Post 20 links before March 30 and get $150 - the links need 10 clicks or 1 sale to count.

Now if you know me, you know I love a challenge.

There was a time I would respond to most any dare with a (foolish) “I’ll do that!”, do a brutal 14 day full body cleanse with ease, or give up a vice cold turkey with no problem. I tend to struggle with discipline by nature, but the rigidity of a challenge with a deadline seems to work for me.

I accepted the “opportunity” a week in to it on March 23 - so now it’s an experiment AND a sprint - with the added bonus of getting me back in the flow of posting on social media. I’ve somehow become a viewer rather than a participant lately, so even the (cringy) practice of posting links is a good way to get me back in the game.

This is a list of products I’ve linked so far (plus some I have yet to share) - all things I’ve purchased (not pr gifted) & often repurchased - all things I love.

You’ll find them in my kit, in my personal makeup bag, in my purse & on my vanity at any given time. They’ve earned their place through the trial & error of someone who keeps it natural/minimal & wants a low hassle quick routine.

Here are makeup products that I love for myself & use almost daily:

My fave skin tint - gives just enough coverage & a skin perfecting glow that always draws compliments to my skin

My Ride or Die lip color that’s about as old school as you can get (for Gen X)

This perfect cream color for lip & cheek that I use with/without anything else

For anyone that likes that blurred lip trend & is comfortable in deeper lip shades

The cream blush I avoided due to all the hype but actually lives up to it (jokes on me for waiting so long to get it)

These haircare products cover the bases for my color treated hair that typically requires a bit of extra effort to stay healthy:

Obsessed with this shampoo & conditioner combo (smells amazing, leaves my hair soft & comes with refill options)

This hair mask that I use a few times a month to give it a repair boost

The OG leave in treatment that I cocktail with this styling cream to strengthen my strands & give it body for air drying after a little scrunching

This styling/finishing cream that everyone should own

Makeup products I’ve added to my pro kit in 2026 that I’m loving so far:

This highlighting gel that comes in the perfect mini sizes (I have them all) & can be used alone or as I like to use it, under foundation for a natural lit from within glow

This pink Lip Oil shade that a celeb client recommended as her fave to swipe on all day for a polished but natural look

These liquid eyeshadows from a trusted artist led brand that are gorgeous - easy to apply & stay put. Perfect on their own or as a base for shadows

I hate how expensive this undereye concealer is but I love it & had to replace them all for 2026

I picked up this palette at the Duty Free shop in the airport as I was traveling to meet up with a client for a week in Toronto. The link goes to a different shade but the one I got was called Nude Dress & it is perfect for no makeup makeup looks. Layerable soft formulas with gentle neutrals

More things I’ve added, replaced or continue to obsess over in my pro kit:

This has been reformulated but I still love it

Another eyeshadow palette in shade Nude Essentials - sensing a pattern here? I was tired of my eyeshadow selections as the year began & went in search of replacements. This has 9 usable/wearable shades with a great formulation

This is the most reasonably priced of the mix - a great lip formula that looks & feels more expensive than it is. Perfect for giving to a client for touch ups & affordable to replace easily

I’ve waxed poetic about this bronzer in the past & I’m still at it. It’s buttery, the shades are great & it glides on with a fluffy or dense brush. Also not huge like so many bronzers are these days (it’s the perfect size)

I’m obsessed with this brand. I have so many things I love from them in my kit but this is just one small thing I’ve added out of many. Super special, looks gorgeous on & is an overall lovely company to support.

I tried others & came back to these. It’s my ride or die kit concealer & you can’t make me stop using it!!!

Lastly, I’ve talked about this highlighter since its inception, but apparently the world caught on because I see it everywhere lately. I have the pearl shade but will be getting the bronze as well because I have a feeling it will be gorge on the eyes as we get into warmer days & fresh looks!

So there you have it substack.

Personal faves, kit faves & a whole lot of products to explore if that’s something you enjoy doing.

I need 4 more qualified links to complete this challenge by 3/30. Will I succeed? Who knows.

The effort alone has brought me back here & got me posting on IG again so perhaps that’s success enough??

Do me a favor & click the links anyway, I like to win!!

