WELCOME TO THE
THE EDITOR’S EDIT
Where real, proven beauty wisdom meets a sensible approach to self care. Think of this as your insider’s guide to the beauty industry—and the latest products that are actually worth purchasing. At The Editor's Edit, I hope to foster an open, elevated dialogue with a contributing beauty editor at W magazine. This isn't about the fleeting allure of some sexy packaging. We're unearthing beauty gems that will transform you from the inside out, and will resonate among those with discerning tastes.
I aim to cover the beauty world with (at times brutal, but necessary) honesty and thoughtfulness, sharing only the most effective, science-backed finds amid a dizzying, saturated market filled with products and brands. The Editor's Edit is a celebration of beauty as an art form, curated for consumers who appreciate quality products—from the award-winning classics to cutting-edge newcomers.
Beyond the realm of potions and lotions, I weave into The Editor's Edit snippets from my own life in L.A.: a tapestry of fashion, travels, and moments as a mom, wife and writer, all shared from the heart of the city. Consider this a glimpse into a world where everyday luxuries are savored, and beauty is an expression of our most creative selves.
With Love and Gratitude,
My New Secret Weapon: Glutathione Spray for Health, Skin & Hangovers
Wellness trends with no substance are a special kind of torture—yet I’m convinced many folks are just one viral TikTok video away from thinking they’ve found the next miracle cure. Call me old-fashioned, but I like my wellness backed by actual science, not social media hype. And here’s something that is science-backed: glutathione. Your body makes this powerful antioxidant naturally, but as you age, production slows down. (Lucky us, right?) But glutathione does wonders for our health—especially when it comes to balancing oxidative stress and flushing out toxins in your liver (yes, that liver again. The one we always blame for melasma…more on that later).
Now, you’ve probably heard of a few ways to take glutathione: intravenous drips, patches (which doesn’t absorb well in the body), and a variety of other options. But let me introduce you to something much easier and more effective: Glutaryl Antioxidant Glutathione Spray from Auro Wellness. Developed by Dr. Nayan Patel, one of the most respected compounders in the country, this spray is as potent as it gets. You simply spritz it on twice a day, morning and night, and the highly absorbent formula gets to work. A few things to note: yes, it has a sulfuric scent (don’t freak out, it fades in about 30 seconds), and the best place to apply it is on an area with little to no hair, like your stomach. This ensures maximum absorption).
What’s in it for you? For starters, if you’re dealing with melasma or dark spots, this spray will help detoxify your liver, which in turn can improve your skin. Oh, and for those times when you overdid it at happy hour, this spray is a game-changer for hangovers. A quick four spritzes after a night of drinking helps flush the alcohol toxins out of your body faster and more efficiently than that greasy diner breakfast you swear will save you. The next time you’re tempted to follow the latest TikTok trend, remember there’s real science behind this, and it works. To shop the product and learn more, click here.
The O Shot: How a Revolutionary Procedure Can Reawaken Orgasms
During a girlfriend’s recent birthday lunch, the topic of aging came up. The group, which was comprised of successful women mostly in their forties, remarked on the many positives of being the age we are. We unanimously agreed that today, we are way more comfortable with our bodies, our selves, and our sexuality than we ever were in our twenties—or our thirties, for that matter. It seems experience, and both the good and the bad in life, have given us tools to stand steadfast in who we are and what we want.
But life is also filled with trade-offs. Naturally, this lunchtime conversation turned to the other side, and we did discuss some things we missed from our carefree twenties. We never needed any set hours of sleep to look great back then, for instance (let alone function). We also now have a codependent relationship with the hair salon, as we don’t have the liberty to come and go only when in need of a haircut; we touch up the grays every six weeks. And how about the subject of sex now vs. at, say, 27? Someone at the table had to remind us about the explosive orgasms we use to get (remember those? The ones that caused your eyes to roll to the back of your head?). But they are long gone. We all agreed, and then we laughed and laughed. Until we didn’t. Dead silence. The change in sexual desire is simply due to age. It’s inevitable—but does it have to be?
Let’s escape this lunch scene and dissect the notion for a second. Hormones are a doozy on a woman’s body, yes. Estrogen fluctuations after having kids, being perimenopausal or carrying the stress of being a successful woman in your forties wears on the body, no matter how much you meditate, do kegels or do yoga. Is this the kind of sex life so many will have in their forties and beyond? Just decades of half-assed orgasms?
Later, I was looking through emails when I found a pitch from Dr. Usha Rajagopal, the San Francisco plastic surgeon who is gaining traction for a procedure that “heightens and reclaims your orgasm.” It’s called the O-Shot. This procedure has been out for several years, with various doctors having more or less their own version. I researched her background, and she is reputable as well as esteemed (25 years of experience, a trainer and speaker at national plastic surgery conferences, and medical director of San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, where they have a one-of-a-kind “V Suite” for vaginal rejuvenation. The O-Shot is, for the most part, a one-and-done procedure that involves a fine medley of PRP technology, plus a syringe that is—brace yourselves—inserted directly into your clitoris. Of course, the vaginal area is numbed (that part of the procedure might have hurt the most. But since the O-Shot promised to deliver the orgasms of yesteryear, I thought it might be well worth the discomfort). This is a procedure I can wholeheartedly recommend for any woman wanting to reclaim what was once hers—her orgasm.
I say this as a beauty editor: sex and a great orgasm can do more for your skin, confidence, and overall well-being than any $800 face cream. That being said, the O-Shot costs around $1500. If you can afford it, don’t feel ashamed—make the appointment! There should never be a feeling of shame surrounding reclaiming something that will help your body and mind. If it helps to put things in a logical perspective, research says that when you spend your money on experiences vs. material possessions, it leads to greater happiness. I will only say that, in my experience, this procedure yields happiness in multiples—just like your future orgasms.
My Morning Beauty Staple? A Probiotic Drink
Explore why nourishing your gut with probiotics like Symprove is essential. Beyond fads like celery juice, probiotics enhance gut health, boost energy, and fortify immunity. With 20 years of experience, I've found Symprove to be the best for maintaining vitality and reducing bloating.
I’ve spent 20 years trying scores of brands, and I’ve found nothing better than Symprove. This product is better than anything else available and comparable.
To those who got so into the celery juice, kale chips, and acai bowl crazes: I urge you to take a step back and recognize the importance of simply nourishing your gut microbiome with probiotics. Focus on strengthening our stomach health without getting swept up in fads! Today, in the year of 2024, there are a billion-plus reasons why you should take a probiotic every morning. Aside from gut health serving a paramount function for your well-being, probiotics help increase your energy levels, fortify immune function and (for the sake of our vanity) they address bloating concerns by harmonizing the gut flora. I’ve spent 20 years trying scores of brands, and I’ve found nothing better than Symprove. This product is better than anything else available and comparable. First, it’s a water-based probiotic solution, so it passes through the stomach into the lower gut without compromising any of the powerful bacteria. Symprove’s strains also produce lactate, which feeds the good bacteria in your stomach. And arguably most important: the evidence is clear in how I look and feel. When I stick to my regular diet and exercise routine, but don’t use Symprove and instead try other probiotics, I notice a decline in my energy levels, skin condition, and I experience more bloating. The proof is in the pudding. And this is a staple in my morning routine that I will never forego.
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