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We’ll admit it: One major perk of our job as editors is that we get to try out tons of products to let you know if they’re truly worth your hard-earned money. We’re also just avid shoppers, so in the spirit of tossing gatekeeping to the curb, we’re sharing a few standout favorites from the past month that we usually reserve for the group chat. Welcome to the inside scoop.

Our new emotional support lip balm...
I've tested a few products from Personal Day and am impressed by the quality. I decided to go with the Jam Jar color for the new Emotional Support Lip Balm, and I'm so glad I did. The balm provides great color coverage without drying out my lips. So many lipsticks leave my mouth feeling crusty, but the squalane, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera in this balm make application feel more like a gloss than anything else. It's just enough color to add some depth to my lips; it's not a sudden oversaturation like a bright red or pink. I keep the balm in my purse and always stop in front of my entryway mirror to apply before heading out the door. —Alexandra Napoli ($24, Personal Day)

An exfoliating bar that makes our shower feel like a spa...
I was completely new to Mutha when I tried this exfoliating bar, but damn, do I love it. When I shave in the winter, my legs get incredibly itchy. To prevent myself from ripping the skin off my legs at night, I started using this bar in the shower, with this cream afterwards. The exfoliation level is perfect: just enough to feel like I'm actually removing dead skin and buildup from my legs, but not too much that any sensation is painful or uncomfortable. The scent is light, which is better for me since I find myself sensitive to strong scents. The bar is easy to hold in my hand, so washing around my body is quick. Little moments like this make my shower time feel more luxe and relaxing. PS: I've also tried Mutha's Body Butter Melt and really love it. —Alexandra Napoli ($30, Mutha)

A pair of leggings that are worth investing in...
I haven’t bought new leggings in probably 10 years because I am capital-P picky about them. I am a certified yoga and Pilates girlie, but I don’t care for the feel of the most oft-recommended leggings, Lululemon's Aligns. I like my fabric to feel more slick and performance-like than soft, especially when I’m getting sweaty. So I decided to take a chance on these, and my fear of finding new leggings has subsided. They feel exactly how I like them — and while I was initially skeptical about the super high-rise fit, I found the waistband to be comforting and not at all constricting. Plus, the colors are really good right now. —Martha Upton ($128, Lululemon)

Comfy pants that still feel put-together...
One of my biggest wardrobe gaps toward the end of last year was soft pants that weren't leggings. After doing a deep dive, I discovered this ribbed pair from Aritzia. They're perfectly drapey and chic, and I can easily dress them up with an oversized knit and a cute pair of kitten heels for date night (or I can wear them on the couch). Bonus points for their thick ribbed texture and petite length. —Margo Ghertner ($68, Aritzia)

A mini haul from a throwback brand...
Maybe it’s all the 2016 discourse, but recently, I felt compelled to check out Bath & Body Works for the first time in years…and I ended up walking out with a bonafide haul. I was surprised by how sophisticated, non-sickly many of the scents were. A couple of my favorite finds: this Warm Musk body lotion that’s a really good scent match to Cyklar Sacred Santal Rich Body Cream, aka my favorite body product of all time. And this Moonlit Goddess candle, which has a creamy floral fragrance with the barest hint of sweet vanilla — a fabulous winter option for those who don’t like the typical woodsy or holiday-leaning gourmand scents. —Caroline Goldstein ($18.95, Bath & Body Works)

The half-zip fleece all of our editors own...
This year, I’ve been trying to be more intentional about getting dressed, even for quick errands like a pet store run. So I’ve been on the hunt for cute, easy athleisure that feels elevated but doesn’t require a full glam moment. This FP Movement half-zip fleece has been that girl for me. I throw it on with my Athleta leggings, Adidas sneakers, maybe some earmuffs, and I’m out the door looking effortlessly put-together. —Sarai Thompson ($98, FP Movement)

An ointment we use for slugging...
My skin has been so dry and dehydrated this winter, and the only thing saving me is a really good, ultra-moisturizing nighttime routine. After I finish my skincare, I seal everything in with CeraVe Healing Ointment for slugging. I wake up with smooth, hydrated skin every time, so this might be the life hack that carries me straight through to spring. —Sarai Thompson ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

A mini bag that still holds a lot...
I finally jumped on the tiny bag train, and I'm so glad I did. This teeny-tiny treasure from Patricia Nash Designs is one of my favorite accessories this winter. It opens up doctor bag-style and comes with its own charms. I love it for nights when I need a little extra space for tampons, lip gloss, cards, cash, or deodorant, but don't want to deal with a big purse. —Alessandra Rey ($79, Dillard's)

A toner that visibly hydrates our skin...
I've been a PCA Skin fan for what seems like forever (I wrote about their Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum last summer). Over the holidays, I tested out their toner and was instantly impressed. It's lightweight (feels like water) but packs big benefits. After one use I could already tell my skin looked more even and hydrated. I top it off with their Collagen Hydrator and rest easy knowing I'm getting actual beauty sleep. —Alessandra Rey ($48, Nordstrom)
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