All of the below are worth checking out, many have discounts & sales happening. Feel free to message me with any questions and enjoy the journey my friends!

Here we go:

Our Place frying pan - Always Pan 2.0 - almost 40k reviews, 4.5 stars. Braise, sear, steam, strain, saute, fry, boil, bake, roast, and serve, and it’s oven-safe up to 450°F - comes with a modular steam-release lid, nesting beechwood spatula, steamer basket (doubles as a colander) & is the perfect gift for someone w junky cookware or a new apartment on sale from $135 to $99

Currentbody face mask - I have the Series 2 - 868 reviews giving almost 5 stars if you have $$ to spend & a desire for a red light therapy mask, this is the one to get. FDA cleared LED face mask for advanced anti-aging, 10 minute process.

PMD red light wand - I love this for my hands & neck - FDA-cleared device combining 19 medical-grade red LED lights and advanced SonicGlow™ Technology

Lendava face oil - I love this cleansing oil, it was recommended by my most trusted MUA friend, Fiona Stiles & is on sale for $26

Lenox & Sixteenth - THE PRESERVATIONIST VITAMIN C CREAM SERUM

- if you like a vitamin c serum, this one is great- non irritating - A Vitamin C cream serum that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles while brightening uneven skin tone and dullness for a smoother, radiant complexion. Dermatologist tested & approved.

ROZ hair milk serum - makes my hair so soft when air drying, I’m glad I bought the big bottle because I use a full pump in my hair each use

Soshe mascara & eyeliner - totally non irritating, love how it looks and can be refilled. My go to currently.

Chantecaille pure rosewater - exquisitely made French rosewater that smells amazing and feels utterly fancy

VIO2 mouthtape - I’m the only nose breather in my home….for now - the best mouth tape for better sleep, more energy, and better overall wellness.

Make Multi- Chromatic eyeshadow - the sheen on these shadows is STUNNING, they’re all gorgeous & I especially love the light silvery blue

Trinny london duo in New York - the perfect terracotta brown for lips & cheeks (tap the brown onto lips & top it w Clinque black honey for the most perfect Rosewood shade that lasts)

Prada silver liner - slick, cool, metallic

Thrive Causmetics Tubing Mascara - best tubing mascara, the rumors are true!! This is a cult favorite & well deserved. Amazing company on top of an amazing product.

Saie liners & gloss - I used Wink lip liner so many times this bridal season & all my no makeup girls love the gloss, especially shades Kiss and Bounce

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Cheek & Lip Trio - I love all three products that come in this cutie little gift set

Flavedo eyeshadow - the metallic bronze & the rose quartz shades are gorgeous & the thoughtful, recycled packaging is elite! High pigment, creamy powder texture, can be used wet or dry.

Flower Knows - The most beautiful whimsical packaging for makeup lovers and collectors out there who appreciate Chinese beauty products

Kerastase shampoo system - A sulfate-free formula that gently cleanses scalp and hair for all types of damaged hair; gets my hair so clean from our turn of the century home. I use the Shampoo, conditioner and treatment mask. A little goes a long way & its worth the investment if you have hard water. I use it every third wash and use my new faves from Roz on the other days.

Aora Mírame EYESHADOW PALETTE - gorge vibrant palette, excellent brand

Biossance eye cream - love this on myself

POV Drench It essence/toner - not gonna lie (I know there’s some drama around the brand), I love the feeling of this on my skin

Good Onya electrolytes - delish hydration, obsessed with the added lemon juice powder, my new fave electrolyte to start my mornings (I don’t share this with my family because its MINE)

Cann soda - only if you’re 21+ !!! THC (5mg) & CBD soda bev for those who consume

Evolvetogether deodorant discovery set - four travel size deodorants goes on clear with advanced biofermentation technology and an aluminum-free, plant-powered formula - excellent stocking stuffers

By Rosie LAST ALL DAY SET - a fragrance and perfume oil set you can customize

Dermaflash LIMITED EDITION ROSE GOLD LUXE - Sonic Dermaplaning + Peach Fuzz Removal Set PLUS Bonus FREE Refill Kit

Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm - This gorgeous, super comfortable revolutionary formula exfoliates the lips like the gentlest lip peel, transforms parched lips like an intense lip mask, and offers a non-sticky, reflective sheen like a high-shine lip gloss.

