Mary Phillips is the makeup artist behind the "soft glam" makeup look often seen on celebrities like Hailey Beiber and Jennifer Lopez. Phillips has taken over our TikTok “For You” pages with her viral tutorial on how to achieve the same look at home. The technique uses Phillips' version of "underpainting," which is a method of makeup application where contour and highlight are applied to the skin as the base prior to applying foundation.
Mary gave us her secret sauce, and I’m breaking it down step by step so you too can master this effortless glam. Keep reading to learn how to achieve this soft glam makeup technique.
Step 1: Apply bronzer.
The first step is bronzer and highlight which Phillips refers to as “laying down the bones under the skin.” Take a bronzer shade of your choice and apply it to the following parts of the face:
The cheekbones:
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The forehead:
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The brow bone:
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The jawline:
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Down the nose:
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The completed bronzer placement should look like this:
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The blended result should look like this:
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Step 2: Apply highlight.
Now for the highlight. For the highlight in the Mary Phillips technique, you can use a lighter shade of concealer as I did, or use a shade closer to your skin tone.
The placement for highlight starts right under the bronzer on your cheekbones:
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Under the eyes:
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Down the bridge of the nose:
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Blend for a result that looks similar to this:
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Step 3: Apply foundation.
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Use one pump of foundation and a fluffy brush to blend everything together with a light hand. The key is making sure you don't cover the base you just created.
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Step 4: Add blush.
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I apply blush by using my finger and tapping the blush into the high points of my cheeks and over my nose.
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Step 5: Complete the look with the optional addition of mascara and lipgloss.
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Mary Phillips' technique blew me away the first time I tried it! I wasn't expecting the amount of dimension while maintaining a soft, glowy, and effortless look. It is a new standard in my routine.
If you are a fan of “no makeup” makeup, you need to try this!
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Featured image by Jorine Dorcelus/xoNecole
RELATED
This list is a labor of love. It’s a “we got you.” Because really, we do. For months, Team xoNecole has been surveying It Girls — including Les Alfred, Elyse Fox, Sylvia Obell, and Chee Smalls — and curating The It List to ensure you feel and look as joyous, bold, and authentic as you want to this summer. You already shine. Be effervescent, too.
Whether you’re turning up at the parties or keeping it cute at the park, this list is a gift from us to you as you activate your inner It Girl. And for our It Girls headed back to school, don’t worry. We got you, too, with our inaugural The It List: College Edition.
So throw all of that talk about summer being almost over out the door! Things are just heating up, and we have just what you need to make things hotter.
Tech
AirTag
The real ones know how clutch it is to invest in an AirTag. For the It Girl in the wild, an AirTag is the perfect addition to your key chain, backpack, wallet, purse, gym bag, or even your checked luggage while traveling. With the Find My network built in, keeping track of your essentials is as easy as saying, "Hey Siri, find my..." And what was lost, is now found.
The It Factor: Nothing is ever truly lost thanks to the chicest way to keep your belongings where they belong.
Apple Pencil
The standard for note-taking, marking documents, and drawing, the Apple Pencil is not only intuitive and precise, but it also serves up the right amount of magic. For the creative It Girl, it's not so much a tool as it is an extra hand, making it possible to design and bring her visions to life with the flick of a precise wrist. For the It Girl boss, it's the wielder of signed documents, quick revisions and the kind of provisions that usher in brand deals and opportunities galore. Either way, your world moves intuitively with the touch of this must-have wand.
The It Factor: The world is your office and your playground, with the Apple Pencil ready whenever inspiration calls.
QuietComfort Headphones
What better way to be locked in in focus mode than to gift yourself with Bose QuietComfort Headphones? For the traveling It Girl, they're the difference between a peaceful flight and one spent in turbulence. For the focused It Girl, you're the iconic design signals to the world don't play with her, she's in her zone. Whether you're getting your steps in on the Stairmaster or doing a session of deep work at a bustling café, these noise-canceling beauties are the answer to an escape from the world around you without moving an inch.
The It Factor: Instantly turns wherever you are into your own personal sanctuary. Hello It Girl, uninterrupted.
Contour Face Red Light Mask
Now this is the unexpected remedy to your hyperpigmentation woes, and then some. If you aren't tapped into the wonderful world of red light therapy, this red light mask by Omnilux is looking at you. It's already been making its rounds on #BlackGirlSkincare TikTok, with one glowing review about the mask from a TikTok girlie who swears by it. After a chemical peel gone sideways, the clarity boost she saw in her skin in just 2-3 weeks was a result to sing not-sponsored praises about. She copped the mask to continue red light therapy at home, a routine "pretty much backed by my esthetician," and with benefits like reducing fine lines and wrinkles, fading hyperpigmentation, and promoting skin evenness, this mask unlocks all of the perks of professional skincare rejuvenation sans the facial appointment.
The It Factor: A skincare tech investment with the TikTok hype and esthetician receipts? The receipts have never receipted more!
Osmo Pocket 3
For the content creator It Girl, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the perfect vlogging investment used by beginners and seasoned pros alike. It's part vlogging camera, part gimbal camera, making those who use it feel like they are both the director and the star of how they capture their lives. One creator even raved about how she uses it to get her signature shots, thanks to its ability to stand on metal surfaces, allowing her to capture dynamic angles without needing to carry a tripod around. With specs like a 1-inch CMOS sensor and the ability to record at 4K, the results are crisp and cinematic every time, making it the perfect setup for your next post to gain some traction.
The It Factor: This is a content creator's compact BFF for a reason, serving up cinematic masterpieces without the need for a production team.
Portable Handheld Turbo Fan
With each summer getting hotter and hotter, the It Girl always understands the assignment: staying cool and never being seen breaking a sweat (unless she wants to). The PlayHot Portable Handheld Turbo Fan is exactly the thing to keep you cool for the summer. With 5 different speeds and sleek feel, it's powerful but compact enough for you to hold it in your hands like Queen Bey mid-performance or wear it around your neck to be hands-free to enjoy your own private breeze no matter where you are. Hot weather, who? You look hotter.
The It Factor: Turning up the breeze so turn you can bring the heat in all the ways that matter.
Star Phone Charm
An It Girl knows her phone is an extension of her aesthetic, so why not make it pop? Casetify's Star Phone Charm elevates your phone as the accessory, doubling as a stylish, hands-free wristlet decked out with silver bling to remind you of the star that you are. Carry it like you would the strap of your favorite mini handbag or dangle it around your wrist for a touch more personality to any outfit of the day or night.
The It Factor: A stylistic addition that instantly with snatch-proof capabilities, keeping both your outfit and your phone on lock while you're out and about.
Hair
Presented by SheaMoisture
The summer calls for hair with staying power, whether you're on the move, out in the heat, or simply living your best life like it's golden. Every pick in this section is by SheaMoisture and is the It Girl-approved lineup keeping your curls as sleek, defined, or voluminous as you want it to be.
From edge-tamers to refreshing hydrators, these products put in overtime so your hair doesn't have to.
Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Is there anything more nostalgic than SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie? The smell alone instantly transports you to the days in the early 2010s, when we were learning what our curls loved through trial and error. And over a decade later, this smoothie is still the holy grail product the It Girl swears by. One TikTok creator called it "the perfect curl recipe" and with hair heroes like shea butter, coconut oil, and hibiscus, the results speak for themselves.
The It Factor: A decade later and your day-one curl crush is still undefeated.
