Black like my heart
Recommendations from my human brain to your inbox
Actually Good Things is a weekly newsletter with product recs and irreverent commentary from a real-life, non-robot person.
This week—while feeling myself after the Starbucks drive-thru attendant said I look a decade younger than my age (36) and telling him it’s the result of a life dedicated to skincare—I’m thinking about how the chicest things in life are black.
Some colors might claim to be “the new black,” but black will always be black, the chicest of them all.
In honor of Black Friday, these are actually good things to celebrate the deepest, darkest, moodiest hue (many of which are likely on sale today).*
Long black puffer
Listen, if you live somewhere that gets anywhere from pretty cold to f*cking frigid in the winter, you need a good puffer—an investment, yes, but something you’ll have for many years. Below-the-knee is the best cut for women (and warmth), if you ask me. I like this one from Patagonia. The shiny black finish of Quince’s version is nice, too, and it’s a killer deal.
For guys, I think hip-length, like Backcountry’s down coat or the Lululemon Wunder Puff if you want (or need) extra loft.
Real down has the best insulation and temperature control (keeping you warm while preventing overheating), but do what you gotta do.
Pocketed leggings
I’ll stand by my pocketed Lululemon Aligns forever, but if you like a smidge more compression, Athleta’s Stash Leggings are clutch.
OPI Lincoln Park After Dark
The girlies know OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark isn’t technically black. This classic nail polish shade is the purply almost-black of a raisin—and it’s chic as hell.
Clinique Black Honey
As seen in the “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” car-singing scene in Stepmom, Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey is a true icon. For a while, the brand canceled all other shades and continued to make the product only in the cult-loved color. It’s not goth black but rather a sheer, buildable wash of burgundy. The shade is now available as a mascara, which I find very compelling.
Our Place cookware in Char
Our Place cookware is beloved. Some people complain that it discolors over time, but with the Char shade, this isn’t really an issue. The brand describes the soft matte finish as a “warm black.”
No-crimp hair clips
These cleverly designed clips won’t leave a crease. They’re ideal for keeping hair out of your face while applying makeup and blow-drying face-framing tendrils (how the Kardashians get their parts to behave in such a plastered-on way).
Sleek black toothbrush
I can’t resist a black toothbrush. A pack of manual ones is perfect for travel and overnight guests. This electric one is under $20 and roughly the size of a manual brush.
Air-dry foams
For my air-dry queens, two nearly perfect, similar products. Crown Affair is lighter and more affordable (and available in a mini size, which we love). Philip B gives a little more oomph without weighing down your hair.
Luxurious hand wash
This hand soap has a subtly beady texture that exfoliates your paws without over-drying. The black-tinted glass bottle looks nice on the counter too.
Matte black wrist weights
I wear these weights on my wrists or ankles during Pilates workouts and (occasionally) around the house while cleaning. The black silicone wrap has a silky-soft feel.
Dark mode
Cut your eyeballs a break and set your iPhone and Kindle to dark mode. It lowers your blue light exposure and is better for reading yourself to sleep. Plus, you know, chic.
*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission.
What I’ve written lately:
The Daily Beast | Best Home & Furniture Black Friday Sales
What I’m reading lately:
Bloomberg | Will Men’s Makeup Ever Go Mainstream?
GQ | Keeping Your Phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ Is the Only Way to Live
The New York Times | The Key to Their 50-Year Marriages and Close-Knit Families? Friendship.
Want more good things? Upgrade to paid or subscribe below.