Aplós Calme Non Alcoholic Spirits - A complex blend of citrus and herbal botanicals is infused with broad-spectrum hemp to calm and relax without the negative effects of alcohol.

Versed DAILY RECOVERY Rich Barrier Cream - Non-comedogenic and accepted by the National Eczema Association, it’s safe for sensitive skin, leaving skin softer, smoother, and visibly healthier over time.

Higherdose Supercharge Copper Body Brush - I’m a big fan of drybrushing before my showers!

Additional links to know about:

Camp Snap Camera - we got one of these for my 5th grader step kiddo & its an awesome gift

Conrad Compression socks - I’m a huge fan of compression socks for my long days on set or traveling

Armra Colostrum - I take this every night before bed & the benefits are indisputable for me!

THE END!!!

And if you’re in the market for new skincare, I’m basically keeping you from discovering something that might be perfect for you.

I’ll be leaning on the motto: done, not perfect while I get into a flow. For now, you’ll be getting my rambly little roundups, straight from my vanity shelf to you with a tiny bit of finessing from my AI to help me pull it all together. Life is incredibly busy at the moment but in the name of developing good content habits, here I am. Small wins my friends, small wins.

This post is about four brands I’ve been loving this summer - three that are in my current rotation, & one that I literally shook water into the bottle to pump out the last drop & I’m not embarrassed to admit that!

First, a Little Disclaimer

Everything in this post was gifted to me by PR.

It’s important for you to know that if I say I love something, it’s because I actually love it. Not because I feel guilty, or obligated to post, & though of course I want PR & brands to be happy, not so much that I’d lie to you.

I can easily just say “thank you” & post a quick picture on my IG, but if I’m going to take the time to write about it here, there has to be real feelings about it.

I digress. Now for the goods.

PMD Clean — Redvolution

This little gadget is honestly so fun. It’s the PMD Clean Redvolution device, & it basically turns washing your face into a treatment.

One side has SonicGlow™ technology - 7,000 vibrations per minute that break down dirt & oil & give you a gentle scrub. Flip it over & suddenly you’ve got 19 medical-grade red LEDs that only turn on when they’re actually touching your skin.

I use it on targeted facial areas, but I recently started using it on the backs of my hands & my neck (because that’s where I notice aging first) & I love it for that. It feels good to be doing something intentional there.

Side tangent: I’ve been trying it on an ankle injury just to see if the red light therapy might help with healing. Does it work? Who knows! But my fingers are all crossed & theres no harm in trying.

Dr. KaramMD Trifecta System + Enrich Barrier Balm - code AMY20 for 20% off

I first heard about Dr. Karam on the Gloss Angeles podcast (IYKYK). He’s a double board-certified plastic surgeon in LA, known for facial rejuvenation, & people literally travel from all over the world to see him.

His this three-step system (Rinse, Quench & Illuminate) contains retinol, vitamin C, peptides, antioxidants, brighteners, hydration factors - the whole menu of good stuff - simplified to be easy & effective. As an aside, I generally can’t tolerate retinol & it always bums me out, but this has been so gentle on my skin & I haven’t had any issues.

I add the Enrich Barrier Balm to the process to finish it off. The balm feels like frosting on the cake, it’s amazing to put on after the Trifecta to lock it all in & feels so soothing.

Here’s where the LA vs New England part of me comes in. In LA, I always felt pressure to preserve my face from aging - whatever it took. Now that I’m in New England, the vibe is different (whether that proves to be a good or bad thing is TBD). At the moment I’m okay with thoughtful Botox, some lymphatic massage, & really good skincare. This system fits that shift perfectly while I practice good habits & self acceptance. Talk to me in a few years & I might have a different story!

I only use the full program at night right now because it’s been so sunny, & I don’t need the stress of retinol + summer sun. But even just once a day, I wake up the next morning with skin that looks noticeably better with a glow. It’s healing parts of my barrier that I honestly thought were beyond repair.

It’s an investment, yes. But I’m obsessed, & it’s worth it. Use code AMY20 for 20% off.

