As a shopping editor, I test more products in one month than the average spender snags in a year. (It’s my job, okay!) And January was no exception: I tried countless highly-coveted items spanning the fashion and beauty departments. While it’s practically impossible to impress me at this rate, I was seriously blown away by the following 10 gems. The cherry on top? They start at just $16.
Though I’m tempted to gatekeep, browse through my top January favorites, below. You’ll find expensive-looking wardrobe staples, including a Quince cashmere sweater and gorgeous Madewell bag. Plus, stock up on my beauty bag must-haves like a crease-proof Prada concealer and my most-complimented fragrance this year. Oh, and I even put the viral Shark red-light mask to the test. (Spoiler: It’s worth it.)
Editor-Approved Fashion and Beauty Favorites
Worth the Hype: Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask, $350
Oprah-Loved Brand: Cyklar Sacred Santal Urea Hand Cream, $22
Celeb Stylist-Approved: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Quarter-Zip Sweater, $120
Splurge-Worthy: Prada Blurring and Micro-Correcting Concealer, $48
Expensive-Looking: Madewell Lexington Shoulder Bag, $168
Unsexy, but Works Like Magic: Ebanel Urea Cream, $16
Serious Game Changer: Well People Expressionist Pro Mascara, $20
Conversation Starter: Ossa Ball Chain Phone Wrist Strap, $35
Compliment Magnet: Glossier You Fleur Eau De Parfum, $82
Valentine’s Day Gift: TheraGun Mini Massage Gun, $220
Credit: Amazon
After hearing every beauty editor I know rave about LED face masks, I knew I had to secure one—particularly the Shark CryoGlow option that’s dominating my social feeds. I was skeptical of the futuristic skin care gadget, but after using it daily for a month, I can confirm that it’s worth the splurge. Equipped with a range of anti-aging and skin-clearing settings, the facial tool leaves my complexion plump, glowy, and even. Not to mention, its cooling under-eye pads feel incredible in the morning.
Credit: Cyklar
I’m a huge fan of Cyklar’s luxurious body care lineup (as is Oprah) so I knew I had to snag the brand’s rich hand cream after it launched this month. At $22, the pick looks and feels far pricier than it is: It boasts gorgeous packaging that earned a spot on my coffee table, plus it’s formulated with a slew of skin care superstars. Made with urea, squalane, and glycerin, the moisturizer leaves my cracked winter hands buttery soft and hydrated.
Credit: Quince
Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh—the mastermind behind Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez’s best looks—introduced me to Quince’s Quarter-Zip Fisherman Sweater and I’ve worn it non-stop since. Beyond Walsh’s stamp of approval, the knit boasts an elevated look thanks to its ultra-chic zipper detail, which I fasten fully for a funnel-neck look. It’s also made from deliciously soft Mongolian cashmere that’s kept me cozy through New York’s arctic temperatures.
Credit: Nordstrom
I’m all for little luxuries, so naturally I had to see if Prada’s Blurring and Micro-Correcting Concealer was worthy of a spot in my regimen. TL;DR, it is. As its name suggests, the silky formula brightens and smooths my intense dark circles with ease. The best part? It doesn’t sink into fine lines or cake up amid all-day wear. Plus, it feels fancy and retails for less than $50. (Yes, please!)
Credit: Madewell
If you spotted me this month, there’s a 99-percent chance that I was sporting Madewell’s Lexington Shoulder Bag. Between us, the rich-looking carryall may just be my favorite fashion find so far this year. For starters, it’s made from an ultra-soft suede that instantly elevates the most basic ensembles. Plus, its long shoulder strap fits comfortably—even atop my bulky winter coats. I’m in love with the navy shade, but you can also snag the gorgeous style in olive and brown tones.
Credit: Amazon
Though the unsexiest pick of my January favorites, the Ebanel Urea Cream deserves its flowers. At just $16, the intense treatment repaired my cracked heels and ugly feet overnight. I had tried everything from spa pedicures to peeling foot masks to soften my dry skin, and it turns out the answer was less than $20 on Amazon. Not to sound dramatic, but it’s seriously magic.
Credit: Amazon
When was the last time you upgraded your everyday mascara? I grabbed Well People’s Expressionist Pro formula after it launched last week, and it’s already become the go-to lash lifter in my lineup. Unlike other options I’ve tried, the product leaves my eyelashes separated, lengthened, and completely clump-free. Not to mention, the mascara is made with plant-based oils and vegan waxes to nourish and protect your lashes—a major bonus.
Credit: Nordstrom
I can confidently say that I’ve never been complimented on anything more than this Ossa Ball Chain Phone Wrist Strap. To me, style is all about elevating your everyday essentials and this chic tech accessory does exactly that. It’s the ultimate conversation starter and makes every mirror selfie 10-times cuter. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s actually functional thanks to its convenient hands-free design.
Credit: Glossier
Speaking of compliment magnets, Glossier’s You Fleur Eau De Parfum never fails to earn praise from passerbys. The unique fragrance has quickly become my signature scent thanks to its perfect marriage of floral yet musky notes. I’ve tried plenty of perfumes this year—including Glossier’s other options—but I can’t stop reaching for this intoxicating blend.
Credit: Amazon
Spoil yourself or your valentine with the TheraGun Mini Massage Gun this season, and thank me later. Clearly, I’ve been leveling-up my beauty regimen with techy tools, and this wellness gadget is another extension. It’s hand-held, light, and easy-to-store, yet it melts muscle pain and tension like butter. If this at-home spa treatment isn’t already on your wishlist, it should be.
Run to snag my January favorites while they’re available from just $16.
