Shopping·5 min read

What Our Editors Were Obsessed With in November

ed-obsessions-nov-2024
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Dieux, Arlow, Nood
December 2, 2024

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

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.

trench
Bernardo

A just-right trench coat...

I got this trench to wear between seasons. I was looking for something midweight, that I could wear over sweaters, but wouldn't make me overheat when waiting for the subway. This is the perfect fall coat. It's got a hood, deep pockets, and adjustable cuffs. I can definitely see myself wearing this into the winter with a hat, scarf, and pair of gloves. –Alexandra Napoli ($220, Bernardo)

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cleanser
Dieux

Our new favorite cleanser...

When this cleanser launched, our whole team tested it and loved it. While I had it in my possession, I hung back from trying it right away, knowing that throwing a new product in the mix could spell disaster for my sensitive skin. But then my all-time favorite cleanser was discontinued (is there anything worse?) and I was forced to consider my options, namely the Dieux box sitting under my counter. Naturally I checked the ingredients before trying and was pleased with the short list, including glycerin for hydration and betaine to fortify the skin barrier. I love this cleanser full stop. It applies like a soothing gel at first, then when splashed with water, turns into a foamy lather that makes me want to wash my face for the entire 60 seconds. It never makes my skin feel tight or stripped — and Charlotte Palermino, the innovator that she is, made it in both fragranced and fragrance-free options. Make cleansing fun again. –Martha Upton ($34, Dieux)

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strapsicle
Amazon

The contraption your Kindle is missing...

Strapsicle has been one of my favorite product finds of the year, and if you’re attached to your e-reader like I am, you need this. It's two silicone straps that criss-cross over the back of your e-reader. Slide your hand under the straps so you can hold onto your e-reader for hours without getting hand cramps. There are so many Kindle accessories out there, but I love how affordable and unfussy this accessory is. Plus, I love that the corners of the strap add extra scuff-free protection. –Margo Ghertner ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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nood
Nood

The device that has us booking less laser hair removal appointments...

I was due for a laser hair removal touchup, but I wasn’t ready to drop thousands of dollars for it. Instead, I took a shot on this relatively inexpensive at-home IPL device, and I’ve been so surprised by the results. The brand notes that it takes at least eight weeks with twice-a-week treatments to see results, but I actually saw a major reduction in hair thickness and growth in about two. Most importantly, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin — any redness goes down in about an hour — and it’s not nearly as painful as a professional laser, since you can adjust the intensity to suit your tolerance. Best $200 I’ve spent in a while. –Caroline Goldstein ($199, Nood)

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body-serum
Nordstrom

A body serum that's actually worth it...

I love layering my moisturizers and fragrances after a hot shower. It's such a treat for me, especially during the chilly season. Usually I would go for an in-shower body oil and top it off with my favorite moisturizer, but I was recently introduced to this body serum from Omorovicza and it's been the extra dash of luxury I didn't know I needed. The product glides on so nicely and leaves my skin feeling so soft. Top that off with body butter and you're basically a walking cloud. –Sarai Thompson ($125, Nordstrom)

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wine
Arlow

A low-alcohol wine that won't give you a hangover...

If you know me, you know I'm a huge fan of the after-work happy hour. Now that the weather is getting colder, I'm hosting more at home rather than going out. I've been trying to switch up my wine selection as of late, and since my friend was recently diagnosed with MS, I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a low-alcohol wine. Arlow wines checked all my boxes. The cabernet, rose, and sauvignon varietals all taste exactly like regular wine, but after two (fine, three) glasses, I still felt alert. Not to mention zero hangover, too. This is a great option if you want to cut down on your alcohol intake during the holidays. –Alessandra Rey ($22+, Arlow)

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skillshare
Skillshare

A drawing class even beginners will love...

While I love an adult coloring book as much as the next person, I wanted to take my artistic skills a step further and actually learn how to draw. I’m a beginner in every sense of the word, so this class — which starts with how to use a pencil like an artist — seemed perfect for me. I love the structure of these classes; you start with the lesson and end with an assignment, from circles at the start to more complex birds in the end. It’s a great way to unwind and disconnect at the end of a long day, and when inspiration strikes, I’ll be able to doodle more than just a 3D cube. If you know, you know. –Abby Drozd (One month free, Skillshare)

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