I’ve Tried Countless New Items This Season, but These 5 Majorly Leveled-Up My Life

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve put a greater emphasis on quality. I no longer want to buy or own so-so things in my home — and I’m lucky to have in-the-know resources to give me insights on the best of the best in the fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle space. After all, it’s my job to recommend products, and the only way I can really do that is to hone my expertise in the topic and test products on a daily basis. Yes, it’s a lot, but yes, it’s worth it. 

A few weeks ago, I cleaned out my space to make room for my fiancé to move in (yay!), but it also made me take a deep dive into the things I love and want to keep for winter — as well as the items that no longer served me. While I donated a lot, I kept a handful of items that have been game changers for me this season within arm’s reach. 

These five products have majorly leveled up my winter routine, and I just have to share them with you all, dear readers. Below, check out the body lotion that calmed my dry, itchy skin, the buzzy shampoo that saved me from my usual winter frizz, and the tank top that’s going to be your most-worn basic ever. You’re welcome.

5 Things That Leveled-Up My Life

• Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion, $10
• Skims Stretch-Cotton Jersey Mock-Neck Tank, $36
• Dr. Schrammek Classic Blemish Balm, $90
• Roz Foundation Shampoo, $39
• Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint Sheer Oil-Infused Tinted Lip Balm, $38

Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion

When Martha Stewart says she uses something, you can best bet I will be the first to follow suit. I’ve followed her since as long as I can remember — my mom and I used to watch her show religiously (TBH, it was also one of the few shows I watched on television that helped me learn English after moving from Germany to Minnesota at the age of five). So, Stewart holds a special place in my heart; I trust her recommendations wholeheartedly. That’s why when her facialist, Carmela Barabas, shared with InStyle that this $10 Mario Badescu body lotion is a long-time favorite of Stewart’s, I raced to make it mine, knowing it would absolutely sell out as more people caught wind of her recommendation. And let me tell you — it’s 100 percent worth it. Your dry, rough, cracking winter skin won’t know what’s coming when you apply this (hint, hint: smooth, silky-softness). Plus, the price is simply unbeatable for the quality, so much so that I’ve stocked up on a few bottles because I will continue to use it well into the summer months. 

Skims Stretch-Cotton Jersey Mock-Neck Tank

When I say I’m a Skims stan, I mean it. Every single item I’ve purchased from Kim K’s brand has not only been incredibly flattering, but out-of-this-world comfortable, which means I obviously need to test everything out. While I’m in love with the brand’s undies, it’s the shirts that really make my heart skip a beat — and right now, I’m repeat-wearing this mock-neck that’s the perfect layering staple for every season. It’s made from a buttery soft, stretchy cotton you have to try to believe — it’s that soft, but also offers just the right amount of compression that it has the most flattering fit. In fact, I have even slept in it because, well, why not? I’m adding a few more colors to my rotation, as I truly wear this more than anything else I own — under sweaters, with blazers, on its own. I promise you’ll be so happy to have this basic on hand.

Dr. Schrammek Classic Blemish Balm 

I’m German, so yes, I am biased to German products. But my nationality isn’t the only reason I'm keen on Euro goodies — I really do think the quality is unmatched. I’ve waxed poetic about the German skincare cream my 60-something mom and I are obsessed with, and have used for decades. (Jennifer Lopez is a fan of it, too). Now I’m ready to do the same about a newly discovered product that I “wowed” over the first time I used it: Dr. Schrammek’s Classic Blemish Balm. Yes, the balm is actually the first version of a BB cream ever created; it was made to soothe skin and camouflage redness, and it does that to a T. You need just a little bit for full-face coverage — it looks about as natural as it gets. It covered all of my red spots in seconds and evened my skin tone without feeling heavy or cakey. It lasts all day, and after removing it in the evening, my skin looks better than it did before I put on the BB cream. It’s basically magic. 

Roz Foundation Shampoo

Wintertime means Eva is going to have dry AF hair. And while, yes, I do the usual seasonal essentials, like hair masks and rosemary oils that keep the strands hydrated and strong to avoid breakage, it’s no secret that a good shampoo is a game changer. I had heard so much buzz around the Roz Foundation shampoo that I just had to try it — and I’m so glad I did. My hair has truly never looked better. Not only are my flyaways nearly gone, but my hair is so shiny and smooth, I can comb through it without any issue. I also tend to get oily very quickly, and I feel like this helps keep my roots free from excess sebum. It’s great for all hair types and textures (love!), and is silicone-, paraben-, gluten-, SLS-, and cruelty-free. TL;DR? It doesn’t have any of the bad stuff and all of the good, like ginger root, frankincense, grape, and walnut, all of which promote scalp restoration and protect against anti-radicals.

Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint Sheer Oil-Infused Tinted Lip Balm

I love lipstick. I’m that person who always needs something on their lips, but that doesn’t mean I always want the heaviness of opaque lipsticks. I love a tint or stain, and I’ve tried many, but the one I keep going back to is this Bobbi Brown Oil-Infused Tinted Lip Balm that’s a lipstick and lip balm in one — yes, it’s perfect for this time of year. This Bobbi Brown essential has all the benefits of hydrating balm thanks to its impressive formula that has a blend of olive, avocado, and jojoba oils. It works to smooth and soften lips, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines, all while giving your pout a plump look. But the best — and arguably coolest part — is that the lippie’s formula blends with the natural color of your lips to give you a color unique to you. So, no one’s lip color will look like yours, and I think that’s pretty darn special.