Coconut & Hibiscus Mousse
Flexi-rod sets are having an It Girl moment on TikTok and one creator named SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz-Free Curl Mousse as a key step in achieving the perfect results from her now-viral routine. Unlike mousses that leave behind stickiness or residue, this lightweight formula enhances curl memory while keeping the frizz on mute. Blended with silk protein, as well as coconut and neem oils, prepare to be wowed by hair that is defined, silky, and ready for whatever.
The It Factor: A lightweight mousse that takes you from frizz to defined and flawless, flexi-rod set included.
Coconut & Hibiscus Lightweight Oil
Want proof that noteworthy shine doesn't have to come with grease? Look no further than this lightweight oil by SheaMoisture. The formula gives silky softness and fights frizz all while having you smell like a tropical beach. Reviewers love its packaging, that it even works for low porosity hair, keeps curls glossy through gym sessions, and slips easily into your bag without having to worry about the oil spilling everywhere.
The It Factor: Like one reviewer said, "This ate." The frizz? Gone. The curls? Flourishing. That's the power of this oil.
Coconut & Hibiscus Styling Gel
When it comes to rocking protective styles, hold is everything, but so is ease. SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Styling Gel has built a rep for locking twists, braids, and cornrows in place without crunch, grease, flakes, or that uncomfortable feeling of the style feeling "held down." It Girl naturalistas note how the styling gel keeps styles styling even through heat and humidity, while also leaving strands touchable, healthy-looking, and soft.
The It Factor: Major hold without sacrificing softness for strength. Salon-quality hair minus the flakes or stiffness.
Coconut & Hibiscus Edge Gel
Edges that behave regardless of your texture? It's handled. This edge gel by SheaMoisture gives you smooth and hydrated edges without you having to deal with the flakiness or build-up other edge gels might leave behind. The alcohol-free blend is comprised of coconut oil, flaxseed, glycerin, and neem oil, offering a gentle hold with a healthy shine, keeping up-dos and flyaways in place. Reviewers praise it for its moisturizing finish, with one user praising it as a go-to for her thick natural hair, and a mom calling it a great alternative to other gels because it offers hold without irritating her daughter's skin. Add in the tropical scent, and you have edges that are thriving, sis!
The It Factor: A gentle edge gel that keep your edges laid and healthy.
Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Lightweight Oil
Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Lightweight OilIf SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Lightweight Oil is the oil that tames your frizz while delivering tropical vibes, this lightweight oil is the version of the oil that is ultra-nourishing (emphasis on ultra). The moisture-rich formula is all about deep hydration and delivers a nourishing blend of mafura, camellia, and sacha inchi oils that instantly softens dry hair, adds healthy shine, and tames frizz without making your hair feel weighed down. Reviewers of this It Pick call it a multitasker, whether it's used to seal in moisture on relaxed hair before blow drying or as a pre-wash treatment to help combat knots and dryness.
The It Factor: A little bit goes a long way and the pay-off is hair that's moisturized, shiny, and virtually knot-free.
Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Mousse
For the It Girl who refuses to let humidity win, the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Mousse is the mousse you need in your haircare arsenal. Whether it's maintaining the moisture, definition, and softness of your 4C hair (especially for twist-outs and two-strand twists), or delivering shape and shine to a curl pattern that lasts, this mousse is revered as a hair game-changer for a reason. One reviewer loved the way her style held up throughout a humid summer day without feeling frizzy, oily, or held down. A win is a win.
The It Factor: Even in heat and humidity, this mousse is proof that the It Girl has every curl in formation.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
Wash day, but make it luxurious. This sulfate-free wash routine staple is all about strength, restoration, and unmatched moisture. Shea Moisture's Strengthen & Restore Shampoo revitalizes damaged color-treated, heat-styled, and relaxed hair--as well as curly, coily, kinky hair textures. One reviewer called it "the best shampoo I've ever used," while another crowned it the It pick for all our Type 4-hair girlies: "It foams up on the first wash and lifts up any dirt in your hair very quickly. The peppermint leaves your hair feeling refreshed and the scalp completely renewed."
The It Factor: The peppermint-kissed cleanse is the reset button your scalp deserves.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Conditioner
The It Girl's wash day is never complete without balance. Enter SheaMoisture's Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Conditioner. This conditioner is reparative rinse-out treatment that softens, detangles, and reduces frizz while nourishing your locks. Formulated with Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter, and a touch of peppermint, it's a conditioner that delivers deep conditioning and scalp invigoration every single wash. One reviewer raved, "This product was very hydrating. I typically leave my conditioner in to deep condition and this worked great. I love how soft my hair was and still moisturized after rinsing out."
The It Factor: A conditioner that stands on business, serving up hydration, softness, and frizz control that revives and repairs.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Styling Gel
Infused with flaxseed oil, shea butter, and a touch of peppermint, the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strong Hold Styling Gel is for the It Girl looking for a coveted hold without the dryness, alcohol, or the flakes. This styling gel is a go-to for sleek, defined styles that have staying power. Think: twist-outs that lasts, finger coils with definition, braids that don't frizz, and wash 'n' go styles that get better and better with each passing day. For curls that stay glossy, sculpted, and in place for the function, this It Girl pick is worth its weight in gold.
The It Factor: A gel that proves a strong hold doesn't have to mean stiff. We live!
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Edge Gel
If other edge gels from our list didn't fit the bill despite the ingredient list, this is your sign to replace your Jam with a product that gives you strong hold and nourishes your hair's health. Look no further than SheaMoisture's Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strong Hold Edge Gel for your edge-laying needs. Infused with castor oil, shea butter, and peppermint, this edge gel does more than slicks down your baby hairs, it helps condition and strengthen them too. One reviewer even called it "4C hair approved," making the gel a go-to for swoops, slick back buns, and braided looks that last while keeping your edges in tact.
The It Factor: Your styles and your edges stay sleek, laid, and smooth minus any flaking or white residue.
Manuka Honey & Yogurt Lightweight Oil
If you wear your hair straight or relaxed, chances are you reach for your heat tools more than most. And this oil could offer you the perfect assist with strengthening and protecting your tresses from possible damage. SheaMoisture's Manuka Honey & Yogurt Strengthen & Protect Lightweight Hair Oil is a lightweight oil packing heavy-duty results. Infused with amla oil, karanja seed oil, and manuka honey, it smooths and hydrates your hair without making it heavy, protecting it against heat damage while repairing and reconditioning thirsty strands. The end result are silk presses and curls that look their healthiest thanks to a product that softens as it shields.
The It Factor: A heat protectant that feels like nothing but works like it's everything.
Curl Stretch Refresher Spray Kalahari Melon Oil and Marula Oil
For the It Girl needing to revive her curls in between wash days, this refresher spray comes in clutch. The ultimate reset button, the SheaMoisture Curl Stretch Refresher Spray Kalahari Melon Oil and Marula Oil breathes new life into your wash 'n' gos, twist-outs, and braid outs, refreshing your hair and allowing your styles (and wash days) to stretch for days. Formulated with a powerhouse mix of hyaluronic serum, Kalahari melon oil, and marula oil, this curl-enhancer hydrates while fighting frizz, beating humidity, and keeping your curls defined and your strands soft. The tropical scent doesn't hurt either.
The It Factor: A "between wash bestie" that's a curl reset in a bottle. Hydration, definition, and island vibes included.
Curl Stretch Multi-tasking Volume Cream Kalahari Melon Oil
When your curls need volume and stretch while maintaining that It Girl soft fluffy finish, SheaMoisture's Curl Stretch Multi-tasking Volume Cream delivers. Infused with hyaluronic serum and Kalahari melon oil, this curl elongator cream enhances curls by creating length and volume. One TikTok creator dubbed the Curl Stretch cream and the refresher spray (see above) the winning duo to help her achieve the perfect "fluffy, soft, defined wash 'n' go." And other reviewers agree! The bonus? Its tropical mango rose scent turns any wash day into a whole mood.
