We hunt beauty products like it's our job, to the point of alarm, even when we're off the clock. We get weird looks at the gym when we stare too long at our sink mate's morning makeup stash (hey, we just want to see what she's using!), and we're perpetually distracted while bingeing on our favorite TV shows. We become obsessed with identifying what face mask Kelly would have used in Saved by the Bell (ugh, we're just curious, okay?) and also really, really want to know how many layers of hair spray it takes to keep Daenerys's Game of Thrones braids in place. (Our estimation is a dependable 23.) Oh, and admiring Annalise Keating's striking makeup moments in How to Get Away With Murder has been another all-time-favorite passion project.
Another hobby? Re-envisioning Carrie Bradshaw's late '90s/early 2000s beauty routine for today. Sounds fun, right? After all, even though SJP's iconic character was fresh-faced the majority of the show's run, there were certain signatures we could almost always count on: curls in one form or another, a glossy nude lip, a healthy flush, and ultra-glowy skin. So to help scratch the itch, we plunged into the depths of Sephora and handpicked the new beauty products that weren't around during the Sex and the City era but would pair fabulously with Carrie's beauty MO if she were still romping around NYC in 2019. Ahead, nine must-try theoretically Carrie-approved beauty products we think her character would totally stan. Keep scrolling!
The Makeup
Smoldering Eye Shadow
Even though Carrie knew how to work a spot-on no-makeup makeup look, for special occasions, she was no stranger to a vampy eye moment. (Think smudgy liner, lots of mascara, and smoky shimmer.) We think she'd be wild about everything from legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath's line, but we have a hunch these new eye shadow pots would catch her eye in particular.
Punchy Blush
It's no secret SJP has an amazing bone structure, and we always took note of the bright and visible punch of blush Carrie would wear right on the apples of her cheeks to lend some softness. A dewy finish was another Carrie Bradshaw signature, so we think she'd melt over this brand-new blush-highlighter hybrid from Charlotte Tilbury. Can't you just picture Carrie whipping this beauty wand out of her Fendi baguette?
A Glossy Nude Lip
Carrie was pretty much never without a perfectly glossed lip, nor did she often divert from her signature variations of nude. Since the essence of Nudestix is all about convenience and creating ultra-natural looks to subtly enhance our favorite features, we think the brand's new collection of plumping, nude-toned lip glosses would be right up Carrie's alley.
The Hair
Sparkly, Spray-On Curl Care
Carrie's bleached curls are iconic and perhaps the most important part of her signature beauty look. To beat inevitable NYC dryness and static (and because any beauty product bearing Disco in the name seems on brand for Carrie), we see her dousing this new launch from Verb all through her strands. It's recommended for all hair types and lends lasting hydration, protection, and a slight veil of shimmer.
A Silk Scrunchie
Nothing feels more late '90s than a floppy scrunchy, and Slip's cult-loved version fits the bill to satisfy Carrie's champagne taste. (Plus, it's great for protecting curls during beauty sleep.)
Multitasking Curl-Definer
Not only does this lightweight, coconut-infused gel lend exceptional moisture and definition to parched strands, but it's also a great styling tool for every hair type and texture. We know Carrie loved her low, slicked-back styles every so often, and this luxe elixir covers all the bases and all of Carrie's most-loved styles.
The Skincare
The Zit-Eraser
Remember the pimple episode? (Aka season five, episode seven, when Carrie and Samantha embark on a journey to San Francisco via train.) Yeah, these ingenious new patches from Dr. Jart+ would have come in handy! Essentially, the baby-sized blemish patches feature self-dissolving micro tips that penetrate deeply into the surface of the skin to target even the most stubborn of zits.
Coffee, But Make It Eye Cream
Caffeine addiction is par for the course as a writer, and a to-go cup of coffee was a frequent accessory of Bradshaw's. Another characteristic synonymous with a writing career? A perpetual sleep deficit. Whether she was up all night writing her column or just sleeplessly debating Big, Aidan, Berger, or Aleksandr, a caffeine-spike eye cream would have served as the ultimate skincare antidote. This one from The Inkey List is chock-full of puff-reducing caffeine, collagen-supporting peptides, and a circle-erasing ingredient called Beautifeye.
A Safer Chemical Peel
Having learned from Samantha's high-key skincare treatments (and a few disasters like that unforgettable chemical peel), we think Carrie would have a comparatively lower-key skincare routine. That said, exfoliation is still essential for a glow—especially in a locale like NYC—so this new budget-friendly potion from The Ordinary would be a given for Carrie. It's intended to stave off breakouts while imparting skin with even texture and party-perfect radiance.
Next up: 9 Spring Hairstyle Trends All the Fashion Girls Are Wearing Right Now
