An Olympian, an Oscar winner, a makeup legend, a bestselling author — we’ve had some incredible Skimm Her Life guest editors share their recs this past year. (Psst...you can sign up for our newsletter to get them straight to your inbox right here.) We talked self-care products, go-to gift ideas, favorite recent purchases, and more with some inspiring (and very busy) women. In honor of 2021 coming to a close, we rounded up some of their fave picks. So if you’ve ever wanted to have the same afternoon snack as Cynthia Erivo or use the cookbook that Padma Lakshmi turns to over and over, look no further.
PS: Check out the rest of your end-of-year favorites here. We rounded up Skimm’rs favorite books of the year, self-care products our readers couldn’t live without, budget-friendly items under $25, and more. Don’t miss it.
A cozy throw that’ll make any night in feel luxurious…
Rec'd by Olympian Allyson Felix
It’s hard to find a comfy blanket that also looks chic on the couch. And if it’s good enough for one of the most decorated track and field Olympians in history, it’s good enough for us. The super-soft microfiber throw has a cult-like following and comes in neutral colors to match any home decor. It can be easily thrown in the wash without risk of pilling. Plus, it makes an ideal travel blanket, too. Thx Allyson. ($147, Nordstrom)
A mini massage gun that’ll provide instant therapy for your body…
Rec’d by Oscar winner and Captain Marvel herself Brie Larson
Soreness, be gone. This pocket-sized lil’ guy can give you quality muscle treatment in just a few minutes. Just run it along your tight or tense spots and ahh — instant relief. It's ultra quiet, has an ergonomic grip, and can last up to 150 minutes on one charge. It’s Avengers-approved, after all. ($199, Amazon)
Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap for all your handwashing needs…
Rec’d by makeup legend Bobbi Brown
Hand soap: so hot right now. This one from an iconic drugstore brand is made from organic oils and is certified fair trade. If peppermint isn’t your scent of choice, don’t fret. The brand’s got a slew of other options like eucalyptus, lavender, citrus, rose, and more. Plus they make every kind of cleaning product you could want — from lip balm to laundry detergent and toothpaste to hair creme. ($12.88, Amazon)
“Plenty” by Yotam Ottolenghi...
Rec’d by “Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi
To vegetables, with love. This cookbook has 120 recipes (all vegetarian) from bestselling chef (and critical fave) Ottolenghi. It’s filled with restaurant-quality recipes that even beginner home chefs can nail. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to wow your dining guests with a Padma-approved meal. Bon appétit. ($9.80, Amazon)
An alarm clock that's also a Bluetooth speaker, night light, and noise machine...
Rec’d by influencer and Megababe founder Katie Sturino
With Loftie’s two-phase alarm, you won't dread waking up in the morning. The first alarm gently stirs you, while the second is designed to get you out of bed. Plus the tones are meant to be soothing. You can schedule different alarms for separate days of the week. To explore what your clock can do, you can download the compatible phone app. Can you say genius? ($149, Loftie)
A stress toy that’ll put a smile on your face…
Rec’d by comedian Phoebe Robinson
Work issues? Relationship struggles? General stress? No problem. This lighthearted llama squeeze toy is the perfect item to keep on your desk, in your purse, or on your bedside table. Give it a lil’ finger hug whenever you’re not feeling quite right and it’ll bring you feelings of instant calm — even if just for a moment. Deep breath in, deep breath out. ($13.50, Amazon)
An essential oil that helps with focus…
Rec’d by yoga expert Jessamyn Stanley
This one from Saje is infused with notes of citrus, spice, and floral. Just add 10 to 15 drops to your diffuser and you’re good to go. This specific scent is designed to aid with attention and energy flow. So if you’re feeling unbalanced and lacking focus — give it a go. Trust us. Or rather, trust Jessamyn. ($16, Saje)
“Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah…
Rec’d by “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Sarah Drew
This deeply moving memoir is also one of our go-to book recs. In this 2016 hit, the TV host opens up about his childhood growing up as someone half-white and half-Black in South Africa under apartheid. He writes about the complications and tumult that came from walking around as “a light-skinned child” with his Black mother. It’s haunting and unforgettable. ($9.99+, Amazon)
Sleepbuds (think headphones but for sleeping) so you can snooze easily…
Rec’d by Peloton instructor Kendall Toole
These ones from Bose will play relaxing sounds to help you fall asleep — and then stay asleep all night long. They use noise-masking technology (not noise-canceling) so you can avoid unwanted sounds and disturbances but won’t miss your alarm come the AM. It can hold up to 10 hours per charge so you’ll have enough to get you through a full night of Zzz’s. Sweet dreams. ($249, Amazon)
A diffuser blow-dryer attachment for amazing hair results...
