I’m a Seasoned Shopping Editor, and These Are the 10 Best Things I Tried in 2023
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Including the comfiest bra I’ve worn in years and a sexy (but practical) bag.
Skims / MZ Wallace
I’ve been a shopping editor and writer for nearly five years now. That means I’ve tested thousands and thousands of products (I’d be scared to see the actual amount) in the name of discovering what’s truly worth the buy. I can tell whether or not a beauty product is worth it within the first few seconds of using it, and when it comes to fashion, just looking at it and briefly touching the material is sometimes all I need to know.
That’s why when I say something is my “favorite,” I’m not using that word lightly; it means the product has passed my high expectations enough for me to truly recommend it to a friend, or to you — anyone trusting my judgment as a shopping expert. I’m rarely a repeat buyer, but can safely say I’d purchase anything on my list of favorite 2023 finds in a heartbeat (and I have, sometimes several times), whether as a restock for myself or as a gift.
Below are my top 10 favorite finds of the year, from a Natori bra that’s a true game-changer to the most stylish and practical bag I own:
Refy Lip Blush, $24; sephora.com
Natori Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra, $33–$74; nordstrom.com and natori.com
Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
Rhode
$29
Technically I tested Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid when it came out last year, but I wasn’t able to secure another bottle until earlier this year during a limited run restock — which made it feel like I was trying it for the first time all over again. Fortunately, Rhode’s products are much more readily available now compared to when they first launched, so if you have yet to try out this serum, there’s no better time to do it.
ICYMI (though I don’t know how that’d be possible), Rhode Skin is Hailey Bieber’s skincare baby, and it’s loved by, well, basically the entire internet. I’ve tried all the products in the collection, but the Glazing Fluid — a lightweight serum infused with niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and marula oil — is hands down my favorite. (I’m on my third bottle!) I’ve dubbed it my “just right” serum because that leaves my skin feeling just right — aka perfectly moisturized, brightened, and plumped — every time.
Warby Parker Earle Eyeglasses
People / Christina Butan / Warby Parker
$195
I’ve been wearing glasses for 18 years, but my frames have never been more complimented than since I started wearing Warby Parker’s Earle style. Seriously — every time I wear them I’m met with an, “Oh, I love your glasses!” statement from someone new. I picked the style because I thought it was unique; they have a square gold aviator shape with a contrast rim that’s available in a light brown tortoise or clear option. You can add a prescription to them or purchase them without one.
MZ Wallace Medium Box Woven Tote
MZ Wallace
$385
Honestly, this is the sexiest bag I own. MZ Wallace’s plush and stylish bags took the world by storm a few years ago (particularly the Metro Tote style), and the brand has only continued to expand its collection to reach new levels of cool since. Take its sleek and shiny black lacquer series, which has sold out multiple times, per the brand. For its recent 10th anniversary, MZ Wallace added a new woven style to the best-selling collection, which adds an edgy, but still elegant, vibe to the lacquer coated bags.
The Medium Woven Box tote is such a great size — it’s not too small or large, but just roomy enough to hold all your essentials. It’s equally great for both work and play, and it would undoubtedly make a standout holiday gift this season for the bag lover in your life.
Everlane Organic Cotton Crew T-Shirt
Everlane
$30
I have had so much trouble finding the perfect T-shirt. While I’ve come across some options that have done the job and met some of my requirements, quality was always an issue and they didn’t last long. However, I finally think that’s a thing of the past thanks to Everlane’s Organic Cotton Crew T-Shirt, which has convinced me that it is in fact worth it to pay a little extra for a *good* shirt. The organic cotton tee is lightweight and sturdy, and has a slim but relaxed fit that’s super flattering. It’s so good, I’m slowly replacing my entire T-shirt collection with it.
Refy Lip Blush
Sephora
$24
I’m not a huge makeup girlie, but I am deeply devoted to lip products. I own way too many lipsticks, lip tints, and balms to count, so it says a lot when a particular product really impresses me. Refy’s Lip Blush did just that when I tried it à la the recommendation of an InStyle beauty writer. I’m so glad I did, because it’s the perfect swipe-and-go product that actually adds pigment to your lips and lasts. It has a soft, powdery texture that’s buildable with a satin finish. I like to pair it with Makeup Forever’s Artist Pencil and a little bit of gloss.
Skims Fits Everybody Cami Bodysuit
Nordstrom
$58
$58
Anyone that knows me knows I’m a Skims devotee — so it’s really no surprise that I fell in love with its Fits Everybody Cami Bodysuit. Like all other Skims products I’ve tried, the bodysuit is incredibly soft, high-quality, and so flattering it makes you wonder what magic Kim Kardashian weaved into it. The bodysuit is double-lined so I can go braless in it and has adjustable straps. I love wearing it on its own with a slip skirt, or under a white button down tucked into jeans.
Natori Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra
Nordstrom
$74
$33
$74
It’s hard to pick one standout favorite out of this mix, but if I had to choose, it may just be Natori’s Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra. As someone who has been going braless for the better part of the last three years, or only wearing shelf-bra camis and stretchy bralettes when needed, Natori’s bra has completely changed the bra game for me. Not only is it flattering, but it’s supremely comfortable despite the underwire, which is a rare find. I’ve worn this bra for eight-plus hours and didn’t want to rip it off by the time I got home, nor did it leave behind painful marks like other underwire options. Plus, it has pretty lace straps that are actually super soft — I’m simply obsessed.
Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer
Credo Beauty
$22
$22
I didn’t really start wearing concealer until last year (I know, I know!). I’ve been pretty dedicated to Tarte’s Ultra Creamy Shape Tape, which I still love, but Tower28’s Swipe Serum Concealer really blew me away when I tried it. It’s now become my go-to as it’s incredibly fool-proof to use and seamlessly blends with my skin tone. It never leaves spots dry or flakey, and it covers redness like a champ. Seriously, even if you love your current concealer, I guarantee you’ll be impressed with Tower 28’s serum-like formula.
Jeffrey Campbell Dancerina Flats
Anthropologie
$135
If you somehow have yet to hop on the Mary Jane trend, A) I’m impressed you’ve lasted this long and B) you’ll want to do so with Jeffrey Campbell’s Dancerina Flats. As someone who purchased quite a few varying pairs of Mary Jane flats this year, this pair knocked them all out of the park in terms of comfort. They truly fit on your foot like a glove and feel like a second skin; they’re so light, sometimes I have to do a double-take to make sure I’m still wearing them. When I first purchased them at Nordstrom, they were available in several colors, but now they’re basically sold out all over the web except for Anthropologie, so I advise you grab a pair while you still can.
Misook Belted Knit Trim Faux Leather Jacket
Nordstrom
$598
I discovered Misook this year during New York Fashion Week when the brand kindly gifted me this gorgeous faux leather trench coat. Little did I know that the designer label would quickly become a favorite of mine with its chic patterns and elevated silhouettes. The belted jacket is just that — chic, elevated, and definitely eye-catching. The robe-like trench features a fun knit trim and is incredibly flattering; it garners me compliments every time I wear it. It’s also warm to boot, making it an excellent statement-making coat for the fall. The quality is truly unmatched, and I’m so happy I’ll be able to wear it for many years to come.
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