Liz's Favo(u)rite Things 2021
This year I will be breaking up my favorite things into categorical posts. For today’s post, I will focus on purchased goods—skincare, food, clothes.
The best therapy is retail!
Molecule One Perfume by Escentric Molecules
This fragrance has a laboratory manufactured molecule called Iso E Super that creates a unique scent intended to come and go. Does is at least smell really good? Well, it doesn’t smell like anything. It is one of those skin scents meant to elevate the natural odor of the wearer. Despite the description, it does have a bit of a peppery scent, to me, and I get whiffs of it throughout the day. Beware, though, it is not one of those perfumes you can spray on your wrist and take a big whiff. It does not mask as much as become part of your DNA.
If you are in the hunt of a good skin scent perfume but with a better price point (and for of a scent payoff), I highly recommend You by Glossier. I wore it for two years, and I had strangers come up to me all the time asking for the name.
AB&J Smoothie from Green Brothers
Green Brothers was my apocalyptic treat these two years. Society and personal life falling apart? Why not spend seven dollars on a pressed juice? I am creature of habit, so I have only tried two of their smoothies, but the AB&J is a great choice. It tastes like a blended up peanut butter and jelly sandwich but not in a weird baby food kind of way. Green Brothers is the epitome of South End, hot yoga, sports-bra-as-a-top culture that I feel very ostracized from because I am not 5’8”, but I do enjoy a frozen treat.
Rustic Palo Santo Candle by Threshold
Like with perfume, I’ve tried a lot of bougie candles this year. Maybe I was trying to fill that void in my heart with candle wax, but the closest I came to a healthy attachment was with this cheap candle from Target.
My sense of smell has evolved over the past few years, and I cannot stand to be in the same room as a Bath and Body Work candle. Call me a scent snob, but artificial cupcake doesn’t do it for me. I love this scent because it’s dirty. It smells like what I think LA it-girls smell like—a bit of smoke and musk and a slight breeze over a rocky hill.
Topo Chico
I am a thirsty basic b. I kept seeing this drink in ever photo of someone’s brunch or sitting in an open window with pathos clippings, but I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it. Is the only bubbly water that does not taste like battery acid. I’ve always wanted to be one of those romantics who ordered Pellegrino for the table, and now I get to live that out with dinner in front of the TV. The green bottles also hit that glass-container-hoarder side of my personality.
Nudist Eyeshadow Palette No 1 by W3LL PEOPLE
I’ve been on the hunt for a neutral eye shadow palette for years. They always have too much shimmer or too much red undertone, but I found this great option at Target. It is well priced, too!
Eco Nueva Merel Sweater from Apiece Apart
I’ve made an effort to be a more conscious shopper when it comes to clothing. I know that is a vague sentiment, but one of easiest ways I’ve accomplished this is by not buying clothes as often. What a concept! Sustainability is not a perfect practice, said by someone who still has an Amazon account, but I think we can all take steps to be better consumers. Instead of shopping often and for volume, I try to find smaller brands who make clothing that can withstand time and fads. Apiece Apart is one such brand. Every piece is thoughtfully designed and meant to last beyond a season. I bought this particular sweater during their Black Friday sale, and I plan to wear it for the rest of my life.
Scalp Revival Simulating Therapy Massager by Birogeo
There was a period of time when I was washing my hair once a week and caking it in dry shampoo, an easy way to get a flaky, itchy scalp. Combine this massager with a good purifying shampoo and your scalp will sing.
Magnesi-om by Moon Juice
I have restless leg syndrome which can make falling asleep very difficult, so I was curious to try a magnesium supplement. I read it can ease some of the muscular tension associated with RLS. This flavor from Moon Juice is nice. I just mix it in a small glass of water about an hour before bed. It is not a sleep supplement, so it does not come with the drowsy side effects of melatonin. More of a mellowing out effect. There are cheaper brands and pill options, but just make sure to do your research because there are different types of magnesium.
This one is bit of a cheat because I was gifted my pair. No, not gifted by the brand as if I were an influencer. Gifted as in Holden came home with them after he went to the outlet mall to buy himself a pair. It was one of the most romantic things he has ever done. The kid is not one for random gifts, so I knew this was special. They are my new favorite dog walking and errand running shoes. I feel like Princess Di when I match them with my biker shorts.