The It Factor: A curl elongator cream that doubles as a hydrator and a volumizer.
Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Leave-In
Every It Girl knows that the only way to prioritize true hair health starts with the scalp. And that's exactly where this leave-in comes in to play. SheaMoisture's Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Leave-In is specifically designed to cater to the scalp's microbiome, fight flakes, and leave your hair feeling soft and smooth. With a formula comprised of shea butter, salicylic acid, and ACV (although it smells more citrusy than vinegar-y), it's formulated to eliminate itching and flakes. Reviewers are raving about its targeted applicator for easy-access on the scalp and the refreshing tingle. Whether you have a blowout, braids, curls, or locs, this $13 find is a treatment your scalp deserves.
The It Factor: Soothing, strengthening, and braid-safe, this is a scalp treatment that feels like self-care in a bottle.
Strengthening Oil
Speaking of scalp health, SheaMoisture's Strengthening Scalp & Hair Oil is a lightweight hair elixir that delivers twice the amount of moisture while fortifying your hair against breakage. Powered by rosemary oil and water mint, the oil works to smooth split ends, promote length retention, and leaves your coils and curls up to four times stronger. And don't just take our word for it. One reviewer raved that the It pick made their hair "bouncier and more moisturized and for long periods in between washes."
The It Factor: A strengthening scalp oil that makes your crown stronger, softer, and less prone to breakage. Hello, inches.
Anti-Hair Fall Scalp & Hair Oil
The It Girl's secret to hair that always eats? A scalp that's just as pampered as her tresses. SheaMoisture's Anti-Hair Fall Scalp & Hair Oil also helps with that, thanks to its Biotin & Multi-Peptide ScalpBoost Technology. With that assist, the oil works to shield strands and seal in moisture, resulting in a crown that sees up to 76% less breakage. One reviewer gushed that their hair felt "stronger and healthier in just a week," while another couldn't put down the product because of its "delicious scent" and the "instant softness" it gave their hair.
The It Factor: A sleek little dropper bottle that delivers strength and shine in just a few drops. Because being an It Girl starts from the roots.
Make-Up
Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
For the ***flawless It Girl, the key to airbrushed makeup is an award-winning balm that doesn't just melt into your skin, it disappears. Danessa Myricks Beauty's Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder is the balm-to-powder formula glides on to the skin with instantly buildable, natural-looking coverage. It blurs texture, fine lines, and pores in a way that doesn't look overdone, allowing you to effortlessly unlock the soft-focus skin that's trending in the beauty world. Per InStyle, the Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder is the first product on the market to use upsalite, a breakthrough ingredient that works invisibly on the skin's surface to absorb excess sweat and sebum.
The It Factor: Translation? Your soft-focus luminous natural matte finish will be eating all day long.
Gianni Press-On Nails
For the fashion-forward It Girl, consider Gianna your mani go-to when you want salon-quality nails without sacrificing your time or your coins. This set offers a unique design for each nail with themes of crisp white, gold accents, and tortoiseshell details tying the designs together. The High Voltage set makes a bold statement while keeping it chic, perfect to accessorize your morning iced coffee run or your mirror selfie moment. The best part? They can be applied to your nails in minutes at home versus the hours you'd spend at the salon.
The It Factor: Effortless luxury at your fingertips, ready whenever you are.
Straight Line Lip Liner
When it comes to lips and perfecting your lip combo, precision is everything. The Lip Bar's Straight Line Lip Liner is going to always deliver. Infused with aloe vera and jojoba oil, the vegan liner glides on buttery smooth, giving a flawless application every time. The liner comes in seven highly-pigmented shades that are long-lasting, smudge-proof, and complements any Lip Bar lipstick or gloss (though reviewers note that you can rock just as stunningly on its own). Whether you're lining, defining, or filling in your lips for the perfect pout, this cruelty-free essential makes every makeup look complete.
The It Factor: A lip liner so velvety smooth and pigmented, you'll want in every shade.
Brow Freeze Gel
Any It Girl knows that to achieve the perfect brow routine, you need a good brow gel, and Anastasia Beverly Hills' Brow Freeze Gel happens to be the one. Crowned as an Allure 2024 Best of Beauty winner for Best Brow Gel, this cult favorite wax does its thing to lift, tame, wax, and sculpt every hair in place for the lifted full-bodied, feathered brows. It's beginner-friendly, easy to apply and built to last, giving you an all-day hold that doesn't quit. Whether you're a soft glam girl or a bold beauty, this hybrid gel makes sure your brows hit every single time.
The It Factor: The only brow gel you'll ever need for the laminated brow look of your dreams.
Glazing Mist
A glowy finish isn't just a passing trend, it's a lifestyle. And Rhode Glazing Mist is exactly the hydrating face spray to have your skin giving glaze wherever you go. The mist offers more than hydration, it's clinically proven to balance, refresh, and nourish your skin while its purifying benefits will help with skin clarity over time. Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, the Glazing Mist is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Reviewers love the fact that it's "fantastic both over and under makeup," so keep it in your bag for a midday glow boost or spritz to refresh your makeup throughout the day.
The It Factor: Instant glazed skin in a bottle. Hydrated, supple, and glowy is an It Girl's beauty trifecta.
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
What's better than one soft-focus skin product? Two. If Danessa Myricks' balm-to-powder perfects your canvas for airbrushed makeup, Charlotte Tillbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray locks everything in. The UK's #1 prestige setting spray is another cult favorite that hydrates while it weightlessly primes and sets your makeup. This means no creasing, no melting, and no fading for up to 16 hours of wear from morning meetings to late-night outings with the girls. Consider this your glam-amplifier with high-performance.
The It Factor: Because every airbrushed look deserves the perfect finishing touch.
Full-Time Brightening Concealer
Mented Cosmetics' Full-Time Brightening Concealer is here to clock in as your 9-to-5 It beauty pick. With shades names like "CEO," "Werk From Home," and "Happy Hour," this concealer brings the personality to your beauty bag while delivering on the ROI. Infused with hyaluronic acid and grapeseed oil, the formula hydrates as much as it covers, so say goodbye to dry under-eyes. TikTok creators call it "hydrating" and "super creamy," with "lots of coverage," while another reviewer dubbed the Black-owned concealer as her "secret weapon" for banishing under-eye bags and dark circles. So you'll be bright-eyed and ready for whatever your schedule throws your way.
The It Factor: A creamy, hydrating full coverage concealer that works full-time so you radiate It Girl energy on and off the clock.
Invisimatte Pressed Powder
If the It Girl of all It Girls, Rihanna, keeps a powder compact close, you already know it's a non-negotiable for the rest of us. Fenty Beauty's Invisimatte Pressed Powder is the universal blotting powder that sets, mattifies, and blurs in seconds and works for all skin tones. The refillable compact leaves you with a natural matte finish that extends your makeup with no cake or flashback. Fans of the It pick call it their "holy grail" for touch-ups during long days because of its ability to keep makeup in place while instantly blurring your pores.
The It Factor: A Rihanna-approved powder that keeps every It Girl always on and camera-ready.
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
Some products are here today and gone tomorrow, but if there's one product that solidified itself in icon status, it's Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover. The silky balm-to-oil formula stands on business as the first step in the quintessential double cleanse, effortlessly dissolving even the most stubborn makeup and the air's impurities, conditioning your brows and lashes along the way. Lovers of the cult favorite love that their skin is left feeling clean, soft, and healthy looking and that it doesn't strip their skin. Minimal by design by high by performance, it's the It Girl answer to makeup removal.
