As we said goodbye to the last year and welcomed the new, I realized that it has been a while since I shared my favorites list and I was recently thinking about the things that bring me joy during the holiday season. Over the years, as I have become more educated about the harms of fast fashion and toxic beauty products, I’ve been keen on highlighting more sustainably-made and high-quality products that will last. If you’re looking for more practical items that help with wellness and health, I also created A Favorite list: Wellness edition because there also comes a time when you need to prioritize feeling healthy before you can feel glamorous and fabulous.
Hope you enjoy the list! Feel free to share your own beauty and fashion favorites from last year in the comments section below.
Cozy Earth Pajamas
Why start with pajamas? I used to not care about this item since I would just wear old branded t-shirts to bed, but over the years I realized that since we spend about the third of our lifetime sleeping in bed, it’s probably a good idea to wear fabrics that will be beneficial for your skin and that can help you sleep better. With the branded t-shirts and the flannel pants that I would wear to bed, I would sometimes wake up hot. The Cozy Earth pajama set, which is currently on sale for $87, is exactly the opposite of that. Made from organic bamboo viscose, the fabric is breathable, soft, and elastic while also structured for a lux relaxed look. The added benefit of bamboo fabric is that it helps you with body temperature regulation–the pajamas manage to leave you feeling simultaneously cozy/warm but also cool and relaxed. I never get hot while sleeping anymore. Another amazing feature about this product is that you can sleep in the pajamas for a 100 nights and still return if you find that you don’t love them. I loved it so I didn’t return it but I appreciate how confident the company is in their product that they offer this guarantee. They are so confident in the enduring quality of their product that they also offer a 10 year warranty!
If you really want to up your bedding products, you can also go with organic and breathable sheets and duvet covers. I recently received the well-reviewed Cariloha bamboo bed sheets as a gift that not only claim to reduce the sleeping temperature by 3 degrees but also point to the fabric’s hypoallergenic qualities, as it repels allergens and odors. It’s also cool to see that it offers a 20% discount for teachers, students, veterans and hospital workers. And because it’s never bad to have an extra duvet cover when you area doing laundry, I purchased an organic duvet cover from Parachute— a company that is know for producing GOTS-certified Organic bedding. Unlike other cotton, the Parachute fabric feels light and crisp, which complements the heaviness of the duvet and the softness of your stretchable bamboo bedding.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
BB creams, also known as Beauty/Blemish Balm creams, have surged in popularity, thanks to the K-beauty industry’s promotion of a dewy, natural look for everyday activities. Over time, I transitioned away from heavy foundation and dabbled in BB creams, eventually exploring tinted moisturizers that provide hydrating benefits for the skin. I highly recommend the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector for those seeking a no make up look that somehow evens out your complexion. Laura Mercier, a French makeup artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s while working at Elle and later as Madonna’s personal makeup artist, is renowned for creating the “flawless face.” Her tinted moisturizer not only offers coverage, but also provides numerous benefits, including 30 SPF protection and a Vitamin C and E complex to shield against environmental pollution and damage. The primary goal of this “no makeup, makeup” is to provide hydration, achieved through the use of Macadamia and Kukui Seed Oils to nourish the skin all day, and by also usingTamarind seed extract to lock in moisture. As someone who has combination skin (both oily and dry), I find this ideal for year-round wear, especially during the winter when my skin requires added moisture. Another advantage is that a small amount goes a long way, ensuring your tube of this Laura Mercier moisturizer lasts for many months.
Supergoop! sunscreen
I’m also a firm believer that the best skincare is actually quite simple – drink lots of water and wear high-quality sunscreen. For the longest time, I had been a Neutrogena sunscreen loyalist. I’m a sucker for high amounts of SPF protection and thus I would sometimes wear the 100 Broad Spectrum SPF with Helioplex, especially when going outdoors and planning to be exposed to the sun for many hours. But, as I started to read more about sunscreen, I learned that using SPF 30 protects you against 97% of the sun’s rays, and having a higher SPF can sometimes mean it might be less effective in offering UVA protection. And we all know that you could be wearing the strongest SPF, but if you don’t reapply after two hours or so, then we are really not offering the best protection for our skin.
For these reasons, I have started to appreciate products with fewer harmful chemicals that offer enough SPF protection without leaving you with the white residue face that is typical of some high SPF sunscreens. The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (not related to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop company) has been my new favorite product for this reason – not only does it completely disappear onto your face once it’s applied, but it feels like velvet! Almost gel-like and lightweight, this Supergoop! sunscreen provides a respectable 40 SPF protection and it also acts as a primer for make-up. It very much reminds me of Tart’s poreless primer since your skin feels smooth and matte without any of the greasy and oily feeling of a sunscreen. This is perfect to wear alone or to use as a base for your tinted moisturizer or any other foundations. Finally, with this clean sunscreen you get to avoid having toxic ingredients like heavy metals and parabens on your face, while also reaping the benefits from some of their innovative ingredients such as red algae, which helps against all visible light, including blue light. I’m also a big fan of the sunscreen mouse and the easy-to-go face spray/refresher.
