Their body cream turned my husband, who hates body lotion, into an everyday user. Apply it to damp skin after showering. It absorbs beautifully without feeling sticky, slippery or overstimulating. You’ll see and feel the difference.

Their three hero products:

Soft-Touch: Removes dead skin and buildup, leaving skin soft and smooth.

Summer Skin: A serum and lotion in one that hydrates, repairs and softens without any sticky residue.

Hydrating Oil Body Wash: An oil-to-gel wash that creates a silky foam, cleansing without stripping the skin or leaving it feeling tight.

Explore the full collection HERE.

Every time I mention wearing makeup at the gym, the thousands of women in my community fall into three very different camps.

The first group is absolutely horrified by the idea. For them, the gym is a much-needed break from cosmetics. The second group would never leave the house without a full face of makeup, gym included. And then there’s the practical group: they do their makeup, go to the gym and head straight to work. Obviously, washing everything off and starting over isn’t always realistic.

I personally don’t wear makeup to work out, although I do wear sunscreen. But I wanted to investigate the subject so I could give you advice that went beyond my own preferences.

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Unfortunately, researching it online didn’t provide many clear answers. Most dermatologists seemed firmly against makeup at the gym, but rarely addressed sunscreen or individual products such as mascara. Meanwhile, the makeup lovers were ready to go all in and rebel against every rule.

What I couldn’t find was useful advice for the woman somewhere in the middle.

Instead of piecing together a routine based on guesswork, I contacted my friend, dermatologist Dr. Dustin Portela. I asked him exactly what women who want to wear a little makeup to the gym can do without unnecessarily irritating their skin or clogging their pores. And yes, I pushed him for realistic workarounds.

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Below, you’ll find our short video with a step-by-step gym makeup routine that gives you a little polish while still protecting your skin. I’ve also linked all the dermatologist-approved products beneath the video.

Shop everything mentioned in this video here

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Every underlined word is clickable:

• Brow Setting Serum

• Lash Curl Finisher

• My Mascara if you want actual mascara do THIS

• Lip Stain. Shade: ALMOND. Official Web

• Lip Stain Almond, on Amazon

• Lip Stain Shade Slipper

• Great Balm over the Lip Stain

• French Lip Tint (use code: BONNIEVFR15 for 15% off)

• Great Eye Patches for Before

• Best Milky Cleanser

• If you’re in a pinch and don’t have anything to wash your face with, keep these cleansing towelettes for emergencies. They cleanse and contain serum. They’re also perfect after a night of drinking or for the occasional walk of shame, so they’re not entirely bad. LOL.

• Favorite Tinted Sunscreen

• Favorite Sunscreen Serum with Tint Shade: ST8:

• Favorite mineral sunscreen

• Great Mask for the Night Before

• Best Hydrating Essence

• Best Restoring Moisturizer

  Remember, the most important step is washing your face after your workout. THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.

With love

Bonnie 🖤

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Let’s take a quick look at the best articles and products of the month. Everything that earned a spot among the best of the best, according to the Effortless Queen herself… yours truly. 👑

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BEST PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH

If your skin is red, dry, irritated, or suffering from the weather or retinol, this is the moisturizer you need. It’s especially good at night. HERE. Saw results in 2 days.

The French eyeshadow Hailey Bieber uses continues to be the best for that no-makeup makeup look. HERE and set HERE. (Code: BONNIEVFR15)

The best perfume of the month is No. 14. I have the perfume oil, but now I want the spray too. HERE

The perfect Khaite boot dupe for fall, without the $1,000+ price tag. HERE

The jeans that all the French girls on Pinterest are wearing: the budget-friendly blue pair is HERE, and the white investment pair is HERE.

The best sunglasses of the month are HERE.

The best hair kit for shine and fighting frizz is HERE. (Code: BONNIE15)

If you want your skin to look like skin, but better, this serum is it. HERE

The best candle dish is HERE.

The best earrings for getting that old-money look without the old-money price tag are HERE.

BEST ARTICLES

With love,
Bonnie 🖤

Hi Chiquit@s! Friday’s edition of the newsletter includes a preview for FREE subscribers and access to the full article for PAID subscribers.

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I don’t particularly love “fashion rules,” but sometimes we just need one simple concept to give us direction on those days when our creativity is underground but the world keeps on spinning.

So save this email. Next time you’re standing in front of your closet with absolutely no idea what to wear, come back to these 3 tips.

1. Repeat one color twice in the outfit

You may have heard this called the sandwich method, and it is one of the easiest styling tricks to make an outfit feel intentional. The basic idea is simple: repeat the same color in two different parts of your outfit.

For example: black top, blue jeans, black shoes.

The black on top and the black on the bottom visually “sandwich” the denim in the middle, which makes the whole outfit feel more connected.

And it doesn’t have to be that obvious. You can repeat brown with your belt and shoes, burgundy with your bag and sweater, or even gold with your jewelry and the hardware on your bag.

Let’s move on to the next one…

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After so many years of wanting them, I finally went on the hunt for the perfect pair. What would make them perfect? Tight on the top, wide through the leg, but not too wide at the bottom.

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I found the perfect pair, and they’re 50% off at the moment I’m writing this.

Watch them in movement in the video. Click the image to watch.

SHOP HERE

They are comfortable, flattering, and SO good. I can’t wait for fall to style them with a slim boot.

I also got a similar cut, but this pair was more of an investment. They’re white, though, and the combinations are endless. The shape is so flattering and makes even a simple outfit look a little more interesting.

SHOP JEANS HERE

Full look HERE

BTW, before I leave, I have to say that THIS lip stain as a liner ( color ALMOND) and THIS lip stain ( shade: Slipper) in the middle, will give you the most natural sexy lips in the cool-girl way.

Go and be fabulous.

With love,
Bonnie 🖤

Today I have some juicy before-and-after photos that genuinely shocked me when I put them side by side. Especially because a lot of these products have videos online that feel scammy, salesy, just freaking suspicious.

Some of them, on the other hand, were completely unassuming, had very little marketing behind them, and still gave me RESULTS.

For some products, the difference was instant. Others took weeks of testing. So make sure to LIKE this post so I can keep investigating these products and putting them to the test.

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And girl, I will definitely leave you all the product info so you can be fab too.

Lash Serum

I wore fake eyelashes for YEARS, and eventually I got so annoyed with the whole process of putting them on that I gave up. Which left me with my sad little natural lashes.

Then, of course, Instagram started targeting me with ads for this lash serum. The before-and-afters looked almost TOO good, so naturally I thought: scam.

I didn’t buy it.

But then something weird kept happening. I would randomly meet women with ridiculously good natural lashes, ask them what they were doing, and over and over again the answer was: lash serum.

So I finally tried it and... girl.

IT WORKED.

The photos don’t lie.

But there is a caveat, and I think you should know about it before deciding whether this type of product is for you.