The It Factor: A fan-favorite cleansing balm that melts away the day and resets your glow.
Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30
For the It Girl who knows sun protection is as important as the glow, you need the "Champagne of Lip Screens": the Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30. This luxe lip oil by Vacation is made with Chardonnay grape seed oil for a clear gloss that nourishes as it shines through broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Its gourmand caramel and vanilla flavor makes reapplying feel like indulgence, with one reviewer sharing that it "tastes like a summer day." Wear it solo for a glossed finish, layered on top of your favorite lippie for extra shine, or apply it like a mask.
The It Girl: A multitasking essential that makes SPF feel glamorous. A toast to lip gloss that has your back.
Skincare
Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks
If your FYP has taught you anything, it's the It Girl loves her a good under-eye mask. Especially if it's this one by Topicals. The eye masks with their instantly recognizable design is always spotted on It Girls in the wild and with good reason: they're not just aesthetically pleasing, they're the ultimate self-care vibe and they work. In just 15 minutes, these cooling hydrogel patches help fade the look of discoloration and dark circles while de-puffing your eyes. One reviewer shouted them out as "the best eye under-eye products I've ever used" for a refreshed glow, while another said, "I understand the hype now. They feel so good." Topicals girls are It Girls!
The It Factor: The under-eye mask that de-puff, refresh, and look as iconic as they feel.
Superfood Cleanser
For the It Girl who treats her skincare like her self-care, Youth To The People's Superfood Cleanser has all the benefits of your daily green juice rituals sans the blender. This award-winning cleanser's ingredient list includes cold-pressed antioxidants from kale, spinach, and green tea. The rich gel texture creates a refreshing foam once lathered and rinses off clean, leaving your complexion hydrated, soft, and glowing. It leaves your face feeling fresh and balanced instantly after every wash. With its eco-friendly glass bottle and ability to target blemishes and dullness, this cleanser is a staple that makes washing your face feel like less of a skincare step and more like a ritual.
The It Factor: The "green smoothie for your skin," clean, vegan, and a glow-giver.
The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
For the It Girl who turns her shower into a ritual, Naturium's Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash is your new favorite body wash that's luxury in a bottle. With 50% of the glycerin, linoleic-rich oils, and squalane, it drenches skin in humectants that make it nourished, soft, and lit with a subtle glow. Reviewers love how glowy and radiant their skin looks the instant they leave the shower, with one user admitting that they use the product as a second cleanser during showers for an extra boost of hydration. "It feels so luxurious and leaves my skin so silky soft," another review shared.
The It Factor: The ultimate way to transform cleansing into a glow-inducing routine.
Unseen Sunscreen Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 50
If reapplying your sunscreen is still tripping you up, you haven't met Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 50 yet. Beloved by It Girls and dermatologists alike, this sunscreen goes on invisible with a smooth, velvety finish, meaning it can also double as your primer to keep your makeup locked in place. Reviewers refer to it as their "holy grail sunscreen" because it melts into the skin like silk, no white cast, and no greasy residue. Water- and sweat-resistant, it's got you covered against UVA, UVB, and blue light, solidifying its position as the ultimate everyday skincare essential.
The It Factor: The cult-favorite SPF that makes sun protection look and feel invisible.
Beach Vibes Body Oil
For the It Girl who wants her beachy glow to come with a side of compliments, BrownSugarBabe's Beach Vibes Body Oil is a must. The lightweight, fast-absorbing oil deeply moisturizes your skin, creating a radiant finish that's sun-kissed with a scent that has people breaking their necks to compliment you. The fragrance is layered with the scents of classic summer featuring notes like bright grapefruits, lavender, basil, and patchouli. Reviewers call it "fresh, clean, and a perfect vibe for summer," noting its slightly masculine edge gives off a vibe of effortlessly cool. Wear it solo or layer it over your lotion.
The It Factor: A body oil that bottles up the essence of the beach.
Amber Vanilla Shea Butter
Rich, whipped, and undeniably luxe, hanahana beauty's Amber Vanilla Shea Butter is the very definition of cult-favorite. Handcrafted with ethically sourced Ghanian shea butter and paired with cocoa and mango butters, the thick, whipped formula is a decadent blend of ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. All of which blend together harmoniously to deeply nourish dry skin, melt into the skin without making it greasy, and keeps you glowing all day. The warm and inviting amber vanilla scent only elevates the experience, transforming a post-shower routine into a grounding ritual that inspires presence.
The It Factor: A whipped shea body butter so rich and nourishing, it turns daily moisture into a simple and accessible luxury.
Sun Shield Body Glow Gel SPF 50
The category is glow for this sunscreen that pulls double duty as broad-spectrum protection and a body highlighter. Kopari's Sun Shield Body Glow Gel SPF 50 is a hydrating gel that shields the skin while making it luminous, thanks to the ethically-sourced pearlescent minerals that deliver instant shimmer. Aloe, hibiscus, and maracuja oil nourishes the skin and softens it with a lightweight formula that doesn't leave a sticky residue. Reviewers love it because it "smells like summer," makes their skin "so soft," and creates a beautiful shimmer that is flattering to every skin tone. Consider it your go-to for pool days, rooftop brunches, or any It Girl moment where you want to shine like the diamond you are.
The It Factor: A SPF gel that glitters like gold, protects, perfects, and smells like a summer getaway in every bottle.
Daily Invisible Gel SPF 40 Sunscreen
This one's for the It Girl who needs a sunscreen to work as hard as she does. Enter, Bask's Daily Invisible Gel SPF 40, a sunscreen crowned by Vogue as their top pick for feel and finish. This gel glides on to the skin with a velvety, silky texture that feels like a silicone primer and leaves behind a skin-like sheen, no white cast. One content creator loved the product for its great ingredients, sun protection, its wear on top of makeup, and its velvet finish. Another said, "I swap it in for my moisturizer and primer before a day out in the city." Formulated with squalene, this sunscreen hydrates the skin deeply while it strengthens your skin barrier.
The It Factor: A silky, invisible SPF that can be a primer, moisturizer, barrier recovery, and your daily glow-up all in one.
Moringa Lip Salve
Who knew a lip salve could be just as luxurious as a tube of lipstick? S'ABLE Labs knew with their Moringa Lip Salve, they were gifting It Girls with a quiet luxury essential. Its formula blends prickly pear, castor oil, and marula oil to stimulate collagen, accelerate the lips' natural renewal process, and lock in moisture. Through their HyperPrevent™ technology, the lip salve works to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation with consistent use leading to a brighter, more even lip tone. A fan of the product called it "hands-down the best lip product I've ever used," praising it for its silky, non-sticky texture that makes reapplication a breeze. Others love how smooth and moisturized their lips stay for hours.
The It Factor: A luxurious, science-backed salve that hydrates and treats your lips for the perfect even-toned pout.
Lip Sleeping Mask
When it comes to overnight lip care, Laneige's viral Lip Sleeping Mask is the GOAT for a reason. As the #1 lip treatment brand in the U.S., Laneige sells one of these every second globally, making it an It Girl skincare essential. Powered by K-beauty innovation, the antioxidant-rich, deeply nourishing product softens and protects the lips while you sleep. With an extra boost from vitamin C, you wake up with smoother, plumper, more supple lips when you wake up. Beauty editors and reviewers alike deem the sleeping mask as "the best overnight lip treatment" because it stands on business since it actually delivers.
The It Factor: The cult-favorite K-beauty lip mask is sold every second. Consider this the nighttime beauty ritual every It Girl swears by.
Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum
For the It Girl who is serious about her glow, Caudalie's Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum is the cult skincare pick that delivers. One bottle is sold every 15 seconds worldwide as the vitamin C alternative powered by Viniferine is proven to be 62 times more effective than vitamin C for skin brightening. This product is a beauty crowd-pleaser due to its ability to visibly reduce dark spots caused by acne, sun exposure, pregnancy, and even blue light. The lightweight formula works for all skin tones and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. One reviewer shared, "I found it really helpful in fading the spots on my face. I like the mild fragrance and applicator. I would recommend."
The It Factor: It's the results-driven brightening serum that deserves a place in your skincare lineup.
Moisture Boost Plumping Serum
A 2024 Allure Best of Beauty award winner, the Moisture Boost Plumping Serum by Shani Darden makes achieving hydrated skin effortless. Packed with snow mushroom and glycerin, this serum serves up instant and long-lasting hydration for skin that looks plump, supple, and lit-from-within. Another noteworthy ingredient is velvet flower which replenishes the skin with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for bouncy, radiant skin. Fans of the serum rave about how seamlessly it plays with other actives in their routine. Shani herself calls her magic elixir the key to healthy skin, and the results honestly speak for themselves.
The It Factor: An award-winning hydration serum that puts plump, glowing skin right at your fingertips.
C-Firma Day Serum
Whether you're layering it under sunscreen before a day in the city or treating it like the star in your morning skincare routine, this C-Firma Day Serum by Drunk Elephant serves as a potent reminder that the glow isn't optional, it's a necessity. The serum delivers a vitamin C formula that is so fresh, you have to mix it yourself before you use it the first time, gifting you and your skin with maximum vitamin C. Packed with 15% L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, the serum works hard against fine lines, uneven skin tone, and photodamage of summers past, leaving you with a complexion that is smoother, firmer, and more radiant. Fans of the beauty find say they see brighter, clearer skin in as little as two weeks, with one loyal user swearing it's helped fade age spots and sun damage that once felt permanent.
The It Factor: A serum that puts in the work so you can clock in fresh-faced and glowing.
Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner
For the It Girl who wants to achieve a glow without the 12-step routine, Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner is the ultimate cheat code. Inspired by the Korean Aqua Peel Facial, this toner is a gentle, alcohol-free formula that floods the skin with hydration while PHA and BHA work to exfoliate, unclog, and tighten pores. The result? Texture that is smoother, breakouts that are few and far between, and a radiant finish that adds sheen without leaving you oily. One fan called the toner their "holy grail," crediting it for giving them tighter pores and fewer breakouts. The Glow Recipe go-to toner has earned its place in the vanities of It Girls everywhere.
The It Factor: An award-winning fruit-powered toner that is a game-changer for your skin's clarity and hydration.
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
Overnight success might be a myth, but not when we're talking about the effects of Youth To The People's Superberry Dream Mask. Antioxidant-rich, this iconic mask works overnight while you sleep to deeply hydrate, plump, and brighten the skin. One reviewer said it best: "Wake up and wash away and you look like a glowing piece of art." Others love its subtle creamsicle-esque scent and how soft and moisturized their skin feels by morning when used the night before. With beauty awards from Allure, Refinery29, and Byrdie, this It pick proves you don't need to dream about glowing skin, you can wake up with it.
The It Factor: The glow dream mask that transforms your skin into an overnight masterpiece.
Luna Sleeping Night Oil
Whether she's winding down after dinner with a view or slipping into Bamboo sheets with a podcast playing, the It Girl makes sure her skincare puts in work while she sleeps. Sunday Riley's Luna Sleeping Night Oil is the final boss of her nighttime skincare routine: a luxe blue oil that turns clear as it's massaged into the skin for some overnight retinol blue magic. Its transretinoic acid ester complex smooths fine lines and wrinkles while it refines texture and reduces the look of pores. The blue tansy and German chamomile means you wake up with a complexion that's well-rested even if your calendar disagrees. One reviewer says "Luna is the bomb!" while a beauty creator admitted that her interest was piqued Day 1 but she's utterly "obsessed" after Day 15.
The It Factor: A retinol night oil that turns even the latest night into the most luminous morning.
Worthy IntenScenual Eau De Parfum
There are some mornings where the It Girl doesn't rush, she savors. Like Issa Dee, she stands in the mirror, affirming herself before ever stepping out into the world. For moments like those, Moodeaux's iconic Worthy IntenScenual Eau de Parfum is the scent that punctuates that moment. A 2023 ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Award winner, this Black-owned fragrance is part hug, part halo. Notes of white tea and orange blossoms remind you of the sunrise, the vanilla woods grounds you, and the lavender calms you. Formulated to adapt to your body's natural pheromones, this fragrance is a sensual experience unique to you. Soft, sexy, feminine, and always unforgettable.
The It Factor: As intimate as it is empowering, quiet signature for women who know their worth.
Josephine Eau de Parfum
Some fragrances are scents for the everyday. Josephine Eau de Parfum by Harlem Perfume Co. is a fragrance designed to make an entrance. Inspired by the muse that is the legendary Josephine Baker, the Black-owned scent is a love letter to being audacious, alluring, and unapologetically sensual. With top notes of bergamot and amyris petals that lingers with base notes of amber, patchouli, and Indian sandalwood, it is a scent that moves like the entertainer herself. Reviewers call it "light, sensual, and appealing," but also "sexy and sultry." One fan crowned it as their "summer fragrance" for the way it makes them smell and feel. An olfactory portrait of Baker's life, the Josephine fragrance transports her life and times beautifully into the here and now.
The It Factor: A sensual amber scent that like its namesake is seductive, daring, and impossible to forget.
SANTAL 26 Candle
If you weren't aware, there's an It Girl standard for setting the mood, and it begins with Le Labo's SANTAL 26 Candle. Known as an aristocratic scent for its warm, woodsy, leather smell, this candle makes any room feel instantly luxurious. Hand-poured in the U.S. with natural fiber wicks, each candle is finished with a personalized label and Le Labo's signature kraft box, making even unboxing the candle a chic vibe. TikTok creators say it's the "perfect addition" to a home fragrance collection. Whether it's flickering during a dinner party or radiating the glow of a Sunday reset, this It pick makes your space a whole mood.
The It Factor: The candle that gives your living space its own signature scent.
Martini Glass - Set of 2 {Iridescent}
For the It Girl who loves her cocktails and mocktails as much as she loves her tablescapes, Estelle Colored Glass has the martini glasses for you. Handmade by artisans in Poland, the set of two iridescent glasses add a touch of instant glamour and flair to your espresso martinis, gin, or whatever libations might be on the menu. Estelle Colored Glass is a cult obsession among home decor lovers, with colored glass trending everywhere from your FYP to IRL dinner parties. Out of stock more often than not, these martini glasses are an It pick that makes hosting feel like an artform.
The It Factor: Because martinis taste better in glassware that glimmers.
Casted Hands Incense Holder
Every It Girl has her rituals that ground her, and lighting incense is one of them. Sean Brown's Casted Hands Incense Holder elevates that experience by reimagining the sculpture as function. Carefully casted hands become a holder for the incense upward while also cradling ash that fall. Each piece comes with 20 incense sticks, gifting you with all the ingredients to a nightly wind-down or your Sunday Badu-inspired reset. There's something earthly and undeniably soulful about it, and paired with the gypsum cement composite hands, the self-care moment becomes unmatched. Equal parts art piece and vibe curator, this incense holder turns the everyday into sacred acts.
The It Factor: A sculptural incense holder that creates a ceremony with every burn.
