New Year, new you? Well, yes and no. There’s something about starting a fresh calendar that makes me want to start everything with a clean slate, but truth be told, there are some things that are worth sticking to year in and year out.
Case in point, a solid beauty routine. It’s taken me a lot of trial and error to get to a place where I know not only what looks good on me but what feels great, too. It only took two decades to realize that I simply cannot pull off a combination winged eye and a bold lip, and, conversely, that I should treat my combination skin with minimal exfoliation and lots of moisturizers. The struggle is real, I know.
In an effort to celebrate the New Year and embrace the same old me (or at least what works for me right now), I compiled a list of the 21 beauty products I’m actually prioritizing this year, including skin solutions, makeup heroes, and haircare essentials. Consider these go-tos for a top spot on your vanity, shower, or medicine cabinet. They’ll treat you well all year round.
This lightweight luminizer is key to a radiant 2020.
When dark spots happen, I reach for this cult-favorite YSL concealer.
Why go for a good mascara when you can get a great one for less than $20?
Pair this cheeky stick with the above mascara, concealer, and luminzer and you’re good to go—seriously.
But you can always add a little subtle drama with the right eye shadow palette.
This setting powder with SPF is an absolute must-have for touchups on the go.
I love a combination highlighter/bronzer.
Boost your inner glow with some outer shine.
It’s 2020. Wearing sunscreen every day is non-negotiable.
Take off all of your makeup with this micellar water.
I really wish I knew about these in high school.
Gentle exfoliation is the name of the game.
For that good, clean-all-over feeling.
If you’re into dewy, moisturized skin, this HA intensifier is going to be your new best friend.
New to serums? Start here—trust us.
The Rich Cream is worth your investment.
Our go-to everyday facial moisturizer.
This cold cream lip balm formula is a must, especially on icy winter days.
My fine hair is finally happy thanks to this streamlined volumizing kit.
Think scalp care isn’t chic? Think again. This set is so soothing and smells lovely, too.
Cut your blowdrying time in half with this smart vented paddle brush.
I’ve been using the same basic blowdryer for a decade—time for an upgrade!
At this point, we’re pretty sure Margot Robbie can do no wrong on the red carpet. (We even have a standing ode to her all-time best hair and makeup moments.) And, if you’re like us, you probably swooned over her latest screenshot-worthy hair moment during last Sunday’s Golden Globes: the perfectly imperfect waves of our dreams. A pretty accent to her lilac-lined eyes and glowing complexion, her effortless bends are the ultimate winter hair uniform, and according to her hairstylist Bryce Scarlett, re-creating the look is actually insanely easy. (Technically, you don’t need any wet hair products, just a blow dryer and curling wand!)
Skeptical? Scarlett visited us at WWW HQ to demonstrate the easy-to-pull-off look on my very own hair. Plus, he shared his best tips and must-have styling tool recommendations along the way. Keep scrolling for his step-by-step tutorial.
Starting with damp hair (Scarlett sprayed mine down since I had been at the office all morning), he began by creating a neat part, which can be on whichever side you prefer or straight down the middle like Robbie’s was on the red carpet.
If you have some natural wave or any curl whatsoever, you could, technically, let your hair air dry and skip the diffusing step, but according to Scarlett (who used T3’s Cura Luxe Dryer $285 and Diffuser $30 on me), the heat-drying process actually helps encourage and enhance your hair’s natural texture, which is important when creating this look.
“So many people assume they can’t achieve natural waves or curls with their hair, but it’s definitely possible,” he explains. “There are a few exceptions for those who truly have heavy, pin-straight hair, but with the right tools and technique, almost everyone can enhance their natural texture to create bends and waves. I’m very passionate about talking to people about embracing their natural texture.”
In addition to using the diffuser, Scarlett says using your fingers to help cultivate your waves (as shown) can help. Again, you can let your hair air dry, but using a dryer will speed up the styling time, and the Cura Luxe will make your hair look insanely smooth and shiny. (Plus, it’s a heck of a lot damaging than most other dryers, so you’re good there!) “Break it up a bit,” he says. “When you’re drying the hair with a diffuser it becomes a game of how much heat can you play with to get the perfect volume before it starts to get frizzy. You have to take the time to really get to know your hair. Anything that has to do with natural texture demands some trial and error.”