Youth To The People (YTTP)

You’ve probably heard me gush about the Superberry Dream Mask before. I ran out months ago & my skin still misses it - I need to restock & bring it back into rotation on the nights when I’m giving Dr. Karam a break.

But here’s the one I haven’t talked about: the Superfood Cleanser. I used it until the glass bottle was empty, & then (confession time) I added water to the bottle & shook it up to get the last little bit. Not sorry, not embarrassed, would definitely do it again.

It’s gentle but effective, takes off sunscreen, even melts mascara without wrecking my eyes. I love it, I miss it - nothing else in my cabinet feels quite as easy & comfortable.

This is definitely going back into my shopping cart, thankfully it comes in a refillable option!

Biossance

Here’s the thing about Biossance, (if this is you know I say this with love): people who use it get very dramatic when talking about it. Like “you haaaaaaave to try it, I can’t believe you’ve never tried it” dramatic. They’re not wrong, a bit over zealous, but understandably so once you try it.

I’m a squalane person - if you aren’t this set isn’t for you - & the Omega Repair Cream is such a good texture. Whipped, rich, & somehow still absorbs easily. My skin here in Massachusetts doesn’t know what season it is half the time, the weather is all over the place, & this cream has been my steady solution when I need real moisture, especially at night.

The eye cream also surprised me, because I don’t like most eye creams but I love theirs. Their Resurfacing Serum with lactic acid was in rotation before I switched to the Karam system; if you’re into lactic, it’s definitely one to look at.

Wrapping It Up!

So that’s my little “done, not perfect” roundup of four brands that I really enjoyed this summer.

Moving from LA to New England changed the way I think about skincare. In LA, the sun is constant & so is the pressure. Here in Massachusetts, the seasons whip my skin around in every direction, & I’ve had to adjust. But it’s also given me more space to just enjoy products for what they are - good textures, little rituals, small ways of taking care of myself.

If you try any of these, let me know how they land for you - I love hearing what works for different skin in different seasons.

It was deep in the early days of Covid - back when saying goodbye meant standing masked, six feet apart. Los Angeles was tense with protest energy, helicopters overhead 24/7, boarded up storefronts and spontaneous flash mobs halting traffic as tensions erupted across the city in the wake of the BLM movement.

I was actually supposed to leave on the 26th, but I bumped it up by a week when things got so crazy I no longer felt safe living alone in my current space. I was afraid the country might unravel even more, and I wasn’t sure my stuff - most of which wasn’t traveling with me - would make it safely cross-country. Also: it was a dark time, and I was ready to go where there was a porch, my love and a frozen margarita waiting for me.

I had been a celebrity makeup artist in LA since I moved there in the early 2000s, and I genuinely loved it - but that work took a major pause once Covid hit, canceling most in person events. For two years before my move, I’d been traveling back and forth after reconnecting with “my favorite ex-boyfriend” (yes, truly) on Facebook in April 2018. We’d dated back in the mid-90s, when I was a wild punk rock kid living in Boston, and the moment we saw each other again in person - it was back on.

It felt like time had just been waiting for us to find our way back (I still feel that way every day).

Someday I’ll tell you the soulmate affirmations I was using when he ‘randomly’ reached out after 22 years!

—

I lived in LA for almost 18 years. When I left, I’d finally landed a rent-controlled, freestanding cutie-pie bungalow in Silverlake (East Sider for life). I loved that little place - even if I never quite figured out how to transform the backyard (yes, I had a backyard). I tried, but my landscaping choices rarely hit the mark.

I miss my old neighborhood. My dear friend John D lived two blocks away - perfect for afternoon hangs and excellent distractions from adulting. I could walk down to Sunset and grab a specialty coffee or a bite from some new delish spot. I miss my old friends, the beauty community of LA (even with its caddiness), my clients, the food, the fashions, and the beautiful sunsets.

But I have zero regrets about leaving what might’ve been the only place that truly felt like home (until now).

I was born and raised on the East Coast until I was 26, but the West Coast holds more of my vibes and aesthetic. California energy with a New England attitude. You can’t live through these winters and not come out a bit scrappy! All those years learning how to be zen in LA, fully upended by a handful of seasons on the Massachusetts South Shore.