The one I’ve been using, Babe Original, contains isopropyl cloprostenate, which is a synthetic prostaglandin analog. That’s the ingredient associated with the really dramatic lash-growing effect.

This is also NOT an overnight product. Babe says some people may start noticing a difference around four weeks, but they recommend judging the full results after about 12 weeks of consistent use. You apply it at night, and once your lashes reach a length you’re happy with, the brand says you can drop down to 2–3 nights a week for maintenance. If you stop completely, your lashes will gradually return to their natural appearance.

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Now for the part those crazy before-and-after ads don’t always scream about.

Prostaglandin analogs can potentially cause side effects around the eyes, including:

• irritation, redness or dryness

• darkening of the skin around the lash line

• unwanted hair growth if the serum repeatedly gets onto other areas

• a more hollow appearance around the eyes from periorbital fat/volume loss

• Prostaglandin analogs used as prescription eye medications have also been associated with permanent iris darkening. Babe uses a different prostaglandin analog, and this specific effect has not been well established with cosmetic lash serums like Babe, so I don't want to imply that it definitely happens with this product.

The fat-loss part sounds particularly terrifying, so I went digging. There are published reports involving cosmetic lash serums containing prostaglandin analogs, including isopropyl cloprostenate, showing changes consistent with loss of volume around the eyes. In one published case involving isopropyl cloprostenate, the hollowing reversed about six months after the person stopped using it. Another report found discoloration associated with isopropyl cloprostenate gradually improved after discontinuation. So some of these changes can be reversible, but I would not tell you that every possible side effect is guaranteed to reverse.

I felt like I needed to tell you ALL of that because the point of these reviews is for you to have the information and make your own decision.

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For me, I decided the potential benefit was worth the risk. I’ve been using it for about three months, I haven’t noticed ANY of those side effects, and the difference in my lashes has literally changed the way my whole face looks.

The before-and-after is kind of insane.

SHOP HERE

Now, if the prostaglandin thing makes you say ABSOLUTELY NOT, Babe also makes the Renewing Lash Serum, which is prostaglandin-free and instead uses peptides. The brand says it can produce visible fuller and longer-looking lashes in about six weeks with consistent use. I haven’t personally tested that one, though, so I can’t tell you that the results will be as dramatic as mine.

SHOP HERE

Boob Tape

Boob tape is one of those products that always looked way too complicated to me. I saw it on the Kardashians many times and never made a move. I mean, they have a whole team helping them… bla bla bla.

But out of necessity, I finally ended up buying it and BOOM. Now I’m wondering why the hell I didn’t say yes to this 24-hour boob job sooner.

Here is my before and after: left boob, nothing. Right boob, CAKES Tape. The difference is kind of wild.

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This one is different from traditional rolls of boob tape. It comes in pre-cut silicone strips in three different lengths, and you can reposition them while you’re applying them until you get the shape and lift you want. They’re also reusable up to three times.

But GIRL, there is a trick:

DO NOT PUT CREAM, BODY LOTION OR OIL ON YOUR BOOBS BEFORE USING IT.

Your skin needs to be completely clean and dry or the tape is not going to grip properly. This is actually part of CAKES’ instructions, and I think it makes a HUGE difference.

And please follow the tutorial the first time. Don’t just slap the tape on and hope for the best 😂. The placement is what creates the lift. You basically anchor the tape, lift your boob into the position you want, press it down, and then layer more pieces if you need extra support.

I personally like using 2 or sometimes 3 strips on each boob because of my boob size and shape. I like a LOT of support and I want them UP.

But if you have a naturally perkier shape than me, I honestly think one strip might be enough, depending on the top you’re wearing and how much lift you want.

Girl. The boobs are BOOBING.

SHOP HERE

Glazing Milk

When Rhode launched, I was skeptical. Another celebrity skincare brand with gorgeous packaging promising glazed, juicy skin? Mhhhh. We have been here before.

But I got a PR package directly from the brand. I don’t have a contract with them, but I figured I may as well test it. Look at the photo. Left side before. Right side after. No makeup, no highlighter. My skin just looks noticeably more hydrated, smoother and JUICIER.

This is one of those products where the glow isn’t something I have to convince myself I’m seeing.

And there is actually a reason for it.

Glazing Milk is basically a very lightweight milky essence packed with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients. It has glycerin and several forms of hyaluronic acid for hydration, but the part that really got my attention is the barrier formula: ceramides NP, AP and EOP + cholesterol + fatty acids including linoleic, linolenic and oleic acid. Basically, the ingredients your skin barrier naturally uses to keep moisture IN.

The biggest thing is that when I got the package, I was testing a retinal for the vlog. I was SO excited to give you a good before and after, but unfortunately, I had a bad reaction to it and my skin looked ugly and irritated. TRASH!

I don’t want to say Glazing Milk is a miracle, but IT DID help my skin recover. For about two weeks, I used only the milk and THIS moisturizer, and my skin slowly started looking like itself again.

So yeah, it helped my skin as an actual skincare product, but it is also AMAZING for PRE-MAKEUP. It gives you that glow-from-within look and also helps the makeup blend better.

Honestly, Hailey Bieber killed it. I’m HOOKED on the Glazing Milk, the bronzer and the blush.

SHOP HERE

Crazy Moisturizer

This before and after is not my leg, and I’m going to keep the person anonymous. But when I first saw this leg, I almost had a heart attack because I’m CRAZY about body creams and I had genuinely never seen skin this dry.

So first I recommended my usual trick: leave the skin a little damp, apply lotion on top (generous), and let everything dry together to help trap that moisture in.

The person was using another cream and we definitely saw improvement… but not CRAZY improvement.

Then about a week later, I got a restock of my Koala moisturizer and, honestly, out of pure proximity, I tried it on this person. We could NOT believe the difference the next day. I literally gave them the entire cream because, girl, they clearly needed it more than I did.

But HOLY SH*T. When I saw the leg again about two weeks later, it didn’t even look like the same person anymore.

The dryness, the texture, everything looked SO much better.

This one WORKS.

SHOP HERE

P.S. This brand also makes the best hand soap in history.

Hair Mask

I got this before and after from my Facebook memories. Those memories can go dark REAL fast lol.

But in this case, I was actually happy to see it because… look at the difference in my hair.

It immediately made me think: okay, what actually made the BIGGEST difference?

A few things definitely helped:

• Not bleaching my hair to death anymore.

• Cutting off all the really damaged parts.

• Using THIS mask consistently.

• Using THIS hair cream.

• And honestly, stopping myself from burning my hair with crappy tools and switching to THIS and THIS instead.

But if I had to pick ONE thing to start with, it would be the mask.

The brand recommends using it for the first 4–6 washes, then as needed. For maintenance, I use it about once a week.

And PLEASE use it correctly because this is one of those products where the instructions MATTER: shampoo, don’t condition first, towel-dry your hair, apply the mask, and wait 4 FULL MINUTES. Do not rinse it out.

