What I finished in September

Plus this week on the blog: the best wide-leg jeans (and how to make sure they fit).

At any given time, I’m testing 6–10 new products to feature on the blog, and because a lot of what I try is just mid, when I finish something, it’s usually a good sign. While there were not any products that I’d consider holy grail status here, there were definitely some strong performers. I skipped last month’s empties post, so some of these I might have technically finished in August, but here’s what I’ve finished since my last report.

Vegamour Gro Dry Shampoo (c/o) $36

I usually prefer a powder dry shampoo versus an aerosol because I think they’re better at absorbing oil (Klorane is my all-time favorite), however this one was a pleasant surprise—it’s one of the better aerosol dry shampoos I’ve used. The price is a bit much, however. (For more on Vegamour, here’s my honest review.)

Natura Bissé Diamond Extreme Oil (c/o) $185

This is very pricey but lasts forever—it took me about 2 years to get through this bottle, which I used every other night (on and off, to be fair). The texture seems very light and slippery, but it’s great for locking in a hard-working serum and/or night cream—your skin will look extra plump and smooth in the morning. One thing to note, this product has a STRONG, potentially polarizing scent.

Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser (c/o) $29

Peach & Lily is a Korean brand that leans heavily into the Glass Skin trend; they sent me a bunch of products and this is the only one that didn’t give me a rash. The texture is that of a creamy gel, and it definitely does not strip your skin, nor did it irritate my eyes. Is it the best gentle cleanser ever? No. Is it a decent one for the price? Definitely.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow Mini $17

This is one of Laura Mercier’s hero products, and it used to be one of my eyeshadow go-tos until I discovered Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Stick. I obviously love a stick eyeshadow—I am lazy and like to apply things with my fingers—and they’re great for traveling, especially this mini size, which lasts a lot longer than you’d think. It does heavily crease, however, which is why the Bobbi Brown product is superior.

Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray $28

This spray has a cult following, so of course I had to try it for myself. I’ve found it has the greatest effect when my skin is irritated (which is actually quite frequently); it manages to calm down redness and bumps significantly. But when my skin is in better shape, it doesn’t really do much to improve it. Honestly, I think this Avène spray does a better job for $10 less.

One Love Organics Skin Dew Coconut Water Cream (c/o) $59

I really like this brand—they really walk the walk when it comes to clean beauty, and they have a lot of great products (especially their cleansing oil). This moisturizing cream is decent and the jar lasts a long time. I personally prefer a heavier moisturizer for my dry AF skin, but even if you like a lighter water cream, you don’t have to pay this much for one (try The Inkey List’s instead, which is a steal).

MDAiRE NMF Hydrator Barrier Repair (c/o) $145

I tend to be very skeptical of pricey serums because there are a lot out there and more often than not, they tend to be just okay. This one, however, is very good—it’s got peptides, collagen, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and a bunch of other super-moisturizing ingredients. I also really like the packaging—I feel like it keeps the product airtight and free of contamination. I always hesitate to recommend products that are this expensive, but this is a solid serum for all-around hydration.

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This week on the blog

I have tried on an exhausting amount of wide-leg jeans over the last few years in search of the perfect pair; I’m wearing Mother’s The Spinner above, and they’re hands-down my favorite (full disclosure: Sean hates them, but I don’t care!). So this week on the blog, I’m sharing tips on how to get the right fit, as well as a few more styles that have caught my eye. (Pro tip: look for a palazzo fit, and you may need to size down.) Happy shopping!