I met Tara over a decade ago, when she was an editor at Refinery29 (remember the THING that that site was?). Since then, sheās moved onto the world of copy (as so many of us have!) and has worked for brands like Fresh and currently, Sol de Janeiro. Fun fact: Sheās also a native of my newly adopted hometown, Rye, New York. Her fresh (pun intended), Christie Brinkley in the ā80s-style of beauty is inspiring, so I asked her what sheās buying with her American dollars, now that sheās brand-side. Here are her top picks, in her words.
Disclaimer: When Amber asked me to provide my list of Things I Buy as a Civilian, my only hesitation was my ability to pick my top 5! So, she graciously let me expand to 10 products. But Iāll keep it (somewhat) short nā sweet.
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer
I know, I knowāwhat is this, 2005?! But, Iām telling you, do not sleep on the Jergens Natural Glow line. The formula has really evolved since it launched way back in the day: it has a subtle fragrance, almost zero self-tanner stink, the color is natural but noticeable and completely streak-free. Itās now the only self-tanner line that I use. I use the firming body moisturizer in the Medium/Deep shade for some instant gratification thatās still subtle, and I use the Light shade for my face/chest (love that it has SPF 20!).
Ilia Bright Start Activated Eye Cream
My undereye situation has never been fantastic, but now that Iām getting older and have two kids, I fear that I may look exhausted for the remainder of my days. This eye cream is so good; itās hydrating without being heavy, contains a natural retinol alternative to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and has the finest pearl finish that doesnāt highlight per se but adds a lovely brightness. Plus, it depuffs to the point that I really notice a difference when I donāt use it. A total gem.
Fresh Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence
I used to work for Fresh, but I still buy the products with my own dolla bills because I truly believe that they make some of the best skincare on the market at their price point. There really are no duds in the brandās entire line, but one product that I canāt live without is the Kombucha Essence. Itās like a shot of the purest, most nutrient-rich juice for your face every morningāit adds extra moisture, antioxidant protection and skin tone-evening powers. Read: your glow will be amplified by approximately 234232434%. You need it.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30
My other skincare non-negotiable: daily moisturizer with SPF. To know me is to be constantly annoyed by my insistence that daily SPF will save your skin, save your budget (forget needing $$ laser treatments in the future), save your life, maybe do your taxes for you. And this is an area where I really donāt think you need to break the bank; there are lots of decent options at your local drugstore, the best of which is this moisturizer by La Roche-Posay. It is the Platonic ideal of daily moisturizers: fragrance-free, SPF 30, ceramides and niacinamide to improve the appearance of your skin, and a finish that strikes the perfect balance between dewy and matte. Itās just enough moisture, but never too much. And at $26, I slather it on with abandon, 24/7.
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation
Another secret drugstore winnerāif you love the Ilia Skin Tint, you might like this even more. It has a lovely light tint, gives a dose of moisture and glow, but unlike the Ilia (which can skew a little greasier than some people might like), it disappears into the skin and is completely weightless. So good.
NYX Butter Gloss in Bit of Honey
Choosing a single favorite lip product is nearly impossible for me, but this pick has been a top favorite of mine for a couple of years now. Itās affordable, moisturizing, shiny but not gloppy, has a subtle vanilla fragrance, and the shade Bit of Honey is the perfect nude/pink/peach that lights up my whole face. One in every bag, please and thank you.
LāOreal Infallible Brows 24H Volumizing Mascara
Ok, Iām not gonna lie, this product is a little weird (including the grave missed opportunity to call it Infallibrows), but bear with me. This is much more of an eyebrow tint versus an eyebrow gel. Itās watery and can be a bit tough to control. But on my brows, which have a decent shape but are a bit too light/sparse/blah, this product is basically an instant brow makeover. I brush it on, wait a bit for it to dry, and then follow with a brow gel for lift and hold, and voilĆ āmy brows have never looked this good with this little effort.
Another disclaimer, I did receive this from a dear friend who works at the brand, but Iām almost through my jar and WILL continue to buy this as a civilian as long as they make it. My hair drives me a little nutty: itās fine but dry, I have a finicky scalp, itās highlighted and leans toward brassy, etc. This is the mask that Iāve been waiting for my whole lifeāitās a new head of hair in a jar. Bonus: The scent is one of the lovely, luxurious OG Fekkai scents that I remember from using the brand back in high school.
Sol de Janeiro Milky Leave-in Conditioner
Sol de Janeiro is my current employer, so I do get a discount, but I still buy these last two picks with my own moneyāāIām obsessed. Our leave-in conditioner is a total game changer; I swear itās completely changed the health of my hair. Itās super nourishing but doesnāt weigh my fine hair down, I swear it defines my waves even though it isnāt technically a styling product. It even provides heat protection up to 450 degrees (donāt ask me about the period of my life that I was living dangerously with no heat protection and completely fried my hair). Plus, if you love our signature Bum Bum Cream scent, you can now drench your hair in it.
Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Deodorant
My other top SDJ essential: our Rio Deo. Itās simply the best natural deodorant Iāve ever used. The formula is silky, nearly transparent, gentle and moisturizing, and the odor control really lasts. And, itās refillable! Fun fact: It also makes a great anti-chafe product in a pinch; itās saved my inner thighs during sweaty runs all summer.
Thank you, Tara! Stay tuned for more installments of this series.
ICYMI: What The Fug Girls Buy With Their American $