Honestly though, I’m not sure where else I’d rather be, even if I had the option. This little family is something I never imagined for myself, and now that I’m seven years into this second go-around, I can firmly say: you will find me wherever he is. And with that comes the radical acceptance of being somewhere entirely different than I had imagined for myself previously.

Starting over (at 45!) in a whole new environment is not for the faint of heart.

Realizing the path you were on is not the path you will be taking going forward is unnerving and exciting and a wild wild ride.

—

This is the first chapter of my story - how I left the life I’d built to step into something unexpected. More to come…

Here are the must-haves I swear by—whether you’re looking for a treat-yourself moment, an item for your personal wishlist, or a holiday gift for someone else. Many of these are on sale or come with exclusive Black Friday weekend discounts, & the ones that don’t are still worth it I promise.

Holiday Gifts To Add to Your Personal Wishlists in 2024

Skincare Heroes

1. Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum ($68)
   This serum was created for melanin-rich skin but works so beautifully on my fair complexion. It tackles my dark spots & evens my skin tone overall like nothing else has been able to do, leaving me with that "morning after" glow I can't get enough of. Dare I say it’s my favorite skincare product of 2024! I’ve been winking at myself in the mirror since adding this to my routine—it’s that good.

2. Lano Everywhere Multi-Cream (currently on sale)
   After all the washing & sanitizing I do every day, this multi-purpose cream saves my hands in winter. It’s thick, absorbs quickly, & lasts all day without feeling greasy. I keep one in my bag at all times because nothing else does the trick. Perfect stocking stuffer!

Hair & Body Essentials

3. Jolie Showerhead & Filter ($148, plus $33 every 3 months for refills)
   After installing this filter, my skin irritation almost completely subsided & my hair finally stopped withering away from the intense, hard water in my town. The design is sleek & modern, the installation is super easy, & their customer service is accessible. It’s a bit of an investment, but using a shower filter has completely changed my skin & hair health, so it’s worth every penny.

Wellness Splurges

4. HigherDose PEMF Mat ($1100, after 20% off for Black Friday)
   If you’ve ever wanted to lie on a giant infrared heating pad while being bathed in grounding PEMF waves, this is for you. It’s the most expensive item on my list, but it’s also the most luxurious form of self-care I’ve found. I swear you’ll never regret it if you love the idea of ultimate relaxation & healing at home; my partner & I still fight over who gets it first every night since its arrival 3 years ago.

5. Ziip Halo Device (Use code STROZZI for 20% off)
   After coveting this device for years now, I finally got my Ziip HALO a week ago & it’s going directly into my self care routine. I’m specifically intending it for my neck & face frame, which is naturally starting to change with time. I love that it’s cordless, so it’ll be easy to use while winding down in the evening. If you’ve ever considered a micro-current device, this is the one to check out!!

Makeup Favorites

6. Victoria Beckham Beauty Reflect Highlighter Stick (20% off Black Friday, not sure how long)
   This highlighter stick is unbelievably chic, from the packaging to the formula. I use the shade Pearl to create a dewy, glassy sheen on brow bones, inner eye corners, cheekbones, & lids—it’s the ultimate multitasker. Bonus for how chic & fancy it feels every time I pull it out of my bag, not to mention it performs like a dream.

7. Rephr 10-Piece Eyeshadow Brush Collection ($100 via Concept Store)
   These brushes are a game-changer for eye makeup enthusiasts & pros alike. The set includes everything you need for blending, defining, & packing color, & the quality is incredible. I bought mine through their Concept Store program, which offers a discounted price in exchange for an honest review.

Fragrance Love

8. Buchart Colbert Perfumes (30% off full fragrances for Black Friday)
   The descriptions of these unisex fragrances alone will make you want to try every single one (& you should). I wear Knife Thrower with notes of grapefruit, musk & fern & it makes me feel like I’ve got this empowered little secret every time I spritz it on. If you’re unsure which fragrance suits you, their discovery set is the perfect way to explore before committing to a full bottle. $49 for Sample Discovery Set

Random (but Essential) Favorites

9. Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick ($16)
   This matte sun stick is my #1 for reapplying SPF on the go—it’s quick, easy, & doesn’t require rubbing in. I keep one in my car to protect the backs of my hands from sunspots while driving & another in my bag for midday touch-ups. Bonus: it layers beautifully/comfortably over makeup & leaves no greasy residue.

