How To: Match Your Scent to Your Outfit

Since the days when I paired my Gap scent (Heaven, duh) with my overstuffed Jansport backpack, I've always had a thing for playing matchy-matchy with my fashion and my fragrance. Thankfully, I’ve come a long way since those awkward middle-school times (and questionable wardrobe choices). My latest love? Joie’s debut scent, Folle de Joie, which works perfectly with the fashion brand’s artful prints and classic shapes. Inspired by vibrant SoCal beaches and chic Parisian cafés, the fragrance is tailor-made for warm summer days (or those dreary, overcast days when I’m dreaming of an exotic getaway).

If I stumbled upon a magic wormhole that gave me unlimited access to Joie’s chic line (hey, a lady can dream), I know just what ensemble I’d pick out to pair with my fragrance crush. I’d start with Joie’s palm-printed Mehira Blazer. Made of lightweight linen, the unexpected print snazzes up my classic (read: boring) workwear and is perfect for warmer climes. Naturally, I would accentuate the fragrance’s zesty citrus notes with an equally zippy pair of smoking slippers—I’m obsessed with these gold, leather stunners. Next up, I’d emphasize the sweet floral notes of jasmine and Damascenia rosewith a romantic silk top. To spotlight the scent’s playful cognac notes I’d slip on these cheeky mint shorts. And as an ode to scent’s the vintage-inspired glass bottle, I’d throw on Joie’s art deco-looking Eye Dazzler Cuff.

To complete the breezy look, I’d grab Joie’s statement-making Edie Tote—and stash Joie's Folle de Joie hand cream inside. I love how the buttery cream-colored leather echoes the perfume’s warm base notes of spicy woods and rich leather.Then all that’s left is to cue up my favorite party mix and practice my best, “Oui, oui!”

—By Ally-Marie Corliss

Birchbox Beauty Diaries: Cofounder Edition

Birchbox Cofounders Katia and Hayley and Editorial Director Mollie may be besties, but they’ve got distinctly different beauty styles. In honor of this month’s theme, we asked each of these execs to share their daily beauty diaries with us. Find out how they stay fresh and polished under pressure.

Hayley

7:00 a.m. As soon as I wake up, I check my phone! Such a bad habit. Then I take a really long shower.

8:00 a.m. I’m a beauty minimalist, so my morning skincare consists of moisturizer, eye cream, and body lotion. Then, I’ll use a little concealer, minimal eye makeup, and either a lip balm or a fun bold lip. I like to play around and improvise, especially with new samples I receive in my Birchbox.

8:15 a.m. I either let my hair air-dry wavy, or I straighten with a flat iron. Either way, I use hair oil to keep my hair smooth.

1:00 p.m. After lunch, I’ll usually spritz or dab on a fragrance. It’s a little aromatherapy pick-me-up, and I can always find a new one to try on someone’s desk. (Just today I came across L’Occitane’s Jasmin & Bergamote!)

7:00 p.m. If I have plans in the evening, I’ll head over to Mollie’s desk and play with whatever products she left there. Otherwise, I usually head home for takeout with my boyfriend.

12:10 a.m. My nighttime routine is easy: wash, moisturize, done. That said, Katia recently gave me some Furlesse line-reducing patches to test for the Birchbox Shop. They’re like a face retainer—when I have them on, I furrow my brow less and also feel more relaxed. Frownies® Eye Gels are also really soothing.

Katia

5:30 a.m. I’m up bright and early, computer open and emailing right away. For breakfast I’ll have raisin toast, or sometimes an egg and avocado sandwich (with lots of hot sauce).

7:00 a.m. I use Kiehl’s Clay Cleanser in the shower, then follow with Caudalie serum and Tatcha moisturizer and eye cream. I also use TALIKA Lipocils Expert, a lash growth serum, every day.

7:30 a.m. I have my morning makeup routine down to a science: Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint, Benefit brow gel, Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, Benefit They’re Real Mascara, and stila Convertible Color Blush.

1:30 p.m. Before afternoon meetings, I freshen up my hair with a dry shampoo—Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo is a favorite right now. The powder formula works really well with my bangs.

12:30 a.m. I use an oil cleanser before bed at night—it’s great for keeping dry skin balanced—and Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream.

Mollie

6:00 a.m. I’m a morning person, and I love exercising before work. I go to Equinox because they have the best group fitness classes and Kiehl’s products.

7:30 a.m. I can get in and out of the gym locker room in 20 minutes flat (helps me get to my favorite meal of the day faster!). After the shower, I slather Kiehl's Creme de Corps on my body and apply a face oil (currently in l-o-v-e with Caudalie Divine Oil). For makeup, I mix together Marcelle's BB Cream in Golden Glow with Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint for a sheer base, then dab on plenty of cream blush. Two coats of mascara, and that’s it. For hair, I scrunch in SHU UEMURA Art of Hair Angora Mousse and then rough blow dry, concentrating on my bangs. 

