10 Things Our Brain Trust Members and Editors Are Doing to Keep Balance in the New Year

“I’ve been learning to cook like a pro, and I have done some serious closet clean-outs!”

—Bianca Espada, lifestyle blogger

“Pre-COVID, pre-wash products fell under the ‘who has the time’ category in my book. Ten months (and counting) of not stepping into my beloved blowout bar, I have taken to the minty-gritty magic of Shaz & Kiks Back to Your Roots Prewash ($60), an Ayurvedic blend of hair-helpers that puts more good hair days on the schedule.”

—Liz Ritter, Executive Editor

“Though I’m now stuck inside rather than running around the city, I still apply SPF daily (blue light is bad, too!). The new JLo Beauty That Big Screen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Moisturizer ($54) makes sun protection glamorous, as evidenced by the Cartier-esque rose gold jar, whipped texture and glowy finish it gives skin.”

—Brittany Burhop Fallon, Beauty Director

“Since I’ve spent the past few years traveling a lot, I have taken advantage of the quarantine to do some much-needed resetting. Besides just spending time with myself, I’ve been working on my health and self-care, reading, catching up on TV, cleaning, and organizing my home.”

—D’Andre Michael, makeup artist and aesthetician

“The pandemic has been life-changing for most of humankind. I welcomed a new baby girl in June, and despite all the difficulties and adversities, I had an unprecedented opportunity for a woman in medicine to focus a large chunk of my energy and time on caring for her.”

—New York oculoplastic surgeon Irene Gladstein, MD

“I’m loving ‘less is more’ beauty lately, like Merit, which takes its name from its desire to earn a place on our vanities. With clean formulas and a simpler approach to getting a natural-looking glow—like its The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick ($38)—it’s safe to say, mission accomplished.”

—Tatiana Bido, Features Editor

“After working almost seven days a week throughout the pandemic, I’m reclaiming my Sundays and dedicating them to self-care and relaxation. Sleeping in, going on long walks, and having at-home spa days filled with baths, masks and skin-care devices is all part of that routine.”

—Lara Eurdolian, founder of Pretty Connected

“Labeling is the key to a well-maintained organization system and simplification. It allows my mind to think clear thoughts and not be overwhelmed by the clutter. I found Polished Jar on one of those Instagram rabbit holes. You decant your personal-care products into a beautiful glass or plastic bottle that has been labeled. It gives your shower (or kitchen counter) a seamless, perfectly organized, styled look.”

—Sarah Eggenberger, Editor-at-large

“Instead of dreaming of the day I’ll return to a spa, I’m creating my own personal oasis. Celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden is known for her signature facials, which always include a 10-minute vibration treatment. Her brand-new Facial Sculpting Wand ($399) brings the skin-firming, stress-quieting benefits home.”

—Danielle Fontana Dooley, Senior Digital Editor

“After writing this issue’s squalane story (and trying more squalane products than I can count) I have a whole new perspective on the term ‘moisturized.’ Not only does the super ingredient tackle my yearly bout of dry skin, but it’s also incredibly anti-inflammatory and doesn’t exacerbate any acne flare-ups. Squalane is the one and only ingredient in BeautyStat Universal Moisture Essence ($40), so I don’t have to worry about other funny business in the formula, and it delivers on its barrier-repairing, line-smoothing claims.”

—Olivia Wohlner, editorial assistant