February's Menu: Monthly Favorites
Welcome to this month’s Menu (f.k.a the monthly Consumer Digest), a list of everything I consumed this month that has had a lasting impression.
February’s Menu
The “shortest month of the year” has come to an end, somehow moving so fast it felt like a continuation of January. This month I’ve been able to do a whole lot more as I'm a month into recovering from hip surgery. My medically induced house arrest made every moment outside of the house count – So this month I’m adding a “favorite moment of the month” category and will continue to do so.
As the air begins to smell of Bal D’Afrique, I can feel spring teasing us—dipping its pinky toe into the season.
Let’s Digest!
1 - Jacques Marie Mage
In 2022, I put myself on voluntary probation—and the terms were strict: absolutely no sunglasses purchases. I had let myself down by leaving my Elisa Johnson shades at a rooftop bar in Nashville, and clearly, I couldn’t be trusted with nice things. The self-imposed ban was my penance.
Fast forward three years to the start of 2025, I was cleaning out my closet when I stumbled upon the very shades I’d shamed myself for losing—in my boyfriend’s jacket pocket, no less. Apparently, I had either tucked them away somewhere safe or he had rescued them from my forgetfulness. Either way, my faith in myself was restored. I’d spent years feeling irresponsible and avoiding the world of eyewear for no reason at all.
With my parole officially lifted, I dove headfirst into the world of Jacques Marie Mage on my last trip to LA. And listen, I went deep—like, straight-into-the-JAWS-ocean deep. I’m obsessed. I treat these shades like optical glasses, reaching for them constantly. Unlike darker lenses that make me feel lethargic and, frankly, a bit dull, these are more tinted than shaded. They let in just enough light to keep me feeling vibrant while still serving major mystery and intrigue.
So here I am, fully rehabilitated, a born-again sunglasses lover—shame-free and shaded-up.
I can’t find the mine online, but here are some that are scratching the itch on my brain.
JACQUES MARIE MAGE | X George Cortina Hollywood Aviator Glasses
JACQUES MARIE MAGE | Alanui Zuma Square Sunglasses
JACQUES MARIE MAGE | + Erin Wasson The Sud Square-Frame Marbled Acetate Sunglasses
2 - Cecred Hair Tools
In “4 Things Chic Conscious Consumers Are Loving” I discussed the love for legacy hair brush brands like Mason Pearson. Part of my interest in long lasting brushes started because I was cleaning out my brushes and combs, a task that was long overdue. I had managed to hoard a hodgepodge of half broken, matted, unusual combs - some cheetah print with missing bristles,some lime green with broken paddles. I knew it was time to get a set of really good brushes. Cecred dropped their tool line at the perfect time and I have been in love with the Rake Comb,Vented Paddle Brush and Widetooth Comb so far. A big theme throughout my “Chic,Conscious Consumer” journey is decluttering my spaces for the sake of also decluttering my mind – it sounds crazy but having less “riffraff” in my comb drawer puts my brain at ease.
3 - Colleen Rothschild Quench & Shine Restorative Hair Mask
This is one of those TikTok viral products, which naturally comes with a dose of skepticism. I’ve seen people rave about it as their ultimate holy grail—something they’d repurchase endlessly, no matter the price or the latest product hype. So, of course, I had to see what the fuss was about.
And wow, do I love this mask! Lately, I’ve been simplifying my hair care routine, cutting down on clutter and keeping only the essentials. This one has earned its spot as a staple—practically every wash day, it’s in the lineup. The way it lathers and provides enough slip to detangle my hair? Chef’s kiss. It’s the perfect holistic deep conditioner—hydrating and nourishing without feeling too heavy. Plus, it allows for a quick and effortless rinse, leaving my hair soft, strong, and ready to go - the results of a treatment but without the hassle. It also smells emaculate!
Everybody knows that brows are the most important part of your face - whether you're a full beat or a clean make-up girl, mastering brows is integral.Last year I found my endgame clear brow gel, but I often want a little color to add on top - especially when I'm wearing makeup. Most tinted brow gels didn't cut it, they either gave too much or not enough pigment, they almost always gave no hold. Make Beauty is the only one I’ve found that does the job, it gives enough hold to wear it on its own and it gives enough color.
