Where are they now?
A special edition update on my past reviews
We’re officially in the quiet part of summer. These last couple weeks of August tend to feel ominous for the online population; I imagine it as if a virtual tumbleweed were rolling through our feeds.
I know this time is meant for relaxation and “logging off,” and that resting would probably be in my best interest. It’s just not going to happen. Instead of my typical brand analysis schtick, though, I thought this vacation-ish period could be a good opportunity to share some updates on previous product reviews.
Often times, I end my big deep dives with an offhanded comment about another product I’m eyeing from the brand. Lucky for you my self control is limited, so chances are, I’m buying it. Sometimes my opinions change (can you believe it?!) and a product I thought was meh actually grows on me. The opposite is also true; the honeymoon phase can wear off, revealing a product I was once enamored by isn’t as fantabulous as I believed. And you know what? The people deserve to know!
If you have no idea what I’m talking about and only came here for the fridge features, first of all, valid. I would, however, recommend tuning into this post if you’re looking for a way to dip your toe into my other content. I’m thinking of this one as a sort of curated playlist.
I’ve broken this up into two sections:
Same Product, New Findings and Same Brand, More Products
I think it’s pretty self-explanatory, and if not, I trust you’ll figure it out. Here we go…
Same Product, New Findings
This is where I need to share updates on a product I’ve reviewed previously. If you want my whole brand analysis, you can check out the original newsletter linked below.
Saie
I came out the gate HOT on this one with my love of Saie’s Glowy Super Gel (which I still love) but the spotlight I cast accidentally left the Slip-Tint Radiant All Over Concealer in the shadows. I want to issue a formal apology to said concealer. As I continue to use it, I like it more and more (as long as my under eyes are adequately hydrated). A little goes a long way, and the formula brightens under my eyes without looking like a totally new skin tone. I recommend.
The Coconut Cult
Some of you will remember that I predicted the decline of The Coconut Cult’s branding based on their new generic Gen Z packaging they previewed at Expo West. I miss their original lo-fi Miami health food hippie situation (an unironic design cousin of Vacation, come to think of it), but alas, I haven’t kicked my clinical addiction to their yogurts. I’ve still yet to try a fun collaboration flavor though.
Osea
I was tough on Osea at first, and I remained pretty diplomatic in my review of their influencer-beloved Undaria Algae Oil. I said it was fine, but it required a high volume of product to have an effect.
I want to formally revoke any underlying negativity toward this body oil. Upon further use, I’m happy to share that this oil single-handedly healed an unusually stubborn patch of eczema that I ended up seeing a dermatologist for (she was no help). I also feel a lot better about the price tag with my $60 copay now in mind.
Same Brand, More Products
I’ve already written about these brands, most of which I love (key word: most). I’m excited to report back on some additional SKUs. This is primarily for the sake of good journalism that doubles as a way to assuage my post-impulse-purchase guilt.
Ghia
My love for Ghia runs deep, so much so that I’ve been greeted at two+ parties this past month with the phrase “what flavor Ghia would you like?” When I first covered the brand, I gave pretty detailed flavor profile notes on their Spritzes, and the key takeaway is that I love them all. The only points I deducted were for my difficulty finding their chocolate hazelnut spread, Ghianduja, IRL without a 56% markup (thank you ChatGPT!).
Since then, I’ve gotten my hands on a jar. Well, multiple jars. I’ve gone through at least 3 of them, if I’m keeping it real. I personally think Nutella is overrated (hot take) but regardless, I love Ghianduja. It’s especially good with strawberries, these random sweet corn chips I impulse bought, and obviously, on its own. It’s drippy and crunchy and perfect. Nutella would be so lucky as to call itself a less healthy version of Ghianduja.
Deux
While I’m talking about dessert, I should probably circle back to the Deux debacle. Yes, they still have me blocked (0 clue why), but I did still go out of my way to make a purchase from them. The Chamberlain Coffee Collab Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes have been lurking in the back of my brain since I wrote that first newsletter, and you and I both know that the only cure for curiosity is to spend the eight dollars.