If your hair is really dry, after those four minutes you can add conditioner or whatever other products you normally use.

Really, after the four minutes, do whatever you want.

But GIRL…

WAIT. THE. FOUR. MINUTES.

SHOP HERE

Okay, I wish I could tell you more, but these tests take TIME. So if you’re new here and want to stay informed, make sure to subscribe and LIKE!

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Do you have a product that gave you a CRAZY before and after? Let me know in the comments. I would love to test it.

Leave a comment

Alright!

With love,
Bonnie 🖤

I take photos of what I actually wear all week and share them with paid subscribers, so you can steal the outfit formulas, get fresh ideas, and make the most of your closet.

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MONDAY

I got these jeans this week and I could not be more excited about them. It’s a shame I got them so late in the summer, but I literally don’t care. I’m going to wear them over and over again. They are so flattering.

I got a haircut and drove to a couple of places that day, so a little kitten heel was not uncomfortable at all. The classic white tee made everything feel more relaxed. I especially love this one because the fabric is incredibly soft, but not so precious that you’re scared to actually wear it. Cost per wear: 10/10.

Classic jeans + tee + kitten heels + a long necklace + sunglasses.

Quick note: These jeans are more of an investment, but I got a similar style from Gap in a deep blue, and they’re on sale as I’m writing this post HERE.

TUESDAY

We took my mother-in-law to try deep-dish pizza for the first time, which is basically a Chicago rite of passage. She’s from the East Coast, so we were a little scared she was going to hate it, but no. She loved it.

When I go out with her, I like to be comfortable because she’s in her 80s and may need a little extra help walking, but I still want to feel fab. So I wore a flowy top from Amazon, my pants that look like pants but feel like leggings and never fail me, and the most comfortable Mary Janes I own. They’re from TOMS, and if you’ve ever worn TOMS, you already know how ridiculously comfortable they are. These are no different.

Barrel pants + flowy top + Mary Janes + bra

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And to be clear, this is actually one of my favorite makeup looks. No contouring, no completely changing your face, just enhancing your natural features until everything looks a little fresher. Very chef’s kiss.

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These photos also used to be the perfect example for making fun of dudes who looked at a woman wearing concealer, blush, brow gel, mascara, lipstick and probably six other things and said, “See, I like girls without makeup.”

I think that joke worked better a couple of years ago because, I feel like dudes have developed a slightly more trained eye. Whatever…

The point is that I have been making a little more skincare content lately.

So I started looking on Pinterest for photo inspiration, and I noticed something about all those beautiful girls taking photos that look very “I woke up like this.”

They are, in fact, very much groomed.

I know this because I have tested an absurd amount of beauty products every day for years, so when I see that perfectly rosy lip that looks like she was simply born with better circulation than the rest of us, I know that lip tint. In many cases, I literally own that lip tint.

Then I see girly pops comparing themselves to these photos and wondering why they cannot wake up looking like that, and the good news is that nobody does.

Nobody is waking up with perfectly brushed brows, naturally rosy lips, even glowy skin and lashes that somehow woke up separated and pointing in the correct direction. There is usually a little something happening, it is just much more subtle than the traditional no makeup makeup look.

So I made a three minute video where I disclose everything they are doing, everything I am doing, and exactly how I create that very specific version of “I woke up like this.”

I will leave every product I used in the video below so you can recreate it without having to conduct a forensic investigation on Pinterest.

Video

Click the image to play

All the words that are underlined are clickable, but if you would rather skip the treasure hunt, you can also see the full product list HERE.

I started with the French lip tint, which I love because it does not peel or get patchy, and it is much softer than a lot of the lip stains that can start looking a little too serious very quickly. It does not have that strong chemical taste or feel either, so the result is much more natural and gives you that cherry lip that look like bitten lips.

Shade Amarante Noire, promo code BONNIEVFR15. Single HERE. Great combo value HERE.

For the glowy skin, I used the Rhode Glazing Milk, and the hydration is literally incredible. My skin has been sensitive lately and this has been doing sooooo well, which is exactly what I want when the goal is healthy skin.

Any traditional foundation is going to feel too thick for this particular look, so I used this tinted moisturizer instead code (BONNIEK20). It is expensive, but if you can splurge, I genuinely have not tried anything that looks this skinlike while still making everything look more even and put together. A more affordable alternative is this serum, which also helps even out the skin tone without adding any heaviness.

For the brows, I did not use a tint at all, because the second they start looking too filled in the whole illusion disappears. I used this brow serum just to shape them and keep the hairs looking naturally groomed.

The lashes are completely with no mascara, and I used this curler because it actually gets very close to my roots, which makes a much bigger difference than I expected. The reason I can skip mascara altogether is because I have been using this lash growth serum consistently and it has genuinely changed my lashes for the better. If you do not want to use prostaglandins because you have sensitive eyes, they also make a gentler version that may take a little longer to show results, which you can find HERE.

I finished the lashes with this lash finisher, which basically works like hairspray for your lashes, except thankfully it is actually made to go near your eyes. It keeps the curl in place without adding the obvious look of mascara.

To refresh my waves, I used this hair oil, while after the shower I normally start with this styling cream to give the hair a little shape before it dries. The goal with the hair is the same as the makeup, which is to look like I naturally woke up this.

And finally, I finished everything with my new favorite perfume. This is the oil version, and this is the spray which I will get after I finish the oil one.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure to subscribe because I have a lot more beauty experiments and investigations coming.

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With love,
Bonnie 🖤

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I’m revealing my final verdict on five products I tested this week. Some of them took my breath away, while others are genuinely some of the worst products I’ve ever tried.

A few were brand-new tests, while others I’ve been using for months and finally got results this week.

Substack is the only place that feels like a safe space to share this level of detail. Nothing is sugarcoated.

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Bonnie’s answer: I believe everybody should do whatever they want. Wear the eyeliner. Wear the glitter. Wear the red lip.

But I also know that kind of answer is not really helpful. So here are some real answers.

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Should people over 40 stop wearing eyeliner?

No, they absolutely can wear eyeliner, but you may want to update how you wear it.

Our eyes change over time, the lid can become a little more hooded, the skin can get softer, and doing the exact same technique you did years ago may not work as well on the ever-changing canvas that is our skin.

Here are three things I would try:

1. Make the eyeliner thinner.

Instead of drawing a thick black line across the entire lid, which can become a little more complicated on softer skin, keep the eyeliner really close to the lashes and let it create definition without taking over the entire eye.

2. Make the wing smaller.

Again, in your early 40s this may not even be an issue yet, but as the years go by, things like hooding, crow’s feet and uneven skin texture can make a very precise wing more difficult, so making the wing smaller gives you a lot more room for error while still giving you that lifted effect.

