From Our EIC: How My 10-Year-Old Helped Me Discover My New Favorite Skincare Brand

Like lots of other kids her age, my 10-year-old daughter is currently obsessed with all manner of beauty and skincare products. I’m aware that no 10-year-old needs anything beyond soap and sunscreen, of course, but what can I say? I like to encourage a hobby, especially when it involves any hint of collector urge — an affliction I have lots of experience with myself.

All of this is to say that I spend an inordinate amount of time at Sephora as she wanders the aisles loading “maybes” into her basket before ultimately deciding between, say, a Laneige sleep mask or a new Sol de Janeiro scent. While she does this, I too wander, vaguely in search of products that are marketed toward, or at least suitable for, men. There’s only so many times I can sample the same Tom Ford cologne or glance at the same Kiehl’s Age Defender products I already own.

During a standard weekend visit a few months ago, I was pleased to discover Salt & Stone, an L.A.-based brand that makes what they call “skincare and self-care for a life lived in motion,” boasting ingredients taken “from the sea and mountains” and combined with “functional fragrances.” If this sounds a little too Goop-coded for you, I understand. But know that it all boils down to this: They make a full range of products that smell really good, can be used in combination or on their own, and feature tastefully designed packaging that will look great in your home.

Here’s how I recommend getting into their stuff.

Mike Conklin is InsideHook’s Editor-in-Chief. His interests include but are not limited to records, shoes, beer, whiskey and watches. He previously served as Deputy Editor at Gear Patrol and Digital Director at Men’s Journal.