I’m not sure how Allison Kaplan does it: Fashion and retail reporter for the Pioneer Press, radio host, retail blogger, mother. She’s all that—and she still made time to share her beauty favorites. If I know Ali, she probably interviewed these products before using them. The girl is that good.

(l to r) Brazilian Blowout Daily Smoothing Serum ($35) – My salon keratin treatment has faded and the frizzies have returned, but I’m still using this styling product and I do think it helps control the pouf. Plus, it smells nice. Jemma Kidd Stay Put Eyeliner ($20) –  I’m not the steadiest and this eyeliner goes on so easy and looks so slick. Love the smudge brush on the other end of the pencil. Aveda Elements Smoothing Fluid ($24) – My coarse, dry hair is actually at its worst right after being washed and dried. This light finishing product calms it down after styling and adds a bit of shine. Becca Luminous Skin Colour ($42) – I reject foundation. Tinted moisturizer with SPF is my perfect compromise. This evens things out without a heavy coat. Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser ($30) – A workhorse that feels like an indulgence: It cleans, it exfoliates, its fresh lemongrass scent makes me feel alive! Bobbi Brown Corrector ($22) and Creamy Concealer ($22) – The perfect shades, the perfect consistency. A true essential. (Bets says: I use the same combo—can’t be beat for dark circles!) Wen Cleansing Conditioner in Fig ($45) – I’m not a QVC shopper, so it wasn’t until I interviewed the engaging Chaz Dean, creator of this sulfate-free hair cleanser, that I was convinced to try it. It’s the one shampoo—well, non-shampoo—that really leaves my hair feeling sleeker. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($5) – What’s “dewy” in magazines is “greasy” in reality. It was something of an epiphany when Twin Cities makeup artist Suzy Martin told me not to powder over shine – it can leave you looking chalky. These sheets are an easy refresher. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream ($30) – They should hand this out to new moms at the hospital. Cool, effective at de-puffing under eyes, and faster than a cup of coffee. MAC lipstick ($14) – Take my entire makeup bag. Leave me bare. As long as I have my MAC Odyssey, or one of the other 27 perfect shades I’ve amassed (I’ve long since stopped considering other lipstick brands), and I’m good to go. Well, maybe not good, but a whole lot more presentable.

Filed Under: aveda element smoothing fluid, becca luminous skin colour, bobbi brown corrector, brazilian blowout, creamy concealer, jemma kidd stay put eyeliner, MAC lipstick odyssey, origins ginzing eye cream, suki exfoliate foaming cleanser, tinted moisturizer, wen conditioning cleanser