Especially if your eyes are becoming more hooded, try doing your wing while looking straight into the mirror with your eyes open, because that way you can actually see where the wing is going to sit when you’re walking around living your life instead of only seeing how perfect it looks with your eyes closed.

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3. Try something softer than black liquid liner.

I would also play with a brown eyeliner and see if you like the vibe, because it still defines the eyes but can feel a little softer, and again, extra skin or texture can make very precise liquid eyeliner more difficult to apply.

One of my favorite tricks is using a dark brown or black powder eyeshadow with a tiny angled brush, pressing it really close to the lashes and extending it slightly at the outer corner.

You get the same idea as eyeliner, but softer, more forgiving and honestly SO much easier.

SHOP soft eyeshadow

However, I do think some people should stop using eyeliner.

If you can’t see well enough to apply it and the result is objectively not looking good, I know this sounds harsh, but sometimes we have to accept that the technique is not the problem.

My mama wears a lot of eyeliner, and one day I looked at it really closely because I wanted to figure out what she was doing so I could give her better advice, only for her to casually confess that she literally cannot see without her glasses.

So… there was no technique for me to improve because she couldn’t actually see what she was doing.

In a case like that, I think it is better to stop fighting with liquid eyeliner altogether and go for a soft eyeshadow instead, all over the lid, no line. Because it is much more forgiving and you can still get beautiful definition without needing surgeon-level precision.

SHOP FRENCH EYESHADOW

Now, is this particular eyeliner style outdated?

Yes. A thick black wing like this feels very 2016 YouTube makeup right now.

A thick wing will always come and go, but right now the more current version is much thinner, softer and almost disappears into the lashes.

And thank goodness, because it is also much easier to do.

I like the SOSHE eyeliner because the tip is super thin, so I can get really close to the lashes without accidentally creating a giant wing. It is flexible while I’m applying it, which makes it easier to control, but once it sets, it does not move.

SHOP EYELINER

I made a tutorial showing exactly how I do it HERE. Click the image to watch the video.

If this was helpful, give it a LIKE. It helps more than you imagine.

And if you want me to answer one of your beauty questions next, leave it in the comments. If you can add a picture, even better, because it makes it much easier for me to give you a specific answer.

Leave a comment

If you are reading this on Substack and you are new here, hi! Subscribe. This page is all about less is more, convenience and beauty with French influence.

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My favorite makeup kit for beginners HERE

My favorite eyeshadow HERE

All my looks and promo codes HERE

The skincare I’ll be trying for the next four weeks is HERE and HERE

That’s all.

With love,
Bonnie 🖤

KEEP READING…

This is Friday’s newsletter. Free subscribers get a preview, while paid subscribers get full access.

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Last week, I traveled from Chicago to New Jersey for my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday. This sounds like a simple three-day trip until you add a few days in New York City for work and the possibility of staying longer, which is how a weekend getaway almost becomes a relocation.

The old me would have spiraled over what the hell to pack. I would have prepared for every possible scenario, including weather emergencies, surprise galas, and the sudden need to become a completely different woman. Naturally, this would have required a stupid number of suitcases.

But not this time.

This time, I managed a special occasion and several days of running around the city with one carry-on and my everything bag (It’s an investment, but it’s worth it. HERE.) That’s it. For me, that’s basically a miracle.

Before learning how to pack quickly and efficiently, I had two very different methods.

The first was what I like to call the messy method. I would think about the main event of the trip, like a gala or a special dinner, and choose my favorite outfit for it. Then I would fill the rest of the suitcase with whatever I felt I might need, which was basically everything I had ever loved in my closet.

The problem with this method is that I always overpacked. If I wanted to buy anything during the trip, there wasn’t room in my suitcase for even a needle. Then I would spend the flight home worrying about overweight baggage fees, which is not how I enjoy spending my money. So, not great.

My mom went through a phase when she would pack only one or two outfits because she planned to buy everything else once she arrived. Also a bad idea. Then you’re shopping out of desperation instead of making thoughtful purchases. Nothing good happens when you suddenly need a dress by 6 p.m.

My second method, which I used for many years, was the editorial method. This one is fantastic for creating content. You pack by complete outfit and organize everything as if you were preparing for a photoshoot: the dress, the shoes, the accessories, everything planned, labeled, and ready to go.

This is how Kylie Jenner packs, but it’s also how most people in the entertainment industry do it. When you have several events and will be photographed at every one of them, each look needs to be approved and carefully thought out in advance.

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It’s a great system, but it’s incredibly time-consuming. It feels more like preparing for work than packing for a vacation, and once again, there’s no room to buy anything unless you’re willing to leave a shoe behind.

But things have changed.

I still want to wear a different outfit in every photo, but I no longer have to create each one from scratch. I can mix and match the same pieces in smarter ways. My style is more minimalistic now, but minimalistic does not have to mean boring.

So I started testing different popular packing methods, and I finally found one that took the anxiety out of packing. It gave me a formula to follow, plenty of outfit combinations, and enough flexibility in case I decided to stay a little longer. Best of all, it left room in my suitcase for a new purchase, because personal growth should never interfere with shopping.

My parameters were simple: I needed to feel pretty, comfortable, and most importantly, confident, especially because I was mixing business and pleasure on this trip.

And it worked.

Here I am with my super-talented artist friend in the city, dressed appropriately for the important business of getting messy with some pizza.

This method is simple and very straightforward. It works whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist because, even though it follows a formula, there’s still plenty of room for self-expression.

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And I wasn’t the only one who lost her marbles over this look, particularly the blush. It went absolutely viral, and everyone was trying to recreate it.

I wasn’t about to play games with this one by trying to figure it out myself and creating something that only looked similar, so I went straight to the source: the makeup artist who actually created the look. I found a video where he revealed that he used THIS BLUSH HERE in two shades, Café and Cherry, to achieve it.

But that still wasn’t enough information to make us look like angels…

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So I did what any serious person would do: I found the full step-by-step tutorial for the blush and lip look and distilled it into the easiest video possible.

I know…I’m fabulous. You’re welcome.

Here’s the video, and below you’ll find everything I used to recreate the look.

Shop everything mentioned in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/6502430

My Blush, Shade - Latte Praline (use code: BONNIEVFR15 for 15% off)
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73152595

My Blush, Shade #2: En Feu: (use code: BONNIEVFR15 for 15% off)
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73152651

Blush Duo. Better Price:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73150781 (use code: BONNIEVFR15 for 15% off)

My Highlighting Balm:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73150842

My Prada Balm:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73154792

Beauty Clutch Set. Good Value:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73150956

Zendaya Powder, Shade CAFE:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73156015

Zendaya Powder #2, Shade CHERRY:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73156148

Augmented Skin The Serum. They Used It as a Highlighter and Mixed It Into the Foundation.:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73155822

Prada Universal Hydrating Lip Balm with Jojoba Oil:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73158560

Prada Balm Shade Astral Pink:
https://go.shopmy.us/p-73158691

My blush brush (better)

https://go.shopmy.us/p-77133832

I love the placement of the blush, especially for the summer season, so let me know how it goes and get ready to feel fabulous, as always.