11:30 a.m. I love using hydrating wipes to clean my face or hands as a midday refresher (on my desk currently: Yes To™ Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes).

7:30 p.m. Before heading out to meet friends, I always throw on a little undereye brightener! It's clutch. I am addicted to Benefit's Ooh La Lift.

11:30 p.m. I take my makeup off with a gentle cleanser like EVE LOM Cleanser,then I sometimes follow with an exfoliator. I always forget eye cream in the morning, but I'm religious about it at night: Right now I'm using Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics' balm-like eye cream. I finish with a hefty amount of face oil.

—Interviews by Lorelei Orfeo

Nail Art Trend Alert: The Statement Toe

Accent nails, also known as status or statement nails, were a manicure must last year—even Beyoncé got in on the trend. But as we contemplated the start of sandal season 2013, we opted to start our own craze: the statement toe. Here are our four favorite status toe looks for a wow-worthy pedicure.

SEEING SPOTS

Grab a dotting tool, a paperclip, or even the tip of a pencil to create simple contrasting polka dots across one toenail. For shaky hands, we love the nail art pens from Color Club that have a foolproof dotting tool under the cap. We suggest your big toe for this one, as dots are tricky on tiny toenails! Try white spots on the trendy sorbet shades of the season for a sprinkles effect.

APPLIQUES FOR TOES

One of the easiest ways to get an intricately patterned accent toe is to use a single nail applique or sticker like the Incoco Design Nail Polish Appliques. (Yes, they work on toes!) Just make sure to file off the excess material so the applique fits your toenail perfectly.

SIMPLE STRIPES

A few thin white stripes can turn a basic pedicure into a nautical-chic style. Use a nail art brush like the ones in the Birchbox & Color Club Nail Art Kit to achieve smooth, thin lines with ease. White stripes on blue are classic, or make some waves with neon.

GLAMARAMA

As much as we love glitter, a full pedicure of sparkle can be a little much—especially when it comes to taking it off later. But a glittery statement toe? Perfection. Try your favorite glitter, or experiment with one of the futuristic nail finishes that are popping up this season. We love chromes and holographics, and are crazy about the gritty Liquid Sand from OPI.  

—By Anna Norman

Peptides: Decoded

Skincare pros have been buzzing about peptides for years. Touted for their skin-firming properties, these powerhouse ingredients figure prominently in many high-end products. But what exactly are peptides, and how do they work? We asked the experts.

What is a peptide?

According to dermatologist Deirdre Hooper, peptides are short chains of amino acids (aka proteins) that can stall the aging process. Researchers first discovered their cosmetic benefits while studying wound healing. Laurel Anne Harward, the Director of Education for StriVectin, explains that as we get older, collagen production naturally declines. When this happens, peptides trigger a “help response” by signaling fibroblasts—a type of cell located within skin—to jumpstart the collagen synthesis process.

Where do peptides come from?

Peptides can be found in nature or created in the lab. In the case of the former, there are plenty of plant sources. The peptides found in Supergoop!’s hydrating SPF 37 Eye Cream come from whole oat kernels ground into powder form, says Supergoop! founder Holly Thaggard. Meanwhile, the peptides in the pūr~lisse pūr~moist hydra-balance moisturizer are extracted from lupine flower proteins. Synthetic versions are also popular, and products such as StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles contain multiple forms of peptides that work together to repair skin.

Who should be using peptides?

Anyone who’s old enough to step into a bar without a fake ID—we’re not kidding. “Collagen production begins to slow down at age 21,” says Dr. Hopper, and sun damage accelerates that decline. Women concerned about wrinkles or loss of firmness should consider adding a peptide-infused product to their routine. Used daily, they can even prevent future signs of aging. Now go forth and start slathering on those serums and creams.

—By Mai Wang 

Ask Us Anything: SPF

Most of us regard sunscreen as a fact of life but know little about how it actually works. For this month’s installment of our crowd-sourced feature, we asked our Facebook fans to tell us what they’ve always wanted know about SPF. The questions came rolling in, and we asked three experts to chime in with the answers. 

