As part of our May Editor Obsessions, I wrote about a hand soap that has “reached cult status in my household,” my household consisting of me. But it sparked the idea to share products that our editors consider to be cult status, even if it’s just among ourselves. These are items that we’ve been using for years and will continue to use forever. And we’re sharing them with you. Join our cult.
A serum deodorant we can’t live without…
“I’ve probably gone through 10 bottles of this Chemistry Deodorant from Kosas, and I’m convinced that it’s their most underrated product. It’s an aluminum-free deodorant that actually keeps me stink-free all day thanks to its blend of AHAs. My favorite part is that it has a serum-like texture that goes on clear and dries down in seconds. I have sensitive skin and even the fragranced versions don’t irritate me. I always go for Serene scent. It smells super citrusy and clean.” —Margo Ghertner ($16, Kosas) ($16, Amazon)
The hand cream I always go back to…
I ran out of this hand cream at some point, and as I’m now a frugal adult, decided this was an unnecessary item to restock. Boy, was I wrong. If I skip one night of slathering this on my hands before I go to bed, I wake up with flaky, dry hands, which is admittedly not a good look. It’s so rich and works so well, I’ll be buying it for the rest of my life. Plus, I’ve gotten so used to the oat-y smell that it calms me down when I get in bed. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Protein bars made without dairy…
I’ve been trying to reduce my dairy intake, since I think it contributes to hormonal breakouts. These vegan protein bars are made with absolutely zero dairy and contain plant-based protein. I’m the type of person who needs several snacks throughout the day, and these keep me full. The chocolate chip cookie dough actually has the texture and taste of real cookie dough. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A body scrubber for weekly exfoliation…
“In the past I was a loofah girl, but I was always creeped out by the possible bacteria buildup. Loofahs don’t dry quickly, from my experience. My boyfriend bought these silicone body scrubbers and I’ve been obsessed since. We live separately right now, and both have one in our showers. The bristles are soft, yet tough enough for effective exfoliation, and it dries so quickly. I’m less worried about bacteria and the entire experience feels more sanitary. My boyfriend noticed the small bumps on the back of his arms are gone, and I get less itchy post leg-shaving. The brand ended up sending me the face version and I love it so far. I tend to get dry skin on and around my nose when the weather gets cold, and this is already helping to decrease flakes.” —Alexandra Napoli ($29.99, Target)
Plush slippers that double as a bath mat…
Cozy Earth sent me these, and they’ve fully converted me to a slipper person. I won’t let a single toe hit the bathroom floor without slipping into these. The top is shearling and the sole is lined with soft fur that feels like walking on a cloud. I love that when I slip these on after a shower, they soak up extra moisture, and the rubber sole keeps me from sliding around. ($150, Cozy Earth)
The perfect pajama shorts…
“I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect sleep shorts for, oh, two decades now, and I finally found them in Skims’ Sleep Shorts. My number one prerequisite for good pajama shorts is that I don’t actually want to feel them when I sleep — no digging waistband, no heavy material that makes me sweat. These are made of the softest fabric that drapes lightly over your skin. Despite the buttery texture, the fabric is actually breathable. The waistband is on the looser side, exactly how I like it, but there’s also a drawstring if you like it tighter. I’ve gradually been replacing all my worn-out sleep shorts with these.” —Caroline Goldstein ($36, Skims)
The ankle socks I wear with every shoe…
I bought these on a whim after seeing influencers rave about them, and now I’m a supporter of the Gen Z crew sock. The thing about these socks is that they look good with running shoes, casual sneakers like Sambas, and loafers; they’re a true fashion chameleon. They’re the perfect thickness — my feet have never once overheated — and they have enough cushioning to wear all day. ($20/3-pack, Aritzia)
The original Bio-Oil to fade scars…
I have a few curling iron burns (oops), and I’ve been trying everything under the sun to get rid of them. I hadn’t thought about the classic Bio-Oil in years, but I decided to give it a try. This stuff is still amazing; the vitamin E has significantly faded every scar I’ve consistently applied it to. It also has chamomile and lavender oil, which contribute to a soothing scent. It’s now a permanent part of my nighttime ritual. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A serum that prevents ingrowns like magic…
“For the past few years, I’ve been all about sugar waxes. But I’m also on a mission to find the perfect product to prevent any ingrowns and keep the skin down there super smooth. I swear, I’ve tried everything — sprays, oils, you name it. But this serum from EADEM? Total gamechanger. My skin actually glows. However you like to maintain things, trust me — you’re going to want this in your routine.” —Sarai Thompson ($36, EADEM)
The everyday hoops that look more expensive than they are…
My best friend is a hoops girl, and they look so good on her, I set out to find a pair that would turn me into one. I’ve been wearing these nonstop, with a dress when I’m going out, with jeans and a tee, and even with athleisure. The gold plating is still as shiny as when I bought them, and the size makes just the right statement. ($68+, Mejuri)
The gummies that help us cut back on caffeine…
“Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big coffee drinker. Like three-espresso-shots-daily big. So in an effort to rely less on caffeine, I started taking Lemme’s focus and concentration gummies. I’m not saying I’m a total convert (I still love my caramel lattes), but I have noticed a significant boost in my ability to concentrate and be productive, even in the wee hours of the morning. I’m less irritable and impatient, and feel overall less distracted. Plus, they taste fantastic.” —Alessandra Rey ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon) ($30, Ulta)
The perfume I’ve been gatekeeping for years…
I can’t believe I’m letting you in on this secret. My friends can attest, I’ve been wearing Alien since college, and years later, I still gravitate toward it. It smells like a girls night out, like the hum of conversation in a crowded New York restaurant. It’s sexy and sweet at the same time — with notes of jasmine, wood, and amber — and I will always go back to it when I want to smell like me. Pro tip: Until November 11, use code SAVINGS to grab it from the Sephora sale for up to 20% off. ($35+, Sephora)
The sleep device that helps me sleep more…
I need brown noise to sleep, but I was tired of using my phone for it, since I want to limit my screen time before bed. My Hatch really changed my nighttime routine. With the push of a button, I can turn on soothing waves that help me wind down, then change to brown noise when it’s time to sleep. In the morning, it wakes me up with a sunrise and a guided meditation. What can your alarm clock do? ($169.99, Hatch) ($169.99, Amazon)
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