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With love,

Bonnie 🖤

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Here are the five bras I think every woman should have, and exactly when to wear each one.

1. Basic T-Shirt Bra

A T-shirt bra should be completely smooth, with no lace or texture, so it disappears under thin fabrics. It should also have light padding. The padding isn’t there to make your bust look bigger. It’s there to provide nipple coverage and create a smooth shape under clothing.

Unless you’re intentionally going for a ‘90s Kate Moss look, this is the bra you’ll probably reach for the most.

My favorite: HERE

2. Unlined Everyday Bra

This is the bra I wear the most. I’m a 34DD, so I don’t need extra volume. More importantly, I find this style incredibly comfortable. It doesn’t try to change your shape, it simply supports your natural one.

Yes, if you’re wearing a very thin T-shirt your nipples may show a bit, but with most fabrics it’s completely fine.

My favorite: HERE

3. Strapless Bra

A strapless bra is essential whenever you don’t want your straps to show. The problem was I’ve never found one that actually stayed in place… until this one.

I got it last week, and it genuinely doesn’t move. It has a special grip technology (whatever magic they’re using), but the important part is this: it works.

My favorite: HERE

4. Lingerie I Actually Want to Wear

This bra is so cool.

It has all the sexiness of lingerie, but it’s comfortable enough for everyday life.

It supports my pear-shaped bust really well, and it’s surprisingly forgiving under clothes. If I don’t want it to peek through, it doesn’t.

I’m obsessed.

My favorite: HERE and set HERE

5. Cakes

This is for the days you don’t want to wear a bra at all, or when you’re wearing something backless.

Very Kim K.

They’re surprisingly comfortable, they stick well, and yes, they lift, even on a DD.

The trick is not to just stick them on. Place them slightly underneath your breast and lift as you apply them. If you simply press them in place, they won’t do much. If you do it correctly…

…you’ll look fiiiiiiiiine.

My favorite: HERE

Now, I’m going to give you some juice insider secrets that I really wish a stylist told me years ago.

1. White bras show more…

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I hope you had a fabulous weekend. I also hope you got to see the World Cup halftime show this Sunday because it was so cool to see so many talented artists in one place. And yes, I was very happy to see my girl Shakira up there shining, with no Piqué in sight.

Moving on to something almost as controversial, here’s what I wore this weekend.

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Yes, those are capris, and yes, I love them.

My Instagram community was split almost exactly 50/50 on capris. Some people think they’re incredibly chic, while others would prefer that they stay buried in the early 2000s forever.

But they have always reminded me of Audrey Hepburn.

So I was very happy to see them come back thanks to today’s It girls, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber.

It girls will understand.

I paired them with my favorite Amazon headband HERE, the earrings that look expensive but absolutely are not HERE, Lip Oil HERE, and my Amazon sunglasses HERE.

The top is actually from the same website as the capris, and I’ve been loving them lately because they have so many chic pieces at genuinely good prices HERE. The classic Tory Burch ballet flats and my investment watch HERE.

A few special notes about this outfit because some of the best parts were hiding underneath it.

I was wearing a strapless bra that I got this week, and it is fabulous. I genuinely could not believe it stayed in place all day. I’m a DD for reference, so nothing stays up, but this did. HERE.

The Chanel bag was borrowed through the VIP membership, and you can borrow it too HERE. I have a promo code for you, but let me look for it…

Found it: BONNIEK

The original buy is HERE

Now, let’s talk about the beauty products that finished the look.

First, this fragrance HERE. I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but it makes me feel young.

I also had a horrible reaction to a sunscreen I was testing, so I had to remove everything from my face. Unfortunately, I still had to go out and didn’t want to look like a monster, so I used this tinted moisturizer HERE. It was gentle and lightweight enough for my sensitive skin, but it still gave me the coverage I needed to look like a functioning human being.

Then I used the best pen for drawing realistic fake freckles HERE.

The final touch was my French blush, which is matte but somehow doesn’t make your skin look dry. It has a beautiful blurring effect, so it’s especially lovely when your skin is feeling sensitive or textured. I combined two colors to create the final look.

You can get one shade on its own HERE, or get the duo for a better value HERE.

Hold on, I have a promo code for this one too…

Here it is: BONNIEVFR15

All right, Chiquit@s, that’s everything! I hope this inspired you to create a cute outfit for next weekend, even if it includes a slightly controversial pair of pants.

Questions? Leave them in the comments.

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This newsletter is exclusive to paid subscribers and is designed to give you one practical idea you can put into action right away to elevate your lifestyle effortlessly, always following the philosophy of less is more.

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Most cool girls are an enigma. You can look at them and they seem pretty simple or very understated, but they still look cool. That’s what makes them a mystery.

Some people call it je ne sais quoi. Some people say it’s attitude. I’ve always been really curious about it, and I’m constantly studying it. That’s one of the reasons I’m so into French fashion and beauty. It feels really effortless, but still incredibly cool.

One thing I’ve noticed is that every cool girl does this, whether consciously or unconsciously. They keep repeating the same pattern over and over again.

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Luckily, over the past few years, I’ve found some true classics and discovered newer French brands that have completely won me over. They perform beautifully without feeling complicated.

Here are this month's five favorites.

1. The Perfect Summer Cream

After your shower, gently pat your skin with a towel and apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp. It helps lock in moisture, and your skin feels soft and comfortable in no time.

For this ritual, I love this French brand. Their body moisturizer feels more like a serum than a thick cream, making it perfect for summer or for anyone who prefers lightweight, fragrance-free products. It absorbs beautifully without leaving a heavy feeling.

They also have a set with a chemical exfoliant if you want smoother skin without the irritation that physical scrubs can sometimes cause.

Cream HERE

Cream + Exfoliate HERE

2. The Perfect French Lip

I finally completed my collection and now own every shade. I can confidently say you can’t go wrong with this product.

This balm is inspired by the French bouche mordue (”bitten lips”) technique. Traditionally, French women apply a clear lip balm, tap a red lipstick over it to create a soft, diffused effect, then blot with a tissue for a blurred matte finish.

This product combines all of those steps into one. It was created by a French makeup artist and is called Bisou Balm.

I also have a discount code for the brand BONNIEVFR15.

Lipstick: HERE

Want to try two shades? They have a beautiful duo with the best price HERE.

Lip Balm Duo + Cream Blush: HERE

Newest Brand Release: HERE

3. The French Pharmacist’s Answer to Anti-Aging

French pharmacies have a reputation for creating skincare that strengthens your skin instead of overwhelming it with harsh actives. Bonjout takes that philosophy one step further.

The brand was founded by Dr. Natacha Bonjout, a French pharmacist who spent 15 years researching skin physiology. Her goal was to create products that work with your skin barrier, not against it.

