I’ve been a minimalist since in utero so this week’s newsletter is spot on for me! As I am a writer covering beauty, fashion and wellness I try far too many products but stay true to a YCOHO list. My forever swoons include:
- Thrivecausmetics tube mascara; love the look and the founder’s loving mission
- Merit the minimalist; minimal makeup but have four or more at all times as I leave one in car, one in bag, one in bathroom etc.
Hillary - I genuinely look forward to this newsletter every week! When I woke up yesterday I thought it was Sunday and I was gutted when I realised it was Saturday the newsletter wasn’t out! Genuinely! So thank you.
I’m going to look at Doen as my friend also raves about them, but I am a curvy 5”1 and sometimes feel drowned in that much fabric… but I can see the versatility for sure.
Also I love the MG Tote but I live in a rainy climate so I just can’t do it 😭 it’s far too open unfortunately.
This is a long comment, sorry!
My YCOHO’s (this really made me think! So thank you!);
Trousers - a British brand I’m not sure if you can get over there - Marks and Spencer (M&S) : their pure linen trousers. Like £25 and THE BEST! Other linen brands I’ve tried have worn through at the thighs (TMI - chafe! Sorry!) but these are the best. Such good quality for the price. Please check them out next time you’re in London! The brand has a reputation for being for the older lady but actually they are crushing it. Their silk and cashmere is also excellent. https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-wide-leg-cropped-trousers/p/clp60650301
SPF - la Roche posay anthelios hydrating SPF (not the green mattifying one). Like £20 and the best I’ve found. Doesn’t hurt my eyes and is really good.
Serum - also beautypie, their triple hyraluronic serum. I’m also on my fourth or fifth. My skin DRINKS it up. I’ve tried others and they just dont match up. Plus this is an excellent price. https://www.beautypie.com/products/triple-hyaluronic-acid-serum
Summer sandals - I thought I’d hate these but they are SO comfortable! I have wide feet and high arches so love the ones you posted but I just can’t wear a shoe now with no support 😭 these are Arizona love. (I get the black as it feels more subtle…!) https://arizonalove.store/products/trekky-black-bandana
I could go on but I will stop there 😂
Can I ask for your help finding a denim shirt, please? I seem to be really picky - there is so much on the “oversized” market out there but like I said I’m 5”1 and curvy so I dont need the extra fabric 😂
I love this concept and I look forward to your newsletter every week!!! I purchased the Roz products when you mentioned them in another newsletter and I LOVE THEM!! I will definitely get the spray. I literally only shop the items you highlight....the trust is real Hillary Kerr, thank you!
-Better Than Sex Mascara. I discovered this in high school and foolishly keep trying others, though nothing in ten years has compared.
-Nars Creamy Concealer Stick. Simply the best.
-Glossier Ultralip in "Like." My "my lips but better" and one of the only lipsticks I have used to the bottom again and again. I think I've gone through ten tubes.
Came back to this a week later to check all the comments I missed. Wow. So many things! I love this community. Thinking further about my YCOHO, I have a few contributions to share:
- nail care: manucurist is the ultimate nail option. I have tried everything under the sun. Their flash line in particular is amazing. It applies like a gel (with a lamp), but wears and removes like a normal polish. And it’s clean. It’s phenomenal. The standard line and treatments are perfect for quick manis and when you want to take a polish break, but still feel put together. P.s. their customer service is five stars.
- flexible hairspray: Living Proof Flex Hairspray. It does the job of your standard hairspray, but doesn’t leave your hair crunchy, offers natural movement and smells lovely. It’s perfect for the gentle hold (like when you’re growing out your bangs) but you still desire movement.
- bath: OSEA Vagus Nerve Bath Oil, oh how I love you. I love many bath products, but I’ve purchased this product at least 7 times in the past year or so. It leaves your skin silky soft, smells light and calming, and although the bottle says “pour generously”, you can make a little go a long way.
