Beauty + Cosmetics Archives

Here’s our 100% honest review of Green Ablutions bar shampoo: From cost to efficacy to environmental impact

Ready for a new shampoo that not only keeps your hair gorgeous but cuts back on all that bottle waste? Thanks to Liz’s recommendation that I try out Green Ablutions Moroccan Argan Oil bar shampoo to see how it works, I think I’ve finally found my new...

Expressie: Finally! A quick dry nail polish that makes at-home manicures a cinch.

by Kristen Chase | Beauty + Cosmetics

Since the pandemic started last year (LOLSOB), I’ve been trying to give myself manicures, which goes pretty well until I get to the part where I can’t do anything for a few hours while I wait for my nails to dry. That was until I decided to give Expressie,...

The skincare and makeup we really want to see for a fresh 2021

by Caroline Siegrist | Beauty + Cosmetics, Thinking : Parent

I think I speak for everyone when I say that there should be a serum to fix what 2020 has done to us. And our faces. Yes, I know that scientists are a little busy developing COVID vaccines at the moment, but as soon as they’re done with that, I’m hoping...

The best mascaras for short lashes. Because it’s a mask mask mask mask world.

by Liz Gumbinner | Beauty + Cosmetics

I’ve myself spending a lot of time lately searching for terms like the best mascara for short lashes, the best mascara for thin lashes, the best mascara for volume…you get the deal. Partly it has to do with hitting the other side of 40 (and beyond). Partly...

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

by Kate Etue | Beauty + Cosmetics

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...

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 still love what we do every single day. And we're so glad you're here.