Curva Candle Warmer Lamp
Some nights the It Girl wants the energy of lit candles but without the flame. On those nights, Curva Candle Warmer Lamp comes in clutch. A modern Bauhaus-inspired home decor piece, it melts candle wax evenly while having the look of a chic lamp. With a glass-shade made of mouth-blown glass, the design-forward lamp diffuses a warm, soft glow with dimmable settings and an auto shut-off. Reviewers call it "perfect" both as a candle warmer and as a lamp with a glow that is cozy and sleek, and that it gets the ambiance exactly right.
The It Factor: A functional design accent that glows as good as it looks.
Identity as Politics Poster | Loveis Wise
There's freedom in decorating the walls of your space to say as much as your wardrobe does. For the initiated It Girl, "Identity as Politics" by illustrator Loveis Wise, one of the youngest Black women to ever design a cover of New Yorker, is a piece to make that statement. A celebration of radical self-expression and authenticity, "Identity as Politics" showcases bold lines and vibrant storytelling, making it a conversation-starter as well as a bold affirmation of what it means to stay true to yourself. Printed on museum-quality archival paper, this poster is art, activism, and intention.
The It Factor: A piece of Black art that makes your walls as unapologetic as you are.
Brain Bank
Our ideas are currency, and the Black-owned nuclei Brain Bank makes sure the It Girl treats hers like the gold that it is. This rare chrome piggy bank is designed to store your creativity as tangible wealth through "Idea Bills" and a signed letter of authenticity. At 4.3 pounds, it has some weight to it and is an accent piece with function, featuring a slot on the bottom for you to retrieve your Idea Bills and see how truly lucrative your thoughts truly are. Art, object, and a reminder, the Brain Bank is an It pick for the way that encourages you to value your mind the way you value your money. It draws eyes, invites conversation, is playful but also profound.
The It Factor: A rare design accent piece that turns your creativity into capital.
Earthling Parametric - Radiata 3D Vase
The It Girl knows a vase doesn't just have to be for flowers, it can also be a design statement. The Earthling Parametric--Radiata 3D Vase brings sculptural edge to any space, whether styled with a farmer's market bouquet on your bedside table or as an accent for your coffee table. Inspired by the resilience of the Monterey pine that twists itself to grow stronger when stressed, each vase is uniquely designed by an algorithm and then 3D-printed from recycled PLA plastic. So it's not just visually striking, it's also eco-conscious.
The It Factor: A one-of-a-kind vase that makes an eco-conscious design a part of your aesthetic.
Restore Alarm Clock
The It Girl's day never starts or ends with her phone, which is why the Hatch Restore Alarm Clock is considered a wellness staple for many. At night, the clock glows on your nightstand, upgrading your life to phone-free wind downs with red noise, guided rest, and the warmth from light that is designed to mimic the sunset. When it's morning, the Hatch Restore becomes a gentle sunrise alarm that makes waking up feel peaceful instead of panciked and rushed. One reviewer gushed, "My Restore has made my nighttime routine something I look forward to every day!" while another shared that it's "worth the money" for the way their stress has been replaced with calm. Already an It pick in countless TikTok morning and evening routines, the Hatch makes great sleep hygiene aspirational and achievable.
The It Factor: A sunrise-to-sunset alarm that ups the ante on self-care.
Fashion
Original Cabin Carry-On
From the airport lounge to the hotel lobby, the RIMOWA Original Cabin Carry-On is the It Girl's travel signature. Crafted from high-end anodized aluminum with grooves that are instantly recognizable, this carry-on is as much of a fashion statement as it is your overhead compartment companion. During an unboxing, one TikTok creator said it was "like a brand new shiny penny." And honestly? The Bronze Brown finish does give that in all the best ways! Most ideal for shorter trips, it comes equipped with TSA-approved locks and the smooth Multiwheel ® system the brand is known for, helping you glide through terminals with ease.
The It Factor: An iconic carry-on that makes every trip feel like you're riding first class.
Remy Alt-Leather Bag
On the way to a downtown art gallery opening or tucked under her arm at brunch in Brooklyn, the EDAS Remy Alt-Leather Bag is the kind of statement piece that tells everyone around that the It Girl has arrived. Crafted from sleek gunmetal vegan leather with sharp yellow edge paint, this bag balances minimalism with just the right pop of bold. Inside the bag, a cotton lining is there to help you keep your other essentials organized, while a magnet-and-snap closure makes getting in and out of the bag seamless. At 16 inches tall, the Remy has space for your laptop, your book, or a bottle of wine, meaning you can switch it up from day to night.
The It Factor: A bold alt-leather tote that moves with you like wearable art.
Tie Bag
Picture this: the It Girl slipping through a restaurant opening, her Telfar Tie Bag knotted at her side. The Telfar shopper might have defined Black luxury in the early 2020s now has an edgier sister, one that is structured yet slouchy, and bold while keeping it versatile. Gone are the signature straps for a knotted tie that feels playful and architectural all at once. Inside, it's as functional as ever with room for a laptop and compartments that make being a boss on the go effortless. Telfar didn't just create a moment in time for Black luxury, they are continuously shaping it.
The It Factor: A modern take on a classic that lets the It Girl write her own rules while carrying a piece of cultural history.
Jelly Clear Bag
From stadium gates to music festivals, the It Girl knows playing by the rules doesn't mean sacrificing style. They Jelly Bag by Thirty Years turns the clear-bag requirements at most concerts and events into the ultimate fashion flex. Its PVC body allows you to showcase your essentials inside, think iPhone, hand sanitizer, lip oil, blotting papers, card wallet, and anything else you might need while you're on the move. One user said, "The size, handle, and shape are perfect."
The It Factor: Small but mighty, this bag proves the It Girl can make even security protocol look chic.
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Sometimes the best power move is subtlety, a switch-up that the It Girl has on lock. Coach's Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 is a timeless bag with a hobo silhouette that keeps it casual while commanding attention. It's perfect for long city days that evolve into jazz nights on the town. Its natural-grain leather and minimal shape denotes quiet luxury. Toss it over your shoulder while waiting for your Uber or as you sift through racks while thrifting for vintage gems. The understated presence allows you to finish your look with ease in ways that allow you to dress it up or dress it down and the perfect accessory for any setting.
The It Factor: A timeless staple that epitomizes understated New York chic and the kind of bag every It Girl eventually adds to her collection.
Kickback Casuals Boxerette 3-Piece Set
The It Girl's off-duty style extends even to the way she rocks her loungewear. Savage X Fenty's Kickback Casuals 3-piece set features striped cotton boxerettes, a logo-trim bralette, and an oversized button-down. When donning the set, you turn your homebody nights in and morning mindful mornings into a soft-life fashion moment that feels like yours. The lightweight cotton, fishtail hems, and logo details upgrade the everyday basics into something that feels sensual and intentional. Comfortable and cozy, this is the kind of set that shows chilling at the crib can be done in style.
The It Factor: This loungewear set is the perfect blend of borrowed-from-bae yet completely self-possessed.
Kiwi Holly Foldover Bra
The It Girl likes to move through her workouts looking good as much as she's feeling good. This bra by Girlfriend Collective elevates low-impact activewear to new heights with details like a scoop neck, overlapping side panels, and subtle darts for contouring. The brand's signature Compressive fabric works to smooth and support without sacrificing style. Whether you're heading to a mat Pilates class or taking a morning barre class, it's the kind of piece that feels just as chic while you sweat as it does under a blazer while you run errands.
The It Factor: A sustainable staple where function and fashion meet in a way that feels intentional whether you're jogging or lounging.
