I Try Hundreds of Beauty Products Every Year — These Are the 8 Best I've Found In the Last 12 Months

I have what may be considered a sliiiight problem when it comes to beauty products. Namely, that I like to try new ones. A lot. I mean, A LOT. As a beauty writer, I try hundreds of beauty products every year — and, yes, I'm being serious. My neighbors kind of can't believe the amount of packages showing up at my door every day. (This isn't a #humblebrag, I swear.) And while many of those products are good, only a few are truly GREAT. We're talking epic, can't live without them, don't know how my beauty routine survived before them kind of products. Not all of the ones in this list are new, but they are new to me. Keep reading for the 8 best beauty products I've tried in the past 12 months.

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Hanukkah Gift Guide: The 14 Best Hanukkah Gifts for 2024, All From Jewish and Israeli Owned Brands

My favorite holiday is just around the corner. I look forward to Hanukkah every year — and this year, it coincides with Christmas, so we can have the happiest holiday season of all! Hanukkah starts the evening of Wednesday, December 25, and runs through January 2, 2025. 

I've always loved Hanukkah — and, honestly, not because of the presents I've gotten. (Although I will always love the tradition my mom, brother, and I began years ago, where we'd each have a paper grocery bag under the piano and would toss gifts into them throughout the month leading up to Hanukkah for the others to open.) Lighting the menorah is such a beautiful way to connect to the Jewish faith throughout all eight nights, and singing the prayers with my family (whether IRL or over Facetime) is one of my most-loved traditions of the entire year.

Last year, I put together a Hanukkah gift guide featuring products from Jewish-owned and Israeli-owned brands. In the wake of October 7, connecting with Judaism has become more important to me than ever, and I find it important to encourage shopping from these brands to most truly represent the holiday. To that end, this year's gift guide features a new plethora of gifts from a variety of Jewish and Israeli brands, too! If you need a gift for a friend or family member who celebrates Hanukkah — or you just want to treat yourself (hint, hint), keep reading to discover the 14 best Hanukkah gifts you simply need to get this year.

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What to Do in Los Angeles: Visit Astra Lumina at the South Coast Botanic Garden

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Thanks to Astra Lumina, I was lucky enough to experience a moment just like that.

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Where to Stay in Las Vegas: The Cosmopolitan Hotel

My favorite hotel in Las Vegas? Hands down, it's The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. From the well-appointed guest rooms to the luxurious spa, the multiple pools to the variety of restaurants, there truly isn't any comparison. Plus, the location right in the center of the Las Vegas Strip can't be beat! Read on to see why this is where you should stay next time you head to Sin City.

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Get to Know Actress Actress and Singer Ruby Lewis, Currently Starring in Love Actually Live at The Wallis

If you live in Los Angeles and you're around during the holiday season, there's one activity absolutely worth doing — taking in a performance of Love Actually Live at The Wallis. I've seen it twice, and it's been overwhelmingly fun and joyous both times. That's thanks in large part to the astonishingly wonderful cast, helmed this year by the incomparable Ruby Lewis playing the part of Sarah (and, on the night I saw it, doubling as Natalie). I sat down with Ruby to chat about her beginnings in musical theater, how she came to be part of this quintessential LA holiday tradition (that's now celebrating the movie's 20th anniversary!), and even some of her go-to beauty product favorites. Keep reading to find out more!

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