Another tip? Make sure your hair is COMPLETELY dry before you proceed to the curling process. Also, Scarlett says to resist the temptation to brush right after diffusing. “The key to making sure you keep the texture soft and ’70s-inspired is making sure to let the hair dry, cool, and set completely after diffusing,” he instructs.
To create Robbie’s cool, imperfect waves, Scarlett reached for the T3’s 0.75″ tapered barrel from the brand’s best-selling Whirl Trio ($300). The set comes with three interchangeable barrels so you can adjust the wand you use depending on the texture and thickness of your hair, but Scarlett likes the tapered shape for creating Robbie’s polished, but slightly beachy hair vibe.
You’ll begin your waves right around the top of the ear —making your way in sections carefully down the lengths of your strands. Scarlett was grabbing roughly one-inch sections of my hair.
“It doesn’t have to be symmetrical—what looks natural is that there’s a haphazardness to everything, so that’s just what you’re enhancing with the iron,” Scarlett explains.
“You’re just alternating, and putting these little bumps in the hair that mimic what your hair wants to do naturally.”
Scarlett made it clear to me that this look really doesn’t require any type of wet hair products or sprays, but if you need to make sure the style lasts for a full day or night, he says you can add a light-hold hairspray. Or, if you need to bump up the texture, he recommends opting for a dry shampoo over a texturizing spray, which can make the hair look and feel a little crunchy. (Especially if you happen to have a finer hair texture like me.) Dry shampoo, he explains, keeps things soft and he encourages using it through your roots AND ends.
For the record, Scarlett didn’t spray my hair with anything. The next day I woke up and my hair still looked perfect—just as Scarlett had left it—which, again, speaks to his point that your tools and technique are what’s paramount for creating this style. Keep scrolling to shop Scarlett’s lineup of heat styling tools he used on both my hair and Robbie’s.
Up next, 7 Reasons Margot Robbie’s Makeup Always Looks Flawless
If you’re reading this story, then you’ve probably been struggling with what to get the man or men in your life for Valentine’s Day. Whether it be a boyfriend, spouse, yet-to-be-labeled new relationship, or even a friend, finding a gift for someone else can be daunting. Not to worry, however, because as usual, Team Who What Wear is here to save the day! From little trinkets to big-ticket items, we’ve got a foolproof gift for every type of guy and every budget. And if you’re looking for something for the lady or ladies in your life, we have a guide for that too. See and shop the best gifts for him this Valentine’s Day below.
The tech-obsessed guy will be delighted to own these.
Socks or boxers are always a safe bet, and this cute set combines the two.
These understated sunglasses are perfect for a guy with classic style.
A gift that incorporates photos is perfect for a new dad or spouse.
Grab a romantic record and dance the evening away.
Flip through these fun cocktail recipes, and then whip two up for a fun evening in.
Ideal for the guy whose casual wardrobe selection needs a bit of an update before date night.
Nothing says foodie like your own portable bamboo chopsticks.
This seemingly classic watch has low-key smart technology, making it the perfect gift for the guy who’s on the smartwatch fence.
These sunglasses will make your man excited for warmer days.
Introduce him to a sleek, affordable shaving kit with this Harry’s set.
Simply put, every guy needs a backpack. Why not make it chic?
For the stylish man on the go.
If he’s hitting the gym, or even if he’s just crouched at a desk all day, the Theragun will be a lifesaver.
For the hypebeast in your life.
Merch-obsessed guys will be happy to add a Kith item to their collection.
This film camera takes nostalgia-inspired photos for the creatively-inspired man.
If he’s trying to up his funky sock game, gift him this punny pair.
This cocktail set is a worthy addition to any bar cart or apartment.
Constant travelers will appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of a Tumi carry-on.
This is the gift he didn’t even know he wanted, but will need in February.
Upgrade his morning coffee game with a sleek cafetière (aka a French press).