Okay, I’m so late no one will likely read this but it took me a minute to consider my “only one”!
Mascara…Maybelline The Falsies followed by a coat of L’Oréal Voluminous.
Shampoo…Bumble and Bumble seaweed. I’ve had off and on issues with my scalp for 20 years and this has been the only thing that keeps it straight and doesn’t strip my hair color.
Body lotion….Neutrogena Hydroboost gel
Hair tool…Dyson airwrap. It’s pricey but takes the place of a drawer full of hair tools. I have no idea why it’s so good but it’s worth every pricey penny.
Summer/Spring everyday shoe…Oofos I can wear these for 12+ hrs with no issues.
My favorite way to start my Sunday is coffee in bed and reading the newsletter! I bought the anine bing skirt because of you and can attest it’s perfect!
-cle de peau concealer. Lasts forever, goes on smooth, lasts all day and brightens like nothing else!
-crown affair hair clips. I have used every hair clip in the book and nothing has been able to hold my hair like these. Great for thin, thick, coarse alllll the things!
-beek finch sandals. my go-to 100% of the time
-111 skin black diamond face mask
-Vince little boy/essential crew neck tee. It’s the PERFECT fitted white tee, holds up in the wash, doesn’t lose its shape. Fitted but not too tight I’m obsessed
I love trying new beauty and skincare things, but there are some categories that I've stopped shopping around for because nothing beats these standbys:
-Bobbi Brown No Smudge mascara-- I live in a hot and humid climate and it is the only mascara reliably stays in place and doesn't end up under my eyes
-Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen--I sweat a lot and this does not run into my eyes and it doesn't feel like anything on my skin
-Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm in the pot for overnight healing
-Aquaphor for cuticles and other dry bits
-Elemis cleansing balm (the smell!)
Other random YCOHOs:
-Natori Bliss Cotton Girl Briefs-- comfy undies that are also reasonably sexy
-Ray Ban New Wayfarers (polarized)
-Birkenstock Madrid Sandals (original style, not the big buckle kind)
I love this idea, but I’ve just realized I’m not really discerning enough to truly have a YCOHO. The only exception I can think of is the Ole Henriksen skin barrier strengthening moisturizer. My skin absolutely loves it and just drinks it up.
I’ve been a minimalist since in utero so this week’s newsletter is spot on for me! As I am a writer covering beauty, fashion and wellness I try far too many products but stay true to a YCOHO list. My forever swoons include:
- Thrivecausmetics tube mascara; love the look and the founder’s loving mission
- Merit the minimalist; minimal makeup but have four or more at all times as I leave one in car, one in bag, one in bathroom etc.
- Jones Road Miracle Balm
- Beautycounter vitamin C serum
- Goop dark spot sleepmilk
- Saltyface self tanner + liquid bronzer
- Editrix cleanser + microneedle at home kit
- Look Optic readers
- Nili Lotan Paris Pants
- Veronica Beard dickey + blazer
- Sambas
Genius concept-- love this so much! Do you have a style name for the Dries pants? How is the sizing? You've sold me on them-- they are fab on you!
My personal faves: Negative wireless bras, Natori bliss underwear, Uniqlo tshirts, Augustinus Bader rich cream, Armani luminous silk foundation.
Sunday mornings are my favorite thanks to your newsletter, Hillary! Thank you for putting out such great content every week!
Hillary - I genuinely look forward to this newsletter every week! When I woke up yesterday I thought it was Sunday and I was gutted when I realised it was Saturday the newsletter wasn’t out! Genuinely! So thank you.
I’m going to look at Doen as my friend also raves about them, but I am a curvy 5”1 and sometimes feel drowned in that much fabric… but I can see the versatility for sure.
Also I love the MG Tote but I live in a rainy climate so I just can’t do it 😭 it’s far too open unfortunately.
This is a long comment, sorry!
