📓 The Notebook Products

It wasn't over. It still isn't over.

This industry will make you think you need to try every new sku that drops. (I’m just as guilty.) But there are so many products I’ve returned to after 5+ years (some over TWENTY) that remind me new and improved is one thing. New is utterly another.

There are those new, gorgeously packaged beauty products that perhaps even go TikTok viral—that you simply must try. For our purposes, we’ll refer to those as The Marsden, meaning, the James Marsden character in The Notebook. His name in the movie is Lon Hammond, but he’s The Marsden to me. He’s shiny and new and pretty fabulous—but he’s just not Noah and that’s a vital distinction. And then there are those tried-and-true products you somehow always find your way back to after being largely unimpressed.

Here’s my shortlist of Noahs, things I’ve gone back to again and again with great results—despite being temporarily distracted.

ICYMI: I Self Tan, Therefore I Am

ICYMI: My Woo-Woo Ways: Feng Shui for $

Skin

The Marsden: Decalt is a solid product I love, but the price keeps me going back to The Noah for repeat purchases.

The Noah: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid. The price is fabulous. The bottle lasts me a solid year when I use (clean) hands to splash it on instead of cotton pads. Those are such a waste in so many instances! This miracle liquid is good for everything from texture to blackheads to fine lines to straight-up acne. I use it a couple nights a week and missed it dearly when I was pregnant. It is, in short, everything and is only $35.

Makeup

The Marsden: I love the NARS Afterglow tinted balms, but the brand discontinued my favorite shade, Hidden Pleasure, and the rest of the color lineup just doesn’t compare. It’s also slightly more expensive than…

The Noah: Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Balm is something I’ve repurchased upward of 15 times. It has SPF for summer, it imparts the most beautiful, your-lips-but-better pink tint and isn’t goopy or shimmery. I only wish it were also a stain.

Hair

The Marsden: Everything. I try everything hair related all the time and there are so many decent—even wonderful—products on the market. But for 15+ years, I’ve come back to…

The Noah: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner I’ve gone back to this countless times since discovering it a decade+ ago. The peppermint scent is invigorating and nothing keeps my highlighted hair in as good condition. For a longer blowout, the Living Proof PhD shampoo is elite—sometimes I mix a bit with the Pureology—but for softness, health and shine, you can’t beat this. The conditioner rivals any mask I’ve tried. I buy this combo again and again. Another hair-related Noah in my life? Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode. I’ve used it since its launch 20+ years ago. It’s my favorite.

P.S. This T-shirt dress is, unfortunately, worth the money for when you just don’t know what to wear, want something comfortable, flattering and versatile. These little plastic zipper containers are so helpful for storing everything from snacks to skincare. I keep this $9 super subtle, beautiful scent in my purse and get constant compliments.