clogged pores and looking like a melting wax figure, but this product changed my mind. It’s lightweight, completely foolproof, and adds a glowing, dewy finish to the skin that makes it look like you just have perfect skin. Plus, with SPF 30 and nourishing natural extracts, this product feels more like a skincare item than makeup.” – TF

“A simple scroll through the makeup whisperer’s Instagram reveals one key fact: no one glows quite like Danessa Myricks. Unlike most dewy complexion products, which load on the shine but skimp on coverage, the Serum Foundation imparts a healthy skin-like sheen while concealing any unwanted visitors and stays in place for hours.” – NP

“Honest Beauty’s CC cream is the Instagram Paris Filter in a compact tube. Just a few pumps unveil a more even skin tone and brighter complexion and protect you from harmful sunrays with SPF 30.” – NP

“My skin rebels in warmer months, thanks to pore-clogging sweat and too much AC. So, on days when I need a little extra help with my skin to feel like myself, a CC cream that prioritizes skin health without skimping on coverage calls my name. This one is packed with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and peptides–not to mention, SPF 50. The finish is satiny, and it never looks like I have too much makeup on.” – TF

“My idea of a perfect lipstick is one that’s hydrating, sheer, doesn’t require a mirror to apply, but still gives your lips a beautiful hue that accentuates rather than covers. The Merit lipstick has to be one of the most foolproof makeup products on the market. The color range is all ‘90s browns and nudes, which is all I could ever want. Plus, for a lipstick this lightweight, the color is surprisingly durable.” – TF

“The Hermes Lip Oil collection asks you to ditch your purse’s usual nude lip oils in favor of eight “herresistible” tones in a summery palette of pinks and oranges. Each stroke gives your lips a stunning tint that’s vivid enough to stand out but not so bright that it steals the show. The shiny finish, on the other hand, is the clear star of the show.” – NP

“Sunnies, the lipstick brand that sells a liippie every 30 seconds in the Philippines, has just launched and the U.S. and completely surpasses the hype. The lipstick is cloud-like; lightweight, hydrating, and cushiony velvet that delivers incredible color with just one swipe. You don’t understand, I’m obsessed.” – TF

“Lip oils are very au courant, but it is my belief that the version by Haus Labs is severely underrated. Unlike other versions that can feel goopy, this is a true glossy oil: it hydrates like a dream, imparts a gorgeous color that leaves a subtle stain when it’s removed, and is never, ever sticky. You can wear it over lipstick if you desire a little more color, but I personally think it’s best alone, so your lips just look a bit juicier than before.” – TF

“If you want your body to be hydrated all day long, usually you have to accept the side effect of also feeling sticky. But this body lotion sinks into the skin quickly, leaving behind a satin finish that feels almost invisible. Except that even after a full day running around in boiling temperatures, your body will still feel cool, hydrated, and soothed.” – TF

“If the original Bum Bum cream transports you to a tropical island getaway, Elasti Cream, Sol De Janeiro’s newest aroma, is the opulent European equivalent. Imagine lying on a beach on the Amalfi Coast or sailing the Mediterranean Sea off Ibiza. Luxurious, seductive, and flirtatious, the floral aroma of Sol De Janeiro’s Elasti Cream was love at first whiff from the moment I screwed the top off.” – NP

“If your goal is legs that glisten like you’re an A-lister on a late night talk show, look no further. This waterless body butter melts into an oil that smells delicious, while giving your body a heavy dose of moisture.” – TF

“Maintaining your summer waxing regimen is only half the battle. The other half? Keeping your smooth, hairless skin in order to prevent strawberry skin, body acne, and Keratosis pilaris. Topicals Slather handles the hard work for you. The fragrance-free body serum is moisturizing and contains retinol, lactic acid, squalene, and urea—basically all the ingredients you need to treat textured skin.” – NP

“On sweaty days, my hair is the first thing that starts to smell a little off. The idea of a hair perfume sounds strange, given that regular perfumes are mostly made up of stripping, and drying alcohol–the last thing hair needs. But this bougie scent from Balmain contains silk amino acids and argan oil that help strengthen and protect strands, without leaving them looking or feeling greasy.” – TF

“The back of each Brown Girl Jade perfume contains a description of the emotion that each scent should evoke. Founded by three Black Spellman alumna—Tai Beauchamp, Malaika Jones, and Nia Jones—Brown Girl Jane’s offerings are designed to prioritize the welfare of Black women through mood-boosting perfumes, each with an enchanting fragrance composition unlike any other scent in your collection.” – NP

“I’m such a sucker for Maison Margiela’s Replica collection. A feeling, city, or vibe bottled up for me to enjoy from the comfort of my couch? Sign me up. The latest fragrance from the brand named Beach Vibes is the Pineapple Suite of the White Lotus in perfume and candle form. The key notes of bergamot and coconut milk transport me to the sandy beaches of Hawaii and the floral top note is the lei on top of the ultimate summer fragrance. Mahalo Margiela.” – CH

