I Tried Countless Things This Season, but These 17 Majorly Leveled-Up My Life
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From the cuddliest cashmere to a game-changing sleep aid.
InStyle
I simply can’t fathom the fact that we’re now in the last month of 2024. Time truly flies, and no matter how often I say it, I have to remind myself of this fact every few weeks. So, as I enter December, an exciting month packed with my birthday (yay!), holiday travels, and a lot of family time, I'm also very much in reflection mode. I’m making a list of things I’m thankful for in 2024 (so much!), things I want to achieve in 2025 (also so much!), and how I want to continue showing up. Naturally, in such a state of reflection, I’m also thinking about my job, how grateful I am for all the opportunities it’s given me, and seeing as I shop for a living, all the things that have majorly leveled-up my life—yes, the column in back.
I get to test out lots of new and upcoming launches, from beauty staples to fashion must-haves to home essentials, and the month of December had a clear theme: easy upgrades and cozy all the way. That’s why in my list below, you’ll find cozy cashmere sweaters that you’d think cost triple the price, statement earrings that’ll elevate even the simplest of outfits, and a game-changing sleep aid that my husband and I swear by now. Best of all? Some things are already on sale for Cyber Monday. A win-win! And yes, before you ask, I’m restocking, too.
Ahead, see the 17 things that majorly leveled up my life.
9 Best Things That Leveled-Up My Life Overall:
Moon Juice Sleepy Magnesi-Om, $37 (Originally $49)
Jenny Bird Colette Hoop Earrings, $117 (Originally $138)
Ethique Clarifying Shampoo Bar, $10 (Originally $16)
Manicurist Active Shine Polish, $39 (Originally $48)
Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus, $356 (Originally $475)
Everlane the Cloud Oversized Turtleneck, $118 (Originally $168)
No matter what you’re looking for, be it for yourself or for someone else, I promise you the products in this list are going to majorly upgrade your routine. You can thank me later.
Moon Juice Sleepy Magnesi-Om
Moon Juice
Sleep is perhaps the most important thing; when I don’t get the proper ZZZ’s, my whole day is thrown out of wack—so when I learned about this new (tasty!!!) Moon Juice sleep aid, I knew I had to try it. Just one teaspoon is mixed in with water, and about an hour later, I feel relaxed and ready to snooze. I wake up feeling more refreshed, and my husband, who sometimes has difficulty falling asleep, loves it, too.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater
Quince
Whenever I get the chance to try new cashmere, I do. I love wool, but seeing as I run hot, the material makes me sweat instantly, even in the cold. So, the best winter thing for me has always been soft, cuddly cashmere, as it doesn’t irritate my skin or make me overheat.
Jenny Bird Colette Hoop Earrings
Jenny Bird
Yes, a pair of earrings can, in fact, level-up your life. A pretty purchase can obviously give you a dopamine rush, but beyond that, the right pair of earrings can have the way you get dressed and accessorized. I’ve been a longtime Jenny Bird fan, but these oversized egret earrings left me speechless. The silhouette is stylish yet at the same time timeless, meaning you can wear them again and again—and with every outfit, too.
Grey/Ven the Phoenix Pants
Grey/Ven
By now, you know that I like to get dressed in comfort-first clothes that also look elegant. And while some people might think that’s impossible, I say they simply haven’t found the right pants—the right ones being these Grey/Ven bottoms that are so comfy, you’ll think you're wearing sweats, while still looking so elegant and flattering because of the stretchy ponte fabric. The front seam is the *chef’s kiss* finishing touch.
Ethique Clarifying Shampoo Bar
Ethique
I’ve been having fights with my hair a lot lately (as in, bad hair days keep winning), but I chalk it up to changing weather (fall to winter) that’s made it more dry and frizzy. But from the first moment I tried Ethique’s shampoo bars, I knew this was it. You lather the bar directly onto your hair, and it suds almost immediately (love!); then, you repeat this once more, wash it out, and I kid you not, my hair was the shiniest, softest it’s been in a minute. There’s a bar for all hair concerns, so you’ll find the right one for you.
Manicurist Active Shine Polish
Manucurist
I’m not really a nail polish girl, and that’s because I do a lot with my hands (which means I wash them a lot, and in turn, ruin a regular mani pretty much the second I leave the salon.) I’m not a fan of gel, either, but when I discovered this Manicurist Active Shine Polish, I knew it was The One. It’s easy to swipe on, ideal for me as I’m certainly no nail pro, gives a your-nails-but-better look (obsessed!), and lasts a long time. I was on day 12 before I noticed subtle chipping.
Westman Atelier Petite Fête Edition Makeup Set
Nordstrom
I love a cream blush, and I’ve tried a lot, but from the swiped the Westman Atelier minis on my cheeks, I knew I never needed anything else again. They’re so perfectly pigmented, apply easily, and can be mixed and matched for the perfect flushed cheeks.
Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus
Paravel
I needed a new carry-on, badly. The last time I got one was at college graduation when my mom gifted me a bright-green mini as a way of signaling my impending travels (thanks, mom!). And, after lots of wear and tear (a.k.a., travels, as my mom manifested for me), I decided it was time to get a new one for the years to come. This Paravel pick was top of the list, with a green color that reminded me of my old one, I knew I had to get it.
Everlane The Cloud Oversized Turtleneck
Everlane
If you want to feel like you’re wrapped in a cloud, even though I don’t quite know what that feels like, which means I’m letting my imagination take the lead!), you need this cuddly, cozy Everlane turtleneck that you won’t want to take off. It’s extra oversized, which I love because it’s even cozier, and crafted from a merino-cotton blend that’s so luxe and soft.
Below, check out the rest of the things that majorly leveled-up my life this season.
Hulken Bag
Hulken
Dr. Whitney Bowe Asta C Vitamin C Age Defense Serum
Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty
Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants
Spanx
Hazel Park the Signature Wool Blanket
Hazel Park
Joe’s Jeans the Maren Leather Jacket
Joe's
Hanes Essentials T-Shirt
Amazon
Alo Yoga Merino Wool Oversized Scarf
Alo
Elix Bloom and Balance Tea
Elix
