This is truly the most wonderful time of the year! And not just because the working world takes a breather and nearly everything goes on sale. No—the real reason is that it's finally time for our favorite 2017 Open Thread: What were your most beloved discoveries? Last year's edition was a smash hit (and an excellent Sephora wish list for months ahead…). Maybe this time we'll shatter our comment record? Spread the word. In the meantime, we'll start things off with 15 personal favorites. Fair warning: the ITG team has a tough time narrowing it down to just one.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel: This gel makes my skin feel amazing—it delivers exactly the lightweight hydration I need after cleansing, never too heavy nor too light. —Tom Newton
Chanel Inimitable Mascara: My lashes have never looked this good. It's everything I ever wanted in a mascara. The waterproof version is perfect for rainy or humid days. —Anna Stevenett
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Sheet Mask: The good doctor has gotten me through some pretty rough moments. I always keep one on hand to calm irritation and redness while speeding up zit healing. —Emily Ferber
Le Labo Laurier 62: 2017 was the year I fully embraced my candle obsession. The next step is to stop sampling scents and commit to just one (for the sake of my sooty apartment filled with empty jars). Laurier is the candle I now measure all others against—and nothing will ever, ever compare. —TN
Baxter Deodorant: It earned its spot as the only aluminum-free deodorant that has ever worked for me. Not only does it smell great, but it doesn't irritate my skin either. Bonus points for the packaging! —AS
Windle & Moodie Ultra Nourishing Shampoo + Conditioner: Over the past three years, I've washed my own hair maybe ten times. Fifteen if I'm generous. Finally, a haircare line makes me want to do it myself. This is the one. —EF
Goop Shiso: I've been hunting for something like this for ages—a fragrance that lacks that faint 'walking through Macy's' undertone. It smells like a specific place and moment, not at all like something bottled. —TN
Sam McKnight Cool Girl Texture Mist: Boy, do I feel cool using this. Honestly, amazing work, Sam—every aspect of this product is flawless. From the lovely pine scent to the elegant packaging to the product itself, which put my salt spray phase on indefinite hold. It's similar but less sticky, less crunchy, and easier to apply. —AS
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer: If you want a zit to vanish, this is your pot. Pat it on with a finger or brush, and you'll forget you ever had pores. (I use Vanilla.) —EF
May Lindstrom The Problem Solver: The ultimate mud mask. It's just perfect. —TN
Le Labo Lys 41: I've worn this fragrance for so long that I feel completely off without it. Objectively, it's a perfect balance of white florals and orange blossom, with something rich and woody on the side. I'm no perfumer, but it's really, really lovely. —AS
Vintner's Daughter: People talk a big game about balancing oils—blends meant to curb sebum and restore skin to its even, natural state. Nothing works better than this one. It even brightens! —EF
Reverie Rake: I've been searching for an easy way to make my hair look like it's having a good day—but something always felt off. It's always too waxy, too scented, or too light. This is the Goldilocks moment, giving me just the right texture and hold. —TN
Cane + Austin Face And Body Scrub: Within a few weeks, this nearly completely cleared the KP on my arms—something I've never had success with before. I'll keep using it because it makes my skin prettier and softer all over. —AS
Lovett or Leave It: 2017 was the year of the podcast for me. NPR is my high priestess, but the Crooked Media guys are making a run for my devotion, especially Jon Lovett's Saturday morning comedy panel-meets-game show. If you love to laugh (and want to feel less alone with your thoughts), subscribe now. —EF
Your turn.
Photographed by Tom Newton.