	Q: I’d like to be able to protect my acne-prone skin without clogging my pores. What are some sunscreens I can wear? —Brielle
A: Hunt down a sunscreen that’s labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic, or non-acnegenic. “This means the sunscreen has been tested and proven not to contribute to the formation of acne lesions,” says Dr. Eric Schweiger of Manhattan’s Clear Clinic. We recommend Skinceuticals Sheer Physical Defense SPF 50 or Scalisi Skincare Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. If you also want to shrink pores and refine your skin's texture, look for antioxidants like green tea, vitamin C, or evening primrose extract (found in COOLA’s SPF 30 Matte Finish Cucumber for Face).
	Q: I want to know how to layer sunscreens. If my moisturizer has SPF and my foundation does as well, are those sufficient, or do I need a separate sunscreen? Can I combine physical and chemical sunscreens? —Tabitha
A: You need to make sure your products provide adequate protection. Check your labels by following this handy tip from Tracy Aschenbrenner, Supergoop!’s National Director of Business Development: “If a product has been tested for sun protection, the FDA mandates that the word ‘sunscreen’ is legible on the front of the packaging.” Remember: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30. For the right level of protection, it’s best to use a light sunscreen under your makeup. As Dr. Schweiger says, it’s perfectly fine to layer different formulas: “Physical sunscreens work immediately, while chemical blockers need about 30 minutes to be absorbed into skin. Combining the two will give you immediate protection.” Try LAFACE Laboratories Deflection Day Cream SPF 30 and Soleil Organique Environmental Defense Sun Stick SPF 30. You can also opt for a tinted multitasker like Supergoop!®’s Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream or CoTZ Face SPF 40.
	Q: My routine consists of moisturizer and BB cream, both with an SPF of 45, but I only use about a pea-sized amount of each. How much product do I really need to apply in order to actually benefit from the full, advertised SPF rating? —Eileen
A: We’re going to assume you’re only referring to your face. In that case, “a nickel-sized amount of either the BB cream or moisturizer—in addition to a pea-sized amount of the other product—is sufficient to receive the full SPF rating,” says Dr. Schweiger. But don’t overlook surrounding regions like your neck, and swipe on an SPF-infused lip balm to keep your lips protected too.

—By Mai Wang 

May Launches: Miss Jessie’s, Coola, MAC, YSL, and more

From RiRi-inspired lipstick to tie-dye polish, we’ve tracked down the latest beauty must-haves from our favorite brands.

Miss Jessie’s | Jelly Soft Curls
	The curly hair experts have done it again with this styling gel that keeps curls defined without any crunch. Their mantra: All-day hold doesn’t have to mean stiff strands. $14; birchbox.com
COOLA | Ecocert Radical Recover After-Sun Lotion
	That bright green aloe vera may have saved our crisped shoulders when we were kids, but now we’re after something a bit more grown-up. COOLA’s after-sun lotion has organic agave to give sun-damaged skin much-needed hydration, as well as ingredients to boost collagen production and soothe pain. $32; coolasuncare.com
MAC | RiRi Woo lipstick
	Rihanna knows how to rock a red lip better than just about anyone, so it’s no wonder that the first product in her upcoming “RiRi Loves MAC” collaboration is riff on the brand’s classic Ruby Woo. With slightly bluer undertones than the original, this matte red will flatter both superstars and superfans alike.  $16; www.maccosmetics.com
YSL | La Laque Couture Tie & Dye Top Coat Collection
	Just when you thought nail polish couldn’t get any more outrageous, YSL has debuted the first-ever tie-dye top coat. Available in four shades, each psychedelic polish contains three finishes: a sparkle, a sheer solid, and a clear gloss top coat. Drag the brush along the nail for a gradient effect similar to your favorite dip-dye shirt, or shake it up for a funky, all-over finish. $25; yslbeautyus.com
Kérastase | Cristalliste Masque Cristal
	The latest addition to Kérastase’s Cristalliste line, this brightening mask is designed to perk up dull strands. Dry oil nourishes your entire scalp, while ceramides strengthen and protect hair from roots to ends, giving you a—yes—crystal-like shine. $61; kerastase-usa.com
Jo Malone | Osmanthus Blossom Cologne
	This light and floral fragrance from Jo Malone is just what we need after a long winter. Combining sweet osmanthus blossom, cashmere wood, and essential bitter orange oil, it provides a romantic, subtle final touch for any warm weather look. $60-110; jomalone.com
NARS | NARS x Pierre Hardy Collection
	NARS has teamed up with accessories designer Pierre Hardy is inspired by Hardy’s Summer 2013 shoe collection. It features six bold polish duos and two geometric blush palettes—and, while the pieces aren’t cheap, they’re decidedly more affordable than the designer’s spendy platforms. $29-41; nars.com

—By Breanne Thomas

1 Product, 4 Birchboxers

From the order in which you apply it to the technique you use, makeup is completely personal. (And that’s what we love about it!) We picked one product—the versatile Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner—and asked four Birchbox staffers to show us how they use it. Even we were impressed. We’ll definitely be ripping a page from these beauty diaries.

