The best recommendations come from the people we see every day, whether that’s in person or those we watch and follow through our screens. When they’re on-camera, they’re often featuring items that have been curated for their shows, but sometimes the products they love most are the simple ones they use off-air, or that they would gift to their family and friends.
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BestReviews talked to "Studio 701" hosts Katie Varga and Amber Schatz about their everyday favorites and must-haves. From practical utility items to giftable treasures, here are the items they genuinely recommend and hope you love.
In this article: L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion, Kitsch Satin Pillowcase With Zipper and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer
L’Oreal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion
This glow-enhancing makeup lotion illuminates any makeup look. It is infused with glycerin and sea butter and available in five different shades. “This is a must for me, no matter the makeup routine,” Katie said. “It's perfect to add less when going for that ‘no makeup' makeup look and perfect to add more for a base when going for a ‘glam’ look.”
Kitsch Satin Pillowcase With Zipper
For those serious about keeping their wake-up face fresh and hair smooth, this satin pillowcase stays cool and breathable all night long while you get your beauty sleep. It is made of eco-friendly satin and is the equivalent of a 600-thread-count pillow. “This satin pillowcase helps keep my hair soft and less frizzy all week long,” Katie said. “Additionally, its cooling abilities help me fall asleep quicker.”
Terez & Honor Advanced Eyelash Serum
This eyelash and brow serum helps enhance lashes, making them look longer and fuller within six weeks. It is easy to apply and made of naturally derived ingredients. “Using this serum each night has kept my lashes strong, long and conditioned,” Katie said. “It also doesn't contain prostaglandins, which is a huge benefit when using around your eyes.”
A few drops of this oil directly on the scalp will help promote healthier-looking hair. “During my road to hair growth, I have gravitated towards hair oils like this that contain simple ingredient lists for maximum nutrient efficacy,” Katie said. “It aided me in my overall scalp health to promote an environment for healthy and sustainable long-term hair growth.”
Hairitage Hydrating Argan Oil Deep Conditioning Mask
Good for hair of all types and textures, this restorative hair mask is formulated with argan oil, shea butter, aloe and soy protein. It is sulfate-free, vegan and dermatologist-tested. Katie loves how it makes her hair feel. “The goal is deep conditioning to leave my hair softer and smoother,” Katie said. “Not only do I get that, but the best-smelling hair afterwards. It also leaves my natural curls hydrated and bouncy.”
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Kirkland Signature Daily Facial Towelettes
Made for sensitive skin, these daily facial towelettes cleanse and remove makeup. The towelettes are enriched with probiotics, and reviewers say they are extra moist. Amber swears by these. “Every night, I need to take all of my makeup and gunk off my face,” she said. “These towelettes are my favorite to use before I start my face-washing ritual!”
bareMinerals Gen Nude Highlighting Blush
This two-in-one blush highlighter contains silky blurring microspheres finely milled to melt into the skin and provide an all-over glow. Amber loves how it makes her look “cool.” “When I tried this highlighter, I got compliments from my ‘cool, Gen Z’ friends, including my co-host Katie Varga,” she said. “I think it adds a nice highlight on TV that gives me a little pop and shimmer of color.”
“A sleep consultant recommended this brand, and I've never looked back,” Amber said. “All three of my kids line up for their turn getting a foot rub from mom after bathtime and before books/bedtime. I find the scent calms my kids, and offers all of us a nice, calming nighttime ritual.” This gentle magnesium lotion helps children relax with lavender extract and shea butter. The perfect bedtime lotion, the natural formula is simple to apply and is quickly absorbed.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer
Stay hydrated and protected from the sun with this blurring mineral SPF 30 tinted moisturizer. It is available in a variety of shades and two sizes, and reviewers say it does not settle into fine lines. Amber loves the way it sits on her skin. “I appreciate a natural moisturizer that I can apply every day, giving me smooth sunscreen coverage, and a more evened-out complexion,” she said.
These wispy eyelashes blend into natural lashes seamlessly. They are bouncy and full. “As a busy mom always on the run, it helps me get camera-ready faster with false lashes that are easy to apply,” Amber said. “I like a natural look, but am more confident with more volume in my lashes, especially for TV.”
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