I Live for Skin Care and Hair Care — Here’s What I’m Buying Ahead of Summer

You know when you’re in the shower, and you want to wash your face, but your body wash isn’t going to do the skin on your face any favors? Prequel answered that problem with this face and body “gleanser”. It’s called a “gleanser” because it includes glycerin for added moisture (something a lot of other cleansers can strip away). I love the consistency — it’s like a creamy-ish gel that lathers up and washes away easily. It removes stubborn mascara, but never leaves my face feeling tight. It’s also accepted by the National Eczema Association and the National Rosacea Society, so it's very safe for sensitive skin. Best part: You get a whopping 13.5 fluid ounces for under $20.

As a 40-something, I’m always looking to give my face a little more glow and snatch; this device provides that in just three minutes a day. But you have to keep up with it to keep seeing results.

Anyone with hair will tell you it takes time to find the products that work for your hair type. As a curly-haired person, I only landed on the right combo about two years ago: a leave-in conditioner, a lightweight mousse, and a flexible hold gel. The lightweight mousse does the bulk of the work. I love this stuff so much, I’d still buy it if it were twice the price. I’ve also recommended it to friends with straight hair, and they love it too. It’s super versatile: it’ll give your hair amazing structure whether you air-dry or diffuse it.

I’ve never had a product define my curls so well without making them crunchy. Last but not least, the scent is incredible. It’s like an elevated, but not obnoxious or overpowering perfume. I get compliments on it every time I go out after I’ve styled my hair.

When summer’s humidity tries to make my hair a giant frizzball, this smoothing oil is my secret weapon. It’s been around for a minute, but I’ve yet to find anything comparable. All my hair needs is a few drops, and it stays frizz-free for at least two days. It also helps protect my hair from damage when I style it with hot tools. It’s incredibly lightweight, even on fine hair (my best friend can attest), and makes hair color look more vibrant. I never travel without it, especially because it comes in a cute little bottle that somehow lasts me an entire year.