	Traditional Lined Eyes
	Staffer: Madison, Operations Associate Difficulty Level: Beginner To accentuate her blue eyes, Madison uses Raina, a rich navy, along her lower waterline. This simple move draws attention to her eyes and brightens her complexion. Madison’s take: “I wear Raina for my daily look and use a more fun (ie: sparkly) liner, like the Sumita Color Intense Pencil, on the weekends.”
	Playful Kitten Eye
	Staffer: Amanda, Brand Campaign Strategy Associate Difficulty Level: Beginner-Intermediate To a wide-open look, Amanda carefully dots the liner along the outer corner of her upper eyelid. Using stila’s #13 one step eyeliner brush, she blends the hue along her lash line for a soft, barely-there effect. Elaborating on her technique, Amanda shared, “The purple-y hue is a little softer than your typical black liner.
	Daring Cat Eye
	Staffer: Deepica, Brand Campaign Strategy Manager Difficulty Level: Intermediate Getting a precise cat eye with an eyeliner pencil can be tricky—but makeup whisperer Deepica has mastered the technique. To create a clean line, she rests her elbow on her vanity for support and carefully rims her upper lash line starting at the inner corner of her eye. She thickens the line toward the outer corner, then continues the line upwards to her brow bone. Finally, she fixes any smudges with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover. Deepica’s take: “With a super pigmented pencil, like Sumita’s Suman, it’s easy to mimic the effect of liquid liner.”
	Smoky Perfection
	Staffer: Noha, Associate Operations Manager Difficulty Level: Advanced Never one to go for the minimal effect, Noha opts for all-out sultry eyes. First, the customer service superstar covers her entire eyelid with a light gray shadow. Next, she intensifies the color by sweeping more shadow along her upper lash line and into the fold of her lid crease. To complete the look, Noha rims her upper and lower lashlines with the liner and gently smudges for a smoky, sexy effect. Insider tip: “Instead of starting from the inner corner, start from the outer corner of your eye. It gives you more control over the level of drama you want to create.”

-By Ally-Marie Corliss

May 2013: Editor’s Letter

Is there anyone who didn’t at least attempt to keep a diary as a kid? I still remember my dog-eared teal one, complete with a scratched lock and Lilliputian key. This month’s Birchbox is a return to those tell-all days, only instead of grade-school gossip we’re asking you to tell us how you experience your monthly samples (plus your best tricks, of course).

As always, your Birchbox is filled with samples that have been picked to match your profile. But beyond that, we know that each of you has a unique relationship with your products—from the order in which you try them to your time-perfected techniques and longstanding rituals. Tell us all about them with #beautydiaries.

Naturally, we’re spilling some of our own secrets too. This month’s magazine features a roundup of beauty secrets from the experts themselves, our moms, an easy guide to styling curly hair, and an interview with actress-turned-beauty-mogul Salma Hayek. As for our personal beauty diaries, we’ve got those too: read a lip gloss-by-lip gloss account of a day in the life of co-founders Katia and Hayley (and me!).

—Mollie

Highlights from the May issue:

	Birchbox Crush: Salma Hayek The actress-turned-mogul tells us why she skips blow-drying and microdermabrasion, plus her must-try beauty treatment.
	How To: Contour Birchbox staffer Deepica has spent years perfecting her contouring technique. Watch how she does it.
	Birchbox Beauty Diaries Birchbox’s own Katia, Hayley, and Mollie share their daily routine, from rise-and-shine to hit-the-hay.
	1 Product, 4 Birchboxers We gave four staffers the same very fun product to play with—find out what happened.

Life Lessons from Birchbox Moms

It goes without saying that we’re superhuge fans of our moms. (Dads too! But in honor of Mother’s Day, we’re pulling a little more for Moms.) For many of us, they’re our earliest role models, greatest advocates, and wisest advisers. We wish they didn’t have that pesky habit of always being right, but truth be told, we probably love them that much more for it. Here, four staffers share vintage photos and time-honored lessons from their moms.

	"If my skin looks half as good as my mother’s when I'm her age, I will be one lucky girl. I've seen her create DIY facials in our kitchen using natural ingredients like oatmeal, honey, and lemon paste since I was a little kid—no chemicals needed! I don’t always have time to make a DIY facial for myself, so these days I’m using Glamglow’s Mud Mask Very Sexy, packed with French sea clay,when I need to undull my skin."  —Deepica Mutyala, Campaign Strategist Manager
	“I may have learned how to cook from my father, but any baking skills I possess come straight from my sweet-toothed mother. One of my fondest early memories is picking blueberries from the bushes at my grandmother's house in Rhode Island, and my mother transforming them into delicious pie that tasted of pure summer. This year, I'm bringing home this adorable blue gingham pie server from Sabre Paris—the perfect playful accompaniment to a classic New England blueberry pie. “ —Benedicta Cipolla, Director of Editorial Operations
	“My mom taught me how to add major volume. She is notorious for overusing Sebastian Shaper Plus hairspray, and I'm not sure she could survive without it. She divides her hair into sections at the crown of the head, gives the roots a good mist, and goes to town with a teasing comb.  Like mother, like daughter—I love big hair too. However, instead of hairspray to maintain the tease, I use a volume-boosting texturizing spray. For all-day hold, I love Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray.” —Charisse Crammer, Social Media and Editorial Intern
	“My mum (note the u!), always told me that I could do anything I wanted, provided I worked hard enough. She also thought that good manners were important, so I try to be as ‘proper’ as possible when meeting new people. To most Americans, that probably comes off as my being slightly too serious, but it’s really just British politeness. As you can tell from the picture, she was also a fan of red lipstick, so I’ll be sending her this crimson lipstick from MAKE to add to her makeup collection.” —Benjamin Kelly, Senior Data Scientist