La Cream is the newest addition. Instead of relying on retinol, it uses peptides, NAD+-boosting technology, biotech brightening ingredients, and plant stem cells to target firmness, uneven tone, and fine lines while remaining gentle enough for sensitive skin. The formula is built as a rare inverse emulsion, designed to mimic your skin’s lipid barrier so the ingredients absorb more effectively.

Le Balm is the original hero product. It’s a solid serum-balm that works as a moisturizer, overnight treatment, barrier repair balm, lip treatment (Over night kind of thing with this), and even a glow primer before makeup. It has become a favorite among people with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin because it focuses on repairing the skin barrier instead of over-exfoliating it.

La Cream: HERE

Le Balm: HERE

Duo: HERE

4. The Only Jeans You Really Need

If French women are known for one thing, it’s repeating the same great basics instead of chasing trends. A really good pair of jeans is one of them, especially from the French brand Sézane.

The cut of this pair is effortlessly French: a straight leg with a subtle taper that elongates your legs without feeling too fitted or too baggy. The mid-rise waist is incredibly flattering, and the rigid organic cotton denim molds to your body the more you wear it.

They’re the kind of jeans that make a simple white T-shirt, blazer, and ballet flats look effortlessly chic and expensive.

Sézane Brut Sexy Jeans: HERE

5. The French Secret for Brighter Eyes

French women have always believed that healthy-looking skin makes you look younger than heavy makeup.

This one comes from Guerlain, one of France’s most iconic beauty houses. The Abeille Royale Youth Repair Eye Care is powered by Black Bee honey, exclusive royal jelly, and two forms of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, smooth fine lines, reduce puffiness, and brighten the eye area. It has a lightweight gel-cream texture that sinks in beautifully, making it perfect both morning and night, even under concealer.

Eye Cream: HERE

Honorable Mention

For Paid Members

I hope you found a new French favorite to add to your routine.

If you enjoy these French finds, let me know. I have so many more to share. See you on Friday!

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With love,

Bonnie 🖤

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I know we’re bombarded with skincare routines, miracle products, and new trends every single day. But if you want to know who the real Queen B of skincare ingredients is, it’s without a doubt retinol.

She is that girl.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover. In plain English? It helps your skin act younger. Over time, it can soften fine lines, improve texture, fade dark spots, unclog pores, and even help stimulate collagen, making your skin look smoother, brighter, and healthier.

Of all the skincare ingredients available today, retinol has some of the strongest scientific evidence behind it. It’s one of the few ingredients that has consistently been proven to improve the appearance of aging skin.

If you’re over 25. Start today… And yes, if you use it correctly, you will see a difference.

But... there’s a catch.

Retinol can also be one of the easiest ways to completely upset your skin. It can cause dryness, peeling, redness, and irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin like I do.

Ask me how I know. 🙂

When I first started, I made every mistake possible. So if you’re thinking about starting retinol—or you’ve tried it before and gave up—this guide is everything I wish someone had told me before I began.

1. Pick the right formulation.

I thought stronger meant better.

It doesn’t.

I started with a 1% retinol, and it was a disaster. My skin was irritated almost immediately. I could have scared small children.

Not everyone’s skin is the same. My husband can tolerate much stronger retinoids because he used them as a teenager for acne. I’m a delicate flower.

If you have sensitive skin, start with a low strength and work your way up slowly. Trust me. I’m currently using 0.25%, and my skin is doing great.

You will still get all the benefits of retinol. More redness and irritation do not mean it is working better. They simply mean you are experiencing more side effects. The goal is not to see how much your skin can tolerate. The goal is to use retinol consistently for the long term.

2. Use less than you think.

The first time I applied retinol, I used it like a regular moisturizer. In my defense, the bottle didn’t have clear instructions.

You only need a pea-sized amount for your entire face. Stretch it as far as it will go.

More is not better.

3. Don’t use it every night.

Yes, your goal may eventually be to use it more often, but not on day one.

Start with 2–3 nights a week and let your skin adjust.

I recently had to restart after taking a break while testing products for my blog. My routine looked like this:

• Night 1: Retinol

• Night 2: Azelaic acid

• Night 3: French Recovery (I also use these on my other nights.)

  Alternatively, I was also testing THIS.

• Repeat

My skin has been much happier this way.

4. Apply it to completely dry skin.

Don’t apply retinol to damp skin. Water can increase penetration, which often means more irritation, especially if you’re just starting.

I wait about five minutes after washing my face before applying it.

Lesson learned.

5. Don’t play cosmetic chemist.

When you’re starting retinol, keep the rest of your routine simple.

Don’t layer it with exfoliating acids (AHAs or BHAs), benzoyl peroxide, or other strong active ingredients unless your dermatologist has specifically recommended it.

Save those ingredients for your non-retinol nights.

On retinol nights, I like to seal everything in with a simple moisturizer. Or I’ll use my French cream and balm because it contains peptides and barrier-supporting ingredients, or I’ll use a peptide moisturizer on its own. The goal is to nourish your skin, not challenge it.

If you can’t tolerate retinol right away...

I couldn’t tolerate retinol at all in the beginning.

So I started with retinol alternatives, and my skin reacted much better. This took years lol.

My skin adjusted really well to Beautycounter Countertime (and it smells incredible). I also saw great results with Vetted Dermlab R Retinoid Serum, which uses a gentler retinoid. I tried Skinbetter AlphaRet too. At first it was amazing, but after a while my skin became too sensitive to continue using it.

Eventually, I worked my way up to a true retinol, and now I’m doing great with it.

The products I’m currently using

Retinol (2 to 3 nights per week)

• SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25

More affordable retinol options:

• CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (great beginner option)

• Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05% (excellent for sensitive skin)

• The Inkey List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum (if someone is ready for true retinol at a budget)

Retinol alternative

• Vetted Dermlab R Retinoid Serum

More affordable retinol alternative

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (uses HPR, similar technology)

For advance users

• 1% Retinol Treatment

Azelaic acid (Night after retinol night)

• 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

French cream (every night contains peptides and barrier-supporting ingredients)

• Bonjout Le Crème

French balm ( To seal everything, plus is healing)

• Bonjout Le Baume

Peptide moisturizer (on relax night, I was testing this product to see if it was good, i like it)

• YOÉ Impossible Cream Light

  ---

Have you tried retinol? Let me know in the comments.

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There is so much more we could talk about, like azelaic acid, retinal, and retinoid alternatives. Let me know what you want to learn about next.

I wanted this to be a concise guide so you don’t have to suffer through the same mistakes I did. If you know someone who’s thinking about starting retinol, share this with them so they don’t have to learn the hard way either.

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Alright.

That’s all for today. See you on Wednesday.

