The Violet Files

The Violet Files / Lessons / the heroes & new classics

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FROM THE DESK OF SARAH BROWN

It all started with a lash curler. In the very beginning--Los Angeles, circa 2014--Cassandra Grey asked around Hollywood's inner sanctum of top makeup artists for a hot tip on the hands-down best implement to professionally curve–but not crimp–her eyelashes.

An exhaustive search ensued. Experts weighed in. The VIOLET CODE was conceived. And VIOLET GREY, the only place in both the virtual and physical universes where you could find a hyper-tight, uncompromising curation of world-class beauty essentials vetted by the people who know best, was born.

To this day, Utowa's handcrafted, Japanese-engineered Eyelash Curler II is a VG mainstay. As is Yves Durif's Vented Hairbrush, Melanie Simon's Serum C, a naughty little device from Crave, and on and on. This season we're celebrating the VIOLET CODE APPROVED forever faves that keep on delivering. From cult legends to a few exceptional newbies that are quickly earning their place on our re-order lists, these are the tried-and-trues we continue to invest in that never let us down. We're kicking off our Heroes & New Classics bonanza--think of it as the ultimate beauty It-List--with selects made by our core crew: the radiant-complected, shiny-haired, delicious-smelling, impeccably-groomed VG Staff.

Remember: We try everything so you don't have to.

XO.

SB

1

“This mask is a facelift in a box. There is nothing else out there that gives instantaneous results like Hanacure! It's perfect for event prep as it lifts, brightens, smooths, and leaves you glowing—I can't live without it!” —RACHEL RICHMAN, SENIOR MERCHANDISE MANAGER

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5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review
Hanacure All in One Facial (Starter Kit)
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review

Hanacure

Hanacure All in One Facial (Starter Kit)

$37.00
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2

I've tried many different vitamin Cs and not one of them gives me flawless results like this one. Ever since I started using it, my skin has become very even-toned. It literally removed my hyperpigmentation.” —AYANA DAVENPORT, MARKETING COORDINATOR

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Serum C

Melanie Simon Skincare

Serum C

$200.00
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3

“This fermented formulation is the blueprint for less-is-more. It hydrates, repairs, protects and gives you a radiant glow. The serum of serums.” —TANNER RILEY, MANAGER, CURATION & THE VIOLET CODE

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Active Botanical Serum™

Vintner's Daughter

Active Botanical Serum™

$215.00
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4

“I would buy this for the balm alone, and the color alone. Together, the two create hydrating, blurred-out, lip blush magic. Also, I'm a sucker for the blue compact. Tiffany Blue, but better.” —KIRSTEN JOHNSON, HEAD OF MARKETING & ECOMMERCE

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5

This is a multitasking gel highlighter stick that looks good over and under makeup, or with no makeup at all. I sweep it across my eyelids, nose and cheekbones with a big, fluffy makeup brush for a sun-kissed, glassy, skin-like finish. It’s so effortless. I throw the shade Brulée in my bag to touch up my glow on the go! —ALEXA PAOLI, ASSOCIATE MERCHANDISER

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6

This body butter is a true VG cult classic. It is an incredibly rich moisturizer (the texture of butter!) that will leave your skin visibly hydrated, even overnight. I became addicted to the ritual of applying this during my first pregnancy–it kept my skin supple and stretch-mark-free! —OLIVIA SHEEHAN, SENIOR MANAGER MARKETING

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7

“Not only does this tinted mineral sunscreen do its main job of sun protection, it's also formulated to address previous sun damage (yes, please!) while giving my face a beautiful, dewy finish. It’s a true triple-threat product that has joined my empties club!” —SHANELLE GRIFFIN, SENIOR VISUAL DESIGNER

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Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Spf 50 (Tinted)

Isdin

Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Spf 50 (Tinted)

$78.00
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8

“I love this serum. It's made my skin look even, hydrated and healthy. Plus, it absorbs quickly and doesn't feel sticky. I never want to be without it!” —SIMA MASTERUK, BEAUTY EDITOR MELROSE PLACE

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5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review
Cell Forté Serum With Biomsc™️
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review

Angela Caglia

Cell Forté Serum With Biomsc™️

$325.00
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9

“This has been my number-one go-to face cream since it first launched at VIOLET GREY. It makes my skin feel supple, look radiant and just more youthful overall. It doesn’t get any better!” —JACQUELINE LEDY, BEAUTY EDITOR MELROSE PLACE

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10

“This cleanser is gentle but effective. Super-lightweight, it gets my pores really clean but doesn't strip—I don't feel dry and tight after cleansing. We can hardly keep it in stock at Melrose Place; everyone who tries it loves it.” —BRANDON REECE, DIRECTOR OF IRL

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Cleansing Complex

iS Clinical

Cleansing Complex

$49.00
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11

This is my Goldilocks moisturizer: rich enough for nighttime but not too dewy to wear during the day. It makes my skin feel plump and bouncy, and I love that it also helps with radiance and uneven skin tone, my two major concerns. —LENA RAFF, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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The Total Package Moisturizer

epi.Logic

The Total Package Moisturizer

$96.00
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12

I keep back-stock of this product; that's how good it is. I love using it as the last step in my shower routine and then patting dry with a towel. I also run it through the ends of my hair after styling for extra hydration. And it’s the perfect travel essential as it's multipurpose. —ISLENNY GOMEZ, SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST

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Malibu Made Glow Oil

C & The Moon

Malibu Made Glow Oil

$93.00
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13

I purchased this at the beginning of the year to level-up my shower experience and let me tell you… I will never go back. It has made my hair drastically less oily between wash days; it has my ideal water pressure setting, and it gives me peace-of-mind knowing that all of that junk in the water (heavy metals and contaminants) is stopped before it reaches me.” —ALEXA NEIGER, CONTENT & SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

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14

“My desert island pick and most recommended product to all my family and friends. This is what I reach for when my skin needs a big refresh. It’s so powerful and effective, my skin looks brighter, tighter, and more evenly toned after just one use.” —ELLE WALKER, CREATIVE OPERATIONS MANAGER

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5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review
Resurfacing Tonic
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review

Eighth Day

Resurfacing Tonic

$125.00
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15

“I never understood all the fuss over this relatively low-tech vibrating wand… until I tried it while jet-lagged and a bit saggy-looking one morning on a business trip overseas. Sure, it helps your skin care penetrate more effectively (useful), but OMG, it somehow de-puffs the under-eyes and perks the contours of your face right up, immediately.” —SARAH BROWN, CHIEF BRAND OFFICER

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Sold Out

Jillian Dempsey

Gold Bar

$195.00
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