 —By Candice Chan

Salma Hayek: Birchbox Crush

In a culture where celebrities slap their names on everything from perfume to wine without a second thought, Salma Hayek and her Nuance line are a refreshing exception. The star’s 100-product beauty and skincare brand—available exclusively at CVS Pharmacy—is inspired by her grandmother, a cosmetologist who herself was inspired by ancient Mayan traditions. When Hayek isn’t in the lab helping perfect formulas (yes, that’s how involved she is), she’s busy running her own production company Ventanarosa and expanding Cooler Cleanse, the juice company of which she’s a co-founder. Not to mention, you know, acting, and raising her daughter. While the star didn’t reveal all of her secrets, she did let us in on a few of her most surprising beauty tips.  

What’s been the most rewarding part of creating your own beauty line?

At the beginning I did notice (and I understand [why]) that labs were a little bit suspicious of an actress trying to tell them how to do a cream. They were wary of someone coming in and giving them recipes and ingredients, because they thought they knew every ingredient that ever existed. And I was very secretive: If we decide to work with you, you have to sign all these documents. And they were a little bit like, What’s her problem? Like she’s going to know something we don’t know? And then they were so shocked. So that was my first big satisfaction.

What’s your biggest hair secret?

I can go to the best hairdressers in the world, and I will always prefer this over any hairdo: When I come out of the shower, I apply the Texturizing Sea Salt to damp hair and it really makes a big difference. You have to figure out how much your hair needs. I actually put a lot in and let it air dry. And that’s it. My hair has never looked better. I don’t travel anywhere without it.

What’s your daily routine?

Now I am into the Antiaging Super Eye Treatment and the Antiaging Serum Concentrate. Those are the first things I put on in the morning, and then I put on my moisturizer. If it’s hot or I am going to be out in the sun, I use the Renew Radiance SPF 30 Moisturizing Day Cream. If it’s not, then I just use the AM/PM Antiaging Super Cream.

What’s your best antiaging tip?

Thinking long-term. I don’t believe in peels. A lot of people were doing peels starting years ago. Yes, in the moment they look fantastic. Now they don’t. Now I look better. Do not do things that make your skin thin out. Because if you inject it or pull it, you will look old. I also don’t do microdermabrasion. None of that.

So no peels, no microdermabrasion. What else should people stay away from?

Botox. Look, I want it too, but I stay away from it. When people get it done right, they look amazing, but the problem is, this is going to age you in the long run because you’re not moving your muscles. If you keep doing it, then how much do you need? A lot more because your face starts to fall apart because you don’t have muscle tone. I think long run. I don’t want to do something like this when I am 30 or 40. I want to save it for when I really need it, which is when I am 50 or 60. Maybe in the future I will do it.

When you splurge, what’s your favorite beauty treatment?

Thai massage. Because it also stretches you and you work with the person. It’s somewhere between a massage and a yoga class, and I feel like it just does wonders for me.

—Interview by Meredith Stebbins

The Product That Changed My Life: Melanie Dunea

At first meeting, you probably won’t register my face, but you will absolutely take note of my hair. It’s a riotous bushel of brown coils: shoulder-length, impressive in diameter, and very, very curly—always a bit of an anomaly in this blow-dried world. And, while I have an admittedly strong personality, my hair is an outright rebel. It’s got an identity and swagger all its own—which means that for years, I never knew whether I was going to wake up to a frizz bomb or a dull, flat nest.

My hair and I used to be enemies. Throughout my childhood, I would brush and brush in hopes of resembling my girlfriends with their flowing sheets of silky strands. (It didn’t work.) The windy weather in Chicago, not to mention the year-round need for hats, contributed to the battle. As a result, my favorite hairstyle was the “Princess Leia:” two braids pinned rolled up and tucked next to the ears. It was tidy, cute, and reliable.

Then 15 years ago, everything changed. I was doing a photo shoot at Devachan, the cult New York hair salon that specializes in curly hair. As I was taking my Polaroids, I began feeling a bit self-conscious of my bun. “Tying your hair up with an elastic is murder for your hair,” was the first thing Devachan owner Lorraine said to me. She went on to passionately explain her philosophy of how regular shampoo is full of detergents that damage and break curly hair. Then she introduced me to her solution: DevaCurl No-Poo Conditioning Cleanser and One Condition Daily Conditioner. According to Lorraine, lather-free conditioning cleansing translates into the healthiest, bounciest curls. She diagnosed my hair as superdehydrated and promised that after a few weeks with her product duo it would be cured.