With love,

Bonnie 🖤

Keep Reading…

Today, blush has evolved into a tool for self-expression. It can sculpt, transform, or make a bold artistic statement. But for most of us, its everyday purpose remains the same as it was from the beginning: to recreate the healthy-looking flush that makes the face appear fresher, more vibrant, and more alive.

And while blush comes in countless formulas and shades, it’s probably the product I’ve reviewed the most this summer across different brands. One of the questions I get asked the most is: “What’s the perfect shade for me?” With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose.

So, in today’s newsletter, I’ll show you my current favorite blush and explain why I love it. Then, I’ll help you find the perfect shade for YOU in just three simple steps, so you can achieve the most natural-looking flush.

My Current Favorite

I’m obsessed with the philosophy behind Plume Blush. Of course, I love everything this French brand creates. Sometimes it feels like they live inside my brain and make the exact products I’ve been dreaming about.

Plume Blush starts as a cream but sets into a soft powder finish, so you get the blendability of a cream with the staying power of a powder. I know many of you worry that cream blushes won’t last or will disappear once you set your makeup with powder, but this formula holds up surprisingly well while still looking incredibly natural.

It’s also completely matte, which is one of the reasons I love it. If you have textured skin like I do, blushes with shimmer can emphasize that texture. Plume, on the other hand, creates a beautiful blurring effect.

The application technique is just as important. Instead of sweeping the product across your cheeks, Violette recommends tapping it onto the fullest part of the cheek using Le Kabuki, a brush inspired by traditional Japanese kabuki brushes. Then, using small circular motions, you blend the edges outward to create a soft, diffused finish that almost looks like it’s coming from within the skin.

This technique is inspired by Renaissance paintings. As Violette explains:

"With Plume Blush, I drew inspiration from the velatura painting technique, where thin veils of semi-opaque color create light through depth. I wanted the softness of a powder with the melt of a cream buildable, blendable, mistake-proof, and ultra-diffused."

It's a philosophy I've been drawn to for a long time. Whether it's the Renaissance blush trend or the soft, blurred lips inspired by classic films, they all share the same idea: enhancing your natural beauty instead of transforming it.

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Where to Get It

You can shop Plume Blush in all available shades HERE. You can also use my promo code BONNIEVFR15.

The brush I mentioned is THIS ONE.

If it’s sold out (which I think it is!), THIS is another great option.

If you’re curious about the brand, they also have THIS SET, which includes a Plume Blush, the eyeshadow that doesn’t look like eyeshadow, and one of their signature strong blurred French lip products. I think it’s one of the best values if you’ve been wanting to try the plume collection, HERE.

They also just launched THIS SET, which includes two of my favorite lip products: the blurred matte lipstick and the lip treatment.

The Perfect Blush for YOU

Continue reading to discover the perfect Plume Blush shade for your complexion. This three simple steps guide is exclusively available to paid subscribers.

These are my recommendations:

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I’ve noticed that the chicest women are all wearing long necklaces. Every time I spot one, it feels like a little secret handshake. It’s like saying, I know that you know. We are chic.

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What I love about this trend is that it isn’t loud. My very first long necklace was incredibly simple, and I think that’s exactly the point. Here’s a picture:

One reason I think this trend works on so many women is because a long necklace naturally creates a vertical line. It elongates the torso and adds balance, especially with oversized shirts, sweaters, and dresses.

SHOP NECKLACE HERE

I’ve had a simple long necklace for years, and I’ve worn it more than I ever expected. So I decided it was worth upgrading to one with a little more personality, in a material I know I’ll wear for years. Paid subscribers already know… 😉

I wanted something that still felt minimal but had a little more character. This one has a sculptural pendant inspired by the sea, and it's crafted in gold vermeil, so it has that elevated, fine-jewelry feel I was looking for. It's timeless, beautifully made, and the kind of piece I know I'll be reaching for for years.

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SHOP NECKLACE

And since I had a promo code (BONNIEK20) , I couldn't resist adding the Bold Ear Cuff. It felt like the perfect finishing touch. Under $100 BTW.

SHOP Ear Cuff HERE

Because of the materials and craftsmanship, these pieces are definitely more of an investment. So I also rounded up a few beautiful long necklaces at different price points that capture the chic look.

SHOP $12.99

SHOP $140

SHOP $16.99

SHOP $128

More options here:

• Amazon HERE

• Reformation HERE

• Urban Outfitters HERE

• Mango HERE

• Toteme HERE

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With love

Bonnie 🖤

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Bonnie here.

A few months ago, if you had asked me what laundry detergent I used, my answer would have been whatever was on sale. Usually it was Arm & Hammer, sometimes Tide if I was feeling fancy. To me, detergent was one of those purchases that felt like paying a bill. It wasn’t exciting, it wasn’t fun, and every time I had to buy it I couldn’t help thinking, I wish I could spend this money on a cute top instead.

That’s generally how I feel about household essentials. Paper towels, trash bags, detergent... they all fall into the same category in my mind. They’re necessary, but they’re definitely not where I want to spend my shopping budget.

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Because of what I do, brands are always sending me products to try in the hope that I’ll genuinely like them and maybe we’ll work together someday. I take that responsibility seriously, so even when something isn’t particularly exciting to me, I still give it a fair chance and test it with an open mind. Most products don’t become part of my routine, but every once in a while something completely unexpected surprises me.

A few months ago, one of those packages happened to be... laundry detergent. I’ll admit I wasn’t exactly eager to open it, but I tried it anyway. And that single load of laundry sent me down a rabbit hole I didn’t even know existed.

I discovered there’s an entire world of luxury detergents, with people obsessing over fragrances, fabric care, and the experience of doing laundry the same way beauty lovers obsess over skincare or perfume.

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Now, let me be clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with Tide or any traditional detergent. If your goal is simply to get your clothes clean, they do exactly what they’re supposed to do.

Luxury detergents are something else entirely.

They’re less about getting your clothes clean (which they obviously do) and more about transforming the experience of caring for your wardrobe. They’re about beautiful fragrances, treating your favorite fabrics with a little more care, and making everyday laundry feel surprisingly indulgent.

Since that first bottle, I've tested three different luxury detergents, and today I want to share my experience with you.

DedCool

What I find most interesting about DedCool is the idea behind the brand. Most companies think of perfume, laundry detergent, and linen spray as completely separate products. DedCool sees them as one fragrance ecosystem. They started with perfume and then asked, What if your signature scent didn’t stop at your skin? What if your clothes, your sheets, and even your linen closet all carried that same scent?

I think that’s such an interesting concept because you’re not just buying a detergent. You’re extending the fragrance you love into your everyday life. If you fall in love with one of their perfumes, chances are you can wash your clothes in that scent and finish your bedding with the matching room and linen spray, creating one cohesive fragrance experience.

They’re probably best known for Milk and Xtra Milk, which have a huge following, but after trying them I thought they were nice without completely winning me over. Mochi Milk, however, was a different story.

The moment I smelled it, I got it.

