Well yes, I am interviewing myself. CUZ... Who else is going to do it right now? I HAVE THINGS TO SHARE!
What I Reached for All Month Long
This whole newsletter is in a Q&A format because I'm teaching myself to slow down and actually sit with what makes me feel fabulous. And how better to do that than to ask myself the questions I wish people asked me more often? LOL We’ve all seen it! Creators pretending these questions came from their DMs like, “So many of you asked about my daily moisturizer…” when really, it was their inner monologue with themselves putting those questions in the box… I want to see the screen shot of all of the questions so I can see who actually asked ! LOL don’t mind my shade but I can tell the difference!
Well, this is that. Except I’m not pretending. I'm asking and answering my own questions right in front of your face, because reflecting, celebrating, and documenting joy shouldn’t require outside validation.
So here it is: a self-guided joy ride through the things that made May slower, softer, and way more fabulous.
Let’s start with the face, obviously.
Because no matter what chaos is going on, if the skin is right… you’re halfway to peace.
What were your Beauty Favorites in May Carolyn?
Shani Darden Moisture Serum!!!
Why it stood out?:
No scent, super hydrating, and I’m already on my third bottle. It was recommended by skincare expert Sean Garrett as a staple in my morning routine, and wow! The experience and results always prove why we should all just surrender and listen to his skincare recs! My skin feels amazing, plumped, and makeup lays beautifully on top. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s Black-owned.
When/how I used it?:
I use it every single morning. My nighttime routine has its own hydration lineup, but this is strictly an AM step.
Not gonna lie, sometimes I even skip moisturizer and go straight to SPF because this serum does so much.
I’m going to be honest : I was being cheap trying not to buy the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream. Cheapness on certain areas of life will keep you from greatness LOL.
Why did it stand out?:
I’d heard people rave about it for so long, but the price point had me scared. Still, after using it consistently, I’ve noticed fewer breakouts, my skin feels less congested, and overall it just looks healthier. It’s clean beauty, packed with moisture, and leaves my skin drenched in the best way.
When/how I used it:
Mostly in the daytime but sometimes at night too. It layers so well under other products and makeup without leaving me oily by the end of the day.
She is definitely a splurge... but worth every penny.
REFY Brow Gel
Why it stood out:
I used to swear by a UK brow gel brand called By Ellie, but since they paused U.S. shipping (thanks, tariffs 😩), I went hunting for a new brow MVP. I gave REFY another try even though it didn’t work for me years ago; and this time? It’s magic. The formula must have changed, because now it holds my thick brows in place all day long. I mean, take-my-money level hold. Sorry Ellie… you were loved, but I’m good now. Ain’t that something?
When/how I used it:
Every. Damn. Day. Right after skincare. Specifically: after toner, eye cream, and the Shani serum while everything is still sinking in. It’s become non-negotiable even if I don’t fill them in.
Let’s get into the fits.
Because the right outfit really can change your mood, your posture, and your entire day. Let’s see what had me feeling like the main character this month.
Fashion Favorites
What’s a new product I’m obsessed with?
The Loewe drape pants. Prepare to be sick of me in these. They are effortless and editorial like if comfort went to Central Saint Martins. I’ve worn them to meetings, on errands, and even styled them up cropped jacket and tank to a brand dinner. Worth every dramatic swish because those babies did get held up in customs after baby Donny slapped his tariffs down.
Which pieces did I keep reaching for over and over?
Two words: repeat offenders.
First, the Uniqlo Airism Oversized Tee. technically I found it in June but let's not focus on that part! It’s a staple that hits every time.
Second, my Skims sweatsuit set. I spent a lot of solo time at home in the past month and this combo let me feel cozy but still “put-together casual.” Peacewear, if you will.
Any new brands on my radar?
Yes—Trust Fund 21 Vintage. We go together real bad now. Their finds feel like pieces that already have stories, and I love adding my own edge to them. I purchased the vintage inspired tiger print pants from them and honestly the quality and weight of this piece is so summer runway approved! These pants can go with anything including the top the brand owner Shana recently gifted me. The edit is so thoughtful, and the fits? Chef’s kiss. Follow their page to learn when she has restocks.
Which bags got the most use this month?
Four main characters:
My Zara Men’s tote - sleek, versatile, and low key luxe. Suede leather tote from the men’s section has been a legit go to since I brought them home. Call me a weirdo, I don’t care but I love Zara leather pieces! The last long for me and I can already tell how well the bag will weather.
The Tory Burch Romy and Lee shopper Totes —Tory Burch is really doing her big one and I AM HERE FOR IT! The Romy tote was a gift from the brand and I honestly love throwing this bag on when I am making quick runs around the city. Then the small Yellow snakeskin Lee Shopper tote has been so good when hitting up creator events. It’s so sleek but stands out. I actually want another version of the Lee Tote.
And of course, my Prada bag. I really questioned myself when I bought it because she was a pretty damn penny. But I use it so much that I’ve officially forgiven myself.
Was there anything new that surprised ME?
Yes, actually. The Ferragamo thong high heel sandals. I braced myself for pain, but somehow… no blisters, no aches, six hours in. They’re minimal but strong, and they elevated every outfit I wore them with. Also... they’re on sale on the Ferragamo site right now, so consider this your sign.
Little luxuries, big impact.
Life’s too short not to romanticize a candle or a good playlist. These are the small things that helped me feel like the soft life isn’t just for Sunday.
What’s been my go-to comfort music lately?
Jorja Smith. On repeat. Her music feels like an exhale. Soothing, melodic, and grounding. Whether I’m unwinding after a long shoot day or just cleaning the kitchen with the windows open, she’s the soundtrack. Tap in if you haven’t already.
What scent did I recently choose to reset the energy in our home?
Okay, wildly, I ran out of candles! Which hasn’t happened in three years. I usually have a stockpile from gifts or random splurges, but I finally had to go out and hunt for something new. Walked into Anthropologie and left obsessed with Evergreens and Embers. Yes, it gives “pine tree in spring,” but surprisingly it works. It’s clean, fresh, and most importantly… fights off the Sunday meal prep takeover happening in my kitchen (thanks to my man’s new “chef era”). Bless him and his amazing tasting food… but my house smells like steak and sautéed onions for days if I don’t light this candle ASAP.
What’s a non-negotiable luxury in MY routine now?
A monthly facial, hands down. It’s no longer a treat, it’s maintenance. I’m also on the hunt for a go-to massage therapist so I can round out my self-care calendar properly. Between content days, running around Manhattan, and editing until midnight… my body deserves softness too.
Final thoughts from me… to me.
Honestly, I’m keeping all of these things in rotation for June and looking for more things and experiences to make life feel easy and stable! No questions asked. Because this summer is about to be ONE FOR THE BOOKS in the best way I PRAY!
I’m still on the hunt for a massage therapist who knows their way around a stressed-out content creator’s back, and I desperately need a new nail tech who lives for a long-wear abstract design moment because my OG has decided to take a sabbatical and dive deep into brand work and projects which I totally respect but WHO GON DO MY NAILS??? WHO SHARON???
I’ll also be booking summer trips, prioritizing solo joy, and keeping my phone set on Focuses that scream boundaries and the understanding that “ I can respond tomorrow” to this situation. Because the life I’m building? It’s mine. And it’s looking real good up close.
With Love and Focus Turned On, Carolyn
We need one of these at least once a month!!! So good 🍪❤️😘
The way I could hear you saying this title 😂💗