Kiwi High-Rise Bike Short
Girlfriend Collective's Kiwi High-Rise bike shorts sculpts, smooths, and stays put with a material designed to resist riding up while you move, no matter what you're doing. Made from their signature Compressive fabric, these bike shorts aren't just a fire aesthetic choice, they are also sweat-wicking, sheer-proof, and sturdy enough to keep up during your high-impact workout sessions. As versatile as they are flattering, wear them with the matching bra for a coordinated look during step lass or with a denim jacket and sneakers for a quick brunch.
The It Factor: Functional, fashionable, and eco-conscious, this is the activewear multitasker for your active It Girl summer.
Lovestruck Heels in Butter
The It Girl doesn't just walk in the room, her entrance in any space commands attention. Arch's best-selling Lovestruck Heel with its arrow-inspired stiletto and open-heart cutout was designed with the woman who flirts with romance in mind. And whenever you rock them, you embody that goddess energy too. At four inches high, the silhouette is barely there but offers a little more oomph than a kitten heel. Slip them on for a late-night dinner or to indulge in a candlelight performance. Walk the line between playful and provocative while allowing yourself to feel desired with heels that capture the essence of the thrill.
The It Factor: A signature that is the ultimate "main character" heel for an It Girl's closet.
HOKA x Supervsn Shoes
HOKA
The magic of the HOKA x Supervsn collab is the fact that it perfectly embodies performance meets street style. The limited edition Clifton ONE9 brings the energy of LA to your footwear with every step. For the It Girl who prefers to reach for sneakers over heels, this collab comes with the fashion just as much as the function. Sport them for a casual movie date or for a breezy picnic in the park, knowing you'll stand out with the statement sneakers of statement sneakers. They're more than your average kicks, they're conversation starters.
The It Factor: Futuristic, feather-light, and high-energy, this It pick is all about the performance and the presence.
Taekwondo Mei Shoes
Martial arts inspo gets a fashion-forward spin with the adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes. With their slip-on capabilities, soft leather body, and flexible low-rise sole, the shoes are the brand's answer to today's ballet flat meets sneaker wave that has been steadily on the rise. To style these the It Girl way, pair them with baggy denim and a smaller tee or with a pleated skirt and a tank top. With comfort in mind without sacrificing your chic, the barely-there sneakers are a middle ground between thinner ballet shoes and bulkier sneakers.
The It Factor: A trending staple with a throwback silhouette that allows you to gracefully embody sporty-chic with every wear.
Cowrie Bangle Gold Plated
Jam+Rico's Cowrie Bangle draws inspiration from the cowrie shell which was once used as currency across West Africa and the Caribbean. With their 14K gold-plated design, they take that tradition and turn it into a modern heirloom. This is perfect for the It Girl because you don't just wear jewelry, you adorn your body in stories. Designed in New York, the engraved bangle pays homage to cultural memory while stacking seamlessly with your other arm candy. Loved by reviewers for its elegance and connection to the Caribbean, the cowrie bangle turns history into timeless style.
The It Factor: This bangle is wearable legacy and gold-plated proof that style comes with depth.
Labubu
The Labubu is the cult-favorite Pop Mart figurine that you've been seeing everywhere. Whether on handbags, luggage, keychains, or worn on phone charms, the Labubu has been a go-to staple for It Girls. One creator even broke down the why behind the Labubu obsession that's turning these wide-eyed mischievous collectibles into statement accessories. More than just a toy, it's a fashion girlie's trend-forward way of showing she doesn't take herself too seriously. Those who get it, get it.
The It Factor: A playful collectible that infuses your everyday It Girl essentials with tons of personality.
Domme Door Knockers
What screams It Girl more than some immaculately designed door knockers? Sucré Couture understands the importance of earrings that not only stun but speak. Their Domme Door Knockers, plated in 18K gold, are the epitome of bold elegance and are exactly the kind of earrings you need. Reviewers love their edginess and sophistication, as well as their quality and comfort for all-day wear. One fan of the knockers called them their go-to for everything from office hours to nightcaps. No matter your hair or style, these are the perfect additions that elevate any look.
The It Factor: Edgy yet classy, these door knockers are as fierce as they are versatile.
SS Trucker
The It Girl knows the real statement pieces aren't always found during Fashion Weeks, sometimes they're discovered in the culture. Savant Studios SS Trucker hat is exactly that kind of piece. The hat quickly became a Brooklyn-born style staple and was even named "The Trucker Hat of Black Creative Brooklyn" by writer Tembe Denton-Hurst for The Strategist in 2023. For the It Girl, the hat is the versatile accessory that doesn't just complete the fit, it anchors your belongingness to the broader creative community.
The It Factor: With its iconic block letters, the style essential signals your connection to the culture and proves that the It Girl's cool is always seen and chosen.
Jane Sunglasses in Tortoise
Named after her birthday twin, the fabulous Jane Fonda, the Jane sunglasses by Elisa Johnson are exactly the kind of shades that will shift the vibe of any look. The oversized aviators in tortoise acetate radiate a presence that commands but is softened by the mint-green shade of the lenses. You can don them on sun-drenched mornings when you're out for brunch or anytime you want to treat the pavement like you're runway. The Jane is a delicate balance of strength and softness, sitting at the intersection of streetwear chic and old Hollywood glamour.
The It Factor: Because the It Girl doesn't just shine in the light, she sets the tone.
Cherry Bag Charm
For the It Girl, it's the little things that make the biggest statements. In this case, Coach's Cherry Bag Charm is the retro nod to summer that every effortless cool girl should add to her bag. Crafted in glittery resin, the accessory adds character to any crossbody, tote, handbag, or set of keys. Lovers of the charm love how sturdy it is and that they receive compliments galore, proof that clipping the charm on your everyday items is an easy way to spark joy for anyone with a view.
The It Factor: Playful and nostalgic, it's a tiny but mighty accessory that proves the It Girl is as charming as her charms.
Books
Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
The final book in Kennedy Ryan's Skyland series is a romance that is both epic and intimate. In Can't Get Enough, main character Hendrix Barry radiates It Girl energy as she moves through life with the belief that she doesn't have time for love. All that changes when the successful ambitious Hendrix meets the ever intentional tech mogul Maverick Bell. He turns her world upside down in his pursuit of her evolving into a love story that is sensual and affirming with Ryan's signature blend of heart and humor. With readers calling this novel "a homecoming," it's definitely earned its spot on the It Girl reading list.
The It Factor: A swoon-worthy, soulful love story that proves why Entertainment Weekly named Kennedy Ryan "one of the finest romance writers of our age."
Grown Women: A Novel by Sarai Johnson
Sarai Johnson's debut novel is a family portrait of four generations of Black women as they navigate the weight of loss, love, and legacy. A fellow It Girl shared about the read, "I can’t recall ever reading a book that ripped my to shreds and then pieced me back together with tears, heartache, and joy... I saw my self in each woman in ways I didn’t expect, I saw my own mothers in them in ways I didn’t expect." Through the characters Evelyn, Charlotte, Corinna, and Camille, we see how love can be complicated, how hurt can linger, and how joy can still break through. Their intertwined stories of generational trauma and the hope for healing is both unflinching and tender.
The It Factor: A profound debut that reminds the It Girl that we can't always control the things we inherit, but we can always choose to heal ourselves.