Also hot tip alert: Supergoop! products are FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Spending Account) eligible. So if you have FSA left at the end of the year, please be sure to use them on these skin protecting products.
bareMinerals well-rested under eye brightener
This bareMinerals fan favorite is one of their best sellers. The appropriately named “well-rested” under eye brightener does give you that appearance that you had a full night’s sleep and are not tired at all. If that’s not the point of makeup, I don’t know what is. Indeed, this vegan, non-toxic finely processed mineral powder is king when it comes to hiding dark circles or puffy bags. Because of the luminous qualities of the powder, your eyes become brighter and you simply just look more awake. And another major bonus is that the powder has SPF 20, thus providing sun protection for an area of our face that we sometimes avoid applying sunscreen. I also use this brightener in the upper corners of my eyelid or in other areas on my face that I want to brighten up. One thing to consider, however, is that you will need to buy the bareMineral specific under eye brush to properly apply.
If you’re still a fan of liquid and cream under eye concealer, then I recommend Clinique’s Even Better Concealer since it has a wonderful dual-ended applicator that can be used to first apply and then blend with the applicator’s bigger sponge. Since Clinique is a skin brand, the concealer also has hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C to nourish your skin.
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Oil
If you’re like me and wake up with frizzy hair and have the occasional fly-away hair strands throughout the day, then I recommend the well-reviewed Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Oil to put on after brushing or after blow-drying your hair. Some leave-in conditioners and gels may be able tame some of your locks; however, they sometimes leave a white residue on your hair or even if they are invisible you can’t help to feel a layer on your hair that you can’t wait to wash off by the end of the day. This small little bottle delivers shine and hydration without leaving your hair greasy or heavy and it also has the most beautiful smell that it might as well be considered a hair perfume too. The elixir’s effectiveness might have something to do with the particular oils selected to blend–from the Marula oil that moisturizes your hair, the Camellia Oil that quickly absorbs and leaves your hair locks shiny, to the Argan oil that increases your hair’s elasticity. I suggest starting with the less expensive mini bottle to give it a try and to see if this hair potion leaves your mane shinning in the same way it has left mine.
Rothy’s
I know that this San Francisco-based shoe company has been around for some time and that there are a lot of Rothy’s enthusiasts out there, but I didn’t actually buy my first pair of Rothy’s shoes until a few months ago. What was the hold-up? I have never found flats comfortable and always enjoyed a slight heel for my day-to-day, such as wedges, loafers, and boots. However, as someone who travels for work and for pleasure, I wanted shoes that would be easy to travel with and that would be both appropriate for casual environments as well as more professional affairs.
Finally, I went to the San Francisco store in the Pacific Heights neighborhood to try them on and found that the shoes were not only incredibly comfortable, they were also very chic. Because I have a wider foot than most, however, I opted for the Rothy’s Almond-shaped loafer featured in the photo above and was pleased to find that it came in many different colors, including the desert cat print I selected and that it contained an extra-cushioned insole for ultimate comfort. Running at about $150, these Rothy’s shoes are worth their price since they can last you a long time. The shoes are 100% washable and are made of recycled products, so these shoes even had a life before you purchase them. As someone who appreciates ethical manufacturing practices and sustainability ideals, I may have to go back to the store and pick out some of their new handbag selections.
LILYSILK Shirts
Finally, some fashion. As you can gather from some of the items listed above, I was really into anything that helped with skin health — from cool to the touch bamboo Cariloha bed sheets, and breathable Cozy Earth pajamas, to the Mercier tinted moisturizers and non-toxic sun protection. Indeed, my skin has become more sensitive over the years, so I just wanted to use products that would not aggravate my epidermis. It was because of this reason that I discovered the pleasures of silk shirts and particularly the luxurious soft shirts from LILYSILK, which also makes silk pants and pillowcases. Looking for a classic shirt that would work for either professional or casual events, I purchased the Amalfi Stripe Shirt and the white Basic Concealed Placket silk shirt (both pictured above), and they were both delivered in impressively stylized eco-friendly packaging.
Everything about the company aspires for sustainability — you can read about their Zero Waste movement project here in their annual sustainability report. One of the reasons why silk is a preferred fabric in the sustainability ecosystem is that it is a natural fiber made from silkwork and is biodegradable. The LILYSILK fabric is one step ahead of the curb because they are certified according to the international OEKO-TEX CLASS 2 standard and ensure that the silk products are skin-friendly and free of harmful chemicals. While knowing this adds to the experience of wearing this luxurious garment, the real pay-off is how the shirt feels against your skin and falls elegantly from your shoulders.
Hot tip alert: Although this pricey shirt is worth every penny, I managed to get a good deal on macys.com since this major department store also carries their shirt online. I highly recommend this approach and using your Macy’s card for that Macy’s Star money!
