Beauty + Cosmetics Archives

We tried an at-home gel manicure kit. Here’s how it went. | Damn you, social media ads

During the Covid pandemic, we’ve seen people do some wild things to get their nails done. There have been the women doing manicures through the mail slots in their front doors. There’s the mobile manicure truck that’s cruising around New York. And,...

Gladskin offers quick relief from eczema, without all the harsh ingredients. And it worked for us!

by Kristen Chase | Beauty + Cosmetics

As a long time eczema sufferer myself, along with a now teen daughter who’s been battling it since she was a baby, I’ve tried and used my fair share of creams and lotions with the hopes of getting some relief. So, when I was introduced to our newest...

Does bakuchiol really work? An honest review of this Pinterest-favorite beauty product.

by Kate Etue | Beauty + Cosmetics

I’ve seen “bakuchiol” explode in my Pinterest searches over the past few months, with #retinolalternative trending everywhere. Bakuchiol, an all-natural option to Retinol, is supposed to work just as well on wrinkles and aging skin (ahem), without...

We tried The Earthling Co.’s bar shampoo. Here’s what we thought. | Damn you, Facebook Ads series

by Kate Etue | Beauty + Cosmetics

Last year I tried Hairstory’s New Wash Shampoo after seeing some Facebook ads for it, and whoa, our review really resonated with our readers! So when I saw ads for The Earthling Co.‘s bar shampoo, I knew I wanted to buy it and give it a try too. The...

Zenmed’s cult-favorite skin care products: I tried, I tested, I have some thoughts…

by Ibidunni Ojikutu | Beauty + Cosmetics

I love trying out beauty products. So when I had a chance to try three of Zenmed’s natural skincare products that seem to have a cult-y following with beauty editors, influencers, and regular folks, I thought sure, why not! They’re known for being 100%...

Homemade mason jar spa gift ideas all with safe, edible ingredients. So easy, and SO appreciated!

by Christina Refford | Beauty + Cosmetics, DIY, Health, Fitness + Wellbeing, Holiday Picks

I think these DIY mason jar spa gift ideas are just so incredibly perfect for the end of year. Or in this case, the end of the decade. (Whoa!) I mean, is there anyone among us who could not use a little pampering right now? If you can’t afford to gift everyone...

How to keep a subtle summer glow, without the rays.

by Liz Gumbinner | Beauty + Cosmetics

I’m less of a lie-out-in-the-sun gal, and more of a how-can-I-look-like-I-like-out-in-the-sun? gal. I haven’t really used a bronzer for years, but I found a blush-bronzer combo from NARS (man I love NARS) that’s been making me happy for quite a few...

Aluminum in deodorant and antiperspirant: Health issue or internet rumor?

by Liz Gumbinner | Beauty + Cosmetics, Health, Fitness + Wellbeing, Thinking : Parent

For a long time I had been hearing about a terrible link between aluminum and deodorant. We have even had writers through the years who have insisted on only using natural deodorants, which, cool. Because we believe in choices. But several years ago, I did my own...

Cool Pride gifts from 15 brands that are supporting LGBTQ causes and orgs

by Liz Gumbinner | Beauty + Cosmetics, Fashion, For the Menfolk, Kids

This year, Pride Month is a particularly big deal. It’s the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which is a sobering reminder how far the world has come in terms of LGBTQ acceptance and inclusion. But at the same time, rights of LGBTQ individuals, families,...

Here are our favorite mineral sunscreens: 3 splurges and 3 saves, all safer than chemical sunscreens

by Caroline Siegrist | Beauty + Cosmetics, Health, Fitness + Wellbeing

If you’ve seen the new report from the FDA concluding that chemical sunscreens are not as safe as we thought — for you or the environment — you may be looking for the best mineral sunscreens out there to replace your former go-to. I started using a...

I found the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner. Affordable, and it works!

by Liz Gumbinner | Beauty + Cosmetics

I was on the mad lookout for the best drugstore waterproof eyeliner or eye pencil last week. As in…I was frantic. Knowing I was heading to a beach-y press trip last week, and knowing full well that I’d end up with eyeliner down my face in the 99-degree...

The beauty box for mom that we all want for Mother’s Day: Birchbox x Female Founder Collective

by Liz Gumbinner | Beauty + Cosmetics

There are a whole lot of beauty gift boxes promoted for Mother’s Day, but one that I think may be calling a lot of our names is the limited edition Birchbox x Female Founder Collective beauty box. Created by Birchbox (and ahem, we were among the very first to...

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds.

Trivia: It was called Cool Mom Sh*t for the first two days. (Yeah, we rethought that.)

We had no idea our site would grow to become a major lifestyle network, that we'd end up sharing our finds with the TODAY Show and Martha Stewart, that we'd be able to make a real difference for so many small businesses and women-run companies, or that we'd end up with an incredible community of the coolest readers on the planet. (If we do say so ourselves).

We did.

And we still love what we do every single day.

We're so glad you're here.