Pooja's Picks: What we're covering up
Five links to unearth what's beneath.
Hi, folks. Welcome to the December edition of Pooja’s Picks. The holidays can be a performative time, where we’re showing up with a cheery demeanor for our office parties, our families, and ourselves — even if that’s not what’s going on underneath. So this month, let’s explore some of the ways we cover up some of the stickier parts of our lives.
As a reminder, Pooja’s Picks is my monthly list of reads, recs, and things that resonate. (Check out October and November picks too.) As a reminder, these recommendations don’t include affiliate links (unless specifically stated).
December recommendations from yours truly
1. Fake teeth by
I’ve had a random side obsession with the concept of veneers for a few years now. I didn’t realize until recently that the teeth of most celebrities and social media influencers were not their real teeth. It seemed like such a bizarre thing to spend money on — and yet the same size and blinding white color of teeth are seemingly in every (well-off) mouth nowadays. The Guardian’s beauty advice columnist explores “fake real-looking teeth that cost between $20,000 - $50,000” in her excellent newsletter,
.2. Honest truths about being a self-employed designer and illustrator from Jess Rachel Sharp
This post from creator Jess sharp was so refreshingly real. She talks about her journey as a small biz owner and creative person, and also how it’s fit into motherhood. I appreciated her honesty about how hard it’s been, how willing she is to share the disappointments and rejections. In the business world, we often see the wins and highlight reels, especially this time of year, but the reality is there are so many low points.
3. I’m a Stripper; Of Course I’m Not Surprised by Trump 2.0 from
A former academic and current stripper writes about performing for men — and performing her role as a dancer — during a painful election season.
In the United States it is socially acceptable in some circles to openly hate the unhoused whose drug use happens on city streets, pathologizing their will rather than recognizing the protection private luxury, and public power, offers to those who can afford it. In any event, I wasn’t risking the possibility of being paid in men’s financial feelings about the election. My rage at the world was a job hazard. My body was a liability. Is a liability.
4. Balancing Clay Hair Cleanser from Shaz & Kiks
This clay cleanser makes your hair feel squeaky clean. I met the founders at a SXSW event a few years ago; they created Shaz & Kiks based on the ingredients that they used growing up as 2nd generation South Asian kids.
When I was growing up, cleaning and treating our hair was such a big part of Indian culture. My mom had long luxurious Bollywood hair through her 20s, and then when she had kids, her hair began to thin. When I was growing up, my hair was bushy and frizzy, so I would wake up at 5am to straighten it every morning. This led to many a blowout fight with my mom, who was convinced that I was ruining my hair.
Anyway, back to Shaz & Kiks. This clay cleanser is so fragrant. It takes me back to my grandmother’s house in Bangalore, where I spent so many summers as a kid. I love that the products I used growing up (turmeric, coconut oil) to keep my hair clean and used to feel so embarrassed to talk about in front of white peers are now these ingredients are on the shelves at Sephora. It’s a reminder of how far we have come, and what’s kept hush-hush that does not always have to be.
Plus, I have sensitive skin but have not had any issues with it. I gifted the cleanser for my yearly book club Secret Santa party, and it was a hit.
5. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
I used to be an EltaMD gal, but last year for my book club’s annual white elephant gift exchange, a friend gifted me a travel size of Supergoop. I know I’m late to the game here, but I have to say, I am obsessed with this sunscreen. It’s so slickly smooth that it’s almost more of a primer than a sunscreen. (I say this as someone who absolutely does NOT wear primer/ does not have a skin care routine aside from Cetaphil, lol.) Daily sunscreen is one coverup I can get behind.
What are your coverup tips and secrets? Something you want to uncover this holiday season? Tell me in the comments!
xo,
Pooja
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