“Scent layering does not have to stop at the pulse points of your body. Your first encounter with Maison Francis Kurkdijan scents was most likely through its best-selling eau de parfum Baccarat Rouge, but its hair mists are just as sumptuous and addictive. An aroma of scattered florals and fruits, including pear, lemon blossoms, and iris, is released with just one spritz on the hair.” – NP

“‘Out of stock’ has become as synonymous with the Fur Trimmer as “best,” “game-changer,” “easy to use,” and other accolades from reviewers. The Fur Trimmer is water-resistant, making it ideal for shaving in the shower, and its cordless design makes it the perfect travel companion for jet setters. My sensitive skin is always able to tell when a razor isn’t right for me, but the Fur Trimmer has earned its rose.”- NP

“The fact is, not all razors are created equal. Shaving my legs usually means dealing with ingrown hairs and irritation a few days later, but the Athena Razor changed all that. Not only does it have a hydrating bar that lets the blades glide over hair, getting a close shave sans irritation, but it’s also beautiful, increasing your shower’s wow-factor without compromising on effectiveness.” – TF

“The thiccc Slow Cream from European Wax Center has a creamy consistency that absorbs smoothly into the skin and a warm, summery aroma that is so enticing you’ll forget about its intended purpose. The cream is deeply nourishing and makes your skin pillow smooth for days when you want to wear less and go out more. As the name suggests, it was created to be used in between wax sessions to reduce the speed of hair growth.” – NP

“At-home waxing may sound like a disaster waiting to happen, but the Sugardoh kit makes it easy. You don’t need to warm up the sugar paste, and after a few tries, it’s easy to get the hang of. It can definitely be a little messy, but the great news is that because this is a sugaring kit instead of traditional wax, a little warm water can dissolve any residue. In just a few minutes, you can remove all traces of body hair without needing to book an appointment at a salon.” – TF

“Shay Mitchell makes great things. Cute babies, fun shows, and incredible travel gear. The latest from her brand Beis is the Terry Cosmetic Clutch which is equal parts makeup bag and adorable clutch, thats to a removable wristlet. It’s the ideal makeup bag to throw in your bag for a day at the pool. If you’re really feeling a matching moment, grab the Terry tote for your big-ticket beat items like sunscreen, towels, wine.” – CH

“My only requirement for carry-on baggage is that they streamline my airport check-in routine. Thanks to the Prene Sunday Bag and its 14(!) pockets, I no longer have to rummage through my backpack to remove my electronics at TSA or hurriedly seek for my passport and important travel documents at check-in. As an over-packer, my favorite feature is the zip-away bottom pocket, which has been used to store everything from sandals to an additional change of clothes.” – NP

“Typically, we’re all forced to decide between aesthetic value and practicality. The Glossier makeup bag marries the two. It’s a stunning bag that I don’t feel the need to hide in a bathroom drawer but still manages to fit all the beauty products I could ever want. Best of all, the bag is sturdy, which means you can avoid that awful feeling of opening it up post-travel to find all your compacts have smashed.” – TF

“Created using sustainable materials, this beauty bag can fit all your travel essentials without a fuss. Personally, I love it for bulkier items, since the size means I can throw in several hairbrushes without squashing them or leaving them to get tangled in my sweaters. The transparent sides also mean you can take a peek at what’s in there without needing to open it up, which is great for lazy travelers like me.” – TF

“Hotel blow dryers are extremely gross, but bringing your favorite home blow dryer isn’t the best option for vacation. T3 designed your happy medium. For simple storage, this hair dryer comes with a foldable handle and a matching leather pouch. Furthermore (and most importantly), the dual voltage capability eliminates the need for an additional converter for overseas travelers.” – NP

“Why isn’t blow-drying my hair considered a workout? Where other blow dryers have left me flailing my arms to give myself some reprieve from a seemingly endless drying experience, Amika’s 2-in-1 blow dryer stretches my hair with just a few passes. This makes for a tool for natural girls who don’t want to rely too much on flat irons for a sleek look.” – NP

“The Dyson might just be one of the most revolutionary hair tools of our generation. And they’re back again to change the game a second time. The brand just launched the Airwrap 2.0, which has even more attachments, enhanced design, and makes it even easier to use– all without damaging your hair. If there’s one thing to splurge on for your hair, it’s the Dyson.” – TF

“GHD came out with a cordless hair straighter. Yes, yes the future is here and it arrived in the summer of 2021, and it makes me hopeful for the future. One, you don’t have to lug around a plug or charger all day. It also has an automatic shut-off after three minutes so you never have to worry if you left your straighter on while out and about. And lastly, you can stash it in your carry-on or in-flight luggage with no drama because of its sleek design. To more GHD, good hair days.” – CH