If I had to describe Mochi Milk in one word, it would be comfort.

It smells like wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket after a long day. It’s soft, creamy, cozy, and slightly marshmallow-like without crossing into that overly sweet, sugary vanilla territory. For reference, I’m generally not a fan of those very sweet, candy-like fragrances that remind me of classic Victoria’s Secret body sprays. Mochi Milk is much more refined than that. It still feels warm and comforting, but in a way that’s elegant rather than juvenile.

Shop Dedtergent HERE

Using the detergent on its own leaves a subtle scent on your clothes. It’s definitely noticeable, but it isn’t loud or overpowering, which I appreciated, and no one in my house experienced any irritation or allergies while using it.

One thing I did notice is that if you’re using a dryer, I would recommend pairing it with the matching dryer sheets. When I skipped them, my clothes had a bit more static than usual. When I used the dryer sheets, not only did the static disappear, but the fragrance lasted longer and felt more noticeable. I especially loved this combination on my bedding because climbing into bed genuinely felt like getting a giant hug.

Buy Dryer Sheets Here

As with any fragrance recommendation, I always like to add a small disclaimer: scent is incredibly personal. What I love may not be your favorite, and vice versa. If you’re curious about DedCool as a brand, they offer discovery sets with several of their fragrances, which is a great way to find the scent that speaks to you before committing to a full fragrance.

Fragrance Sample HERE

That said, the detergent itself isn’t outrageously expensive if you’re simply curious and want to start there.

The formula is biodegradable, vegan, and compatible with both standard and high-efficiency washing machines, which is always a nice bonus. One tip I would give is to actually read the directions before using it because it requires less detergent than I expected. I found myself using roughly half of what I normally would with a conventional detergent, and the texture is a little thicker and slightly chunkier than most liquid detergents, so don’t be surprised if it looks different.

My take: I love the concept behind DedCool because it treats fragrance as part of your lifestyle instead of just another beauty product.

Shop the Collection

• Detergent: HERE

• Dryer Sheets: HERE

• Linen Spray: HERE

• Perfume: HERE

• Bundle, best value: HERE

Dirty Labs

Out of the three detergents I tried, Dirty Labs is the one that feels the most science-first.

While DedCool comes from the fragrance world, Dirty Labs approaches laundry from a completely different angle. Their philosophy is centered around what they call “clean science”, using advanced bioenzymes to clean fabrics effectively while being gentler on your clothes, your skin, and the environment. The formula is biodegradable, USDA Certified Biobased, compatible with both standard and high-efficiency machines, and free of dyes, sulfates, parabens, chlorine bleach, and many common fragrance allergens.

The scent I tried was Signature, with notes of magnolia, bergamot, and cedar.

Yes, it smells nicer than a traditional detergent, and definitely more elevated, but if you’re looking for a detergent because you want your clothes to smell like perfume, this probably isn’t the one I’d point you toward. The fragrance is intentionally more subtle and neutral, which actually ended up making it everyone’s favorite in my house.

What really impressed me was the entire experience. Dirty Labs has managed to make laundry feel... beautiful.

I bought one of their starter sets, which includes a refillable glass dispenser, and I’ll admit I completely fell for it. I’m a sucker for good design, and having a beautiful glass bottle sitting in my laundry room somehow makes the whole chore feel a little less like a chore.

The detergent itself is highly concentrated, so don’t be surprised when the bottle arrives and looks much smaller than what you’re used to buying at the grocery store. You only need a very small amount per load, so it lasts much longer than you’d expect.

As I explored the brand, I also discovered products I had never really paid attention to before, like wool dryer balls that can be scented with their fragrance oils instead of using traditional dryer sheets. They also make an enzyme-powered booster for tougher stains, which fits perfectly with their philosophy of creating a complete, environmentally conscious laundry system rather than just selling detergent.

Of course, none of that would matter if it didn’t actually clean well.

Thankfully, it does.

My clothes came out fresh, clean, and soft, and I never felt like I was sacrificing performance in exchange for cleaner ingredients. It simply worked.

Shop the Collection – Dirty Labs

• Signature Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent: HERE

• Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster: HERE

• 100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls: HERE

• Signature Scent Dropper (for Dryer Balls): HERE

• Reusable Glass Dispenser: HERE

• Sustainable Laundry Starter Set: HERE

Laundry Sauce

If I had to describe Laundry Sauce in one word, it would be luxurious.

Out of the three brands I tested, this is the one that feels the most premium from the moment it arrives. The packaging is beautiful, the detergent comes in pre-measured pods neatly arranged in a sleek box, and even the lid has a soft, velvety finish. It feels less like something you’d find in the cleaning aisle and more like unboxing a luxury beauty product.

Laundry Sauce was created around the idea that laundry should be an experience, not just another household chore. Their fragrances are developed by professional perfumers, and instead of the typical “fresh laundry” scent, they lean into sophisticated fragrance profiles that feel much closer to fine perfume.

I tried Australian Sandalwood, and I immediately understood what the brand was going for.

The scent is warm, woody, earthy, and undeniably expensive. It reminds me much more of walking into a luxury hotel or designer boutique than opening a bottle of detergent.

It’s also, by far, the strongest fragrance of the three detergents I tested.

If you love the scent, you’ll probably be obsessed with it because it really lasts. But if you discover it’s not your style, you may find it a little overwhelming. One thing I appreciated is that there’s no guessing involved. The moment you pick up one of the pods, you’re smelling exactly what your laundry is going to smell like after it’s washed. If you love it right away, you’ll love wearing it.

Performance-wise, it cleaned beautifully. My clothes came out fresh, soft, and held onto the fragrance remarkably well. This is definitely the detergent I’d recommend to someone who wants their laundry to make a statement.

I’m excited to try more of their scent profiles. While it isn’t as comforting as DedCool or as understated as Dirty Labs, it absolutely succeeds at delivering what it promises: a luxury laundry experience.

Shop the Collection – Laundry Sauce

• Australian Sandalwood Laundry Detergent Pods: HERE

• Australian Sandalwood Dryer Sheets: HERE

• Australian Sandalwood Fabric Refresher: HERE

• The Signature Package: HERE

Well, I hope you found this little rabbit hole as fascinating as I did.

If you’re new here, I’d love for you to subscribe to the publication. Every week I share my honest thoughts on beauty, fashion, and those unexpected finds that quietly make everyday life feel a little more luxurious.

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With love,

Bonnie 🖤

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The only problem is that they’re now scattered across newsletters, Instagram posts, stories, and ShopMy, making them difficult to find when you actually need one.

So I fixed that.

I’ve gathered every active promo code into one easy-to-use guide, along with the brands they apply to and the products I genuinely recommend from each.

I’ll keep this page updated whenever I receive a new code or one expires, so before you buy anything, you’ll only have one place to check.

It's one of the perks I love being able to offer my paid subscribers, and it will save you both time and money.

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