If you want to tap into just what makes French girls, well, French, look no further than their lingerie drawers. Inside, you’ll find evidence of their easy attitude and effortlessness—that undeniable je ne sais quoi that makes them so cool. Interested to find out more about their unique take on lingerie, we chatted with four real French girls about the pieces they buy and how they wear them.
For Parisian girls, lingerie isn’t an afterthought. It lays the foundation of a look and is as essential to their outfits as the right pair of shoes. Pieces aren’t overtly “sexy.” Instead, they have a subtle hint of sensuality. Subtlety is really the key here. You won’t find push-up bras or padded pieces. Instead, Parisians focus on finding bras and underwear in flattering silhouettes that look good underneath their clothes or even as part of the outfit. A blazer or button-down shirt might be intentionally unbuttoned to show a small glimpse of a lace bra underneath.
What it really comes down to, though, is banking on the attitude of being ready for wherever the day might take you and feeling your best. As French model Clémentine Desseaux puts it, “We love to be comfortable but always cute, in case someone ends up seeing our undies, and also, really, just to feel sexy and confident.”
Go on to see the three pieces every Parisian has in her lingerie drawer, and then shop the items real French girls wear.
One rule for mastering French-girl lingerie style is to buy everything in matching sets and wear them together. The trick is to get a few pairs of underwear for every bra you buy.
Check below for the matching piece in this set!
A perfect pair, if you ask us.
A European silhouette, tanga bottoms are halfway between bikini briefs and a thong style. You’ll find them in every French girl’s lingerie drawer.
Have you tried the silhouette all French girls own?
Upgrade your everyday lingerie.
French girls love designs with a nod to sensuality but that aren’t overtly “sexy.” Pretty lace pieces strike the perfect balance of romantic and subtle.
Layer this lace bralette under a semi-sheer shirt to show it off.
So pretty.
Go on to find out the lingerie real French girls wear.
“When it comes to lingerie, my rule is simple: What would you like to be wearing if you ended up at the hospital and everyone could see your panties? Haha. It might seem weird, but it’s just a metaphor to say that you should just never be ashamed of your hosiery (don’t be afraid to throw it out!). A lot of French girls are all about the petite culotte, which is simply a cotton panty. They usually buy them from Petit Bateau. I like them too, but I also enjoy sexier numbers such as tanga-shaped briefs. Oh also, the undies should always be invisible under your clothes. I also love a lace bodysuit to wear under a very deep V-neck blouse or even under a man’s jacket. Very sexy!”—Sabina Socol, social editor, L’Officiel
The open lace makes this pair very elegant.
A bodysuit is the answer to no-fuss lingerie.
These look like a guaranteed comfortable style.
Wear this bodysuit with high-waisted denim and black heels, and you’re set for a night out.
“Lingerie is extremely important for French girls. It reveals your femininity and sensuality. For me, it has to be subtly provocative, never too obvious or just ‘sexy.'”—Marta Cygan, blogger, Life of Boheme
Style this bra with its matching bottoms for the full effect.
This set is subtly feminine, the way French girls like it.
“French women really do think lingerie is the base of an outfit and take that very seriously. We always buy sets or at least pieces that go together. We don’t wear undies with holes in them. Buying your first undies set with mum is a big deal. It means you’re a woman and you have to be conscious of the way you carry yourself, starting with what’s underneath. I know my U.S. girls are not as into underwear. We don’t play with that under-layer. Here are some good basics you’ll see in pretty much any French girl’s drawers.”—Clémentine Desseaux, entrepreneur and model
French girls tend to buy matching sets, like these high-waist panties and the bra below.
French girls love silk intimates and for good reason.
“In terms of lingerie, I love basics, and I buy them in 100 copies. I don’t know if we really can say that French girls have rules, but for me, the most important is the comfort. I usually do not wear a bra, but if it’s necessary, I don’t want to feel it. I like nude and black. For bottoms, I only wear cotton tanga.”—Anne-Laure Mais, blogger, Adenorah
A simple bralette can be comfortable and pretty.
Soft, stretchy briefs are a must-have for every comfort-seeking girl.