Rec’d by actress Tamera Mowry-Housley
No bad hair days here. This tool attaches right on to a Dyson Supersonic blow dryer and helps define curls and waves with each use. Diffusers are great for dispersing air more evenly around your curls. And the long prongs give you greater control when styling your locks. 10/10 recommend (and so does Tamera). ($39.99, Dyson)
A make-your-own-matcha kit you’ll want to use daily…
Rec’d by CEO and founder of LIVELY Michelle Cordeiro Grant
At-home matcha perfection, coming right up. Whether it’s for your AM ritual or your afternoon pick-me-up, this kit from Golde has you covered. It comes with your matcha and a bamboo whisk, so all you’ll have to do is add your fave milk (and or ice) for the latte of your dreams. Even if you don’t have barista-level talent, you’ll still be able to whip up the perfect drink easily. Sip sip. ($48, Golde)
Cetaphil facial cleanser for all your face-washing needs…
Rec’d by Radio City Rockette Tiffany Griffin
OGs are OG for a reason. And if it’s good enough to take off a Rockette’s stage makeup...it’s good enough for us. This hydrating skin cleanser works on sensitive or dry skin and helps clean, hydrate, and soothe your skin without making you feel tight and dry. Plus it’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. ($13.71, Amazon)
PS: We’ve got more face wash recs here.
Reusable silicone bags to replace all that single-use plastic…
Rec’d by actress Jessie Ennis
Friends don’t let friends harm the environment. Stasher makes plastic-free vessels of all shapes and sizes for your sandwiches, frozen bananas, liquids — whatever your produce (or other) needs are. They’re great for carrying snacks on the go. Or for storing leftovers in your freezer. Plus they come in a ton of fun colors. (Prices vary, Amazon)
Liquid cream blush that’ll change your makeup game…
Rec’d by Beautyblender CEO and founder Rea Ann Silva
Rosy cheeks for the win. This one has hyaluronic acid in it, which will help your skin retain moisture, and vitamin C, which is great for giving you that bright, healthy glow. It’s also free of parabens, formaldehyde, and sulfates. Plus it’s cruelty-free and comes in four flattering blush tones. ($22, Sephora)
British digestive wheat biscuits for a simple and satisfying snack...
Rec’d by singer and actress Cynthia Erivo
These have no artificial flavors or trans fats, and they're the perfect companion for an afternoon cup of tea or coffee. According to Cynthia, they’re “simple, sweet, and iconic, what more can I say? Once you try them you'll be hooked.” Consider us sold. ($14.67/4 pack, Amazon)
Faux eyelashes for when you want to get glammed up...
Rec’d by bestselling author Jennifer Weiner
Getting ready for a night out? These reusable mini lash clusters are a total game changer. They’re easy to apply, they have a natural look, and they cost a fraction of the price of any professional lash service. With minimal effort, these will lift and lengthen your babes. Glam shot coming in 3,2,1... ($8.97, Amazon)
Seamless, leak-proof underwear with ultra-soft fabric…
Rec’d by Brie Larson and Jessie Ennis
Grab a pair (or two or three) for that time of the month or for anyone dealing with incontinence. They’re machine washable and have special technology that’ll absorb 1-3 tsp of liquid. Wear them with some other protection during those heavy days or on their own toward the end of your cycle. Goodbye, unwanted spots on your pants. Phew. ($23, Knix)
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