My YCOHO’s (this really made me think! So thank you!);
Trousers - a British brand I’m not sure if you can get over there - Marks and Spencer (M&S) : their pure linen trousers. Like £25 and THE BEST! Other linen brands I’ve tried have worn through at the thighs (TMI - chafe! Sorry!) but these are the best. Such good quality for the price. Please check them out next time you’re in London! The brand has a reputation for being for the older lady but actually they are crushing it. Their silk and cashmere is also excellent. https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-wide-leg-cropped-trousers/p/clp60650301
Handbag - my Whistles cross body Vida bag is excellent. £160. https://www.whistles.com/row/product/vida-crossbody-bag-30006.html
SPF - la Roche posay anthelios hydrating SPF (not the green mattifying one). Like £20 and the best I’ve found. Doesn’t hurt my eyes and is really good.
https://frenchpharmacy.com/products/la-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-hydrating-cream-spf50
Bronzer / contour - the Chanel bronze universale. I’m literally on my fifth and I think it lasts me about a year. Blends so beautifully. No competition. https://www.chanel.com/ca-en/makeup/p/185390/healthy-glow-bronzing-cream-cream-gel-bronzer-for-a-healthy-sun-kissed-glow/
Mascara - beautypie tubing mascara! https://www.beautypie.com/products/wrap-star-tubing-mascara
Serum - also beautypie, their triple hyraluronic serum. I’m also on my fourth or fifth. My skin DRINKS it up. I’ve tried others and they just dont match up. Plus this is an excellent price. https://www.beautypie.com/products/triple-hyaluronic-acid-serum
Tops - I recently bought from Sézane for the first time - a silk shirt from their collection with Pangea. it is beautiful. So I’d continue to buy those because I really think silk works for so many occasions and can be dressed up or down! https://www.sezane.com/us/product/pierro-shirt-sezane-x-pangea/green-flag-print#size-2
Summer sandals - I thought I’d hate these but they are SO comfortable! I have wide feet and high arches so love the ones you posted but I just can’t wear a shoe now with no support 😭 these are Arizona love. (I get the black as it feels more subtle…!) https://arizonalove.store/products/trekky-black-bandana
I could go on but I will stop there 😂
Can I ask for your help finding a denim shirt, please? I seem to be really picky - there is so much on the “oversized” market out there but like I said I’m 5”1 and curvy so I dont need the extra fabric 😂
I love this concept and I look forward to your newsletter every week!!! I purchased the Roz products when you mentioned them in another newsletter and I LOVE THEM!! I will definitely get the spray. I literally only shop the items you highlight....the trust is real Hillary Kerr, thank you!
- Elta UV clear sunscreen. I always come back to this one. No white cast, make up doesn’t pill
- OPI Big Apple Red - wore it in my 20s, still wearing now. Classic
- Bioderma shower oil.
What a fun idea! My top YCOHOs:
-Better Than Sex Mascara. I discovered this in high school and foolishly keep trying others, though nothing in ten years has compared.
-Nars Creamy Concealer Stick. Simply the best.
-Glossier Ultralip in "Like." My "my lips but better" and one of the only lipsticks I have used to the bottom again and again. I think I've gone through ten tubes.
So glad you mentioned K. Jacques. They are honestly the BEST made sandals - a true St Tropez icon. Mine are still going strong ten years later too.
Same on the cashmere! X
Came back to this a week later to check all the comments I missed. Wow. So many things! I love this community. Thinking further about my YCOHO, I have a few contributions to share:
- nail care: manucurist is the ultimate nail option. I have tried everything under the sun. Their flash line in particular is amazing. It applies like a gel (with a lamp), but wears and removes like a normal polish. And it’s clean. It’s phenomenal. The standard line and treatments are perfect for quick manis and when you want to take a polish break, but still feel put together. P.s. their customer service is five stars.
- flexible hairspray: Living Proof Flex Hairspray. It does the job of your standard hairspray, but doesn’t leave your hair crunchy, offers natural movement and smells lovely. It’s perfect for the gentle hold (like when you’re growing out your bangs) but you still desire movement.