Mexican designers: Carla Fernández and Carmen Rion
Carla Fernández, a renowned fashion designer from Mexico City, has gained recognition for her distinctive ability to blend a modern avant-garde aesthetic with traditional Mexican attire and textiles, showcasing the rich heritage of the country’s indigenous communities and the craftsmanship displayed by their artisans. During my visits to Mexico City, I always prioritize a stop at her stores, where I can fully appreciate the exquisitely executed details and the innovative reinterpretation of Mexican classics such as the Rebozo shawl and Ponchos.
The Rebozo, known for its association with Frida Kahlo’s iconic attire, predates the Spanish arrival in the 16th century and was originally utilized by Mesoamerican women for both style and practicality, serving as a means to carry children, groceries, and other essentials. Similarly, the Poncho, with its deep roots in pre-Hispanic indigenous cultures from the Andes to Mexico, traditionally featured robust textiles, including wool, offering protection against the cold. Carla Fernández’s creations provide a captivating gateway to this rich history, allowing me to reconnect with the longstanding traditions and styles rooted in my own heritage as a Mexican American.
The first time I visited Mexico City in 2017, I purchased an earlier version of the Fringe Giraldi Jacket (pictured above) for $160 dollars at the store because of the fact you can convert this shawl into a vest, jacket, or poncho. Now, I consider this multi-purpose poncho/shawl one of my key wardrobe staples in my closet and I used it most recently at a charity dinner. Made out of wool and other natural fibers, my jacket was not only a fashion statement but it was convenient to have as a warm garment for these more formal affairs.
“The best design is not that which disintegrates, but that which remains. We want our clothes to be so lasting that their whisper will be heard by other generations. Fashion is not ephemeral: Neither is our planet, Nor our relationships.”
Carla Fernandez
In my most recent trip to Mexico City, I learned about Mexican designer Carmen Rion, who has been in the fashion industry for more than 20 years and has showcased her work all over the world. Drawing inspiration from Mesoamerican textiles and Mexican iconography, Rion has most recently highlighted Mayan textiles and collaborates with communities in the Chiapas region.
Rion’s rendition of the Huipil blouse, a garment that is traditional to the Mayan communities of the southern Mexican and Central American region, is loom woven, and features intricate designs that highlight the shoulders and the outer structure of the blouse. I purchased a fuchsia-colored Huipil blouse with black patterns and recently wore it while visiting London Fashion Week (see picture below) this fall.
The modernity that Rion adds to these garments is not so much done in the avant-garde cuts and shapes that Fernàndez is known for, but in the form of beautiful bright colors and playful prints and patterns. One could even say her aesthetic is more postmodern—a playful blend between traditional artisanal garments, fun colors, and patterns.
Because Fernández and Rion are both luxury designers who are based in Mexico City and sell mostly to the high-end Mexican market, their items can be quite pricey, especially when you visit their online store. For that reason, I recommend buying in the actual brick and mortar store where you’ll also have the chance to learn about any sales they have. Another reason to go to Mexico City if you haven’t already made plans to visit this mega-metropolis!
Other favorite things from the year: Podcasts and more!
Now that we are wrapping up the list, let’s highlight some other gems that might bring you joy as well:
Podcasts:
- NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour: A group of NPR critics who talk about their favorite films and shows, leaving you with compelling recommendations and connecting you to the current zeitgeist.
- Vanity Fair’s Still Watching Podcast: Great recaps of prestige dramas such as House of the Dragon, Succession Finale and The Crown, Final Season
Movies:
- Renaissance, A film by Beyonce: Next best thing to attending actual world tour–which I wish I could have attended. I danced in my seat and was left feeling impressed by this pop icon.
- Barbie: I was skeptical at first that I wasn’t going to enjoy what I thought would just be an advertisement for Mattel, but then I was captivated by the fantasy world and the feminist message that it carried throughout, all while also entertaining its own self-critique as a cultural product that mythologizes a consumer good. I also loved America Ferrera and the reference to Barbie and the Rockesr-my first Barbie Doll.
- The Blue Beetle: I’m usually not a fan of super hero movies but when I heard this DC film was centered on a Latino family, I had to watch it since we hardly come across that many mainstream movies that feature us. It was great to see the Mexican cultural references while the film also delivered an action packed plot centered on Jaime Reyes who is discovered by the Blue Beetle suit and embarks on a hero quest to help his immigrant family and city.
And, finally, Wellness:
- Wellness was big for me in the last year, so for that reason, I have created a separate wellness favorite things list here for your viewing pleasure.
- I spent some quality time with my teenage niece this year when she stayed with me during the summer. We watched Barbie together and also had great bonding time while watching old episodes of project runway.
- Meditation and staying hopeful.
That’s it folks. Thanks for reading and please do share your own review, thoughts, critiques. What has been a few of your favorite things? Are there any new things or experiences that you look forward to exploring in 2024?
Critical Chica 