Matriarch: A Memoir by Tina Knowles
In Matriarch, Tina Knowles tells her story in her own words with the same integrity, creativity, and fearlessness that shaped her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange. From her childhood in the 1950s to her journey of grief, love, risks, and reinvention, Mama Tina gifts us with a memoir that is deeply personal and her authenticity resonates. As one reviewer put it, "This is not just a celebrity memoir. It is a relatable account of resilience, family dynamics, and personal growth." At its core, the memoir tells the story of the mother's wisdom that passes down to her daughters and how her vision ultimately birthed two of the most influential It Girls of this generation.
The It Factor: Living proof that the OG It Girl didn't just raise legends, she embodies the blueprint.
August Lane by Regina Black
In August Lane, Regina Black delivers a small-town romance to remember, set within the backdrop of country music and its complicated history with the Black artists who shaped it. Luke Randall, a washed up singer, returns home to the woman he left behind whose lyrics he stole, August Lane. Their reunion forces them to face the betrayal, unfinished desire, and the chance to make things right.
The It Factor: A soulful slow burn to remind the It Girl her voice is her power.
Family and Other Calamities by Leslie Gray Streeter
In Family and Other Calamities, journalist Dawn Robert goes home to Baltimore carrying grief, old scandals, and her reputation on the line. What ensues is a heartfelt story that's sharp and funny. Along the way, Dawn encounters family betrayals and second chances, personally and professionally. As one reviewer says about the read, it's "full of tears and laughter and redemption...a joy to read."
The It Factor: A novel that reminds It Girls that even their messiest chapters in life doesn't block your blessings.
Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance by A’Lelia Bundles
A'Lelia Walker wasn't called the "joy goddess of Harlem's 1920s" by Langston Hughes for nothing. Through her legendary parties and dazzling presence, A'Lelia cemented herself as more than the daughter of the late, great Madame C.J. Walker, she made a name for herself as one of the defining figures of the Harlem Renaissance. In the richly detailed biography penned by her great-granddaughter and namesake A'Leila Bundles, the biography captures the life of the first Black heiress whose salons were a stomping ground for many iconic Black cultural figures like Zora Neale Hurston and W.E.B. DuBois. Beyond her It Girl status and her parties, the book tells her story of influence, independence, and shaping an identity outside of her mother's shadow.
The It Factor: A vibrant portrait of a true It Girl for the culture who turned her joy, artistry, and community into her legacy.
Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen
Danielle Allen follows Curvy Girl Summer with another romance that is impossible to put down. This one stars Nina Ford, a confident plus-size character fully in her power. Nina has always believed in a rotation that matched her moods and would have a man in her life for a specific reason. One for fun, one for ambition, you know the vibes. All of that changes when she meets Russell Long who has her questioning if one man could give her everything she needs. A reader raved, "Nina isn’t settling for crumbs when she can have the whole bakery. And honestly? I was eating it up. And Russ? Whew. Their chemistry was HAWT HAWT HAWT."
The It Factor: With Allen's signature wit and top-tier banter, she lays the groundwork for a story that is hilarious and hot featuring an It Girl who doesn't settle, she takes it all.
Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory
In Flirting Lessons, Jasmine Guillory brings the banter, the sizzling chemistry, and a romance that people can get lost in. Avery Jensen is newly single and ready to say goodbye to her good-girl mold. In doing so, she gets wrapped up in the gravitational pull of Taylor Cameron due to "flirting lessons." And who better to have flirting lessons with than Napa Valley's biggest flirt and heartbreaker? What starts off playfully unfolds into an undeniable connection with one reader calling it a "great summer romance" and a "fun and easy read."
The It Factor: A flirty rom-com that proves the It Girl doesn't just keep it light, she keeps it sexy.
Consider your It Girl era unlocked. Explore more of our beauty and lifestyle must-haves on The It List.
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The Best Man: Unfinished Business (Malcolm D. Lee with Jayne Allen)
Picking up where The Best Man franchise left off, this novel delves deeper into the lives of Jordan, Harper, and Robin, taking readers on a journey with the beloved characters they fell in love with when the original film premiered in 1999.
Before I Let Go (Kennedy Ryan)
This novel explores themes of healing and grief within a Black family as they navigate a new dynamic. Through the characters, Ryan addresses the impact of trauma and the recovery process that follows significant loss.
Can’t Get Enough (Kennedy Ryan)
The #1 New York Times Bestselling author returns with another hit novel, a personal journey through sacrifice, self-reliance, and the recipe for true happiness. If you’re a fan of Ryan’s Skyland series, the critics say you’ll love this latest addition, citing it for being “steamy, enjoyable, and an emotional read.”
Who’s That Girl? A Memoir (Eve with Kathy Iandoli)
In her memoir, nothing is left off the table as Eve takes fans through the ups and downs of her road to fame. This is the perfect audiobook to listen to as the Philly rapper narrates her own story from the streets of Philly to starring in her own series in Los Angeles, and all that has come on the road to becoming one of the culture’s hottest female emcees.
The List (Yomi Adegoke)
Described as a “sensational, page-turning debut novel” by the author, this book centers on a high-profile female journalist whose world is turned upside down when her fiancé becomes the subject of an anonymous viral social media post. The revelation is enough to change the course of their lives forever.
Thinking, Fast and Slow (Daniel Kahneman)
Every now and then, an It Girl needs one of those self-help books that can help them in their quest to go after the life they envision, and this is one of them. The book explores the concept of people and their decision-making, challenging the notion that our minds operate in two distinct systems.
Matriarch: A Memoir (Tina Knowles)
In her debut novel, Tina Knowles, affectionately known as Mama Tina, gives readers a glimpse into her humble upbringing, highlighting the pivotal moments throughout her journey that paved the way for the woman she is today. This is a memoir, but it’s also a story of becoming. It features candid stories of breaking generational curses, paving the way for Destiny’s Child, and raising two of the world’s greatest entertainers, Beyoncé and Solange.
The Bible In 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women (Dr. Kimberly D. Moore)
This faith-based book breaks down the books of the Bible into the number of weeks that make up the year, allowing readers to explore the word of God more deeply. It also features weekly devotionals that delve deeper into the themes of each reading.
Somebody Give This Heart a Pen (Sophia Thakur)
Sophia Thakur brings her spoken word performance to the page in this powerful debut. A collection of poems that expresses the emotions and experiences of growing up as a mixed-race woman, this one is rooted in identity and self-exploration.
The Vanishing Half (Brit Bennett)
This is another novel rooted in identity. This critically-acclaimed masterpiece follows mixed-race identical twins who embrace different racial identities, ultimately raising their daughters in two distinct worlds until fate brings them together, thereby also revealing family secrets.
Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance (A'Lelia Bundles)
In this biography, A’Leilia Bundles tells the story of her great-grandmother, A’Leilia Walker, the daughter of Madam C.J. Walker. Bundles explores the life of her great-grandmother and shines a light on her social life, as well as the influence she had on the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s.
August Lane (Regina Black)
A second-chance romance novel, this story centers Luke Randall, a one-hit wonder country music star, and August Lane, his estranged high school lover and the woman who wrote — but never received credit for — his hit song. Black takes a fresh approach to exploring the history of Black artists in country music and the challenges that they continue to face.
Family & Other Calamities (Leslie Gray Streeter)
Based on the woes of returning home, this story follows the journey of entertainment journalist Dawn Roberts as she returns to her hometown of Baltimore with her late husband’s ashes. This novel explores themes of redemption, healing, professional betrayal, and more as Roberts faces some not-too-pretty truths about her past.
Flirting Lessons (Jasmine Guillory)
In Flirting Lessons, Avery, a woman in her late twenties, is on a mission to learn how to date, while also exploring her sexuality. Fresh out of a relationship, Avery looks to step outside of her comfort zone to date women and leans on another character, Taylor, who has promised to teach her about the art of flirting.
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