They were good, better than the original flavor, even. They’re not going to solve a B12 deficiency but they are a Fun Little Treat™ that falls somewhere on the healthy-ish spectrum. They did what I wanted them to do, and now I feel mentally satisfied.
Moon Juice
This was one of the first brands I longed for during the precipice of my health intrigue. The colorful, ethereal aesthetic felt foreign and exciting to me, synonymous with West Coast Wellness. They’ve been through quite a journey since then, including some Sex Dust headlines and subsequent messaging shifts.
I’m on record as a Magnesi-Om devotee, but friend of the newsletter Alivia McKenzie (incredibly cool person and MJ marketer) got me on the Ting + Mini Dew trains as well.
Ting is their caffeine-free, energy-boosting, B Complex formula that has officially replaced all of my 3pm latte urges. On days where I’m essentially useless by the time afternoon rolls around, this drink squeezes any last drops of brain power out of me. It tastes like mango, but not in a weird, artificial way, which makes it incredibly refreshing — I’d honestly drink it even if there were no benefits.
Mini Dew is their hydrating and mineralizing powder (a.k.a. their version of electrolytes) that I’m also loving so far. I have it in Pomelo. Again, super refreshing, and I like that it’s not overwhelmingly sugary or salty. You hear that, Liquid IV drinkers? You owe it to yourself to level up to the Mini Dew stick packs. I hear they’ve got free shipping right now, actually…
Rhode
I went from Rhode-curious to Rhode-enthusiastic throughout the course of their first feature on here. Maybe it was the countless hours of Ms. Bieber’s YouTube content I watched in an attempt to understand her allure, or maybe it was the fact that this Lip Peptide Treatment genuinely healed my chapped lips at one of their darkest moments.
Admiration for the brand’s creative is not a unique POV, but it is a tad more interesting now that I know Chandelier Creative is behind it, which some of you may recall is the creative agency founded by none other than Richard Christiansen of the Flamingo Estate residence.
Their blush sticks got quite a bit of coverage during their launch a few months ago, and I will admit I was a bit nervous to try them. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited too, but I couldn’t help but feel for these lil sticks. They had such big shoes to fill! What if they disappointed the family name?
Good news: they rock. The primary packaging is adorable, and the product actually delivers. The tagline is “just a little flush” which is an accurate description of what happens to your cheeks when you swipe it on. Plus, and most importantly, you can’t feel it on your face, which is my biggest annoyance with most face makeups. If you’ve been eyeing them but scared to take the leap, rest assured, you’re clear to hit buy.
Crown Affair
The Crown Affair stans may be loud and proud, but nobody loves this brand more than my mom. She’s taking us home as the star of this last mini-review.
After I told you all about my positive Dry Shampoo-ing experience, my mom took it upon herself to purchase 75% of their catalog. This is a woman who, until three months ago, was a repeat Pantene customer with little interest in what some may describe as “fancy shampoos.”
Something about
’s branding excellence — or maybe it was my persuasive writing skills — excited her enough to completely overhaul her haircare routine with the entire Crown Affair suite.Growing up, my mom blow dried her hair every single day, fearful of the frizz that was guaranteed from her natural waves. I don’t think she’s put heat on her hair once since buying the Air Dry Mousse, and I don’t blame her — this stuff is working like a charm to create beachy waves beyond her wildest dreams (I’m embellishing here, ok?). She’s also enthusiastic about the towel, which she now packs on all of her travels.
I now associate their sweet, slightly fruity signature scent with my mom. She’s truly a walking advertisement for this brand, and what a proud daughter I am.
That’s all for now. If there’s a product you want reviewed or just want to chat, reply to this email. :)
Wait I’m such a fan of Ghia… I didn’t know they made food???
why is this maybe my favorite post you've ever done? we love an update