Naturally, I was skeptical. Not using shampoo went against every rule of cleanliness I had ever known. But as I looked around the room and noticed person after person with shiny, lush coils, I reached for my credit card. I say this without exaggeration: It worked immediately. The first time I used it, the magical duo quenched my parched strands, revived them, and brokered a long-overdue truce between myself and my mane.

Since then, I’ve been a religious DevaCurl user. As a result, I now have a stable and happy relationship with my hair. It’s still nowhere near predictable, but I’ve come to love that. I’m lucky: I have a huge mane of confident, hydrated curls that lead the charge as I march down the street.

Melanie Dunea is a photographer and the author of My Last Supper and My Last Supper: The Next Course. Follow her at @mylastsupper.

We’re no strangers to takeout and popcorn dinners, but we do know our way around the kitchen. (It won’t surprise you to learn that we’re especially savvy when it comes to retro-chic accessories and wine-proof lipstick.) We also know that the kitchen can be intimidating to the uninitiated—which is why we’ve put together a guide to tapping your inner kitchen goddess. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated soiree or a casual supper, these tips will have you well on your way to becoming the next Nigella.

1. Hone Your Knife Skills.

Nothing says competence in the kitchen like the ability to slice and dice like Martin Yan—and expert chopping starts with a good set of knives. We’re partial to KORIN’s Japanese-style Gyutou chef’s knife, which is well-balanced, maintains a sharp edge, and is easy to handle. Core Bamboo’s utility knife is perfect for peeling, slicing, and coring fruits and vegetables—plus it has a charming radish-patterned blade. Sharpen (or take your knives to be sharpened) regularly and check out Bon Appétit’s knife skills series, which has helpful how-to videos on chopping, dicing, and julienning.

2. Stock Your Pantry Like a Pro.

Chefs know that a single ingredient can transform a dish: truffle salt elevates scrambled eggs from ho-hum to haute, while fresh thyme adds a sweet earthiness to roast chicken. Don’t settle for sad-looking grocery store herbs; stock up at the farmers’ market or grow your own with Gift Republic’s Herb Garden kit. Or try herb-infused olive oils, which punch up the flavor profile of homemade mayonnaise, marinades, and vinaigrettes.

3. Look the Part.

Cooking can be a messy business, but that doesn’t mean that you should wear your nattiest sweat pants. Think of an apron as your kitchen uniform, and pick one that conveys your approach. Sauteeing in pearls? Pick up a sweetly ruffled vintage-inspired apron (Anthropologie has a fun selection). All flawless technique and serious sous-vide-ing? Try Hedley & Bennett’s chef-approved denim and canvas versions. Bonus: even if burn your roast, you’ll still look fab. It doesn’t hurt to have fashionable kitchenware either: Sabre Paris’ tart server and French Bull's mini bowl set are both worthy of a magazine-style spread. And while we love eau de roast chicken, we don’t skip a spritz of L’OCCITANE Jasmine or a bit of TOCCA’s grapefruit-scented Cleopatra hand cream to transition from cooking to entertaining.

4. Cultivate Your Recipe Library.

The web has just as many amazing recipe websites as it does cute cat gifs (whew). We always come back to Food52, Smitten Kitchen, Joy the Baker, and 101 Cookbooks. We’re also fans of actual cookbooks, which only get better with age, dog-eared pages, and grease stains. If you’re just beginning to build your collection, nothing beats Joy of Cooking or The New Basics Cookbook. And we don’t think any shelf is complete without Suzanne Goin’s Sunday Suppers at Lucques or Yotam Ottolenghi’s vegetable-centric Jerusalem.

5. Keep Calm and Carry a Blowtorch.

When we’re stressed in the kitchen, we find that Julia Child—or Juuuulia as we like to call her—always has the answer. On being prepared: “Always start out with a bigger pot than you think you need” and “Every woman should have a blowtorch.” On overcoming kitchen fear: “In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude” and “If you’re afraid of butter, use cream.” On what to cook: “You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces—just good food from fresh ingredients.” We find that a bit of aromatherapy doesn’t either. Try Illumes’s earthy-scented Starlight candle for a fresh kitchen pick-me-up.

—By Geraldine Campbell

At last! Winter is giving way to spring, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Along with bare legs and floral frocks, we’re welcoming the season’s bounty of delicious ingredients. After months of selling potatoes, parsnips, and other hardy winter crops, farmers' markets are awash in vibrant greens, pinks, and purples. If you’re already a ramp pro, we’ll let you be on your way. But if you’re a seasonal shopping novice, we've got tips for how to navigate the stands.