5 - Sania’s Brow Bar
I haven't gotten my brows done in over 5 years, the last time I was still in grade school and visiting my sister at UCLA. Spending long weekends in LA during the city's prime time of course meant that I took my SAT’s in Beverly Hills but even more memorably I got my brows done by Anastasia Soare herself. She was the last person to groom my brows before Sania this month. Sania only tweezes, no wax no threads and as someone prone to eyebrow ingrowns this method is my cup of tea. I walked out of there feeling like a new person - Sania had given me the tools to care for my brows in a new way.
I’ve always been a bit of a DIY girl, and I still think that’s the move sometimes. But when you want real change, you can’t just stroll into any brow bar on 27th Street. You need a Fairy Brow Mother—someone who understands that your brows are one of the most important features of your face. And trust me, Sania is it.
6 - Moment: Christopher John Rogers Runway Show
I had the absolute pleasure of attending the CJR collection 15 show and I must say my jaw stayed on the floor the entire show!
The looks were killer and the people there were even better! CJR has done an incredible job of building a community around their brand that makes it about more than just clothes. I think I’ll do a post on my favorite pieces!
7 - In Shower Body Oils
I’m guilty of owning way too many body oils... that I never actually use. Does anyone else swing between full-on spa nights—everything showers, exfoliating, lotions, potions—and nights where you just want to shower and be done with it?
For some reason I have to FORCE myself to consistently use lotion, once I get out of the shower I can't be bothered tbh. So in an attempt to achieve my latest Project Pan and to refrain from being ashy, I’ve started to place my body oil in the shower, so I can apply whilst I still have patience. While oil is a sealant and lotion should be under it, this is still better than nothing on the days when I'm lazy. I’ve killed two birds with one stone, mission accomplished, I have finished two body oils and have never been more moisturized. I finished the Naturium Glow Getter Body Oil and Saltair’s in the scent Pulp.
(I can do a Body Oil favorites if you’d like)
8 - Thin Sick Scrunchies - Bread Beauty Supply and Slip
Silk scrunchies have my heart! They completely changed how I do my natural hair and the longevity of my styles. I typically use super thick,fluffy ones, but this month I’ve been using thin ones to actually style my hair. I found a pack with both!
This month, my mind has been preoccupied with microplastics rather than microneedling. While discussions about raw milk, seed oils, and other wellness trends often blur the line between internet fearmongering and fact, plastic is one concern that needs no conspiracy theories to make me second-guess its impact. BPA-free claims have been around for decades, and naturally, I've started diving into the world of non-toxic swaps.
Last week,in 4 Things Chic,Conscious Consumers are Loving I discussed the love for reusing and giving new life to beauty products. Lately, I've been making a conscious effort to replace plastic with glass or metal whenever possible. I’ve always been mindful of the food and beauty products I consume, yet I’ve overlooked household essentials—laundry detergent, hand soap, dish soap, and the like. In my search for better alternatives, one standout so far has been Blueland’s Hand Soap. The reusable glass bottle and tablet refills make it a simple, sustainable swap—just drop a tablet into water, watch it dissolve like a bath bomb, and you're good to go. Here is a DIY version of this, you may be able to add the Blueland tablet to this, if not im sure there are DIY’s to go along with it!
10 - Custom Beauty Tools
Ever since my very first favorite post on Substack, it’s been obvious—I have a deep love for anything custom. There’s just something about the personal touch that makes an item feel extra special. So naturally, when I got my hands on a few things from Officine Universelle Buly, I was obsessed. Every detail is stunning, and they’re officially “Chic, Conscious Consumer” approved.
Now, let’s talk about the reality of natural hair. Too often, it’s unfairly seen as less sophisticated, which is why I love when products and tools elevate the experience of caring for it—because, truly, what’s more chic than wearing your hair as it grows from your head? Or just however makes you feel your absolute best?
Things I’m Trying
1 - Sania’s Brow Shampoo
2 - Typology Brow and Lash Serum
3 - Ordering takeout once per week or less.
4- Kérastase Genesis Fortifying Serum
5 - Prequel Half & Half
Playlist: Consumer Digest Spring Playlist
Thanks For Consuming!
Phia
“Each Day Gets Better”