My Favorite Things: A Gift Guide
Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens… just kidding. But seriously, the entire purpose of this article is to share all my favorite things. As an unashamedly material girl, there’s nothing I love more than giving recommendations and nothing I hate more than gatekeeping. I share my favorite things with the hope that, along the way, you can find some tried-and-true gift ideas for someone special, have the honor of supplying the most sought-after gift in your white elephant exchange or treat yourself to something that will undoubtedly become one of your favorite things too.
Something about Origins: they rarely miss. (Extra shoutout to the Checks and Balances Face Wash.) I love so many of their products, but Clear Improvement really takes the cake. This moisturizer has 96% naturally derived ingredients, a trademark of the brand, but packs a punch with salicylic and hyaluronic acid to reduce breakouts. Plus, it smells amazing. The price point is a little steep at $39, but I promise it’s worth it (especially if you can find it at TJ Maxx 😉).
Have you ever actually ran out of a nail polish? Because of this polish, I have. I think it is technically a top coat, but I just use it by itself and do 1-2 coats for a beautiful pearly color that comes out so clean and classy. Plus, it has “a patented argan oil formula that fuses intensive nourishment and instant moisture for healthy looking nails.” In other words, it revived my nails from my press-on era.
Image Courtesy: Old Navy
If you’ve ever seen me, I’m probably wearing one of these shirts or tanks. It actually may be a problem. I have 9…I counted. These must-have basics are very slightly cropped so they ride up on your stomach a little bit, without being a fully cropped top. My favorite part is how many colors there are to choose from (if you’re like me, you’ve gotta have ‘em all) and how affordable they are. Old Navy also runs amazing sales. For example, as I’m writing this, the green one is on sale for $3. The only downside about these are they are addicting—take it from me.
This stuff is a bathroom staple–especially for my fellow blondes because it’s color conditioning. So, if you choose the Pearl Blonde color (my favorite), it acts like a purple shampoo and tones your blonde into a brilliant shade. If you don’t know what a hair gloss is, it’s allegedly what Madison Beer uses to get her hair so shiny. I can attest, this stuff really does bring the shine. I like to use it before blowing out my hair for maximum glossiness. They also carry a clear version without any color conditioning for those who are just interested in the gloss.
Strike Out,
Alex Keezer
Editor: Anna Kadet
Athens