Choose Your Market

If you don’t know where your closest market is, try Localharvest.org, which lists farmers' markets around the country and allows you to search by zip code. Pick a few and try them all—you can settle on the one you like best once you've done your research. Picking your market is like finding a go-to neighborhood restaurant: it’s about whether or not the best things are available, but also the feeling you have when you're there. Does one location never seem to have radishes, but have extra friendly farmers and a great lemonade stand? Sold! It's up to you.

Befriend the Farmers

Curiosity may kill the cat, but it will also get you fiddlehead ferns. Talk to the farmers behind the stands: Ask them what certain ingredients are, how to cook them, and what they’re most excited about at that moment (because it’ll change week to week and harvest to harvest). After talking to all of them, you'll get a sense for whom you like best, and you can start building relationships with them. And trust us, you want to do that. Having a friend at the market not only makes shopping a more pleasant experience, but it also might get you the pick of the litter. One special farmer saves us green garlic because he knows we show up late on Saturday mornings. (You know who you are. Wink!)

Make the Most of Spring

Here's the abbreviated list of the ingredients that you should seek out immediately—because they’re life- and tastebud-changing: rhubarb, fresh peas, radishes, asparagus, leeks, artichokes, fava beans, wild strawberries, morels. What are morels? Don't ask us—talk to your farmer! Go!

Default to a CSA

If all of this is a little overwhelming, you can outsource the work by joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). You purchase a "share" of vegetables from a regional farmer—you pay for the entire season upfront—and then he or she will deliver the goods to a drop-off location in your neighborhood. If you live alone, enlist a food-loving friend to share the bounty with you. Check Localharvest.org for options in your area.

Get to Cooking

Some may say to only buy what you need for the week. We say go overboard—it means you'll cook that much more (brunch for friends?) and learn that much faster. Not to mention, you’ll have lots of delicious leftovers. BAGGU®'s reusable shopping bag is roomy enough to hold leafy greens, heirloom carrots, and then some, so grab whatever strikes your fancy. Get recipe inspiration on your favorite cooking website (we're partial to bonappetit.com, of course). Type in the ingredient you want to work with that night, and start scrolling through recipes. Really read them start to finish, as you would an article, and read at least three that contain that same ingredient. That way, you get a sense for how it should be treated, and whether or not it can be worked in multiple ways.

Our biggest piece of advice? Have no fear. Farmers want to talk to you, your refrigerator wants to be full of pretty things, and you want to put a spring in your step. So go forth and get hungry.

—By Julia Bainbridge

Julia Bainbridge is an editor at bonappetit.com. Follow her (and her meals) on Twitter and Instagram at @juliabainbridge.

Photo: Sköna hem

If your Pinterest boards are anything like ours, they’re packed with enviable images of interiors (Eames and Neutra, for starters). But rather than lust after mid-century modern stunners and billionaire playhouses, why not upgrade your pad with a few thoughtful details? As a bonus, these additions will also make your living space feel cozy, wonderful, personal—in short, like home.

Showcase While Storing

Group sets of items you’ve hoarded collected to show them off—and save space along the way. Stack coffee table books and back issues of magazines (among our favorites: Lucky Peach and The Gentlewoman) to create an instant nightstand or side table. Use mason jars and glass vases to display petite trinkets, such as matchbooks or bottles of neon nail polish.

Deck the Walls

Experiment! Paint and traditional artwork aren’t the only acceptable accessories for walls. Frame intricate handkerchiefs and scarves, or hang a colorful hat or two (those of the wide-brimmed straw variety work well). For a grown-up, everyday twist on childhood birthday party décor, try Banter Banner, offering phrases like “La Dolce Vita,” or splurge on a glittery, customizable garland by the CONFETTISYSTEM duo, who have collaborated with the likes of Beyoncé and J.Crew. For wallpaper without the commitment, we’re smitten with Chasing Paper, a brand-new line of removable wallpaper in a range of inspired patterns. Alternatively, put your own work on display: CanvasPop turns photographs (yes, including your Instagrams) into canvases.

The Tray's the Thing

Odds are, you have a number of prettily packaged necessities running around. Corral them together on trays, like French Bull’s Dhalia-print version. Keep one on your nightstand with your p.m. essentials: a riveting novel, night cream, and lip balm. On your desk, a tray can hold hand cream (we like TOCCA’s grapefruit-scented variety) and office supplies like a cute notepad and jar of pens.

Organize Your Muses

Create inspiration boards that reflect specific interests. One on your closet door can showcase street style snaps and ripped-out shoots from fashion mags. (You can even hang necklaces and bracelets from the pushpins.) Place one in your kitchen with go-to recipes—written on beautiful cards, of course—and the business cards of your favorite restaurants.