- bath: OSEA Vagus Nerve Bath Oil, oh how I love you. I love many bath products, but I’ve purchased this product at least 7 times in the past year or so. It leaves your skin silky soft, smells light and calming, and although the bottle says “pour generously”, you can make a little go a long way.
Okay, I’m so late no one will likely read this but it took me a minute to consider my “only one”!
Blazers - anine bing (several styles!)
Tshirts - the viral Walmart ones!!
Underwear - cotton Natori or one size fits all Chantelle briefs!
Pants - for work, commute or bloated days: stretchy kick flares ( mashburn are my favs)
Socks - balega
Shoes - 327 new balance
Sunscreen - elta md
I love the doen ischia dress too (most recent purchase) and wear doen for so many occasions
Skin and hair care in flux
Love this🥰
Sunscreen….Elta tinted
Lipstick…Merit in Cabo or Baby
Mascara…Maybelline The Falsies followed by a coat of L’Oréal Voluminous.
Shampoo…Bumble and Bumble seaweed. I’ve had off and on issues with my scalp for 20 years and this has been the only thing that keeps it straight and doesn’t strip my hair color.
Body lotion….Neutrogena Hydroboost gel
Hair tool…Dyson airwrap. It’s pricey but takes the place of a drawer full of hair tools. I have no idea why it’s so good but it’s worth every pricey penny.
Summer/Spring everyday shoe…Oofos I can wear these for 12+ hrs with no issues.
Fall/Winter everyday shoe…Birkenstock Buckley clog
Panties…Soma vanishing edge. You’ll never have a wedgie again!
Tote…Parker Thatch Parker in denim with red leather handles. It holds a ton and goes with everything.
White T- Anine Bing Lili
Denim- Mother Denim High Rollers for life❤️
Lips- Violette FR Bisou Balm- so good but Amour Fou is perfection
Cheeks- Violette FR Bisou Blush- fool proof flush
Mascara- Thrive tubing- no flaking or smudging
Shampoo- K-19 clarifying shampoo
Skin- Nuxe Body Oil
Room Scent- or I suppose island scent- Astier de Villate Namche Bazar incense FOREVERRRR
My favorite way to start my Sunday is coffee in bed and reading the newsletter! I bought the anine bing skirt because of you and can attest it’s perfect!
-cle de peau concealer. Lasts forever, goes on smooth, lasts all day and brightens like nothing else!
-crown affair hair clips. I have used every hair clip in the book and nothing has been able to hold my hair like these. Great for thin, thick, coarse alllll the things!
-beek finch sandals. my go-to 100% of the time
-111 skin black diamond face mask
-Vince little boy/essential crew neck tee. It’s the PERFECT fitted white tee, holds up in the wash, doesn’t lose its shape. Fitted but not too tight I’m obsessed
I love trying new beauty and skincare things, but there are some categories that I've stopped shopping around for because nothing beats these standbys:
-Bobbi Brown No Smudge mascara-- I live in a hot and humid climate and it is the only mascara reliably stays in place and doesn't end up under my eyes
-Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen--I sweat a lot and this does not run into my eyes and it doesn't feel like anything on my skin
-Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm in the pot for overnight healing
-Aquaphor for cuticles and other dry bits
-Elemis cleansing balm (the smell!)
Other random YCOHOs:
-Natori Bliss Cotton Girl Briefs-- comfy undies that are also reasonably sexy
-Ray Ban New Wayfarers (polarized)
-Birkenstock Madrid Sandals (original style, not the big buckle kind)
-Yeti travel mug with the mag-slider lid
I love this idea, but I’ve just realized I’m not really discerning enough to truly have a YCOHO. The only exception I can think of is the Ole Henriksen skin barrier strengthening moisturizer. My skin absolutely loves it and just drinks it up.
God this is good