10. My Herbitual Cream ($48)
    Originally sent as a PR gift, this cream became a lifesaver for my eczema & dry skin irritations. I’ve reordered it several times because it eliminated my need for steroid creams, especially during summer gardening & dry winter months. It’s soothing, rich formula makes it a must-have for me year round. Bonus: If you have any questions, they’re great about responding to Instagram DMs.

11. Ashley Black Fasciablaster Mini 2 (50% off for Black Friday)
    This tool is amazing for improving circulation & lymphatic stimulation while releasing tight knots in your body. The nugget tips make it super versatile, whether you’re working on your thighs, calves, or smaller problem areas. If you’ve never tried fascia blasting, this is the perfect introduction—& it’s on a huge discount right now.

12. Dental Pod Pro by Zima Dental (15% off)
    As an Invisalign wearer, I work too hard on my oral biome to let a dirty retainer ruin the party. This cleaner keeps my retainers spotless & free of *ick* that could mess up my mouth. The new Pro version is on my wishlist, but the original has already been a game-changer!

And there you have it friends, 12 of my Fave things to give or receive this holiday! If you’ve tried any of these or have your own holy grails, let me know in the comments. Sharing is caring & Tis the Season!

One artist I’ve always admired is Fiona Stiles. Though I never had the chance to assist her, her cool, effortless style & borderline-obsessive love for beauty products made her an icon. Fiona was ahead of her time, launching her own makeup line when it was nearly impossible to do. Many of us still hoard her legendary contour palettes, dreaming she’ll bring them back one day.

If you’re into celebrity beauty, you already know her work—Lily Collins' unforgettable MET Gala looks, Gabrielle Union’s timeless glam, & countless others. Fiona’s makeup is the epitome of chic, effortless, & perfectly balanced—never too glassy or powdery; even when she gives “a look,” it’’s thoughtful in every detail. She’s truly one of the most consistent & skilled artists in Hollywood; & lucky for me, a personal buddy & secret sharer.

Lucky for YOU, Fiona shares her genius through Reed Clarke, her online shop filled with her curated beauty favorites, hidden gems, & wellness essentials. It’s like shopping her personal kit—a treasure trove of perfection.

Today I’m sharing with you the perfect selections for your personal wishlist, your gift giving needs, & maybe a little treat for yourself (no judgement here).

*While you’re over checking out the goods on RC, be sure to read the “WHY I LOVE IT” sections, you’ll feel like Fiona is speaking directly to you.

For the effortless yet super stylish friend, family member or boss - Augustinus Bader The Lip Balm (IYKYK), the Gold Hair Pin, a most epic Cashmere Travel Blanket, Roz Milk Hair Serum created by the brilliant hairstylist Mara Roszak (& recommended to me by my genius hair friend John D), the No Makeup Makeup Set has everything you need for that “I’m not wearing anything yet I look amazing” face.

For the “cool girl” who loves makeup but likes to keep it chic yet impactful - the Antonym Eye Pencil in Black (I have this in my kit & it’s a fave), I’m obsessed with Addiction Tokyo & Fiona carries several of their products. I love the blushes & the Glow Sticks (I keep Above the Moon & Feel the Heat See the Light in my kit at all times), Emilie Heathe Nailpolish in a gorge luxe shade of black, & the eyelash curler from Surratt that every single person I use it on says “oooooh, this is a GOOD one!”

Lastly for yourself or a friend who could use a little self care (ok so this is also my secret wishlist) - the Kanaya Dual Sided Nail Brush (to keep my paws clean during the gardening season), Manicurist Active Shine (for those of us who like our nails free of polish but still want to feel presentable), the antimicrobial Stimulite Bath Mitt, Wild Yonder Botanicals Organic Bath Salts, & for anyone experiencing menopause symptoms of intimate dryness the Rosebud Woman Honor Everyday Intimate Balm (your friend/body will thank you).

Catch the Black Friday 20% off sale with code BEAUTY20 on 11/29-12/2. REED CLARKE only has 2 sales a year & this is the second, so don’t miss out!!