Engage the Other Senses

It’s not only about the visuals. Keep prettily wrapped candies or gummies—for yourself or, if anything’s left, for guests—in an elegant bowl. Light a few fresh-smelling votives (we’re partial to LAFCO’s chic version), and shake up your tunes with Songza playlists, created by experts and tailored to specific moods and situations.

—By Meghana Gandhi

Birchbox’s Indispensable Hair Product Glossary

Here’s a question we know you’ve asked, probably as you were staring at a full bathroom ledge: How is anyone supposed to know the difference between a mousse, a crème, a mask, and a kabillion other formulas? (We’re positively swimming in products, and even we get confused sometimes.) That’s why we created this easy-to-use reference guide. You’re welcome.

Oil: These nutrient-rich formulas, often created with moisturizing plant oils, smooth and strengthen strands while also amping up shine. Need a quick fix for lackluster hair? Take a dime-sized amount for short hair and a nickel-sized drop for longer strands, rub palms together, and lightly run through mid-lengths and ends.

Our Pick: Ojon Rare Blend Oil packs in nourishing antioxidants, proteins, and minerals, making even processed hair look like it’s never seen a hot tool.

Serum: Though similar to oils, serums also often feature restorative properties that repair damaged strands by smoothing down cuticles. They’re also pros at tackling seemingly unconquerable flyaways. Apply a coin-sized amount when hair is dry or wet to soften and protect from heat styling.

Our Pick: Kerastase Fiber Architecte gives hair a mirror-like finish by mending the tiny fibers in each individual strand.

Mousse: These foaming formulas are designed to add volume and give strands extra hold while you’re styling them. Today’s versions accomplish their goal without any unfortunate crunchiness (cf. the 1980s). Massage a golf ball-sized amount into damp strands, then blow dry to desired style.

Our Pick: Shu Uemura Ample Angora for its enticing floral-scent and power-packed ability to protect strands from humidity, heat and UV rays.

Styling creme: Like a mousse, this frizz-fighter adds volume to limp locks and adds significantly more hold and texture. Squirt a dollop into hands and work through wet or dry hair, then blow dry to desired style.

Our Pick: Number 4 Texture Styling Crème uses vegetable proteins to strengthen and protect strands and silicone polymers to detangle wet hair and smooth out dry hair.

Gel: Grab this goopy liquid when you’re ultraextraserious about keeping hair in place—say, an updo for a big event. These slick formulas have the strongest hold of any product, and are best suited for situations in which you need to ensure that nary a strand will stray. Apply to damp hair and style as desired.

Our Pick: Number 4 Firm Hold Gel’s non-sticky formula prevents premature graying and hair loss with a dose of vitamin B5.

Hairspray: Use these mists to set your look and tamp down flyaways. They also come in handy when you know you’ll encounter patches of steamy humidity or rain showers—like a spring or summer wedding. Once you’ve styled hair, lightly spray all over or just on the single section you want to keep in place. Gently shape strands and blow dry into place.

Our pick: Serge Normant Meta Luxe Hair spray adds volume, repairs damage, and protects hair from UV rays while keeping hair perfectly coiffed for hours.

Texturizing Spray: These mists are great for adding—yes—texture to thin or slippery strands. We especially like using them before curling or teasing hair to ensure extra oomph. And no, they’ll never leave hair sticky.

Our Pick: Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray. When we’re in the mood for a dose of Jessica Rabbit-style sultry locks, we spritz this protein-packed formula. And it’s even good for colored strands.

Dry Shampoo: Designed to soak up oil and de-grease strands quickly, dry shampoos refresh hair and also add sexy texture. Choose a powder formula for particularly oily or dirty days, and use a spray for quicker touchups (or when you need extra volume). Always apply to your roots, and remember that the key to avoiding white residue is blending the product completely.

Our Pick: Klorane Dry Shampoo’s gentle formula uses a mixture of oat milk extracts, corn and rice starches to sop up excess grease and sweat—we’re particularly big fans of its all-botanical formula.

Leave-In Conditioner: Great for particularly dry, damaged, or brittle hair, these nutrient-rich formulas straighten tangles and replenish lost moisture. After you’ve showered, shampooed, and conditioned, lightly spritz into hair and let the formula sink in, then dry and style hair as normal.

Our Pick: EVOLVh StartSmart’s water-based formula also uses rice bran and cumin seed oil to protect hair against heat styling.

Hair Mask: Use these thick, creamy formulas to rehydrate dull locks and restore shine. Try applying 15-minute treatments once a week in place of your conditioner, and see the most overprocessed locks magically transform into silky strands.

Our Pick: MALIN + GOETZ intensive hair mask’s rich mixture of antioxidant-packed grapeseed and sweet almond oil repairs damage while adding back hair’s natural shine.

—By Candice Chan