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In the age of PR gifting and paid influencer partnerships smattered all over social media, it's hard to know whether a recommendation is wholehearted or winking. Is this product actually a must-have? Or did you get it in a gift bag and, yeah, it's not too shabby. Or worse (but understandably)—did your friend found a company and you’re giving her free press?
We want to know: What do people spend real dollar dollar bills on? We're dying to hear what you buy and re-buy, what you recommend with every fiber of your being, what your hard won earnings go toward. With brands sending free stuff to the microest of influencers, we decided it's high time for a roundup series that includes exclusively products that have been purchased and loved outright. Think of Receipts as a fun-things-only money diaries.
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Remember when getting a candle as a gift used to be considered a last-minute, thoughtless gesture of convenience? Ha! Not in 2025!
NYC-based NETTE founder and CEO Carol Han Pyle is one of the “Wick-ed Witches of the East” (I just came up with that) challenging the multi-billion-dollar candle industry to be less harmful, more sustainable, incredibly high-quality, chicer, and better for our health. Some might even say she is “lighting the way to a new standard.” (Carol came up with that one). She works with one of the best fragrance houses and perfumers in the world to develop head-turning scents, using only the best, most sustainable ingredients (yes, NETTE offers perfumes too).
Even though NETTE was founded in 2020, the brand has managed to collaborate with some heavy hitters like Tata Harper, Barbie, and most recently, Crown Affair.
We had to know what our latest flame, Carol, loves to buy for herself when she’s not burning the candle at both ends. Here’s what she told us.
“I take this every morning and it’s supposed to help with all kinds of things like immunity, energy, bloating, skin health, and focus. I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the way I feel since I’ve been taking it, and it’s so easy! You can buy a little shaker to shake up your daily morning shot. It’s the first thing I consume daily. I’m on a subscription.”
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“Omg the texture is so good and it gets my hair the cleanest without stripping. I use this in place of shampoo.”
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“This is my daily driver when it comes to perfume. It’s such a compliment-getter, if that’s your motivation (sometimes it’s mine!). It smells like the freshest, juiciest Asian pear with a sophisticated, woodsy dry-down. Better yet, it’s scientifically proven and certified to make you feel happier and more positive. Yes, please.
PS: It won four awards last year, including Allure Best of Beauty!”
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“I light this in the evenings when I’m winding down from the work day. It’s the most divine smell—vanilla combined with incense.”
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“This is my favorite lipgloss. It’s super hydrating, and I love the chubby, lilac applicator. It’s just fun! I love the product itself, but I’m also a big believer in the company and the founder.”
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“I wear Elder Statesman’s cashmere sweaters every day in the fall and winter. They use such cozy, soft, quality cashmere that pills beautifully. I think pilled cashmere is gorgeous if it’s the right cashmere.”
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“These sticks have completely replaced all eyeshadow. I was such an eyeshadow girl my whole life and now I just use these really convenient sticks. It’s the biggest revelation/innovation for me. I love the color payoff and the fact that I don’t need eyeshadow brushes anymore.”
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“I actually use this for my hands. It’s so lightweight and sinks in so nicely, which is something I haven’t been able to find for hands. It keeps my hands really hydrated. I love the idea of using something formulated for both the face and for the hands.”
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“Okay, this is me jumping on the NAD bandwagon. The jury’s out on whether or not this works, but I’m giving it a go! It’s supposed to help with cellular aging and maintaining healthy DNA. As I get older, I get more and more into biohacking. I want to stay young for as long as possible, mainly so that I can keep up with my toddler!”
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“My absolute holy grail face sunscreen. I have tried so much of what’s on the market. So much. This formula makes me look forward to wearing it. It almost feels like a primer in that it makes your makeup look better. And it has a ton of skincare benefits.”
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